DE102006025685A1 - Communication device for animated communication, has display device, on which window-based graphic user interface is represented, and area is defined as window, which is represented transparently - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a display device, on which a window-based graphic user interface (DT) is represented. An area is defined as window (F), which is represented transparently. A graphic element (CB), consisting of pixels, is represented in the window. The graphic element is transferable by a film data file from a base animation in a communication animation. An independent claim is also included for a communication element comprises a window for display on a window-based graphic user interface.

Description

The The present invention relates to a communication device for animated communication. In particular, the invention relates to a communication device for animated communication via a ComBOT.

In WO 2005/076582, a valuable contribution to the state of the art, becomes a special communication system and a contact element suggested for that which is called ComBOT. This application ComBOT has graphical Elements on, over the two communication partners are exclusively connected with each other can be. About the graphic elements or so-called ComBOTs can be the two communication partners communicate exclusively with each other and, for example, by dragging and dropping a file on these ComBOT files, by activating a phone function talking to each other through messaging functions with each other Exchange messages, etc.

The so-called ComBOTs are preferred as a graphic element on the desktop of a user interface in the computer. To these ComBOT applications To be able to address them on the desk, they must be integrated accordingly become. As a desk object in the art is an icon or a window known. Icons can be pure symbols or too be clickable icons (shortcuts) and are subject to desktop ordering, d. H. the appropriate orientation at the grid. Windows are not subject to the desktop order and are freely movable as well changeable in size. Windows are arranged hierarchically. Each subwindow has one so-called parent. In the windows run the applications, the selected by the operator in the window can be.

task It is the object of the present invention to provide a communication device to create on the the ComBOT application animated can be addressed without large memory resources to claim.

These Task is solved by a communication device that a screen element or a display device comprises, on the a window-based graphical user interface (DT) can be displayed, wherein an area is defined as a window (F) that is rendered transparent and at least one of pixels in the window (F) graphic element (CB) can be displayed, wherein the at least one graphical Element (CB) through a movie file from a base animation into a Communication animation is transferable.

A Communication device is the overall arrangement of existing hardware and software components, in particular consisting of communication terminals such as e.g. PDAs, cell phones, personal computers, etc. and network facilities as well as servers on which communication is controlled via the network can be. Particularly preferred are in addition to the communication terminals as well Connected devices for the Internet provided and within the internet storage media on which the communication if necessary, can also be cached.

display devices or screen elements are displays, monitors, other display devices for the representation of text and picture. Particularly preferred are displays designed so that they represent graphics or text in color can. Particularly preferably, the screen elements are at integrated displays in the corresponding communication terminals.

A Window-based graphical user interface is an interface between user and communication terminal, preferably on the screen is preferred. The graphical user interface (desktop) allows the user to enter commands either via keyboard, Mouse, pointer or via touchscreen. The graphical user interface is preferably window-based, d. H. that on the UI window can be represented. Windows are desk elements that can be resized are and can be moved. Such windows are made up of various graphically oriented user interfaces various operating systems such as MAC OS, Windows, Linux, etc known.

According to the invention Window displayed or animated transparently. This is the window not shown with a frame and a scroll bar, but transparent and does not appear to the user graphically or as a kind of "glass pane." The transparent one Display of the window leads In addition, although the function of a window can be used, without, however, the window impression and the associated control and input mechanisms. The transparent window serves as a transparent platform, on which then the pixels existing graphical element is displayed.

