JP2010244574A - Graphical user interface for help system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and method for a help interface useful in a window-based computer display system. <P>SOLUTION: The window includes an alphabetical scroll bar extending horizontally in its domain of definition. Along the length of the bar, a plurality of alphanumeric characters, symbols, or other characters (collectively 'characters') are displayed. A slider which can be selectively positioned on the characters displayed on the bar is provided. Placing the slider on the character on the bar results in a CPU displaying data corresponding to the selected character. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for displaying graphic information, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a computer controlled display system for displaying and manipulating overlapping data windows on a display.

  Over the last decade, various graphical user interfaces have been developed to facilitate human interaction with computer systems. Many user interfaces use metaphors in interface design as a way to maximize human friendliness and communicate information between the user and the computer. By using familiar metaphors such as desktops, notebooks, etc., the interface leverages the existing human mental structure and allows the user to make metaphor analogies to understand the requirements of a particular computer system To do. It is well known that human learning time is shortened when designing around familiar metaphors. For example, Patrick Chan's “Learning Conditions in User Interface Design: The Room Model” (Report CS-84-16, University of Water Computer, 1987). Please refer to.

  In current generation systems, it is common to incorporate so-called “object-oriented” display systems into computer systems that use multiple “windows” on a display where a combination of text and graphics is placed. Using a desktop metaphor, windows can take the form of various objects such as file folders, loose leaf binders, simple rectangles, etc. Windows may constitute the current working file. Users operating within the context of a window-based graphical user interface (GUI) manipulate non-professional users to manipulate objects commonly found in the office and thus interact with computers To do.

  In a typical window-based GUI system, visually distinct display objects are provided on the display screen and are commonly referred to as “icons”. Each icon represents a function or object on the desktop. Many systems also display a cursor that is selectively movable in response to movement of a mouse or other pointer control device. The cursor can be moved on a display object that can be selected by the user on the screen. Users can delete information from a window, move data from one window to another, or perform general operations on a window just as they do with actual files or other physical objects. Can be. Various “pull down” menus can also be displayed using techniques for selecting specific command options that appear along the menu bar and the subcommand items that correspond to those command options (US reissue) (See Patent Re32632).

  U.S. Pat. No. 32632, U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,783, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,412, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,154, which describe various aspects, methods, and apparatus related to prior art GUI design. See the references that are available.

  Although the object-oriented display system has shortened the learning adaptation period when a new user understands and operates the computer system, the user still needs assistance while actually operating the computer system. As a result, various on-screen help systems have been developed using window-based GUIs. Some systems provide a help key that displays an on-screen manual so that the user can review while operating with a particular application program. Other help-based systems, such as the Balloon Help System that forms part of Apple's Macintosh® System 7.0, include various icons, labels, and windows on the screen desktop. Provide context-sensitive help information by hovering over other objects. (See the Macintosh® user manual published by Apple Computer, Inc.)

  Intuitive help interface design, as in the case of GUIs, generally relies on real-world metaphors to allow users to apply common knowledge about metaphors and operate computer systems. However, it is difficult to define what constitutes an “intuitive” design for a user interface, and no matter what metaphor is used, it is difficult to design a completely obvious interface for all end users. It would be desirable to provide a help system that is context sensitive and works with a GUI metaphor to assist the user.

  As will be described later, the present invention provides an on-screen help system having attributes that reduce the user's adaptation learning period. The help system of the present invention provides the full benefits of on-screen help as opposed to having to read a printed manual and the context sensitivity of the application with which the user works. A window function is provided that distinguishes the help window from other windows on the display, and an additional function is added that directs the user by using help to achieve the desired function. While the present invention will be described with respect to a window-based GUI on-screen help system, it should be apparent from the following description that the features and attributes of the present invention can be applied in various GUI designs and software applications. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the following description, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be applied to computer systems provided by various manufacturers and user interface designs using various metaphors. .

  The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a help interface for use in a window-based computer display system. The display system includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) coupled via input / output circuits to input devices such as a keyboard, digital pad, mouse, trackball and the like. The CPU is coupled to a hard disk drive for storing programs and data, and can also be coupled to a network that the CPU uses when interacting with various other system resources and devices. Further, the CPU is coupled to a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal display device on which the present invention is displayed. The user interface of the present invention includes an object-oriented GUI having a plurality of overlapping windows. The present invention includes an access window having topic, index, and search button functions for selection by the user. Help queries are defined through the use of topic, index, or search functions.

  When the index button is selected, the access window of the current window displays an alphabetic scroll bar that extends horizontally in the access window's domain. A plurality of alphanumeric characters, symbolic characters, or other characters (collectively referred to as “characters”) are displayed along the length of the alphabetic scroll bar. A slider is provided that can be selectively positioned over the characters displayed on the alphabetic scroll bar. When the slider is placed on a character on the alphabetic scroll bar, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character. In the present embodiment, various items are displayed in the definition area starting with the alphabetical order from the alphabetic character on which the slider is placed. The slider can be positioned over a desired character by the user positioning the cursor over at least a portion of the slider and pressing a switch to notify the CPU. While pressing and holding the switch, the user operates the cursor control device so that the cursor and slider move along the alphabetic scroll bar until the slider is approximately over the desired character, and then the user switches the switch , Thereby notifying the CPU that the selection has been made.

  Alternatively, the user makes a selection by placing the cursor on the desired character on the alphabetic scroll bar and momentarily clicking a switch associated with the cursor control device, thereby notifying the CPU of the selection Can do. When the CPU senses the momentary depression and release of the switch, the CPU moves the slider so that it is displayed over the selected character. Next, the CPU displays the data item starting from the selected character in the definition area. The selection can also be made by the user depressing a desired character key on a keyboard coupled to the CPU. When a keyboard input is detected, the CPU displays a slider on the selected character and displays an alphabetical list of various items. In addition, the slider can be moved by placing the cursor on a vertical scroll bar located within the domain of the access window and pressing a switch coupled to the CPU. In this case, the CPU displays a slider on the character representing the current item at the top of the item list in the definition area.

  If the space along the length of the alphabetic scroll bar is insufficient to display all the characters in the alphabetic character or other predefined character set, for example, additional characters along the alphabetic scroll bar by the CPU Can be displayed. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, to display additional characters along the alphabetic scroll bar, the user places the cursor over the slider and presses a switch to move the cursor to the end of the alphabetic scroll bar. When the CPU senses pressing of the switch and movement of the slider to the end of the scroll bar, the CPU scrolls the contents of the scroll bar in the direction opposite to the end, and displays additional characters on the alphabetic scroll bar. From the user side, the display of the additional characters causes the alphabet scroll bar to scroll in the direction opposite to the end, so that the additional characters appear to appear.

  To further assist the user, the present invention includes instruction marks generated by the CPU to identify functions on the display that are related to information located in the presentation window. This indication mark is displayed almost simultaneously with the display of the presentation window, and looks like a geometric object such as an arrow, a circle, or an X, for example.

  In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, both the access window and the presentation window "float" over all other layered windows that are displayed independently of the application the user is currently running. Both the access window and the presentation window remain active and can be manipulated by the user in the same way as the top window just below the displayed access window or presentation window. Other layered windows below the top application window become inactive and can be manipulated by bringing them to the “top” of the stack just below the access or presentation window. There must be. Further, both the access window and the presentation window can be selectively positioned at an arbitrary position on the display screen regardless of other applications executed and displayed by the CPU. The access window and presentation window of the present invention will continue to be displayed until the user deletes them.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating one possible computer display system incorporating the teachings of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exemplary display screen showing a window display system using the teachings of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the access window of this invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the access window shown in FIG. 3 after a topic screen has been selected. FIG. 5 shows the access window of FIG. 4 after the topic area for “files and disks” has been selected. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the access window of FIG. 5, showing that a selection item “How do I find a file or folder?” Is selected. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a presentation window titled “How do I find a file or folder?” Displayed following the selection shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an access window of the present invention showing selection items of an index screen and an alphabetic slider of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the alphabet slider of the present invention placed on the contents of the alphabet “F” in the alphabetic index window in the access window. FIG. 10 illustrates the access window of FIG. 9 after the “files” item is selected in the English window. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the window of FIG. 10 after a selection item “How do I find a file or folder?” Is selected. It is a figure which shows the access window of this invention from which the "Look for" screen was selected. It is a figure which shows the access screen of FIG. 12 after the word "Find" is input and searched. It is a figure which shows the access screen of FIG. 13 when the selection item "How do I find a file or folder?" Is selected. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a presentation window titled “How do I find a file or folder?” Displayed following the selection shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 5 shows the access window and alphabetic slider of the present invention after an index is selected. FIG. 17 shows the window of FIG. 16 after the letter “F” has been selected. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the selection technique of the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative selection technique of the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative selection technique of the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative selection technique of the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative selection technique of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the position of an alphabet slider and an alphabet scroll bar when the alphabet slider of this invention moves from alphabet "F" to alphabet "Z". It is a flowchart which shows the scroll function of the alphabetic scroll bar of this invention. It is a figure which shows the position of an alphabetic slider after an alphabetic slider moved to the alphabetic letter "P" from the alphabetic letter "Z". It is a figure which shows the position of the scroll bar when the slider moves from the letter “P” to the letter “Z” and the selection of the word “disks”. FIG. 6 shows a presentation window of the present invention placed on a window titled “GFX Sound & Scan”. FIG. 6 shows a presentation window placed on another layered window in the display of the present invention when the “Control Panels” window is active. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a presentation window of the present invention arranged on three windows when a window titled “General Controls” is active. FIG. 5 shows the presentation window of the present invention placed on an activity window titled “GFX Sound & Scan”. It is a figure which shows hierarchization of the presentation window of this invention. In the figure, the button “HUH?” Is selected and another window is open, but the “GFX Sound & Scan” window is still active. It is a figure which shows the presentation window of this invention with the instruction mark surrounding the menu selection item called "File." FIG. 4 shows the presentation window of the present invention placed on an activity window titled “General Controls” where an indication mark surrounds the desktop pattern. It is a figure which shows the indication mark which surrounds the presentation window of this invention, and "More Choices" in the window titled "Find". FIG. 5 illustrates the use of the indicator mark of the present invention to identify an area that requires data insertion or selection by a user. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a presentation window of the present invention in which an instruction mark for underlining a part of the “General Controls” window is inserted. FIG. 5 is an additional view of the present invention presentation window in which curved arrow pointing marks are used to identify a portion of the window titled “Keyboard”. FIG. 6 is an additional view of the indication mark of the present invention in which a straight arrow indication mark is used to identify a selection that the user needs to perform the desired function identified in the presentation window.

