Abstract: A computing system for providing a user interface control to modify properties of items within a main application window. The computing system has a main application window, a gallery control window, a control object selection processing module, and a control object focus processing module. The main application window contains one or more application items, each application item having one or more control properties affecting a behavior of the application item. The gallery control window contains a list of one or more control objects for modifying control properties of the application items located within the main application window. Each of the control objects in the list of control objects includes a graphical icon having a selection portion and a properties portion and one or more control properties that affect one or more items within the main application window.

Abstract: A method for implementing speech focus in a speech processing system can include the step of establishing a default focus receiver as a first entity to request speech focus of a speech processing system having multiple applications that share speech resources based upon speech focus. An event occurrence can be detected. An event handler of the default speech receiver can previously define behavior for the event occurrence and where default system behavior can be implemented within the speech processing system for the event occurrence. The default system behavior can be utilized when speech focus is not assigned during the event occurrence. Responsive to the event occurrence, at least one programmatic action can be performed in accordance with machine readable instructions of the event handler. The default system behavior is not implemented responsive to the event occurrence.

Abstract: An operating method of an image display apparatus includes displaying a screen on a display and displaying a thumbnail image screen in response to a command to display an input image list. The thumbnail-image list includes a plurality of groups of thumbnail images that respectively correspond to a plurality of input image signals on the display. Each thumbnail-image group includes one or more thumbnail images that represent different points of time in a corresponding input image signal.

Abstract: A graphical user interface provides a display of multiple items of information in a manner such that the user can comprehend the relationship of various items to one another over a wide span. To achieve this result, at least some information containers are allocated a reduced amount of area in which to be viewed by the user. At least one container continues to be displayed in full view, however. In one embodiment, the containers are displayed in an overlapping arrangement. In a column view, for instance, the column containing the object that was last clicked upon, and the column showing the contents of the selected object, can be displayed in full view. The other columns may be only partially visible, due to the overlapping arrangement. However, the user is presented with enough information to comprehend the relationship of objects at different levels. When the user moves a cursor over a container with a reduced viewing area, the display changes to show that container in full view.

Abstract: A method of disambiguating a target window for a user input in a multi-window computing environment can include receiving a user input event in a multi-window computing environment rendered in a display by a processor of a computer. The method further can include determining whether a focus change had occurred from a previously focused application window to a currently focused application window within a threshold period of time. Finally a prompt can be rendered to disambiguate an intended target application window amongst the currently focused application window and the previously focused application window if a focus change had occurred within a threshold period of time and the user input event can be routed to a selected target application window amongst the currently focused application window and the previously focused application window. Otherwise the received user input event can be routed to the currently focused application window without first rendering the prompt.

Abstract: A processing system may include a display device, a primary window manager, and an auxiliary window manager. The primary window manager may display a first remote-enabled window in the display device. The processing system may also include a program to generate a mouse-enabled window, and the primary window manager may prevent the mouse-enabled window from displaying in front of the first remote-enabled window. The auxiliary window manager may detect an attempt to display the mouse-enabled window, and, in response, may automatically display a second remote-enabled window in front of the first remote-enabled window. The second remote-enabled window may include an object that a user can select with a remote control to instruct the processing system to display the mouse-enabled window. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely presenting data to a user, the apparatus comprising: a data receiver, configured to receive the data, and a data presenter, associated with the data receiver, configured to present the received data to the user on a screen, through a graphical user interface comprising a first part exposing only a portion of the presented data and a second part disabling free viewing of a remaining portion of the presented data.

Abstract: A display device includes a display unit, first storing unit, first display control unit, second display control unit, first transition unit, second transition unit, and marking unit. The display unit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first storing unit stores title strings for a plurality of screen images including a base screen image and being arranged hierarchically from the base screen image along a screen navigation path starting from the base screen image. The first display control unit displays a first screen image on the first portion. The second display control unit displays a navigation string on the second portion. The navigation string includes at least one of the title strings corresponding to at least one of the screen images which is positioned in a part of the screen navigation path from the base screen image to the first screen image.

Abstract: In a personal broadcasting system, a user terminal vertically divides a window serving as a main screen into separate elements corresponding to a plurality of functions on a display screen and causes a display unit to display the separate elements side-by-side, the separate elements being a plurality of independent panel windows.

Abstract: A GUI interface, a method of programming a GUI interface, and an apparatus which enables functions of controls in the GUI to be activated by a movement to a control and then another subsequent movement related to that control. It may be defined more precisely below. A GUI in which, when a pointer 0 is immediately adjacent or passes over a control area 1, a procedure is initiated whereby subsequent movement of the pointer over a predetermined path area 3 generates a ‘click’ event which simulates direct clicking of the control 1 and moving outside the predetermined path area 3 prior to completion of the path 3 resets the control to as if the pointer has never started along the predetermined path area 3.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) includes floating action buttons. Respective hot zones are established for associated respective UI elements. When a focus is targeting (e.g., located at) a given hot zone, one or more floating action buttons that are associated therewith are presented as part of the UI. Activation of a particular action button of the one or more floating action buttons causes an action corresponding to the particular action button to be implemented. In an example implementation, the actions available through the one or more floating action buttons may be context-sensitive such that the actions thereof are tailored to the type of item corresponding to the UI element (e.g., an icon, a graphical element, a text portion, a screen area, etc.).

Abstract: A user interface (UI) in the form of a single navigable window enables a user to navigate to and between multiple different functionalities that are provided by a single application program. Novel use is made of a navigation model that manages the user's navigation activities to and between the different functionalities. Navigation instrumentalities enable the user to navigate among the different functionalities and include links to each of the different functionalities as well as browser-like navigation buttons. Context-sensitive command sets can also be provided along with the single navigable window. The context sensitive command sets include commands that automatically change as the user's computing context changes, e.g. as the user moves from functionality to functionality. The single application can be defined as a software platform that is extensible to receive and incorporate different functionalities.

Abstract: A method for generating a presentation of a region-of-interest in an original image for display on a display surface, the method comprising: establishing a lens for the region-of-interest, the lens having a focal region with a magnification for the region-of-interest at least partially surrounded by a shoulder region across which the magnification varies to provide a continuous transition from the focal region to regions outside the lens; receiving a first signal for selecting the shoulder region; while receiving the first signal, receiving a second signal for selecting the focal region and for adjusting a position of the focal region relative to the shoulder region to define a degree and a direction of a folding of the focal region over the shoulder region for the lens; and, applying the lens to the original image to produce the presentation.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining employer compliance in determining employment eligibility requirements in accordance with federal immigration regulations. Compliance alerts and compliance tips are displayed for guiding employers in verifying employment eligibility. Completed employment eligibility forms are automatically audited to analyze whether the employer has accurately completed the employment verification. The completed forms are audited by applying various compliance rules to a completed employment eligibility form, presently a Form I-9, to determine compliance with the applicable regulations. A listing is provided of various errors and additional data required to complete the audited form. The method is preferably administered by a single service provider for multiple employers, to assure that changes in the applicable regulations are regularly incorporated.

Abstract: A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.

Abstract: A mobile terminal has a controller, a display and an input device connected to the controller, and a digital object browser for browsing among a plurality of available digital objects. A first representation and a second representation of each of the digital objects are presentable on a display screen. The first representations of the digital objects are presented along a predefined path on the display screen, the first representation of a focused one of the digital objects being shown in a focus area on the display screen. For the focused digital object, the second representation thereof is presented in a preview area on the display screen.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for managing user focus change between applications on a computer are provide. A current user focus application is identified that is executing on the computer and has a current user focus. A current state of execution of the current user focus application is determined. Information characterizing a focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application is obtained. A request from another application executing on the computer to change the current user focus to the other application is limited based on the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application. The request from the other application to change the current user focus to the other application is allowed responsive to a user override authorization regardless of the focus criticality of the determined current state of execution of the current user focus application.