The graphical element, in particular the graphic symbol of the ComBOT application is then according to the invention of individual Pixels are built and displayed on the transparent window. Because the pixel-based graphical elements are not Completely are transparent, these are now for the user of the communication device recognizable on the screen element as a graphic element. As she but displayed in a (transparent) window element, can she with the usual commands anchored in the operating system for control and use a desk element of the type window addressed and controlled become. So it is possible, for example, files on the graphic Move element and drop it as in a window. The Style property of the transparency of the window is set to zero and this makes the window transparent. The graphic Element, on the other hand, has pixels that are not completely transparent are and it can be so displayed on the transparent window and for the user be recognized. Now, for example, a mouse over this transparent windows, can recognize that the mouse is over the window. simultaneously It can also be detected that the mouse is above the graphical element is because here the pixels are defined as not completely transparent are. In this way it is not necessary that the exact Position of the mouse pointer is tracked, but it can be monitored whether within the (transparent) window element) Mouse over one Pixel is not complete is transparent. In this case, the mouse pointer is above the graphic element. For example, if you want to perform a drag-and-drop action, this way it can be detected that in a special transparent displayed windows of the mouse pointer over the graphical element is while the mouse button is then released. So that's an assignment successful drag & drop Function for the corresponding graphical representation or the ComBOT possible. On this way, the known object "window" will be advantageous with the associated object Action and response options used with the so transparently displayed window the graphical Element ComBOT about display non-transparent pixels within this window, to define and make detectable.

A Movie file is a file with corresponding movie sequences, which are assigned to the individual graphical elements or ComBOTs and, when played, an animation of the ComBOT cause. The user receives This gives the impression that the ComBOT according to the moves the movie file and animates it is. These changed so Movie files may be preferred can also be played as a loop or "loop", d. H. that it is shorter Movie sequences that are repeated over and over again. Especially preferred is the representation of the graphical element or ComBOTs at the beginning of this film sequence approximately equal to the representation at the end of the film sequence, so that when going through the loop no "jump" in the illustrated Movie sequence for the viewer appears.

It Different movie files are preferably used to different Animations of the graphical element or ComBOTs to realize. So the ComBOT can be animated in a stand-by mode very reserved, for example, by an illustrated face only the eyes moves or shows itself from time to time by slight movements. A such animation is a basic animation in which the ComBOT animates will, so long no communication requests from the partner of the ComBOTs available. This animation to illustrate the resting state of the ComBOTs at inactivity of the ComBOT or other basic states in which the ComBOT For example, indicates that messages have arrived or status indicators or further information is provided as a basic animation designated.

Out of this basic animation, the ComBOT by appropriate Control either by the user or by the system or through the communication partner of the user, by the ComBOT personified becomes, in another type of animation, the so-called communication animation be offset. So it is possible, for example, that the ComBOT off the idle mode, in which he only small movements with the face or the animated Eyes, by receiving a message from the communication partner of the User who is represented with this ComBOT in a communication animation is offset and thereby the user signals that, for example a message has been received. So it is possible that in the communication animation the ComBOT is now displayed jumping and lifting an envelope, which is represented by a number, for example, how many new messages have arrived and through this communication animation the user is signaled that here is a change in the state of the communication channel over this ComBOT to the assigned communication partner has taken place.

In this case, the representation of the ComBOT is preferably transferred from the basic animation into a communication animation, ie at the end of a film sequence used for the basic animation, a film sequence of a communication animation begins that gives the viewer the impression that the graphical representation or the ComBOT now appears differently and signals a change in the communication status. This transformation or transformation of the representation of the ComBOT from the basic animation into the communication animation can be combined with the typical cinematic means such as editing, crossfading, fading up and fading down, etc.

On the transparent window will be at least a ComBOT or a graphic Element shown. Particularly preferably, it is possible to use two represent graphical elements, which is a graphical element as representative for the Communication partner of the user of the communication terminal or the communication device is used and the second graphical Element the representation represents the user himself, such as his communication partner is displayed as ComBOT on his desk. Through the presentation of two ComBOTs within the transparent window, it is now possible, To run movie sequences that require non-verbal communication between these two ComBOTs or graphical representations. For example, it is possible that the user's own ComBOT is selected, congratulations to send the communication partner and a non-verbal animation for your own ComBOT is selected on the other ComBOT of the other communication partner, for example, the transfer a bunch of flowers. The own ComBOT is then animated, the ComBOT of the communication partner in this transparent window when displaying both ComBOTs one To present bouquet of flowers and bow to it. The other ComBOT can easily blush this Bouquet then accept. This non-verbal communication then becomes according to the invention realized that a corresponding communication animation for handing over of the bouquet from one to the other ComBOT is selected and this film then is played accordingly. This animation is also preferred at the communication partner on the other side on his desk representable, so that the communication partner this non-verbal Communicate on his own desk through an appropriate Communication animation between the two ComBOTs shown gets.

