Abstract: A sphere is displayed on an interactive graphical user interface with a central circular disk that represents a current computer system, and a second circular disk that represents a second computer system as part of the sphere positioned parallel above or below the central circular disk. A current tag representing a first resource stored in a current storage of the current computer system is displayed on the interactive graphical user interface on a surface of the central circular disk. A second tag representing a second resource stored in a second storage of the second computer system is displayed on the interactive graphical user interface on a surface of the second circular disk.

Abstract: A first graphical object on a user interface of a device can be transformed to a second graphical object on the user interface. The second graphical object can be manipulated by a user on the user interface using touch input or by physically moving the device. When manipulated, the object can be animated to appear to have mass that responds to real-world, physical forces, such as gravity, friction or drag. The data represented by the second graphical object can be compressed or archived using a gesture applied to the second graphical object. Graphical objects can be visually sorted on the user interface based on their mass (size). The visual appearance of graphical objects on the user interface can be adjusted to indicate the age of data represented by the graphical objects.

Abstract: A file management apparatus displays place images each of which is a unit for managing files on a display unit in a matrix manner. Files and thumbnail images are stored in association with one of the place images. When a place image is selected, thumbnail images associated with the selected place image are displayed on the display unit. When an instruction for shifting upward, downward, to the left, or to the right while thumbnail images are displayed, other thumbnail images associated with a place image arranged in a direction indicated by the instruction from a place image associated with the currently-displayed thumbnail images are displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating a multi-dimensional input. A user interface platform causes, at least in part, a mapping of one or more parameters, one or more representations of the one or more parameters, or a combination thereof onto one or more respective surface segments of at least one three-dimensional icon. The user interface platform then causes, at least in part, a rendering of the at least one three-dimensional icon in a user interface. The user interface platform then determines one or more manipulations of the at least one three-dimensional icon in the user interface, and processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more manipulations to determine one or more weighting values for the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of a plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon. When executed by at least one processor, the instructions may be configured to cause a computing system to at least generate a graphical user interface (GUI), receive selections of characters and directional input, and compare the selections of the characters and the directional input to a stored passcode combination. The GUI may include at least one face and a plurality of buttons inside the at least one face. At least some of the plurality of buttons may include characters in a random or pseudorandom sequence. The GUI may be configured to receive selections of the characters and directional input to the at least one face.

Abstract: A method for making available a user interface, in particular in a vehicle, in which one or more graphic objects are displayed on a display with a touch-sensitive surface, an operator controlled intention which can be assigned to an operator controlled area of the display is determined in a contactless fashion in a space in the viewing direction in front of the display, and an operator controlled action is implemented by touching one of the graphic objects in the operator-controlled area of the display. Three-dimensional graphics data are calculated for a graphic object in the operator-controlled area of the display, and that when the operator-controlled intention has been determined, the graphic object in the operator-controlled area is emphasized visually in that the display of the graphic object which can be perceived over an area in the plane of the display is changed into a display which can be perceived spatially.

Abstract: A menu and application navigation system utilizing pressure includes a display device including a touch sensitive user interface, and a navigation engine coupled to the display device. The navigation engine is configured to generate a measurement of pressure applied by a user as a function of time at the touch sensitive user interface. The navigation engine is further configured to navigate through a three dimensional data set in response to the measurement of pressure. An increase in the pressure navigates in a first direction through the three dimensional data set, and a decrease in the pressure navigates in a second direction through the three dimensional data set.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes a search unit for searching for a second content linked to a first content and a display control unit for controlling display of a search history of content search performed in accordance with one of a first image and a first character, each indicating the first content, one of a second image and a second character, each indicating the second content and link information linking the first content to the second content.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes at least a display unit, a sensing unit, and a controller. The display unit includes a touch screen and displays at least two three-dimensional (3D) menu icons and each of the at least two 3D menu icons includes at least one menu. The display unit further displays a first menu on a first display surface of each of the at least two 3D menu icons, the first menu on each of the at least two 3D menu icons being different. The sensing unit detects an input for controlling at least one of the at least two 3D menu icons. The controller controls the display unit to display a second menu on a second display surface of each of the at least two 3D menu icons in response to the detected input. Each of the at least two 3D menu icons displayed on the display unit includes at least two display surfaces, each of the at least two display surfaces displaying a different menu.