Abstract: A user-activatable dashboard (also referred to as a unified interest layer) contains any number of user interface elements, referred to herein as “widgets,” for quick access by a user. In response to a command from a user, the dashboard is invoked and the widgets are shown on the screen. The user can activate the dashboard at any time, causing the dashboard to temporarily replace the existing user interface display on the user's screen. Once the dashboard has been activated, the user can interact with any or all of the widgets, and can configure the dashboard by adding, deleting, moving, or configuring individual widgets as desired. When the user wishes to return to the normal user interface he or she was working with, the user issues a command causing the dashboard to be dismissed. Once the dashboard has been dismissed, the previous user interface state is restored, allowing the user to resume normal interactions with the operating system.

Abstract: A method for providing a primary window overlay includes providing a primary window on a desktop and designating an overlay window. The method further includes implanting the overlay window on the primary window, receiving activity input to the primary window, and maintaining the overlay window on top of the primary window. A system for providing a primary window overlay includes providing a primary window on a desktop, designating an overlay window, implanting the overlay window on the primary window, receiving activity input to the primary window, and maintaining the overlay window and receiving activity input to the overlay window on top of the primary window. A computer readable medium can include computer readable code for executing the method steps.

Abstract: A user-activatable dashboard (also referred to as a unified interest layer) contains any number of user interface elements, referred to herein as “widgets,” for quick access by a user. In response to a command from a user, the dashboard is invoked and the widgets are shown on the screen. The user can activate the dashboard at any time, causing the dashboard to temporarily replace the existing user interface display on the user's screen. Once the dashboard has been activated, the user can interact with any or all of the widgets, and can configure the dashboard by adding, deleting, moving, or configuring individual widgets as desired. When the user wishes to return to the normal user interface he or she was working with, the user issues a command causing the dashboard to be dismissed. Once the dashboard has been dismissed, the previous user interface state is restored, allowing the user to resume normal interactions with the operating system.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is configured to execute a plurality of operations in parallel. A display unit displays a header identifying each operation in a plurality of operation on a display unit. A control unit switches a current operation based on selection of the header via an input unit and, when switching the current operation, controls display of suspension information to indicate a suspension state of a suspended operation on the header for the suspended operation in addition to the current operation.

Abstract: A method of switching among management system applications includes displaying data associated with at least a first one of the management system applications using a graphical user interface screen for use with a computerized management system for at least one of products and services. The graphical user interface screen is configured to display data associated with the management system applications in an individual area for each management system application. The graphical user interface screen includes buttons configured to facilitate switching among the management system applications. The method also includes receiving a user selection of one of the buttons, and switching from the individual area displaying the data associated with the first one of the management system applications to the individual area displaying data associated with a second one of the management system applications in response to the received user selection.

