Method for graphical representation of a content collection

• US 20030076322A1
• Filed: 10/18/2001
• Published: 04/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Fortier, Philip, Guzak, Chris J., Ouzts, Todd
• Granted Patent: US 8,549,434 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/440
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/168 Details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems, e.g. browsing and visualisation, 2d or 3d GUIs query results presentation G06F16/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/60 Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text

Abstract

A method use on a computer having a graphical operating environment is provided for displaying the content items of a container. The method includes enumerating the items that exist within the container or folder and determining whether a graphical preview can be generated for the item. If so, the item is added to a list of candidates as preview items for the container or folder. The items are then evaluated, and a desired number are chosen for display based upon a sort criteria. Prior to being displayed, the graphical preview for each item is sized and is located on the background image. The above method results in a container having graphical or pictorial indicia of the container contents on the outside thereof. These indicia allow a computer user to more readily determine the contents of the container or folder without having to open the container or folder.

Claims

1. A method for use on a computer having a graphical operating environment, comprising:

providing a collection of items within a container, the container having a background appearance; and

displaying a graphical preview of at least one item on the outer appearance of the container,

thereby enabling a computer user to more easily identify the contents of the container without opening the container.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to displaying the preview:

enumerating the items that exist within the container;

determining whether a graphical preview can be generated for each enumerated item; and

generating a list of items for which a graphical preview can be generated.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

selecting, from the generated list, a desired number of items to display on the background appearance based upon a sort criteria.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sort criteria selects the items based upon those items which were most recently modified in some way.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said displaying step includes sizing the preview and locating the preview on the background appearance in a desired location.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said displaying step further includes determining whether a graphical preview image has previously been generated and stored, and if so, displaying the previously generated preview.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the preview is a thumbnail image of an item contained within the container.

8. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 1.

9. A method in a computer system for displaying a collection of content items within a container, comprising:

displaying a background appearance for the collection of items;

determining if any of the collection of items can be graphically represented; and

if any of the collection of items can be graphically represented, displaying on said background appearance a graphical preview of at least one of said items that can be graphically represented.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the container is a folder and the background appearance is that of a closed file folder.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the container is a folder and the background appearance is that of a photo-album.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one graphical preview is a preview of an electronic picture contained within the folder.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying a textual message in addition to the background appearance and the graphical preview.

14. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 9.

15. A computer system for displaying a collection of items on a display using a graphical operating environment, comprising:

an item collection manager for providing a collection of items within a container, the container having a background appearance; and

a container display provider for displaying a graphical preview of at least one item on the outer appearance of the container,

thereby enabling a computer user to more easily identify the contents of the container without opening the container.

16. A computer system for displaying a collection of items on a display using a graphical operating environment, comprising:

a background appearance rendering component for the collection of items;

a graphical preview rendering component for determining if any of the collection of items can be graphically represented and for rendering a graphical preview, on the background appearance, of at least one of any of the collection of items that can be graphically represented.