Preview and installation of user interface elements in a display environment

• US 20060277469A1
• Filed: 06/07/2005
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Christie, Gregory N., Forstall, Scott, Chaudhri, Imran A., Tiene, Kevin, Louch, John O., Peyton, Eric Steven
• Granted Patent: US 8,453,065 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/709
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0486 Drag-and-drop
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided including a method for displaying a user interface element in a display environment. The method includes receiving a selection of a user interface element to be displayed in a display environment, and selectively displaying the user interface element in a preview environment prior to installing the user interface element and prior to displaying the interface element in the display environment. Selectively displaying the user interface element includes determining if a preview is required; instantiating the user interface element in a preview environment including displaying the user interface element in a presentation window and supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and selectively installing the user interface element in the display environment.

Claims

1. A method for viewing a widget in a dashboard comprising:

receiving a selection of a widget to be displayed in a dashboard of a user interface; and

selectively displaying the widget in a preview environment prior to installing the widget and prior to displaying the widget in the dashboard;

the selectively displaying the widget including

determining if a preview is required;

instantiating the widget in a preview environment including displaying the widget in a presentation window and supporting interaction of the widget with a user; and

selectively installing the widget in the dashboard.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a selection includes launching an installer process.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively displaying includes receiving a user selection to preview the widget.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the widget in a presentation window and presenting the presentation window in an installation window.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the presentation window and the installation windows are separate processes, the method further comprising managing an interaction of the presentation window and the installation window.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein managing includes managing a resizing of an installation window.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein managing includes managing a repositioning of the installation window.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein managing includes managing an interaction with the presentation window which effects a display of the installation window.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is instantiated in a widget.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively installing includes launching, and displaying the widget in, the dashboard.

11. A method for viewing a user interface element in a display environment comprising:

receiving a selection of a user interface element to be displayed in a display environment; and

selectively displaying the user interface element in a preview environment prior to installing the user interface element and prior to displaying the interface element in the display environment;

the selectively displaying the user interface element including

determining if a preview is required;

instantiating the user interface element in a preview environment including displaying the user interface element in a presentation window and supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and

selectively installing the user interface element in the display environment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a selection includes launching an installer process.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein selectively displaying includes receiving a user selection to preview the user interface element.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising presenting the user interface element in a presentation window and presenting the presentation window in an installation window.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the presentation window and the installation windows are separate processes, the method further comprising managing an interaction of the presentation window and the installation window.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein managing includes managing a resizing of an installation window.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein managing includes managing a repositioning of the installation window.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein managing includes managing an interaction with the presentation window which effects a display of the installation window.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the method is instantiated in a widget.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein selectively installing includes launching, and displaying the user interface element in, a dashboard.

21. A preview engine for a user interface element in a user interface comprising:

a selection engine for selecting a widget for installation in a dashboard environment; and

a preview engine operative to display a user interface element in a presentation window that itself is displayed in an installation window of a user interface.

22. The preview engine of claim 21, wherein the user interface element is a widget.