Abstract: A handheld electronic book reader, program product, and method incorporate enhanced annotation and/or usage tracking capabilities. Support is provided for user creation of “contexts” for defined terms in an electronic document. Moreover, annotation data such as contexts, comments and highlighting may be associated with various users, and displayed in connection with the display of an electronic document so as to indicate that different annotation data has been originated by different users. In addition, from the standpoint of usage tracking, usage statistics for an electronic document displayed in a handheld electronic reader may be generated on a page-by-page basis, and/or in association with term definitions. Moreover, usage statistics for multiple users may be combined and analyzed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices that address problems encountered when attempting to accurately reconstruct visual stimuli being displayed to a user as they interact with online-content, typically through a browser interface. In one embodiment, the invention provides for the browser to maintain a record of selected technical parameters and relevant data that may impact the manner in which online-content is being displayed to the user, taking into consideration the current context in which the browser is being operated. In another embodiment, the invention is a device for recording events as reported from a browser interface. The events are recorded in a selected format and syntax to form a primary index of events and related outcomes which comprise the user's interface experience. In operation, the device detects events as detected at the browser interface. Next, the device identifies, categorizes, and filters detected events as to their relevance to the visual stimuli being presented to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for managing non-user initiated focus changes in a computing device detects, in one embodiment, an operating system generated message indicating a focus change from a first window to a second window. Once detected, user input is inhibited for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is configurable by the user. After the predetermined time elapses, subsequent user input is permitted to be sent to the second window, which has the focus.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing a context pane with semantic zoom. A content interface including a content pane and a context pane is provided. The content pane may be adapted to provide content, and the context pane may be adapted to display a richness of contextual data. A selectable interface element is also provided in the content interface. When the interface element is selected, the context pane may be transformed from displaying the richness of contextual data into displaying another richness of contextual data.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) includes floating action buttons. Respective hot zones are established for associated respective UI elements. When a focus is targeting (e.g., located at) a given hot zone, one or more floating action buttons that are associated therewith are presented as part of the UI. Activation of a particular action button of the one or more floating action buttons causes an action corresponding to the particular action button to be implemented. In an example implementation, the actions available through the one or more floating action buttons may be context-sensitive such that the actions thereof are tailored to the type of item corresponding to the UI element (e.g., an icon, a graphical element, a text portion, a screen area, etc.).

Abstract: A control for, and method of, operating at least two medical systems, each of which generates its own visual display output and accepts commands from an input device. The control includes a display, having an active display area, and at least one inactive display area, at least one input device which provides inputs to the medical system whose visual display output is being displayed on the active display area, and a controller that automatically selects the medical system whose visual display output is displayed on the active display area.

Abstract: A user interface for switching between applications is provided. The user interface comprises control means for executing a first and a second application, for displaying the first application as a main application, for receiving a first input and in response thereto displaying the second application as a main application. The user interface also comprises control means for executing a plurality of applications, and control means for displaying one of said applications, for receiving a second input and for marking the displayed application as an alternate application.

Abstract: An information-processing device includes: multiple keys; a memory that stores key arrangement data indicating an arrangement of said multiple keys; an identification part that identifies each display position of multiple windows displayed on a screen; an allocation part that compares an arrangement of the windows obtained by comparing the display position of each window identified by said identification part with the arrangement of keys displayed by said key arrangement data, and uniquely allocates to said each window a key for selecting the relevant window from among said multiple keys so that the arrangement of said windows and the arrangement of said keys are identical or similar; a notifying part that notifies of the keys allocated by said allocation part; and a selection part that selects the window to which an operated key is allocated when any of the keys notified by said notifying part is operated.

Abstract: A display control device for controlling a display of a display device responding to display processing from a plurality of processing units. A display controlling program controls the display device in response to at least one processing unit. The display controlling program receives a request from one processing unit to acquire one of predefined display areas, and determines whether to provide an authorization to acquire one of a plurality of predefined display areas in response to an acquisition request from the one processing unit. When a plurality of requests to acquire the same one of predefined display areas from a plurality of processing units are received, authorization is provided to a single processing unit that made one of the requests to acquire the same one of predefined display areas. The display device is instructed by a processor, based on the display controlling program. A memory, connected to the processor, stores the display controlling program.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for navigating user interface elements of a computer program application. A navigation key press of a navigation key is detected, where the navigation key has a group identifier. A selected group of user interface elements associated with the group identifier is identified. Input focus is shifted to a user interface element in the selected group based on the navigation key.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of driving an interactive system (1) comprising a user interface system (2) with an inherently sequential input/output modality (12) and comprising a plurality of applications (A1, A2, A3, . . . , An). In this method a first application (A1, A2, A3, . . . , An) is currently controlling the input/output modality (12) for performing an interaction with the user (U), wherein, at least for a certain period of time, a focus level is assigned to the first application (A1, A2, A3, An). The current interaction process of the first application (A1, A2, A3, . . . , An) is only terminated or paused and the control of the input/output modality (12) for performing an interaction is only transferred to a second application (A1, A2, A3, . . . , An) when an application-switching command (ASC) is received from the user (U) and according to the focus level of the first application (A1, A2, A3, . . . , An).

