Abstract: Solutions for providing iconography to entice users to interact with multimedia services. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive media enticement system. Dynamic, interactive “photo stack” iconography can presented on the user supersystem for enticing users to interact with multimedia functionality of the user supersystem. For example, a “photo stack” icon dynamically displays a “most recent” photo as a top photo on a virtual photo stack. In certain cases, clicking on the “photo stack” icon brings the user to a photo booth application, through which the user may create, edit, post, etc. photos.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for creating, displaying, and editing a sub-process within a process diagram. A diagramming application provides for the grouping of existing process operations of a process diagram into a sub-process. The sub-process is displayed within the process diagram as a container that may be expanded and collapsed in-place within the diagram to display or hide the corresponding sub-process operations without leaving the context of the process diagram. Similarly, a single process operation within a process diagram may be selected for the creation of an associated sub-process. An expanded container including the newly created sub-process operations and a collapsed container representing the sub-process operations replace the single process operation and are concurrently hidden and displayed according to a user selection of a collapse or expand control.

Abstract: A method for performing a task, which includes generating a user interface with multiple screens where each screen corresponds to a step in a workflow used for performing the task; generating multiple live thumbnails which include miniaturized sections of the screens; displaying a first screen of the multiple screens and the multiple live thumbnails to a user using the user interface; populating a field on the first screen with input data entered by the user; determining a validity of the input data; updating a first live thumbnail of the multiple live thumbnails corresponding to the first screen based on the input data and the validity; receiving a screen selection from the user; displaying a second screen of the multiple screens corresponding to the screen selection; and updating a second live thumbnail of the multiple live thumbnails corresponding to the second screen based on the screen selection.

Abstract: A communications device provides a user with a sensory cue that informs the user of certain characteristics of a subsequent action that includes data communications. By informing the user of the data communication characteristics before the user initiates the data communication action, the invention appropriately sets user expectations regarding the data communication characteristics. For example, one embodiment of the invention is implemented in a portable communications device with a screen. For subsequent actions that include wireless communications, the portable communications device simultaneously displays a wireless link icon sensory cue next to a user interface graphic element. The user interface element is used to initiate the subsequent action. The user interface element can be an operating system object having an embedded link type icon.

Abstract: A method of indicating expanded states and collapsed states of lower level expander/collapser items in a higher level visual control of a user interface display. The method includes providing, in the higher level visual control, a lower level expander/collapser indicator area; displaying a first display in the expander/collapser indicator area when all the lower level expander/collapser items are in a first state; displaying a second different display in the expander/collapser indicator area when all of the lower level expander/collapser items are in a second different state; and displaying a third different display in the expander/collapser indicator area when a first one of the lower level expander/collapser items is in the first state and a second one of the lower level expander/collapser items is not in the first state.

Abstract: A device configured to select a portion of an image, the selecting being based at least on parameters associated with a user interface element of the device, is disclosed herein. The device is further configured to apply the selected portion of the image to the user interface element.

Abstract: A microscopic-measurement apparatus capable of displaying, on a display device, an enlarged view of a particular part of a specimen placed on a movable stage and providing optical information of a desired portion includes an observation-image display section for displaying an enlarged view of a specific part of the specimen on the display device; a thumbnail-image display section for acquiring the enlarged image of the specific part as a thumbnail image when the enlarged observation image is specified and displaying the thumbnail image together with the enlarged image on the display device; a thumbnail-coordinate storage section for storing coordinate information of the specific part, where the thumbnail image is acquired, in association with the thumbnail image; and a thumbnail jump display section for causing the observation-image display section to display an enlarged image of the position of the thumbnail image by specifying the thumbnail image.

