United States Patent [19]
`Crawford
`
`I 111111111111111 11111 lllll lllll lllll lllll llll lllll lllll 1111111111111111
`US005754176A
`[lll Patent Number:
`[451 Date of Patent:
`
`5,754,176
`May 19, 1998
`
`[54] POP-UP HELP SYSTEM FOR A COMPUTER
`GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Chris Crawford. Fort Worth. Tex.
`
`(73] Assignee: AST Research, Inc.. Irvine. Calif.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 538,017
`
`Oct. 2, 1995
`
`[22] Filed:
`Int.CL6
`........................................................ GO<iF3/00
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl . .............................................................. 345/338
`[58] Field of Search ..................................... 395/338. 336.
`395/353. 347
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PiITENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,789,962
`5,155,806
`5,287,448
`5,434,965
`5,442,687
`5,471,575
`5,483,632
`5,546,521
`
`12/1988 Berry et al .............................. 395/338
`10/1992 Hoeber et al. .......................... 395/338
`2/1994 Nicol et al .......................... 395/338 X
`7/1995 Matheny et al ......................... 395/338
`8/1995 Miller ...................................... 379/100
`11/1995 Giansante ............................ 395/338 X
`1/1996 Kuwamoto et al ..................... 395/338
`8/1996 Martinez ................................. 395/338
`
`Primary Examiner-A. Katbab
`Attome.}; Agent, or Finn-Knobbe. Martens. Olson & Bear
`LLP
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system for implementing a pop-up help system for a
`computer graphical user interlace is disclosed. In a departure
`from the art. the pop-up help system provides help infor(cid:173)
`mation on graphical display elements (GDEs). such as icons
`and text instructions. in the form of a help window that is not
`character or format limited and that is displayed when the
`associated GDE is selected. The pop-up help system also
`allows direct access to additional help information and
`provides for the display of graphics and the execution of
`multimedia objects. The pop-up help system comprises a
`GDE (a "help window"). which is displayed when the mouse
`pointer is moved over a GDE associated therewith. The help
`window comprises information regarding the associated
`GDE and may comprise multimedia objects or user activated
`buttons for accessing additional help information or for
`performing other actions. The help window is displayed
`until the neither the help window or GDE are selected and
`a user-specified time period has elapsed.
`
`30 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0001
`
`

`

`W/ Ask AST ~
`
`d GETTING
`
`I
`
`Recycle Bin
`
`Microsoft
`Exchange
`
`38·
`
`STARTED
`AST WORKS
`HELP
`WINDOWS 95
`HELP
`APPLICATION
`HELPS
`REFERENCE
`MANUALS
`
`10
`Getting Started lets you:
`• Start using the applications loaded
`on your computer.
`See the kinds of things you can do
`with your computer.
`• Explore your computer hardware.
`•
`See what kind of help you can get.
`
`•
`
`/4Va
`
`COMPUTER
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`5,754,176
`
`14
`r-------------------------7
`12
`I
`/
`I
`
`/26
`
`a
`
`My Computer
`~
`
`TUTORIALS
`
`COMMON
`QUESTIONS
`
`l
`I
`I
`I
`GLOSSARY
`I IF==== i ' r======= i i r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . - - - - - - " "11
`I ~ Sf art AST WORKS
`11 :30 AM
`L _____ T _____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _J
`30
`18
`
`,I
`16
`
`MEMORY
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`MOUSE
`
`22
`
`20
`
`24
`
`OTHER
`1/0
`DEVICES
`
`28
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`5,754,176
`
`32
`
`Tool Bar
`
`W Suites
`
`26 Cl
`
`38
`
`Ask AST
`GETTING
`STARTED
`AST WORKS
`HELP
`WINDOWS 95
`HELP
`APPLICATION
`HELPS
`RErERENCE
`MANUALS
`
`TUTORIALS
`
`COMMON
`QUESTIONS
`
`GLOSSARY
`
`FIG. 2
`
`34
`
`~36
`
`400
`
`I Properties
`I Exit
`I About Help Windows j
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`300
`
`M?JIHow to use Getting Started
`Qptions
`Help Iopics
`~ack
`Running Getting Started:
`Getting Started may be run from two areas:
`1. From Spot, select the Ask AST quadrant and choose
`the button labeled "Getting Started"
`2. From the Windows 95 Start Menu, select Programs,
`then "Spot", then click on the submenu item marked
`"Getting Started".
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`5,754,176
`
`Help Windows Properlies
`
`41 o"-
`
`II Options II Delays I
`
`A c t i va te - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
`
`412
`
`~ Activate Help Windows
`
`II
`OK
`FIG. 4B
`
`I ~ Cancel I u...11 __ I
`
`X
`
`Help Windows Properlies
`
`II Options II Delays I
`
`420"-
`
`De la y - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
`Time before Help Window appears SlowQ~----Fast
`Time before Help Window disappears Slow Q----- Fast
`
`422
`
`II
`OK
`FIG. 4C
`
`111 Cancel 11_1 __ _
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`5,754,176
`
`500
`
`START
`
`506
`
`DISPLAY COOL TIP
`FOR HOT ZONE
`
`510
`
`PLAY MULTIMEDIA
`OBJECT
`
`514
`
`PERFORM
`ACTION
`
`516
`
`CONCEAL
`COOL TIP
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0005
`
`

`

`5,754,176
`
`1
`POP-UP HELP SYSTEM FOR A COMPUTER
`GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The invention relates generally to user interfaces for
`computers and, more particularly. to a pop-up help system
`for a computer graphical user interface.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Graphical user interfaces. or "GUis" as they are often
`designated. have become an increasingly common and
`popular feature of computers. especially personal computers
`(PCs). One of the many advantages of such GUis is that they
`allow a user to enter commands by selecting and manipu(cid:173)
`lating graphical display elements (GDEs). such as icon~.
`usually with a pointing device. such as a mouse. A mouse 1s
`an input device which. when moved over a surface, moves
`a mouse pointer across the PC display in a corresponding
`manner. Typically. a mouse has at least two buttons which
`when pressed. generate to the PC an input relating the user
`and the location of the mouse pointer on the PC display.
`"Clicking" will be used herein to refer to the pressing and
`releasing of a mouse button. usually the left mouse button.
`unless otherwise specified. The icons of a GUI are designed
`to behave in a manner similar to the objects they represent.
`The Apple Macintosh user interface and Microsoft Windows
`operating environment are two common and very popular
`examples of GUis. illustrating the fact that the advantages of
`GUis over conventional text-based user interfaces are
`widely recognized.
`One of the principal advantages GUis have over text(cid:173)
`based user interfaces is the reduction in the amount of
`information that a user must recall in order to effectively use
`the PC. For example, instead of having to remember the
`name of an application program and the location of the
`program on a particular disk and within a particular folder or
`directory. the user need only remember the icon associated
`with the application. Once the icon is located. the user
`merely places the mouse pointer over the icon and clicks on
`the icon to activate the application. However, with the
`advent and introduction of increasingly powerful PCs and
`the rapidly growing array of application programs. the
`number of associated icons on the PC desktop has mush(cid:173)
`roomed. Moreover. each individual application may contain
`hundreds of individual commands which are typically rep(cid:173)
`resented by either terse linear instructions or additional
`icons. When confronted with so many applications and
`instructions, even in iconized form. it is often difficult for a
`user to determine which icon will allow him or her to 50
`perform a desired function.
`This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many icons
`and instructions are grouped as a series of linear menus.
`Generally, a linear menu comprises an initial menu that is
`displayed on the PC's display and includes a plurality of 55
`menu picks each of which, when selected by a user, results
`in the display of another menu associated with the selected
`menu pick. This continues until the user makes a final
`selection associated with an application or instruction.
`Therefore. unless a user is intimately familiar with all of the 60
`successive menus, as well as the respective menu picks
`thereof. navigation using a succession of linear menus can
`be extremely complicated. in that a user must know exactly
`which pick to make from each menu in order to implement
`the desired functionality.
`Additionally, as discussed above, many applications have
`far more instructions than a typical PC user normally uses.
`
`5
`
`2
`One of the reasons for the unused functionality is that the
`user seldom has the time to investigate "mystery" com(cid:173)
`mands that are present on the desktop. This increasingly
`leads to underutiliz.ation of application programs and user
`inefficiency. For example. with the limited time available to
`most PC users, they are often driven to explore new options
`only when their particular demands necessitate. They sel(cid:173)
`dom have the opportunity to explore various options with
`the goal being the uncovering of new and useful function-
`10 ality which they had not previously used.
`In order to remedy the above deficiencies. attempts have
`been made to provide "help" sub-programs designed to
`assist users with the selection of particular applications and
`instructions. as well as to provide a mechanism to assist
`15 users in learning the various functions of particular appli(cid:173)
`cations. As users of PCs will readily appreciate, in order to
`use standard help commands. a user is often required to
`discontinue the particular action being undertaken. locate
`and access a help sub-program. follow the instructions and
`20 menus provided by the help sub-program. find the action
`desired. read the help information on the particular topic.
`then remember that information and execute the instructed
`actions after exiting the help sub-program. This form of help
`is difficult to efficiently utilize and. based on its interaction.
`25 is almost exclusively used to find a method to perform a
`particular function once the user knows the function they
`desire to perform.
`Other examples of help features are found in the Apple
`Macintosh operating system's "balloon help" and the vari-
`30 ous Microsoft Windows systems' "tooltips." Both of these
`features are used primarily to provide information in con(cid:173)
`nection with small GDEs. For example. a small button with
`an obscure graphic might have associated therewith a tooltip
`comprising a small text box that provides a short description
`35 of the button. such as the menu name for the particular
`function. which is displayed when the mouse pointer is
`placed over the button for a predetermined period of time.
`However. these tooltips and balloon help windows have
`been used almost exclusively in connection with buttons. are
`40 limited to providing only eighty (80) characters of text. with
`no text formatting and word wrapping. and do not provide
`direct access to help sub-programs. Clearly. the inability to
`provide more than eighty (80) characters of text. as well as
`the inability to access help sub-programs directly from the
`45 text box severely limit the effectiveness of these help fea-
`tures.
`Clearly. current GUis have significant limitations.
`Accordingly. what is needed is a pop-up help system that
`directly provides help information as the user encounters
`icons and instructions. that is capable of directly providing
`access to additional help information. and that is not limited
`to providing only textual information in a static format.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The foregoing problems are solved and a technical
`advance is achieved by a system for implementing a pop-up
`help system for a computer user interface. In a departure
`from the art. the pop-up help system of the present invention
`provides help information in connection with GDEs. such as
`icons, buttons. windows and text. in the form of a help
`window that is not character- or format-limited and that is
`displayed when a GDE is selected by the user's resting the
`mouse cursor over the GDE for a preselected period of time.
`The pop-up help system also enables direct access to a~di-
`65 tional help information through additional buttons within a
`help window and provides for the display of graphics and the
`execution of multimedia objects.
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0006
`
`

`

`5.754.176
`
`5
`
`3
`In a preferred embodiment. the pop-up help system com(cid:173)
`prises a GDE. hereinafter referred to as a "help window,"
`that is displayed when the mouse pointer is moved over
`another GDE with which the help window is associated. The
`help window comprises information regarding the associ-
`ated GDE and may comprise multimedia objects or user(cid:173)
`activated buttons for accessing additional help information
`or for performing other actions related to the GDE. The help
`window is displayed until neither the help window or GDE
`are selected. i.e .. until the mouse pointer is moved off of the 10
`GDE and help window. and a preselected time period has
`elapsed.
`In one aspect of the invention. the pop-up help system
`determines whether the help window would be displayed too
`close to the edge of the display. such that a portion of the 15
`help window would extend beyond the edge of the display.
`and automatically repositions the help window so that all of
`the help window is visible on the display.
`In another aspect of the invention. the user may alter
`certain aspects of the behavior of the help window via a
`pop-up menu associated therewith. which menu is accessible
`by clicking the right mouse button while the mouse pointer
`rests on the help window.
`A technical advantage achieved with the invention is that
`it provides help information as the user selects GDEs.
`A further technical advantage achieved with the invention
`is that it allows direct access to additional help information
`via buttons and other GDEs within the help window.
`Yet another technical advantage achieved with the inven(cid:173)
`tion is that it enables the use of graphics and multimedia
`objects in connection with help windows to provide empha-
`sis on certain features and additional information on selected
`GDEs to the user.
