Preview and installation of user interface elements in a display environment

• US 8,453,065 B2
• Filed: 06/07/2005
• Issued: 05/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Louch, John O., Peyton, Eric Steven, Tiene, Kevin, Forstall, Scott, Chaudhrl, Imran A., Christle, Gregory N.
• Primary Examiner(s): ABDUL-ALI, OMAR R
• Application Number:
  US11/148,010
• Publication Number:
  US 20060277469A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,912 Days
• Field of Search: 715/709, 715/864, 715/826, 715/762, 345/333, 345/334
• US Class Current: 715/762
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0486 Drag-and-drop
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided including a method for displaying a user interface element in a display environment. The method includes receiving a selection of a user interface element to be displayed in a display environment, and selectively displaying the user interface element in a preview environment prior to installing the user interface element and prior to displaying the interface element in the display environment. Selectively displaying the user interface element includes determining if a preview is required; instantiating the user interface element in a preview environment including displaying the user interface element in a presentation window and supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and selectively installing the user interface element in the display environment.

Claims

1. A method for viewing a widget in a dashboard comprising:

receiving, at a widget browser process, a selection of a widget for installation, the widget to be displayed in a dashboard of a user interface of a device, the dashboard being distinct from a desktop user interface, wherein receiving the selection includes launching an installer process; and

in response to the selection, previewing the selected widget including executing the widget on the device in a preview process prior to installing the widget on the device for display in the dashboard of the user interface, the preview process being distinct from the installer process;

the previewing the widget including;

instantiating the widget in a preview process;

displaying the widget in a presentation window of the preview process; and

supporting interaction of the widget with a user; and

selectively installing, by the installer process, the widget for display in the dashboard,

wherein the preview process is distinct from the installer process and the widget browser process.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein previewing includes receiving a user selection to preview the widget.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting the widget in a presentation window and presenting the presentation window in an installation window.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the presentation window and the installation windows are implemented by separate processes, the method further comprising managing an interaction of the presentation window and the installation window.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein managing includes managing a resizing of an installation window.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein managing includes managing a repositioning of the installation window.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein managing includes managing an interaction with the presentation window which effects a display of the installation window.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is instantiated in a widget.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively installing includes launching, and displaying the widget in, the dashboard.

10. The method of claim 1, where previewing the selected widget further includes presenting one or more interactive features associated with the presentation window that allow a user to selectively continue the installation process.

11. The method of claim 1, where previewing the selected widget further includes presenting one or more interactive features associated with the presentation window that allow a user to selectively discontinue the instantiation of the widget in the preview environment.

12. The method of claim 1, where selectively installing the widget includes installing the widget in response to user input during the instantiation of the widget in the preview environment.

13. A method for viewing a user interface element in a display environment comprising:

receiving, at a widget browser process, a selection of a user interface element for installation, the user interface element to be displayed in a display environment of a device, the display environment being distinct from a desktop user interface, wherein receiving the selection includes launching an installer process; and

in response to the selection, previewing the selected user interface element including executing the user interface element on the device in a preview process prior to installing the user interface element for display in the display environment of the device, where the preview process is distinct from the installer process;

the previewing the user interface element including;

determining that a preview is required;

instantiating the user interface element in a preview process;

displaying the user interface element in a presentation window of the preview process; and

supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and

selectively installing, by the installer process, the user interface element for display in the display environment,

wherein the preview process is distinct from the installer process and the widget browser process.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein previewing includes receiving a user selection to preview the user interface element.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising presenting the user interface element in a presentation window and presenting the presentation window in an installation window.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the presentation window and the installation windows are implemented by separate processes, the method further comprising managing an interaction of the presentation window and the installation window.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein managing includes managing a resizing of an installation window.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein managing includes managing a repositioning of the installation window.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein managing includes managing an interaction with the presentation window which effects a display of the installation window.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is instantiated in a widget.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein selectively installing includes launching, and displaying the user interface element in, a dashboard.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform operations comprising:

obtaining input, at a widget browser process, selecting a widget for installation in a dashboard environment, the dashboard environment being distinct from a desktop user interface; and

in response to the selection, previewing the selected widget including executing the widget on a device in a preview process prior to installing the widget with an installer process on the device, the preview process being distinct from the installer process and the widget browser process.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the instructions that cause previewing comprise instructions that cause:

presenting the widget in a presentation window and presenting the presentation window in an installation window.