GB2369280A

GB2369280A - Alerting user to existence of available user-configurable display options

Info

Publication number: GB2369280A
Application number: GB0122723A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kris R Livingston; Ward S Foster
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: HP Inc
Priority date: 2000-09-29
Filing date: 2001-09-20
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-20
Also published as: GB2369280B; GB0122723D0

Abstract

An operator is made aware of user-configurable settings within user interface (100) software by the display of an icon (101) on the interface when the functions or appearance of that part of the user interface have associated customizable options. Selection of the icon may automatically link the user to a portion of the user interface which allows adjustment of the adaptable settings (see Fig. 3). Alternatively, the cursor displayed in the interface may change appearance upon the existence of user-configurable settings associated with a nearby element of the interface.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION System and Method for Providing Context-Sensitive Access to Preferences and Configuration Options.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of managing the operating system and related applications on a computer, computer network or other networked devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of alerting a user to the software preference settings and configuration options that may be available in various contexts when operating a computer, computer network or other networked device, and providing that user with convenient and immediate access to the controls for those preference settings and configuration options.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Computers assist people in accomplishing an ever-expanding array of tasks.

For example, programs or applications that run on computers allow people to write documents, create drawings, track inventory, listen to music, communicate around the world, purchase products and securities, etc.

As the software systems in use continue to provide more features and accomplish more tasks, the complexity of those systems increases. In order to facilitate the use of such complex systems, many software packages include an array of configuration options or customization settings that the user can access and adjust to tailor the functioning of the software to that user's particular needs and styles. For example, an application may allow a user to specify where files

should primarily be saved so that the user need not specify the drive and directory to save a file each time a new file is created and saved.

Unfortunately, due in part to the complexity of the software itself, the average user is often unaware of the customization and configuration options available in a software package. Considerable time-consuming research may be required to discover the options available. Most users may be unwilling to invest the time required for such education. Alternatively, the user may be aware of a customization or configuration option and how to effect the desired change to the software's settings, but may still not make the desired adjustments to the software due the inconvenience and interruption to workflow required to access and adjust the configuration settings portion of the application's user interface.

Consequently, there is a need in the art for a means of better alerting a user that a software package has a customizable or user-configurable feature. There is a further need in the art for a means of more easily accessing the appropriate portion of the application's user interface to adjust customizable or userconfigurable settings where available without unduly interrupting a user's workflow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for readily alerting a user when and where a software package has customizable or user-configurable settings. Moreover, the present invention provides a number of mechanisms for conveniently accessing the appropriate portion of the application's user interface to make desired changes to the settings for such customizable or user-configurable settings and without unduly interrupting the user's workflow.

In its preferred embodiments, the present invention may be described as a software package that has user-configurable options for allowing a user to control certain aspects of the functions of the software package or the appearance of a user

interface of the software package. Within the software package, an element of the user interface automatically alerts the user to those user-configurable options pertaining to that portion of the user interface or a function of the software package accessed or indicated by the user.

The element alerting the user to the existence of user-configurable options may be a link button that is displayed when the user accesses or indicates a portion or function of the software package which has user-configurable options associated therewith. The link button, if selected by the user, causes the software package to display a portion of the user interface containing controls for the userconfigurable options relevant to that portion or function of the software package which the user accessed or indicated to cause display of the link button. The portion of the user interface containing controls for the user-configurable options may also include a second link button which, if selected, returns the user to that portion of the user interface from which the user selected the first link button.

Alternatively, the element of the user interface that alerts the user to the existence of user-configurable options may be a function of the mouse cursor, where, if the mouse cursor intersects a portion of the user interface which represents a function of the software package which has user-configurable options associated therewith, an existence of the user-configurable options will be indicated to the user. The existence of the user-configurable options can be indicated by a change in an appearance of the mouse cursor. Moreover, the userconfigurable options may be accessed with a right-click on a mouse controlling the mouse cursor.

The present invention also encompasses a method of making and operating the software package described above. Specifically, the present invention encompasses a method of managing a user interface for a software package that comprises user-configurable options for allowing a user to control certain aspects of functions of the software package or an appearance of a user interface of the

software package. This method includes providing an element of the user interface for alerting the user to those user-configurable options pertaining to a portion of the user interface or a function of the software package accessed or indicated by the user.

