Abstract: Mechanisms for providing visual keyboard guides according to a programmable set of keys are provided. With the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments, a user may select for which keys of a keyboard the user wishes to receive visual guides on a display of a data processing device associated with the keyboard. Thereafter, when the user's fingers are in proximity to keys of the keyboard, a comparison of the keys in proximity to the user's instrument to the keys for which visual guides are to be provided is made. If the keys in proximity to the user's instrument match keys for which visual guides are to be provided, a visual guide is displayed on the display of the data processing device. A graphical user interface may be provided to the user for setting which keys are to have associated visual guides.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring a product using an array of configuration sets is disclosed. A user enters a size attribute indicating how many different versions of an attribute will be selected. The client device then displays multiple copies of a configuration set thereby allowing the user to select each attribute value independent of the other attribute values selected. Once the user's selections are complete, and all of the configuration rules are satisfied, the product may be built in accordance with the selected configuration parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for navigation within a set of audiovisual documents in an audiovisual apparatus. At least one document is recorded previously in the apparatus. Next, the apparatus receives a command of association of at least one identifier with the recorded document. Finally, the apparatus receives navigation commands for navigating around the list of recorded documents, the identifier or identifiers associated with the document is automatically reproduced when this document is selected. The invention also relates to an apparatus able to execute a software navigation module for using the process. According to improvements, the identifier is a video sequence, an audio sequence, a text or a still image.

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: Apparatus for displaying information from at least one information source, the information being arranged, labeled or indexed to define a hierarchical information structure, the apparatus comprising: a display controller for displaying information and user selectable menu items on at least one display, each menu item corresponding to a node of the information hierarchy or to information in the at least one information source. The display controller is configured such that during said navigation, in response to a user selection of a menu item from either one of the first or second display areas, a sub-set of menu items corresponding to sub-nodes and/or information in the information hierarchy at the level of the hierarchy below said selected menu item is displayed in the other of the second or first display areas.

Abstract: A user interface is controlled to support a user using an image processing apparatus which can perform a task, for example, for storing image data obtained by a scanner in a memory or printing the image by a printer. In a display apparatus which can display a user interface including operation items, a user's intention is estimated, and an operation by the user for specifying a task is supported. For example, statuses of an image input unit and an image accept unit relating to execution of the task are monitored, and display forms of the operation items are varied in accordance with results of the monitoring.

Abstract: In an analyzing system including a plurality of analyzing apparatuses and an operational status collector for collecting the analyzing apparatus' operational status by way of a data communication network, each status of the plurality of analyzing apparatuses is conventionally displayed in the form of a list. This causes a problem that there is no knowing the installation position of an actual analyzing apparatus from a client for analysis which is installed separately from the analyzing apparatus. In the operational status display system for an analyzing apparatus according to the present invention, an analyzing apparatus arrangement image is displayed in which the arrangement positions of the analyzing apparatuses are illustrated with apparatus images. The user can easily grasp the actual arrangement position of an analyzing apparatus. Alternatively, each analyzing apparatus' operational status may be displayed on the apparatus image.

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 for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side includes displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: This document describes various techniques for creating, modifying, and using graphical mashups. In one embodiment, a graphical mashup is created based on locations of graphical representations of objects in a working area. Logical connections between the objects are created based on the objects' locations relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the techniques may enable a user to create or modify a graphical mashup by adding or deleting objects, modifying logical connections between objects, annotating objects, or abstracting the graphical mashup.

Abstract: Picture adjustment apparatus and methods for a video display appliance, include: a memory for storing information pertaining to at least one apparatus adjustment on-screen display (OSD), the adjustment OSD information including configurable OSD accessibility information, and a control section that processes the stored OSD information. The control section is configured to output OSD data to control display of each OSD, the accessibility of each OSD distinguishable in accordance with the stored OSD accessibility information, wherein an accessible OSD is displayed differently than an inaccessible OSD.

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

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and software are presented for a device to provide information about operation of a button during operation of the button. The button performs a first action if the button has been operated a first way, and performs a second alternative action if the button has instead been operated a second way. The user is provided with information, during the operation of the button, indicative of the second way.

Abstract: A host device includes: a scroll display processing section which moves and serially displays, in a predetermined area of a setting screen, expanded function icons indicating respective plural expanded functions which are available when a printing process is executed; a switching icon determination section which specifies the reference number of the expanded function icon which has reached a display type switching means which is a predetermined position or a position specified by an input by the user; and a display type switching section which switches the display type of the expanded function icon corresponding to the reference number specified by the switching icon determination section. With this, it is possible to provide an information processing device which moves and serially displays plural icons, and to display an eye-friendly setting screen.

