(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0103072 A1
`KO
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`US 2003O103072A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PRODUCING
`USER INTERFACE INFORMATION
`MESSAGES
`
`(76) Inventor: Steve Ko, San Francisco, CA (US)
`
`i.MWRREuire
`BURNS DoANE SWEER & MATHIS
`L.L.P. 9
`9
`9
`P.O. Box 1404
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1404 (US)
`9
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`09/996,901
`Nov.30, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... G09G 5/00
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 345/710
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A System and method for producing notification objects
`conveying computer warning or error notification informa
`tion to a computer user is provided. The notification objects
`point to a target to which the information contained therein
`relates and are persistent until dismissed by a user or an
`application. The notification objects are aware of the bounds
`of their target, and where possible do not obscure any part
`of their target. These objects are collapsible, allowing the
`user to minimize the objects, and are also non-modal,
`allowing a user to fully interact with any running application
`while the notification objects are visible. These notification
`objects are only visible when the window containing the
`target to which the information in the notification object
`relates is the active window.
`
`
`
`Your computer needs a name so that it can identify itself to other
`devices. What name would you like to give your Computer?
`
`2OO
`
`2 O
`You need a password to protect the files on your computer from
`unauthorized access. Remember your password and keep it private.
`What password would you like to use on your computer?
`
`30
`Fill in the information, then click the right arrow to continue.
`
`A You must enter a
`password to continue.
`
`2O3
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`ZZ?.
`
`
`
`[×SG || DZWOJT] [WWWÈT
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`90?.
`
`8ZI,
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`I CHRI[15)I, H
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`
`
`Your computer needs a name so that it can identify itself to other
`devices. What name would you like to give your Computer?
`
`2O
`You need a password to protect the files on your computer from
`unauthorized access. Remember your password and keep it private.
`What password would you like to use on your computer?
`
`22
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003. Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`
`
`Your computer needs a name so that it can identify itself to other
`devices. What name would you like to give your Computer?
`
`You need a pass'.
`unauthorized act
`
`What password
`
`WARNING
`
`You must enter a
`password to continue
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003. Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`
`
`Your computer needs a name so that it can identify itself to other
`devices. What name would you like to give your Computer?
`
`2 O
`You need a password to protect the files on your computer from
`unauthorized access. Remember your password and keep it private.
`What password would you like to use on your computer?
`
`2OO
`
`302
`
`, fou must enter a
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`
`
`Your computer needs a name so that it can identify itself to other
`dewices. What name would you like to give your Computer?
`Big Mac
`
`2.. O
`
`You need a password to protect the files On your computer from
`unauthorized access. Remember your password and keep it private.
`What password would you like to use on your computer?
`
`2.
`
`SA) 202 a.
`
`30
`
`Fill in the information, then click the right arrow to continue.
`
`Fig. 4
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2003 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`500
`
`502
`
`USER
`ACTION
`
`
`
`504
`
`MESSAGE
`REQUIRED?
`
`506 DETERMINE
`MESSAGE
`
`508
`
`LOCATE
`TARGET
`
`
`
`510
`
`
`
`GENERATE
`INFORMATION
`OBJECT
`
`FIGURE 5
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 007
`
`

`

`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`SYSTEMAND METHOD OF PRODUCING USER
`INTERFACE INFORMATION MESSAGES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention relates generally to graphical
`user interfaces (GUIs) that are associated with computer
`operating Systems. More Specifically, the present invention
`relates to the display of information messages, Such as
`warnings or error messages, associated with various ele
`ments within a GUI.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 One of the most prominent aspects of interfacing
`with modern computer operating Systems is the graphical
`user interface (GUI). A user employs a GUI to perform
`various operations Supported by the computer operating
`System and to graphically interact with the operating System
`and application programs. Interaction with the computer by
`way of a GUI may include, for example, opening and closing
`windows, entering information into forms, Selecting com
`mands from a pop-up or pull-down menu, activating check
`boxes or radio buttons, or otherwise generally manipulating
`elements of the computer's GUI.
`0003. In the course of interfacing with the GUI, a user
`may perform invalid functions, enter invalid information
`that is not discernable by the operating System or an active
`application, or otherwise cause computer errors. In Such
`situations, the GUI must notify the user of the error by
`reporting a Warning to the user regarding any invalid infor
`mation which has been entered. Generally this occurs by
`way of a System error message or other similar error
`message. Frequently, when Such error messages are dis
`played to a user, they have a limiting effect on the user's
`ability to interact with the computer. For example, it is
`common when an error message is being displayed that the
`user is unable to acceSS any other computer applications
`until the error message is dismissed or the problem causing
`that error has been fixed. This type of error notification is
`generally referred to as a System modal notification because
`no resources of the entire System are available until it is
`dismissed. Such error messages often are placed in front of
`other windowS running applications in the GUI and do not
`allow the user to view these windows while the error
`message is being displayed.
`0004. The fact that a user is unable to access other
`applications during the time in which error messages are
`being displayed may be particularly troublesome for time
`sensitive applications. Should the user wish to view other
`applications being executed on the computer, it is necessary
`to first dismiss the warning message before interaction with
`the other applications can resume.
`0005. In addition to system modal events, which lock up
`the resources of the entire System, other modalities exist as
`well. For example, Some error notification objects are appli
`cation modal, meaning that no resources associated with the
`application to which the notification object is related may be
`used until the notification is dismissed; however, other
`applications may be used without dismissing an application
`modal notification. A window modal object is attached to a
`Specific window, and prevents resources of a specific win
`dow from being used until it is dismissed. However, with a
`window modal object, a user may Switch between windows
`
`and interact with other windows, as only the window that is
`related to the window modal object has its resources locked
`until dismissal of the object.
`0006 These other types of modal objects (i.e., applica
`tion modal objects and window modal objects) may also
`cause problems for a user of the computer. For example, if
`an error notification is either application modal or window
`modal, it is possible that the notification object itself may
`obscure information required by the user prior to dismissal
`of the notification object. Additionally, a modal notification
`object of any kind may contain information required by the
`user after dismissal of the notification object. In Such a case,
`the user would be required to remember or record the
`information contained within the notification object for use
`after the object has been dismissed.
`0007 Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system and
`method of notifying a user of computer warnings and errors
`that obviate the problems discussed above. Specifically, it is
`desirable to provide a System and method for notifying a
`user of computer warnings and errors by providing infor
`mation about warnings and errors in a manner Such that the
`user may freely use other applications and windows, and
`access other processes of the computer operating System
`without requiring that the user first address the error or
`dismiss a warning message. It is further desirable that
`objects containing information regarding computer warn
`ings and errors be presented in Such a fashion that a user may
`readily access other portions of the GUI by using collaps
`ible, non-obscuring notification objects.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0008 Accordingly, the present invention provides
`dynamic user interface reporting of computer warnings and
`errors. This is accomplished by way of notification objects
`that relay information to a user regarding errors, warnings,
`and the like. Each notification object is associated with a
`target, or particular portion of an application's active win
`dow, Such as a data entry field, or the like.
`0009. These notification objects have various character
`istics that are advantageous in accomplishing the objectives
`of the present invention. For example, the notification
`objects point to a target object, indicating the Specific
`element to which the computer warning, or error message,
`contained within the notification object is related. These
`notification objects are persistent, and are maintained until
`dismissed by the application, which, in Some cases, is only
`after intervention by a user. Additionally, to allow a user the
`convenience of interacting with and Viewing other parts of
`the GUI, the notification objects are collapsible, which
`allows them to be shrunk to a miniature size. The notification
`object is non-obscuring, which means it is aware of the
`bounds of its target and does not obscure information
`contained within any part of its target whenever possible.
`Further, the notification objects are non-modal, So that a user
`can fully interact with the active application, or other
`applications before the notification object containing the
`warning or error messages has been dismissed, or even while
`it remains visible.
