Menu having semi-transparent and dynamic preview. RU patent 2519559.

FIELD: physics, computer engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to user interface control means. The method involves determining when to activate a zonal menu, which includes adjacent zones, where the first zone is associated with a first menu and the second zone is associated with a second menu, selecting, based on the current context, the first or second menu as a default menu, initially displayed near the zone associated with the selected menu, in response to activation of the zonal menu and before displaying another unselected menu, displaying the zonal menu, determining the menu to be displayed, which is selected from the first and second menu, displaying said menu on the display such that said menu does not overlap another menu from another zone if there is not enough space for displaying said menu on the display in the corresponding section for said menu.

EFFECT: high accuracy of navigation when activating points of a zonal menu.

20 cl, 8 dwg

THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

User interfaces typically include menus that allow the user to access the functionality of the application. More menu items prisoners in the menu, however, makes the menu more difficult for navigation, communication and review. Menu with extensible submenu (that is, "departing" points) usually includes fewer items are top-level menu, but the menu items in the submenu more difficult to navigate than the menu items at the top level.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides for the submission simplified sampling concepts that further described below in the detailed description of the invention. However, this invention is not intended to identify the key characteristics or essential features of the claimed subject matter and is not intended for use when determining the amount of the claimed subject matter.

Zone menu is used for easy access to menu. Usually zone menu includes a number of closely spaced zones with associated menus that are called in response to the occurrence of the cursor in one of the zones. The overhang above any zone zone menu displays the menu items allocated to this area. Additionally, the overhang above the menu item within one of the sections shown zone menu can activate dynamic preview of what would occur before the selected subjected to overhang the menu item. Additionally, part of the zone menu can become semi-transparent, so that the content under this menu become visible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates the approximate computing device;

figure 2 shows the system to use segment ring menu zone menu;

figure 3 illustrates the approximate segment ring menu;

figure 4 shows illustrative sequence of operations to use segment ring menu zone menu with dynamic preview;

figure 5 illustrates the approximate zone menu;

Fig.6 shows the approximate zone menu associative associated menu displayed for each zone;

Fig.7 shows the use of the sign of the dynamic preview with band menu; and

Fig shows overhanging the cursor over a section within zone displayed menu.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Further, with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference positions indicate similar elements will be described in different ways implementation. In particular, figure 1 and the relevant discussions are intended to provide a brief General description of suitable computing environment, which can be implemented options for implementation.

Typically, software modules include procedures, programs, components, data structures and other types of structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. They may also use other configuration of the computer system, including portable devices, multiprocessor systems based on microprocessors, or programmable consumer electronics, laptops, universal computing machine, and the like. Distributed computing environment can also be used in cases where the tasks are performed by the remote processing devices, which are connected via a network connection. In a distributed computing environment software modules can be located in both the local and remote storage devices memory.

Below with reference to figure 1 describes illustrative computer architecture for PC 100, used in different variants of implementation. Computer architecture, shown in figure 1, can be configured as a desktop or mobile computer and includes a Central processing unit 5 (CPU, CPU, system memory, 7, including random access memory 9 (RAM, RAM), persistent storage device 10 (ROM, ROM) and the system bus 12, which attaches the memory to the Central processor unit 5.

The system basic input/output containing basic procedures that help to transmit information between items within a computer, for example, during start-up, is stored in ROM 10. PC 100 additionally includes a storage device 14 large capacity for storing operating system 16, application programs 24 and other software modules, which will be described below in more detail.

The device storage of 14 large containers attached to the CPU 5 through the mass storage controller high capacity (not shown)that are attached to the bus 12. Storage device 14 high capacity and its assosiated machine-readable carriers provide non-volatile storage for the computer 100. Although a machine-readable media contained in the materials of this application, refers to the mass memory of large capacity, such as a hard drive or CD-ROM on the CD-ROM), machine-readable form can be any media that may be subject to access the computer 100.

As an example, and not limitation, machine-readable carriers may contain computer storage media and communication environment. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable drives, implemented by any means or technology to store information, such as machine-readable commands, data structures, software modules, or other data. Computer storage media include but not as a limitation, RAM, ROM, erasable programmable permanent storage device (ESPNU, EPROM), electrically erasable programmable permanent memory (EEPROM EEPROM), flash memory, or other technology of solid state memory, CD-ROM, digital multifunction disc (DVD) or other optical storage device, magnetic tape, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage devices or any other media that can be used to store the required information and that can be access by the computer 100.