Abstract: A basic information recording unit 122 stores version data in which the versions of a plurality of application programs stored in a portable information device is written. An update verifying unit 110 receives update status data indicating whether an update to the version of at least one of the plurality of application programs is available. An update identifying unit 112 refers to the update status data and identifies an application program assigned an older version number in comparison with the updated version. A display processor 114 displays a menu screen where a plurality of startup icons for the plurality of application programs are located, and changes the appearance of the startup icon for the application program identified by the update identifying unit 112 to indicate that an update to the version is available.

Abstract: Modifying the appearance of a movable position-marker on a display screen of an electronic device is disclosed. A graphical user interface program is run on a microprocessor module of the electronic device that controls display of images on a display screen. Designating a partial area of a page of displayed using an overlaid position marker which has a perimeter defining a highlighting area. The bounded area can be partially non-uniformly filled.

Abstract: A method and method for displaying an image via a graphical user interface on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device includes detecting a predetermined relation between a selection tool and the image. The image is panned in response to movement of the selection tool along the touch-sensitive display. The image is zoomed on in response to depression of the touch-sensitive display. An optional cursor may be activated upon detection of a first tap of the selection tool on the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: Several elements are displayed on a computer display. The user is provided with a haptic device, for moving a cursor over the display. Distances between the cursor and the various elements are computed; the element with the smallest distance is highlighted on the display. When the user moves the haptic device, the identified element is changed, according to the distance between the cursor and the various elements. The user selects the identified element by actuating a select button. The invention makes it possible for the user to select one of the displayed elements, without having to move the cursor over the element to be selected. No prior knowledge of the shape of the elements is required for carrying out the selection process.

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: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment for representing files stored in stacks. The method includes providing a set of stack icons, each icon in the set having a stack height representing a range of stack sizes. The method additionally includes determining a stack size for a selected stack and selecting and displaying an appropriate stack icon from the set of stack icons based on the determined stack size. The selected stack may be stored within one of multiple libraries. Accordingly a distinct set of icons relevant to each library may be stored for each library. The icons may visibly convey information pertaining to the relevant library. Accordingly, the method may include representing a selected stack by determining an appropriate library and an appropriate stack height and displaying a corresponding icon. The system may additionally include an empty stack icon, a generic stack icon, property based icons, and custom thumbnail icons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a user to select pieces of information. The apparatus comprising a rotatable part or a touch pad for the user to operate to scroll between the pieces of information using a movement along a closed path. Touch or engagement at predetermined position(s) along the closed path will allow the user to select predetermined pieces of information independently of the position of the scrolling.

Abstract: An improved system and method for focus navigation behavior specification in a user interface is provided. To this end, an application may include declarations that may associate a focus navigation resource with a user interface object and a focus navigation behavior may be dynamically selected for changing the input focus in the user interface. A focus navigation engine may be provided for applying a number of focus navigation behaviors for moving input focus within and among logical groups of user interface objects. A visual representation of the user interface objects with the applied focus navigation behavior may be generated and a display representation may be rendered for presentation on a user interface display.

Abstract: A system and method permits user control of a graphical user interface displayed to the user. The system comprises a user input device communicatively connected to a computing device. The computer device includes a display to display a graphical user interface, and a controller configured to partition the graphical user interface into a plurality of objects. The controller sets a focus to one of the objects responsive to a user input signal, and is configured to change the focus between the objects provided a user generates subsequent user input signals before a predetermined period of time expires. After the predetermined period of time expires and no user input signals have been received, the controller automatically selects the object having the current focus.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus that relates to inserting contextual advertising into interactive visual content. The present invention provides a means to visually highlight elements within images, video, interactive applications and other visual content and then connect those elements to relevant content and messages from advertisers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a user interface, and a recording medium using the same are provided. First, a plurality of user interfaces is provided and one of them is displayed on a touch screen of a portable electronic device. Then, the touch screen is used for detecting a touch signal. When the touch signal is moved toward a first direction, the currently displayed user interface is switched to another one. When the touch signal is moved toward a second direction, an item of the currently displayed user interface is switched to another item. Accordingly, a more intuitive and convenient manner for operating the user interface is provided for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for user interfacing. The user interfacing method of a portable terminal with a pointing device includes checking whether or not pointing through the pointing device has occurred, and removing a current image while distorting the current image around a pointing position if pointing has occurred. The user interfacing apparatus of a portable terminal comprises a pointing device for enabling pointing by a user, a display unit for displaying an image for graphic user interfacing, and a control unit for controlling the display unit in such a manner that a current image is removed by distorting the current image around a pointing position and a resultant image according to the pointing is displayed if the pointing has occurred through the pointing device.