`0010 Further features of the invention, and the advan
`tages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail here
`inafter with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 008
`
`

`

`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`in the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have
`been designated by like numerals.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0.011
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary com
`puter System in which the System and method of the present
`invention can be employed.
`0012 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a data entry window
`asSociated with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0013 FIG. 2A is an illustration of a conventional warn
`ing message.
`0.014
`FIG. 3 is a diagram of a window used in a
`computer operating System GUI, associated with an embodi
`ment of the present invention.
`0.015
`FIG. 4 is a diagram of a window used in a
`computer operating System GUI, associated with an embodi
`ment of the present invention.
`0016 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps
`asSociated with the method of the present invention accord
`ing to an exemplary embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0.017. To facilitate an understanding of the principles of
`the present invention, it is explained hereinafter with refer
`ence to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In
`particular, the invention is described in the context of a
`System and method for conveying computer System infor
`mation messages to a user by way of graphical notification
`objects contained within a computer operating System's
`graphical user interface (GUI). The drawings illustrate
`embodiments of the present invention within the context of
`the Macintosho operating system (Mac OS) developed by
`Apple Computer, Inc. It will be appreciated, however, that
`these drawings do not represent the only embodiments in
`which the present invention can be implemented. Rather, it
`can find utility in a variety of computer configurations, as
`will become apparent from an understanding of the prin
`ciples upon which the invention is based.
`0.018. An exemplary computer system of a type in which
`the present invention can be employed is illustrated in block
`diagram form in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a computer
`100 has a variety of peripheral devices 108 connected
`thereto. The computer 100 includes a central processing unit
`(CPU) 112, a main memory which is typically implemented
`in the form of a random access memory (RAM) 118, a static
`memory that can comprise a read-only memory (ROM) 120,
`and a permanent Storage device, Such as a magnetic or
`optical disk 122. The CPU 112 communicates with each of
`these forms of memory through an internal bus 114. The
`peripheral devices 108 include a data entry device such as a
`keyboard 124, and a pointing or cursor control device 102
`Such as a mouse, trackball, or the like. A display device 104,
`such as a CRT monitor or an LCD screen, provides a visual
`display of the information that is being processed within the
`computer, by means of the operating System's GUI. A hard
`copy of this information can be provided through a printer
`106, or similar device. Each of these extra peripheral devices
`communicates with the CPU 112 by means of one or more
`input/output ports 110 on the computer. The input/output
`
`ports 110 also allow the computer 100 to interact with a local
`area network Server or an external network 128, Such as a
`LAN or WAN, or the Internet 130.
`0019. The computer 100 typically includes an operating
`System (OS), which controls the allocation and usage of
`hardware resources Such as memory, central processing unit
`time, disk Space, and peripheral devices. In addition, the
`operating System conveys warnings or information mes
`Sages regarding computer errors that may affect the user's
`interaction with the computer.
`0020 Typically, a graphical user interface employs vari
`ous types of windows to display information to users. FIG.
`2 illustrates an exemplary window 200 in which the features
`of the present invention can be employed. The window 200
`has standard elements, Such as the title bar 202, which
`contains the title of the window along with various control
`buttons, Such as a close window box 204 and a window
`shade scroll box 206. The types and location of these control
`buttons may vary according to design choices. Additionally,
`navigational controls 208 are provided which contain a
`forward and back arrow, and an indication of the present
`page number displayed within the window for the conve
`nience of navigating through pages of information displayed
`within the window 200.
`0021. The exemplary window 200, illustrated in FIG. 2,
`is associated with a Setup ASSistant for customizing the
`computer's operating System (OS). The page of information
`displayed in the window 200 (i.e., page 8) allows a user to
`enter a name to identify the computer and a password by
`which the computer may be accessed. Two data entry fields
`210, 212 are provided for the entry of a computer name and
`password, respectively. Once this information has been
`entered, the user proceeds with the operating System Setup
`procedure by clicking on the right arrow contained within
`the controls 208 to advance to the next page of the setup
`information (i.e., to page 9). If, however, the user neglects to
`enter text in one of the data entry fields 210, 212 when text
`is required in these fields, and attempts to advance to the
`Subsequent Setup page, an error message is generated.
