Abstract:
Elements of the value domain or option selections are displayed in two vertical, linear lists disposed in a menu structure having rectangular areas and nonrectangular areas. The nonrectangular areas have boundaries which radially diverge from an origin point at which the cursor is initially positioned. The origin point may be surrounded by a central zone which serves as a dead zone or optionally linked to a predefined option such as selection of a higher level menu. The resulting menu selection system results in a reduction in the physical effort expended to utilize the menu.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the fields of operating systems, application software, menu structure and menu display graphics. 
     Computer/human interfaces permit users to submit data to and receive results from the computer system. Data which is input can be categorized as the submitting of parameters to control the operating system, the submitting of parameters to control the computer/human interface, the submitting of data to the application software and the submitting of requests for transformation of application data. Menu systems form a widely utilized method for the input of any of these data categories if the data: (1) can be described via a tree structure and (2) have either a nominal or rank order level of measurement. Sixteen to twenty options per level of a menu represents the maximum practical number of options when the menu system is utilized to manage a software system. The final level of options of a menu may solicit any class of data providing appropriate input technologies are integrated into the menu structure to receive other than nominal and rank order data. For a general discussion of the logic and constraints of menu systems see: Schneiderman, Ben, Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1987, pp. 85-133 and Mayhew, Deborah J., Principles and Guidelines in Software Interface Design, Prentice-Hall, 1992, pp. 113-174. 
     Variants of two approaches for the display of menu options predominate: (1) options appear displayed as vertical linear lists and (2) options of the menu&#39;s first level appear displayed as a horizontal list with higher level option lists displayed in vertical linear format. With vertical display, the menu&#39;s first level option list may either be permanently displayed in an infrequently utilized screen area or appear via &#34;pop-up&#34; display; i.e., be generated upon activation of the menu system and removed upon its deactivation. An example of the pop-up style is the menu system employed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. Sun Microsystems promotes the Open Look protocols and details its menu system in Sun Microsystems, Inc., Open Look: Graphical User Interface Functional Specification, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc., 1989. The NeXTstep system developed by NeXT Computer, Inc. permanently displays the first level options in vertical format. When selection of a first level option requires display of higher level option lists, they appear in vertical linear format adjacent to the parent display. The first level menu display offered by the Macintosh operating system of Apple Computer, Inc. and the Windows menu system of the Microsoft Corporation provide a permanent display of first level options in a list appearing horizontally at the top of the display screen. With both the Macintosh and Windows menu systems, selection of a first level option results in a &#34;drop-down&#34; display of the second level option list; i.e., display of second level options in a vertical, linear format immediately below the selected first level option. For menu systems based on display of linear lists, selection is affected by the user activating a specified input device within the target area defined for the option. The most prevalent input devices for menu control are the mouse and cursor control keys. For linearly displayed option lists, an option&#39;s target area comprises either an explicitly delimited or an implicitly present rectangular area surrounding the label or icon identifying the option. For a given level of menu display dimensions of these rectangular targets are either fixed during system design or are dynamically determined from the longest text string or icon employed to identify the option list to be displayed. 
     A graphic which permits vertical scanning of the option list represents the most efficient known method of data scanning. Users possessing average visual acuity have foveal vision which subtends 1 to 2 degrees. At typical screen distances this foveal angle permits simultaneous identification of two or three options when displayed at a typical height of 6 or 8 lines per inch. Horizontal and nonlinear display formats disallow multiple option identification per saccad/fixation and thus require users to expend more time performing the option scan. For general reference to saccads, fixation and symbol comprehension see Chapter 2 of Just and Carpenter, The Psychology of Reading and Language Comprehension, Allyn and Bacon, Inc., 1987. Studies of user scanning behavior indicate that visual searches of vertically formatted option lists are accomplished in three-fourths the time expended scanning the same lists when arranged horizontally. Although the absolute savings per menu scan is small, an extended terminal session can entail thousands of menu scans; the aggregation of such small benefits can noticeably improve a user&#39;s reaction to a human-computer interface system. The disadvantage of both vertical and horizontal linear formats is that the average distance the cursor is traversed to reach desired options is greater than is required with available alternate designs. Aggregate cursor travel is greatest with systems employing permanently displayed first level option lists since the user is required to traverse from the cursor&#39;s current location, to the menu, and return. For general reference to the mechanics of menu usage see: Chapter 6 of Kent L. Norman, The Psychology of Menu Selection: Designing Cognitive Control of the Human/Computer Interface, Ablex Publishing Corp., 1991. 