Abstract: An information processing system including a support section that displays a document in a given region and supports creation of the document, an acceptance section that accepts a search request in relation to a search target when the search target is selected from the document in the given region, and a search section that searches for information related to the search target based on the search request in relation to the search target.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating efficient local search using acronym are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a graphic user interface is provided to accept inputs from a user; letters successively entered as the inputs from the user are received; and titles are then progressively reduced and displayed in accordance with the letters, wherein the titles have words each beginning with one of the letters.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a first tray and a second tray in a display of the portable communications device. The first tray is configured to display one of more characters that were selected by a user using a click wheel. The second tray includes a first plurality of icons that correspond to a set of characters and one or more recommended words. The first tray includes a first region in a graphical user interface and the second tray includes a second region in the graphical user interface. Scrolling through the first plurality of icons and the one or more recommended words occurs in accordance with one or more navigation commands received from a click wheel.

Abstract: Computer-storage media, computerized methods and systems for formatting a page layout according to form factors of a display area are provided. Initially, search results are received and dynamically converted into respective block-level elements, where each of the block-level elements is associated with a portion of content from one of the received search results. Form factors are retrieved from a graphical user interface. Typically the form factors are associated with properties of a display area initiated to present the search results. At least one adaptive template is selected according to the retrieved form factors. The portion of content of each of the block-level elements is formatted based on at least one adaptive template. Also, the adaptive template is utilized to establish content panes within the page layout, as directed by the form factors. These content panes are populated with one or more of the block-level elements.

Abstract: A user interface uses color to match icons displayed to the user on a display with one or more corresponding input controls. Text or graphic icons representing functions of a portable electronic device are color coded, and the corresponding input controls are illuminated in the same colors. By using color to match the icons with the associated control(s), the present invention intuitively indicates to the user which controls are associated with a particular icon.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which links in web pages are provided with an indication of the most frequently used path from a given link. The most frequently used path is selectable by a user so as to enable the user to directly view the web page at the end of the path or at any point along that path.

Abstract: A user interface having a persistent graphical interface element is disclosed. The element may have an appearance of a mechanical structure that traverses one or more displayed tracks. Movement along the tracks may be animated in response to navigation commands. Selectable menu panels may be included in the interface, and may overlay displayed contents of documents being viewed and/or edited to ensure that certain menu options are always available. The menu may be given multiple distinct appearances corresponding to different display sizes.

Abstract: A program or system function on a computer system is automatically invoked by receiving a user-selected first insertion point or replacement area within a first user interface to a destination computer file. Subsequent to receiving the first insertion point within a destination file, a second user interface to content of a source computer file is provided upon user command. Then, responsive to a user highlighting text within the second user interface, the highlighted text is automatically copied from the application program to a clipboard buffer. Auto-trigger rules are searched for a rule which correlates to said highlighted text copied to the clipboard and, upon finding a correlating rule, one or more programs or system functions are invoked according to the found rule without need to modify or change said application program.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and controlling an annularity-type OSD menu in an image display device includes a key input unit (10), a control unit (11), an OSD menu generation unit (12), a storage unit (13), an image signal output unit (14), a pre-amplifier (15), an image output unit (16), and an image display device (17). The key input unit is for pressing or rotating to output command signals for displaying and controlling function control targets in the annularity-type OSD menu. The control unit is for outputting control signals and control data to display and control the annularity-type OSD menu according to the command signals. Each function control target includes related optional items, and can be expanded into its related optional items at an active area of the image display device. Further, each function control target can be displayed in a different size according to its display position.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and controlling an OSD menu in an image display device includes a key input unit (10), a control unit (11), an OSD menu generation unit (12), a storage unit (13), an image signal output unit (14), a pre-amplifier (15), an image output unit (16), and a liquid crystal display (LCD) (17). The key input unit is for outputting a command signal for displaying and controlling function control targets in the OSD menu. The control unit is for determining whether to move and adjust the function control targets. The OSD menu generation unit is for outputting OSD image signals. The image signal output unit is for outputting image signals. The pre-amplifier is for converting the image signals and the OSD image signals. The image output unit is for amplifying and outputting the converted signals. The LCD is for displaying the converted signals from the image output unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mail status notification system including a software application, at least one item of mail, a colour-coded identification means and at least one functional feature whereby the mail status notification system provides a means of enabling a user to quickly and easily identify the status of said mail including whether it has been sent, received, read or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively displaying selection indication fields is described. A user may select multiple items using various selection indication fields. The fields may be displayed all the time or may only appear if a pointing device or cursor is near the field or an associated item.

