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Lightweight reference user interface

  • US 7,992,085 B2
  • Filed: 05/15/2007
  • Issued: 08/02/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of providing information associated with a focused-on item in an electronic document, comprising:

  • receiving a first user-initiated selection comprising a focus on an item contained in an electronic document;

    evaluating a current mode of the electronic document selected from a first mode in which a plurality of editing functions of the electronic document are disabled, and a second mode in which the plurality of editing functions of the electronic document are enabled;

    automatically initiating a search for information on the focused-on item when the current mode is evaluated as the first mode;

    receiving a second user-initiated selection for initiating the search for information on the focused-on item when the current mode is evaluated as the second mode, wherein the second user selection is selected from a group comprising;

    a simultaneous keyboard and mouse selection; and

    a control selection accessed in one of a control toolbar and a drop-down menu;

    passing data representing the focused-on item to an information source following initiating the search for information on the focused-on item;

    receiving the information associated with the focused-on item from the information source;

    automatically displaying the returned information associated with the focused-on item in a user interface in the electronic document in proximity to the focused-on item; and

    when the information associated with the focused-on item will not fit in an available display space provided in the user interface;

    truncating a portion of the information such that only a portion of the information that will fit in the available display space provided in the user interface is displayed; and

    disposing a selectable control tab on a first side the user interface which, when selected, causes a display of the truncated portion of the information, the selectable control tab including;

    a first selectable tab which, when selected, causes to be displayed a first portion of the truncated portion of the information; and

    a second selectable tab which, when selected, causes to be displayed a second portion of the truncated portion of the information;

    the first and second selectable tabs extending from the user interface, with the first selectable tab being positioned above the second selectable tab.

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