Finally, the present invention also encompasses the computer-readable instructions, e. g. computer code, recorded in an appropriate medium, for assembling the system or performed the method described above. Specifically, the present invention encompasses computer-readable instructions recorded in a medium for storing computer-readable instructions, where the instructions, in conjunction with a software package having user-configurable options for allowing a user to control certain aspects of functions of the software package or an appearance of a user interface of the software package, generate a element of the user interface for alerting the user to those user-configurable options pertaining to a portion of the user interface or a function of the software package accessed or indicated by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a dialog box of a user interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second dialog box of a user interface according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a third dialog box listing user-configurable options according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the method of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the method of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the method of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As the user operates a software package, the software will present to the user various aspects of its user interface. As used herein, the term"user interface" will be understood to include anything displayed on a screen or monitor of the computer or computing device on which the software package is running. In a word processor, for example, the software will provide the user with an interface that accepts texts and likely provides a tool bar for accessing various text editing and formatting options available through the software package. If the user selects a button from the tool bar or from a pull-down menu, the user will be taken to a different portion of the software's user interface through which the features of the software represented by that tool bar button or pull-down menu entry can be controlled. For example, if the user wishes to print the document he or she has drafted, the user can usually select a print key from a tool bar or a"print"entry from a pull-down menu. The software then displays the"print"portion of its user interface which may allow the user to control various aspects of the printing processes, such as the size of the paper, resolution of the printed image, etc.

Stated in general principle, the present invention seeks to alert the user to the existence of customizable features or user-configurable aspects of the software package. The present invention accomplishes this by alerting the user specifically to the existence of customizable features or user-configurable options that relate to whatever portion of the user interface the user is then accessing or about to access.

Using the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained. Fig. 1 illustrates a dialog box according to the present invention. As used herein, the term"dialog box"will be understood to refer to a portion of the user interface that is displayed or appears in response to a specevent in the software's operation or in response to an action of the user. A du box advises the user of some aspect of the operation of the software and/or solicits input from the user. The dialog box may be displayed as a box that overlays another portion of the user interface with which the user has been working, or may be a completely new screen to which the user is taken.

The dialog box (100) illustrated in Fig. 1 is a portion of the user interface of a software package that relates to the printing of documents or images. The dialog box (100) appears in response to the user sending a print job to the printer associated with his or her work station. The dialog box (100) appears to inform the user that (1) there will be a delay in printing the job due to a previously pending print job, and (2) the printer is low on toner and needs attention. The user can merely note this information and dismiss the dialog box by selecting the "Cancel"button (102) or may take other action based on the information provided.

The dialog box (100) according to the present invention also provides another button (101) which is selectable by the user. This button (101) is present in the dialog box to alert the user to the existence of customizable setting and userconfigurable options. In the example of Fig. 1, because the dialog box (100) is reporting printer and print job information, the button (101) is present because the software package offers customizable settings and user-configurable options that relate to the printing process and/or printer management. If no such options existed, under the principles of the present invention, the button (101) would be omitted from the dialog box (100) to indicate that no user-configurable option exists with regard to the printing function of the software package. Alternatively, the button could be displayed even if no user-configurable options are available in

that context, however, the button would be inactive and may have an appearance, such as a"grayed-out"appearance, that indicates that it is not active.

If the user selects the button (101) from the printing-related dialog box (100), the software package will respond by displaying that portion of the user interface that allows the user to adjust and control the user-configurable options of the software package that related to the software's printing function, for example, specifying default printer, a default paper size, a default resolution, etc. In general,

the presence of the button (101) in connection with any dialog box will serve to alert the user to the existence of user-configurable options of the software package that relate to the same function or subject matter as the dialog box.

In this way, the user's attention is appropriately directed to pertinent userconfigurable options when using related features of the software package. The button (101) also provides an easy and ready means for accessing the appropriate portion of the user interface to control or adjust those user-configurable options.

Consequently, the user need not spend time learning about or searching for the user-configurable options that may be available in the software package.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second dialog box (200) according to the principles of the present invention. The dialog box (200) is a file management box that appears in response to the user's input instruction that the software package open a file. As in the dialog box (100) of Fig. 1, the dialog box (200) of Fig. 2 includes a button (201) indicating the presence of user-configurable options that relate to the function or subject matter of the dialog box (200).

The link button (101) to related user-configurable options shown in Fig. 1 is a preferred embodiment that uses an icon to indicate the button's function. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the preferred icon is a gear or gears suggesting the inner workings of the software package which can be accessed and adjusted by the user upon selection of the button (101). However, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the button linking the user to the controls for the user-configurable options related to

the dialog box (200) may take any reasonable form, including, as shown in Fig. 2, a button which is simply labeled with appropriate text, such as"Preferences." Extending the example illustrated in Fig. 2, if the user selects the "Preferences"button (201), the user is linked, i. e. , the software displays that portion of its user interface with which the user can adjust or control the userconfigurable aspects of the function of opening and managing files. For example, in response to selection of the"Preferences"button (201), the software may display the dialog box illustrated in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, a dialog box (250) is presented which allows the user to, for example, specify a basic data directory in a data field (252). The specified data directory then becomes the directory in which the software always looks initially for files to be opened. A browse button (253) is also provided to assist the user in specifying the desired default directory.