     A third style of menu display is the pie menu. The graphic of the pie menu presents option descriptors in horizontal alignment arrayed around the periphery of a circle. Each option of a pie menu lies within individual, pie-shaped targets having their apex angle at the circle center and having an angular extent of [360/(Number of Options)] degrees. Higher level displays are themselves pie menus but may have different dimensions due to different numbers of options and length of option labels. Display of high level option lists appear either as overlapping pies thus occluding lower level option display or in tiled format with each pie abutting its parent. The principle advantage of the pie menu is the ability to affect selection of any option by a similar, short cursor move into the target area of the desired option. The principle disadvantage of this menu style is that long option labels or numerous options necessitate displays of large diameter and thus consume extensive screen real estate. A concomitant problem is the need for the user to perform a separate saccad/fixation to identify most options while scanning the option list. For a general discussion of pie menus see Callhan, Hopkins, Weisner and Schneiderman, An Empirical Comparison of Pie vs. Linear Menus, CHI &#39;88: Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1988. 
     When manipulating a menu user behavior comprises five possible activities: menu activation, forward traverse to first and higher level options, possible backward traverse from a current level to a prior menu level, selection of a leaf option with implicit menu deactivation, and explicit menu deactivation. When explicit menu activation is required this generally requires the user to press a specifically allocated key(s) to affect display of the first level option list. Forward menu traverse commonly utilizes mouse input, with option selection accomplished either by the point and click method or by the walking method (also called dragging). Point and click requires that the user traverse to the desired option and rapidly press and release (click) the designated mouse button. If a second level option list is attached to the selected first level option, the user traverses to the desired second level selection and clicks on that option. This is repeated until the highest level option has been selected. Walking selection with drop-down display requires the user to traverse from the current cursor location to the desired first level option, press the designated mouse button and, with the mouse button depressed, traverse the cursor to the second level option. If this is a leaf option the mouse button is released. If still higher level options exist, the user drags through one border (typically the right edge) of the current selection before dragging to the desired option of the new level. This is repeated until a leaf is reached. Walking selection with pop-up styles differ only in having the cursor appear centered in the menu&#39;s title area upon menu activation. 
     Menu systems with permanently displayed first level options traditionally provide for option selection via a keystroke to jump the cursor to the menu display with subsequent manipulation of a four cursor control keypad or some other defined four key set. Upon stroking the activation key(s), the cursor is jumped to the left-most position of the displayed first level option list. Each subsequent stroke on the four key set causes a cursor jump to a contiguous option. As example, stroking the left-most control key jumps the cursor one option to the left or wraps the cursor to the right-most option area if the cursor initially occupies the left-most option area. Auto repeat is typically provided when a cursor control key is held in the down position. 
     Backward menu traverse is conventionally provided to permit returning to a prior menu level. This cancels the current option choice and returns the menu system to the state appropriate to the lower level selected. Menu deactivation is conventionally provided in menu systems to manage either a single option selection per activation or multiple selections per activation. Selection of a leaf option under a single option per menu activation terminates all nonpermanent menu display. Display termination prior to leaf selection under the dragging method occurs upon release of the mouse button at any nonleaf location. Under the point-and-click method, either clicking outside the menu area or toggling the menu activation key terminates all nonpermanent menu display. When multiple inputs are permitted during a menu activation, two termination techniques are employed. For a predetermined number of inputs, the system counts the selections and terminates when that number is reached. For a variable number of selections the user is responsible for explicitly terminating the display. 
     While the foregoing menu management techniques may suffice for some applications in general, these conventional techniques require more effort than required if the same software control were affected using the present invention. The invention provides a menu graphic capable of displaying any typical number of options on any typical number of levels while affording the visual efficiency of vertical scanning combined with low physical effort of cursor motion found with the pie menu. These capabilities can be provided within a menu management framework which provides the capabilities reviewed above. Depending upon implementation strategy, the invention can be employed as a replacement in most extant menu systems or as the menu structure of a new software system. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention a computer menu selection system is provided to permit pointing device selection of a plurality of menu options by a user. The system comprises a plurality of option target areas, each target area corresponding to one of the menu options. The option target areas each, in part, comprise a generally rectangular area which contains the label of one of the menu options. The option target areas are disposed so that at least a portion of the rectangular areas are vertically arranged to define a generally vertical axis and to present at least a portion of the menu options as a vertically arranged list. The invention includes a means for establishing or defining an origin point which is offset from the vertical axis defined by the vertically arranged rectangular areas. The option target areas each further include a nonrectangular area, laterally adjacent the rectangular area, which have a plurality of boundaries which converge in a direction towards the origin point, or such convergence being alternatively described as divergence from the origin point. By this configuration, the option target areas are geometrically configured and arranged such that the user visually scans the list of menu options in a vertical direction and where the pointing device, when positioned at the origin point, acquires any of the option target areas with substantially equal movement. 
    
    
     For a more complete understanding of the invention, its objects and advantages, reference may be had to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exemplar sixteen option area menu shell illustrating the positional and dimensional characteristics for a generalized display of the menu graphic appropriate for all menu levels in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 2 replicates the information of FIG. 1 with the addition of labeling characteristics for a generalized display of the menu graphic appropriate for all menu levels in accordance with the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is an exemplar eight option area menu shell illustrating the allocation of pixels within a bitmapped CRT screen to define each of the disjoint option areas; this allocation not providing for generation of central subregions to permit efficient backward menu traverse. 
     FIG. 4 replicates the information of FIG. 3 with the addition of an exemplar two component central subregion to permit efficient backward menu traverse. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the eye with associated graph depicting the symbol comprehension at varying degrees from the center of the fovea with implications to the field of symbol recognition at normal computing distance. 
     FIG. 6-A, 6-B, and 6-C collectively FIG. 6) provide a generalized display of the menu: (1) in tiled configuration and (2) in overlay configuration, to illustrate a menu traverse of three levels, each level having differing numbers of options and labels of differing length. 
     FIG. 7-A, 7-B, 7-C, 7-D, and 7-E (collectively FIG. 7) comprise a flowchart employed in conjunction with FIG. 6 which illustrates application of the invention in a three level basic menu system generally applicable to software systems. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention seeks attainment of desirable values for two metrics of user activity during menu manipulation: (1) minimization of time to visually interpret the menu graphic and (2) minimization of expected physical effort to affect a suite of typical menu selections. In utilizing the invention to optimize these metrics the preferred embodiment of the innovation depends upon whether the invention is designed as an integral part of a new software product or replaces the menu system of an extant software product. 
     Reference 10 of FIG. 1 generally designates an exemplar sixteen option menu graphic shell; i.e., a menu graphic without depiction of labels. Area 12, abutting the top edge of the option areas is the identification area reserved for identification of the current menu. The individual option areas appear in two vertically arranged columns 18 and 19. As illustrated, each option area comprises the aggregation of a generally rectangular area 14 and a generally nonrectangular area 16 laterally adjacent to the rectangular area. In FIG. 1 dashed lines 120 illustrate the boundary between laterally adjacent rectangular and nonrectangular areas. These dashed lines appear for illustration purposes only, since the preferred embodiment would not employ a visually perceptible line to delimit the component areas of each option area. The actual number of option areas displayed is variable and depends upon the exigencies of the particular portion of the menu system being displayed during any activation of that system. 
     The vertically arranged rectangular areas each define a generally medial vertical axis 18a and 19a respectively. The menu graphic shell 10 also includes an origin establishing the central region 124 located generally at the confluence of the apex of the option areas, as illustrated. The diameter of 124 is determined by the exigencies of the software utilizing the invention and may be zero. The central region may be subdivided into a varying number of subregions 126 and utilized for system control as suggested by the exigencies of the software. The preferred utilization of the origin subregions is to make possible efficient backward traverse of the menu path as detailed by FIGS. 6 and 7. At the center of the central region is the origin point 122. Origin point 122 is offset from the vertical axis 18a and 19a and lies generally at the point where the boundaries of the nonrectangular areas 16 converge. The dashed lines within the central region 124 extending the borders of the nonrectangular regions to their convergence are for illustration purposes only, since the preferred embodiment will not display visually perceptual lines showing convergence within the central region. 
     FIG. 2 replicates FIG. 1 with the addition of labels chosen to suggest to the user the functionality of each active option area and central subregion. Option labels 20 and 22 illustrate that option labels are permitted to be of different length. The absence of a label 28 denotes an inactive option area. Presence of an inactive option area allows employment of a menu graphic shell containing an even number of option areas to offer an odd number of active options. While in FIG. 2 the lower right option area 28 is depicted as an inactive option area, the preferred embodiment allows any option area of any menu shell to be designed is an inactive option; the actual location of any such inactive option area being dependent upon software exigencies. One or more letters or symbols 24 may optionally appear in conjunction with an option label to represent a &#34;Command-Key-Alternate.&#34; A Command-Key-Alternate enables the user to affect the same option selection via simultaneous keystroke that occurs when the cursor is clicked within the option area containing the Command-Key-Alternate symbol(s). The preferred embodiment permits any combination of option labels to be assigned whatever symbol(s) is deemed appropriate by exigencies of the software. Central subregion labels 210, 212, 214 are chosen to convey to the user the system functions activated upon selection of each such region. Central subregions may be employed for any purpose, but the preferred embodiment utilizes them to expedite return to a prior level of the current menu activation. The preferred embodiment defines a central subregion for each ancestor of the currently displayed menu level, with the root ancestor defined as the software system within which the menu system is embedded. When utilized in the preferred manner one central subregion will exist for each level of the currently active menu that has been traversed. To exemplify, if the highest menu level currently displayed is level 3, three central subregions would be available with labels to identify level #2, level #1 and the calling system as illustrated by FIG. 6-C items 636, 634, and 638 respectively. FIGS. 6 and 7 detail the preferred management of the central subregions. The menu title label 216 can be any identification of the currently displayed menu appropriate to the exigencies of the software. The preferred embodiment assigns the label of the selected option of the next lowest level display as illustrated by 637 of FIG. 6-C, 625 of FIG. 6-B, and 615 of FIG. 6-A. When the invention is employed in the preferred manner, mouse activation within 216 backtracks the menu management system one level. 
     FIG. 3 depicts a feasible configuration of pixels 30 (pixel being generally defined as the smallest addressable unit of a bitmapped CRT screen) for an exemplar eight option menu shell having a central region diameter of 0. When users select options displayed as prescribed by the invention the number of erroneous selections is reduced by filling each option area with visually distinct color as suggested by the different gray shadings of 34 and 36. In general, option differentiation is accomplished by filling each individual option area with color or gray shading in a manner to disallow any option area being bordered by an option area of similar color or shade. In the preferred embodiment the option areas may but need not be bounded by visually distinct borders 32. FIG. 3 depicts one feasible cursor 310 as having the shape of a cross hair with the hot spot centered in the cursor peephole. This particular cursor shape does not imply this to be a limitation of the scope of the invention inasmuch as other cursor shapes are possible, as is exemplified by depiction of a different cursor shape in FIG. 6. The preferred embodiment employs system control to position the cursor hot spot 310 coincident with the origin point 122 upon activation of the menu system or after successful selection of an option from an ancestor menu display. The white rectangular area 38 depicts a 3×3 pixel region which does not belong to any option area. In the preferred embodiment the origin point 122 is located within the 38 region and thus not coincident with any pixel of any option area. The patent recognizes the possibility that with some renderings, the 38 region does not exist, and the central point 122 is assigned to a pixel of an option region. The patent further recognizes that the dimensions of 38 are dependent upon the exigencies of the software, 
     FIG. 4 is equivalent to FIG. 3 but additionally illustrates pixel allocation within the central region when the diameter of the central region exceeds 0. FIG. 4 further illustrates division of the central region into two central subregions 40 and 44. Visual differentiation of the central subregions 40 and 44 is accomplished by filling the extent of each subregion area with color or gray shading in a manner to disallow any central subregion being bordered by a central subregion of similar color or shade. Each central subregion may optionally be bound by visually distinct borders 42. 
