System and method for navigating applications using a graphical user interface

• US 20030197740A1
• Filed: 04/22/2002
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Callahan Cellular LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Reponen, Erika
• Granted Patent: US 7,111,788 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/810
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72427 for supporting games or graphical animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons

Abstract

A computing device having a graphical interface system for navigating computer programs is provided. The system includes a navigation display showing an organizational model of a computer program that is formed by concentric rings representing levels of options within the computer program. At least one of the rings is an active ring, which is emphasized to show selectable options. The options represent either categories of other options or features of the computer program. The options may be represented by icons or words. A method for navigating a computer program using the organizational model includes using a graphical user interface to select options on an active ring. Selecting a category option activates an inner ring that displays options related to the previously selected option on the next higher ring. The user continues navigating through inner rings until a feature option is selected, which invokes a feature of the computer program.

Claims

1. A display for a computing device showing an organizational model of features for a computer program, the display comprising:

a plurality of substantially concentric rings, each ring representing an organizational level of options, at least one of the concentric rings being an active ring; and

a plurality of options shown on the at least one active ring, each of the options comprising a handle for a feature of the computer program or a link to another level of options.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein the at least one active ring is emphasized in relation to the non-active rings.

3. The display of claim 2, further comprising an indicator connected to a non-active ring located outside of the active ring indicating an option selected for the non-active outer ring.

4. The display of claim 3, wherein the indicators comprise icons.

5. The display of claim 3, wherein the indicators comprise words.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein the option s comprise icons.

7. The display of claim 1, wherein the options comprise words.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein the options are changeable between words and icons.

9. The display of claim 1, wherein the rings comprise circles.

10. The display of claim 1, wherein the rings comprise circular planes.

11. The display of claim 1, wherein the computer program comprises a remote control computer program.

12. A method of navigating through features of a computer program comprising:

(a) displaying a plurality of concentric rings representing organizational levels of features for the computer program on a display device, each concentric ring showing options representative of either one of the features or a category of the features, one of the concentric rings being displayed as an active ring; and

(b) receiving an input selecting an option shown on the active ring.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the option of step (b) represents a category of features and the method further comprises:

(c) displaying one of the rings located concentrically within the active ring as a different active ring, the different active ring representing a subset of options for the option selected in step (b) on the active ring; and

(d) receiving a different input selecting a different option shown on the different active ring.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the option of step (b) represents a feature of the computer program and the method further comprises step (e) activating the feature.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the input is received from a touch screen as part of the graphical user interface.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein step (b) comprises the steps:

(b1) receiving instructions for moving a selection frame on the graphical user interface to indicate an option; and

(b2) receiving an input selecting the indicated option.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selection frame comprises a cursor.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the selection frame comprises a highlighted one of the options.

19. A mobile device comprising:

a display;

an input device; and

a processor for performing the steps comprising;

(a) displaying on the display a plurality of concentric rings representing different organizational levels of features of a computer program, each concentric ring having options representative of either one of the features or a category of the features, one of the concentric rings being displayed as an active ring; and

(b) receiving an input from the GUI selecting an option shown on the active ring.

20. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the option of step (b) represents a category of features and the method further comprises:

(c) displaying one of the rings located concentrically within the active ring as a different active ring, the different active ring representing a subset of options for the option selected in step (b) on the active ring; and

(d) receiving a different input selecting a different option shown on the different active ring.

21. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the option of step (b) represents a feature of the computer program and the method further comprises step (c) activating the feature.

22. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the input device comprises a clockwise rotate button and a counterclockwise rotate button.

23. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the input device comprises a wheel for rotating the active ring.

24. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the input device comprises a set of arrow keys.

25. The mobile device of claim 19, wherein the input device comprises a touch pen and the selector comprises a touch screen.

26. A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:

(a) displaying on a display a plurality of concentric rings representing different organizational levels of features of a computer program, each concentric ring having options representative of either one of the features or a category of features, one of the concentric rings being displayed as an active ring; and

(b) receiving an input selecting a choice shown on the active ring.

27. The medium of claim 26, wherein the option of step (b) represents a category of features and the method further comprises the steps of:

(c) displaying one of the rings located concentrically within the active ring as a different active ring, the different active ring representing a subset of options for the option selected in step (b) on the active ring; and

(d) receiving a different input selecting a different option shown on the different active ring.

28. The medium of claim 27, wherein the option of step (b) represents one of the features and the method further comprises step (e) activating the feature.

29. A portable device comprising:

a memory storing a computer program;

a display screen showing an organizational model of features for the computer program, the organizational model comprising;

a plurality of substantially concentric rings, each ring representing an organizational level of the features, at least one of the concentric rings being an active ring; and

a plurality of options shown on the at least one active ring for navigating within the at least one active ring, each option representing one of the features or a category of the features;

a selector for selecting an option on the active ring; and

a processor for performing steps comprising;

(a) receiving an input from the selector selecting an option on the active ring; and

(b) displaying one of the rings located concentrically within the active ring as a different active ring, the different active ring representing a subset of options for the option selected in step (a) on the active ring.