When the user has adjusted the user-configurable options as desired in the dialog box (250), the user needs to return to his or her work, in this case, the dialog box (200) in Fig. 2. If the dialog box (250) providing the user-configurable options is displayed over the user's previous working box or window, the user can merely close the box (250) by selecting the"OK"button (254). If, however, the dialog box (250) with the controls of the user-configurable features of the software is a separate screen to which the user has been linked by selection of the "Preference"button (201), the dialog box (250) may preferably include a"Back" button (251) or return link to return the user to that portion of the user interface where he or she was working prior to accessing the controls for relevant userconfigurable aspects of the software via the"Preferences"or icon button (201, 101).

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the user operates the software through the software package's user interface which is responsive to the commands of the user (301). If the appearance of that portion of the user interface being displayed is

configurable by the user, or if there are user-configurable options associated with the functions of that portion of the user interface (302), a link button, such as buttons (101 or 201) in Figs. 1 and 2, will be added to the user interface to alert the user to the existence of those related user-configurable options (303). Preferably, the link button is provided only when there are user-configurable options directly related to that aspect of the software or user interface then in operation. Thus, the user is always advised as to the existence of such user-configurable options in the appropriate context while operating the software.

If the user does not select the link button, operation of the software continues according to the user's commands (304). However, if the user does select the link button, the software may display a dialog box containing the controls for adjusting and specifying the user-configurable options related to the appearance or functionality of the software where the link button was displayed (305). This dialog box is preferably opened and displayed over the user-interface box in which the user has been working. The dialog box then accepts whatever changes or adjustments the user wishes to make in the relevant user-configurable aspects of the software (306). When the user has finished configuring those aspects of the software controlled from the dialog box, the user simply closes the dialog box (307) and continues working through that portion of the user interface where the link button was displayed.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of Fig. 5 is similar to that of Fig. 4. Identical steps are given identical reference numbers and a repeat explanation of those steps will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 5, if the user, while operating the software, selects a link button to access user-configurable options related to the appearance or functionality of that portion of the software package with which the user is currently working, the user is linked to a display screen with the relevant configuration options (405). This new screen which is displayed for the user preferably includes a back link (407)

that can return the user to the screen or portion of the user interface where the user was working when he or she selected the link button to access the user configuration control screen.

The new screen containing the user-configuration controls accepts the user's changes to the user-configurable aspects of the software controlled through that screen (306). When the user is finished, he or she selects the"Back"link (407) and is returned to the screen or portion of the user interface where the user was working when he or she selected the link button to access the userconfiguration control screen (408).

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention. Under the principles of the present invention, there is another preferred method of alerting the user of a software package to the existence of userconfigurable aspects of the software. In this embodiment, we again begin with a user interface which responds to the input and commands of the user (401). This interface, however, includes a button for activating the mouse cursor to indicate the existence of user-configurable options (601). This button is preferably part of the tool bar or box header of the main user interface display. It may also be an option in a pull-down menu, or selectable in any other equivalent way.

When activated or selected (602), this function of the software causes the mouse cursor to serve as an indicator for the presence of relevant userconfigurable aspects of the software. As used herein, the term"mouse cursor"will be understood to refer to the cursor (of whatever appearance) that is moved on the computer screen or monitor in response to the movement of a mouse cursor, track ball, track pad or equivalent device in order to indicate and allow the selection of buttons or other user-interface elements as desired by the user, i. e. , the input of user commands.

Under the principles of the present invention, when the function of the mouse cursor is activated to cause the mouse cursor to indicate the existence of

user-configurable options (603), as the mouse cursor is moved over the user interface, an indication will be given when the mouse cursor intersects or indicates a portion of the user-interface with which user-configurable options are available (604). A preferred example would be as follows, if the user moves the mouse cursor to select a"print"button on a tool bar of the user interface and there are user-configurable options related the printing function of the software, the appearance of the mouse cursor will change, to a gear for example, while the cursor is in contact with or indicating the"print"button in the user interface (607).

As will be understood by those in the art, the mouse cursor could assume some other changed appearance to make this indication or the indication need not be directly associated with the mouse cursor. For example, some other part of the user interface may flash or list appropriate text when the mouse cursor is intersecting or indicating a portion of the user interface with which userconfigurable options are available. The user may turn this mouse cursor function off at any time (606).

