User definable pictorial interface for accessing information in an electronic file system
First Claim
1. A pictorial interface for accessing information in an electronic file system having a display screen and an input device, said interface comprising:
- a) at least one pictorial image displayable on the display screen, said pictorial image containing a plurality of sub-images;
b) means for associating said at least one pictorial image with a first group of files;
c) means for associating at least some of the files in the first group of files with individual sub-images of said plurality of sub-images;
d) an animated character image displayable on the display screen, said animated character image being overlaid on said pictorial image and being capable of a plurality of animated actions; and
e) means for moving said animated character image relative to said pictorial image in response to user input.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pictorial user interface for accessing information in an electronic file system provides a pictorial image which is linked to a file directory and which identifies the file directory. Objects in the pictorial image are icons linked to file objects and an animated character is overlaid on the pictorial image. User input causes movement of the animated character relative to the pictorial image. Input from the user is preferably through a limited input device such as a gamepad controller, a mouse, or by using a limited number of keys on a normal keyboard. Input signals are mapped according to keycode identical command sets, context arguments and selection arguments. Commands that can be invoked by the user include operating system commands, pictorial object commands, and interface utility commands. Using the pictorial object commands, the user can configure the interface so that different pictures and icons are associated with different directories and files. Commands are executed with a prologue animation and an epilogue animation. The prologue animation provides feedback as to the nature of the command being executed. The epilogue animation provides feedback as to the results of the command. Animations may include actions of the animated character or the behavior of a selected icon, or both. The interface may be applied as an overlay to virtually any operating system.
192 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A pictorial interface for accessing information in an electronic file system having a display screen and an input device, said interface comprising:
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a) at least one pictorial image displayable on the display screen, said pictorial image containing a plurality of sub-images; b) means for associating said at least one pictorial image with a first group of files; c) means for associating at least some of the files in the first group of files with individual sub-images of said plurality of sub-images; d) an animated character image displayable on the display screen, said animated character image being overlaid on said pictorial image and being capable of a plurality of animated actions; and e) means for moving said animated character image relative to said pictorial image in response to user input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A pictorial interface for accessing information in an electronic file system having a display screen and an input device, said interface comprising:
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a) at least one pictorial image displayable on the display screen; b) means for associating said at least one pictorial image with a first group of files; c) means for defining a region of said pictorial image as a sub-image; and d) means for associating at least one of the files in the first group of files with said sub-image, wherein said means for defining a region includes means for automatically generating and compiling program code containing a subimage definition and association, said program code providing access to said at least one of the files when said program code is run.
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12. A pictorial interface for accessing information in an electronic file system having a display screen and an input device, said interface comprising:
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a) at least one pictorial image displayable on the display screen, said pictorial image containing a plurality of sub-images; b) means for associating at least one of said sub-images with a file or a group of files; c) an animated character image displayable on the display screen, said animated character image being overlaid on said pictorial image and being capable of a plurality of animated actions; and d) means for moving said animated character image relative to said pictorial image in response to user input. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification