Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for deciding whether to display a keyboard on a touchscreen device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, on a touchscreen device, a request to load a display comprising an input field and selectable content, and determining, based on prior user behavior, the probability of whether the user will enter content into the input field or select the selectable content. The method also includes controlling whether to display a keyboard when the determined probability indicates that the user will enter content into the input field or hide the keyboard when the determined probability indicates that the user will select the selectable content. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a touchscreen configured to display a keypad including a plurality of key buttons having assigned first alphabet characters, respectively; and a controller configured to receive a first key input of a first key button of the plurality of key buttons, to display a first alphabet character corresponding to the first key input on a display portion of the mobile terminal, to predict a word that starts with the first alphabet character, to receive a second key input of the first key button after the first key input, and to display a second alphabet character included in the predicted word on the display portion based on the second key input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance in which a large number of programs can be preselected as a function of at least one parameter. One parameter relates to the time of day and/or the date and/or the season at the site of installation of the cooking appliance. A large number of programs which are preselected by means of the parameters can be automatically displayed on a display device after the cooking appliance is switched on, and one of these displayed programs can be selected by means of at least one operator control device. The invention also relates to a method for setting a cooking appliance of this type.

Abstract: A computationally-implemented method comprises obtaining at least a portion of data from a data source, determining a content of the data, determining an acceptability of an effect of content of the data at least in part via at least two virtual machine representations of at least a part of a real machine having at least one end-user specified preference, at least one of the at least two virtual machine representations operating at least in part on an individual core of a multi-core system, and displaying at least one data display option based on the determining an acceptability of a content of the data.

Abstract: On a device having keys with multiple values, a user may perform either an iterative directory filtering operation or a direct-dial operation, without specifying which of the operations is intended. Hence, a user is allowed to perform any of a number of different operations to specify a number to be dialed or to identify a directory record, without requiring the user to specify a mode. A user's intended operation is determined by analyzing the entered keystrokes, and activates the appropriate feedback and functionality for the determined operation. In one embodiment iterative directory filtering is performed on multiple fields concurrently, including derived fields and combination fields.

Abstract: A method comprises identifying, by a computing device, a current context of a computer program; identifying, by the computing device, any related contexts of the computer program that are related to the current context; determining, by the computing device, association relationships between the current context and the related contexts; determining, by the computing device, a user history of menu choice selection with respect to the current context; updating, by the computing device, the user history based on a user menu choice selection and the association relationships; determining, by the computing device, weighted menu choices for a second context of the computer program based on the user history; and presenting, by the graphic user interface, the weighted menu choices for selection by the user in the second context.

Abstract: A computationally-implemented method comprises retrieving at least a portion of data from a data source, determining an acceptability of an effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data at least in part via a virtual machine representation of at least a part of an end user's real machine having one or more end-user specified preferences, and providing at least one data display option to the end user's real machine based on the determining acceptability of the effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data.

Abstract: A computationally-implemented method comprises retrieving at least a portion of data from a data source, determining an acceptability of an effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data at least in part via a virtual machine representation of at least a part of an end user's real machine having one or more end-user specified preferences, and providing at least one data display option to the end user's real machine based on the determining acceptability of the effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data.

Abstract: An interactive product configurator includes a constraint network having a plurality of nodes. The configurator receives a new user choice after previously asserting one or more default decisions. The configurator then retracts the previously asserted default decisions before asserting the new user choice. The default decisions are then reasserted.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing customizable, immediate and radiating menus for accessing applications and actions. Upon initiation of a predetermined user action, such as a right-click operation, a primary menu is displayed and a second radial menu is displayed proximate the primary menu with the cursor position at a predetermined location for minimizing cursor manipulation for selecting a menu item from the second radial menu.

Abstract: An image-displaying device includes a storing unit and a displaying unit. The storing unit stores first correlation data and second correlation data. The first correlation data indicates a plurality of first thumbnails including a plurality of first display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of first thumbnails. The second correlation data indicates a plurality of second thumbnails including a plurality of second display thumbnails and also indicates a sequence of the plurality of second thumbnails. The storing unit updates the second correlation data in response to an update instruction for adding one of the plurality of first thumbnails to the plurality of second thumbnails. The displaying unit includes a first display configured to display a plurality of first display thumbnails based on the first correlation data, and a second display configured to display a plurality of second display thumbnails based on the second correlation data.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.

