Loop menu navigation apparatus and method

A curved-listing file hierarchy and a preview window for more efficiently displaying file hierarchy information on a data processing device. Curved-listing file hierarchies may allow more elements of a file hierarchy to be displayed in a smaller space. This may be especially useful for the smaller screens of some data processing devices like Personal Digital Assistants and cellular phones. A preview screen may allow a user to view preview information on a file in the hierarchy without actually opening the file.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computers. In particular, the present invention relates to an application chooser format for a data processing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART

Processors and memory devices may be getting smaller with advances in technology. As the processors and the memory devices get smaller, data processing devices that use the processors and the memory devices, may be made smaller and have more functionality than previous data processing devices. However, with the smaller size of the data processing devices, there may be several challenges to overcome. For example, as the data processing devices get smaller, input devices on the data processing devices may get smaller and, consequently, more difficult to use. As a result, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of input required from a user to perform tasks on the data processing device. An additional challenge is that smaller data processing devices typically require smaller screens which may be difficult to read. As such, data may need to be presented to the user in a more compact manner.

Certain data processing devices have been designed with screens that flip out in various ways. The flip-out screen may have dimensions as large as the largest dimensions of the overall data processing device when the flip-out screen is closed. However, even with the ability to flip out, the data processing device screen may still be very small and therefore still may need to present information to the user in a more compact manner.

One example of information that may need to be presented in a more compact manner to the user on the smaller screen is a hierarchy of files (e.g., applications, data files, . . . etc) stored on or accessible by the data processing device. In the current manner of presenting the file hierarchy, the headings, subheadings, applications, and filenames, may be branched along lines at right angles. This manner of presenting the file hierarchy may take up a significant amount of screen space. Because of the smaller screen, the number of filenames, applications, subheadings, and headings that may be viewed at once by the user may be limited. Because the user may only be able to view a small portion of the file hierarchy at a time, it may take the user a longer time to locate a file.

SUMMARY

This invention discloses a curved-listing file hierarchy and a preview window for displaying identifiers and preview information related to a plurality of computer files, applications, and headings on the screen of a data processing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description makes reference to numerous specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is to be noted that not every specific detail need be employed to practice the present invention. Additionally, well-known details, such as particular materials or methods, have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a curved-listing file hierarchy19for a data processing device. The curved-listing file hierarchy19may include identifiers such as Subheading One3, Subheading Two4, Application One5, Filename One7, Filename Two9, and Filename Three11which may be associated with file hierarchies, applications, files, or other types of information accessible by the data processing device. The identifiers may have a corresponding identifier pointer such as the identifier pointers43and21next to the Subheading Two4and the Application One5, respectively.

The curved-listing file hierarchy19may also have a central identifier such as Central Identifier Heading One13. The Central Identifier Heading One13may be an identifier on a separate curved-listing file hierarchy such as a curved-listing file hierarchy15. The Central Identifier Heading One13may also be next to a corresponding identifier pointer such as identifier pointer17. The Central Identifier Heading One13may be related to the identifiers on the curved-listing file hierarchy19in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, each of the subheadings, applications and files logically fall under Central Heading One13in a defined loop menu hierarchy. Moreover, the identifiers such as the Subheading One3and the Subheading Two4may have corresponding curved-listing file hierarchies associated with them. The identifiers, such as the Application One5, may have a corresponding set of instructions that are executable by the computer when run. The identifiers such as the Filename One7, the Filename Two9, and the Filename Three11, may be computer files, such as, but not limited to, text files, image files, and data files containing information for use by an application such as the Application One5.

