Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatically displaying a user's logged-in status across an Internet based network of affiliated Web sites via a visual indicator such as a toolbar to help the user to be certain about his logged-in status when he stays with one or switches from one to another affiliated Web site.

Abstract: Prompting user confirmation of an action in a display window on a display of a mobile electronic device including displaying a pair of soft key icons, receiving a request to initiate an action from a user and displaying a confirmation message to confirm that a user wishes to proceed with the action. When the confirmation message is displayed, the pair of soft key icons are modified to create a pair of updated soft key icons. The receiving of the request may include detection of a soft key event. The updated soft key icons provide a first response and a second response to the confirmation message for selection by the user. The soft key icons and updated soft key icons may be displayed at the bottom portion of the display in a manner that does not obstruct the display window.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user with user-friendly handles for manipulating graphics and other displayed objects using a pointer. An initial toolset of handles can evolve into a toolset with enhanced functionality. Selecting an object can invoke a first toolset. Pausing the pointer over an object for a preset length of time can invoke a second toolset with additional functionality. Continuing to maintain the pointer's stationary position over the object can invoke a third toolset. A rotation tool handle can rotate an object about an axis of rotation in response to pointer-based input. Moving a pointer over a rotation tool handles can invoke an axis-of-rotation tool for repositioning the axis of rotation using the pointer.

Abstract: A request is received to display a first object in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system containing several objects having more than one type, some of the several objects being associated with each other. An operation mode setting is accessed. In response to the request, an overview screen is displayed including a first GUI component presenting attributes of the first object, and at least one second GUI component, presenting information from at least a second one of the several objects associated with the first object, and configured to operate in (i) an auto load mode for automatically loading and presenting the information upon display, and (ii) a deferred load mode where the information is loaded and presented upon the user activating the second GUI component. The second GUI component uses one of the auto load mode and the deferred load mode based on the operation mode setting.

Abstract: An application hosting a browser modifies its own functionality in some manner based on whether particular content (e.g., an identifier) is present in a document for rendering by the browser. In one embodiment, a financial statement page for rendering via the hosted browser is scanned to determine if an identifier corresponding to a download button is present. If present, the host application provides an alternate download button that does not scroll off the screen as the page is scrolled. The present invention also suppresses a dialog box (e.g., the open/save dialog box) when a request for a certain file type is made by a hosted browser. For example, a request for download of financial information suppresses the open/save dialog box, and automatically opens the downloaded file.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for displaying a selection based action bar to a user that the user is able to use to perform actions using selected data. A user selects one or more displayed selections using a selection device. After the user selections have been made, the system determines which actions can be used with the selected data. Graphical components that correspond to the allowed actions are placed in an action bar and the action bar is displayed proximate to at least one of the user's selections. The action bar is not removed and remains visible as a result of the user scrolling display or performing unrelated actions. Providing a persistent action bar in location proximate to the user's selection helps the user maintain focus on the selected data. In addition, the selection based action bar can be used as a visual placeholder are marking mechanism.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) support the collaborative generation of life stories by helping the user view the development of the life stories of other users and facilitating interaction with them through these GUIs. A GUI according to a first type helps the user keep track of recent life stories and comments posted by other users of the collaborative system, and a GUI according to a second type helps the user view life stories of any user in a chronological manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various aspects of managing display of supplemental on-screen windows known as popup windows. In one embodiment, an exemplary method includes detecting a first window on a screen, determining whether the first window qualifies as a popup window, and if the first window qualifies as a popup window, searching for other windows on the screen that satisfy certain testing conditions and closing the first window without a user request upon failing to find any other window on the screen that satisfies the testing conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code that allow multiple annotations to a document to be created and that distinguish between the annotations made by different people. The people may view documents, exchange ideas and messages, etc. via a server or conference/collaboration system at different times and/or without being in direct communication with each other. In such an off-line collaboration mode, the people may want to add listen to, view, or add annotations regarding one or more documents. The methods and systems described herein allow users to follow the trail of annotations regarding a document and to distinguish between the voice or other audible annotations created by other people.

Abstract: An approach for using multiple menus with a graphical user interface is disclosed. A multiple menu comprises a menu panel with two or more selection regions, each of which is associated with a base menu. A user requests the menu panel without selecting a menu object displayed on a display unit, such as by right-clicking. The menu panel is displayed along with one base menu, and other base menus are displayed by the user moving the cursor to another selection region. The user selects a menu item from a base menu to cause the application to execute the function associated with the menu item. The selection regions of the menu panel do not include information describing the content of the associated base menus. By arranging the base menus around the menu panel, cursor movement is minimized to improve user efficiency in using the application.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that detect a cursor in a proximity of a geometry piece of a mechanical design having multimedia associated with the geometry piece. Once the cursor is detected, the instructions automatically generate an icon associated with the geometry piece for accessing the associated multimedia. As a result, CAD model information is conveyed utilizing multimedia associated with one or more geometry pieces of the CAD model. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions is embodied in a distribution storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive computer system which provides television schedule information and displays an action pop-up listing actions which can be scheduled. In the preferred embodiment, a memory stores a computer program, image data, and received data. This data includes the television schedule information. A processor uses the computer program to organize the television schedule information into a desired format, display an action pop-up for a chosen program, and schedule an action listed in the pop-up when selected by the user. Icons are listed in various displays indicating actions scheduled for associated programs.

Abstract: A system and method provides a pop up window containing a text editor to allow tags or attributes or other commands to be edited in accordance with a selected graphical object or a specified insertion point in a graphics editor.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for dynamically resizing dialogs of a computer software application while the application is running. Dialog windows may be resized by user action, such as by hooking on to one side or to a corner of the dialog window and dragging the side or corner in or out to expand or contract the dialog window. In response to the user's action, the operating system of the user's computer notifies a dialog window manager that the dialog window is being resized. An autolayout module lays out the dialog window to its new size, placing all controls contained therein in their proper locations and with their proper dimensions according to the rules associated with the dialog window.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprises process means for executing a predetermined process based on the input instruction, connection means for connection with an external device, display means for displaying information based on the data received from the external device through the connection means, discrimination means for discriminating whether the input by the instruction input means has not been executed for a predetermined period. Control means causes the display means to execute display based on the data received from the external device through the connection means, in case the discrimination means judges that the input instruction has not been executed for the predetermined period.

Abstract: A user is provided with guidelines that are temporarily displayed with content, in order to assist the user in neatly and accurately writing electronic ink. The guidelines may appear when the user moves a writing tool, such as a stylus or pen, close to a display and writing surface. Alternately, the guidelines may appear after the user has begun to write electronic ink, so that the guidelines can correspond to the angle at which the user is writing, the size of the user's handwriting, or both. As the user writes the electronic ink onto the writing surface, the handwritten electronic ink is added to the content being rendered on the display. After the user has finished writing electronic ink and moves the writing tool away from the writing surface, the guidelines are deleted, and are not added to the displayed content. In this way, the user can employ the temporary guidelines to accurately and legibly write electronic ink into content, without the guidelines themselves becoming a permanent part of the content.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.

Abstract: A commanding system for a computer. An input sequence can be received from an input device, and the commanding system can be used to connect the input to an associated action. Commanding can be provided by a plurality of nodes that represent elements of control and application levels. The nodes can be arranged in a hierarchical structure, and each node can include a table of bindings. A service can be attached to one or more of the nodes at run-time to provide additional commanding functionality. For example, a service can modify or supplement the binding entries provided in the table of bindings associated with a given node.

Abstract: Browsing in collaboration space is done by presenting to a user an interface to collaboration space. Responsive to the user opening a main window, presenting a selector and results of a search in the main window. Responsive to selection of the selector, a separate quick browse window is opened and objects searched to generate a set of hits which are linked to the main window without losing context. Context is displayed in the quick browse window in a hypertext markup language format, with an entry for each item in the set of hits. Responsive to user selection of an item in the quick browse window, paging controls redirect the main window to a linked page for displaying the quick browse window while the user browses target pages and accesses local settings of the target page to display context of the target page.

