Method for graphical representation of a content collection

• US 8,549,434 B2
• Filed: 10/18/2001
• Issued: 10/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Ouzts, Todd, Fortier, Philip, Guzak, Chris J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stevens, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): BHARGAVA, ANIL K
• Application Number:
  US09/982,337
• Publication Number:
  US 20030076322A1
• Time in Patent Office: 4,366 Days
• Field of Search: 345/837, 345/838, 345/839, 345/760, 345/670, 715/837, 715/838, 715/839
• US Class Current: 715/838
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/168 Details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems, e.g. browsing and visualisation, 2d or 3d GUIs query results presentation G06F16/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/60 Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text

Abstract

A method use on a computer having a graphical operating environment is provided for displaying the content items of a container. The method includes enumerating the items that exist within the container or folder and determining whether a graphical preview can be generated for the item. If so, the item is added to a list of candidates as preview items for the container or folder. The items are then evaluated, and a desired number are chosen for display based upon a sort criteria. Prior to being displayed, the graphical preview for each item is sized and is located on the background image. The above method results in a container having graphical or pictorial indicia of the container contents on the outside thereof. These indicia allow a computer user to more readily determine the contents of the container or folder without having to open the container or folder.

Claims

1. A method for use on a computer having a graphical operating environment, comprising:

providing a collection of items within a container, the container having an outer appearance;

enumerating the items that exist within the container;

determining whether a graphical preview can be generated for each enumerated item;

generating a list of items for which a graphical preview can be generated;

selecting, from the generated list, a desired number of items to display on the outer appearance based upon a sort criteria, wherein the sort criteria selects the items based upon those items which were most recently modified in some way;

displaying graphical previews for the selected items on the outer appearance of the container, wherein the graphical previews are not folders, and the graphical previews are generated by a thumbnail extractor based on extensions associated with the selected items; and

locating the graphical previews on the outer appearance in a desired location,

thereby enabling a computer user to more easily identify the contents of the container without opening the container.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said displaying step includes sizing the preview on the outer appearance.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said displaying step further includes determining whether a graphical preview image has previously been generated and stored, and if so, displaying the previously generated preview.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the preview is a thumbnail image of an item contained within the container.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the graphical previews are pictorial representations of one or more images associated with the at least one item.