By presenting the identifiers, such as the Subheading One3, the Application One5, and the Filename One7, that are related to the central identifier, such as the Central Identifier Heading One13, with the curved-listing file hierarchy, such as the curved-listing file hierarchy19, it may be possible to present more of the identifiers in a smaller space than if the identifiers were presented in a right angle hierarchy. In one embodiment, a file hierarchy curve's dimension, such as a width of the curved-listing file hierarchy19, will vary depending on the number of the identifiers to be displayed at any given time. For example, the curve may be steeper to include more of the identifiers or may look more like a straight line if there are fewer of the identifiers to display. In addition, the curved-listing file hierarchy19may not display all the identifiers related to its central identifier. For example, the user may scroll between adjacent portions of the curved-listing file hierarchy19or multiple portions of the curved-listing file hierarchy19may be displayed adjacent to each other on the same screen. Various other methods of displaying the multiple portions of the curved-listing file hierarchy may be employed while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention.

The file hierarchy, for example a top-level file hierarchy, may not have a central identifier. In addition, some of the data processing devices may have screens that are too small to include the central identifier or the central identifier may be displayed at a different section of the screen.

Furthermore, the invention may not be limited to a curved listing. For example, other shapes, such as but not limited to, semi-circles, angled lines, and multiple curve listings may also be used. It may also be within the scope of the invention to use symbols or abbreviated identifiers in place of identifier text. Using the symbols or the abbreviated identifiers may save additional space on the screen.

Referring toFIG. 2, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a curved-listing file hierarchy19and a preview window23. As described above, the curved-listing file hierarchy19may be displayed with identifiers such as Subheading Two4, Application One5, and Filename Two9. The identifiers on the curved-listing file hierarchy19may be displayed next to a corresponding identifier pointer such as identifier pointer43. A selection indication such as Circle29may be used to select the identifiers, such as the Filename Two9, in order to view preview information about a file associated with the identifier, such as the preview information shown in preview window23. Besides the circle29, other methods of selecting the identifiers may also be within the scope of the invention. The preview information about the identifier may include, but is not limited to, notes, text, data, and images. For example, if the identifier Filename Two9refers to a slide-show presentation file, the notes related to the slide-show presentation file, such as, Note A25and Note B27, may be displayed in the preview window23. The preview information in the preview window23may allow the user to refresh his or her memory about contents of the file without actually opening the file. In this way, the user may save time by avoiding opening files that aren't needed. In addition, the user may be able to obtain sufficient information from the preview window23about the file without actually opening the file. For example, if the user needed to know a date the presentation file was presented on, that information may be displayed in the preview window23.

Referring toFIG. 3, one embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a curved-listing file hierarchy19and a preview window23displaying preview information of an image file. Identifiers, such as the identifier Filename Three11, may represent image files. Circle29may be used by a user to select the identifier, such as Filename Three11, in order to view the preview information about the identifier. The preview information may be presented in the form of an image such as preview image31displayed in the preview window23. The user may use the circle29to select the identifier by clicking an identifier, dragging the circle29to the identifier, or using arrow keys on a data processing device keyboard to move the circle29(or other selection graphic). Other methods of selecting the identifier with and without the circle29may also be within the scope of the invention.

Preview image31may not be as detailed as the image file when the image file is viewed in the image file's natural application. For example, the preview image31may contain fewer pixels or show less detail than if file Filename Three11were opened in the file's natural application. By viewing the preview image31of the image file, the user may be able to cycle through several image file identifiers without actually opening each image file in its natural application. Accordingly, the user may find the image file he or she is looking for in a long list of image file identifiers without having to open each individual file.

In addition to the preview image31, the preview information displayed in the preview window23may also include information such as, but not limited to, the date the file was saved, data associated with the image, and other information. The preview images, such as preview image31, may also be displayed for files that are not specifically image files. For example, the preview information about an application may include an image of that application's identifier icon. The images may also be used to indicate a status of the file. For example, if the file is locked or is read only, a symbol of a lock may be displayed. In another example, if the file associated with the identifier on the curved-listing file hierarchy is scanned by a virus scanner and found to be infected, an appropriate warning image may be displayed in the preview window23.

The size of the preview window23may be adjusted according to the depth of the curve of the curved-listing file hierarchy19. For example, if the curved-listing file hierarchy19has several identifiers on it such that the curve needs to be steep, the preview window23may be small. However, if the curved-listing file hierarchy19has only a few identifiers on it, then the preview window23may be increased in size according to the reduced curve of the curved-listing file hierarchy19.