Abstract: Upon reception of data updating information from a server apparatus (14) in a situation in which a presentation window is “closed” or “minimized” on a display unit (24) of each of terminal apparatuses (11-13), that presentation window is displayed on the display unit (24). The user who uses each of the terminal apparatuses (11-13) can always recognize a change in situation of the presentation system.

Abstract: A system and method displays a gradient of color extending outward from the border of a user interface control such as a text box, list box, check box, radio button, scroll bar or message box. The display may be made in response to an event, such as a mouse over or error. A user interface control has such a gradient of color.

Abstract: A system and computer program for controlling screen focus for files and applications during presentations provides for protection of information in a computer-generated presentation setting and prevention of interruption of a presentation by unwanted computer activity. A list is built of applications and files for which screen access is permitted during the presentation. Upon an indication that the presentation is active, when an application or file is about to obtain screen focus, the list is checked to determine whether access is permitted for the file or application. If the application or file is should not have the focus, execution of an application or opening of a file is blocked, or screen focus is denied to windows generated in conjunction with application or file. The indication that the presentation is active may be the connection of a particular display type (e.g., a projector) or the use of a certain display port.

Abstract: An engine is provided for displaying an application for hosting a second application. The hosting application can be a sidebar on a display. The engine can contain a part or program which can include a manifest file, a definition file and/or a script file. The manifest file may contain a pointer to at least one of the definition file and the script file. The engine may also contain a loader that can locate the definition file and/or script file (e.g., via pointers in the manifest file) and load the definition file and/or script files of the part for processing. The engine may also execute script associated with the part and convert an object model into a user interface which can be displayed at a predetermined location on a display or docked onto a sidebar. The user interface can further be manipulated or relocated within the sidebar or removed (i.e., undocked) from the sidebar.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for navigating user interface elements of a computer program application. In one aspect, a method includes grouping user interface elements of an application into groups based on a hierarchical arrangement of the elements, detecting a navigation key press of a sibling or a parent navigation key, and if it is a sibling navigation key, shifting input focus to a next sibling group in the hierarchy, and if it is a parent navigation key, shifting input focus to a parent group in the hierarchy. In another aspect, a method for navigating editable cells of a table includes detecting a forward or a backward navigation key; if it is a forward navigation key, shifting input focus to a next editable cell of the table; and if it is a backward navigation key, shifting input focus to a previous editable cell of the table.

Abstract: A computer system receives a command to initiate setting a display mode of its corresponding display screen to one in which received input commands (e.g., mouse input, keyboard input, etc.) are directed to multiple display applications running on the computer system instead of only a single display application in a foreground (e.g., a “topmost” window presented to a user) on the computer display screen. For example, based on input from a user, an auxiliary application herein receives an identification of at least a first display application and a second display application that each display information on different respective windows of the display screen. Thereafter, the auxiliary application duplicates received input commands and forwards the received input commands to both the first display application and the second display application, alleviating the user from having to separately apply the same commands to each of the first and second display applications.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a card metaphor is established, in which each activity can be represented within an area of the screen referred to as a card. In various embodiments, any of several display modes are available for viewing, interacting with, manipulating, initiating, and dismissing cards. A persistent positional relationship can be established among cards, represented by a one-dimensional sequence. Newly opened cards are generally placed at the end of the sequence, although a new card that bears a relationship to an already open card may, in some embodiments, be placed adjacent to the already open card. In various embodiments, cards may be grouped, with such groups being represented as stacks of cards or by other visually distinctive means.