`0022.
`In the past, messages from the operating System or
`an application program informing the user of Such errors
`were obtrusive and often obscured the user's view of the
`window containing the error, or rendered all applications
`currently in use inaccessible until the message was dis
`missed through user intervention. An example of Such an
`error message window 214 is illustrated in FIG. 2A. As can
`be seen, it obscures a large portion of the text entry field 212
`in which the missing data needs to be inserted. To remove
`the window and correct the omission, the user is forced to
`click on a button 216. This approach, however, is undesir
`able as these types of windows are generally modal, and
`therefore prevent interaction with the window or application
`with which they are associated, or with the operating System,
`until dismissed.
`0023 FIG. 3 illustrates a window in which an error
`message is displayed to a computer user in accordance with
`an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the
`window 200 is illustrated after a user has clicked on the right
`arrow of controls 208 without entering a password. The
`program which generates the data entry window 200, in this
`case the computer operating System, recognizes that an entry
`is required in the empty data entry field 212 when the user
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 009
`
`

`

`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`clicks on the right control arrow of the navigational controls
`208. In response, the operating System generates an error
`message, which is displayed in a notification object 302. The
`notification object 302 contains a text message relaying
`instructions to the user regarding an error condition that has
`been detected. Also contained within the notification object
`302 is an icon 304 indicating the general nature of the
`message being displayed within the notification object 302.
`In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the icon 304 is a warning
`icon, which indicates that the text message contained within
`the object 302 relates to a user error. The icon 304 may be
`a variety of different icons indicating different types of
`information being relayed by the notification object 302.
`0024. The notification object 302 could take the form of
`a speech bubble having a cartouche 303, as illustrated in
`FIG. 3, for example. This cartouche is shaped such that it
`points to the data entry field 212 to which the error message
`pertains. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that
`the shape of the notification object 302 may be varied, and
`a Speech bubble is merely one example of a shape which this
`notification object may take. AS those skilled in the art will
`recognize, to draw the user's attention to the notification
`object 302 at the time of its display, an animation Sequence
`may be used to render the notification object. Additionally,
`an audible indicator Such as a beep, musical tone, or the like,
`may be used to signal the appearance of the warning or other
`message contained within the notification object.
`0.025 A notification object of the type illustrated in FIG.
`3 has multiple advantageous properties. First, the notifica
`tion object points to the target to which the information
`contained therein refers. In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the
`notification object 302, or more particularly the cartouche
`303, points to the data entry field 212, which requires the
`entry of a password, as indicated by the text contained in the
`notification object 302. This allows a user to immediately
`ascertain the Source of any error, cause of any warning
`and/or Subject of any message contained within the notifi
`cation object 302. According to a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention, the notification object 302 maintains
`its position relative to its target, which in this case is the data
`entry field 212, even when the target is moved. For example,
`in the case illustrated in FIG. 3, if the window 200 con
`taining the data entry field 212 is moved, the notification
`object 302 is moved in a corresponding manner to maintain
`its position relative to its target, the data entry field 212. The
`position of the object 302 is anchored to that of the target
`field 212, So that the cartouche continues to point to its
`target. For instance, the X and y position parameters which
`determine the location of the object 302 could be specified
`relative to a reference point on the data entry field 212 (e.g.,
`its upper left corner, etc.).