<< Notation and predicate >>
The following detailed description is primarily directed to display images, algorithms, and symbolic representations that represent the manipulation of data bits in computer memory. Such algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.

  Here, and in general, an algorithm is considered to be a series of straightforward steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, such physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. When these signals are called bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, images, terms, numbers, etc., it may prove convenient, mainly for reasons of general usage. It should be noted, however, that these and similar terms should be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are only convenient labels applied to these quantities.

  In this case, the operation is a machine operation executed together with a human operator. Useful machines for performing the operations of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or other similar devices. In any case, it is necessary to note the distinction between the method of operating the computer and the method of calculation itself. The present invention relates to a method comprising steps for operating a computer and processing electrical or other physical signals to generate other desired physical signals.

  The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing these operations. Specifically, the apparatus can include a general purpose computer constructed according to the required purpose or selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The algorithms presented here are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. In particular, various general purpose machines may be used with the program according to the teachings presented herein, or it may prove more convenient to build a more specialized device to perform the necessary steps. The required structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the description below. As a machine capable of executing the functions of the present invention, Apple Computer, Inc., the assignee of the present application, may be used. As well as those manufactured by other computer system manufacturers.

<< Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention >>
This specification is filed on the same date and is filed by Applicant Apple Computer, Inc. The following related patent applications are fully incorporated by reference in relation to the following related patent applications assigned to:
US Patent Application No. 08/010064 filed Jan. 27, 1993, entitled “Method And Apparatus For Presenting Information In A Display Using Floating Windows®”, filed Jan. 27, 1993; U.S. Patent Application No. 08/010061, entitled "Method And Acer Intra Fors For Providing U.S. 062, filed January 27, 1993, "Method And Apparatus For Providing A Help Based Window System Using Multiple Access Methods" US Patent Application Serial No. 08/010063 entitled.

  The following detailed description is divided into a plurality of sections. The first section describes a general system arrangement for generating computer graphics in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In the following sections, aspects of the present invention such as the help access method and presentation window, alphabetic slider selection method, floating window, computer generated instruction mark, etc. of the present invention, and the overall structure and operation of the user interface of the present invention are described. deal with.

  Also, in the following description, in order to provide a complete understanding of the present invention, there are many specific detailed examples of functional blocks representing data processing devices, metaphors such as desktop and window metaphors, window configurations and arrangements, and the like. Show. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well known circuits and structures have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

<< General-purpose system configuration >>
The computer controlled display system of the present invention is part of a computer system as shown in FIG. This computer-controlled display system includes display means 40 such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a mouse, track ball, joy stick, display screen of the display means 40 of the type shown in US Pat. Further included is cursor control means 42 such as other devices for selectively positioning the cursor 44 on 68. In general, the cursor control means 42 includes signal generation means such as a switch 46 having a first position and a second position. For example, the mouse shown and described in US Pat. No. 3,263, includes a switch that is used to generate a signal that instructs a computer system user to execute a given command. As shown, cursor control means 42 (all types of applicable cursor control devices such as mouse, track ball, joy stick, graphic tablet, keyboard input, etc. are hereinafter collectively referred to as “mouse 42”). Is coupled to a computer system 48.

  The computer 48 includes three main components. The first component is an input / output circuit 50 used for exchanging information with other parts of the computer 48 in the form of an appropriate structure. Computer 48 also includes a central processing unit (CPU) 52 coupled to input / output circuit 50 and memory 55. These elements are commonly found in many general purpose computers, and in fact, the computer 48 is intended to represent a broad category of data processing devices capable of generating a graphic display.

  Also shown in FIG. 1 is a keyboard 56 for entering data and commands into the computer 48, as is well known in the art. A large capacity magnetic memory disk 60 is shown coupled to the input / output circuit 50 to provide additional storage capacity for the computer 48. Further, a CD-ROM 62 is further coupled to the input / output circuit 50 in order to add storage capacity. Note that the computer 48 can also be coupled to additional devices for data storage, such as magnetic tape drives, as well as networks coupled to other data processing systems.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display means 40 includes a display screen 68 on which a window 70 is displayed. As is well known in the art, the window 70 can take a square or other well-known shape and can include a menu bar 72 disposed horizontally over the length of the window. As is well known, the movement of the mouse 42 can be converted into the movement of the cursor 44 on the display screen 70 by the computer 48. Additional explanations about other computer systems that can be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are cited in the Background section, which generally describes object-oriented display systems, particularly desktop metaphor window-based systems. See references. The system shown in FIG. 1 is intended to represent a general purpose data processing system capable of providing a GUI display. The window display 70 and window-based display system shown in FIG. 1 are well known (for example, the Macintosh® series of computers sold by Apple Computer, Inc.), and therefore need not be described in detail here. It is. In operation, as is known, the window-based user interface of the present invention is generated and displayed using software stored in the memory 55 and executed by the CPU 52.

<< Access window and presentation window >>
Referring now to FIG. 2, the display screen 68 of the display means 40 is shown in more detail. In the display screen 68, Apple Computer, Inc. A known GUI used on computers manufactured and sold by is shown. A menu bar 100 extending in the horizontal direction of the display screen 68 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the menu bar 100 typically includes a desktop icon in the shape of an Apple mark 103, a plurality of commands such as “File”, “Edit”, “View”, “Label”, “Special”, and the like. Includes options. In accordance with the teachings of U.S. Reissue Pat. No. 32,632 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,783, a pull-down menu can be displayed and selected using a method commonly referred to as the “push drag release” method. it can. In this way, the cursor 44 is placed over the desired command option and then the switch 46 on the mouse 42 is pressed. By depressing the switch 46, the CPU 52 is notified to generate a pull-down menu (a sample pull-down menu is shown as the menu 104 in FIG. 2). While moving the mouse 42 and keeping the switch 46 depressed, the user places the cursor 44 on the desired subcommand item ("Help" command in the example of FIG. 2) and releases the switch 46. Computer system 48 then executes the selected subcommand item. As will be described later, when the subcommand item “Help” in the menu 104 is selected, the CPU executes the help system disclosed herein. Also, in this specification and the following description, when the cursor 44 is placed “on” an object, icon, list, question, etc., the object, icon, list, It means that the cursor 44 is placed on at least a part of a question or the like.

  In the desktop shown in FIG. 2, a window 108 including a header 110 titled “Mail” is shown. In the illustrated example, the window 108 displays a list of various documents, messages, and the like arranged in the window 108. Other icons such as an icon 120 titled “Jeff's HD” representing a hard disk, an icon 122 representing a floppy disk that the CPU 52 accesses, and a trash can icon 126 are also shown.

  In this preferred embodiment, the help system of the present invention is initiated by the user selecting a subcommand item identified as “Help” located in pull-down menu 104. To select “Help”, place the cursor 44 on the balloon help menu icon 112 and press the switch 46. The CPU 52 generates and displays the menu 104 and then the user places the cursor 44 over the “Help” subcommand and releases the switch 46. Alternatively, the user can select the “Help” function by inputting a predetermined corresponding key on the keyboard using the keyboard 56.