Abstract: A method for providing an improved user navigation interface for an industrial control system. The system includes a computer and a display device and a computer implemented workplace application. The system also includes a plurality of process control interfaces displayed on the display device. The process control interfaces include one or more software objects for controlling and/or monitoring objects controlled by the control system. The method includes displaying in the user interface a set of the process control interfaces generated by one instance of the workplace application in a designated view that includes a corresponding set of graphic user interface objects. Each graphic user interface object identifies and, on selection, displays the corresponding the process control interface.

Abstract: Methods to manipulate a screen space of a display device are disclosed. A plurality of application windows of a plurality of applications are displayed on a screen space. At least a first application and a second application are executing to display a plurality of windows. A user interface of system level applications may be displayed. A selection of a single application mode is received. In response to the receiving of the selection of the single application mode, all the windows are removed automatically from the screen space, except for a first application window. At least the first and second applications continue being executed. The user interface of the system level applications may continue to be displayed. Next, a request to display a second application window is received. The second application window is displayed while the first application window is removed from the screen space.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an operational support computer program and an operational support computer system that carry out a simple and convenient input operation by means of an input button, such as a keyboard or the like.

Abstract: A device information display apparatus for displaying multiple pieces of device information respectively obtained from field devices through communication therewith on a display unit based on the Enhanced EDD standard is structured such that it includes: a multi document generating unit for generating multiple pieces of device information including a dialog menu on WINDOWS (registered trade mark) standard child windows; and, a display information queuing unit for queuing the thus generated child windows therein and also for delivering such child windows to the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique method and user interface that facilitates accessing and browsing objects in which a user begins with a center object (e.g., one or a few focal objects) displayed on a screen and related objects are populated on the screen as well. The related objects can be further organized into clusters whereby each cluster or grouping of objects expands on a particular attribute of the center object. The attributes correspond to metadata. Thus, the objects are populated based upon the metadata of the center object. According to one aspect, the user can access one or more specific objects having a plurality of attributes and then relax at least one of the attributes to see what other objects share at least one attribute with the center object. According to another aspect, the object having the closest match to a search request can be centrally displayed with other close matches arranged by their respective metadata.

Abstract: A computer navigation system and method has one or more interactive links displayed on a display connected to a computer appliance, and one or more visual linktags associated with individual ones of the one or more interactive links, the linktags displaying one or more numbers, characters or symbols, the system enabled to initiate an interactive link in the display upon user input of one of the numbers, characters or symbols in a linktag.

Abstract: A GUI conveys the location of input focus to a user by a dynamic focus indicator that displays the path followed by input focus during a transition from one GUI component to another. A focus indicator is displayed at a first location having input focus. In response to the location of input focus shifting from the first location to a second location, a path is indicated from the first location to the second location and the focus indicator is displayed at the second location. The location of input focus may shift due to an input from the user, a request from an application associated with the GUI, or a timing event. The path is indicated by presenting an animation routine in which the focus indicator appears to traverse the path.

Abstract: The focus is automatically shifted among a plurality of application windows which are displayed concurrently. In order to achieve this, in the present invention, an interruption of communication processing started by an application corresponding to a first window displayed with the focus is detected. Then a second window to which the focus is to shift is determined based on the detection result and state data. As a result, the focus is automatically shifted, based on the determination result, from the first window displayed on a display section to the second window.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selecting items of content in a graphical user interface (GUI) for a portable computing device. During operation, the system receives an indication that the portable computing device has been rotated. In response to the rotation, the system presents the user with a detailed list of items of content. Next, the system receives a command from the user to set a focus of the GUI to an item of content in the list. In response to the command, the system shifts the focus to the item of content. Next, the system receives an indication that the portable computing device has been rotated back toward an original orientation. In response to the rotation back, the system selects the item of content.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates selection of a template for a document by a user. During operation, the system displays a graphical object associated with the template to the user and detects a position of a cursor over the graphical object. Next, in response to a cursor movement over the graphical object, the system displays a set of template previews for the template within the graphical object.