Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0489—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using dedicated keyboard keys or combinations thereof
  • G06F3/04895—Guidance during keyboard input operation, e.g. prompting
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
  • G06F3/0485—Scrolling or panning
  • G06F3/04855—Interaction with scrollbars
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
  • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
  • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
  • G06F9/451—Execution arrangements for user interfaces
  • G06F9/453—Help systems

Definitions

• the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for displaying graphic information, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a computer controlled display system for displaying and manipulating overlapping windows of data on a display.
• GUI window-based graphic user interface
• An intuitive help interface design as in the case of graphic user interfaces generally, relies on a real world metaphor to permit users to apply common knowledge about the metaphor and operate the computer system.
• the present invention provides an on-screen help system having attributes which ease the acclamation and learning period of the user.
• the help system of the present invention provides the full benefits of onscreen help, as opposed to the requirement of the user reading a printed manual, and context sensitivity in the application in which the user is working. Window features are provided which distinguish the help window from other windows on the display, and additional features have been added which coach the user through the use of help to accomplish the desired function.
• the present invention is described in terms of an on-screen help system in a window-based graphic user interface, it will be apparent from the description below, that the present invention's features and attributes have application in a variety of graphic user interface designs and software applications. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the following description, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be applied to computer systems offered by a variety of manufacturers, and to user interface designs which utilize a variety of metaphors.
• the present invention provides apparatus and methods for a help interface for use in a window-based computer display system.
• the display system includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) which is coupled through appropriate input/output (I/O) circuitry to input devices, such as a keyboard, digital pad, mouse and/or track ball.
• the CPU is coupled to a hard disk drive for the storage of programs and data, and may also be coupled to a network through which the CPU may communicate with a variety of other system resources and devices.
• the CPU is further coupled to a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal display, on which the present invention is displayed.
• the user interface of the present invention includes an object oriented graphic user interface having overlapping windows.
• the present invention includes an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined.
• the access window of the present window displays an alpha scroll bar horizontally spanning a defined area of the access window.
• a plurality of alpha-numeric, symbolic or other characters are displayed along the length of the alpha scroll bar.
• a slider is provided which may be selectively positioned over a character displayed on the alpha scroll bar. The placement of the slider over a character on the alpha scroll bar results in the CPU displaying data corresponding to the character selected.
• entries are displayed in the defined area beginning alphabetically with the letter over which the slider has been placed. The slider may be positioned over a desired character by the user positioning a cursor over at least a portion of the slider, and depressing a switch to signal the CPU.
• the user While continuing to depress the switch, the user manipulates the cursor control device such that the cursor and the slider are moved along the alpha scroll bar until the slider is disposed generally above a desired character, and the user then releases the switch, thereby signaling the CPU that the selection has been made.
• a selection may be made by the user placing the cursor over a desired character on the alpha scroll bar and momentarily clicking the switch associated with the cursor control device, thereby signaling the CPU of the selection.
• the CPU sensing the momentary depression and release of the switch, the CPU moves the slider such that it is displayed over the selected character.
• the CPU displays data entries beginning with the selected character in the defined area.
• a selection may also be made by the user depressing a desired character key on the keyboard coupled to the CPU.
• the CPU displays the slider over the selected character and displays the alphabetical list of entries.
• the slider may be moved by placing the cursor over a vertical scroll bar disposed in the defined area of the access window and depressing the switch coupled to the CPU.
• the CPU then displays the slider over the character representing the current entry at the top of the entry list in the defined area.
• additional characters may be displayed along the alpha scroll bar by the CPU.
• the user places the cursor over the slider, depresses the switch and moves the cursor to an end point of the alpha scroll bar.
• the CPU upon sensing the depression of the switch and movement of the slider to the end point of the scroll bar, scrolls the contents of the scroll bar in a direction away from the end point and displays additional characters on the alpha scroll bar. To the user, the display of the additional characters appears to scroll the alpha scroll bar in a direction away from the end point, thereby revealing the additional characters.
• the present invention includes coach marks generated by the CPU for identifying features on the display which relate to the information disposed within the presentation window.
• the coach marks are displayed generally concurrently with the display of the presentation window, and appear to approximate a geometric object, such as, for example, an arrow, a circle, an X, and the like.
