Abstract: A user interface for displaying graphical operational mode information to a user of a universal remote control. The user interface displays to the user in a circular queue arrangement iconic representations of every home appliance which the universal remote control is setup to control. The user may then interact with the user interface to select an iconic representation of the one of the home appliances which the user desires to control. In response to this selection, the user interface will display the iconic representation of the home appliances such that the iconic representation of the home appliance indicated by the user is moved to a predetermined position in the circular queue arrangement relative to the remaining iconic representations and/or is given an appearance distinct from the appearance of the remaining iconic representations within the circular queue arrangement. In this manner, the user interface indicates to the user the current operational mode of the universal remote control.

Abstract: A method is provided to assist a user in selecting, identifying, and handling email messages. A display of color coding and selection highlighting may be provided. A secondary highlighting color may be provided to indicate messages related to a selected message. One or more of the following may also be provided: an indicator that provides the user with a number of items that are off the screen for a particular category, a command that causes the first entry for a category to be scrolled into view, a label to indicate the number of items in a particular category matching a particular criteria, and/or a control for scrolling between next or previous categories.

Abstract: An input apparatus and method using optical masking which enable a user to intuitively manipulate a menu by mapping light sources of an optical masking sensing unit and icons displayed on a display panel to corresponding positions. The input apparatus includes a display panel displaying a plurality of icons and functions of the icons, and an optical masking sensing unit including a plurality of optical devices as light sources, turning on optical devices located at positions corresponding to positions of the displayed icons.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for defining and managing virtual discussion threads in a generic synchronous conferencing system. A chat server and chat client define a virtual discussion thread (VDT) entity that includes a group of chat entries or parts of chat entries. The chat entries in a VDT logically belong to the same “hidden” discussion within a chat session. Use of the VDT enables a chat system to support a user in understanding existing discussions by showing VDTs available in the overall list of chat entries and evidencing the chat entries in a VDT.

Abstract: A selection item display device allows the user to select a desired selection item in the case where a surrounding situation changes, with improved operability. The device includes: storage element for storing a selection item; retrieval element for retrieving a selection item to be displayed based on a surrounding situation from the storage element; generation element for generating an image of the retrieved selection item; display element for displaying the generated image of the selection item on a display screen; designation element for designating a selection item to be maintained from the displayed selection item; and holding element for holding the designated selection item. Even if the surrounding situation changes, and the retrieval element changes the selection item to be displayed, the generation element leaves the image of the selection item to be maintained on the basis of an instruction from the holding element on the display screen.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to assist a user in selecting, identifying, and handling email messages. A selection color module may provide for the display of color coding and selection highlighting. The selection color module may provide a secondary highlighting color to indicate messages related to a selected message. A category navigation module may provide one or more of the following: an indicator that provides the user with a number of items that are off the screen for a particular category, a command that causes the first entry for a category to be scrolled into view, a label to indicate the number of items in a particular category matching a particular criteria, and/or a control for scrolling between next or previous categories.

Abstract: A method for dynamically displaying application shortcut icons of an electronic device constructs a dependency relation graph according to applications whose invoked frequency has reached a predetermined frequency value, and further according to browsing paths whose count has reached a predetermined dependency rule. The method further computes a weight value of each node in the dependency relation graph for ranking the applications to display application shortcut icons of the applications on the electronic device according to the rank.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assisting email users recognizes deviations in characteristics of emails sent from a particular source identifier or “source ID” to a user. After one or more emails having a pattern of characteristics are received, an action on subsequent emails is performed, such as warning users when the subsequent emails received from the source ID match or don't match the pattern. Characteristics from a particular source ID are determined based on whether the addressee reads the email from the source ID. Various levels of warning based on the characteristics identified and the deviation of any email from the characteristics of previous emails.