According to the different variants of implementation of the computer 100 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through a network of 18, such as the Internet. PC 100 can join the network 18 via a network interface unit 20, attached to the bus 12. The network connection can be wireless and/or wired. Network interface unit 20 can also be used to attach to other types of networks and remote computer systems. PC 100 can also include a controller 22 I/o for the reception and processing of the input data from a number of other devices, including keyboards, mice or electronic pen (not shown in figure 1). Similarly controller 22 I/o can issue the output to the display screen 23, printer, or other type of output device.

As briefly mentioned above, a number of software modules and the data files can be stored in the storage of 14 large containers and RAM 9 100 computer, including the operating system is 16, which are suitable for the management of networked personal computer, such as WINDOWS VISTA from MICROSOFT CORPORATION in Redmond, Washington. Storage device 14 high capacity RAM and 9 can also store one or more software modules. In particular, the storage device 14 high capacity RAM and 9 can store one or more application programs 24. In connection with the application the application program uses 24 Manager 26 segment ring zone menu to represent segment ring menu 27 zone menu 28 along with dynamically preview through the user interface 25 (UI) on the display 23. Usually segment ring menu is a menu that includes a number of sections, each with a corresponding menu located equidistant from the initial mouse position, from which it is called segment ring menu. According to one of the options for implementing the associated menu located approximately equidistant from the initial position of the mouse. Usually zone menu is a menu that includes a number of areas (i.e. three zones), which are located within the areas that are closely spaced from one zone to another, and also close to the initial position of the mouse. According to one of the embodiments of the area are lower than the partitions that are associated with the segment ring. Alternatively, the zone could be the same size (or larger)as the section that associative associated with the segment ring. As illustrated in figure 1, segment ring menu 27 includes menu (1-4), which is associated with one of the four sections (or quadrants in this case). The overhang above any of sections segment of the ring displays the menu items are placed in this section. In this example displays a menu 4, which is associated with section four. Layout segment ring menu and layout zone menus are aimed at formation easy for the user to reach any menu item with significantly less mouse movement compared to traditional systems menu. Manager 26 menu configured to display one of the menu that is associated with a partition, when called. The menu can be called in many different ways. For example, the user can click the right mouse button within the document, the user can enter with shortcuts commands and the like. Although the Manager 26 menus are shown as part of the application 24, Manager 26 menu can be separate from the application 24. The user can easily access the menu from within segment ring menu 27 or zone menu 28, move the pointer with one partition or zone to another. Although the system menu of the four segments of the menu is shown in the segment ring menu 27, more or less menus can be designed equidistant from the centre segment ring menu. For example, three menus, two menus, six menus and the like can be designed as a segment ring menu for the application 24. Similarly, although three zones shown zone menu 28, more or less menus can be designed within the zones. As illustrated in the UI 25, when a user uses the overhang above section 4 segmental menu 27, then menu 4 is issued to the user via the UI 25 display 23. Similarly, when a user uses the overhang above zone 1 zone menu 28 (or first activates zone menu 28), menu 1 is issued to the user via the UI 25 display 23. For more details on the menu below.

Figure 2 shows the system to use segment ring menu zone menu. As illustrated, the system 200 includes 34 user, the application program 24, code 32 callback Manager 26 segment ring zone menu, display 23, segment ring menu 210, which includes menus 212, document 214 zone menu 215, which includes menus 216.

In the current example, in the segment ring menu the context menu scattered to the four ring segments, which are located equidistant from the initial mouse position, in what position caused segment ring menu 210. Overhanging the cursor 36 above any one of the sections segment ring context menu displays the items placed in this section. For example, when the cursor is 36 overhanging section one, a menu is displayed 1 (212). Divide the menu into sections (such as the quadrants or areas makes it easier for the user reached the menu items less mouse movement compared to traditional systems menu. According to one of the options for the implementation of one section of context menu is visible on the display 23 at any given time. This helps to minimize the number of document 214, shaded menu 210. Additionally, the distribution of the contents menu on section makes content within the menu that is associated with each partition, shorter. This helps rather to provide a menu of possible be placed at the top level menu using the menu with "flying" checkpoints. As stated earlier, the segment ring menu or zone menu can be divided into more or fewer units (zones) depending on the requirements of the application program. Manager 26 menu determines which partition is the cursor 36, and displays the appropriate menu. Basically in a segment ring menu show the contents of the menu, associative associated with any of the four sections, requires some amount move your mouse menu 210, making segment ring menu more effective than the traditional menu with extensible submenu (that is, "departing" points). Similarly, in a zone menu, although the amount of movement of the mouse may not be the same to show the other zones, zones are located close to each other, so that activation of any one of the sections required a very small movements of the mouse. Each zone can be adjacent, or approximately adjacent to each other. For example, each zone can overlap each other, or each zone can be slightly separated by several pixels) from the neighbouring area. In one of the variants of implementation, when the band menu contains three zones, and when the Central zone is the default, two other zones can be located equidistant with respect to the initial position of the mouse interaction.

Figure 3 illustrates the approximate segment ring menu. The contents menu is organized in separate sections, such as the quadrants. This happens regardless of the application or object that is selected. For example, can be provided by four separate quadrants, including the upper right section, the lower-right section, bottom left section and the upper left section. Illustration 310 shows the active menu 312 in section one. Illustration 320 shows the active menu 322 in section two. Illustration 330 shows the active menu 332 in section three. Illustration 340 shows the active menu 344 in section four. According to one of the variants of implementation at a time is displayed only one segment of the menu, in order to minimize the shaded space of the screen. However, as shown by the illustration of 350, the segments are drawn so that each one of them appeared in a separate location of the screen. In other words, if all menu is shown at the same time, between them there would be overlap. In another embodiment, as figure 5 shows, even if at a time is displayed only one zone menu, zone zone menu can be placed so that they overlap, minimizing the total area of the canvas, which can obscure zone menu, taken as a whole.

According to one of the options for the implementation of the menu items included in segment ring menu, consistent with applications. Under this option the implementation upper right section (section 4) includes serial untagged tools formatting (see illustration 340). The lower-right section (section 3) includes tools for cutting, copying and pasting (see illustration 330). The bottom left section (section 2) includes part of the menu (see illustration 320), and the upper left section (section 1) includes gallery selection changes (see illustration 310). Can be used in other sections (permanent or otherwise) of menu items. Segment ring context menus are aimed at facilitating a more consistent organization of content being more scalable, along with providing comparable (and often superior) efficiency. According to one of the options for the implementation of section always post the same content type for all of the object types and in all applications, giving the user the opportunity to develop a sense of spatial consistency, which can be achieved menu contents, regardless of the context.

After initial surgery process takes place before the operation 410, where it determines which section/area menu should appear. Menu to display can be defined in many different ways. For example, when a segment of the ring menu or zone menu is displayed for the first time, can display the menu by default, which is associated with one of the partitions/zones. For example, can be defined in the default menu. This definition can be done in many different ways, such as on context and/or default choice. Alternatively, could be a keyboard command or some other input data that indicates which menu you want to display. According to one of the options for the implementation of any sectional menu may not appear until then, until the cursor is moved close to and/or one of the partitions segment ring menu or zone menu after displaying.

With the transition to operations 420 appears segment ring menu or zone menu. According to one of the variants of implementation, regarding segment ring menu, menu by default and/or activated menu is displayed along with a circular graphic image segment ring menu location on the screen, where the user has activated the menu. According to one of the options for the implementation determines whether there is a place to display the menu in the location specified by the activation menu by clicking the right mouse button or some other way of localization center menu. In some cases (for example, when you right-click occurs close to the border of the screen, at the location where the segment ring menu or zone menu did not fit on the screen) associative links menu may change and/or segment ring menu or zone menu can navigate to each of its segments (when/if displayed) could be displayed in their entirety. For example, to guarantee that a particular menu appears on the screen, it can be associated with another segment segment ring menu or zone menu. In this case, the other menu could also associative contact with another ring segment.