  When the “Help” function is selected, the computer 48 generates and displays a help screen access window 130 shown in FIG. The access window 130 includes a logo 132 and user instructions as shown. In this preferred embodiment, the instructions shown in the access window 130, the logo 132, and the window itself are part of a help database stored in the memory 55 or on the disk 60 or CD-ROM 62. Access to the help database is provided to the user through a topic button (Topics) 135, an index button (Index) 138, and a search button (Look For) 140, as will be described later. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the access window 130 includes a work area 145 where the CPU 52 displays instructions, text, or command options. The work area 145 includes a vertical slider 148 for scrolling the entire data displayed in the work area 145. Additional features of the access window 130 will become apparent from the description below.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, the topic access method choices for the access window 130 are shown. As shown, in order to enter the help system of the present invention with the "Topic" button function, the user places the cursor 44 over the button (135) labeled Topic and momentarily presses the switch 46 of the mouse 42. Activate ("click"). In this embodiment, the cursor 44 is in a rectangle defining the button 135, and the image of the button 135 is inverted as if the image of the button 135 is being pressed while the button 46 of the mouse 42 is being pressed. Looks like you are doing. When the switch 46 of the mouse 42 is clicked on the topic button 135, the CPU 52 generates and displays an access window 130 including a list of topics in the work area 150 as shown in FIG.

  As illustrated, in this case, the user can select a topic for which the user needs help from a plurality of topics. For example, in FIG. 5, when the user places the cursor 44 on the topic “Files and Disks” 160 and clicks the button 46, the CPU 52 senses the selection of that topic and then lists the sentences in the work area 145. Is generated and displayed. The list displayed in the work area 145 in this embodiment includes sentences that may contain questions in groups. A heading is a set of words ("How do I" in the example of FIG. 5) that precedes all sentences or questions of a particular type. The body text is the rest of the question or sentence (eg, “Change the name of an item” in FIG. 5). In this preferred embodiment, the CPU 52 displays the headings in bold. The text of the question or sentence is displayed indented under the heading as shown. In the hierarchical design of the present invention, while removing duplicate headings from each sentence in the list, the sentence format is preserved. As a result, the text in the sentence list is reduced and longer sentences or questions can be easily accommodated in the work area 145. The user can also use the scroll bar 148 to easily scan headlines to see the types of sentences or questions available.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, the illustrated question group is obtained by the topic area 160 of “Files and Disks” as illustrated. In the example of FIG. 6, the cursor 44 is placed on the question “Find a file or folder?” By an appropriate movement of the mouse 42 by the user, and the switch 46 is momentarily clicked. When the selection of the question “How do I find a file or folder?” And the operation of placing the cursor 44 on the “OK” button and pressing the switch 46 again, the CPU 52 combines the presentation window 165 shown in FIG. Is generated and displayed. The data and other information provided in the presentation window 165 requests additional information from the user (if necessary) and provides the user with guidance on the desired function. As will be described in more detail below, both the access window 130 and the presentation window 165 are displayed on the display screen 68 without disturbing or changing the currently active window being displayed. "Float" on the window.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, help information can also be obtained by selecting the index button function 138. When the cursor 44 is placed on the index button 138 and the switch 46 of the mouse 42 is momentarily clicked, the selection of the index function 138 is notified to the CPU. As shown in FIG. 8, when the index button 138 is selected, an index 170 is generated and displayed. This index allows the user to find relevant questions based on specific terms and phrases (collectively referred to as “index items”). The index screen 170 includes a plurality of items and the index button 138 remains inverted to indicate that the function is active. Index screen 170 includes an English scroll bar 176. Since the index screen 170 includes many items, the alphabetic scroll bar 176 allows the user to quickly scroll to a specific alphabetic character, similar to a rollerdex on a desk. The operation of the alphabetic scroll bar 176 will be described in detail below.

  The user places the cursor 44 on a part of the desired alphabet (see FIG. 9) and momentarily clicks the switch 46 of the mouse 42. When detecting the selection of an alphabetic character, the CPU 52 displays the closest item starting from the selected alphabetic character and all the items thereafter. In the example of FIG. 9, the user has selected the letter “F”. When this selection is sensed, the CPU 52 displays an index item starting with the letter “F”. If there is not enough display space to display all items starting with the letter “F”, the user may use the scroll bar 178 to scroll the data placed in the index screen vertically. . Alternatively, the user places the cursor 44 over the slider 175, presses the switch 46 on the mouse 42, and drags the cursor and slider over the alphabet scroll bar 176 to the desired alphabet, thereby placing the cursor on the desired alphabet. The slider 175 can also be positioned. When the desired character (“F” in FIG. 9) is reached, the user releases the switch 46 of the mouse 42. After selection, an item list is displayed from items having the selected alphabetic character. As shown in FIG. 10, when the cursor 44 is placed on an item such as “Files” and the switch 46 of the mouse 42 is momentarily clicked, the list of questions described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 is displayed. Similar to the topic button example above, the user then selects a question (eg, “How do I find a file or folder?”) And momentarily clicks mouse button 46, as shown in FIG. To do. As shown in FIG. 7, a presentation window 165 is now displayed and functions as described above.

  Next, referring to FIG. 12, when the cursor 44 is placed on the “Look For” button function 140 and the switch 46 of the mouse 42 is momentarily activated, a search screen generally indicated by the number 200 is generated and displayed. The In the search screen 200, the user can input a phrase in the text box 210 and display the question if there is a question related to the phrase. Similar to the previous example for the index and topic buttons, when the search button 140 is selected, the button is highlighted, thereby indicating that the button is currently active.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the search screen 200 also includes a search button function 215. In operation, the user inputs a search word (the word “find” in the example of FIG. 13) into the text box 210 using the keyboard 56. The user then places the cursor on the search button function 215 and momentarily clicks on the switch 46. When the search button 215 is selected, the CPU 52 searches the help database stored in the memory 55, the large capacity memory 60, or the CD-ROM 62, and searches in the work area 145 as described above with reference to FIGS. Display a list of questions corresponding to a word. As shown in FIG. 14, to select a desired question (such as “How do I find a file or folder?”), The user places the cursor 44 over the question and momentarily clicks on switch 46 To do. Next, to initiate the selected help function, the user places the cursor 44 over the “OK” button function 225 and clicks the switch 46 again. Upon sensing selection of a help query, CPU 52 generates and displays a presentation window 165 as described above with respect to FIGS. In this case, the user can further define the help request by selecting one of the three criteria (shown in the example of FIG. 15) displayed in the presentation window 165.

  Thus, as described herein, the present invention provides three access methods for obtaining desired help information from computer system 48. The user can select the topic button function 135, the index button function 138, or the search button function 140. Using one of the three select button functions, an appropriate access window and a presentation window are displayed to help the user obtain the desired information needed to operate the computer system shown in FIG. As described in detail below, the present invention provides additional features that distinguish the present invention from conventional help-based systems and GUI designs.

<< English scroll bar >>
As described above with respect to FIGS. 8-11, when the index button function 138 is selected, an index 170 and an alphabetic scroll bar 176 are displayed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, the alphabetic scroll bar 176 includes a slider 175. Index 170 further includes a vertical scroll bar 250. As shown in FIG. 17, the alphabetic scroll bar 176 includes a plurality of alphabetic characters A to S that are displayed when the index button function 138 is selected. Although FIG. 17 shows the letters A-S displayed on the letters scroll bar 176, those skilled in the art should note that the choice of letters is a matter of design preference. . For example, the alphabetic characters placed on the alphabetic scroll bar 176 can be replaced with other characters, symbols, or characters of languages other than English as required by the particular application and language system used by the user.

  As shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 17 and 18, the user places the cursor 44 over or adjacent to the letter (“F”) and momentarily clicks the switch 46 to cause the desired character (FIG. 17). In the example, the letter “F”) can be selected. Alternatively, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, place the cursor 44 on a portion of the slider 175, press the switch 46, and the user drags the cursor and slider on the desired letter that releases the switch 46 at that point. By doing so, you can also select English letters.

  Selection can also be made by the user pressing a desired character key on the keyboard 56 of FIG. When detecting the input of a keyboard character, the CPU 52 displays a slider 175 on the corresponding character on the alphabetic scroll bar 176 (see FIG. 20). Further, the slider 175 can be moved onto the alphabetic scroll bar 176 by placing the cursor 44 on the vertical scroll bar 250 and pressing the switch 46. When the cursor 44 is placed on the scroll bar 250 and sensed that the switch 46 is pressed, the CPU 52 scrolls the list of items in the direction of the cursor 44 until the user releases the switch 46. When the switch 46 is released, the CPU 52 displays a slider 175 on the character representing the current item at the top of the item list (see FIG. 21).

  In addition, the slider can be moved using the method shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the user first selects the index button function 138 and then selects the index function 138, the CPU 52 displays the index 170 with index items. An alternative method of scrolling through the index items is that the user places the cursor 44 over the index item and presses the switch 46. If the cursor 44 is dragged vertically (up or down) outside the sub-window in which the index 170 is displayed and the switch 46 is kept pressed, the CPU 52 scrolls the index item in the direction opposite to the cursor 44. In this embodiment, the index items are highlighted in black (or other prominent color) one by one as the item is scrolled. When switch 46 is released after the desired item is highlighted, that item is selected and slider 175 over the character corresponding to the first alphabetic character of the top item in the currently displayed index item list. Is displayed.

  In this preferred embodiment, the CPU 52 snaps the slider 175 from one character position to another character position (a video tape entitled “Reno” filed concurrently with the patent application on which the present invention is based). See). However, it is assumed that the CPU 52 can interpret this movement of the slider 175 as a continuous movement accompanied by a snapping movement at a selected character.

  As illustrated, when an alphabetic character (character) is selected, the CPU 52 displays index items starting from the selected alphabetic character. In addition, if there is not enough space to display all the index alphabetic characters (A to Z in the example), the user scrolls the alphabet scroll bar 176 to display additional alphabetic characters, symbols, or other characters. can do.

  Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, the selection of the letter “Z” is shown. In operation, a user who wishes to select the letter “Z” (or other originally non-displayed letter) places the cursor 44 on a portion of the slider 175. Next, the user presses the switch 46 and drags the cursor 44 and the slider 175 to the end of the alphabetic scroll bar 176 (in this example, the alphabet “S”). While continuing to press switch 46, the user continues to move cursor 44 and slider 175 beyond the last displayed symbol (the letter “S”). When the CPU 52 senses that the slider 175 and the cursor 44 are to be moved beyond the symbol or character displayed at the end of the alphabetic scroll bar 176, the CPU 52 scrolls the contents of the alphabetic scroll bar 176. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when the user continues to move the slider 175 to the right while the slider 175 is placed on the letter “S”, the CPU 52 senses the attempt and moves the scroll 175. Scroll bar 176 to the left so that TZ is visible. Similarly, if the user places the slider 175 over the letter “I” and attempts to move the slider 175 further to the left, the CPU 52 scrolls the letter scroll bar 176 to the right so that the letters A˜ H becomes visible again. FIG. 25 shows an operation for positioning the slider 175 on the letter “P” thereafter. In this case, the contents of the index are changed by the CPU 52 to display the closest item starting with the selected letter “P” and all subsequent items. However, since the letter “P” is already visible, the scroll bar 176 is not scrolled any further.

  Also, for a given application, it may be desirable for the English scroll bar 176 to scroll like a continuous loop. In the example of FIGS. 23 and 24, if continuous scrolling is used, the scroll bar 176 should return from the letter “Z” to the letter “A” and then scroll further letters. In character systems other than English, such as Japanese, Chinese, Thai, etc., a continuous loop of scroll bar 176 may be desirable because all characters contain significantly more characters than English.

  As shown in FIG. 26, when the alphabet slider is placed on one alphabetic character (in FIG. 26, the alphabet “D”) using any of the methods described above, items beginning with the alphabetic D are displayed. FIG. 24 shows a cursor 44 placed on the item “disks” by the user. Thereafter, when the switch 46 is momentarily pressed, a question related to the selected item is displayed. When the desired question is selected, the cursor 44 can be placed over the OK button function and the switch 46 can be clicked, or the cursor 44 can be placed over the desired question and the switch 46 can be double clicked. . As shown in FIG. 27, when the cursor 44 is displayed on a desired question and the user clicks the OK button in FIG. 26 or double-clicks, the presentation that can be operated by the user to obtain desired help information A window 300 is generated.

<< Floating window >>
Referring once again to FIG. 27, there is shown a presentation window 300 that overlaps a window 302 titled “GFX Sound and Scan”. The presentation window 300 appears to the user as “floating” over the underlying window 302. An important difference between the present invention and a conventional window system is that a help window including the presentation window 300 and the access window 130 is displayed independently of other currently displayed window applications. It is. In the example of FIG. 27, the window 302 remains an “activity” window and the user is placed in the various folders shown, even though the access window 300 is displayed as the “top” window. Data can be manipulated. As shown, while the presentation window 300 is displayed on the window 302, the user can select a folder such as “System Folder” in the window 302. Alternatively, the user can obtain help information using the presentation window 300 by selecting an option such as “Choose a pattern” as shown.

  In conventional systems, selecting a window causes the selected window to become active, resulting in the active window being displayed above the underlying window and allowing the user to manipulate only the currently active window. could not. Using the teachings of the present invention, presentation window 300 or access window 130 “floats” on top of other application windows, such as window 302, and becomes active at the same time, thereby enabling the user in the window hierarchy. Both windows 302 and 300 can be manipulated without changing the order.

  Referring now to FIG. 28, another example of the floating window attribute of the present invention is shown. As shown, the presentation window 310 overlaps a window 312 titled “Control Panels”. Next, window 312 overlaps window 314 titled “GFX Sound and Scan”. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the presentation window 310 is active, and the user can follow the instructions in the window 310 regarding how to change the background pattern of the display screen 68. In addition, the control panel window 312 becomes active at the same time, and the user can operate various functions represented by icons in the window 312. Therefore, in the floating window of the present invention, two windows can be made active and the two windows can be operated simultaneously by the user. The underlying “GFX Sound and Scan” window (314) is inactive, as is the case with conventional window-based systems. To activate the underlying window 314, the user would place the cursor 44 over a portion of the window 314 and momentarily click the switch 46.

  For the sake of example, assume that the user places the cursor 44 over a portion of the general control icon 316 shown in FIG. This universal control icon function can be activated by momentarily clicking switch 46, as is well known. Referring now to FIG. 29, when the switch 44 is clicked after placing the cursor 44 on the icon 316, the CPU 52 generates and displays a general purpose control window 318 overlying the control panel window 312. Opening the general control window 318 causes the general control window to become active and the underlying window, the control panel window 312 and the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314 to become inactive. However, opening or manipulating windows below the application, such as the control panel window 312, does not change the activity state of the presentation window 310. Both the general control window 318 and the presentation window 310 are active and can be operated by the user. Also, using the teachings of the present invention, placing the presentation window 310 in other areas on the display screen 68 does not change the functionality of the presentation window 310 or any application windows below it.

  Referring now to FIG. 30, a presentation window 310 is shown overlying a “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314. As shown in this figure, both the presentation window 310 and the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314 are active. As described above, the floating window attribute of the present invention applied to the presentation window 310 allows the underlying window application to operate independently of the operation of the presentation window 310. As shown, the presentation window 310 includes a button function titled “HUH?” 320. By placing the cursor 44 on a part of the button function 320 and clicking the switch 46 momentarily, the CPU 52 overlaps both the presentation window 310 and the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314. 322 is generated and displayed. As shown in FIG. 31, window 322 is active and presentation window 310 is inactive. The window 314 remains active so that the user can operate the data and functions located in the window 314 and simultaneously operate the window 322. In the present invention, the presentation window 310 is deactivated so as not to confuse the user. If the window 322 is cleared by placing the cursor 44 on the window close mark 330 and clicking the switch 46 momentarily, the presentation window 310 becomes active again.

<< Instruction mark >>
Understanding the name and identifying the object can be confusing to the end user, especially when operating the computer system. Thus, as described below, the present invention provides additional functionality that further assists the user when operating the computer system shown in FIG. A technique for spotlighting an object referenced in a help presentation window on a display screen 68 is disclosed. The present invention provides “instruction marks” that look like handwriting but are generated by the CPU 52 to instruct the user about the requested help function. As can be seen, the instruction mark attracts the user's attention to the object displayed on the display screen 68, and is effective in identifying the object without the user knowing the name or function of the object in advance. Since the indication mark is visible, it functions independently of the user's language. In the present invention shown in FIGS. 32 to 38, black and white instruction marks are used. However, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can display the instruction marks in color using a color display system.

  Referring now to FIG. 32, a “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314 is shown as shown in the previous figures. In addition, a presentation window 335 is shown overlying the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314. Also shown is an edit instruction mark 340 surrounding the command option “file” on the menu bar 345. In operation, the CPU 52 generates and displays an instruction mark 340 almost simultaneously with the generation and display of the presentation window 335. In this preferred embodiment, the generation and display of the indication mark 340 appears to the user as if it were handwritten with a hand marker or the like. Moreover, in this preferred embodiment, the indication mark 340 is in a color that can be selected by the author of the database, and this representation is intentionally slower than other CPU operations on the display screen and is animated to the user. The instruction mark 340 is displayed by the CPU at such a speed that it looks like. The purpose of the indication mark 340 is on the display screen 68 that the user must select or otherwise perform in order to implement the desired help function accessed by the access window and presentation window of the present invention described above. To identify an object and attract the user's attention to it.