Abstract: A system for identifying prior selection of specific display information on an EPG. In one embodiment, a user selects an object on a screen, and upon selection of the object, an attribute of the object (e.g., color, transparency, etc.) is modified. The modified value is saved into memory so the user may later identify that the specific object was selected. Each subsequent selection will modify the attribute further, allowing the user to identity that the object was selected a number of times. In one embodiment, the attribute will continue to be modified until a specific expiration limit has been reached.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable functionality controls that identifies the context of the object to which the user interface is relevant, which contains rich functionality controls for applying contextually relevant functionality to a selected object, and which may be efficiently switched to a different context for applying a different set of functionalities to a different or neighboring editable object. A context menu of functionalities is displayed adjacent to a selected object where the menu of functionalities includes functionalities associated with editing the selected object. The context menu includes an identification of the object context and a control for selectively changing the context and associated functionalities of the menu to a different object context for displaying a different set of functionalities associated with the different context.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a data processing system for generating and displaying a semantic type concordance. The data processing system includes memory storing a computer program, a display to display data of a concordance generated by the program, and a processor configured to execute the computer program. The computer program includes instructions for displaying a user interface configured to enable a user to select semantic types and specify at least one text document, generating a concordance of the at least one document based on the semantic types, and displaying data of the generated concordance on the display.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and a method for representing a multimedia display are proposed in the present invention for displaying multimedia data and a menu. The system comprises an interface from which the user may input signals and the apparatus comprising screens for displaying. Three signals can be inputted from the interface, a first signal, a second signal, and a third signal. The apparatus comprises a first screen for displaying multimedia data, a second screen for displaying menu, and optionally a third screen for displaying information related to the multimedia data. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first screen to display multimedia data; providing a second screen to display a menu; and optionally providing a third screen to display information related to multimedia data.

Abstract: A smart search menu is displayed on a video display unit, wherein the menu includes an accumulated search criteria list and a results list. A user's selection is input from the menu as a selected element, and, if the user has selected an element of the search criteria, then the information is output to the video display unit. By accumulating the search criteria as a list of search criteria, the user is less likely to be “lost” within the search menus, and may therefore more quickly find desired content within a content database.

Abstract: A method of identifying grouped toolbar icons. An application program displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes multiple toolbar icons. The application iteratively determines whether or not a graphical cursor is in proximity to a first toolbar icon. If the cursor is in proximity to the first icon, the application identifies one or more additional related icons, which are currently displayed and are included in a same pre-defined toolbar icon group as the first icon, and displays a graphical border that surrounds the first icon and the related icons. If the related icons are not adjacent to each other, multiple separate borders are displayed. The application displays a first identification tab in close proximity to the border. The first tab includes a toolbar group name and an icon name of the first icon. The application may also display a second tab that includes descriptive properties of the first icon.

Abstract: A user interface for a portable device is disclosed. The method includes a computer-implemented method for providing a user interface for interacting with a computing device, the method including the steps of: representing an indicator of an application on the computing device in a highlighted state when a user navigates to the indicator; presenting an option panel contextually related to the application when the user selects a panel key on the computing device; and running the application when the user selects an execute key on the computing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of displaying items that gives the user the ability to easily access recently accessed items. The recent items list includes both incoming and outgoing correspondences that are attempted to be matched to the corresponding contact stored in the device. The user can access the recent contact list and reply using any communication method available. For instance, the user could reply by phone, email, send an instant messenger message, send an SMS message, and the like. The recent items list may also include items such as communications, contacts, folder, files, messages, applications, and the like. A coalesced list of the recently used items is shown so that an item is only shown once in the recent list. Any matched item in the recent list may also be shown in the alphabetical list that appears below the recent list.

Abstract: An information setting display apparatus and its control method are capable of displaying many setting items and setting contents on a small screen without degrading visual recognition and operation performance in a whole setting process and without sacrificing visual recognition of a setting item to be actually set. The apparatus displays setting items in one column and displays each of displayed setting items and corresponding setting contents in one row; in response to a selection of any one of the displayed setting items, displays the selected setting item by expanding the selected setting item, and displays the setting items not selected, by compressing the setting items not selected; and in response to a selection of any one of the setting contents corresponding to the selected setting item, displays the selected setting content by expanding it to a greater degree than the setting contents corresponding to the setting items not selected.

Abstract: A method of using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to display relationships amongst resources of a system can include illustrating at least two overlapping but separate hierarchies in the same mosaic-like graphic, each hierarchy representing one or more of the relationships amongst the resources.

Abstract: Bookmarks can reference uniquely addressed Web resources. Bookmark annotations can include user specified, digital content related to uniquely addressed Web resources. An user interface of an annotative bookmark manager can permit users to create, edit, and delete bookmark annotations. A browser interface of a Web browser can include a bookmark section that displays a listing of textual descriptors for bookmarks. An annotation handler can present one of the bookmark annotations within the browser user interface responsive to a detection of a mouseover event for a corresponding textual descriptor. The bookmark annotation can be automatically hidden when the mouseover event ends. Bookmark prioritization enables listing of highly weighted parameterized bookmarks in a user friendly manner.

Abstract: A system and method for the multiple selection of digitally stored objects and the link-tokens of each selected object for simultaneous presentation and examination of the selected objects with their associated linked objects and information, including organized array presentation for graphical thumbnails that represent the selected objects, as well as sub-framing, which allows intelligent partitioning of information associated with an object.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus allows a user to quickly find a changed setting value in a list screen after the user changes the setting value of a desired setting item and returns to the list screen. When a rightward direction button is pressed with the list screen being displayed on a display unit, a setting screen of a drive mode is displayed. When a desired drive mode is selected in the setting screen by using a rightward or leftward direction button, an icon is displayed in a predetermined color for indicating selection. When the setting is activated by a set button, a highlight is displayed on the icon in order to indicate activation. After the highlight is displayed for a predetermined period of time, the screen is changed to the list screen, and the previously set drive mode is highlighted so that the user quickly recognizes the changed drive mode.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for tag cloud buddy lists. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for tag cloud buddy list management can be provided. The method can include loading a list of contacts in a messaging system executing in memory by a processor of a computer, rating each of the contacts in the list according to at least one criteria, and visually emphasizing each of the contacts differently in a buddy cloud for a user interface to the messaging system according to different ratings applied to each of the contacts. Optionally, contacts with ratings failing to exceed a threshold value can be filtered from the buddy cloud. In this regard, the threshold value can be selected with a slider control displayed in the messaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a graphic that describes multiple dimensions of performance for a subject intensive care unit (ICU) over a predefined period of time are provided. One method involves measuring the performance of the subject ICU against various metrics and displaying the measured performance as a graphic constructed of data strips placed adjacent to a 2-dimensional plot. The lengths of the data strips visually represent a percentage of patients that did not receive active treatment in the subject ICU, a rate of readmission to an ICU, and a median of the acute physiological scores (APS's) extracted from patients admitted to the subject ICU, respectively. The 2-dimensional plot includes an X-axis that represents a ratio of a hospital predicted mortality rate value over the measured mortality rate, while a Y-axis represents a difference between a predicted mean length of stay value and the measured mean length of stay value.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to present changes in clinical records are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying a difference between first and second clinical records of a patient, forming an animated clinical record display including the first clinical record and an animated depiction of the identified difference, and presenting the animated clinical record display at an output device.

Abstract: In an implementation of user interface transition, a user interface logon page is displayed with selectable logon controls that each have a corresponding user-identifiable indicator. A transition from the user interface logon page to a user interface desktop page is initiated in response to a selectable logon control being selected. The transition displays the user-identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control uninterrupted throughout the transition, and the user-identifiable indicator corresponding to the selectable logon control is displayed on the user interface desktop page.

Abstract: To provide a mobile information terminal that makes it easy to view a menu screen including many thumbnail images and improves operability at the time of selecting a thumbnail image. The mobile information terminal is configured to be provided with: a thumbnail menu display part 22 that sterically arranges many thumbnail images 12 in the same direction in a virtual space to display the thumbnail images 12 on a thumbnail screen 3a as if the thumbnail images 12 are viewed from an oblique direction; a slide operation detection part 23 that detects a slide operation on a pad surface of a touch pad 8; a pointer display part 24 that, on the basis of the slide operation, moves a pointer 14 on the thumbnail screen 3a; and a thumbnail selection part 26 that, on the basis of a decision operation by a user, selects a thumbnail image 12 at a position of the pointer 14.

Abstract: A system for identifying prior selection of specific display information on an EPG. In one embodiment, a user selects an object on a screen, and upon selection of the object, an attribute of the object (e.g., color, transparency, etc.) is modified. The modified value is saved into memory so the user may later identify that the specific object was selected. Each subsequent selection will modify the attribute further, allowing the user to identity that the object was selected a number of times. In one embodiment, the attribute will continue to be modified until a specific expiration limit has been reached.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an LCD and a touch panel, for example. On the LCD, a plurality of operation items making up of a series of operating procedures by means of a touch panel are displayed, and a current operation item out of them is highlight. Whether or not the current operation item is executed is determined on the basis of coordinate data via the touch panel, and whether or not a state attained by execution of a previous operation item has not been maintained is determined. In a case that it is determined that the previous operation item has not been maintained, the display of the current operation item is changed to a normal manner.