With promotion to operations 430 displays a menu that is associated with a section/area. According to one of the variants of implementation, the menu is displayed for partitions/zones, so that it appears when it is displayed segment ring menu or zone menu. As discussed above, according to one of the options for implementing displays one at a time menu. As discussed earlier, the menu may be displayed even after selecting depending on the use of the menu that is associated with a section/area.

With the transition to operations 440 decision determines whether the location of the cursor hovering over a menu item within a menu screen is displayed. For example, the user may exercise the overhang above the menu item relating to paste operations within the gallery insertion (for example, see 6-8). When a user makes an overhang over the menu item, the operation can proceed to the operation 470. When a user uses the overhang above the menu item, the sequence of operations flows for the operation 450.

With promotion to the operation of 450 may be issued dynamic preview of what would happen if you selected menu, exposed limestone. For example, when a user uses the overhang above the menu command inserts the contents of the document changes temporarily (until the user remains in a state overhang or until until you select a menu option), to show what would be expected results subjected to overhang the menu option insert (see 7 and 8 regarding the example of the dynamic preview). Providing dynamic preview helps the user define, apply, or there is a menu command under the overhang.

In operation 460 part of the displayed menu appears translucent. Thus, part of the document that is displayed under the translucent menu that can be seen without moving the menu. The display of the menu semi-transparent way provides an opportunity to experience the user section of the display, which normally would have been shadowed menu, thus enabling the user to see most of the document. For example, during the dynamic preview translucency menu offers you the opportunity to see most of preview (see 7 and 8). Although the examples presented here show the translucency menu for dynamic preview menu can be displayed semi-transparent way in other situations. Additionally, although the examples presented here relate to specific types of functionality (that is, the menu options, cut/copy/paste), any type of functionality can be turned on in the menu. Typically, the menu can be displayed semi-transparent manner whenever the user would be useful to see displayed under the menu displayed. Translucency can be installed in many different settings. For example, setting could be completely transparent or partially transparent. Additionally, part of the menu that is displayed semi-transparent way, can be configured so that all or part of the menu displayed semi-transparent way. According to one of the options for implementing the section of the menu that contains the command menu, which made overhang, is not shown as a translucent image, while other sections are displayed menus are shown as a translucent image (see 7 and 8 for example, display the menu semi-transparent way). For example, section below and above subjected to overhang menu item can appear transparent.

With the transition to operations 470 menu is released when the decision. For example, you can release the menu, clicking the mouse button on the area of the surface of the screen away from the menu. In this way each of the menu associated with a particular section may be dispensed when the user performs an overhang above the other segment of the menu. Besides, the menu can be dispatched when the user performs the control is contained in one of the segments.

The sequence of operations then moves to end the operation and returns to the processing of other actions.

Figure 5 illustrates the approximate zone menu. The contents menu is organized in separate areas. This happens regardless of the application or object that is selected. For example, can be issued three separate areas, including the upper right area, the average area and the lower left area. Illustration 510 shows three zones zone menu, including a 512 area, the zone 514 and an area of 516. Moving the pointing device from one zone to another zone encourages menu to appear for such a zone. Zones can be defined in many different ways. For example, indicator (such as an arrow) can show the user where the associated area. Illustration 520 shows the use of graphical icons for issuing specify where the zones. According to one of the options for the implementation of each zone is adjacent to each other, so that a slight movement of the cursor was carried out by the movement from one zone to the next. The area around the graphic image (the zone expander) can also be used to determine when the cursor (or some other pointing device) is located within the zone. Region extender has a predefined shape and size. Region extender should not coincide with the associated graphical way extender in terms of shape and size. In particular, the area extender is usually greater than the associated graphical way as to enable the user to quickly switch to the planned area. As soon as the pointing device is in the range extender, zone menu that is associated with this area becomes visible (and previously visible zone menu is hidden). The default zone can also be set to zone menu. According to one of the options for the implementation of the Central zone (514 or area, represented by the icon 2) is the zone where the menu is displayed by default. For example, when zone menu is activated, the default menu is also displayed.

Illustration 530 shows the active menu 532 section by default. According to one of the options for the default menu includes a gallery insertion, which includes options the insert menu and menu options copy. Other configuration options can be configured in the default menu. Illustration 540 shows the active menu 542 in the upper right section. Illustration 550 shows the active menu 552 in the lower-left section. According to one of the variants of implementation at a time is displayed only one zone menu.