Abstract: In a compact information terminal apparatus including display means having a displaying function equivalent to that of a personal computer, a browser for browsing a hyper text can easily be manipulated without altering the hyper text formed for the personal computer. When a position other than a hot spot of the hyper text on a browsing view is designated by using a position designating input device which can be manipulated by one hand, a group of operation buttons of the browser for the hyper text is displayed in the vicinity of a designated position.

Abstract: Adware and viruses are examples of objects that may be embedded in a webpage or linked to a webpage. When such an object is detected to be associated with a webpage loading on a browser, an analysis may be performed to determine a trust level for the object. The object may be blocked in accordance with the trust level. A prompt may be displayed to advise a user that the object is being blocked, provide a description of the object, and to provide an opportunity to interactively accept or decline activation of an action for the object.

Abstract: A system, method, and program controls the occurrence of unsolicited browser windows by enabling a user to specify a maximum depth of a window that can be opened. Before opening a new window, the browser determines the window depth in relation to the specified depth. If the new window to be opened has a given depth in relation to the specified setting which allows the new window to be opened, the window will be opened. If the new window to be opened has a given depth in relation to the specified setting which does not allow the new window to be opened, the window will not be opened. Furthermore, the browser prevents a new window from being opened from a current window if the current window is being closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for semiconductor fabrication management. A processing unit receives an engineering change request (ECR) comprising information regarding new engineering for a wafer lot, generates an ECR reminder comprising information regarding the ECR request, transmits the ECR reminder to a client operator through a communication device, receives a reply corresponding to the ECR reminder, determines a reply result indicating whether the ECR is accepted by detecting the reply, and transmits the reply result to a manufacturing execution system (MES).

Abstract: An operating system provides extensions through which application developers may extend the capabilities of a shell of the operating system. For example, application developers may add menu items to context menus for objects that are visible within an integrated system name space. In addition, developers may add property sheet pages for such objects. Application developers also have the option of providing per-instance icons for each instance of an object. Application developers may provide data object extension handlers for customizing data sources on a per-object class basis and may provide drop target extension handlers on a per-object class basis to customize drop target behavior. Developers may additionally provide copy-hook handlers to regulate file system operations on objects. Developers may also extend the functionality provided by the shell of the operating system by adding their own custom name spaces to the integrated system name space.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which may adopt one of many personas, depending upon the role that its owner is currently playing. The computer system includes a central repository of extensible personas available to all applications running on the computer system. Each such persona has associated therewith a suite of parameters, or specific values for parameters, which are appropriate for conducting computer implemented transactions under a particular persona. The computer system further includes a graphical user interface which allows the user to switch from persona to persona by selecting a particular persona from a list of available personas displayed on a display screen of the computer system. By selecting such persona, the user causes the computer system to globally change the entire suite of parameter values so that subsequent transactions conducted with the computer system employ the parameter values of the current persona.

Abstract: In a computer in which control software is installed, a display capability information receiving section conducts an information receiving process, receiving display capability information of a display device from a display capability information receiving/sending section of a printer beforehand. In printing job information settings, a display capability match/comparison section conducts a comparison process, comparing a user name and a printing job name inputted manually by a user or automatically by a job name and other data receiving section, with the display capability information received in the information receiving process, and determining whether the indication of the names is suitable for the display capability or not. A comparison result processing section receives the above comparison result, and when the indication is not suitable for the display capability, it conducts a notifying process, notifying the user to input the names using characters suitable for the display capability.

Abstract: A method for delivering keystrokes to descendants of an inactive window includes remembering a descendant of the inactive window as the next focus owner when the descendant receives a focus-in event, creating a focus proxy for the inactive window and issuing a request to set focus to the focus proxy, marking the next focus owner as the true focus owner when the focus proxy receives a focus-in event, and directing the focus-in event received by the focus proxy to the true focus owner.