Abstract: Highlighting of content is aggregated across a plurality of users, thus enabling the content to be presented with highlights that represent the collective highlighting of the users. Highlighted content may be presented to the users with varying levels of prominence. Accordingly, depending on the aggregated highlight information, some content may be presented with a highlight that is more or less prominent than highlighting for other content. Prominence data associated with highlighted content may include a score indicative of a strength of the highlight for the highlighted content. A score indicating a stronger highlight causes the highlight to be presented with greater prominence. The score may be incremented, possibly on a weighted bases, to represent the combined highlighting of different users. Highlights may assume many different forms, including visual forms (such as colors, lines, borders, fonts, icons, etc.), audio forms and tactile forms.

Abstract: A method and system to provide selection of entries in input fields, such as email client, includes pre-processing a list of potential addresses before the list is shown to a user by eliminating less important or invalid entries, and then displaying a list of entries for selection to the user in a format which highlights the most probable address to support selection of a “right” address.

Abstract: A system is provided to assist a user in selecting, identifying, and handling email messages. A selection color module may provide for the display of color coding and selection highlighting. The selection color module may provide a secondary highlighting color to indicate messages related to a selected message. A category navigation module may provide one or more of the following: an indicator that provides the user with a number of items that are off the screen for a particular category, a command that causes the first entry for a category to be scrolled into view, a label to indicate the number of items in a particular category matching a particular criteria, and/or a control for scrolling between next or previous categories.

Abstract: A computing device with a touch screen display simultaneously displays on the touch screen display a plurality of user interface objects and at least one destination object. The computing device detects a first input by a user on a destination object displayed on the touch screen display. While continuing to detect the first input by the user on the destination object, the computing device detects a second input by the user on a first user interface object displayed on the touch screen display. In response to detecting the second input by the user on the first user interface object, the computing device performs an action on the first user interface object. The action is associated with the destination object.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a displaying method of the same, the display apparatus including a content output unit which outputs at least one content; a display unit; a video processor which processes and outputs a list image of the contents to the display unit; and a controller which controls the video processor to change a display effect of the list image according to frequency of use of the contents.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a contact list is provided. The method includes obtaining a contact list having a list of one or more media types for a contact. Contact data is obtained. The contact data defines an accessibility of the contact to the one or more media types. The method may include determining an accessibility level for reaching the contact using the one or more media types based on the contact data. The accessibility level may be a probability of reaching the contact using the one or more media types. The contact list may be adjusted based on the determined accessibility level.

Abstract: A media management user-interface (UI) application that provides access to media items and media files and provides browsing and search capabilities for locating media items within media files. The UI application may rely on a hierarchical display of various levels or categories of media files and, as such, the application is uniquely suited for portable digital devices having small displays. The hierarchal display of media file levels allows the user to easily browse through levels to identify a desired media file and to locate and display a desired media item. In addition, the UI application may provide for an easily activated search function that provides for keyword searches to be performed based on information that has been associated with media files and media items.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

Abstract: A method of operating an entertainment system includes computer-implemented steps including accessing a source of audio/video content. The source is capable of providing a plurality of media items. The media items are analyzed to thereby determine a corresponding classification for each of the items. A visual representation of each of the classifications is provided on a display of the entertainment system. One of the classifications being selected by a user is sensed. In response to the sensing, one of the media items corresponding to the selected classification is played, and/or the user is offered a choice among a plurality of the media items corresponding to the selected classification.

Abstract: The current status of a list of tasks to be performed is dynamically displayed. The tasks may be performed by a user (e.g., data entered by the user, words spoken by the user, actions taken by the user, and so forth) or alternatively by a computer (e.g., the steps it follows in carrying out a programmed task). At least a portion of the list is displayed at any given time along with an indication of which task is the next task to be performed. As the tasks are completed, the current status of the progression through the items on the list is dynamically updated so as to readily inform the user (or someone else) as to what the current task is that needs to be performed, as well as what tasks have already been performed and/or what tasks remain to be performed.