Fig.6 shows the approximate zone menu associated with the menu displayed for each zone. According to one of the options for implementing the zone menu appears on the screen when the user clicks the right mouse button on the document (or, alternatively, when the user presses the context menu on the keyboard). First, one of the menus (zone the default menu for the current context) appears on the screen along with graphic image for each other, do not show zones. Graphic images that are displayed as a hint about the presence of other zone menu. Illustration 620 shows displayed zone menu by default. Illustration 610 shows displayed in the upper right zone menu, and illustration 630 shows displayed in the lower left area of the menu. When the cursor is moved to another area, then activates and displays its associated menu. Move the cursor gives the user the ability to make visible the contents area by implementing simple overhang over the area, associative related to this area.

Fig.7 shows the use of the sign of the dynamic preview zone menu. Illustrations figure 7 shows the use of different available menu commands insert, which are located in the gallery insertion zone menu by default. In the illustrated example, suppose that the user has selected some content to insert at the cursor position shown in the illustration 710. Illustration 710 shows a sample list of group names with the cursor located directly under "T" in the word "The Shins".

Illustration 720 shows activation by the user zone context menu and move the cursor to the menu command insert "Keep text only". When a user uses the overhang above the menu command insert, dynamic paste preview where it has to happen is issued before the user commits the transaction. As can be seen when referring to a slice default menu figure 6 (figure 620), option menu to cut, copy, paste special, and the default inserts are made semi-transparent, so that the user was capable easier to see a preview of the inserts. In cases where the menu command should remain opaque, the user would not be able to see the preview as well. In example 7, when the menu is opaque, the user can only see the last row or part of a string on the last line, if at least some of the zone menu default has not been made transparent. When part of the menu is shown as a translucent image, the user can see the greater part of the list. According to one of the options for the implementation of frame appears around the menus, so that the user is indication that other menu items exist within the zone menu.

Illustration 730 shows the user overhang above the menu command insert Preserve formatting of the original fragment". In this example, the user is able to see that the formatting will insert the content is different from just save only the text. If the user overhanging above another menu command insert, dynamic preview is changed to reflect subjected to overhang currently menu command.

Illustration 740 shows the user overhang above the menu command insert "to Use the destination formatting". In this example, you inserted the content appears as formatting within the document at the insertion point.

Illustration 750 shows the user overhang above the menu command insert "to Use the style of the end of the fragment". As can be seen, the style of the end of the fragment is different from the format of the final fragment.

Illustration 760 shows the user overhang above the menu command "Insert hyperlink". In this illustration, the inserted content is displayed as hyperlinks.

As can be seen in the example above, the dynamic preview and display part of the zone menu semi-transparent way allows the user to see the expected results of each alternative insert to commit one of the menu commands.

Fig shows overhanging the cursor over a section within zone displayed menu. Illustration 810 shows a sample menu cut/copy/paste the default, which includes more commands menu, illustrated than in the previous figures. Illustration 820 shows the overhang above the other section of the menu commands insert zone menu. As can be seen, the other section of the menu are shown as a translucent image, along with the fact that the section "options insert" is displayed, so the user could see the other options menu within the section other teams inserting menu. Alternatively, other options could be displayed with different levels of transparency. According to one of the options for implementing the "Gallery insertion filled with controls, which include the insert menu, section menu "restore the insert mode" (that is, Insert the formatted source/final fragment, Paste text only, etc) and dialogue "paste Special" (i.e. the "Insert hyperlink"Insert image" etc). To support a range of menu options, however, even if there are a lot of controls that can appear in the "Gallery insertion, only a subset of the features available to the user at any given time. In other words, "Gallery insertion designed context. Essentially, the visibility of the menu items displayed within the gallery control insert, depends on a couple of the original fragment (that is, copying)/the end of the fragment (i.e. inserts), or, in some cases, only the initial fragment. For example, it would not make sense to include a menu command "Paste formatting only if the original snippet, copy an image, it makes no sense to include the "Paste as new row if the original part is the form.

The above description, examples, and data provide a full description of the production and use of inventions. Since many variants of the invention can be created without leaving the nature and scope of the invention, the invention consists in the claims, attached below.

