User interface menu with hovering icons
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computer generated graphical user interface for accepting user input commands comprising:
- a first area containing a plurality of menu items; and
a second area that includes an icon selected from a set of icons based on the location of a pointer relative to the menu items wherein the graphical user interface is part of an operating system shell.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A graphical user interface is provided that has two distinct sections. A first area has an array of menu items. When a menu item is hovered over by a pointer, an icon such as a contextually-related animated icon is displayed on a second area and changes its appearance in such a way as to indicate to the user the location of the pointer and/or the consequence of selecting that menu item.
186 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A computer generated graphical user interface for accepting user input commands comprising:
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a first area containing a plurality of menu items; and
a second area that includes an icon selected from a set of icons based on the location of a pointer relative to the menu items wherein the graphical user interface is part of an operating system shell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of providing visual feedback in a graphical user interface with a menu with a plurality of displayed menu items, each menu item being associated with an icon, comprising the steps of:
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receiving user input that causes a pointer to be located over a menu item;
in response to the user input, displaying the icon associated with that menu item wherein the graphical user interface is part of an operating system shell. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for providing visual feedback in a graphical user interface with a menu with a plurality of displayed menu items, each menu item being associated with an icon, by performing the steps comprising:
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receiving user input that causes a pointer to be located over a menu item;
in response to the user input, displaying the icon associated with that menu item wherein the graphical user interface is part of an operating system shell. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A computer generated user interface for accepting user input commands comprising:
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a menu divided into a first section and a second section each section including a plurality of menu items;
wherein each menu item on the first section is configured to call an operating system specific function. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A computer generated user interface for accepting user input commands comprising:
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a pointer for selecting menu items and icons;
a start menu divided into a plurality of sections, at least one of the sections containing only operating system specific menu items;
an animated three-dimensional appearing icon that moves side-to-side so that the users can see the edges rotating and changes its appearance based on the menu item over which the pointer is located;
wherein the appearance of the animated three-dimensional icon is contextually related to the operating system specific function called by selecting the menu item. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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Specification