In a preferred embodiment The movie file is available from a movie database.

Around the individual animations between the two ComBOTs or animations of the individual ComBOTs alone is preferably a movie database provided from the individual movie files or sequences through the system is retrievable and in appropriate situation constellations be recorded, so that the corresponding animation for the corresponding ComBOT can be displayed. Because the representation of a ComBOTs by the user is particularly preferred freely selectable and also the presentation ComBOT of the communication partner on the other side this freely selectable is, so creates a big one Combination of different animation options, so depending of these ComBOTs on the various filmed films in the movie database preferably resorted to can be. So it is possible various animations, be it for the individual ComBOT, be it for the interaction between two ComBOTs, depending on the choice of each ComBOTs from the movie database to select and play.

In a preferred embodiment is at least individual animations of the graphic elements respectively associated with a movie file.

The individual animations of the graphical elements or ComBOTs can, for example the representation of states of mind of the be individual ComBOTs. So it is possible, for example, that a special ComBOT and its graphical representation of the mental states happy, sad, hungry, sleepy, etc. are assigned and then for each ComBOT in each case a movie file.

In a preferred embodiment is the communication animation of several film sequences, in particular from a transformation sequence, a communication sequence and a retransformation sequence.

Especially Preferably, there are the individual animations, in particular the communication animation from several film sequences. Film sequences are individual animated ones Sequences that represent a corresponding section of a movie.

Particularly preferably, at least three movie sequences are provided in a communication animation, a transformation sequence, a communication sequence and a retransformation sequence. In the communication sequence, the actual (non-verbal) communication is embodied, ie, for example, the handing over of a bouquet of flowers from one to another ComBOT is stored here. The upstream transformation sequence and the downstream retransformation sequence forms a bridge link between the basic animation and the communication animation. With the transformation sequence, the conversion or the cinematic section between the basic animation on the one hand and the communication animation or communication sequence on the other hand is produced. Here it is possible, for example, that the two ComBOTs, which may have been selected as ComBOTs of different sizes, are now adapted in size and, for example, the smaller ComBOT fluff up to get the same size as the other ComBOT, before the actual communication sequence is played , Likewise, it is conceivable that other adaptations take place in the transformation sequence. In the retransformation sequence, these adjustments are then reversed again to then realize the cinematic section in the direction of the basic animation. In this way a consistent and well animated animation for the interaction between the two ComBOTs can be created.

In a preferred embodiment has the at least one graphical element in the communication sequence a representation or a protagonist on or from the representation differs in the basic animation.

Prefers chooses the user or communication partner of the user his graphic Elmente or ComBOTs in their appearance, so that he the Representation of the graphic element or ComBOT or the special Select protagonists themselves can. For example, it is possible that he's between different cartoon-like characters or animatable items choose can and so for example a little monster, a Dracula representation, a robot representation, etc. can select. So can this the communication partner of the user do. In this way any number of different pairings between ComBOTs, which animates accordingly in a non-verbal communication sequence Need to become. this leads to to a memory requirement in the movie database, because now for each one These pairings are a corresponding film for every single non-verbal Form of communication selected must become. To save memory resources here is preferred provided that a special non-verbal communication or Animation a communication sequence with two special ComBOTs resp. graphic representations is provided, but not for every possible pairing a corresponding sequence must be maintained. In this way The communication sequence can then be played with two protagonists that do not correspond to the individual ComBOTs that exist in the Basic animation can be used. It is therefore only necessary for the system that one movie file is kept per animation possibility, d. H. for example, just a movie file for the animation congratulations, a movie file for the animation rage, an animation for communication amazement, Etc.

Around this representation for To pleasantly motivate the user, the appropriate transformation sequences or Retransformationssequenzen preferably used to the transformation the ComBOTs representations or protagonists from the basic animation to realize the communication animation. So, for example the transformation sequence consist of that around the individual ComBOTs wrapped a sparkling cloud is the magic a transformation of the protagonist from the Basic animation in the communication animation causes. In the re-transformation sequence can then undo this "transformation" become. The communication animation then finds with two others Protagonists, whereby it can of course happen to be that one the protagonist with one of the protagonists in the basic animation is identical. In this way, preferably memory can be saved to avoid animations or

movie files for all potential Combinations of ComBOT protagonists to have to be ready.