  Referring now to FIG. 33, there is shown another example of the use of the present invention that uses instruction marks to assist a user. In this example, presentation window 348 is displayed by appropriately selecting a question in an access window (not shown). The activity window identified as the generic control window 350 is displayed overlying the control panel window 352 and the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 314. A circular instruction mark 355 is provided by the CPU 52 to assist the user in performing the desired help function, referred to in this example as “How do I Change the Background Pattern?”. In the example shown in FIG. 33, when the presentation window 348 is generated and displayed, the CPU 52 also generates an instruction mark 355 and surrounds an icon including the desktop pattern 358 as shown. Generation and display of the indication mark 355 attracts the user's attention to an appropriate icon on the display screen 68 that the user must operate. It has been found that providing an indication mark that appears to be “handwritten” by a human increases the user's ability to visually identify the position on the display screen 68 that he must operate. For this reason, in this preferred embodiment, the CPU 52 generates the instruction mark of the present invention so that a human can see it as if it was drawn on the display screen 68 with a color marker. As can be seen in FIG. 33, the indication mark 355 is close to a circle and has a visual appearance as if a human drew a mark around the icon 358. If the indication mark 355 is expressed so that it is close to the circle as opposed to drawing the circle mathematically accurately, the indication mark 355 does not appear to be perfectly symmetric as when drawn with a machine. It has been found to attract the most attention of the user. Furthermore, the indication mark 355 is not merely a representation of the interface stored in the memory, but is displayed on the actual interface when displayed by the CPU 52.

  Referring now to FIG. 34, another example of a circular indicating mark is shown. As shown, the presentation window 360 is displayed on the display screen 68. The “Find” window 362 overlies the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 365. In this example, presentation window 360 and “Find” window 362 are active at the same time. The “GFX Sound and Scan” window 365 is inactive at this point because it is below the “Find” window 362. When the presentation window 360 is generated as in the example of FIGS. 32 and 33, the CPU 52 generates a circular instruction mark 370 surrounding the button function titled “More Choices” 372, and the instruction mark is displayed in a translucent color. indicate.

  Referring now to FIG. 35, there is shown a presentation window 378 overlying a control panel window 380 and a “GFX Sound and Scan” window 382. Also shown is an active “Find” window 384 overlying the control panel window 380. Thus, in this example, “Find” window 384 and presentation window 378 are now active windows. Also shown is an indicator mark 386 of approximate shape “X” that draws the user's attention to the area in the “Find” window 384 that requires data input by the user. The user must insert a search term in the “Find” field 390 to obtain the necessary help information identified by the question “How Do I Find a File or Folder?” Displayed in the presentation window 378. Don't be. Therefore, in this example, the indication mark 386 has a form that is visible for the handwritten “X” generated and displayed by the CPU 52 to assist the user in identifying the location where the user must enter data. Take.

  Referring now to FIG. 36, a presentation window 392 is displayed and illustrates the use of the indicator marks of the present invention overlying a portion of the activity window 394 titled Universal Control. A control panel window 380 and a “GFX Sound and Scan” window 382 are displayed, but these are not active windows. As shown, using the teachings of the present invention described above, the user identifies the question “How Do I Change The Blinking Rate of the Insertion Point?” And in response, the CPU 52 performs the desired task. A presentation window 392 is generated with instructions on the method. Further, the CPU 52 generates and displays an underline instruction mark 396 to attract the user's attention to the button function that must be operated in order to perform the desired task of changing the blink speed at the insertion location.

  Referring to FIG. 37, in response to a query “How Do I Change the Keyboard Layout?” By the user, the CPU 52 performs control panel window 380 and part of the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 382 as shown. A presentation window 400 is created and displayed overlying. A window 420 titled “Keyboard” is opened and displayed. As shown in the figure, the CPU 52 generates and displays an instruction mark in the shape of an arrow 408 to assist the user. The arrow pointing mark 408 draws the user's attention to the necessary items that must be selected to perform the desired task of changing the keyboard layout.

  Similarly, in FIG. 38, the user has selected the question “How Do I Change the Background Pattern?” By using an access window (not shown) of the present invention. In response to this inquiry, the CPU 52 generates and displays a presentation window 410 that overlays the control panel window 380 and the “GFX Sound and Scan” window 382. As shown, the presentation window 410 notifies the user that the icon 412 titled “General Controls” needs to be “opened” to change the background pattern. In order to attract the user's attention to the general-purpose control icon 412, the CPU 52 generates and displays a straight arrow instruction mark 416 as illustrated.

  The use of instruction marks to attract the user's attention to specific objects, functions, or other display elements on screen 68 can greatly assist the user in operating the computer system shown in FIG. I know it. Although the use of the instruction mark of the present invention has been described in connection with the help system disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art would know how to use the instruction mark in the help system shown herein. Note that it is not limited. It should also be noted that the instruction marks disclosed and described herein can be applied to various GUI functions and are not limited to use with graphic help systems.

  Thus, as described above, the present invention provides a unique help base window system for use in a GUI display system. The access method, access window, and presentation window of the present invention, coupled with the affiliation of the present invention including floating windows and instruction marks, provide a window-based help user interface that assists the user. Although the present invention has been described with reference to FIGS. 1-38, it should be noted that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, these figures use example windows with given attributes, icons, and functions as needed, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the particular examples shown. Rather, the present invention can be applied to any window-based GUI display system. Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention can be implemented using various computer programming languages and hardware and is not limited to any particular hardware or software.

