×

Graphical user interface for displaying and navigating in a directed graph structure

  • US 5,995,106 A
  • Filed: 08/19/1997
  • Issued: 11/30/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of providing a dynamic graphical user interface on a computer system, said computer system comprising a CPU, a memory, and graphics display screen, said method comprising the steps of:

  • providing a plurality of spaces, each of said spaces comprising a graphic background image depicting a real-world scene familiar to users;

    providing a plurality of portals, each of said portals comprising a graphical icon which can be duplicated and moved to customize said user interface;

    organizing said spaces in a directed graph structure, said spaces connected together in said directed graph structure by said plurality of portals, said directed graph structure connecting at least one portal with at least two succeeding portals and at least one previous portal;

    locating each of said plurality of portals in said spaces, each of said portals having an associated target space such that said portal connects in said directed graph structure the space in which said portal is located with said associated target space and said portal provides users access to said associated target space;

    rendering a graphic background image of a first space, which belongs to said plurality of spaces, and portals located in said first space on said graphics display screen, said first space having at least a first portal and a second portal;

    receiving a data input from a user, said data input comprising a portal selected from said first and second portals located in said first space; and

    rendering a graphic background image of one of said target spaces associated with said selected portal on said graphics display screen, said graphic background image of one of said target spaces at least partially replacing said graphic background image of said first space such that said user can view different spaces in said directed graph structure by selecting said portals within spaces,wherein at least one of said plurality of portals provided in each said space is an agent portal, the agent portal carrying objects designated by the user between the rendered spaces.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×