Abstract: An image data taking unit takes image data of an object and stores the image data therein as an image data file. A display unit displays the image data stored in the image data taking unit. A mode-switching unit switches between a close-up mode and a distant-view mode of the image data taking unit. The close-up mode is for the object with a close distance and the distant-view mode is for the object with a long distance. A display control unit, when the close-up mode is on, displays a close-up mode icon on the display unit, and when the distant-view mode is on, displays a distant-mode icon on the display unit. The display control unit, when the mode-switching unit switches the distant-view mode on, replaces the close-up icon displayed on a predetermined position on the display unit by the distant-mode icon on the predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting fraudulent clicks in an online environment to reduce fraudulent paid clicks for online advertisers. The method includes server side and client side code which combined enables a click verification web site to identify valid and invalid clicks and in real-time prevents advertisers from getting billed for fraudulent activity.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a method of selecting a service and inputting information to that service. In one such method, an input device having keys is provided. When such a key is pressed and released quickly, the user indicates a desire to enter a symbol on the key in order to enter symbols of an entry string. In addition, one or more of the keys may also be used to identify a service and also supply that service with the entry string. For example, by pressing and holding such a key, the entry string may be delimited and then sent to a service corresponding to the pressed key. In this manner, a single key press may be used to both delimit an entry string and also send the entry string to the service. The service may use the delimited entry string to retrieve information, which is then supplied to the input device.

Abstract: As part of the system and method of the present invention, either a Client Agent and/or a Predictive Server intercept a request from a client to a server, and a response from the server to the client. Based on information derived from the client/server communication, either the Client Agent or the Predictive Server generates a predictive request for data. The server's response to the predictive request is stored at either the Client Agent or the Predictive Server, and is forward to the client when the client generates a request for the data contained in the response.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component.

Abstract: To provide a reproduction apparatus able to easily select a desired content data based on an attribute of the content data by a simple operation from a user and a reproduction method for the same, wherein the reproduction apparatus having: a display displaying the item; a first operation unit instructing a switch of the attribute; a second function unit instructing a selection of a predetermined item on the display; and a processing unit switching a first screen from a screen of a plurality of items so as to display a plurality of items when the first operation key is operated, and switching to a second screen displaying a plurality of item when the second operation key is operated when a plurality of item is displayed on the first screen.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, by a server and from a plurality of computing devices, data representative of a group of gesture-shortcut pairs that each include a gesture having been detected by at least one computing device from the plurality of computing devices and a shortcut associated with the detected gesture, and wherein the shortcut corresponds to an operation to be executed by the at least one from the plurality of computing devices. The method includes sorting the data representative of each respective gesture-shortcut pair from the group of gesture-shortcut pairs into at least two subgroups, a first subgroup including the first gesture-shortcut pair and a second including the second gesture-shortcut pair, the sorting being based on detected similarities between at least one of each respective gesture from the group of gesture-shortcut pairs and each respective shortcut from the group of gesture-shortcut pairs.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to computer file navigation. The identification of a user is received followed by a menu selection instruction. Uniquely identified data storage areas and uniquely identified secondary data storage areas are then defined in a data storage. Each secondary area includes history data relative to the user's prior access. A menu area is then generated that includes use-selectable indicia, each corresponding to one of a subset of the storage areas. A user-positionable pointer is generated on the menu area, a position of the pointer is detected relative to the indicia, and an indicium is generated proximate to the pointer in accordance with the detected position. A listing of secondary areas corresponding to the selected indicium is generated and displayed in an order based on the associated history data. A selection of one the secondary areas is received from the user and its history data is updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for intelligent default selection of characters to be entered via an on-screen keyboard. Based on one to several criteria, a character most likely to be selected for entry via the on-screen keyboard during a search request is determined and a selector is positioned at that particular character. If that character is indeed the character the user wishes to enter, the user does not have to execute any navigation steps to enter the character, but can—with a single actuation—enter that character. In many instances, the user will only have to enter the selection without first having to navigate to the selection. As a result, the number of times buttons need to be actuated by the user to enter a character string can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods enhance editing capabilities associated with a wide variety of different types of electronic documents. Such systems and methods may include a processor that maintains an electronic document having a first portion (e.g., an individual word, character, character string, or the like) provided by a recognizer (e.g., by handwriting or speech recognition software), and they may provide access to potential alternative characters, words, or character strings generated by the recognizer during various user editing functions and operations. Other data associated with the first portion of the document also may be stored and made available to the user during various functions and operations. This invention further relates to computer-readable media including instructions for performing various methods and/or operating various systems for editing electronic documents, including systems and methods like those described above.