If the user wishes to access the relevant user-configurable options when the mouse cursor indicates their existence, the user can select a link to the relevant user-configurable options (608). This may be done, for example, with a right-click on the mouse while the mouse cursor is intersecting a particular portion of the user interface and has changed its appearance to indicate user-configurable options associated with that portion of the user interface and/or its function. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, any other means of linking the user to the appropriate controls for user-configurable options, such as those described above, would be equivalent and within the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the link to the controls for the relevant userconfigurable options of the software is effected by providing a dialog box containing those controls over that portion of the user interface where the user has

been working (305). The user can the make the desired configuration changes (305) and then simply close the box (306) in order to return to his or her work.

The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 7 is substantially the same as that illustrated and described in Fig. 6. Again, identical steps are identically numbered and duplicative description is omitted. In the embodiment of Fig. 7, after the mouse cursor has been activated to indicate the existence of user-configurable aspects related to elements of the user interface, if the user links to the controls for those user-configurable options, a new screen is displayed containing the controls for those relevant user-configurable options (405). This screen then accepts the user's adjustments to the user-configurable options available (306).

When the user has finished configuring the available options, the user can navigate back to that portion of the user interface where he or she was working previously. Alternatively and preferably, the screen with the controls for the userconfigurable options includes a"Back"button or the like which, when selected (407), automatically returns the user to that portion of the user interface where he or she was working when he or she linked to the control screen for the userconfigurable features of the software (408).

The present invention, of course, encompasses the computer-readable instructions required to effect the functions and features described above. As used herein, the term"computer-readable instructions"will be understood to include software, software modules, applications, application extensions and any other instructions for controlling a processing device irrespective of the language in which the instructions are written or the level at which they are written (i. e. , source code, object code, etc. ). Computer-readable instructions, however, also includes firmware, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and any other combination of soft and hard logic for controlling the functionality of a processing device. As used herein, the term"processing device"shall be understood to

include a host computer (desk or lap-top), a server, a palm-top or handheld computer, a microprocessor, an ASIC or any other device the functionality of which is dependent upon the computer-readable instructions it receives.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any software package that has userconfigurable aspects regardless of the platform on which that software is executed.

More specifically, the principles of the present invention can be applied to a software package whether running on a desk-top computer, lap-top computer, or palm-top or hand-held computer (e. g. a Palm@ hand-held computer).

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A software package comprising : user-configurable options (250) for allowing a user to control certain aspects of functions of said software package or an appearance of a user interface of said software package; and an element of said user interface (100) for alerting said user to those userconfigurable options pertaining to a portion of said user interface (100) or a function of said software package accessed or indicated by said user.

2. The software package of claim 1, wherein said element comprises a link button (101) that is displayed when said user accesses or indicates a portion or function of said software package (100) which has user-configurable options associated therewith.

3. The software package of claim 2, wherein said link button (101), if selected, causes said software package to display a portion of said user interface (250) containing controls (252,253) for said user-configurable options relevant to that portion or function of said software package (100) which said user accessed or indicated to activate said link button (101).

4. The software package of claim 3, wherein said portion of said user interface (250) containing controls for said user-configurable options (252,253) further comprises a second link button (251) which, if selected, returns the user to that portion of said user interface (100) from which said user selected said first link button (101).

5. The software package of claim 1, wherein said element comprises a function of a mouse cursor, where, if said mouse cursor intersects a portion of said user interface (301) which represents a function of said software package which has user-configurable options associated therewith, an existence of said userconfigurable options will be indicated to said user (604).

6. The software package of claim 5, wherein said existence of said user-configurable options is indicated by a change in an appearance of said mouse cursor (607).

7. A method of managing a user interface for a software package that comprises user-configurable options for allowing a user to control certain aspects of functions of said software package or an appearance of a user interface of said software package, said method comprising providing an element of said user interface for alerting said user to those user-configurable options pertaining to a portion of said user interface or a function of said software package accessed or indicated by said user (302,303).

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising displaying a link button as said element (303), said link button (101) being displayed when said user accesses or indicates a portion or function of said software package which has user-configurable options associated therewith.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said element comprises a function of a mouse cursor and said method further comprises indicating to said user an existence of said user-configurable options when said mouse cursor intersects a portion of said user interface which represents a function of said software package which has said user-configurable options associated therewith (604,607).

10. Computer-readable instructions recorded in a medium for storing computer-readable instructions, wherein said instructions, in conjunction with a software package having user-configurable options for allowing a user to control certain aspects of functions of said software package or an appearance of a user interface of said software package, generate an element of said user interface (100) for alerting said user to those user-configurable options pertaining to a portion of said user interface or a function of said software package accessed or indicated by said user (302,303, 604,607).