Patent ID: 8140971
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of displaying hover assistance on a display screen, comprising: moving a pointer element to a position over a user interface element shown on the display screen in response to user manipulation of a pointing device; by operation of one or more computer processors, determining a hover assistance detail level for a first hover element based on: (i) a determined user behavior pattern and (ii) user preferences received from an input device, wherein the first hover element comprises a first plurality of indications of respective actions selectable via user input to cause execution of associated operations; while the pointer element is positioned over the user interface element, invoking the first hover element with the determined hover assistance detail level, for display on the display screen; and determining whether a condition is met, the condition specifying user selection of at least one indication of the first plurality of indications while the pointer element is positioned over the at least one of the user interface element and the first hover element and prior to the earlier of: (i) expiration of a first predetermined period of time and (ii) user entry of a predetermined input sequence, wherein the at least one indication is selectable by a mouse pointer; wherein processing branches to execute the associated operation upon determining that the condition is met, wherein a second hover element is invoked for display on the display screen upon determining that the condition is not met, wherein the second hover element comprises a second plurality of indications of respective actions selectable via user input to cause execution of associated operations, and wherein at least one of the first hover element and the second hover element provide assistance regarding the user interface element.