Prefers a communication device is provided, wherein the graphical Element or the movie file is animate, in particular by a BINK player is animatable.

On this way it is possible the graphical element independent to animate the function of the transparent window. A window object can not be animated per se, so using about for example of a BINK player the graphic element on the transparent window can be animated. This can result in the graphic Element performs movements, Videos are played, which is an animation of the graphic element represent, etc. So it is possible for example, to provide a cartoon character as a graphic element, for the then a movie expires, the over a BINK player runs on the transparent window. For the viewer This creates the impression that the graphic element is special Performs movements and other actions predefined in the movie being played. On This way it is possible, for example, non-linguistically communicate and with these animations a related statement to transport.

BINK is a video file format (filename extension bik) and becomes prevalent used in video games. The format has its own video and audio codex and supported resolutions of 320 × 240 pixels up into the realm of High Definition Video. A BINK player is an application about a file can be played in BINK format. This is the Sequence for animating the graphic element preferably as a BINK file in front.

Prefers a communication device is provided, wherein the non-transparent Pixel by examination the transparency value or alpha channel (and not just at the Position of a mouse pointer) are detectable.

hereby can be independent decided by capturing the exact coordinates of the mouse pointer whether the mouse pointer is on the graphic element or the ComBOT is located (and thus lies on a reaction surface) or whether the mouse pointer next to the ComBOT about the transparent window is located. It is no longer necessary that the mouse pointer is relative to its exact coordinates within the window is captured, to determine if he is over the ComBOT or graphic element. It is perfect now sufficient that it is determined that the mouse pointer is over a is not transparent pixels and therefore the mouse on the graphic Element or the ComBOT shows. In this way it is possible the Position over to define the ComBOT without having to access coordinates. Just in the animation of the graphical element or ComBOT, in which the position of the graphical element can constantly change to this extent, is thus the definition above lying over the mouse pointer a non-transparent pixel much faster and recognizable meaningful as the changing ones X and Y coordinates of the graphic element within the (transparent) Window. This only checks if it is the mouse over a non-transparent pixel, but not at which exact coordinate point it is to then match them with the exact X and Y coordinates of the moving graphic Element.

Prefers a communication device is provided, wherein the graphical Element (CB) is present in an image format with alpha channel, in particular in PNG format.

By the use of an alpha channel in the image format of the graphic element or ComBOTs can be achieved that the additional information the transparency of the pixel over this separate alpha channel can be queried. A special preferred image format having this alpha channel is the PNG.

Of the Alpha channel is an additional one Color channel in digital images, in addition to those in a color space encoded color information the transparency ("transparency") of the individual pixels stores.

in the Alpha channels are used in various graphics formats (eg PNG, PSD, TGA or TIFF) transparency information in addition to the actual Image data saved. An alpha channel has the same color depth like a color channel of an image. So includes an alpha channel at a 8-bit image 256 grayscale.

The maximum number of possible transparency gradations depends on the number of bits used for the alpha channel. A binary alpha channel is a minimal alpha channel that uses 1 bit and therefore can only indicate whether a pixel is either completely transparent or completely opaque. This type of transparency is used in the GIF file format, but is not an alpha channel in the technical sense, since the transparency information is not stored individually for each pixel. Other formats often allow for an extra byte per pixel and thus 2 ⁸ = 256 gradations.

To the Drawing an image with alpha channel on a background will used the technique of alpha blending. Alpha channels can be in various image editing programs are defined. It can be about also selections in the picture for the later one Reuse will be saved. Alpha channels can also be used to crop a Image to be used. This often happens because an existing one Color channel is copied to an alpha channel and then with the image editing functions (Curves, contrasts, brushes, etc.) can be edited quickly.

One Alpha channel can also be used for Videos are used to separate objects from the background. The alpha channel can be directly connected to the video, or in a separate Video file to be saved.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is a graphics format for raster graphics. It was designed as a free replacement for the older proprietary GIF format and is less complex than TIFF. The data becomes lossless compressed (as opposed to the lossy JPEG file format).