Furthermore, it should be noted that given features and aspects of the present invention, such as the use of the present indicia marks, are perceived by the user as involving motion rather than static events. Due to the limitations of the written description, please refer to the video tape titled “Reno Macintosh Help” and the software program of the same name submitted by the applicant at the same time as the patent application on which the present invention is based. .
In addition, it is as follows if the aspect of the new technique disclosed in this specification is enumerated.
(1) In a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the display so that data is displayed in a plurality of windows on the display, the window is displayed, and the window and the window A method for a user to operate the data,
The CPU generates and displays a first window and a second window, the first window overlying a portion of the second window on the display;
And wherein both of the windows are active at the same time and are made available to the user to manipulate each of the windows and data located in the respective windows. .
(2) The method of (1) above, wherein the user can selectively position each of the windows on the display using a cursor control device coupled to the CPU.
(3) The method according to (2), further including a third window generated and displayed by the CPU.
(4) The second window is disposed on at least a part of the third window, the first and second windows are active, and the third window is inactive. (3) The method according to (3) above.
(5) The user who desires to operate the third window and data arranged in the third window moves the cursor on the display to the third window using the cursor control device. Placing on the part of the window activates the third window to supply the CPU with a first signal, and upon receiving the first signal, the third window becomes the first window. Relative to the third window so that the first and third windows are simultaneously active and the second window is inactive. The method according to (4) above, wherein the method is modified.
(6) The method according to (5), wherein the first signal is generated when the user instantaneously activates a switch coupled to the CPU.
(7) The method according to (4), wherein the first window includes a help access window.
(8) In order for the user to select the access window so that the CPU generates and displays the access window on the display when a selection is made, the display is connected to the CPU. The method according to (7) above, comprising combined selection means.
(9) the access window includes first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user;
The user selects the button function using a selection means coupled to the CPU;
The CPU displays items in the first work area;
The user selects one of the items in the first work area;
The CPU displays a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area;
The user uses the selection means to select one of the displayed phrases;
The method of (8) above, wherein the CPU displays on the display at least one presentation window that includes instruction data associated with the phrase selected for the user.
(10) The method according to (9), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(11) The method according to (10), wherein the phrase is in the form of a question for selection by the user.
(12) The access window further includes a search button function, and when the user selects the search button function, a search subwindow is displayed in the first work area. the method of.
(13) The method according to (12), further comprising the step of the user inputting a search word in the search sub-window and providing a second signal to the CPU to search for the search word. the method of.
(14) Upon detecting the first signal, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. (13) The method according to (13) above.
(15) The user searches for the search word by placing a cursor on the display over the search button function in the access window and momentarily activating a switch coupled to the CPU. The method according to (14), wherein the second signal is provided to the CPU.
(16) The method according to (12), further including an index button function displayed in the access window.
(17) When the user selects the index button function, the CP
U displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area is
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar comprising sliders selectively positionable on at least a portion of each of the characters using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The method according to (16), wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. .
(18) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider and provides a second signal to the CPU, and the slider is over the portion of the character. The slider is moved over the desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display using the cursor controller to be positioned and providing a third signal to the CPU. The method according to (17), wherein the method is positioned.
(19) The method according to (18), wherein the data is displayed in the first work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(20) The method according to (19), wherein the scroll bar is arranged horizontally across the window.
(21) A computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display for displaying data, the display system comprising:
User interface generation means coupled to the CPU for displaying data in a window on the display, wherein the user interface generation means generates and displays a first window and a second window And wherein the first window includes user interface generation means overlying a portion of the second window on the display;
A display system, wherein both of the windows are active at the same time and can be used by the user to manipulate each of the windows and the data located in the respective windows.
(22) The user can selectively position each of the windows on the display using cursor control means coupled to the CPU to control a cursor on the display. The display system according to (21).
(23) The display system according to (22), wherein the user interface generation unit generates and displays a third window on the display.
(24) The second window is disposed on at least a part of the third window, the first and second windows are simultaneously active, and the third window is inactive The display system as described in (23) above,
(25) The user who desires to operate the third window and the data arranged in the third window moves the cursor on the display to the third window using the cursor control means. The third window is activated by receiving the signal by placing the signal on a part of the window and supplying a signal to the CPU, so that the third window becomes the first and second windows. The CPU modifies the relative position of the third window so that the first and third windows are active simultaneously and the second window is inactive. The display system according to (24), characterized in that it is characterized in that
(26) The display system according to (25), wherein the first signal is generated when the user instantaneously activates a switch coupled to the CPU.
(27) The display system according to (25), wherein the first window includes a help access window.
(28) In order for the user to select the access window so that the CPU can generate and display the access window on the display when a selection is made, the display provides the CPU with the display. The display system as set forth in (27), further comprising a combined selection means.
(29) the access window includes first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user;
And further comprising selection means coupled to the CPU for selecting the button function, the CPU displaying an item in the first work area when the button function is selected,
When one of the items in the first work area is selected, the CPU displays a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area, and the user selects the selection means. To select one of the displayed phrases,
And further comprising at least one presentation window displayed when the user selects one of the displayed phrases, the presentation window being associated with the phrase selected for the user on the display The display system according to (28), wherein when the presentation window is displayed, the access window is no longer displayed by the CPU.
(30) The display system according to (29), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(31) The display system according to (30), wherein the phrase is in a question format for selection by the user.
(32) The access window further includes a search button function;
The display system according to (31), wherein when the user selects the search button function, the CPU displays a search subwindow in the first work area.
(33) The display system according to (32), wherein the user inputs a search word to the search subwindow and gives the CPU a second signal to search for the search word.
(34) Upon detecting the second signal, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. (33) The display system according to (33) above.
(35) By placing a cursor on the display on the search button function in the access window, the user gives the second signal to the CPU to search for the search word, and The display system according to (34) above, wherein the coupled switch is activated instantaneously.
(36) The display system according to (30), further including an index button function displayed in the access window.
(37) When the user selects the index button function, the CPU displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area includes:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar comprising sliders selectively positionable on at least a portion of each of the characters using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The display according to (36), wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. system.
(38) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider, provides a third signal to the CPU, and the slider is positioned over the portion of the character. By moving the cursor and the slider on the display using the cursor control device and providing a fourth signal to the CPU, the slider is positioned on the desired character. The display system as described in (37) above,
(39) The display system according to (37), wherein the data is displayed in the first work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(40) The display system according to (37), wherein the scroll bar is arranged horizontally across the window.
(41) A computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display for displaying data, the display system comprising:
User interface generation means coupled to the CPU for displaying data in a window on the display;
At least one of the windows includes a work area for displaying data, the work area comprising:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar including a slider that can be selectively positioned over at least a portion of each of the characters using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
A display system, wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the work area.
(42) The slider positioning means includes a cursor control device coupled to the CPU for positioning a cursor on the display, and the cursor control device is controlled by a user. Display system as described in.
(43) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider, provides a first signal to the CPU, and the slider positions over the portion of the character. As described above, the slider is positioned on a desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display and giving a second signal to the CPU. ) Display system.
(44) The display system according to (2), wherein the data is displayed in the work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(45) The display system according to (4), wherein the scroll bar is disposed horizontally across the window.
(46) The display system according to (5), wherein the character on which the slider is placed is visible to the user through the slider.
(47) The display system according to (6), wherein the slider has a rectangular shape.
(48) The display system according to (6), wherein the first signal is provided by pressing a switch, and the second signal is provided by releasing the switch.
(49) The display system according to (8), wherein the switch is arranged on the cursor control device.
(50) The user positions the cursor on a predetermined area of the display corresponding to the desired character and gives a signal to the CPU so that the slider is displayed on the desired character. The display system according to (2), wherein the CPU moves the slider so that the slider is positioned on a desired character.
(51) The display system according to (10), wherein the signal is provided to the CPU when the user instantaneously activates a switch disposed on the cursor control device. .
(52) The user positions the cursor over the predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider and gives a first signal to the CPU, and the user uses the cursor control device to By moving the slider and the cursor to the end of the scroll bar, the CPU generates and displays the additional character, and scrolls the other displayed character in the opposite direction to the end The display system according to (2), wherein additional characters are displayed on the scroll bar.
(53) The display system according to (12), wherein the first signal is given to the CPU by pressing a switch.
(54) The display system according to (8), wherein the cursor control device includes a trackball.
(55) The display system according to (8), wherein the cursor control device includes a mouse.
(56) The display system according to (8), wherein the cursor control device includes a keyboard.
(57) The user inputs a character using a keyboard coupled to the CPU, and the CPU moves the slider so that the slider is displayed on the corresponding character on the scroll bar. Thus, the display system according to (2), wherein the slider is positioned on the character.
(58) The user positions the cursor over a portion of a vertical scroll bar located within the window to provide a first signal to the CPU, and a second signal is received by the CPU. The CPU scrolls the data in the window until the slider is displayed over the character on the scroll bar corresponding to the current data item at a predetermined position in the window. The display system according to (2), wherein the slider is positioned on a character by displaying the slider.
(59) The window displayed by the user interface generation unit can be selectively positioned at a desired position on the display by the user using the cursor control device. ) Display system.
(60) The display system according to (19), wherein the CPU generates a plurality of windows, and the windows include the scroll bar including an access window.
(61) The display system according to (20), wherein the access window is displayed on at least a part of a second window on the display.
(62) The access window and the second window are active windows, whereby the user manipulates the access window and the second window and the data displayed in the respective windows. The display system according to (20), wherein the display system can be used.
(63) The display system according to (22), further including a third window on which at least a part of the second window is displayed.
(64) The user who wishes to operate the third window and data arranged in the third window moves the cursor on the display to the third window using the cursor control device. The third window is activated by receiving the signal by placing the signal on a part of the window and providing a signal to the CPU, so that the third window becomes the access window and the second window. Relative to the third window so that the access window and the third window are active and the second window is inactive. The display system according to (23), wherein the display system is corrected.
(65) A selection coupled to the CPU for selecting the access window so that the CPU generates and displays the access window with the scroll bar on the display. The display system according to (24), further comprising: means and the cursor control device.
(66) The data displayed in the access window includes a first plurality of items for selection by the user, and when one of the items is selected, the access window is deleted and the CPU The display system according to (24), wherein a presentation window is generated and displayed.
(67) In a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the display for displaying data such that the data is displayed in a plurality of windows on the display, the data is displayed on the window by a user Display method,
Generating and displaying the window using user interface generation means coupled to the CPU;
Determining a work area in at least one of the windows for displaying data, the work area comprising:
Displaying a plurality of characters along the scroll bar;
A slider positioning means coupled to the CPU is used to selectively position the slider over a portion of the character, and the slider is placed over the portion of the character to cause the CPU to Displaying the data corresponding to the character selected in the area.
(68) The cursor control device coupled to the CPU for positioning the cursor on the display is used to position the slider, and the cursor control device is controlled by the user. The method according to (27) above.
(69) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider and provides a first signal to the CPU, and the slider is over the portion of the character. Using the cursor control device to be positioned, the cursor and the slider on the display are moved to provide a second signal to the CPU so that the slider is over the desired character. The method according to (28), wherein the method is positioned.
(70) The method according to (28), wherein the data is displayed in the work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(71) The method according to (28), wherein the scroll bar is arranged horizontally across the window.
(72) The method according to (31), wherein the character on which the slider is placed is visible to the user through the slider.
(73) The method according to (32), wherein the slider has a rectangular shape.
(74) The method according to (33), wherein the first signal is provided by pressing a switch and the second signal is provided by releasing the switch.
(75) The method according to (34), wherein the switch is arranged on the cursor control device.
(76) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area of the display corresponding to the desired character using the cursor control device and provides a signal to the CPU, and the slider is The method according to (28), wherein the slider is positioned on the character by moving the slider so that the CPU is displayed on the character.
(77) The method according to (36), wherein the signal is provided to the CPU by the user instantaneously activating a switch disposed on the cursor control device.
(78) The user positions the cursor over at least a portion of the slider to provide a first signal to the CPU, and the user uses the cursor control device to reach the end of the scroll bar. By moving the slider and the cursor, the CPU generates and displays the additional character, and scrolls the displayed other character in the direction opposite to the end, thereby moving the cursor on the scroll bar. The method according to (28), wherein an additional character is displayed on the screen.
(79) The method according to (38), wherein the first signal is provided to the CPU by pressing a switch.
(80) The method according to (31), wherein the cursor control device includes a trackball.
(81) The method according to (31) above, wherein the cursor control device includes a mouse.
(82) The method according to (31) above, wherein the cursor control device includes a keyboard.
(83) The window displayed by the user interface generation means can be selectively positioned at a desired position on the display by the user using the cursor control device. ) Method.
(84) The method according to (43), wherein the CPU generates a plurality of windows, and the windows include the scroll bar including an access window.
(85) The method according to (44), wherein the access window is displayed on at least a part of a second window on the display.
(86) The access window and the second window are active windows, whereby the user manipulates the access window and the second window and the data displayed in the respective windows. (45) The method according to (45) above, wherein
(87) The method according to (46), further including a third window on which at least a part of the second window is displayed.
(88) The user who desires to operate the third window and data arranged in the third window moves the cursor on the display to the third window using the cursor control device. The third window is activated by receiving the signal by placing the signal on a part of the window and providing a signal to the CPU, so that the third window becomes the access window and the second window. Relative to the third window so that the access window and the third window are active and the second window is inactive. (47) The method according to (47) above.
(89) A selection coupled to the CPU for selecting the access window so that the CPU generates and displays the access window with the scroll bar on the display. The method according to (48), further comprising: means and the cursor control device.
(90) The data displayed in the access window includes a first plurality of items for selection by the user, and when one of the items is selected, the access window is deleted and the CPU The display system according to (49), wherein a presentation window is generated and displayed.
(91) In a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display, a method for providing a visual cue to a user of the display system,
Generating and displaying a user interface including a plurality of objects on the display using user interface generation means coupled to the CPU;
Generating an indication mark comprising at least one geometric shape using indication mark generation means coupled to the user interface generation means;