Abstract: A method, computing device, and computer program product are provided for automatically generating contextual image tests implemented on a computer. An image is received by a computer. Sections of the image are altered to appear out of context or wrong to human users. The user must then identify the errors to pass the CAPTCHA.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for executing predetermined printing processes to a file has: a display for displaying a plurality of boxes (folders) associated with a plurality of printing processes (for example, 2up, Duplex, Staple) which can be executed to the file; and a mouse for inputting a moving instruction to the file displayed on the display. When it is detected that the file which is moved by the moving instruction input by the mouse has passed through the plurality of boxes (folders) displayed on the display, the printing processes regarding the boxes (folders) through which the file has passed are executed to the file on the basis of the detection result.

Abstract: A method of constructing a data transformation block includes selecting a first discrete logic visual icon and a second discrete logic visual icon from a logic repository. A combination valid state is established when the first discrete logic visual icon can be combined with the second discrete logic visual icon. The first discrete logic visual icon and the second discrete logic visual icon are combined in response to the combination valid state to form a data transformation block. The data transformation block has a corresponding functional language source code description of the logical operations to be performed by the data transformation block. The data transformation block processes data to form transformed data. The data transformation block may be stored in the logic repository so that others can access it.

Abstract: A display method for displaying a workflow system composed of a plurality of discrete Boxes each associated with a document process and linked in a predetermined order. The workflow is defined for causing the processes to be sequentially executed. The workflow is displayed using icons representing the Boxes. If execution of the associated process has been completed, an icon representing a corresponding Box is overlaid with oblique lines. If execution of the associated process is currently in process, an icon representing a corresponding Box is overlaid with a graphical representation of a sand timer.

Abstract: An improved approach to highlighting a graphical object in a graphical user interface is disclosed. A body of a highlighted graphical object may, upon selection or highlighting, be changed to a transparent color, and a graphical outline, or “halo,” is added surrounding the original graphical object's body. The halo may be in the same color as the graphical object originally was, preserving any meaning attributed to the color of the graphical object and simplifying the user's ability to identify the selected object(s), as well as the ability to select the highlighted object for further processing. The highlighted graphical object may also be displayed with a bounding box to further identify the selected object(s). A moving version of the highlighted graphical object may be drawn during a moving process, in which the moving version has an appearance distinct from the original object.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for gathering user feedback of one or more units of hypermedia content. Notice is made available to a user explaining a preestablished mapping between (1) at least one prescribed aspect of an operation of performing a predefined SELECT function to feedback objects and (2) user-indicated opinion of content units. Feedback objects comprise predetermined types of display objects provided to depart content units for different content units. Responsive to a user positioning a cursor upon a feedback object of a current content unit and performing the SELECT function, user-indicated opinion of the current content unit is ascertained by applying the preestablished mapping to the prescribed aspect of how the SELECT function was performed. Storage is initiated for a machine-readable record of the ascertained user-indicated opinion.

Abstract: A Graphical User Interface or “GUI” for use with a computer operating systems that operates dynamically according to the user's preferences. Each element of the GUI is surrounded by a dynamic edge which allows the user to combine two or more elements together to create a visually coherent unit in real time. Users can merge or fuse together two or more edges together thus creating a combined group that has aspects and qualities from the constituent elements. Particular colors and color combinations can be created by the user along with user selected shapes and sizes of individual elements selected from a library of element shapes and sizes. The grouped elements can then be separated back to the individual elements for use in different applications or other groupings as later desired by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that provides an orientation indicator graphical user interface element in a display view of a three-dimensional scene. The orientation indicator can be used to automatically change a view of the scene to a predetermined viewpoint. The indicator includes view direction indicating controls that when activated cause the view of the scene to change to a view direction indicated by the control. The direction can be indicated by a shape of the control, such as by a cone with a point pointing in the direction of the view, or by the location of the control, such as being located on a marked scene axis of the indicator. The view of the scene is also automatically adjusted at the view position to center an object of interest in the scene and zoomed in/out to fit the object to the display view. The indicator is part of the three-dimensional scene and moves with the scene as the scene is manipulated by a user, such as in tumbling the scene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for navigating among media files in a mobile communication device. The method comprise assigning at least two features of at least two media files a graphical representation, wherein the graphical representation of the features enables said features to be comparable to each other, displaying the graphical representations on a display, and enabling navigation between the features on the display.

Abstract: A method for generating information associated with items being serviced comprises receiving information associated with at least one item for servicing, wherein a priority value, a due date and at least one service request are associated with each item and receiving at least one message for each item, wherein a message includes an updated priority value for each item. The method further comprises receiving a status update for each item and generating an icon for each item, wherein the icon visually indicates the updated priority value, the due date and the status update for each item.

Abstract: A three state icon for a computer is disclosed. The icon prevents inadvertent starting of an operation on a computer. The icon has a first state which conceals a second state. Upon selection of the first state with a computer pointing device (i.e., mouse), the icon will change to the second state. Upon selecting the icon in the second state, the operation on the computer will start. Accordingly, only upon selecting the icon in the first state and then the second state, the operation will commence on the computer thereby preventing accidental startup of the operation. Once the second state has been selected, the icon will change to a third state which indicates that the operation is proceeding on the computer.

Abstract: In an application that uses a graphical user interface, a technique for automatically grouping graphical constructs receives a selection of a graphical construct for placement within a group of graphical constructs within a graphical work area of a graphical user interface. The system detects an existing group of graphical constructs already defined in a group and graphically displays an automatic grouping indicator that identifies, to a user of the graphical user interface, that the selected graphical construct can be automatically grouped within the existing group. The system receives, from the user, a selection of the existing group of graphical constructs that has an automatic grouping indicator displayed, and in response, automatically groups the selected graphical construct into the selected existing group of graphical constructs that has an automatic grouping indicator displayed on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a “contextual icon” to an icon-driven interface in which a single icon represents a shortcut to a suite of computer applications. The icon is associated with a single main application that may be invoked if an operator double-clicks on it or enters some other predetermined quick launch command. The desktop icon also may be associated with a context menu that reveals ancillary applications or tools that are related to the suite and typically are used less frequently than the main menu. The context menu may be opened with an ancillary interaction command (example: right clicking on the icon) and, thereafter, an operator may browse through and select an application from the context menu that may be desired. In this way, the contextual icon management scheme reduces desktop clutter while maintaining a highly intuitive navigation scheme among related applications.

Abstract: An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to a method of on-line apparel shopping. The method includes providing a host-site accessible to an on-line viewer (customer) and web-linkable to a retailer having an apparel site. The retailer's apparel site has images of articles stored in a virtual closet. These articles can be apparel from retail stores for viewing over the web, and the on-line viewer is linked to the host-site. The consumer selects a structure, such as a photograph of a person captured in system memory, in response to a command received by the on-line viewer. Using the host-site, the viewer or customer is linked to the retailer's apparel site and images are passed from that site for view by the customer. Apparel is selected and virtually merged with the structure by forming an image including representations of both the structure and the selected-apparel.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is disclosed which achieves an easy search for a desired item upon scrolling. Plural first icons representing first items of a high hierarchy are arrayed along a direction of a display screen, and plural second icons representing second items of a low hierarchy which belong to a selected one of the first items are arrayed along an intersecting direction with the selected first item positioned at the intersecting position. The selected noticed icon from among the plural second icons is displayed emphatically at a fixed position on the display screen, and explanation information of the noticed item icon is displayed in the proximity of the display position of the noticed icon. In response to a scrolling instruction, scrolling is executed while explanation information of the second icons other than the noticed item icon is displayed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for identifying regions of interest in medical images of a subject, in particular images captured by a medical imaging apparatus, such as a PET scanner, a list of voxels of the image is obtained, and sorted according to a first variable. A user-selection of an initial voxel in the image is then registered, and at least one voxel or group of voxels from the sorted list is selected as a region of interest, according to a property of the at least one voxel or group in relation to the user-selected initial voxel. The image may be pre-processed to generate the sorted list of voxels, following which the user selection of the initial voxel is registered.