     The visual time expended during manipulation of any style of menu can entail: (a) a possible saccad and accompanying fixation to visually acquire the menu display, (b) one or more saccads/fixations to visually acquire the cursor; (c) one or more saccads/fixations to scan and comprehend menu options; (d) one or more saccads/fixations to reacquire the original screen area being processed; (e) one or more possible saccads/fixations to reacquire the cursor after menu display is terminated. A saccad to visually acquire the menu is generally not required when the menu is displayed via the pop-up method with the display centered at the cursor&#39;s current location. If users deem it undesirable to overlay the screen area currently being referenced, pop-up menu display can be affected by abutting the menu to a boundary of the interface object of current user interest. (An interface object is the graphic depiction of an instantiation of an input or output class as defined in the Object-Oriented Design meaning of the term. For general reference see: Peter Coad and Edward Yourdon, Object-Oriented Design, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1991). The preferred embodiment of the patent employs system control to successively position the cursor at the confluence of the option areas as each level of menu is displayed. With this embodiment users need not locate the cursor prior to the visual scan of options as its exact position is known. For users possessing average visual acuity and viewing at a typical screen distance the foveal vision subtends 1 to 2 degrees, 50, which permits simultaneous identification of 2 or 3 options of approximately 1/6 inch height, 52, providing these options can be uniquely identified by their left-most portions. For any application of the invention embodied with these specifications the time expended performing the visual scan of options is minimized when option labels occupy horizontal areas having approximately 1/6 inch height and arranged in vertical columns. Upon termination of the menu display the system returns the screen and cursor to its premenu status altered as appropriate by any system action affected by any menu leaf selected. With the pop-up menu display occurring in a manner which overlays or abuts the screen area currently being referenced, visual time expended reacquiring the current task is minimized when the menu display is terminated. 
     Excluding menu applications which solicit leaf values that are not of normative or rank order measurement, the preferred embodiment of this patent is for each graphic of each menu level to possess the characteristics displayed in FIGS. 1 through 4. When so displayed the vertical linear search inherent to the invention provides greater time efficiency than occurs with the individual saccad and fixation required to scan options of the pie menu. The invention permits option selection at the physical effort level (as measured by Fitt&#39;s Index of Difficulty) inherent with the pie menu&#39;s short, radial cursor motions. This physical effort will on average be less than the efforts incurred through the greater expected cursor motion employed during option selection from linearly displayed option lists. 
     The Appendix presents a program written in the Adobe PostScript programming language capable of generating the menu graphic detailed by FIGS. 1 through 4. The Appendix also presents copies of screens of menu displays generated by the program which are representative of displays subsumed by this invention. For specific reference to the PostScript language see: Adobe Systems, Inc., PostScript Language Reference Manual, 2nd Edition, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Inc., 1990. The program permits generation of any desired number of option areas of that width necessary to contain the longest option label and of the height appropriate to the application. The program has provision to position labels in appropriate positions within the option areas, doing so in either all or all but one of the option areas generated. Provision is made for color differentiation between options and between subregion choices. The number of central subregions generated is based on the current level of display and has a program generated diameter. The program depicts menu&#39;s labeled with their parent option. The program provides for either tiled or overlayed display. In overlay display the direction and amount of offset is defined by parameter. 
