PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8578288-B2
Application Number: US-83598010-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Three state icon for operations

Abstract:
A three state icon for a computer is disclosed. The icon prevents inadvertent starting of an operation on a computer. The icon has a first state which conceals a second state. Upon selection of the first state with a computer pointing device (i.e., mouse), the icon will change to the second state. Upon selecting the icon in the second state, the operation on the computer will start. Accordingly, only upon selecting the icon in the first state and then the second state, the operation will commence on the computer thereby preventing accidental startup of the operation. Once the second state has been selected, the icon will change to a third state which indicates that the operation is proceeding on the computer.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying instructions for a component of a graphical user interface that when processed by a computer is displayed on a computer display and initiates an operation on the computer, the component of the graphical user interface comprising:
 a first configuration that is displayed on the computer display and selectable by a user to perform an operation on the computer, the first configuration corresponding to an unexecuted state of the operation on the computer; 
 a second configuration that is displayed on the computer display upon the selection of the first configuration and selectable by the user to initiate execution of the operation on the computer, such that successive selections of the first and second configurations prevent inadvertent execution of the operation on the computer; and 
 a third configuration that is displayed on the computer display upon the selection of the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the first configuration is operable to retract to reveal the second configuration when the first configuration is selected by the user. 
     
     
       3. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration reverts to the first configuration if the user does not select the second configuration within a prescribed period of time starting from the selection of the first configuration. 
     
     
       4. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration indicates that the second configuration is going to revert to the first configuration after a prescribed period of time has elapsed. 
     
     
       5. The component of  claim 4 , wherein the second configuration pulses before the second configuration reverts to the first configuration. 
     
     
       6. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the third configuration indicates that the operation is being executed on the computer. 
     
     
       7. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the third configuration is selectable to cease execution of the operation on the computer. 
     
     
       8. The component of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the operation is restricted from being initiated while the first configuration is displayed; and 
 the operation is associated with the component and distinct from display operations of displaying multiple configurations of the component on the computer display. 
 
     
     
       9. The component of  claim 1 , wherein the component is an icon displayed in the graphical user interface. 
     
     
       10. A method of initiating an operation on a computer with a component, which has multiple configurations, of a graphical user interface, the method comprising the steps of:
 displaying the component in a first configuration on a display device of the computer, the first configuration corresponding to an unexecuted state of an operation performable on the computer; 
 selecting the component in the first configuration to perform the operation on the computer; 
 displaying the component in a second configuration on the display device upon the selection of the component in the first configuration; 
 selecting the component in the second configuration to initiate execution of the operation on the computer, such that successive selections of the first and second configurations prevent inadvertent execution of the operation on the computer; and 
 displaying the component in a third configuration on the display device upon the selection of the component in the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein selecting the first configuration of the component reveals the second configuration by retracting the first configuration. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the second configuration reverts to the first configuration if the user does not select the second configuration within a prescribed period of time starting from the selection of the first configuration. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the second configuration indicates that the second configuration is going to revert to the first configuration after a prescribed period of time has elapsed. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second configuration pulses before the second configuration reverts to the first configuration. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the third configuration indicates that the operation is being executed on the computer. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the third configuration is selectable to cease execution of the operation on the computer. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the operation is restricted from being initiated while the first configuration is displayed; and 
 the operation is associated with the component and distinct from display operations of displaying multiple configurations of the component on the computer display. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the component is an icon displayed in the graphical user interface. 
     
     
       19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that causes a computer to display a component, which has multiple configurations, of a graphical user interface, the program causing the computer to execute the following steps:
 detecting a selection of the component in a first configuration, the first configuration corresponding to an unexecuted state of an operation performable on the computer; 
 displaying the component in a second configuration in response to detecting the selection of the component in the first configuration; 
 detecting a selection of the component in the second configuration to initiate the operation on the computer; 
 initiating execution of the operation on the computer in response to detecting the selection of the component in the second configuration, such that detecting successive selections of the first and second configurations prevents inadvertent execution of the operation on the computer; and 
 displaying the component in a third configuration upon initiation of the operation on the computer. 
 
     
     
       20. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the computer program causes the computer to reveal the second configuration of the component by retracting the first configuration of the component in response to detecting the selection of the component in the first configuration. 
     
     
       21. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the computer program causes the computer to revert the second configuration to the first configuration if a selection of the second configuration is not detected within a prescribed period of time starting from the selection of the first configuration. 
     
     
       22. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the second configuration indicates that the second configuration is going to revert to the first configuration after a prescribed period of time has elapsed. 
     
     
       23. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 22 , wherein the computer program causes the computer to have the second configuration pulse before the second configuration reverts to the first configuration. 
     
     
       24. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the third configuration indicates that the operation is being executed on the computer. 
     
     
       25. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the third configuration is selectable to cease execution of the operation on the computer. 
     
     
       26. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the operation is restricted from being initiated while the first configuration is displayed; and 
 the operation is associated with the component and distinct from display operations of displaying multiple configurations of the component on the computer display. 
 
     
     
       27. The computer-readable storage medium of  claim 19 , wherein the component is an icon displayed in the graphical user interface. 
     
     
       28. A computer comprising a processor in electrical communication with a computer display, the computer configured to generate a user-selectable component of a graphical user interface that is displayed on the computer display and configured to initiate an operation on the computer, the user-selectable component of the graphical user interface generated from:
 a first component means for displaying a first graphical component on the computer display that is selectable by a user to perform an operation on the computer, the operation being in an unexecuted state when the first graphical component is displayed; 
 a second component means for displaying a second graphical component on the computer display upon the selection of the first component, the second graphical component being selectable by the user to cause initiation of execution of the operation on the computer, such that successive selections of the first graphical component and the second graphical component prevent inadvertent execution of the operation on the computer; and 
 a third component means for displaying a third graphical component on the computer display upon the selection of the second graphical component. 
 
     
     
       29. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the first component means is operable to retract the first graphical component to reveal the second graphical component when selected by the user. 
     
     
       30. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the second component means reverts the second graphical component to the first graphical component if the user does not select the second graphical component within a prescribed period of time starting from the selection of the first graphical component. 
     
     
       31. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the second component means causes the second graphical component to indicate that the second graphical component is going to revert to the first graphical component after a prescribed period of time has elapsed. 
     
     
       32. The computer of  claim 31 , wherein the second graphical component pulses before the second graphical component reverts to the first graphical component. 
     
     
       33. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the third graphical component indicates that the operation is being executed on the computer. 
     
     
       34. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the third graphical component is selectable to cease execution of the operation on the computer. 
     
     
       35. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein:
 the first component means restricts initiation of the operation while the first graphical component is displayed; and 
 the operation on the computer is associated with the graphical component and distinct from display operations of displaying configurations of the first, second and third graphical components. 
 
     
     
       36. The computer of  claim 28 , wherein the graphical component is an icon displayed in the graphical user interface. 
     
     
       37. A computing device comprising a multi-state component configured for generating output of a graphical user interface for a computer display that controls an operation in a computing system, the multi-state component configured to implement a plurality of states for display of a graphical component in the output of the graphical user interface, the plurality of states including:
 a user-selectable first state causing a display on the computer display and indicating selection of the operation, the first state corresponding to an inactivated state of the operation on the computer; 
 a user-selectable second state causing a display on the computer display to indicate activation of the operation, the second state being activated on the computer display upon selection of the component in the first state; and 
 a third state causing a display on the computer display to indicate commencement of the operation, the second state being activated on the computer display upon selection of the component in the second state, 
 wherein:
 the graphical component displayed in the first state, upon selection by a user, causes a change from the first state to the second state and activates the operation, and 
 the graphical component displayed in the second state, upon selection by a user, causes a change from the second state to the third state and commences the operation. 
 
 
     
     
       38. The computing device of  claim 37 , wherein the graphical component displayed in the second state, after a predetermined period of time without being selected, causes a change from the second state to the first state. 
     
     
       39. The computing device of  claim 37 , wherein the graphical component displayed in the third state, upon cessation of the operation, causes a change to the first state. 
     
     
       40. The computing device of  claim 37 , wherein:
 the operation is restricted from being commenced while the first state causes a display on the computer display; and 
 the operation is associated with the graphical component and distinct from display operations of displaying multiple configurations of the graphical component on the computer display. 
 
     
     
       41. The computing device of  claim 37 , wherein the multi-state component graphical component is an icon displayed in the graphical user interface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,841, filed Nov. 23, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/757,109, filed Jan. 8, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,861, issued Nov. 30, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a method of initiating an operation on a computer, and more particularly to a method of using an icon having three states that prevents inadvertent startup of the operation. 
     A user interfaces with a computer using a graphical user interface. The user can initiate operations on the computer by pointing and clicking with a pointing device such as a mouse or stylus. Typically, by pointing the mouse at a certain location on the computer screen and then depressing a button on the pointing device, the user can initiate operations on the computer. The operations may be graphically represented by icons on the computer display. In this respect by selecting the icon with the pointing device, the user can start a desired operation on the computer. 
     In order to ensure that the operation to be performed by the computer is the correct operation, the computer will typically query the user if he or she wishes to proceed. If the user is performing a function which is non-recoverable (i.e., formatting a disc), the computer will display a dialog box on the display asking the user if he or she wishes to proceed. The user must respond to the query by the dialog box in order for the operation to commence. This permits the user to change his or her mind before the non-recoverable operation begins and ensures that the operation does not proceed inadvertently. 
     It will be recognized that initiating an improper operation on the computer can be costly in terms of both time and money. Recording medium may be recordable only once such that if a mistake is made while recording, then the medium will not be reusable. As such, before recording a DVD or CD-ROM it is imperative to determine that the user wishes to record on the medium in order to prevent mistakes which may become costly later on. 
     Once the operation commences, the computer will typically display a second dialog box which indicates the progress of the operation. The second dialog box may be a graphical representation of the progress of the procedure or function being performed by the computer. This alerts the user that the medium is being recorded so that the user will know the system&#39;s status. 
     It will be recognized that displaying a dialog box in order to ensure that inadvertent startup of the operation doesn&#39;t happen will add an extra step for the user. More specifically, the user must respond to the additional inquiry of the dialog box in order to ensure that the operation will proceed. Additionally, the inclusion of the dialog box creates an additional step for the computer to process such that valuable processing resources of the computer are used. 
     The present invention addresses the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing a method to ensure that inadvertent operation of a computer operation is not performed. Additionally, the present invention provides a method whereby the status of an operation is displayed by the computer without the use of dialog boxes. In this respect, the present invention provides a three-state icon which prevents inadvertent operation of the computer and display the status of the operation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system and method for performing an operation on a computer without the need for dialog boxes such that inadvertent startup of the operation is not possible. In this respect, the present invention provides an icon which has three states. The first state is a protective state which when selected (i.e., activated) changes to a second state. The selection of the first state does not perform any function of the computer, except to reveal the second state. Selection of the second state by the user, commences the desired operation on the computer. In this respect, when the user activates the second state, the operation will proceed on the computer. When the operation is proceeding on the computer, the icon will revert to a third state to show that the function is proceeding as desired. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the first state may be a graphical representation of an iris presented on the display of the computer. The second state may be a graphical representation of a button which is depressed by the user in order to start the operation. The iris will retract when activated from the first state to the second state. It will be recognized that the icon can be selected or activated via a pointing device of the computer such as a mouse. The icon is selected by positioning a pointer over the icon with the mouse and depressing the appropriate button on the mouse. When the operation on the computer is finished, the icon will revert back to the first state such that the user may proceed with the operation again. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of preventing accidental startup of a computer operation with an icon having a first, second and third states. The method comprises initially providing the icon in the first state. Next, the icon is activated in the first state to reveal the second state. Finally, the second state is activated in order to start the operation on the computer. Upon selection of the second state, the icon will change to the third state in order indicate that the operation is being performed on the computer. Finally, the icon will change back to the first state upon completion of the operation and the method may be repeated as needed by the user. 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium containing a program which implements a procedure to prevent inadvertent startup of an operation running on a computer. The computer readable medium comprises providing an icon in a first state and then activating the first state in order to reveal a second state. Next, the icon is activated in the second state in order to start the operation on the computer. The icon will revert to the third state when activated in the second state in order to show the status of the operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a system block diagram for a computer which displays the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are graphical representations of the three state icon of the present invention in the first state; 
         FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are graphical representations of the three state icon in the second state; 
         FIG. 4  is a graphical representation of the three state icon transitioning from the first state to the second state; 
         FIG. 5  is a graphical representation of three state icon pulsing in the second state; 
         FIG. 6  is a graphical representation of the three state icon in the third state; 
         FIG. 7  is a graphical representation of the three state icon in an alternative configuration of the third state; 
         FIG. 8  is a graphical representation of the three state icon in a fast pulse of the second state; 
         FIG. 9  is a graphical representation of the three state icon transitioning from the third state to the first state; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart depicting the operation of the three state icon of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a screen shot of an application utilizing the three state icon of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 2-9  illustrate a three-state icon  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. The icon  10  is displayed by a graphical user interface on a display  100  of a computer  110 , shown in  FIG. 1 . In this regard, the computer  110  is programmed to generate the icon  10  in accordance with the present invention. The computer  110  has a processor  112  in electrical communication with the display  100  that is operative to form the images thereon. Additionally, the computer  110  includes a memory  114  (i.e., RAM, ROM, DRAM, etc. . . . ) for storing information and an input device  116  for inputting information. The input device  116  may be a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, touchscreen, etc. . . . Additionally, the computer  110  may further include a peripheral device  118  which performs some critical, non-recoverable operation. In this regard, the peripheral device  116  may be a recordable DVD device or recordable CD-ROM device. Alternatively, the peripheral device  116  may be a storage device such as a tape or disc drive. In either instance, the peripheral device  116  may perform a critical operation that may not be recoverable if a mistake is made thereon. For example, if the peripheral device  116  is a recordable DVD player, the recording of mistaken information on the DVD may be expensive due to the cost of the recording medium (i.e., the DVD disc). 
     The icon  10  is used to inform the computer  110  to begin startup of a prescribed operation. Specifically, by selecting (i.e., activating) the icon  10  on the display  100  with an input device (i.e., mouse)  116  through the known point-and-click technique, it is possible to have the computer  110  start the desired operation. As seen in  FIG. 11 , the icon  10  may control the recording (i.e., burning) of a DVD and is responsible for commencing the recording of prescribed information onto a DVD through the use of an application  150  used for creating and organizing the content on the DVD. It will be recognized, that the present example of burning a DVD is illustrious only, and in no way limiting of the function of the icon  10 . Typically, the icon  10  will be used to initiate critical operations on the computer  110  that are non-recoverable wherein the inadvertent starting of the operation may be catastrophic. Accordingly, the three-state icon  10  may be used in applications ranging from the recording of a CD/DVD, formatting a disc, or any other application wherein confirmation of proceeding should be made before beginning the operation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2   a , the icon  10  is shown in a first or protective state  11 . The first state  11  is a default state wherein the computer  110  will not begin the operation even though the icon  10  is selected. In this respect, the first state  11  can be thought of as a safety state wherein the operation cannot be directly started. In the present example, the icon  10  is shown as a graphical representation of an iris. The iris will open when selected by the user, as will be further explained below. When the icon  10  is in the first state  11 , the iris has a plurality of leaves  12  in the closed position, as seen in  FIG. 1   a . Specifically, six leaves  12  are arranged in a spiral pattern wherein each leaf  12  is generally triangularly shaped. The apex of each of the leaves  12  meets at the center of the icon  10  when in the closed position of the first state  11 . When the icon  10  is in the first state  11 , access to the desired function of the computer  110  is not possible. Specifically, if the user selects the icon  10  while in the first state  11 , the operation associated with the icon  10  will not begin. Accordingly, the first state  11  indicates that the computer  110  is not performing a function. 
     Upon selecting the icon  10  in the first state  11  by pressing the icon  10  with the computer mouse, the icon  10  will darken. Specifically, the leaves  12  of the icon  10  will change to a darker color, as seen in  FIG. 2   b . Immediately following therewith, the leaves  12  will transition into a retracted position, as seen in  FIG. 4 . Specifically, as seen in  FIG. 4 , the leaves  12  will retract toward the outer circumference of the icon  12  to gradually reveal the center of the icon  10  in a time frame of about 250 msec. The leaves  12  appear to retract by displaying the sequential images of the icon  10  in the order shown in  FIG. 4 . Each subsequent image presented on the display  100  will show each of the leaves  12  in a further opened position in order to show the iris retracting. As each of the images in  FIG. 4  is displayed, the leaves  12  will appear to retract in one continuous movement until they each disappear from the icon  10  and fully reveal the second state  14  shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . It will be recognized that the speed of retraction, and the number and type of leaves  12  can be varied depending upon the preference of the program designer. 
     When the leaves  12  of the iris are in a fully retracted position, (i.e., they are not visible), the icon  10  is in the second state  14  upon which the user can activate (i.e., start) the desired operation, as seen in  FIG. 3   a . The second state is an activation state wherein the operation can be activated with the icon  10 . The second state  14  comprises three light colored pie shaped segments  16   a , and three dark colored pie shaped segments  16   b . The segments  16   a  and  16   b  alternate around the icon  10 , as seen in  FIG. 3   a . When the icon  10  is in the second state  14 , the segments  16   a ,  16   b  pulse to indicate that the first state  11  has been retracted and the second state  14  is active. Specifically, as seen in  FIG. 5 , the segments  16   a , and  16   b  will slightly darken at an interval of 1-cos (πt) for 10 seconds. 
     As the segments  16  pulse, the icon  10  is awaiting input from the user in order to begin startup of the operation associated with the icon  10 . Specifically, in order to begin startup of the operation, the user will press the icon  10  with the pointing device (i.e., input device  116 ) to start the operation associated with the icon  10 . The icon  10  is selected by pointing to the segments  16   a ,  16   b  with the mouse of the computer  110  and then clicking the appropriate button. Upon selecting the icon  10  while in the second state  14 , the segments  16   a ,  16   b  will darken, as shown in  FIG. 3   b  and the icon  10  will transition to a third state  22   a  or  22   b , as will be further explained below. 
     If the user does not select the segments  16   a ,  16 , within the ten second pulsing period beginning, the period of pulsing will increase. Specifically, referring to  FIG. 8 , the period of pulsing will increase to 1-cos(2πt). The increased period of pulsing alerts the user that the second state  14  is revealed and active. It will be recognized that the rate of flashing may be varied by the designer. Accordingly, the icon  10  will pulse in the second state  14  for ten seconds at the slow rate, and for five seconds at the fast rate in order to inform the user that the icon  10  is active in the second state  14  and ready for selecting by the user. 
     If the user does not depress the segments  16   a ,  16   b  within the total  15  second time interval that the second state  14  is active, then the icon  10  will automatically revert back to the first state  11 , thereby preventing the operation associated with the icon  10  from starting. Additionally, the icon  10  may be programmed such that if the user selects any portion outside of the segments  16   a ,  16   b , the icon  10  will revert back to the first state  11 , thereby preventing any inadvertent commencement of the operation controlled by icon  10 . 
     However, if the user depresses the segments  16   a ,  16   b  while the icon  10  is in the second state  14 , the icon  10  will change to a third state  22   a  as shown in  FIG. 6 , if a CD-ROM is being recorded. Alternatively, if a DVD is being recorded, the icon  10  will revert to a third state  22   b , as seen in  FIG. 7 . Both of the third states  22   a  and  22   b  are functionally similar, except that the image generated on the display  100  varies. The third state  22   a  or  22   b  indicates that the desired operation that the icon  10  controls is being performed by the computer  110 . The third state  22   a  or  22   b  is an operation state that indicates the operation has started on the computer  110 . While the icon  10  is in the third state  22   a , the segments  16   a ,  16   b  will appear to be spinning. The appearance of spinning is achieved by continuously displaying the sequence of icons  10  in the order appearing in  FIG. 6  within 300 msec and repeating the sequence as the operation is proceeding on the computer  110 . As previously mentioned, if a DVD is being recorded, then the third state  22   b  indicates that the DVD is being recorded by changing the icon  10  to a DVD symbol in order to conserve system resources. It will be recognized that other indications that the operation is being performed by the computer  110  may also occur depending upon the preference of the designer. Upon completion of the operation or manual stopping of the operation by the user, the icon  10  will revert back to the first state  11  in order to prevent any inadvertent operation from occurring. Specifically, once the operation is finished, the leaves  12  of the iris will close thereby hiding either the third state  22   a  or  22   b  depending on the operation being performed. The leaves  12  will continually move toward the center of the icon  10  during the closing process, as seen in  FIG. 9 . Specifically, the sequence of images shown in  FIG. 9  will be displayed within about 250 msec in order to change the icon  10  back to the first state  11 . 