1. The way to use zone menu, contains the time that: determines when to activate the zone menu, and zone menu includes at least two zones, including the first zone and the second area that are adjacent to each other, being either adjacent to each other or separated from each other, either partially overlapping with the first area is associated with the first menu, and the second area is associated with the second menu; based on the current context select the first menu or the second menu as the default menu, with the default menu is displayed near areas associated with the selected menu, in response to activation zone menu and before displaying another one from the first and second menu that is not selected; display zone menu; specify the menu to display that you select the first menu and the second menu; and display the menu location on the display so that the menu does not overlap another menu and other areas when there is not enough space to display the menu on the display in the corresponding section of this menu.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when determining menu to display the control when the pointer is over one of the zones, and display the corresponding menu that is associated with a section, when the pointer is over a given area.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein zone menu is context menu.

4. The method according to claim 3, in which menu, each of which is associated with the zone section of the menu are consistent across applications.

5. The method of claim 2, in which part of the menu display appears semi-transparent way in response to the overhang above the menu option within the menu display, so the content displayed under the menu can be viewed through the menu display.

6. The method according to claim 5, which is part of the menu that is displayed semi-transparent way, includes sections menus that are outside of the section, which includes a menu item, which is made overhang.

7. The method according to claim 5, additionally contains a stage at which provide dynamic preview options menu, which is made overhang, so that the results of the menu item, which is made overhang appear before selecting menu options, which made overhang.

8. The method according to claim 5, which dynamic preview refers to the option of inserting in the document.

12. Machine-readable data carrier in paragraph 11, in which the mentioned executable computer commands also include display a border around the menu, so that part of the menu that is displayed semi-transparent way, includes the displayed frame.

13. Machine-readable data carrier in paragraph 10, in which the mentioned executable computer commands additionally contain the definition of the menu options within menu, which is made overhang, and ensuring dynamic preview this menu option, above which made overhang, so that the results of the menu item, which is made overhang appear before the selected menu option, which made overhang.

14. Machine-readable data carrier indicated in paragraph 13, in which the mentioned executable computer commands also include change of dynamic preview, when you select the menu option, which made overhang, or when the pointer is moving from this menu option.

15. Machine-readable storage medium of claim 10, and zone menu is context menu, the display zone menu contains the placement of each of the zones zone menu around the current location of the pointer.

16. Machine-readable carrier indicated in paragraph 15, and each of the menu, each of which is associated with the area zone menu, is coordinated by application, with a menu includes tools cut, copy and paste.

17. The system for use zone menu that contains the processor and machine-readable medium; operating environment, stored in a machine-readable carrier and executed by the processor; and Manager menu, running the operating environment and implemented with the possibility to determine when to activate the zone menu zone menu is context menu, which includes three areas that are adjacent to each other, being either adjacent to each other or separated from each other, either partially overlapping, and are within approximately one hundred pixels first zone, while the first zone is associated with the first menu, the second zone is associated with the second menu, and the third zone is associated with the third menu; based on the current context to choose one of the first menu, the second menu, and the third menu as a menu by default, when the current context is a third context, and the default menu originally displayed near zone associated with the selected menu, in response to activation zone menu and before displaying other menus that are not selected; display zone menu is activated; to define a menu to display that you select the first menu, the second menu, and the third menu to display the menu location on the display so that the menu does not overlap the other menus, and other areas when there is not enough space to display the menu on the display in the corresponding section of this menu; to determine when the pointer is over one of the zones, and to display a menu that associated with this area, when the pointer is over a given area.

18. System 17, in which part of the menu is shown as a translucent image when the pointer hovers over the section within the display menu, so that the visible content under a translucent part of the menu, with some menu that appears translucent way, includes menu options that are included in other sections menu.

19. The system p in which the Manager advanced menu made with the possibility to define a menu option within the menu, which is made overhang, and provide dynamic preview this menu option, above which made overhang, so that the results of the menu item, which is made overhang appear before the selected menu option, which made overhang.

20. System on p.19, in which Manager advanced menu is made with the possibility of changing the dynamic preview, when you select the menu option, which made overhang, or when the pointer is moving from the options menu.