• both the access and presentation windows "float" above all other layered windows being displayed regardless of the application currently being executed by the user. Both the access and presentation windows remain active and may be operated upon by the user, as does the top most window immediately below the access or presentation windows being displayed. Other layered windows under the top most application window are inactive, and must be brought to the "top" of the stack immediately below the access or presentation window to be operated upon. Moreover, both the access and presentation windows may be selectively positioned at any location on the display screen regardless of other applications being executed by the CPU and displayed. The access and presentation windows of the present invention continue to be displayed until they are dismissed by the user.
• FIGURE 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating one possible computer display system incorporating the teachings of the present invention.
• FIGURE 2 shows a representative display screen illustrating a window-display system utilizing the teachings of the present invention.
• FIGURE 3 is the access window of the present invention.
• FIGURE 4 illustrates the access window as shown in Figure 3 once the topics screen has been selected.
• FIGURE 5 illustrates the access window of Figure 4 once the topic area for "files and disks" has been selected.
• FIGURE 6 illustrates the access window of Figure 5 and shows the selection of "How do I find a file or folder?" being selected.
• FIGURE 7 illustrates a presentation window entitled "How do I find a file or folder?" displayed subsequent to the selection illustrated in Figure 6.
• FIGURE 8 illustrates the access window of the present invention showing the selection of the index screen and the present invention's alpha slider.
• FIGURE 9 illustrates the present invention's alpha slider placed on the letter "F" contents of the alpha index window within the access window.
• FIGURES 10 illustrates the access window of Figure 9 once the "files" entry has been selected in the alpha window.
• FIGURE 11 illustrates the window of Figure 10 once the selection "How do I find a file or folder?" has been selected.
• FIGURE 12 illustrates the access window of the present invention having the "Look for" screen selected.
• FIGURE 13 illustrates the access screen of Figure 12 after the word "Find" has been inputted and searched.
• FIGURE 14 illustrates the access screen of Figure 13 in the selection of "How do I find a file or folder?" being selected.
• FIGURE 15 illustrates a presentation window entitled "How do I find a file or folder?" displayed subsequent to the selection illustrated in Figure 14.
• FIGURE 16 illustrates the access window of the present invention after index has been selected, and the alpha slider.
• FIGURE 17 illustrates the window of Figure 16 once the letter "F" has been selected.
• FIGURE 18 is a flow chart illustrating a selection technique of the present invention.
• FIGURES 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d are flow charts illustrating alternate selection techniques of the present invention.
• FIGURE 20 illustrates the position of the alpha slider of the present invention and alpha scroll bar when the slider is moved from the letter "F” to the letter "Z".
• FIGURE 21 is a flow chart illustrating the scrolling feature of the present invention's alpha scroll bar.
• FIGURE 22 illustrates the position of the alpha slider after it has been moved from the letter "Z" to the letter "P".
• FIGURE 23 illustrates 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”.
• FIGURE 24 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention disposed on top of a window entitled "GFX Sound & Scan”.
• FIGURE 25 illustrates the presentation window disposed above other layered windows in the display of the present invention wherein the
• FIGURE 26 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention disposed on top of three windows wherein the window entitled
• FIGURE 27 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention disposed above an active window entitled "GFX Sound & Scan”.
• FIGURE 28 illustrates the present invention's layering of the presentation window.
• the button entitled “HUH?” is selected and another window is opened, but wherein the "GFX Sound & Scan" window is still active.
• FIGURE 29 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention in conjunction with a coach mark encircling the menu choice "File”.
• FIGURE 30 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention disposed over an active window entitled "General Controls” in which a coach mark encircles a desktop pattern.
• FIGURE 31 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention and a coach mark encircling "More Choices" in a window entitled “Find”.
• FIGURE 32 illustrates the present invention's use of coach marks to identify an area which requires a user to insert data or make a selection.
• FIGURE 33 illustrates the presentation window of the present invention in which a coach mark has been inserted underlining a portion of the "General Controls" window.
• FIGURE 34 is an additional illustration of the presentation window of the present invention in which a curved arrow coach mark is used to identify a portion of a window entitled "Keyboard”.