`
`4
`of the spot interface 12 in connection with the Windows 95
`GUI. it is anticipated that the pop-up help system can be
`implemented in any number of different GUI operating
`systems and environments. It is understood that the help
`window 10. spot interface 12 and window 14 are generated
`by a PC 16 comprising a display 18, a central processing unit
`(CPU) 20. storage media 22. a mouse input device 24 for
`manipulating a mouse pointer 26 and other input/output
`("I/0'') devices 28, including a keyboard. interconnected in
`a conventional manner via a bus 30. As used herein. the term
`"storage media" is intended to comprise any number and
`combination of electronic storage devices. for example,
`RAM. ROM. CD-ROM and hard disk drives.
`The spot interface 12, as more fully described in
`commonly-owned copending U.S. patent application Ser.
`No. 08/431.280 (Atty. Docket No. 17705.53). filed Apr. 28.
`1995. the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
`reference in its entirety. is designed to float on top of the
`window 14 and all other open windows without obstructing
`20 much. if any. of the information displayed thereon. Referring
`to F1G. 2. placement of the mouse pointer 26 over the spot
`interface 12 results in the display of a collar 32 encircling the
`spot interface 12. When first displayed. the collar 32 com(cid:173)
`prises four quadrants, such as the quadrant 34. each of which
`25 correspond to a secondary interface. Movement of the
`mouse pointer 26 into one of the quadrants results in the
`immediate display of the corresponding secondary interface.
`In particular, as shown in F1GS. 1 and 2. one of the quadrants
`of the collar 32 corresponds to a secondary interface 36.
`30 designated "ASK AST." The ASK AST interface 36 com(cid:173)
`prises a plurality of access buttons 38. each of which
`corresponds to a particular task or tasks. such that selection
`of one of the access buttons 38 opens. or launches. the
`corresponding task
`Referring now to F1G. 1. the help window 10 is displayed
`by placing the mouse pointer 26 on a "hot zone," in this
`embodiment access button 38. for a preset period of time. A
`hot zone is a GDE or other mouse pointer-sensitive area, on
`the PC desktop. In accordance with a feature of the present
`40 invention, a hot zone may take on any shape or size and may
`be associated with any of a number of types of GDEs. such
`as an access button 38 or the spot interface 12. Display of the
`help window 10 occurs without the user having to click on
`any element using the mouse 24; rather. simply moving the
`45 pointer 26 into a hot zone will cause a help window 10
`associated with that hot zone to be displayed In the embodi(cid:173)
`ment shown. the help window 10 is displayed in connection
`with the mouse pointer 26 resting over the GEITING
`STARTED button 38 hot zone. As shown. the help window
`so 10 is itself a GDE, or window. that describes the use and
`functionality of the GETTING STARTED button 38. By
`associating help windows 10 with all application icons and
`instruction text in an application, so-called "mystery com(cid:173)
`mands" are eliminated and the user is greatly assisted
`55 navigating and activating menus and applications. In a
`preferred embodiment. as long as the mouse pointer 26 is
`positioned over the help window 10 or the hot zone. the help
`window 10 will continue to be displayed. Only after the
`mouse pointer 26 is moved outside the help window 10 and
`60 the hot zone will the help window 10 be concealed after a
`predetermined delay.
`Also as shown in F1G. 1. the help window 10 is not
`character and format limited, as in pre-existing help box
`systems, such as tool tips and balloon help. As a result. a
`65 variety of character pitches and fonts. as well as graphical
`elements. can be displayed within the help window 10.
`While the help window 10 is shown in this embodiment as
`
`35
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`F1G. 1 illustrates a computer system for implementing a
`GUI employing a pop-up help system of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`F1G. 2 illustrates a GUI for use with the present invention.
`F1G. 3 illustrates a help window of the pop-up help
`system of the present invention.
`F1G. 4A illustrates a pop-up menu associated with the
`pop-up help system of the present invention.
`FIG. 4B illustrates an Options page for enabling a user to
`specify various functional features of the pop-up help sys(cid:173)
`tem of the present invention.