In one embodiment of the invention, the preview image31may be less detailed upon the user first selecting the identifier, but the preview image31may be enhanced by the data processing device the longer the user selects the identifier. For example, when the user first moves the circle29over the identifier pointer next to the identifier Filename Three11, a simple preview image31may be shown. However, if the user does not move the circle29off of the identifier pointer next to the Filename Three11's identifier, the data processing device may add detail to the preview image31. Because the data processing device may add detail to the preview image31the longer the user selects the identifier, the user may select how much detail he or she needs to see before deciding whether to move on to the next image file identifier.

Referring toFIG. 4, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a circular file hierarchy. Central Identifier Heading One13may be displayed next to identifier pointer17on curved-listing file hierarchy15. A file hierarchy corresponding to the Central Identifier Heading One13may be displayed circumscribing the Central Identifier Heading One13. For example, identifiers Subheading One3, Application One5, Filename One7, Filename Two9, and Filename Three11may be displayed (along with other identifiers) around the Central Identifier Heading One13on circular file hierarchy19(e.g., because they are logically related to Central Identifier Heading One13in some manner).

Each of the identifiers surrounding the Central Identifier Heading One13may be associated with their own set of files (e.g., which are beneath them in a file hierarchy). For example, the identifier Subheading Two4, which is on the circle surrounding the Central Identifier Heading One13, may have a corresponding set of the identifiers surrounding it. In the illustrated example, these include Application N35, Filename X33, and Subheading A37, each of which is displayed next to corresponding identifier pointers such as identifier pointer39corresponding to Application N35.

The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4shows file hierarchies displayed in circular patterns. In one embodiment, the curved-listing file hierarchies associated with each circular file hierarchy shown inFIG. 4may be recreated by breaking the circular file hierarchy at any spot and curving out the file hierarchy to become a curve partially surrounding the central identifier. While the circular file hierarchies may be used in an embodiment of the invention, other shapes, such as, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, and triangles, may be used for the identifier pointers and the corresponding identifiers. Selection indicators such as Circle29may be used for several operations including, but not limited to, selecting a file to view, selecting an application to execute, or selecting a subheading in order to view the file hierarchy corresponding to the subheading.

The data processing device may add or remove the identifiers to the screen depending on the level of information the user wants to view at any one time. For example, if the user selects Subheading A37using the circle29, or some other method of selecting a subheading, the file hierarchy related to the Subheading A37may be shown surrounding the Subheading A37. However, the Central Identifier Heading One13and the file hierarchy surrounding Central Identifier Heading One13(except for identifier Subheading Two4) may be removed in order to show a larger view of the file hierarchy surrounding the Subheading A37. Otherwise, the file hierarchy surrounding the Subheading A37may be too small or include too much detail to be easily understood by the user. Although the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4does not include a preview window23, the preview window23may be displayed on the screen with the circular file hierarchy. Whether or not the hierarchy is shown may depend on the size of the screen and the amount of space consumed by the circular file hierarchy.

Referring toFIG. 5, an embodiment of the invention is shown with curved-listing file hierarchy19and preview window23. A user may move a selection graphic such as circle29to select an identifier such as Subheading Two4in order to view a file hierarchy related to the Subheading Two4. Other methods of selecting the identifier may also be within the scope of the invention. Upon moving the circle29, with the identifier pointer43related to the identifier Subheading Two4, preview information regarding the Subheading Two4may be displayed in the preview window23. In another embodiment, upon moving the circle29over the Subheading Two4, the data processing device may display an abbreviated form of the file hierarchy related to the Subheading Two4in the preview window23.

If the user selects the identifier Subheading Two4, the identifier Subheading Two4may move to the center of the file hierarchy, (as shown in FIG.6). Referring toFIG. 6, Subheading Two4may become a central identifier for a new curved-listing file hierarchy41. The identifier Subheading Two4may be displayed next to an identifier pointer43on curved-listing file hierarchy19in the center of the curved-listing file hierarchy41. The curved-listing file hierarchy41may include similar identifiers as shown on the curved-listing file hierarchy19. For example, Subheading A37, Application N35, and Filename X33may be displayed on the curved-listing file hierarchy41next to the relative identifier pointers such as the identifier pointer39. The selection Circle29(or other selection graphic) may be used to select the identifier in order to view preview information on the identifier in preview window23. Other methods of selecting the identifiers with or without the circle29may also be within the scope of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the entire subheading or application may be highlighted (i.e., rather than a separate identifier pointer). As indicated inFIG. 6, by moving the circle29over the identifier pointer next to the identifier for a text file—Filename X33—the preview information, such as text body45corresponding to the Filename X33, may be displayed in the preview window23. Users may also move the circle29over the identifier pointer43to move back to the curved-listing file hierarchy19, as shown inFIG. 5. In this way, the user may efficiently move between different levels of the curved-listing file hierarchy. Other methods of moving between the different levels of the curved-listing file hierarchies may also be within the scope of invention, such as, but not limited to, backspacing, arrow keys, and clicking on an input device.

Referring toFIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a straight-line file hierarchy19below a Central Identifier Heading One13and a preview window47. Identifiers, such as Subheading One3, Subheading Two4, Application One5, Filename One7, Filename Two9, and Filename Three11, may be displayed on the straight-line file hierarchy19, in a similar fashion as the identifiers displayed on curved-listing file hierarchy19. Because the identifiers may be displayed in a straight line, it may take more screen space to display the same amount of the file hierarchy as may be displayed in less space using the curved-listing file hierarchy19. A preview window47may be located above or below the straight-line file hierarchy19. The preview window47may display the same type of information shown in vertical preview window23(as seen inFIG. 6). In addition, the straight-line file hierarchy19may run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the screen. If the straight-line file hierarchy19runs vertically along one side of the screen, the preview window47may be put on the opposing side of the screen as the straight-line file hierarchy19. Selection circle29may be moved along the identifier pointers on the straight-line file hierarchy19in the same manner as the selection circle29is moved along with the identifier pointers on the curved-listing file hierarchy19shown inFIG. 6. The selection circle29may also be used to move in between different levels of the file hierarchy by clicking on or moving the selection circle29to the identifier pointer17located above identifier Heading One13on file hierarchy15. Preview image31may be skewed or scaled differently to fit the different dimensions of the preview window47. However, the preview image31may also be kept at the same scale as the actual image in the image file and kept to one portion of the preview window47.

Referring toFIG. 8, an embodiment of the invention is shown on the screen of an embodiment of a data processing device49. The data processing device49may have a communication apparatus coupled to it for communicating with a network. The communication apparatus may be a device including but not limited to an antenna, a modem, and an infrared sensor. The data processing device49may have headings, applications, and files stored on it or accessible by it over the network. As seen on screen51, of the data processing device49, curved-listing file hierarchy19may be displayed with identifiers, such as Subheading One3. A selection indicator circle29may be displayed around identifier pointer2next to identifier Filename Three11if the user selects identifier pointer2in order to view a preview image31of the file in a preview window23(as described in detail above). Alternatively, or in addition, an identifier pointer2may not be used. Rather, the selected subheading name, application name and/or file name may be highlighted on the screen. In one embodiment, only the identifier pointers, such as identifier pointer43, are displayed on the screen51. If only the identifier pointers are displayed, when the user moves the circle29over the identifier pointer, the text of the identifier name, such as Subheading Two4, may be displayed next to the identifier pointer. The preview information may then be displayed in the preview window23. Displaying the text of the identifier only when the selection circle29is over the corresponding identifier pointer, may allow more of the identifier pointers to be shown. In one embodiment, when an identification pointer (or subheading, application or filename) is selected, the text associated with that pointer will become larger, thereby making it easier to read. As seen inFIG. 8, the curved-listing file hierarchy19and preview window23may maximize the amount of information that can be shown on the small screen51of the data processing device49.