Abstract: A mobile terminal that displays menu information along a trace may include a memory unit to store menu information; a touch screen including a touch panel, the touch screen to display the menu information; and a controller to control the touch screen to display at least a portion of the menu information on a trace according to a dragged input signal corresponding to the trace. A method for displaying menu information on a display includes storing menu information including a menu item and sub-menu items corresponding to the menu item, receiving a dragged input signal on the display, the dragged input signal beginning at a start point, and displaying the sub-menu items on a trace corresponding to the dragged input signal, the menu item arranged at the start point.

Abstract: In a system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects including a server connected to a data network, the server having access to a digital medium containing an executable graphics user interface (GUI) accessible by computer browser, the GUI for contributing and editing content, a method for selecting a color from the display for application to content includes the steps (a) selecting or invoking a color reading tool, (b) moving the tool over the display monitor to read and preview colors using mouse movement, and (c) selecting a color read by the tool.

Abstract: A method for providing visual cues to a user of a graphical user interface (GUI) for a computer system is disclosed. The visual cues indicate a relationship with an icon having text and/or image elements. In some embodiments, the method receives a color for labeling an icon that has a text-element and an image-element. The method applies the color to a background-region of the text-element of the icon without applying the color to the image-element. In some embodiments, the method does not affect the font of the text. In some embodiments, the method receives a selection of an icon. The icon has a background-region that has a first color. The method changes the first color of the background-region to a second color but retains the first color in a section of the background-region. In some of these embodiments, the method outlines the section of the background-region with a third color.

Abstract: A method of enveloping a group of toolbar icons. An application program displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes multiple toolbar icons. If a graphical cursor is in proximity to a first toolbar icon, the application displays a graphical border that surrounds the first icon and one or more additional related icons included in a pre-defined toolbar icon group. The application displays a first identification tab that includes a toolbar group name and an icon name. The first tab includes a graphical thumbtack icon that generates a moveable hover window that includes the border, the toolbar icon group, and at least the first tab. The first tab also includes a graphical close icon that removes the moveable hover window from view. The application also displays a second identification tab that includes an icon attribute field corresponding to a current setting of a function of the first icon.

Abstract: A system highlights search terms in documents distributed over a network. The system generates a search query that includes a search term and, in response to the search query, receives a list of one or more references to documents in the network. The system receives selection of one of the references and retrieves a document that corresponds to the selected reference. The system then highlights the search term in the retrieved document.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating previews of interfaces. A system and method can be configured to define data for use in an operation, wherein the data is defined through a plurality of displays. An indication is received of a visual indicator receiving focus, wherein the visual indicator is displayed with a first display that is used to define first data. The visual indicator provides access to a second display for defining second data to be used during the operation. A preview is generated of the second display based upon the first display's visual indicator receiving focus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that can make the user easily search for desired data. By mutually superposing and displaying icons of respective plural files and folders, and carrying out the flipping operation for thus superposed and displayed icons, an arbitrary icon is shifted and displayed such that the icon is spread. Accordingly, the operation of searching for a desired icon from among the plural icons can be made more intuitive and comprehensible with a sense of flipping a page of a book. Furthermore, since plural icons indicative of the contents of files and folders corresponding to the respective plural icons are displayed such that the icons are not superposed one another, the user can visually confirm the contents of the respective icons, which makes it possible to easily search for an icon of a desired file or folder, and easily search for desired data consequently.

Abstract: In a method of managing an information processing apparatus displaying a menu screen in which plural menus are arranged and receiving selection of the menus, the information processing apparatus includes a display unit displaying the menu screen, an image data storage unit storing image data of the menus which can be displayed on the menu screen, an information recording unit recording menus displayed on the menu screens and menu display information in which the order of arranging the menus in the menu screen is recorded, and a control unit displaying the menu screen on the display unit based on the menu display information recorded in the information recording unit and the image data recorded in the image data storage unit, and the method of managing the information processing apparatus includes a step of creating menu display information and a step of recording menu display information created in the step of creating menu display information in the information recording unit to change the order of arrangeme

Abstract: In a hand-held device, a graphic user interface (GUI), comprising an active area in which a selected one or more items is displayed, said selected one or more items can be manipulated when displayed in said active area. The GUI also comprises a grid displaying non-selected items, wherein at least one row in the grid contains two or more items, wherein the items in the active area and the grid are displayed in an order maintained when a new item is selected and replaces the one or more items in the active area. Another GUI may combine a grid and one or more rows displaying items in a list arrangement.

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 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.