`F1G. 4C illustrates a Delays page for enabling a user to
`specify various aspects of the behavior of the pop-up help
`system of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred method of
`implementing the pop-up help system of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIM:ENTS
`Referring to F1G. 1. a help window 10 of a pop-up help
`system of the present invention is shown in connection with
`a spot GDE 12. hereinafter referred to as a "spot interface,"
`as described below. both overlaid on a window 14 of a
`graphical user interface (GUI). In the illustrated
`embodiment. the window 14 is the main window of the
`Windows 95 GUI developed by Microsoft Corporation of
`Redmond. Wash. Although the preferred embodiment of the
`pop-up help system of the present invention includes the use
`
`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0007
`
`

`

`5.754.176
`
`5
`a rectangle. the pop-up help system allows the help window
`10 to be displayed as any arbitrary shape or size. Although
`not shown. it is understood that the help window 10 may also
`be displayed with an attractive background. and associated
`sounds. music, pictures and movies may be played along 5
`with the help window 10. These actions enable the help
`window 10 to draw attention to itself and to provide visual
`and aural content to the user in a manner that has heretofore
`been unavailable.
`Additionally. as shown in FIG. 1. the help window 10 may IO
`contain any number of buttons. such as button 10a. enabling
`the user directly to access additional help windows. such as
`the window 300 shown in FIG. 3. or to assist the user in
`directly carrying out desired tasks. It should be recognized
`that the button 10a operates in a conventional manner in that 15
`they enable the user to open additional windows or initiate
`execution of application programs simply by clicking on the
`appropriate button(s).
`In a preferred embodiment of the pop-up help system.
`before a help window is displayed. a determination is made 20
`whether its default location on the desktop is too close to the
`edge of the display 18 such that a portion of the help window
`would extend beyond the edge of the display 18. If this
`condition is determined. the help window is automatically
`repositioned to the side of the access button 38 such that all 25
`of the help window is visible on the display 18.
`In one aspect of the invention. various features of the help
`window may be customized by the user. In particular.
`clicking the right mouse button while the mouse pointer 26
`is positioned over any part of the help window 10 causes a
`pop-up menu 400. as shown in FIG. 4A. to be displayed. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the menu 400 includes three
`menu picks, including "About Help Windows," selection of
`which results in the display of a dialog box informing the
`user about the help windows interface. "Exit." selection of
`which results in the display of a message box informing the
`user that he or she is about to exit the help windows menu
`400 and prompting the user to confirm whether he or she
`wishes to exit. and "Properties." the purpose of which is
`described in greater detail below.
`In particular. clicking on the Properties menu pick results
`in the display of a tabbed dialog box comprising an
`"Options" page and a "Delays" page. An exemplary Options
`page 410 is shown in FIG. 4B. The Options page 410 45
`enables a user to modify the behavior of the help windows
`of the pop-up help system by specifying. in an "Activate"
`section 412. whether help windows are to be displayed
`In addition. the Properties dialog box has a page for
`"Delays." An exemplary Delays page 420 is shown in FIG. so
`4C. The Delays page 420 enables a user to modify the
`behavior of the help windows 10 by specifying, in a "Delay"
`section 422. the time delay between the mouse pointer 26
`being positioned over the hot zone. such as button 38. and
`the help window 10 being displayed. as well as the time 55
`delay between the mouse pointer 26 being moved off the
`help window 10 and the help window 10 being concealed.
`Although it is anticipated that most users will find it more
`convenient to interact with the system of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion using the mouse 24. the system is also easily manipu- 60
`lated using a keyboard. In particular. when the help window
`10 is displayed by the user positioning the mouse pointer
`over a hot zone in any conventional fashion. a help window.
`such as the help window 10. will automatically be displayed.
`just as if the user had moved the mouse pointer 26 over the 65
`access button 38. As shown in FIG. 1. the button 10a. which
`appears on the help window 10, has an underlined letter. just
`
`35
`
`30
`
`40
`
`6
`like menu items. in order to facilitate keyboard selection of
`a button on the help window 10.
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the method of implementing the
`help window 10 in accordance with the above-described
`features of the present invention. It should be understood
`that instructions for implementing the method are stored in
`storage media 22 (FIG. 1). Execution begins in step 500
`upon initiation of the pop-up help system. In step 502. a
`determination is made whether the mouse pointer 26 has
`been held stationary for a sufficient amount of time to invoke
`a help window. It is understood that in one embodiment of
`the invention. the user may set the delay time period by
`means of the Delays page 420. If in step 502 it is determined
`that the mouse pointer 26 has not been stationary for a
`sufficient amount of time to invoke the help window. execu(cid:173)
`tion remains at step 502 until the mouse pointer 26 is
`stationary for a sufficient time to invoke the help window.