     It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the graphical representation of the icon  10  may be changed according to the type of application. Accordingly, the examples above illustrate only one embodiment of the present invention, and multiple configurations are possible which are beyond the scope of the present application. For example, the first state  11  may be represented by a door which is opened upon selection, while the second and third states  14 ,  22   a  or  22   b  are graphical representations of the operation being performed. In this respect, the present invention provides for a first state  11  that prevents inadvertent operation of the function by concealing the second  14  and third states  22   a , 22   b  which are only revealed by selecting the first state  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a flow chart  30  of the operation of the icon  10  is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the icon  10  begins in the first state  11 , as shown in step  32 . As previously mentioned for the present example, the leaves  12  of the icon  10  will be in the closed position when in the first state  11 , and the icon  10  will be waiting to be selected by the user. Next, the icon  10  is selected by the user in step  34 . Specifically, the user will use the input device  116  of the computer  110  to select the icon  10  while in the first state  11 . The first state  11  is selected by pointing and clicking on the leaves  12  of the iris. When the icon  10  is selected, the first state  11  will retract, as seen in step  36 . Specifically, the leaves  12  will retract toward the outer circumference of the icon  10 , as previously described and shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Upon retraction of the first state  11 , then the second state  14  will be revealed, as seen in step  38 . The second state  14  awaits selection by the user to start the operation the icon  10  controls and indicates that it is active by pulsing, as seen in  FIG. 4 . If the icon  10  is not selected within 10 seconds of the second state being revealed, then the icon  10  will revert to a fast pulse as seen in step  42 . If the icon  10  is selected within ten seconds of the second state  14  being revealed, then the third state  22   a  or  22   b  is revealed, as shown in step  44 . 
     After the fast pulse is revealed for 15 seconds, then the icon  10  will revert back to the first state  32 . However, if the icon  10  is selected while the fast pulse is revealed, then the third state  22   a  or  22   b  will be revealed as seen in step  44 . Additionally, if any other segment of the computer display  100  is selected while the icon  10  is in the second state  14 , the icon  10  will revert to the first state  11 . In this respect, if the user selects anything other than the icon  10  while in the second state  14 , the icon  10  will revert to the first state  11 . However, upon selection of the icon  10  in the second state  14 , the icon  10  will change to the third state  22   a  or  22   b , as shown in step  44 . As previously mentioned above, the icon  10  is selected while in the second state  14  by pointing and clicking on the segments  16   a ,  16   b  with the computer input device  116 . 
     When the icon  10  is in the third state  22   a  or  22   b , the computer  110  is informed to begin the operation associated with the icon  10 , as seen in step  46 . For instance, in the present example, a DVD or a CD-ROM may be recorded. It will be recognized that other types of operations may begin depending upon the application which the icon  10  is programmed within. In addition to beginning the operation, the third state  22   a  or  22   b  will indicate that the operation is commencing on the computer  110 , as seen in step  48 . The icon  10 , while in the third state  22   a  or  22   b , can show the status of the operation, (i.e., the progress completed), in addition to showing that the operation is commencing. 
     Upon completion of the operation or the operation being manually stopped by the user, the icon  10  will revert back to the first state  11  so that the user may perform the operation again, if desired, as seen in step  50 . It will be recognized that when the icon  10  is in the third state  22   a  or  22   b , it may be advantageous to configure the icon  10  such that it is not possible to manually stop the operation from being performed. Alternatively, the icon  10  may be configured such that activation of the icon  10  while in the third state  22   a  or  22   b  permits the user to cease the operation. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art such as making the icon  10  into different graphical representations. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100714
Publication Date: 20131105
Grant Date: 20131105
Priority Date: 20010108
Inventors: WASKO TIMOTHY
JOBS STEVEN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0481", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0481", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 25046386