Semi-transparency in size-constrained user interface
First Claim
1. A method for increasing screen space of a computing device using semi-transparent functional control areas on the screen comprising the steps of:
- determining the size of control images for display on the screen;
determining the overall display area of the screen of the computing device; and
displaying control images on the screen of the computing device in a semitransparent state such that screen content remains visible and such that no images share any of the same space on the screen.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method that increases screen space of a computing device by using semi-transparent functional areas that overlap non-functional content areas on the screen. This method allows for relatively large functional targets on the screen—thus mitigating the usability problems associated with tiny buttons and other images—while also allowing the underlying content on the screen to be clearly visible. A main design feature of this invention is that two functional areas are never allowed to overlap. An overlap condition would cause user confusion as to which layer is active. Instead, the interface is designed to foreground functionality in all instances.
43 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for increasing screen space of a computing device using semi-transparent functional control areas on the screen comprising the steps of:
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determining the size of control images for display on the screen;
determining the overall display area of the screen of the computing device; and
displaying control images on the screen of the computing device in a semitransparent state such that screen content remains visible and such that no images share any of the same space on the screen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer program product in a computer readable medium for increasing screen space of a computing device using semi-transparent functional control areas on the screen comprising:
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instructions for determining the size of control images for display on the screen;
instructions for determining the overall display area of the screen of the computing device; and
instructions for displaying control images on the screen of the computing device in a semitransparent state such that screen content remains visible and such that no images share any of the same space on the screen. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computing device using semi-transparent functional control areas on the screen comprising:
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a processing unit incorporated within the computing device;
a screen for displaying information to the user of the computing device, said screen comprising a content layer and a control layer, said control layer further comprising non-overlapping semi-transparent functional control areas on the screen; and
control software for implementation of control functions corresponding to the semi-transparent control areas. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification