INTERFACE OVERLAY
First Claim
1. A method for providing a user interface, comprising:
- detecting an instruction to initiate a selection through the user interface; and
displaying an interface overlay that includes a selection element for selectably enabling a computing option associated with the selection element, wherein a display characteristic of the selection element is based on an attribute of the computing option.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing a user interface overlay. In one embodiment, a toolbar remains visible and can be selected at any time to activate the interface overlay. The interface overlay provides an easily visible list computing options, such as contacts, that overlays the entire display area. The background of the overlay may be semi-transparent so that underlying windows are still visible, but the list is highlighted. The list includes selectable display elements with display characteristics, such as size or color, that indicate one or more attributes associated with the corresponding computing options, such as a frequency of interaction with certain contacts. In one embodiment, groups of contacts can be sorted or filtered by the attributes before display. Each selectable display element identifies a contact and may indicate a current availability. A user selects a display element to initiate communication, such as an instant messaging chat session.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for providing a user interface, comprising:
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detecting an instruction to initiate a selection through the user interface; and displaying an interface overlay that includes a selection element for selectably enabling a computing option associated with the selection element, wherein a display characteristic of the selection element is based on an attribute of the computing option. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for providing a user interface, comprising:
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a processor; a display in communication with the processor; an input interface in communication with the processor and with an input device; and a memory in communication with the processor and storing data and instructions that cause the processor to a plurality of operations, including; detecting an instruction through the input device to initiate a selection; and displaying an interface overlay that includes a selection element for selectably enabling a compution option associated with the selection element, wherein a display characteristic of the selection element is based on an attribute of the computing option. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for electronic communication, comprising:
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a contacts database storing information for communicating with a contact over a network; and a messaging application in communication with the contacts database and performing a plurality of operations including; receiving a request to establish a communication session; causing an interface overlay to be displayed that includes a contact control element associated with the contact and for selectably establishing electronic communication with the contact, wherein a display characteristic of the contact control element is based on an attribute of the contact stored in the contacts database. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification