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Method and system for previewing computer output

  • US 5,680,629 A
  • Filed: 12/23/1994
  • Issued: 10/21/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/07/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method in a computer system for previewing computer output within a preview area, the preview area being within a display area, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) dividing the computer output into elements each having a height and a width, such that all of the elements have substantially the same height and substantially the same width, and such that each ordered pair of adjacent elements constituting a first adjacent element and a second adjacent element has one of the following four adjacency properties, identified by directions;

    left, where the contents of the second adjacent element occur to the left of the contents of the first adjacent element in the computer output;

    right, where the contents of the second adjacent element occur to the right of the contents of the first adjacent element in the computer output;

    down, where the contents of the second adjacent element occur below the contents of the first adjacent element in the computer output; and

    up, where the contents of the second adjacent element occur above the contents of the first adjacent element in the computer output;

    (b) displaying within the preview area only a starting one of the elements;

    (c) displaying within the display area for each of the four adjacency properties, an element selection control selectable by a user comprising a bounded region bearing a visual indication of the direction of the adjacency property, wherein, if the starting element is the first adjacent element of an ordered pair of adjacent elements having the adjacency property, the element selection control is displayed in a manner indicating that the element selection control is enabled, and wherein, if the starting element is not the first adjacent element of any ordered pairs of adjacent elements having the adjacency property, the element selection control is displayed in a manner indicating that the element selection control is disabled;

    (d) detecting the selection of an element selection control; and

    (e) if the starting element is the first adjacent element of an ordered pair of adjacent elements having the adjacency property of the selected element selection control, displaying within the preview area only the second adjacent element of that ordered pair of adjacent elements.

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