`0026. According to another aspect of the present inven
`tion, the notification object 302 remains present until it is
`dismissed by the application that generated the warning
`message. In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the notification
`object would be dismissed by the OS Setup Assistant
`application when the user enters the password required in
`the data entry field 212, or when the user clicks on the
`forward arrow of the controls 208 after entering this infor
`mation. The notification object 302 is non-obscuring in that
`the operating System knows the bounds of the notification
`object's target, and draws the notification object Such that it
`does not obscure any part of a target, if possible, So that the
`
`user can readily enter and/or edit the required data in the
`field. Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention, the notification object 302 is non-modal,
`meaning that a user can Still fully interact with the applica
`tion being referenced by the notification object 302 or other
`applications, even when the warning or error displayed in
`the notification object 302 is being displayed. In the case
`illustrated in FIG. 3, this means the user may still interact
`with the OS Setup ASSistant application and may enter data
`into the data entry fields, change data already entered
`therein, and/or adjust window Size or location, and So forth,
`even while the warning message is being displayed in the
`notification object 302.
`0027 FIG. 4 illustrates another feature of the present
`invention. In FIG. 4, the notification object has been col
`lapsed to a miniaturized version 302a of the notification
`object 302 illustrated in FIG. 3. The notification object may
`be collapsed by way of a user command or action. For
`example, according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion this is accomplished by clicking on the icon 304, which
`remains visible in the collapsed form of the notification
`object 302. In this manner, although the notification object
`302 is persistent, and remains until dismissed by the appli
`cation (in this case, after correction of the related error
`condition by way of entry of a password into data entry field
`212), the user may reduce the size of the notification object
`in order to view more information contained within the
`window 200. Additionally, the notification object 302 can be
`restored to its initial size and position when the user again
`clicks on the information icon 304.
`0028. It should be recognized by those skilled in the art
`that the notification object 302 could be configured such that
`the user may reposition it (e.g., by a click-and-drag tech
`nique), while the cartouche remains pointing to its target and
`the notification object 302 remains non-obscuring to the
`target, and the Surrounding text. In this manner, the user may
`have the added convenience of repositioning the notification
`object, Such that any information contained within the
`window 200 beneath the initial location of the notification
`object 302 may be viewed. Those skilled in the art will
`recognize that numerous user actions or commands can be
`employed to collapse and/or reposition the notification
`object 302, without departing from the spirit of the present
`invention, Such as, for example, mouse events, keyboard
`commands, and the like.
`0029. Once the data required by the notification object
`302 has been entered into data entry field 212 thereby
`correcting the error condition, the related error message and
`notification object are dismissed. According to an embodi
`ment of the present invention, the notification object 302 is
`Visible only when the window containing the target to which
`it relates is active, or is the front-most window within the
`operating System's GUI. More particularly, Since the noti
`fication object 302 is non-modal, it is possible for the user
`to access other windows displayed by the GUI (e.g., win
`dows associated with either another application or with the
`OS Setup Assistant). When another window is accessed, the
`window containing the target of the notification object is
`moved behind that window. When this occurs, all of the
`warnings, or notification objects, associated with that win
`dow become temporarily invisible. Any notification objects
`which become invisible in Such a manner are again made
`Visible when the window containing the target becomes
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 010
`
`

`

`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`active, or is moved to the front-most position within the
`operating System's GUI. This may occur, for example, as a
`user activates one of multiple windows within a single
`application, or as a user brings applications to the GUIs
`foreground while sending other applications (along with
`their windows) to the GUI's background.
`0030 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the method
`asSociated with an embodiment of the present invention. In
`the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 5, a user action is
`executed at Step 502 whereupon a decision is made in Step
`504 whether or not a message must be generated corre
`sponding to the action taken by the user in step 502. The user
`action taken in Step 502 may be, for example, a user clicking
`an on-Screen button to Submit information, or other similar
`actions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
`determination made in Step 504 may be made according to
`any error condition generated by the operating System, or
`other applications.
`0.031) If at step 504 it is determined that a message is not
`required, then the operating System continues normal pro
`cessing until the next user action is taken. If, on the other
`hand, a message is required corresponding to the user action
`taken at Step 502, an appropriate message is determined at
`step 506. This message determined at step 506 may be part
`of a pre-determined message related to an error condition by
`which the determination at step 504 was made. After the
`message to be generated in association with the user action
`at step 502 has been determined, the application responsible
`for generating the message determines the target of the
`message at step 508. The target location and size may be
`determined at Step 508 by an application program interface
`(API), which may indicate a region, Such as a rectangle that
`identifies the target, So that the message to be generated
`within a notification object may be generated in Such a
`manner that it does not obscure the target. After determining
`the target in Step 508, a notification object is generated at
`step 510. This notification object is then displayed, as
`described above, so that it points to or otherwise identifies
`the target that was determined in step 508.
`0.032 The notification objects described herein may also
`be used in connection with various other objects, Such as
`user input elements contained within window. For example,
`text fields, check boxes, radio buttons, and/or pop-up menus
`may be the target of notification objects, which may be
`triggered by a user action of entering or editing data in Such
`elements or Submitting data associated with these elements
`in another manner, Such as clicking on a control arrow, or a
`“Submit” button. The step 504 of determining whether or
`not a message is required in FIG. 5, may comprise validat
`ing information Submitted by a user, and detecting if either
`invalid or incomplete data has been Submitted, or if required
`data is missing. The example described in connection with
`FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 uses the notification object 302 to indicate
`that a password must be submitted in page 8 of the OS Setup
`ASSistant; however, other types of warning information may
`be displayed within Such a notification object. For example,
`a notification object containing information regarding an
`e-mail client may display a warning when a user tries to Send
`an e-mail message that has not been addressed. In Such a
`case, a notification object Similar to the notification object
`302 illustrated in FIG. 3 could be displayed with text
`indicating that the user must enter an address in the address
`field.
`
`0033. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
`invention provides a System and method for conveying
`notifications, warnings, and error messages to users by way
`of the operating System's graphical user interface (GUI).
`The notification object contains a warning or error notifica
`tion message, and points to the target with which the
`message contained therein is associated. The notification
`object is persistent, and is only dismissed by the application
`after correction of the action that generated the warning or
`error notification message in the first place. This may be, for
`example, when a user Submits valid data, which was previ
`ously invalid, incomplete, or missing.
`0034. The notification objects of the present invention are
`collapsible, and allow for minimizing the notification object
`containing the error or warning by clicking on an icon or
`executing another user command or action. The System and
`method of the present invention also provide that the noti
`fication object is non-obscuring, and is aware of the bounds
`of its target, thereby avoiding obscuring any part of the
`target.
`0035). Additionally, the system and method of the present
`invention provide non-modal computer notification objects,
`which allow the user to fully interact with an application
`while the warning or error notification message is visible.
`Also, a message contained in notification object and the
`notification object itself are only visible when the window
`containing the target with which the information contained
`in the notification object is associated is active, or front
`most. The notification objects associated with the present
`invention may be rendered in a manner Such that they draw
`the attention of the user, which may include, for example,
`animating the appearance of Such a notification object or
`providing accompanying audio indicators.
`0036. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
`the art that the present invention can be embodied in other
`Specific forms without departing from the Spirit or essential
`characteristics thereof. For example, the invention has been
`described in the context of a notification object relaying
`warning or error notification messages in the form of a
`Speech bubble with a cartouche that points to a target of the
`information contained within the notification object. How
`ever, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the
`shape, or particular design characteristics of the notification
`object are not critical to the operation of the present inven
`tion, and may be varied according to the design choice of
`designers and computer programmerS using Such a notifi
`cation object. Additionally, the type of animation or audio
`indication presented at the appearance of Such notification
`objects or associated with their motion (e.g., collapsing, etc.)
`may be varied depending on various design choices, accord
`ing to the characteristics desired to be presented to the
`computer user.
`0037. The presently disclosed embodiments are, there
`fore, considered to be in all respects to be illustrative and not
`restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the
`appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and
`all changes that come within the meaning and range of the
`equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method for notifying a computer user of a computer
`information message, comprising the Steps of:
`
`Apple Inc.
`Exhibit 1010
`Page 011
`
`

`

`US 2003/0103072 A1
`
`Jun. 5, 2003
`
`receiving an action performed on a computer by a user;
`determining if a condition associated with the received
`acti