摘要:
A three-dimensional (3D) view of a data collection based on an attribute is disclosed. A timeline is provided for displaying files and folders. The timeline may include a focal group that displays detailed information about its contents to the user. Remaining items on the timeline are displayed in less detail and may be positioned to appear further away from the user. A histogram may be provided as part of the view to allow the user to more easily navigate the timeline to find a desired file or folder.
摘要:
A three-dimensional (3D) view of a data collection based on an attribute is disclosed. A timeline is provided for displaying files and folders. The timeline may include a focal group that displays detailed information about its contents to the user. Remaining items on the timeline are displayed in less detail and may be positioned to appear further away from the user. A histogram may be provided as part of the view to allow the user to more easily navigate the timeline to find a desired file or folder.
摘要:
An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for transforming a work area and displaying an information component in a graphical user interface is provided. The graphical user interface utilizes a three-dimensional transformation to move a presently displayed work area, for example a desktop with open windows, revealing a background presentation area behind it. In the portion of the presentation area revealed, an information component, such as a Start Menu, is displayed. Use of the three-dimensional transformation effectively decouples an operating system from the applications it hosts. The transformation further prevents visual clutter by separating the information component from the previously underlying desktop.
摘要:
A user interface and a method for operating the user interface are described. Using the user interface, a user may readily switch between users without wading through cumbersome interfaces.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
A method referred to as x-ray browsing for allowing a user to browse through windows on their desktop is provided. Aspects of the invention include responsive to a command, making a first window the window in focus on the display screen and changing the relative opacities between a content portion of the first window and a content portion of the second window. By controlling the opacities a single window can be made opaque while the remaining windows can be made transparent to allow a user to successively navigate among open windows.
摘要:
A method for displaying a plurality of windows on a display screen is described. The method includes steps of displaying a first application window and a second application window on a display screen, declaring the first application window and the second application window as a group, the second application window being independent of and external to the first application window, grouping the first application window and the second window into a group, and displaying the group as a representation on the display screen. As new application windows are opened, they may be added to the group and/or they may become members of a second group of application windows. A user may switch between various groups.
摘要:
An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.
摘要:
Computer-implemented methods for managing software installed on a computer are provided. A first region of an interface displays a selection of software information views, including installed software, running software, and software updates. Selecting a view causes a second region of the interface to display the view, including a list of software. Selecting one of the pieces of software displays additional information about the software in a third region of the interface. A fourth region of the interface displays commands associated with the selected software information view. User-friendly names are used throughout the interface.