Abstract: An advertisement posting scheme utilizes a comprehensive information viewing device capable of displaying multiple Web pages on a display screen by enlarging or contracting each Web page at arbitrary magnification rate smoothly, rotating each Web page at arbitrary angle smoothly, arbitrarily varying and controlling transparency level of a plurality of Web pages that are arranged in superposition such that any overlapped hidden portion can be made visible, and three-dimensionally arranging the multiple Web pages such that the multiple Web pages can be viewed from arbitrary angle, for the purpose of displaying advertisements on the display screen at arbitrary positions, angles, sizes and transparency levels, in relation to the multiple Web pages.

Abstract: A search engine user interface and method are presented for providing search syntax help. The method comprises: presenting a search engine user interface with a selectable edit box for formulating a search request; formulating a search engine search request by selecting the UI edit box; and, in response to the search request, automatically supplying search syntax help in the form of a popup window. Automatically supplying search syntax help includes displaying search syntax characters supported by the search engine, where the search syntax characters are selected from the group including connectors and operators. Further, the help can be the displaying of search syntax character definitions, frequently-used search syntax characters, a list of every supported search syntax character, or examples in which the search syntax characters are used.

Abstract: A method for messaging service, e.g. short message service (SMS), in a mobile phone, capable of inputting a phone number of receiver directly into a message editing window. Disclosed is also a computer-readable recording medium including therein a software program for execution of the method. After the user has entered a message, it is determined which type of a direct input is requested by the user for inputting of the address of the receiver in the message editing window. If the requested type determined by the user for the direct input of the address is an input by a look-up (searching) function, it is activated an address look-up window as a new display layer while still activating the message editing window, and inputted the address of the receiver selected by the user directly into the message editing window.

Abstract: A notepad computer is disclosed with a page display region displaying a page of a document on which a user can write using a pen. Associated with the page is an interface useable with the pen including a core task tool region where tool icons are partially visible until the pen is brought near a tool icon. A radial menu pops up at an edge of the document where menu choices are located in a semi-circle away from the edge. A page flipping tool is also provided. A page scrolling tool is further provided that, when activated, includes an implicit button allowing scrolling in one implied direction. A stack region adjacent to the page display region has stack icons each representing a stack of documents. A typing tool is also provided overlaying a portion of the page and including a writing zone and a page zone.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering advertising messages to a person accessing a banner web site from a terminal having a display upon which the content of the web site is visually perceived. Initial signals are provided from a web site when the web site is accessed by the user to establish a banner area including banner information that is visually perceivable by the person and plural sub-areas of the banner area. When the cursor is moved to a position on one of the sub-areas the person is automatically provided with respective additional visually perceivable information associated with the sub-area. The additional visually perceivable information remains perceivable to the person as long as the cursor remains on the selected sub-area. The initial signals carry the instructions necessary for the terminal to establish the additional visually perceivable information.

Abstract: Support and training are provided for a user in operating a software application. A list of task indications are coupled to a GUI window. A graphical overlay is positioned on top of the GUI window and coupled to it. A sequence of instructions associated with a respective task is displayed in the graphical overlay upon selection of a task indication by the user. Each instruction directs attention to a respective selectable graphical area in the GUI window. The user operates a selector coupled to the GUI window, where after selecting a task, the selector is used to select graphical areas in response to the sequence of instructions. Recorded voice files or a text-to-speech synthesizer may be coupled to the sequence of instructions, whereby the instruction being displayed is simultaneously presented audibly to the user.

Abstract: In a method for delivering information to a person accessing a banner website from a terminal located remote from the source of the banner website the terminal has an associated display upon which the content of the website is visually perceived by a person using the terminal and a cursor whose position is controllable by the person. The method includes providing initial signals from the source of the website or from another remote source when the website is accessed by the person to establish a banner area on the display, the banner area including banner information that is visually perceivable by the person when the website is accessed and plural sub-areas of the banner area having respective associations with additional visually perceivable information.

Abstract: Methods, systems and articles of manufacture for enhanced control over the positioning of dialog boxes in relation to hyperlinks within electronic documents. The controlled positioning is implemented to mitigate any undesirable placement of dialog boxes that might limit to user access to hyperlinks contained within the electronic document. Accordingly, embodiments are provided for determining a location within a displayed electronic document at which a dialog box may be positioned without obscuring any hyperlinks. In the event that such positioning is not possible, steps are taken to position the dialog box in a location that will result in the least interference between the user and a displayed document.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.

Abstract: Enclosed is a tool that is used to review and/or alter electronic documents each of which may have a different format. The mark-up tool is provided with a color-coded scheme to highlight where an electronic document is to be changed and to indicate the status of the change.

Abstract: A content management system and process for programming, scheduling, uploading, storing and managing content on a website. The content management system and process attaches meta-data to website elements and sorts the elements into a hierarchy based on the meta-data. The content management system and process may then perform off-line generation and association of all associated website elements, through the meta-data, into a data package. The data package may then be scheduled for on-line availability at defined times. The content management system and process also enables the setting forward of an internal clock so that the data package may be tested within the context of the website before the data package may actually be available on the website. The content management system and process may automatically ingest content based on a naming convention and may also ingest website user content and inherit all meta-data that was associated with user content.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method for interfacing with a resident application of a computer system. Upon receipt of a data file in a background space of the computer system, a user interface having plural command interfaces is generated. By selecting a first one of the plural command interfaces, an instruction is issued to the resident application. If a first one of the command interfaces is selected, the data file is transferred to a foreground space of the computer system and opened. Conversely, by selecting a second one of the plural command interfaces, the data file is deleted without opening or transfer to the foreground space.

Abstract: A system for displaying the status of a plurality of threaded tasks operating in the background includes a status bar; a progress control bar in the status bar for a primary task operating in the background and including a progress bar and first and second action buttons; the progress bar visually representing progress of a primary background operation; the first action button being selectable by a user for initiating an action with respect to the primary background operation and the second action button being selectable by a user for alternately displaying and canceling a drop list of secondary progress control bars for secondary tasks also operating in the background.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling display of supplemental content on a computer screen are described. In one embodiment, a method for controlling display of supplemental content on a computer screen includes detecting that the supplemental content is displayed on the computer screen. The display of the supplemental content is controlled by a cursor position relative to a first predefined region. The method further includes triggering display of an interface element associated with the supplemental content when the cursor is positioned inside the predefined first region, defining a second region that covers at least a portion of the interface element and the current position of the cursor, and continuing the display of the supplemental content upon detecting that the cursor is positioned outside of the first region but within the second region.

Abstract: A method to globally place a feedback button in every dialog box, message box, and top-level window in every application and message box in an operating system to provide a user with the opportunity to provide feedback for the dialog box, message box, or top-level window. The system checks a setting to determine if and what type of box/window that a feedback button will be placed and if the setting is enabled, a feedback button with customizable text will be placed on the box/window when the box/window is displayed if the type of window being displayed matches the type specified as having a feedback button. The system loads a program file that provides instructions to the user on how to provide feedback to a developer or system administrator when the user selects the feedback button. Once the user enters feedback, this feedback is sent to wherever the program file designated the information to be sent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for customizing a graphical function display. In one aspect, the invention features operations to customize a toolbar graphically representing tools including one or more groups of tools. A tool is represented by an icon on the toolbar, and a group of tools is represented by one or more icons on the toolbar. In response to user input, an icon representing a group of tools can be replaced with all or a subset of icons representing tools in the group of tools. Similarly, in response to user input, a plurality of icons representing tools in a group of tools can be replaced with an icon representing the group of tools and can also represent a tool in the group of tools.

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 system and method is provided for displaying a selection based action bar to a user that the user is able to use to perform actions using selected data. A user selects one or more displayed selections using a selection device. After the user selections have been made, the system determines which actions can be used with the selected data. Graphical components that correspond to the allowed actions are placed in an action bar and the action bar is displayed proximate to at least one of the user's selections. The action bar is not removed and remains visible as a result of the user scrolling display or performing unrelated actions. Providing a persistent action bar in location proximate to the user's selection helps the user maintain focus on the selected data. In addition, the selection based action bar can be used as a visual placeholder are marking mechanism.