Overlay presentation of textual and graphical annotations
First Claim
1. A method for presenting a primary body of data displayable on a screen and a supporting body of data relatable to an annotation tag present in the primary body of data, the method comprising the steps ofselecting an annotation tag having a predetermined size in the primary body of data, negotiating between the primary body of data and the supporting body of data to determine a space into which the supporting body of data can be fitted while minimizing obstruction of the primary body of data, with the negotiated space being sized larger than the predetermined size of the annotation tag, positioning the supporting body of data in the negotiated space, and generating display data that alters the display characteristics of at least a portion of the primary body of data so that the visual prominence of the at least a portion of the primary body of data in the negotiated space is reduced so that the at least a portion of the primary body of data wilt appear less salient then the supporting body of data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A primary body of data is displayable on a screen and a supporting body of data is relatable to an annotation tag present in the primary body of textual data. An annotation tag having a predetermined size in the primary body of data is selected, and negotiations ensue between the primary body of data and the supporting body to determine a space into which the supporting body of data can be fitted while maintaining a substantially unobstructed view of the primary body of data. Generally, this negotiated space is sized larger than the original predetermined size of the annotation tag. An animation sequence is used to position the supporting body of data in the negotiated space.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for presenting a primary body of data displayable on a screen and a supporting body of data relatable to an annotation tag present in the primary body of data, the method comprising the steps of
selecting an annotation tag having a predetermined size in the primary body of data, negotiating between the primary body of data and the supporting body of data to determine a space into which the supporting body of data can be fitted while minimizing obstruction of the primary body of data, with the negotiated space being sized larger than the predetermined size of the annotation tag, positioning the supporting body of data in the negotiated space, and generating display data that alters the display characteristics of at least a portion of the primary body of data so that the visual prominence of the at least a portion of the primary body of data in the negotiated space is reduced so that the at least a portion of the primary body of data wilt appear less salient then the supporting body of data.
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11. A computer controlled display system for displaying a primary body of data on a screen and a supporting body of data relatable to an annotation tag present in the primary body of data, the system comprising:
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a selection device for selecting an annotation tag, said annotation tag having a predetermined size in the primary body of data, a first processing element for negotiating between the primary body of data and the supporting body of data a space into which the supporting body of data can be fitted while minimizing obstruction of the primary body of data, with the negotiated space being sized larger than the predetermined size of the annotation tag, and a second processing element for positioning the supporting body of data in the negotiated space for display on the screen and generating display data that alters the display characteristics of at least a portion of the primary body of data so that the visual prominence of the at least a portion of the primary body of data in the negotiated space is reduced so that it will appear less salient then the supporting body of data.
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Specification