Abstract: The features described herein are directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment for representing files stored in stacks by using a stack icon. The stack icon may include multiple thumbnail images as top elements, and may use common characteristics among the files to define the appearance of the stack. The system may also use metadata or file characteristics (e.g., time of last edit, size, etc.) to identify one file for top representation in the stack icon. The system may additionally include an empty stack icon, a generic stack icon, property based icons, and custom thumbnail icons.

Abstract: A page exception icon is provided for programming a page exception during a document processing job. The page exception icon is pre-programmed by selecting at least one document job processing parameter from a plurality of document job processing parameters and storing the document job processing parameter in association with a name provided for the page exception icon. The page exception icon can be dragged and dropped onto objects representing pages of a document processing job to perform a page exception in accordance with the document job processing parameters pre-programmed for the page exception icon.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus for a navigation system which is capable of easily and quickly showing the existence of a large structure within which a specific point of interest (“POI”) is located. The navigation system searches a desired point of interest as specified by a user, examines whether the point of interest is located within a large structure, searches an icon representing a type of the large compound in which the point of interest is located, and when a particular point of interest is located within a large structure, displays the icon of the large structure and the POI name on a monitor of the navigation system. Upon selection of the icon by the user, the navigation system displays detailed information on the large structure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that overcome the previously described limitations of prior art systems. The computer system, in fact, uses a set of information objects to interface with heterogeneous information sources. Information objects can be combined to form tasks that can be added, deleted and modified without requiring any modifications to the underlying program. In addition, the computer system allows users to navigate through a task and automatically generates links to related tasks based on the contextual information in which each step in the task is performed. As a result, links to related tasks do not have to be defined ahead of time, but rather can be dynamically generated at run time. This is accomplished by associating a semantic type or multiple semantic types with the information generated during each step. This allows the system to present links to tasks that utilize the same semantic types generated during the previous step.

Abstract: A media editing application for creating and displaying video effect clips. A detection component detects video files stored in a memory of a computer. A user interface displays the detected video files and various video effects that can be applied to video files. The user interface is responsive to a user selecting one or more of the detected video files to apply a selected video effect to the selected video files to create the video effect clip. The user interface is further responsive to user input to display the video effect clip.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for aggregating service components in a data processing system according to predefined aggregation rules. The method includes providing a plurality of visual elements, each visual element representing a corresponding service component; selecting a new visual element for addition to an aggregation structure; determining a set of eligible visual elements of eligible service components among the instantiated service components; associating a visual cue with the eligible visual elements; and aggregating the new service component to a selected eligible service component in the aggregation structure. The new service component is compatible for aggregation with each eligible service component according to the aggregation rules. The aggregation structure includes an aggregation of instantiated visual elements of instantiated service components to define an aggregated service according to the aggregation of the instantiated service components.

Abstract: A method is provided to enable a user to quickly identify related items in a list environment. A relationship icon is used to identify the presence of related items, such as email messages, occurring before and after a selected item. The relationship icon is used to navigate between the related items.

Abstract: An animation of a plurality of regions is provided to recap, in under a minute, a respective price action of each of a plurality of stocks over a course of a day. Each of the regions has a respective color that changes during the animation to recap, in under the minute, respective price changes of its respective one of the stocks over the course of the day.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of learning a knowledge-based database used in automatic defect classification. According to this method, the user is spared a series of entries as the system carries out an automatic learn mode, which requires a reduced number of user entries.

Abstract: A system for intuitively associating behaviors with objects. The script or code defining those behaviors may then be automatically generated. The generated script or code is downloadable to a client system. The intuitiveness may involve gestures, such as dragging and dropping, between a source object and itself or between a source object and a destination object, that preferably assigns a behavioral association with objects without the requirement of knowing any specific programming or scripting language.

Abstract: A method and device for executing multiple operations on different files displayed on a graphical user interface. A pre-defined combination of keys is assigned a particular operation, such as “Delete,” “Copy,” “Move,” etc. As a first combination of keys is engaged, one or more files are selected, using a pointing device such as a mouse. The selected files are color-coded, indicating a first operation to be performed on the selected files. A second combination of keys is then engaged, and a second operation is assigned to other selected files. When satisfied that the selected operations are correct for all of the selected files, a user then executes the operations by depressing the “Enter” or similar key. By viewing different operations for different files before the operations are executed, a user is given an overview of all operations to be applied to all selected files, thus improving file management.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device, a computer program product, a browser and a network element for improved portrayal of navigation objects (1-1 . . . 1-6), wherein at least two navigation objects (1-1 . . . 1-6) are combined into one combined navigation object (4), wherein said combined navigation object (4) is presented, and wherein said at least two navigation objects (1-1 . . . 1-6) are presented, if said combined navigation object (4) is selected.

Abstract: The method disclosed gives the user rapid notice of those Bluetooth devices within communication range, and yet it selectively blocks any notice about Bluetooth devices that the user wishes to ignore. Bluetooth server devices can indicate to the user's Bluetooth client device the service the server device has available by sending service/device icon information to Bluetooth client device. This information can be a value in the class-of-device (CoD) field of a frequency hop synchronization (FHS) packet that it sends during the process of exchanging inquiry and paging packets with the Bluetooth client device. If the server device has begun by transmitting an inquiry packet, then the CoD value will be sent in its paging packet. If the server device is responding to an inquiry, then its CoD value will be in its inquiry response packet. Alternately, the service/device icon information can be sent after a connection has been made with the client device, as part of a Service Discovery Protocol (SDP) response packet.

Abstract: An editor application highlights a user's original selection of text. The editor application additionally identifies whether the user's selection of text includes a portion of tagged content. If so, the editor application provides a visual indication of a remainder portion of the tagged content that is not included as part of the user's selection of text. That is, the editor application provides a first visual indication (e.g., a first color of highlighting) of the original text selected by the user and a second visual indication (e.g., a second color of highlighting) of a portion of the tagged content displayed outside of originally selected text. Consequently, the user can easily identify a first region of text originally selected by the user as well as a remainder portion of the tagged content in a second region exclusive with respect to the originally selected text.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for gathering user feedback of one or more units of hypermedia content. Notice is made available to a user explaining a preestablished mapping between (1) at least one prescribed aspect of an operation of performing a predefined SELECT function to feedback objects and (2) user-indicated opinion of content units. Feedback objects comprise predetermined types of display objects provided to depart content units for different content units. Responsive to a user positioning a cursor upon a feedback object of a current content unit and performing the SELECT function, user-indicated opinion of the current content unit is ascertained by applying the preestablished mapping to the prescribed aspect of how the SELECT function was performed. Storage is initiated for a machine-readable record of the ascertained user-indicated opinion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus reads a multi-page original document and obtains multiple sets of image data, creates virtual combination information that indicates the interrelationships among the obtained multiple sets of image data, separately sends the obtained multiple sets of image data and sends the virtual combination information. Consequently, the computer that received the multiple sets of image data and the virtual combination information can recognize the received multiple sets of image data as separate sets of image data, while associating the received multiple sets of image data with one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced editing comprise displaying content comprising data items and a cursor having a position. The apparatus and method further include applying a predetermined aggregation rule to the displayed data items to generate a list of one or more data aggregations. Additionally, the apparatus and methods include displaying the list of data aggregations, and further generating and displaying a list of one or more functions to perform on the one or more data aggregations. The apparatus and methods further include receiving an indication of a selected data aggregation, as well as a selected function to carry out with respect to the selected data aggregation. Further, the apparatus and methods are operable to perform the selected function on the selected data aggregation.

Abstract: A method for displaying an on-screen display (OSD) is disclosed. An OSD with a first and second icons superimposed thereon is firstly rendered with a first color palette. The first and second icons are overlapped. The first icon is rendered with a second color palette and superposed over the originally displayed first icon. The second color palette is substantially similar to the first color palette but replaces an indexed color of the first color palette corresponding to the background color of the originally displayed first icon with a transparent color and another indexed color of the first color palette corresponding to the foreground color of the originally displayed first icon with a non-color color. The second icon is rendered with the first color palette and superposed over the originally displayed second icon.

Abstract: An icon-driven computer system collects a plurality of data files under a common graphical icon. Commands entered into the computer system with respect to the icon may be interpreted as a command to repeat the same action on each of the data files linked to the icon. Related commands provide for simple maintenance of the grouped icon—by adding files to or removing files from the icon—and selection of one data file from within the group for special treatment. In this regard, the grouped icon represents a selection of multiple data files wherein the selection has persistence and may be revised over time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a widget of or in a graphical user interface for navigating amongst related objects. The widget is adapted for displaying first and second groups of objects within respective first and second visually linked display areas. The widget is further adapted, upon user selection of a relation between an object of the second group and a third group of objects, for displaying objects of the third group in the second display area and objects of the second group in the first display area. The invention also relates to a method for navigating amongst related objects, comprising a step of providing to a user a graphical user interface with such a widget. Lastly, the invention is directed to a computer program comprising code means for implementing the method and to a computer system comprising means for implementing the method.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for visually delineating a relationship between diverse, but related graphical objects in a graphical user interface. An icon that has a specified color scheme is associated with the diverse, but related graphical objects. When one of the related graphical objects is displayed, the icon is displayed within the displayed graphical object. The persistence of the icon with the specified color scheme in the displayed graphical objects them to to be recognized as related.

Abstract: A portable cellular phone having a search function to do a search for operational functions in which a focused search for a desired operational function by combining an icon search with a keyword search can be performed and the operational function for which the user wants to search can be easily and rapidly searched for through a simple operation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a system and method method for creating a sub-system in a measurement system. A user may group together various components of the measurement system into a sub-system. Grouping a subset of components together in the sub-system may enable the subset of components to be treated as an atomic unit in various ways. In particular, the subset of components may be displayed as a single unit. For example, in one embodiment the user may be able to request the sub-system to be collapsed into a single icon. In response the individual components within the sub-system may be hidden from view, and a single sub-system icon representing the entire sub-system may be displayed. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for grouping together a plurality of measurement components into a single icon, where each measurement component represents a measurement to be acquired by the measurement system.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for enabling the organization, presentation and selection of icons related to information technology processes. In a first version, icons related to individual information technology processes are associated with an enclosing icon displayed by a computer. The user may direct the computer to display or cease displaying the icons by selecting the enclosing icon. In a second version the enclosing icon may be associated with another enclosing icon, wherein icons are organized into a presentation hierarchy. In a third version, the icons may be personalized by associating textual, graphical and/or photographic data as provided by the user.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, a computer system and a method for supporting an application. The method includes: monitoring the state of a software application, the application having multiple possible states, the application running in out-of-focus mode; displaying a displayed icon on a computer screen indicating a current state of the application; and in response to a change of state of the application from the current state to a new state, changing the displayed icon representing the current state to a different displayed icon representing the new state, the application continuing to run in out-of-focus mode.

Abstract: A system and method is described for editing, in its native application, a source file of an object or image in a first application, wherein the source file includes computer-readable code or script associated with the source file and editable in either the first or native applications. The first application graphically displays an edit option selectable by the user to launch the source file's native application. The native application opens the source file and code or script associated with the object or image in the first application. Within the workspace of the native application edit session, an end function or button is displayed to the user. Upon selection of the end function in the native application, the user then returns automatically to the first application as the active application.

Abstract: An image administration method, apparatus or program for storing image data and for making contents of the image data to be browsed from outside of an image administration apparatus. The image administration method, apparatus or program comprising the steps or means of: managing image data by a directory employing a user name and a job name; controlling the image administration apparatus so that the image data, identified by the user name, is accessed by inputting the user name; and generating thumbnail image of at least one page of the image data, provided with a file name relating to the job name, so that the thumbnail image is browsed from outside of the image administration apparatus.