Displaying the indication mark on the display to cause the user to visually identify at least one of the objects on the display.
(92) The method according to (1), wherein the instruction mark is displayed in response to a first signal provided to the CPU by the user.
(93) The method according to (2), wherein the user interface generation means further generates and displays a window on the display in which data and objects are displayed.
(94) The method according to (3), wherein the indication mark identifies an object in the window to the user.
(95) The method according to (3) above, wherein the first signal includes a help inquiry input to the CPU by the user.
(96) The method of (4) above, wherein at least one of the indication marks is generally in the shape of a circle surrounding an object identified to the user.
(97) At least one of the instruction marks generally has an arrow shape including an arrowhead and an axis, and the arrowhead faces and identifies an object on the display. The method according to (4).
(98) The method of (4) above, wherein at least one of the indication marks is generally in the shape of X identifying the position of the object on the display.
(99) The method according to (8), wherein the X identifies a position on the display where the user should input data.
(100) The method according to (4), wherein the indication mark is generally in the shape of a horizontal line.
(101) The method according to (4), wherein the instruction mark is displayed in color.
(102) The method according to (11) above, wherein the color is translucent.
(103) The indication mark is displayed on the display at a slower speed than other objects are displayed by the CPU so that the mark appears to be expressed by an animation. The method according to 4).
(104) The method comprises:
The CPU generating and displaying an access window, the access window including first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user;
The user selecting the button function using a selection means coupled to the CPU;
The CPU displaying items in the first work area;
The user selecting one of the items in the first work area;
The CPU displaying a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area;
The user selecting one of the displayed phrases using the selection means;
The CPU further comprises the step of displaying on the display at least one presentation window including instruction data relating to the phrase selected for the user. the method of.
(105) The method according to (14), wherein the instruction mark is displayed simultaneously with the display of the presentation window.
(106) The method according to (15), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(107) The method according to (16), wherein the phrase is in the form of a question for selection by the user.
(108) The access window further includes a search button function, and when the user selects the search button function, a search subwindow is displayed in the first work area. the method of.
(109) The method according to (18), wherein the user inputs a search word in the search sub-window and provides the CPU with a second signal to search for the search word.
(110) When the second signal is detected, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. The method as described in (19) above, wherein
(111) The user searches for the search word by placing a cursor on the display over the search button function in the access window and momentarily activating a switch coupled to the CPU. The method according to (20), wherein the second signal is provided to the CPU.
(112) The method according to (21), further including an index button function displayed in the access window.
(113) When the user selects the index button function, the CPU displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area includes:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar comprising sliders selectively positionable on at least a portion of each of the characters using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The method according to (22) above, wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. .
(114) The user positions the cursor over at least a portion of the slider and provides a third signal to the CPU so that the slider is positioned over the portion of the character. The slider is positioned on the desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display using a cursor control device and providing a fourth signal to the CPU. The method according to (23) above.
(115) The method according to (24), wherein the third signal is provided by pressing a switch, and the fourth signal is provided by releasing the switch.
(116) The user uses the cursor control device to position the cursor on a portion of the display corresponding to the desired character to provide a fifth signal to the CPU, and the slider The method according to (25), wherein the slider is positioned on the character by moving the slider so that the CPU is displayed on a desired character.
(117) In a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display,
User interface generation means coupled to the CPU for generating and displaying a user interface including a plurality of objects on the display;
An indication mark generating means coupled to the user interface generating means for generating an indication mark close to a geometric shape,
The display system, wherein the instruction mark is displayed on the display so that an object on the display is visually identified to the user by the instruction mark.
(118) The display system according to (27), wherein the instruction mark is displayed in response to a first signal provided to the CPU by the user.
(119) The display system according to (28), wherein the user interface generation means further generates and displays a window on the display in which data and objects are displayed.
(120) The display system according to (29), wherein the instruction mark identifies an object in the window to the user.
(121) The display system according to (29), wherein the first signal includes a help inquiry input to the CPU by the user.
(122) The display system according to (29), wherein at least one of the indication marks is generally in the shape of a circle surrounding an object identified to the user.
(123) The at least one of the indication marks generally has an arrow shape including an arrowhead and an axis, and the arrowhead faces and identifies an object on the display. The display system according to (29).
(124) The display system according to (29), wherein at least one of the indication marks is generally in the shape of X that identifies the position of the object on the display.
(125) The display system according to (34), wherein the X identifies a position on the display where the user should input data.
(126) The display system according to (29), wherein the indication mark is generally in the shape of a horizontal line.
(127) The display system according to (29), wherein the instruction mark is displayed in color.
(128) The display system according to (37), wherein the color is translucent.
(129) The instruction mark is displayed on the display at a slower speed than other objects are displayed by the CPU so that the mark appears to be expressed by an animation. The expression system according to 29).
(130) The user interface generation means includes:
An access window including first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user;
A selection means coupled to the CPU for selecting the button function, the CPU further displaying a selection means for displaying an item in the first work area when the button function is selected;
When one of the items in the first work area is selected, the CPU displays a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area, and the user uses the selection means. Select one of the displayed phrases,
When the user selects one of the displayed phrases, at least one presentation window is further displayed, and the presentation window is associated with the selected phrase for the user on the display. The display system according to (31), wherein the access window is no longer displayed by the CPU.
(131) The display system according to (40), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(132) The display system according to (41), wherein the phrase is in a question format for selection by the user.
(133) The access window further includes a search button function, and when the user selects the search button function, the CPU displays a search subwindow in the first work area (42) Display system as described in.
(134) The display system according to (43), wherein the user inputs a search word into the search subwindow and provides the CPU with a second signal to search for the search word.
(135) When the second signal is detected, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. (44) The display system according to (44) above.
(136) By placing a cursor on the display over a search button function in the access window, the user provides the CPU with the second signal to search for the search word, and the CPU The display system according to (45), wherein the switch coupled to is instantaneously activated.
(137) The display system according to (41), further including an index button function displayed in the access window.
(138) When the user selects the index button function, the CPU displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area includes:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar including a slider that can be selectively positioned on each portion of the character using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The display according to (47), wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. system.
(139) The user positions the cursor over at least a portion of the slider and provides a third signal to the CPU so that the slider is positioned over the portion of the character. The slider is positioned on the desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display using a cursor control device and providing a fourth signal to the CPU. The display system according to (48).
(140) The display system according to (49), wherein the data is displayed in the first work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(141) A method of providing information to a user of a display system in a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the display such that data is displayed in a window on the display,
The CPU generating and displaying an access window including first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user;
The user selecting the button function using a selection means coupled to the CPU;
The CPU displaying items in the first work area;
The user selecting one of the items in the first work area;
The CPU displaying a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area;
The user selecting one of the displayed phrases using the selection means;
The CPU including displaying on the display at least one presentation window including instruction data associated with the phrase selected for the user.
(142) The method according to (1), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(143) The method according to (2), wherein the phrase is in a question format for selection by the user.
(144) The access window further includes a search button function, and when the user selects the search button function, a search subwindow is displayed in the first work area. the method of.
(145) The method according to (4), wherein the user inputs a search word to the search subwindow and provides the CPU with a first signal to search for the search word.
(146) Upon detecting the first signal, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. (5) The method according to (5) above.
(147) The user searches for the search word by placing a cursor on the display over the search button function in the access window and momentarily activating a switch coupled to the CPU. The method according to (6), wherein the first signal is provided to the CPU.
(148) Index button function displayed in the access window
The method according to (4), further comprising:
(149) When the user selects the index button function, the CPU displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area includes:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar including a slider that can be selectively positioned on each portion of the character using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The method according to (8) above, wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. .
(150) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider and provides a second signal to the CPU, and the slider is over the portion of the character. The slider is moved over the desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display using the cursor controller to be positioned and providing a third signal to the CPU. The method according to (9) above, wherein the method is positioned.
(151) The method according to (10), wherein the data is displayed in the first work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(152) The method according to (11), wherein the scroll bar is arranged horizontally across the window.
(153) The method according to (12), wherein the character on which the slider is placed is visible to the user through the slider.
(154) The method according to (13), wherein the slider has a rectangular shape.
(155) The method according to (12), wherein the second signal is provided by pressing a switch, and the third signal is provided by releasing the switch.
(156) The method according to (15), wherein the switch is arranged on a cursor control device coupled to the CPU.
(157) The user uses the cursor control device to position the cursor on a portion of the display corresponding to the desired character to provide a fourth signal to the CPU, and the slider The method according to (15), wherein the CPU moves the slider so that the slider is displayed on a desired character, thereby positioning the slider on at least a part of the character.
(158) The method according to (17), wherein the fourth signal is provided to the CPU by the user activating the switch instantaneously.
(159) The user positions the cursor over the predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider to provide the second signal to the CPU, and the user uses the cursor control device. Move the slider and the cursor to the end of the scroll bar, the CPU generates and displays the additional character, and scrolls the other displayed character in the opposite direction to the end. The method according to (17) above, wherein an additional character is displayed on the scroll bar.
(160) The CPU further includes generating and displaying an instruction mark on the display, the instruction mark identifying on the display a feature associated with the information displayed in the presentation window. The method according to (8) above, which is characterized.
(161) The method according to (20), wherein the indication mark is displayed almost simultaneously with the presentation mark.
(162) The method according to (20), wherein the indication mark is expressed by the CPU so that the mark looks close to a shape of a geometric object.
(163) The method according to (22) above, wherein the shape of the indication mark is a circle.
(164) The outline shape of the indication mark is an arrow having an arrowhead and an axis, and the arrowhead identifies a feature on the display for the user. Method.
(165) The method according to (22), wherein the outline shape of the indication mark is an underline mark, and the feature on the display is underlined for the user.
(166) The method according to (22), wherein the indication mark has a schematic shape X, and X is placed on a feature on the display that requires data input by the user. .
(167) The method according to (24), wherein the axis is curved.
(168) The method according to (22), wherein the indication mark is expressed in color on the display.
(169) In a help system for providing information to a user of the display system in a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the display such that data is displayed in a window on the display;
An access window including first and second work areas and at least one access button function for selection by the user generated and displayed by the CPU;
Selecting means for selecting the button function, which is coupled to the CPU and displays the item in the first work area when the button function is selected;
When one of the items in the first work area is selected, the CPU displays a plurality of phrases related to the selected item in the second work area, and the user uses the selection means. Select one of the displayed phrases,
And at least one presentation window that includes help instruction data associated with the selected phrase for the user on the display that is displayed when the user selects one of the displayed phrases. The display system, wherein when the presentation window is displayed, the access window is no longer displayed by the CPU.
(170) The display system according to (29), wherein the button function includes a topic button function, and the item includes a list of topic items ordered for selection by the user.
(171) The display system according to (30), wherein the phrase is in a question format for selection by the user.
(172) The access window further includes a search button function, and when the user selects the search button function, the CPU displays a search subwindow in the first work area. Display system as described in.
(173) The display system according to (32), wherein the user inputs a search word to the search subwindow and provides the CPU with a first signal to search for the search word.
(174) When the first signal is detected, the CPU displays the phrase related to the input search word in the second work area of the access window, and the phrase is in the form of a question. (33) The display system according to (33) above.
(175) By placing a cursor on the display over a search button function in the access window, the user is provided with the first signal to search for the search word and to the CPU. The display system according to (34) above, wherein the coupled switch is activated instantaneously.
(176) The display system according to (30), further including an index button function displayed in the access window.
(177) When the user selects the index button function, the CPU displays an index window in the first work area, and the work area includes:
A plurality of characters displayed along the scroll bar;
A scroll bar comprising sliders selectively positionable on at least a portion of each of the characters using slider positioning means coupled to the CPU;
The display according to (36), wherein when the slider is placed on a part of one character, the CPU displays data corresponding to the selected character in the first work area. system.
(178) The user positions the cursor over a predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider and provides a second signal to the CPU, and the slider is over the portion of the character. The slider is moved over the desired character by moving the cursor and the slider on the display using the cursor controller to be positioned and providing a third signal to the CPU. The display system according to (37), wherein the display system is positioned.
(179) The display system according to (37), wherein the data is displayed in the first work area according to a predetermined hierarchy.
(180) The display system according to (37), wherein the scroll bar is disposed horizontally across the window.
(181) The display system according to (40), wherein the character on which the slider is placed is visible to the user through the slider.
(182) The display system according to (41), wherein the slider has a rectangular shape.
(183) The display system according to (39), wherein the second signal is provided by pressing a switch, and the third signal is provided by releasing the switch.
(184) The display system according to (43), wherein the switch is disposed on a cursor control device coupled to the CPU.
(185) The slider positions the cursor over the predetermined area of the display corresponding to the desired character using the cursor control device to provide a fourth signal to the CPU, and the slider (39) In the above (39), the CPU moves the slider so that is displayed on the desired character, whereby the slider is positioned on at least a part of the character. Display system.
(186) The display system according to (45), wherein the fourth signal is provided to the CPU when the user instantaneously activates the switch.
(187) The user positions the cursor over the predetermined area on the display corresponding to the slider to provide the second signal to the CPU, and the user uses the cursor control device. The slider and the cursor are moved to the end of the scroll bar, and the CPU generates and displays the additional character, and scrolls the other displayed character in the direction opposite to the end. Accordingly, an additional character is displayed on the scroll bar. The display system according to (39), wherein
(188) An indication mark generating means coupled to the CPU for generating and displaying an indication mark on the display, wherein the indication mark is associated with the information displayed on the presentation window. The display system according to (29) above, characterized by being identified above.
(189) The display system according to (48), wherein the instruction mark is displayed almost simultaneously with the presentation mark.
(190) The display system according to (49), wherein the instruction mark is expressed by the CPU so that the mark looks close to a shape of a geometric object.
(191) The display system according to (50), wherein the general shape of the indication mark is a circle.
(192) The outline shape of the indication mark is an arrow having an arrowhead and an axis, and the arrowhead identifies a feature on the display for the user. Display system.
(193) The display system according to (50), wherein the general shape of the indication mark is an underline mark, and the feature on the display is underlined for the user.
(194) The display according to (50), wherein the indication mark has a schematic shape X, and X is placed on a feature on the display that requires data input by the user. system.
(195) The display system according to (52), wherein the axis is curved.
(196) The display system according to (51), wherein the instruction mark is expressed in color on the display.