The PNG format is a universal, recognized by the World Wide Web Consortium Format and is used by modern web browsers supported.

PNG has with Exception of animations - all Options, which also knows GIF, moreover, the compression rate in general better. This makes it a very convenient format.

PNG Like GIF, can handle pixels from a color palette of up to 256 entries. About that In addition, the storage of grayscale images is 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 bits and color images (RGB) with 8 or 16 bits per channel (ie 24 or 48 bits per pixel) possible.

PNG files can Contain transparency information, either in the form of an alpha channel or for every color of the color palette. An alpha channel is an additional one Information for Each pixel indicates how much of the background of the image shows through should. PNG supported Alpha channels of 8 or 16 bits, giving 256 or 65536 gradations of transparency strength equivalent. For GIF is only possible a single of the pallet entries as complete to declare transparent. The PNG format thus allows, regardless of Background to smooth the edges of text and images. you can use real drop shadows that fade out in the background or create images that are arbitrarily shaped - when the program to display the images PNG-capable is.

In addition, the Using the PNG format (with built-in checksums), errors in the file early to recognize the PNG format is streamable, d. H. for interpretation the file content is not random access, as with many TIFF files necessary and it has an optional 7-pass interlacing after Adam M. Costello ("Adam7"), so the gradual Image construction during transmission over slow Data lines such as the Internet. There are fewer image distortions on than GIF. Already with very low transmission is already one relatively usable representation possible.

Prefers a communication device is provided, wherein the window a size of 372 × 256 pixels having.

By the chosen one Format, it is preferably possible Two graphic elements juxtaposed, then in sequence not only can be animated individually, but also with each other communicate and interactively move in shared animations can. So it is possible, for example, the own ComBOT on one side and on the other Page the ComBOT or the graphical element of the communication partner display. Through the interactive animation of these two graphic Elements or ComBOTs can now, for example, a non-verbal Communication take place. So it is possible, for example, that an animation chosen becomes, with the own ComBOT the ComBOT of the communication partner presented a bouquet of flowers. This animation is preferably shown as a movie - it appears the viewer like an animation of two juxtaposed graphical elements, since it has the transparent window in which the Animation takes place, can not see. On the screen of the communication partner on the other hand, the same animation can be displayed at the same time be, so that also there the corresponding film expires and communicates non-verbal communication becomes. The communication partner then realizes that he has received a bouquet of flowers is and receives so the message of birthday congratulations. Of course you can on a window of size 372 × 256 pixels also only a ComBOT or a graphical element shown become. The ComBOT then has the entire room behind it transparent window to move and be animated.

preferred embodiments The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail.

1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a communication device according to the invention;

2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a communication device according to the invention; and

3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a communication device according to the invention with five different phases I to V.

In 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a communication device KE according to the invention shown. Here, a transparent window F is provided on a desktop DT, on which there is a graphical elements as ComBOT CB, which also serves as a control element. Thus, such an element CB is not merely a simple icon or an animatable symbol with graphic properties, but also has functional properties, especially sensitive properties, which respond to mouse pointers (cursor) and primal-controlled operations (click, mouseover, drag & drop, etc.). Such functional properties are usually assigned only to pure windows, but do not correspond to graphic elements.

Of the ComBOT CB shown here serves communication element with graphical Representation and functional properties. He is special for a User program (client) as object with graphical and functional Properties, defining a runtime environment (Run Time Environment), which controls the graphical representation. this happens especially depending from the functional properties and / or conditions. Regarding In particular, the ComBOT operating system is considered an object with window properties (Drag & drop, move) Are defined.

Around these special graphic and functional features in one Combining ComBOT, it's not enough, on well-known desktop elements, such as. To access icons or windows. Because usual Icons are subject to the desktop order (grid). However, usual windows are subject not the desktop order, but are freely movable, resizable), but are arranged hierarchically. Each subwindow has one so-called Parent. The applications are running in the windows. insofar The windows form the actual operator interfaces (Grafical User Interface, GUIs for short).