• FIGURE 35 is an additional illustration of the coach mark of the present invention in which a straight arrow coach mark is used to identify a selection which is required by the user to accomplish a desired function identified in the presentation window.
• the operations are machine operations performed in conjunction with a human operator.
• Useful machines for performing the operations of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or other similar devices.
• the present invention relates to method steps for operating a computer and processing electrical or other physical signals to generate other desired physical signals.
• the present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations.
• This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer.
• the algorithms presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
• various general purpose machines may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps.
• the required structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the description given below.
• Machines which may perform the functions of the present invention include those manufactured by the Assignee, Apple Computer, Inc., as well as other manufacturers of computer systems.
• the computer controlled display system of the present invention is part of a computer system, such as that illustrated in Figure 1.
• the computer controlled display system includes a display means 40, such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and further includes a cursor control means 42, such as a mouse of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. Re.32,632, a track ball, joy stick or other device for selectively positioning a cursor 44 on a display screen 68 of the display 40.
• the cursor control means 42 includes a signal generation means, such as a switch 46 having a first position and a second position.
• a switch 46 having a first position and a second position.
• Re.32,632 includes a switch which the user of the computer system uses to generate signals directing the computer to execute certain commands.
• the cursor control means 42 (hereinafter all types of applicable cursor control devices, such as mice, track balls, joy sticks, graphic tablets, keyboard inputs, and the like, arc collectively referred to as the "mouse 42") is coupled to a computer system 48.
• the computer 48 comprises three major components. The first of these is an input/output (I/O) circuit 50 which is used to communicate information in appropriately structured form to and from other portions of the computer 48.
• the computer 48 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 52 coupled to the I/O circuit 50 and a memory 55.
• CPU central processing unit
• FIG. 1 Also shown in Figure 1 is a keyboard 56 to input data and commands into the computer 48, as is well known in the art.
• a magnetic mass memory disk 60 is shown coupled to I/O circuit 50 to provide additional storage capability for the computer 48.
• a CD ROM 62 is further coupled to the I/O circuit 50 for additional storage capacity. It will be appreciated that additional devices may be coupled to the computer 48 for storing data, such as magnetic tape drives, as well as networks, which are in turn coupled to other data processing systems.
• the display 40 includes the display screen 68 in which a window 70 is displayed.
• the window 70 may be in the form of a rectangle or other well known shape, and may include a menu bar 72 disposed horizontally across the length of the window.
• the movement of the mouse 42 may be translated by the computer 48 into movement of the cursor 44 on the display screen 70.
• the reader is referred to literature cited in the background describing object-oriented display systems generally, and in particular, desktop metaphor window-based systems for additional description related to other computer systems which may be utilized in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
• the system illustrated in Figure 1 is intended to represent a general data processing system capable of providing a graphic user interface display.
• the window display 70 and window based display system shown in Figure 1 is well known (for example, the Macintosh ® series of computers sold by Apple Computer, Inc.), and hence, a detailed description is not necessary herein.
• the window based user interface of the present invention is generated and displayed using software stored in memory 55 and executed by the CPU 52, as is known.
• the display screen 68 of the display 40 is shown in additional detail. Illustrated within the display 68, is a known graphic user interface utilized by computers manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc.
• a menu bar 100 is provided which horizontally spans the display screen 68.
• the menu bar 100 typically includes a plurality of command options such as a desktop icon in the shape of an Apple 103, "File”, “Edit”, “View”, “Label”, and "Special”.
• pull down menus may be displayed and selected using a methodology commonly referred to as a "push- drag-release" method.
• the cursor 44 is placed over a desired command option, after which the switch 46 of the mouse 42 is depressed.
• the depression of the switch 46 signals the CPU 52 to generate a pull down menu (In Figure 2, a sample pull down menu is shown as menu 104.).
• the user places the cursor 102 over a desired subcommand item (in the example of Figure 2, the "help" command), and releases the switch 46.
• the computer system 48 then executes the selected subcommand item.
• the selection of the subcommand item "help" in menu 104 results in the CPU executing the help system disclosed herein.
• a reference to placing the cursor 44 "over" an object, icon, list, question or the like shall be understood to mean placing the cursor 44 over at least a portion of the object, icon, list, question or the like sufficient to identify the selection to the CPU 52.
• a window 108 Shown within the desktop illustrated in Figure 2 is a window 108 which includes a header 110 entitled "Mail".
• the window 108 lists a variety of documents, messages and the like, which are disposed within the window 108.
• Other icons are shown, such as icon 120 entitled “Jeffs HD”, which represents a hard disk, and icon 122, which represents a floppy disk to which the CPU 52 has access, and trash can icon 126.
• the help system of the present invention is initiated by the user selecting the subcommand item identified as "Help" disposed in the pull down menu 104.
• “Help” the subcommand item identified as "Help" disposed in the pull down menu 104.
• the cursor 44 is placed over balloon help menu icon 112, and switch 46 is depressed.
• CPU 52 generates and displays menu 104, and the user then places cursor 44 over the "Help” subcommand, and releases switch 46.
• the user may select the "Help" function by inputting a predetermined keyboard equivalent using keyboard 56.
• the access window 130 includes a logo 132 and user instructions, as illustrated.
• the instructions shown within the access window 130, logo 132 and the window itself are part of a help data base stored in memory 55, or alternatively, on disk 60 or CD ROM 62.
• Access to the help data base is provided to the user through a topics button 135, an index button 138, and a lookup button 140, as will be described.
• the access window 130 includes a working area 145 in which the CPU 52 displays instructions, text or command options.
• the working area 145 includes a vertical slider 48 for scrolling through data displayed within the working area 145. Additional features of the access window 130 will become apparent from the description below.
• the selection of the topics access method for the access window 130 is illustrated.
• the user places the cursor 44 over the button marked topics (135) and momentarily activates (“clicks") the switch 46 on the mouse 42.
• the cursor 44 is within the rectangle defining the button 135 and the button 46 of mouse 42 is depressed, the image of button 135 appears to be inverted as if it were being depressed.
• CPU 52 generates and displays the access window 130 including a list of topics within a working area 150 as shown in Figure 4.
• the user may then select one of a plurality of topics which the user desires help in. For example, in Figure 5, if the user places the cursor 44 over the topic "Files and Disks" 160, and clicks button 46, the selection of the topic is sensed by the CPU 52, which then generates and displays a list of statements within the working area 145.
• the list displayed within the working area 145 comprises statements in groups which may include questions.
• the heading is a set of words that begins all statements or questions of a particular type (in the example of Figure 5, "How do I").
• the body is the remainder of the question or statement (for example in Figure 5 "Change the name of an item").
• the CPU 52 displays the headings in bold.
• the bodies of the questions or statements appear indented under the heading as shown in the figures.
• the invention's hierarchical design preserves the statement's format, while removing the redundant heading from each statement in the list As a result, the list of statements has less text, and longer statements or questions fit more easily in the working area 145.
• users can easily scan the headings to see the types of statements or questions that are available, using the scroll bar 148.
• the topic area "files and disks" 160 provides the results in the illustrated questions shown.
• the cursor 44 is placed through the appropriate movement of the mouse 42 by the user, over the question "Find a file or folder?", and the switch 46 is momentarily clicked.
• help information may also be obtained through the selection of the index button function 138.
• the index 170 is generated and displayed.
• the index allows users to find relevant questions based on specific terms and phrases (referred to collectively as "index entries").
• the index screen 170 includes a plurality of entries, and the index button 138 remains inverted to indicate the function is active.
• the index screen 170 includes an alpha scroll bar 176. Since the index screen 170 contains many entries, the alpha scroll bar 176 allows users to scroll rapidly to a particular letter, similar to a rolodex on a desk. The operation of the alpha scroll bar 176 will be described in more detail below.
• the user places the cursor 44 over a portion of a desired letter (See Figure 9) and momentarily clicks the switch 46 on the mouse 42.
• the CPU 52 displays the nearest and all subsequent entries beginning with the selected letter.
• the user has selected the letter "F”.
• the CPU 52 displays index entries beginning with the letter "F”.
• the user may use a scroll bar 178 to scroll the data disposed within the index screen vertically.
• a user may position the slider 175 over a desired letter by placing the cursor 44 over a portion of the slider 175, depressing the switch 46 on the mouse 42, and dragging the cursor and slider across the alpha scroll bar 177 to a desired letter.
• the desired letter in Figure 9 "F"
• the user releases the switch 46 on the mouse 42.
• the list of entries is displayed beginning with entries having the selected letter.
• the placement of the cursor 44 over an entry such as "Files” and the momentary clicking of the switch 46 on the mouse 42, results in the display of a list of questions as previously described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
• the user selects a question (for example, "How do I find a file or folder?") and momentarily clicks the mouse button 46.
• a question for example, "How do I find a file or folder?"
• the presentation window 165 is then displayed and operates as previously described.
• the placement of the cursor 44 over the "Look For" button function 140, and the momentary activation of the switch 46 on mouse 42 results in the generation and display of a look for screen identified generally by the numeral 200.
• the look for screen 200 permits users to type phrases in a text box 210 and view questions related to the phrase (if any).
• the look for button 140 has been selected, the button appears inverted, thereby indicating it is currently active.
• the look for screen 200 also includes a search button function 215.
• the user utilizing the keyboard 56, types into the text box 210 a search word (in the example of Figure 13, the word "find”). The user then places the cursor over the search button function 215 and momentarily clicks switch 46.
• the CPU 52 searches the help data base stored in memory 55, mass memory 60 or CD ROM 62 and displays the list of questions corresponding to the search term within the working area 145, as previously described with reference to Figures 3 through 11.
• a desired question such as "How do I find a file or folder?"
• the user places cursor 44 over the question and momentarily clicks switch 46.
• the user then places the cursor 44 over the "OK" button function 225 and once again clicks switch 46.
• the CPU 52 Upon sensing the selection of the help inquiry, the CPU 52 then generates and displays the presentation window 165, as previously described with reference to Figures 7 and 12. The user then may further define the help request by selecting one of the three (as shown in the example of Figure 15) criteria displayed in the presentation window 165.
• the present invention provides three access methods for obtaining desired help information from the computer system 48.
• a user may select the topics button function 135, the index button function 138, or the look for button function 140.
• an appropriate access window and presentation window is displayed to assist the user in obtaining the desired information necessary to operate the computer system illustrated in Figure 1.
• the present invention provides additional features which distinguish it from prior help based systems and graphic user interface designs.
• the selection of the index button function 138 results in the display of index 170 and an alpha scroll bar 176.
• the alpha scroll bar 176 includes a slider 175.
• the index 170 further includes a vertical scroll bar 250.
• the alpha scroll bar 176 includes a plurality of letters A through S, which are displayed upon the selection of the index button function 138.
• Figure 17 illustrates letters A through S being displayed on the alpha scroll bar 176, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the selection of letters is a matter of design choice. For example, it is possible to replace the letters disposed on the alpha scroll bar 176 with other characters, symbols, or non-English language characters, as desired for the particular application and language system used by the user.
• a user may select a desired letter (in the example of Figure 17, the letter "F") by placing the cursor 44 over, or adjacent to, the letter ("F") and momentarily clicking switch 46.
• a letter may be selected by placing cursor 44 over a portion of slider 175, depressing switch 46 and dragging the cursor and slider over the desired letter, at which point the user releases switch 46.
• a selection may also be made by the user depressing a desired character key on the keyboard 56 of Figure 1.
• CPU 52 displays the slider 175 over the corresponding character on the alpha scroll bar 176 (see Figure 19(b)). Additionally, the slider 175 may also be moved on the alpha scroll bar 176 by placing the cursor 44 over vertical scroll bar 250 and depressing switch 46.
• the CPU 52 scrolls through the listing of entries in a direction toward the cursor 44 until the switch 46 is released by the user. Once the switch 46 is released, the CPU 52 displays the slider 175 over the character representing the current entry at the top of the entry list (see Figure 19(c)).
• the slider may also be moved using the method illustrated in flow chart form in Figure 19d.
• the index button function 138 After the user has initially chosen the index button function 138, subsequent selections of the index function 138 results in the CPU 52 displaying the index 170 with index entries.
• An alternate method of scrolling the index entries is for the user to place cursor 44 over an index entry and depress switch 46. By dragging the cursor 44 vertically outside of the sub-window in which index 170 is displayed (either up or down), and continuing to depress switch 46, CPU 52 scrolls the index entries in a direction away from the cursor 44. In the present embodiment, an index entry is highlighted in black (or other distinctive color) as the entries are scrolled.
• the CPU 52 moves the slider 175 in a snap fashion from one character position to another (See video tape entitled "Reno" submitted concurrent with the application on which this patent is based).
• the movement of the slider 175 may be rendered by the CPU 52 as a continuous movement with a snapping movement at the selected character.
• the CPU 52 upon selection of a letter (character), displays index entries beginning with the selected letter. Additionally, in the event that there is insufficient space to display all of the index letters (in the example A through Z), then the user may scroll the alpha scroll bar 176 to display additional letters, symbols or other characters. Referring now to Figures 20 and 21, the selection of the letter "Z" is shown. In operation, a user desiring to select the letter "Z" (or other originally non-displayed letters) places the cursor 44 over a portion of the slider 175. The user then depresses switch 46 and drags the cursor 44 and slider 175 the end point of the alpha scroll bar 176 (in the present example the letter "S").
• the CPU 52 While continuing to depress switch 46, the user continues to move the cursor 44 and slider 175 beyond the last displayed symbol (the letter "S"). Upon sensing the attempted movement of the slider 175 and cursor 102 beyond the last displayed symbol or character on the alpha scroll bar 176, the CPU 52 scrolls the content of the alpha scroll bar 176. For example, as shown in Figure 20, if the slider 175 is placed over the letter "S" and the user continues to attempt to move the slider 175 to the right, CPU 52 senses the attempted movement and scrolls the slide bar 176 to the left, thereby rendering T through Z visible.
• Figure 22 illustrates the subsequent positioning of the slider 175 over the letter "P" wherein the content of the index is altered by CPU 52 to display the nearest and all subsequent entries beginning with the selected letter "P", but not further scrolling the slide bar 176, since the letter "P" was already visible.
• the alpha scroll bar 176 may be desirable for the alpha scroll bar 176 to scroll in a continuous loop fashion.
• the use of continuous scrolling would result in the scroll bar 176 scrolling from letter "Z" back to letter "A", and subsequent letters.
• non-English based character systems such as Japanese, Chinese or Thai, where the alphabet includes significantly more letters/characters than English, the continuous looping of the scroll bar 176 may be desirable.
• the presentation window 300 is illustrated which overlays a window 302 entitled "GFX Sound and Scan".
• the presentation window 300 appears to the user to "float" above the underlying window 302.
• An important distinction of the present invention over prior windowing systems is that the help windows comprising the presentation window 300, and access window 130, are displayed independent of the other window applications currently displayed.
• window 302 remains an "active" window, and a user may operate upon the data disposed within the various folders illustrated even though the access window 300 is displayed as the "top” window.
• a user may select a folder such as the "System Folder” in window 302 while the presentation window 300 is displayed over window 302, as shown.
• a user may obtain help information using the presentation window 300 by selecting an option such as "Choose a pattern" shown in the figure.
• the selection of a window, thereby rendering the selected window active results in the active window being displayed over underlying windows, wherein the user may only operate upon the currently active window.
• the presentation window 300 or access window 130 "floats" above other application windows, such as window 302, and are simultaneously active, thereby allowing the user to operate on both windows 302 and 300 without altering the ordering of the window layers.
• a presentation window 310 overlays a window 312 entitled "Control Panels”.
• Window 312 in turn overlays a window 314 entitled "GFX Sound and Scan".
• presentation window 310 is active, and the user may follow the instructions within the window 310 on how to change the background pattern of the display screen 68.
• the control panel's window 312 is also simultaneously active, and a user may operate on the various functions represented by icons within the window 312.
• the present invention's floating windows permit two windows to be active and operable upon by a user simultaneously.
• the underlying GFX Sound and Scan window (314) is inactive. To render the underlying window 314 active, the user would place cursor 44 over some portion of window 314, and momentarily click switch 46.
• the general control icon function may be activated by then momentarily clicking switch 46, as is well known.
• switch 46 the clicking of switch 46 after placing cursor 44 over icon 316 results in the CPU 52 generating and displaying a general controls window 318 which overlies the control panels window 312.
• the opening of the general controls window 314 results in the general controls window being rendered active, and the underlying windows, namely, the control panels window 312 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 314, rendered inactive.
• the opening or manipulation of underlying windows within applications, such as the control panels window 312 and the like does not alter the active state of the presentation window 310.
• Both the general controls window 318 and the presentation window 310 are active and may be operated upon by the user.
• the placement of the presentation window 310 in other areas on display screen 68 does not alter the function of either the presentation window 310, or underlying application windows.
• FIG 27 there is shown the presentation window 310 overlying the GFX Sound and Scan window 314.
• both the presentation window 310 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 314 are active.
• the present invention's floating window attribute as applied to the presentation window 310 permits applications in underlying windows to be operated upon independent of the operation of the presentation window 310.
• the presentation window 310 includes a button function entitled "HUH?" 320.
• window 322 which overlays both presentation window 310 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 314.
• window 322 is active and the presentation window 310 is rendered inactive.
• the window 314 remains active such that the user may operate upon data and functions disposed within window 314 as well as operate on window 322.
• the present invention renders the presentation window 310 inactive so as not to confuse the user.
• the dismissal of window 322 by placing cursor 44 over a window closing mark 330 and momentarily clicking switch 46, results in the presentation window 310 being rendered active once again.
• the present invention provides an additional feature which further assists users in operating the computer system illustrated in Figure 1.
• a technique is disclosed for spotlighting objects on the display 68 which are referred to in the help presentation windows.
• the present invention provides "Coach Marks" which appear to be hand drawn, but are generated by the CPU 52, to coach the user through the requested help function.
• the coach marks draw the user's attention to objects displayed on display 68, and are effective in identifying objects even if the user has no prior knowledge of the object's name or function.
• the coach marks are visual, and as such, operate independent of the language of the user.
• the present invention as illustrated in Figures 29 through 36 as utilizing coach marks which are black and white, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the coach marks may be rendered in color as well using a color display system.
• FIG. 29 there is shown the GFX Sound and Scan window 314, as previously illustrated in prior figures.
• a presentation window 335 is illustrated overlaying the GFX Sound and Scan window 314.
• a coach edit mark 340 which encircles the command option "file" on a menu bar 345.
• the CPU 52 simultaneously with the generation and display of the presentation window 335, the CPU 52 generates and displays the coach mark 340.
• the generation and display of the coach mark 340 appears to the user to be hand drawn with a hand marker, or the like.
• the coach mark 340 is rendered in a color which may be selected by the author of the data base, and the coach mark 340 is displayed by the CPU at a speed such that the rendering is intentionally slower than other CPU operations on the display and appears to the user as if animated.
• the purpose of the coach mark 340 is to identify and draw the user's attention to objects on display 68 which the user must choose or otherwise operate upon, to accomplish the desired help function accessed through the access window and presentation windows of the present invention described above.
• FIG. 30 there is shown another example of the present invention's use of coach marks to assist the user.
• a presentation window 348 is displayed.
• An active window identified as general controls 350 is displayed overlaying the control panels window 352 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 314.
• a circular coach mark 355 is provided by CPU 52.
• the CPU 52 upon the generation and display of presentation window 348, also generates coach mark 355, and encircles the icon comprising a desktop pattern 358, as shown, the generation and display of the coach mark 355 draws the users attention to the appropriate icon on the display 68 which the user must operate upon. It has been found that by providing coach marks which appear to be "hand drawn” by a human, the user is better able to visually identify the location of the display 68 on which he must act Therefore, CPU 52, in the presently preferred embodiment, generates the coach marks of the present invention in a fashion which appears to the user as if a human was drawing on display 68 with a colored marker.
• the coach mark 355 approximates a circle, and has the visual appearance as if a human drew the mark around the icon 358.
• the rendering of the coach mark 355 such that it only approximates a circle, as opposed to being a mathematically precise rendition of a circle, has been found to best catch the users attention since the coach mark 355 does not appear completely symmetrical as if drawn by a machine.
• the coach mark 355 is rendered on the actual interface as it is displayed by CPU 52, and not simply a representation of the interface stored in memory.
• FIG. 31 another example of a circular coach mark is illustrated.
• a presentation window 360 is displayed on the display 68.
• a "Find" window 362 overlays a GFX Sound and Scan window 365.
• the presentation window 360 and the find window 362 are simultaneously active.
• the GFX Sound and Scan window 365 is currently inactive since it underlies the Find window 362.
• the CPU 52 upon generating the presentation window 360, the CPU 52 further generates a circular coach mark 370 which encircles a button function entitled "More Choices" 372, and displays the coach mark in a translucent color.
• a presentation window 378 which overlays a control panels window 380 and a GFX Sound and Scan window 382.
• a Find window 384 which overlays the control panels window 380, and is active.
• the Find window 384 and the presentation window 378 are the currently active windows in the example.
• a coach mark having the general shape of a "X" 386 which draws the user's attention to an area in the Find window 384 which requires the user to input data. The user must insert a search term in a "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.
• the coach mark 386 takes the form of what appears to be a hand written "X" which is generated and displayed by the CPU 52, to assist the user in identifying the location at which the user must input data.
• a presentation window 392 is displayed and overlies a portion of an active window entitled general controls 394.
• the control panels window 380 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 382 are displayed, but are not active windows.
• the user has identified the questions "How Do I Change The Blinking Rate of the Insertion Point?", and in response, the CPU 52 has generated the presentation window 392 with instructions on how to accomplish the desired task.
• the CPU 52 further has generated and displayed an underline coach mark 396 to draw the user's attention to the button functions which must be operated upon to accomplish the desired task of changing the blinking rate of the insertion point
• the CPU 52 in response to an inquiry by the user of "How Do I Change the Keyboard Layout?", the CPU 52 then writes and displays a presentation window 400 which overlays the control panels window 380 and a portion of the GFX Sound and Scan window 382, as shown.
• a window entitled “Keyboard” 402 has been opened and displayed.
• the CPU 52 generates and displays a coach mark in the shape of an arrow 408.
• the arrow coach mark 408 draws the user's attention to the necessary item which must be selected to accomplish the desired task of changing the keyboard layout.
• the CPU 52 generates and displays a presentation window 410 which overlays the control panels window 380 and the GFX Sound and Scan window 382. As illustrated, the presentation window 410 notifies the user that to change the background pattern, the icon entitled “General Controls” 412 must be “opened”. To draw the attention of the user to the general controls icon 412, the CPU 52 generates and displays a straight arrow coach mark 416 as shown.
• coach marks to draw the user's attention to specific objects, functions or other display elements on screen 68, has been found to greatly assist the user in operating the computer system illustrated in Figure 1. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the ait, that although the present invention's use of coach marks has been described with reference to the help system disclosed herein, that use of coach marks is not limited to the help system as provided in this Specification. It is anticipated that the coach marks as disclosed and described in this Specification have application to a variety of graphic user interface functions, and are not limited to use in a graphic help system. Summary
• the present invention provides a unique help based window system for use in a graphic user interface display system.
• the present invention has been described with reference to Figures 1 through 35, it will be appreciated that the figures are for illustration only, and do not limit the spirit and scope of the invention.
• the figures have, by necessity, used example windows having certain attributes, icons and/or functions, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited by the specific examples provided. Rather, the present invention has application in any window-based graphic user interface display system.
• the present invention may be realized using a variety of computer programming languages and hardware, and is not limited to any particular hardware or software.

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• 1994
  • 1994-01-25 GB GB9514573A patent/GB2290208B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1994-01-25 WO PCT/US1994/000919 patent/WO1994017469A1/en active Application Filing
  • 1994-01-25 AU AU62323/94A patent/AU6232394A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1994-01-25 DE DE4490464T patent/DE4490464T1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1994-01-25 GB GB9514574A patent/GB2290209B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1994-01-25 JP JP6517299A patent/JPH08509308A/ja active Pending
• 2004
  • 2004-07-27 JP JP2004218843A patent/JP2005011367A/ja active Pending
• 2007
  • 2007-08-13 JP JP2007211042A patent/JP2007334910A/ja active Pending
• 2010
  • 2010-07-12 JP JP2010158016A patent/JP2010244574A/ja active Pending

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