40 display means, 42 mouse, 44 cursor (cursor control device), 46 switch, 48 computer system, 130 access window, 148, 250 scroll bar, 160 topic, 165, 300, 310 presentation window, 145, 150 Work area, 175 slider, 176 alphabetic scroll bar, 200 search screen, 210 text box, 215 search button function, 340, 355, 370, 386 instruction mark.

Claims (4)

In a data processing system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display for display of data:
Means for displaying at least a portion of the data in an area of a window on the display;
Means for displaying a plurality of characters along a bar provided with a slider, wherein a portion of the data is determined by the position of the slider relative to the plurality of characters along the bar;
A data processing system comprising: means for scrolling a part of the data in the area of the window according to an input for moving a cursor in a predetermined area different from the bar on the display. In a computer system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display and displaying data:
Displaying a portion of the data in an area of a window on the display;
Displaying a plurality of characters along a bar provided with a slider;
Shifting the positions of the plurality of characters along the bar without changing the length of the bar in response to user input;
Displaying data comprising: displaying a corresponding portion of the data in the area in response to user input to selectively position the slider on one of the plurality of characters on the bar how to. In a data processing device that displays data,
With a display;
With memory for storing multiple data items;
A processing unit coupled to the memory and the display, wherein the processing unit displays a portion of a plurality of characters along a bar provided with a slider in the display, and A portion is displayed in an area on the display, and the portion of the data item is determined by the position of the slider relative to a plurality of characters along the bar, and in response to one input of the character The data processing apparatus wherein the slider is displayed on the one of the characters in the bar by the processing apparatus. In a data processing system having a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a display, in a method for displaying data:
Displaying a first portion of a plurality of characters at a position along a bar provided with a slider in the display;
In response to user input, displaying a second portion of a plurality of characters at the position along the bar without changing the length of the bar;
Displaying a portion of the data in an area of the window;
Displaying data comprising: displaying a corresponding portion of the data in the area in response to user input to selectively position the slider on one of a plurality of characters on the bar Method.

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