     The program in the Appendix is intended to show how to provide a capability to display the graphic of this invention in the postscript environment. It is not intended to show a fully interactive, speed optimized interactive menu system. Naturally, a complete interactive menu system can readily be developed, taking the necessary hardware-specific and operation system-specific details into account. For general reference to the relation of user-interface systems and application systems see: Dan Olsen, User Interface Management Systems: Models and Algorithms, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 1992, and James Larson, Interactive Software: Tools for Building Interactive User Interfaces, Yourdon Press, 1992. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 convey a preferred basic method of menu system management. In basic formulation, upon activation the preferred menu management system jumps the cursor under system control to the confluence of the apex of option targets; in FIG. 6-A to the origin point 610 of the first level menu display upon activation of the menu system, in FIG. 6-B to the origin point 620 of the second level menu display upon successful selection of a level 1 option having a submenu list, and in FIG. 6-C to the origin point 630 of the third level menu display upon successful selection of a level 2 option having a submenu list. If a software requires fourth level or higher display the cursor management procedure detailed by FIG. 7 is to be extended. When independent of other considerations, the preferred target acquisition method of the invention is the point-and-click method for each option level. To maintain consistency of the overall control strategy for new software or to conform with the control strategy of an extant software, the preferred embodiment of menu manipulation may be by dragging. Irrespective of whether exigencies dictate point-and-click or dragging, the physical aspects of option selection are independent between menu levels. If menu manipulation is by point-and-click, at menu activation the cursor is jumped to the center point of the first level option display, the mouse traversed into the desired option&#39;s target area and the appropriate button clicked. This sequence is repeated for each level. If menu manipulation is by dragging, upon menu activation the cursor is jumped to the center point of the first level option display, the mouse button depressed, a drag into the target area of the desired option is performed and the mouse button released. This sequence is repeated for each level. Upon selection of a leaf option the preferred cursor management with either manipulation technique is to jump the cursor under system control back to the premenu activation location provided this location is still defined after completion of action of the selected option. If the original cursor location is not defined, the cursor is to be managed as specified by the Requirements Specification. The preferred cursor management procedure additionally permits the user to reverse prior option selections and to terminate the menu system at anytime prior to selection of a menu leaf. Existence of the central region 124 and the ability to dynamically subdivide the central region into subregions 126 according to the highest currently displayed menu level improves the efficiency with which menu selections can be reversed. The preferred management of the central region entails the permanent presence of an option which returns the system to the state existing prior to menu activation upon the user&#39;s selection of this region. Preferred central region management further entails provision of one subregion for each prior level of menu transversed, said subregions to be labeled to identify the level to which it returns the menu system. Selection of a subregion generates the display appropriate to that level and jumps the cursor under system control to the central point of that display. The preferred cursor management incorporates traditional backward menu traverse as detailed in FIG. 7. FIG. 7-A, 7-B, and 7-C and thus encorporates prevailing cursor management with the preferred menu management methods detailed herein. When applied there will result the enhanced efficiency inherent in the menu graphics detailed by FIGS. 1 through 4. FIGS. 7-D and 7-E detail how prevailing menu control methods executed via the keyboard are integrated into the menu management control methods unique to the preferred embodiment of the invention which produce a fully configured, basic management system. 
     While the invention has been detailed and its benefits specified for the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications in the graphic appearance and application can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the preferred embodiment is exemplified with differing numbers of options, alternate embodiments would be expected to employ still different numbers of options and could use alternate colors or shadings without departing from the spirit of the invention. The preferred embodiment is also illustrated with tiled higher level option lists abutting to the right and with overlapping option lists ordered down to the right (see FIG. 6). However, alternate embodiments could position higher order option lists in any direction convenient to utilization of screen real estate and to user comprehension. Persons skilled in the arts of generating computer graphics will be enabled to prepare alternate programs utilizing various programming language technologies without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. ##SPC1##