It Here is a ComBOT CB shown, both properties of a Window has, but the user like an operable icon appears and e.g. via drag & drop Can cause functions. For the realization of a ComBOT is preferably done on an APL interface, here on the API starting from Windows 2000, accessed. There is one so-called "layered window ", i.e. a Window whose properties (style) can be defined. In particular, according to the invention the Style Property "Transparency" uses these set the value to "0" the window F becomes fully transparent. The window F now has 372 × 256 transparent pixels. With it So you have a well-defined "glass plate", then on the actual ComBOT image / animation CB is laid. The animation The ComBOT is then made by a so-called BINK player. Used as image format preferably a format with a so-called "alpha channel", here e.g. the so-called PNG format. Over other Formats (such as plain JPG) that only display the actual pixel color values RGB, the PNG pixels also have a transparency value, namely for the said alpha channel ".

According to the invention now for the sensitive properties of the ComBOT CB corresponding reaction surfaces (e.g. for drag & drop). This is not done as usual over relative Window coordinates X / Y defined. Rather, in the element according to the invention ComBOT CB tested, which pixels have a transparency value that is not equal to the value "0" (zero) are then the sensitive pixels or areas. The exam can the operating system (e.g., Windows 2000 and later). This happens especially easy with PNG-like image data or image formats.

In 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a communication device KE according to the invention shown. Here, a hard disk icon HD, an icon for a file D and an icon for a recycle bin P can be seen on a user interface (desktop) DT. In addition, a transparent window F is again provided (see FIG. 1 ). The window F is defined so large that even graphical elements can be displayed on it as ComBOTS CB1 and CB2. A mouse pointer M is at a first position and is moved along the arrow A to a second position to the mouse pointer M '.

The ComBOTs are available here as a PNG file and are about a BINK player animated. You are in a window as window objects, where the window F is transparent and thus not for the viewer Window appears. The ComBOTs CB1 and CB2 are within this Window as PNG file over animated a BINK player and lie on the fully transparent Window of size 372 × 256 pixels, as a "glass plate" as a carrier for up to two ComBOTs acts. The ComBOT image is available as a PNG file and the animation finds over the BINK player instead.

The mouse M is now moved from the first position along the arrow to the second position M '. While the mouse pointer on the first position M can detect via the alpha channel of the PNG data that the transparency is set to "zero", ie that the pixel under the mouse pointer is fully transparent is, it can be found in the position M 'that the alpha channel has a non-zero transparency value. Thus, for the position of the mouse pointer, the reaction surface is defined, for example, for drag & drop - it is not necessary to usually define in a window sensitive and non-sensitive area or pixel over the relative window coordinates X / Y, but it is only sufficient that checked which pixels have a non-zero transparency. These are then the sensitive pixels or areas. This test can preferably be carried out by the operating system. The check is particularly preferably carried out via the alpha channel or PNG-type image data which have corresponding additional information regarding the transparency.

If now a drag and drop command accomplished should be and pulled, for example, the file D on the ComBOT CB1 should be, so can over the mouse pointer over the file The ComBOT CB1 moves, detecting that the mouse pointer is either not over yet the ComBot CB1 is positioned or that he is in position M 'already above that ComBOTS CB1 is located and then release the mouse button Drag and drop command be completed and now uneven in their transparency Zero detected area as reaction surface the corresponding drag & drop command.

In order to a ComBOTS is essentially a window item that appears User but like an operable icon, with which he can also perform drag and drop commands. Particularly preferred, for example, for the realization of the API from Windows 2000 accessed and the existing "layered window ", this is a window whose style you can define. If those Style property "Transparency" set to zero is, the window is fully transparent. When choosing a window from 372x256 transparent pixels / pixels is thereby generated a firmly defined "glass plate" on the then the actual ComBOT image or the animation is laid. The animation is especially preferred performed by the so-called BINK player. As image format is preferred one used with "alpha channel", in particular the PNG format. Across from other formats such as simple JPG format, the only The actual pixels / color values RBG have assign the PNG pixels also a transparency value for the mentioned "alpha channel".

In 3 is shown in five sequences, as in an embodiment according to the invention an animation between two ComBOTs CB1 and CB2 can be displayed to save memory.