In one embodiment, the data processing device49include one or more control knobs80and one or more buttons85. The control knob may be rotated to rotate from one identifier (or pointer) to another along the curved-listing file hierarchy19. When the file, application or subheading the user wishes to select is highlighted, the user may make the selection by pressing one of the buttons85. Alternatively, or in addition, the control knob80may be depressed to make the selection.

In one embodiment, the display86on the data processing device49may be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise to a “closed” position, as indicated by rotation arrows90and95, respectively. When in a closed position, the screen may cover the data processing device's keyboard87. However, in one embodiment, when the display is closed in this manner, the image on the display will flip (responsive to logic within the device49) and the user may still access files, applications and subheadings via the curved-listing file hierarchy19by manipulating the control knob80and/or buttons85(i.e., in this embodiment, the control knob80and buttons85are not disabled when the screen is in a closed position).

Referring toFIG. 9, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a flowchart of a system's actions. At block53, the system may display a curved listing of identifiers related to a plurality of headings or computer files for use by a data processing device. At decision block55, the system may determine whether a user has selected a heading identifier. If the user has selected the heading identifier, then at block57, the system may display a new curved listing of the identifiers related to the user-selected heading identifier. Then at block59, the system may display the user-selected heading identifier inside the new curved listing. However, at decision block55, if the user has not selected the heading identifier, the system may determine at decision block61whether the user has selected a computer filename identifier that represents a set of executable instructions. If the system determines that the user has selected a computer filename identifier that represents a set of executable instructions, then at block63, the system may execute the set of instructions associated with the user-selected computer filename identifier. However, if the user selected a computer filename identifier that does not represent a set of executable instructions, the system may display information related to the user-selected computer filename identifier at block65.

Referring toFIG. 10, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a flowchart of a system's operations. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism that provides (i.e. stores and transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g. a computer). For example, machine-readable medium includes read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disc storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; etc. At block67, instructions executed by a data processing device may cause the system to display a curved listing of identifiers related to a plurality of computer files, applications, or headings for use by the data processing device. At block69, the instructions may cause the system to display a heading identifier related to the curved listing of the identifiers inside the curved listing. At block71, the system may display information related to a user-selected identifier in the curved listing on a screen with the curved listing.

FIG. 11illustrates one embodiment of a curved-listing file hierarchy100in which icons are used to identify subheadings, applications, files, or other types of information accessible by the data processing device. As illustrated, the selected icon101(i.e., a camera icon) for a photograph subheading is highlighted, making it stand out from the other icons. As the user scrolls through the loop menu100, other icons may become similarly highlighted. In addition, in one embodiment, a highlight region (represented by dotted line102) remains in a consistent area on the display and the icons on the loop menu move through that region. The principle of applying a consistent highlight region may be applied to any of the embodiments described above. In addition, the preview area103may contain a graphical indication of the content located within the particular subheading.

The embodiment shown inFIG. 11also clearly demonstrates how relatively more viewable information will fit within the curved hierarchy100than with a standard file hierarchy. For example, when stacked up in a straight line menu, significantly fewer icons illustrated inFIG. 11would be viewable at the same time (i.e., they would be moved off of the screen due to the lack of space).

Also illustrated inFIG. 11is a heading bar110comprised of a date/time region111, a battery meter indicator112, and a signal strength indicator113. Of course, various alternate graphical information may be displayed while still complying with the underlying principles of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention may include various steps as set forth above. The steps may be embodied in machine-executable instructions. The instructions can be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor to perform certain steps. Alternatively, these steps may be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components.

Elements of the present invention may also be provided as a machine-readable medium for storing the machine-executable instructions. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. For example, the present invention may be downloaded as a computer program which may be transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client)

Throughout the foregoing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while menu system was described above in the context of a small, portable device, such a limitation is not required for performing the underlying principles of the invention. Accordingly, the scope and spirit of the invention should be judged in terms of the claims which follow.