Abstract: While reviewing potential programs when using an interactive programming guide, a viewer can select to place information regarding specific programs in a list (in one embodiment, such entries are made on an automated basis). The viewer can then recall that list to make a final selection of a present program to view (or record). In some embodiments, this list can be automatically cleared in response to a predetermined trigger event.

Abstract: A widget is incorporated into a user interface associated with a processing system to provide the user with a display of the entered data, together with any added text or other data modifications that result from application of a default format. The display thus enables the user to determine whether or not the default format can be used with the entered data, before the data is processed. The widget also provides a toggle capability, to allow the user to override the default behavior of the processing system and select a different valid format for use with the entered data, from a format priority list contained in the widget. The display and toggle capabilities cause the entered data to be processed by the system as intended by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a search capability to allow a user to easily locate a menu command or other user interface element associated with a search result. In one embodiment, a user enters a search term (or a portion thereof) in a search field. A list of results is displayed, for example in a results menu. The user can select or highlight any of the listed results; in response, the corresponding command is brought into view in context within the user interface, and is highlighted. The user can activate the selected command directly from the search results menu.

Abstract: Presenting to a user at a receiving Web station, who is viewing a received Web document or Web page, a very clear picture of which hyperlinks in each Web page are linked to a Web page/document that has already been bookmarked by the user. A system for tracking bookmarking in received Web documents that comprises the combination of apparatus associated with one of the receiving display stations for bookmarking of selected received Web documents to thereby store, as bookmarks, at the receiving display station, direct links to the sources of the Web documents, apparatus associated with this one receiving display station for comparing the stored bookmarks to hyperlinks in each received Web document to determine if the hyperlinks have been bookmarked, and an implementation which, in response to the apparatus for comparing, then visually distinguishes each bookmarked hyperlink in the received displayed Web document.

Abstract: A method simplified drag and drop operations of display icons. This method calculates a projected path for an icon based on the past movement of the icon. The method highlights the “best fit” target icon as the mouse pointer moves across the screen. As the mouse pointer moves, or changes direction, the “best fit” target icon can change, with the current best-fit icon being highlighted. In addition to highlighting the target icon, a line or arrow from the mouse pointer to the target icon is maintained. The line presents the predicted path in a very noticeable, visual way. As the best-fit target icon changes, the line is re-drawn to point to the current best-fit icon. Regardless of how the target icon is visually indicated, releasing the mouse button will cause the drop operation to be completed “into” target. Completion of the drop could be instantaneous, or could be rendered with animation of some sort to indicate moving from the source to the target.

Abstract: Users are enabled to perform tasks such as creating new content, searching for items, communicating with other users through a simplified access interface, at the same time defining a location for the access interface. A user may begin typing at any location on a canvas. The system ranks possible outcomes, suggesting one as the best match, where the user can override that choice upon which the resulting action is displayed at the point the input was initially placed. The user may be provided options to select among available tasks and the tasks may be performed without selecting an application.

Abstract: A target estimation device that appropriately estimates a function targeted by a user from among functions of an operated apparatus includes: an item inputting unit (102) that obtains an item; a function representation storing unit (107) that stores function names of the operated apparatus; an identical word detecting unit (116) that detects a category of a word identical between each of the function names and the item; an operation intention calculating unit (117) that changes a method for calculating similarities between the item and the respective function names, for each of the function names, depending on the detected category, and that calculates the similarities as degrees of intentions of the user who has selected the item, using the changed calculation method; and a target estimation unit (112) that estimates a function so that the function having a higher degree of an intention is the function targeted by the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for rendering the user interface of a software application. A client computer provides a user interface for a computer program application. The user interface is operable to receive input from a user interacting with the client and to generate user interaction events from the input. One or more possible user interaction events are identified on the client while the user interface is in a current user interface state. The possible user interaction events are user interaction events that would arise from input the user interface could possibly receive in the current user interface state from the user. One or more of the possible user interaction events are pre-processed to generate one or more possible user interface states. The possible user interface states are stored for later use.

Abstract: A method comprises identifying, by a computing device, a current context of a computer program; identifying, by the computing device, any related contexts of the computer program that are related to the current context; determining, by the computing device, association relationships between the current context and the related contexts; determining, by the computing device, a user history of menu choice selection with respect to the current context; updating, by the computing device, the user history based on a user menu choice selection and the association relationships; determining, by the computing device, weighted menu choices for a second context of the computer program based on the user history; and presenting, by the graphic user interface, the weighted menu choices for selection by the user in the second context.

Abstract: An operation assisting apparatus includes: an option-function distance storage unit that stores a semantic distance between each of the options displayed on a menu screen and each of functions positioned at an end in the hierarchical structure; an operation history storage unit that stores the operation history of the options sequentially selected by the user; an estimation unit that estimates, based on a semantic distance between a selection option selected by the user and each of the functions, and a semantic distance between an unselected selection option that has been selectable but not selected and each of the functions, a degree of probability that the function is the function desired by the user; and an operational assistance determination unit that determines, based on the result of the estimation, a detail of an output such that functions with higher probability will be presented with higher precedence in selectability.

Abstract: A productivity software application in which a user chooses actions, from at least one of a menu bar, a tool bar, or a task pane, runs on a computer. While running the productivity software application, the computer monitors actions chosen by the user. Data is generated that represents a navigation menu. The navigation menu includes a limited set of choices based on previous actions chosen by the user in the productivity software application. The computer outputs the data representing the navigation menu for visual display, and receives input indicative of a user choice from the limited set of choices in the navigation menu.

Abstract: An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A predictive goal interface providing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The predictive goal interface providing apparatus may recognize a current user context by analyzing data sensed from a user environment condition, may analyze user input data received from the user, may analyze a predictive goal based on the recognized current user context, and may provide a predictive goal interface based on the analyzed predictive goal.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising: a display; means for displaying on the display a menu of user selectable options; first user activated means for sequentially navigating through the displayed menu of user selectable options; and second user activated means for directly choosing a predetermined one of the options without having to navigate sequentially through the options.

Abstract: A method is presented for representing emergent data in intelligent icons. The intelligent icons are visually coded to represent the emergent data. When logically linked, the visual coding of linked intelligent icons changes in accordance with how the intelligent icons are linked.

Abstract: In a display device, items of information relating to specified information, which is displayed as the largest item, via a selected relation criterion, are displayed aligned on a selection axis, and items of information relating via other relation criteria are displayed aligned on non-selection axes. An item of information selected as the specified information can be sequentially changed in response to an input from up and down direction keys. The relation criteria for items of information displayed on the selection axis and the non-selection axes can be sequentially changed in response to an input from left and right direction keys. An information selection by the user is confirmed with present specified information by an input from a circle button, and a jump is made to a process according to the present specified information.

Abstract: A method and system for applying user-specified finishing options to a printed output document. A finishing window is displayed showing a document mimic in the finishing window, and displaying finishing tool selection regions in the finishing window which enable the user to activate selective finishing tools. Finishing location identifiers are displayed on portions of the document mimic, each displayed location identifier being associated with the currently activated finishing tool, and each displayed location identifier identifying a region of the printed output document by its location on the document mimic. WYSIWYG representations of user-selected finishing tool operations are performed in the portion of the document mimic identified by the selected finishing location identifier. The WYSIWYG operations include, but are not limited to, stapling, hole-punching, V-folding, C-folding, Z-folding, and binding. Also included are WYSIWYG operations for undoing each of the aforementioned operations.

Abstract: A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk 29, optical disk 31, ROM 24, or RAM 25, including an operating system 35, one or more application programs 36, other program modules 37, and program data 38. The hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM, RAM, and the like can be termed computer readable-storage media. A user may enter commands and information into the personal computer 20 through input devices such as a keyboard 40 and pointing device 42. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive pad, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 21 through a serial port interface 46 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). In addition, input to the system may be provided by a microphone to receive audio input.

Abstract: A printing assist system including a print mode storage storing a plurality of print modes each including a specification of a printed material and a setting of a printing device, means for acquiring print specification information, means for acquiring printing device capability information, means for retrieving a plurality of print modes based on the acquired print specification information and the acquired printing device information, means for calculating, for each of the print modes retrieved by the print mode retrieving means and for each of a plurality of evaluation items, an evaluation value relative to other print modes, a selection history storage that stores a history of print mode selection by a user and includes the evaluation value of the present print mode for each evaluation item, and means for offering the plurality of retrieved print modes based on the selection history information and the evaluation values.

Abstract: Movement of a pointer or a window on a display of a personal computer, mobile telephone or digital television set, which allows an object to be selected, is controlled using an orthogonal set of keys. Motion of the pointer or window closely resembles the behaviour of a body of fixed mass obeying Newton's second law of motion. Movement of the pointer may used to predict which object the user wishes to select. Once a prediction has been made, the object is marked and the user may select the marked object, although the user need not act on the prediction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for facilitating user interaction in web-related activities. In one embodiment, the method comprises monitoring a user's current interaction with a browser, predicting a task a user is likely to take based on a current interaction context associated with the user's current interaction and one or more rules previously generated based on one or more previously recorded browser interactions, and generating, based on the prediction, and displaying a user interface component with the browser, the user interface component selectable by the user and representing an interaction (or a sequence of interactions) that the user can select to occur.

Abstract: Systems and techniques related to generating a GUI. In general, in one implementation, a GUI may be generated by grouping objects into object groups; defining an arrangement for the object groups, where each object group corresponds to at least one relationship in the arrangement; assigning a graphic pattern that is distinct for each relationship; generating a graphical structure for each object to be represented in the GUI; generating a background region for the GUI for related graphical structures associated with an object group; and, generating the GUI such that one or more related graphical structures are within the background region. In that case, each background region is based on a distinct graphic pattern for the relationship corresponding to the object group. The technique can include displaying the GUI. Also, the graphic pattern assigned to a relationship may represent a color to be displayed in a background region.

Abstract: Data is collected and retrieved in the form of a data picture using an interface that has a portion for presenting a data palette and another portion for presenting a data canvas. The data picture is created by a user selecting one or more data parameters from the data menu of the user's choice, and arranging such on the data canvas. The data parameters can relate to perceptions, impressions, rationales, motivations, etc., so that subjective user preferences can be easily captured in a user-friendly fashion. Moreover, the data parameters can be arranged in different graphical arrangements and rankings to enhance capturing of the user's preferences. In this manner, a user can effectively express input data in a visual depiction or picture form concerning a particular action/transaction, without having to respond to lengthy questionnaires, forms and screens requiring numerical input, etc.

Abstract: The display control device includes: display control means for displaying a plurality of button groups each having at least one button in a monitor and for focusing and displaying any of the buttons displayed in the monitor; and button changing means including an in-group button changing operation unit for changing the button to be focused, from one button to another in a button group, and an inter-group button changing operation unit for changing the button to be focused, from a button of one button group to a button of another button group. In case the button to be focused is changed by the inter-group button changing unit from the button of one button group to the button of another button group, the display control means focus and display a specific button of the button group changed.

Abstract: On a device having keys with multiple values, a user may perform either an iterative directory filtering operation or a direct-dial operation, without specifying which of the operations is intended. The invention thereby allows the user to perform any of a number of different operations to specify a number to be dialed or to identify a directory record, without requiring the user to specify a mode. The invention determines which of the operations the user intends by analyzing the entered keystrokes, and activates the appropriate feedback and functionality for the determined operation. The invention further performs iterative directory filtering on multiple fields concurrently, including derived fields and combination fields.

Abstract: An improved user interface for data input without the use of a standard keyboard is provided. Input is accepted through a data entry means such as a shuttle control system, a standard telephone keypad, or a speech recognition system. The data that is entered is selected from a predefined list that is presented to a user in an arrangement that statistically reduces the number of keystrokes required for data entry. This presentation is the result of determining the relative frequency of each valid selection in the predefined list and presenting those valid selections with the highest frequency items in a position that minimizes the number keystrokes required for data entry. In a speech recognition embodiment, the data entered is selected from an active list containing unique sounding entries. Alternatively, the data entered may be selected by speaking the numbers associated with the keys corresponding to the keystrokes required for data entry.

Abstract: A target estimation device that appropriately estimates a function targeted by a user from among functions of an operated apparatus includes: an item inputting unit (102) that obtains an item; a function representation storing unit (107) that stores function names of the operated apparatus; an identical word detecting unit (116) that detects a category of a word identical between each of the function names and the item; an operation intention calculating unit (117) that changes a method for calculating similarities between the item and the respective function names, for each of the function names, depending on the detected category, and that calculates the similarities as degrees of intentions of the user who has selected the item, using the changed calculation method; and a target estimation unit (112) that estimates a function so that the function having a higher degree of an intention is the function targeted by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance in which a large number of programs can be preselected as a function of at least one parameter. One parameter relates to the time of day and/or the date and/or the season at the site of installation of the cooking appliance. A large number of programs which are preselected by means of the parameters can be automatically displayed on a display device after the cooking appliance is switched on, and one of these displayed programs can be selected by means of at least one operator control device. The invention also relates to a method for setting a cooking appliance of this type.