In 3I is shown in a transparent window F a first ComBOT CB1 and a second ComBOT CB2. The first ComBOT CB1 corresponds to the representation of the user of the communication device, while the ComBOT CB2 is a representation of the user's communication partner on the other side of the communication channel. The two ComBOTs CB1 and CB2 are in a basic or

basic animation shown. The user of CB1 now wants non-verbal communication in the direction of the communication partner, through the ComBOT CB2 represents will trigger and choose an animation "Congratulations" from this animation can be done, for example, by dragging and dropping be implemented on the ComBOT CB1 or CB2 or by selection from a corresponding ComBOT menu etc.

In 3II Now, a transformation sequence is shown in which the shape of CB1 is out 3I in a later presentation CB1 '(see 3III ) should be transformed. This transformation representation of the ComBOT is called CB1T. Here a corresponding cloud of mist is represented, which is supposed to symbolize the transformation. In the same way, a corresponding cloud is represented in CB2T, which symbolizes the transformation of the ComBOT CB2 into the representation of the protagonist CB2 'shown later.

In 3III is now the result of the transformation sequence in the form of the actual communication sequence to consider. The protagonist CB1 'presents a bouquet of flowers to the protagonist CB2'. This displays the selected congratulatory animation of non-verbal communication between the two ComBOTs. If this animation is only available as a movie file between the two protagonists CB1 'and CB2' in the movie database for the sake of conserving resources, this animation can now be played and thus the non-verbal communication between the two ComBOTs take place without any Combination, ie, for example, the combination CB1 and CB2 a corresponding non-verbal communication animation would have to be present.

At the end of the communication animation in 3III will now be in 3 IV the Retransformationssequenz represented in which the re-transformation of ComBOTs CB1 'and CB2' takes place in CB1 or CB2. The retransformation sequence selected here makes use of corresponding transformation representations for the individual ComBOTs CB1R and CB2R. Again, clouds are shown, which correspond to one en symbolize "enchantment" or transformation.

In 3V Now again the two output ComBOTs CB1 and CB2 can be seen in the basic animation, which now again signal the two representatives of the user on the one hand and the communication partner of the user on the other hand in this ComBOT connection.

On this way is a non-verbal communication between the two ComBOTs possible, without for all combinations between all conceivable ComBOTs appropriate Communication animations are kept in the form of a movie file would.

In order to a communication device is provided on which the ComBOT applications can be addressed animated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Claims (12)

Communication device (KE) with a display device, on the a window-based graphical user interface (DT) can be represented, whereby an area is defined as a window (F), which is displayed transparently and in the window (F) at least a pixel graphic element (CB) can be represented, wherein the at least one graphic element (CB) is a movie file can be transferred from a basic animation into a communication animation is. Communication device (KE) according to claim 1, wherein the movie file is retrievable from a movie database. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, whereby individual animations of the graphic elements respectively at least a movie file is assigned. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, the communication animation consists of several film sequences, in particular from a transformation sequence, a communication sequence and a retransformation sequence. Communication device (KE) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one graphical element in the communication sequence has a representation that is different from the representation in the basic animation differs. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, where the movie file is animated by a BINK player. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the non-transparent pixels (P) form a reaction surface for To run of functional properties that define the graphical element (CB) are assigned. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the graphic Ele ment (CB) is present in an image format with a transparency value channel, in particular in a PNG format with an alpha channel, by means of which it is possible to check which pixels are transparent and which are not, in order to determine the reaction surfaces. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, where the pixels are not transparent. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the window (F) is a size for at least has two graphic elements (CB1, CB2), in particular a 372 × 256 pixel-sized area (F) having. Communication device (KE) according to one of the preceding Claims, the window (F) always being on the uppermost display surface of the Display or the user interface (DT) appears. Communication element (CBE) comprising a transparent displayable window (F) for display on a window-based graphical user interface (DT) and comprising at least one in the window (F) of pixels existing graphical element (CB), where the pixels are not transparent and the non-transparent pixels are a reaction surface to the To run of functional properties that define the communication element (CBE) and / or the respective graphic element (CB) assigned are.