Abstract: A method performed by a user device includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a touch screen, where the GUI includes a stack having a plurality of items. Each of the plurality of items is at least partially exposed to permit selection by a user, and each of the plurality of items includes content or provides access to content. The method further includes detecting an area of the touch screen that is touched by an instrument, and determining whether the touched area corresponds to an area of the stack or an area of one of the plurality of items. The method also includes determining a gesture corresponding to the touched area, performing an operation, corresponding to the gesture, on the stack or on the one of the plurality of items, and displaying, on the touch screen, content associated with the operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating search results for output to a user. A number of “views” of search results may be provided each having particular formats. In a product search engine implementation, a grid view may be provided that allows multi-column display of product-related search results. In other implementations, a user may be able to select between multiple output modes/formats, and may even be able to select how search results should be output (e.g., what type and format of cues should be output for each search result).

Abstract: A user is enabled to interact with a virtual world environment using an instant messenger application by enabling a user to enter the virtual world environment using the instant messenger application that includes an instant messaging (IM) user interface, generating and managing an avatar to represent the user in the virtual world environment, monitoring a sub-portion of the virtual world environment corresponding to a current location of the user in the virtual world environment, determining descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment based on the monitoring, and providing the user with the determined descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment via the IM user interface.

Abstract: A method of generating and populating a three-dimensional rotatable user interaction portal is provided, comprising the steps of determining or retrieving a plurality categories, determining or retrieving a plurality of selectable list items associated with each list category, generating a three-dimensional body that can rotate about a first axis, the three-dimensional body in turn comprising a plurality of three-dimensional body components, each body component being rotatable about a second axis, arranging and displaying the selectable list items in the plurality of three-dimensional body components, and allowing a user, through a user input means, to rotate the three-dimensional body and/or one or more of the three-dimensional body components, along a defined path provided by the first and/or second axis, respectively.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus are provided that enable a user interface or user interface element (e.g., an icon) to communicate additional contextual information for an associated application or file through attributes of the user interface or user interface element. For example, a simulated shadow of an icon or a simulated image projected on an icon can communicate contextual information for the application or file corresponding to the icon. One exemplary method includes: displaying an icon associated with an application or file; and displaying in association with the icon a simulated shadow having contextual information associated with the application or file.

Abstract: The system provides a method and apparatus for sorting and displaying collections of communications. These communications can be a single type or multiple types of data and may come from email systems, bulletin boards, text messages, Facebook and Twitter postings and comments, financial transactions, travel itineraries or any other type of communications. The communications represented by the system can be electronic or physical as desired. The system can also present forwarded, copied, replied, or other types of communications. In one embodiment, the system provides a Universe View of a set of communications. The Universe View, in one embodiment, is a three dimensional representation of a plurality of cubes. Each cube represents a subset of a collection of communications. Each cube can be color coded or shaded to represent a dominant theme of the contents of the communications represented by the cube.

Abstract: A display device stereoscopically displays operation items. An input device is provided on a display screen of the display device and receives an input of operation with an operation body from a user. A data manager manages a constituent item management table in which each of the operation items is associated with item image data, position information for stereoscopic display, and a command to be executed when operated. An operable range calculator calculates a stereoscopic, operable range of an operation item based on the position information of the operation item. An operation position detector detects a position of the operation body. When the operation body enters the operable range of any operation item, an operation executor executes the command associated with the operation item.

Abstract: An operating method of a broadcasting receiver storing a broadcasting program and providing thumbnail images of a channel-switched broadcasting program during storing the broadcasting program and a broadcasting receiver enabling of the method, thus providing a representative thumbnail image of a channel-switched broadcasting program during storing of the broadcasting program, making it possible to improve a user's convenience by providing information on what the channel-switched broadcasting program is as well as by extracting and outputting thumbnail images from the broadcasting program.

Abstract: Tools for use within a 3D scene. The 3D scene may be presented by at least one display, which includes displaying at least one stereoscopic image of the 3D scene by the display(s). The 3D scene may be presented according to a first viewpoint. User input may be received to the 3D scene using one or more tools. The 3D scene may be updated in response to the use of the one or more tools.

Abstract: Exemplary user interface enhancements for media content access systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system launching a graphical user interface for display, the graphical user interface initially including a graphical representation of a channel guide comprising a grid matrix of channel icons representing a plurality of media content channels through which media content is accessible by the media content access system and a graphical representation of an advertisement displayed together with the channel guide in the graphical user interface, detecting a user navigation event within the channel guide displayed in the graphical user interface, and replacing, in response to the user navigation event, the graphical representation of the advertisement with a graphical representation of content specific to a media content channel within the plurality of media content channels. Corresponding user interfaces, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Location-based display characteristics in a user interface are described. In an implementation, a determination is made by mobile communications device that icon is to be displayed at a particular location in the user interface. A display characteristic is applied by the mobile communications device that is defined for the particular location such that a display of the icon is changed. The icon is displayed having an applied display characteristic on the display device of the mobile communications device at the particular location in the user interface.

Abstract: An icon displaying method and an icon display device are provided. The icon displaying method includes displaying on a part of a virtual desktop on a displaying field, wherein the virtual desktop is disposed with a plurality of icons; detecting a selection operation from a gesture; scrolling the icons displayed on the displaying field toward a first direction according to the selection operation from the gesture; according to the first direction, determining whether there is an undisplayed icon in a second direction outside of the displaying field on the virtual desktop, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction; and when no undisplayed icon is present in the second direction, rotating at least one icon displayed on the displaying field by an angle toward the first direction based on the selection operation from the gesture.

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In some embodiments, an icon representing a file is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI), where the icon includes one or more predefined decorations. The decorations may be chosen based on the file type, such as slide decorations for presentations, a foldover for documents, etc. This may also be referred to as type conformance. A preview of the content of the file is presented within the icon without launching an application which has created the file (also referred to as the creator application). The pre-defined decorations on the icon may be maintained on the icon while the preview of the content of the file is presented. The format of the icon (e.g., shape of the icon, size of the icon, etc.) may be maintained as well during presentation of the preview. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to presenting a first portion of content and a second portion of content in a two-dimensional view via a graphical user interface and detecting an input associated with one or more of the first portion of the content and the second portion of the content. Some embodiments are further directed to selecting the first portion of the content in response to the detecting of the input, and changing the presenting of the first portion of the content from the two-dimensional view to a three-dimensional view in response to the selecting the first portion of the content. Some embodiments are further directed to continuing to present the second portion of the content in the two-dimensional view while changing the presenting of the first portion of the content to the three-dimensional view.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A system and method of navigating among multiple real-time data streams on a mobile device is presented. Multiple thumbnail image representations are displayed wherein each thumbnail image is associated with an available real-time data stream. A user provides navigation input via a user interface for navigating among the multiple displayed thumbnail image representations. The thumbnail image representation currently selected based on the navigation input is highlighted or otherwise made to stand out on the mobile device display. The user then selects a highlighted thumbnail image representation, via the user interface, thereby activating the real-time data stream associated with the highlighted thumbnail image representation. This causes the real-time data stream associated with the selected highlighted thumbnail image representation to be displayed on the mobile device display.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided that has two distinct sections. A first area has an array of menu items. When a menu item is hovered over by a pointer, an icon such as a contextually-related animated icon is displayed on a second area and changes its appearance in such a way as to indicate to the user the location of the pointer and/or the consequence of selecting that menu item.

Abstract: In a screen for displaying thumbnail images, a background image is displayed on an entire portion of a specific area, translucent lanes are displayed on the background, and thumbnail images are displayed on a lane located in the center of the screen. When a mouse pointer is put on a lane on the right side of the lane located in the center, a symbol image that is arranged on the right side of a symbol image corresponding to the thumbnail images on a place map screen, and a file name of the symbol image are displayed on the lane that is specified by the mouse pointer.

Abstract: A computer application program can comprise multiple overlapping states associated with functionality or components of the application program. Simultaneous output of all such states can be impractical. Representative states can be defined in terms of the statuses of individual states relevant to a particular representative state. Additionally, representative states can be ranked, where multiple representative states that share the same ranking can overlap with each other, but not with other representative states. To avoid transitioning between states too quickly, and presenting output for too short a time, hysteresis mechanisms can be applied in the form of a set delay, a reset delay or a combination thereof. The duration of the set and reset delay can be established independently of each other and independently for each state. The output can be in accordance with the representative state associated with the current statuses of individual states, accounting for selected hysteresis mechanisms.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for three-dimensional (3-D) displaying and navigating of search results are provided. In embodiments, a criterion may be received from a user of a publication system. A database associated with the publication system may be searched based on the criterion. Search results retrieved from the database may be displayed on at least one side of a 3-D interface object. At least one control may be displayed proximate to the three 3-D interface object. The control may be used to navigate the 3-D interface object.

Abstract: The Quantum Matrix system is a multi-dimensional, multi-threaded exchange environment for data organization, management, and manipulation. Data is organized into a multi-dimensional structure of nodes. Nodes may represent data, absence of data, or another set of nodes. The multi-dimensional structure or portions of it can be automatically created from a file system. One or more associations are also defined for the multi-dimensional structure. An association indicates a relationship between a node and another node, data, or a set of nodes. The multi-dimensional structure is then displayed three-dimensionally and navigated. Relational logic, Boolean algebra, or a scripting language can be applied to the nodes, data, and associations to produce a resultant set of nodes. Furthermore, portions of the multi-dimensional structure can be isolated with the use of planes to ease navigation. Furthermore, the Quantum Matrix system may have a client-server architecture, with the client running on a mobile device.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment relates to a method of controlling a three-dimensional user interface, which controls a three-dimensional user interface to follow a user's motion, and a mobile terminal using the same. The method comprising: displaying a plurality of three-dimensional menu icons; sensing movement of a user; and rotating at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional menu icons according to the sensed movement such that at least one reference face of the at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional menu icons follows the user's movement.

Abstract: A 3D display device is provided. The 3D display device provides a 3D preview image to be displayed and a control menu for setting various parameters for the 3D preview image to a user and thus enables the user to optimize the 3D parameters before viewing 3D content and view the 3D content.

Abstract: Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path. Each icon corresponds to a content-specific menu item.

Abstract: A method of browsing an ordered set of items on a display device is disclosed. The method displays the ordered set of items as ordered subsets (301-308) of the items, the subsets being arranged in parallel, each subset comprising a corresponding number (310, 311, 312) of a plurality of the items. The method selects one item (310) from one subset (305) as a focus item. The method then spatially separates the items preceding and the items following the focus item in the ordered set and displays the focus item in a different relative spatial arrangement (702) compared to the remaining displayed items.

Abstract: Predetermined travel locuss are set in a three-dimensional virtual space. Menu panels displaying menu items are arranged along the travel locuss assuming a display position set as a local origin so that the normal to each LCD panel will face a virtual camera. The transparency of a menu panel is raised in accordance with its distance to the virtual camera. A scroll operation moves menu panels along the travel locuss connecting display positions P until a selected specific menu panel reaches the display position P0. A display screen is drawn with the virtual camera and menu panels are three-dimensionally displayed in rolls. By sliding a stylus pen on the LCD panel, the menu screen displayed on the LCD panel scrolls at a velocity corresponding to the drag velocity. When the stylus pen is released from the LCD panel, an application program corresponding to the menu display entity (crosshatched) is activated.

Abstract: The hierarchical structure display device includes a hierarchical structure storing unit, a display unit, and a display control unit. The hierarchical structure storing unit stores information about a hierarchical structure of menus where each item contained in a menu is linked to a directly beneath level menu. The display control unit controls the display unit to display at least one menu in the display screen and to preserve at least a first region in the display screen for displaying titles of items contained in a menu of interest. The titles of items contained in a menu are arranged one after another in the second direction with each title extending in the first direction, and the first region has a first length in the first direction long enough to entirely visibly indicate the titles of items.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented to provide a multiple-function user interactive tool adapted for manipulating three-dimensional objects graphically presented within a virtual space.

Abstract: A method referred to as visual window browsing allows a user to browse through windows on their desktop. Aspects of the invention include responsive to a command, moving open windows to form a visual stack with the topmost window in the stack being in focus. Responsive to a browse the windows in the visual stack can be browsed, where the topmost window moves to the bottom of the visual stack and the other windows move higher in the stack, with the second highest window becoming the topmost window and being in focus. Successive browse commands causes this behavior to repeat allowing a user to cycle through each of the open windows.

Abstract: A three dimensional graphical user interface module operating within a computing system in a manner to display information retrieved from a database within or operatively connected to the computing system that stores a plurality of data files. The graphical user interface is configured as a plurality of viewable surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of viewable surfaces is configured as a sphere, displayed three-dimensionally and includes a plurality of interface items displayed thereon. In using the three dimensional graphical user interface, the user may access a second viewable surface configured as a three-dimensional sphere through an entrance point within a first viewable surface configured as a three-dimensional sphere. The three dimensional graphical user interface allows the user to access and retrieve the data stored in the database upon selecting one of the plurality of interface items illustrated on the surface of one of the plurality of viewable surfaces.

Abstract: A graphic user interface management system displays all shortcuts on surfaces of a first three-dimensional (3D) graph displayed on a desktop background. The first 3D graph streams objects during rotating. On projection paths of the objects, a first preset number of objects forms system time to be displayed on the desktop background, a second preset number of objects forms a process wall, which displays running processes of shortcuts invoked by a user from the first 3D graph. The shortcuts dragged from the first 3D graph to other positions of the desktop background are represented by second 3D graphs. A rotation speed and direction of the first 3D graph change according to an operation speed and direction on the first 3D. The system further performs corresponding desktop display actions according to manipulated operations on the first 3D graph, the process wall, or the second 3D graphs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of three-dimensional icons that can be used to display a wide variety of information in an efficient manner and that can effectively organize a large number of applications on the display of a computing device (e.g., on the display of a mobile device). In one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, an icon is associated with one or more applications, and a first panel of the icon is displayed. An update to the first application is received. Based on the update to the first application, the icon is rotated in three dimensions and a second panel of the icon is displayed with an indication of the update to the application.

Abstract: The present application is directed to push notifications that can be used to dynamically update multiple icon panels. For example, the push notifications can be used to update two or more icon panels associated with the same application or two or more panels (i.e., sides) of a three-dimensional icon. In one embodiment, one or more push notifications can be used to independently update content on the panels. In another embodiment, a user can choose settings to assign panels that are to be updated using push notifications. A third party server can be automatically informed of an identification for the panel so that future push notifications incorporate the identification information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: Illustrated is a system and method to prepare for display, within a Graphical User Interface (GUI), a subset selection pane, an icon and summary pane, and a sort pane. The system and method further to include to prepare for display, within the icon and summary pane, a result set that includes an icon representing a three dimensional book and a textual summary of the book. The system and method also includes enabling a screen object, within the subset selection pane, to receive input to select a subset of the result set to be displayed within the icon and summary pane. Further, the system and method includes enabling a screen object, within the sort pane, to receive input to select the subset of the result set to be sorted and displayed within the icon and summary pane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying an icon of a multimedia file on a user interface, and a recording medium thereof are provided. In the present method, a file quality grade of the multimedia file is obtained first. A resolution of the icon of the multimedia file is subsequently adjusted according to the file quality grade and the adjusted icon is displayed on the user interface. As a result, the user can quickly determine the quality of the multimedia file by determining whether the icon is clear or not, thereby more conveniently opening the multimedia file that meets the file quality requirement.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display presents a plurality of icons that are associated with a user interface of an electronic device. The plurality of icons include at least a first icon presented at a first depth of presentation and a second icon presented at a second, different depth of presentation. The first icon is associated with a first input component of the user interface, such that the first input component provides for interaction with the first icon. The second icon is associated with a second input component of the user interface, such that the second input component provides for interaction with the second icon. The aforementioned depths of presentation may substantially coincide with various surfaces of the electronic device (such as a first touch-sensitive surface and a second touch-sensitive surface). This approach can serve to facilitate three-dimensional presentation of icons for interaction by touch-sensitive surfaces on the front and back of the electronic device.

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.