Abstract: A method for implementing a preview function which enables a user to easily view any user data on a mobile terminal having two display units is disclosed. When a request for checking user data is input, the mobile terminal displays a list of corresponding user data files on one display unit. At the same time, the mobile terminal displays the content of the user data file, which is focused by an indicator in the displayed list, on the other display unit. Thus, the user can easily check and view each user data file simply by moving the indictor in the list, which enhances the user's convenience.

Abstract: A method to allow a user to cause a machine to make an utterance, together with apparatus for obtaining input from a user. The method comprises the steps of: analysing the context within which the utterance is to be made; creating a list of utterances appropriate to the context; on a human/machine interface, creating an indication that identifies to the user those utterances that are available, and allowing the user to indicate one of those utterances; and causing an utterance indicated by the user to be made. The apparatus comprises: a visual display configured to display a plurality of indicia angularly spaced on a locus about an origin, each of the plurality of indicia corresponding to a respective option; and an input device for use in indicating an angular position, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate an input event corresponding to an option associated with one of the plurality of indicia at an angular position corresponding to an angular position indicated by the input device.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for customizing a user interface. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises receiving a given content item and scoring the given content item. When the score exceeds a threshold, at least a portion of the given content is highlighted. The given content item is displayed with at least the portion of the given content item highlighted.

Abstract: A method for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side includes displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing a presumptive drafting solution. Input from a cursor control device is received, wherein the input reflects a movement in a computer drawing program of a cursor over a drawing having one or more geometric entities (having one or more geometric attributes). In one or more embodiments, a relevant geometric entity is identified based on how the cursor is moved over the drawing. A presumptive drafting solution is then provided based on the identified relevant geometric entity. In addition, prior drawing solutions (having one or more solution attributes) are obtained and compared to the one or more geometric attributes. A drawing solution having one or more solution attributes similar to the one or more geometric attributes may be provided to the user.

Abstract: Two parallel time lines are displayed. On a first time line all possible solutions for scheduling an appointment within a preset period of time, such as a day or a part of the day, are displayed. Such a possible solution can be selected. Triggered by such a user selection of one of the displayed possible solutions a period surrounding the selected possible solution is blown up and displayed on the second time line. Possible solutions within the period on said second time line are indicated and can also be selected.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for controlling presentation of a resource based on position or movement of a selector and presentable content are disclosed. According to one method, input including movement of a selector in a view comprising a portion of presentable content of a resource being presented on a display device is detected. A distance between a selector position and at least one of a selectable entity in the presentable content and a position in the presentable content outside the view is determined. The presentable content is scrolled in response to detecting the input. At least one of a rate of the scrolling and a distance moved by the selector is controlled based on the determined distance.

Abstract: A method includes determining, in response to focus being set on a link referencing a resource, one or more properties of the resource referenced by the link. Data is selected corresponding to one or more of a plurality of tactile feedback patterns based on the properties. Tactile feedback is enabled corresponding to the one or more tactile feedback patterns based at least in part on the data. An electronic device includes memories having a set of instructions and processors coupled to the memories. The processors are configured by the instructions to determine, in response to focus being set on a link referencing a resource, properties of the resource referenced by the link, to select data corresponding to one or more tactile feedback patterns based on the properties, and to enable tactile feedback corresponding to the one or more tactile feedback patterns.

Abstract: A system and method enabling comparative and interactive preview of the effects of different operational settings to facilitate adjustment of a media-playing set includes providing a memory to store a test sample for each control item and a demonstrational tool to generate a plurality of preview items for simultaneous presentation on the display while the settings of the control item are being adjusted, such preview items being based on the test sample such that each preview item reflects the effect on the sample caused by selection of a respective setting for the control item. A system and method enabling expanded interactive preview of the effects of operational settings similar to the above except the test sample is provided for grouped pairs of the control items and each preview item reflects the effect caused by selection of different combinations of settings for the control items in this grouped pair.

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 computing device comprises a display screen, the computing device is able to display on the screen a contact list automatically causes the relative prominence of one or more letters in one or more names to alter. For example, only the first letter of each name may be displayed; this facilitates fast scrolling through the contact list to the desired target.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to process image data in which a plurality of link destinations are set in one region. Another object of this invention is to allow the user intuitively to recognize the setup states of links, since link regions have different display patterns in correspondence with the numbers of link destinations upon displaying the link regions. If the designated link region has only one link destination, a dotted circle (for example) is displayed on the link region (S407). If the designated link region has two link destinations, a solid circle (for example) is displayed (step S409). If the designated link region has three or more link destinations, a double circle (for example) is displayed (step S408). Again, if the designated link region has only one link destination, an image at the link destination is set as display data (S421), while if the designated link region has a plurality of link destinations, all the link destinations may be displayed in a list (S415).