Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Controlling the condition of display elements
Utility Patent
1998-11-02
2001-01-02
Bayerl, Raymond J. (Department: 2773)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Controlling the condition of display elements
C345S182000, C345S215000, C345S156000
Utility Patent
active
06169548
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to improved data processing systems and in particular to an improved method and system for controlling the display and dismissal of message windows within a graphical user interface. Still more particularly the present invention relates to a method and system for permitting efficient dismissal of message windows within a graphical user interface without requiring specific graphic element selection within a data processing system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there has been a move among computer application software developers toward graphical user interfaces. In graphical user interfaces, objects are presented for users to manipulate in ways that are similar to the way that they are manipulated in the real workplace. Objects, such as file cabinets, folders, documents, and printers, are typically displayed on the screen as icons. Users manipulate these objects with a graphical pointing device, such as a mouse, to perform desired operations. For example, to file a document in a folder that is located in a file cabinet in the real workplace, the user opens the file cabinet, locates and opens the correct folder, and puts the document inside.
In the electronic workplace of the graphical user interface, a user performs a similar process. The user opens a file cabinet icon, locates the correct folder file icon, and drops the document icon in the folder. Because this is an electronic environment, users do not have to open the folder to put the document into the folder. However, users have been able to use their knowledge of a real workplace to perform this operation.
One common feature of a graphical user interface is the so-called “message box.” A message box is a small pane or window which provides information, warning, or action messages to a user. Each message box typically comprises an icon, explanatory text, and one or more push buttons. The icon allows the user to identify visually the type of message. The text explains the situation and may provide assistance. The text may be a question or statement. Push buttons allow a user to interact with the message box.
A message box may appear anywhere on the screen. When a message box appears, the system usually becomes and remains unavailable to the user until the user has acknowledged or responded to the message box by selecting one of the push buttons. Thus, the user must usually read the message, move the pointer to an appropriate response push button, and operate the push button before the user can continue. When the user “clicks” on the appropriate push button, the message box is cancelled and the user may proceed.
While providing useful information, such message boxes are sometimes a nuisance as a result of the unavailability of the system while the message box is being displayed. Thus, for example, a user playing a computer backgammon game may select a dice icon to roll the dice. If the user then re-selects the dice icon, the software might put up a message informing him that the dice have already been rolled. The user must then close the window utilizing standard graphical user interface techniques. For example, message boxes may be closed by clicking the OK button with a mouse pointer; pressing the Enter key; or, clicking the “X” (close) icon typically located in the upper-right hand corner of message boxes. Thus, specific element selection and accurate movement is typically required on the part of the user in order to dismiss a displayed message box prior to proceeding with the application.
This requirement is known in the prior art and some application developers have attempted to circumvent this problem by displaying message boxes that “time out” after a discreet period of time (e.g., ten seconds). The problem with this approach is that if the user is absent from the computer the user may not see the information before the information is dismissed. Another possible approach involves an auditory warning; however, not all computers are equipped to output audio information and particular environments in which a computer operates may prohibit effective audio interaction.
Thus, it should be apparent that a need exists for a technique whereby a message box may be easily and efficiently dismissed, returning control of the application to the user with a minimal amount of input from the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved data processing system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for controlling the display and dismissal of message windows within a graphical user interface.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for permitting efficient dismissal of message windows within a graphical user interface without requiring specific graphic element selection by the user within a data processing system.
The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. The method and system of the present invention may be utilized to efficiently dismiss displayed message windows or dialog boxes in a data processing system which includes a graphical pointing device and a moveable cursor controlled by physical movement of the graphical pointing device. Each time a message window or dialog box is displayed, the position of the moveable cursor is monitored. A slight oscillation or “wiggle” in the position of the moveable cursor is utilized to dismiss the message window or dialog box, eliminating the requirement that specific elements within the display be selected by the user in order to dismiss the message window.
The above as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5223828 (1993-06-01), McKiel, Jr.
patent: 5675364 (1997-10-01), Stedman et al.
patent: 5751273 (1998-05-01), Cohen
patent: 5757360 (1998-05-01), Nitta et al.
patent: 5825350 (1998-10-01), Case, Jr. et al.
patent: 5995079 (1999-11-01), Sheasby et al.
Bayerl Raymond J.
Dillon Andrew
Hailu Tadesse
International Business Machine Corporation
Magistrale Anthony N.
LandOfFree
Easily dismissed message windows does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Easily dismissed message windows, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Easily dismissed message windows will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2444453