`Upon a determination that the mouse pointer 26 has been
`stationary for a sufficient amount of time to invoke the help
`window. execution proceeds to step 504. in which a deter(cid:173)
`mination is made whether the mouse pointer 26 is located
`over a hot zone that has an help window associated there(cid:173)
`with. If in step 504 it is determined that the mouse pointer
`26 is not located over a hot zone, execution returns to step
`502. If the mouse pointer 26 is located over a hot zone.
`execution proceeds to step 506 where the help window
`associated therewith is displayed.
`After the help window is displayed in step 506. execution
`proceeds to step 508 where a determination is made whether
`there is a multimedia object. such as music or a movie.
`associated with the help window. If so, the multimedia
`object is executed in step 510; otherwise, execution pro(cid:173)
`ceeds to step 512.
`In step 512. a determination is made whether a help
`window button has been selected. A button may be selected
`in conventional manner. including the user moving the
`mouse pointer 26 to rest on a button 10a and clicking. or the
`user placing the pointer over the button 10a and pressing the
`<ENI'ER> key. If a button has been selected. execution
`proceeds to step 514. in which an action associated with the
`button is performed. After execution of the action in step
`514. execution proceeds to step 516. in which the help
`window is concealed and execution is returned to step 500.
`If in step 512 a button has not been selected. execution
`proceeds to step 518.
`In step 518. a determination is made whether the user has
`depressed any key. other than a key which would activate a
`button in the help window. as determined in step 512. If a
`key has been depressed. execution proceeds to step 516, in
`which the help window is concealed and execution is
`returned to step 500. If a key has not been depressed. then
`execution proceeds to step 520. This enables a user to easily
`remove a help window from the desktop by merely pressing
`a key. such as the spacebar.
`In step 520. a determination is made whether the mouse
`pointer 26 is still within the original hot zone or within the
`help window displayed in step 506. If the mouse pointer 26
`is still within the hot zone or the help window. execution
`returns to step 512. If the mouse pointer 26 has moved out
`of the hot zone and the help window. execution proceeds to
`step 522.
`In step 522. a determination is made whether the help
`window has been displayed for its maximum time. It is
`understood that in one embodiment of the invention the user
`may set the maximum display time by means of the Delays
`page 420. If the help window has not been displayed for its
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`Petitioner Samsung Ex-1052, 0008
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`5.754.176
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`7
`8
`maximum time. then execution returns to step 512. If the
`window is selected. waiting a first period of time prior to
`help window has been displayed for its maximum time.
`concealing said help window. wherein a length of said first
`execution proceeds to step 516. in which the help window is
`time period is specified by a user.
`concealed and execution returns to step 500.
`5. The method of claim 1 wherein selection of an item
`from a group of items comprising said GDE and said help
`1n the manner described above. a pop-up help system is 5
`window is performed by positioning a mouse pointer over
`provided that enjoys distinct advantages over previous help
`said item.
`systems. In particular. the system of the present invention
`6. The method of claim 5 wherein said item remains
`includes help windows that make full use of text formatting.
`selected only so long as said mouse pointer is positioned
`e.g .. bullets. fonts, other graphics. and can include graphical
`over said item.
`treatments. audio. animations and video. 1n addition. the hot 10
`7. The method of claim 1 further comprising, prior to said
`area for initiating the help window may be any size or shape
`displaying said help window. responsive to a determination
`and the help window itself may be any number of different
`that said help window would be displayed on said display
`shapes. Moreover, interactive GDEs may be provided within
`less than a minimum distance from one or more edges of
`the help window for facilitating direct access to other help
`said display. repositioning said help window on said display
`windows providing additional information on a related 15
`such that said displayed help window is located at least said
`topic. None of the foregoing features are currently available
`minimum distance from said one or more display edges.
`in a text box-type help system.
`8. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying a
`It is understood that the present invention can take many
`menu associated with said help window for enabling a user
`forms and embodiments. the embodiments shown herein are
`to specify a behavior of said help window.
`intended to illustrate rather than limit. the invention, it being 20
`9. A method of operating a computer having a display. the
`understood that variations may be made without departing
`method comprising the steps of:
`from the spirit of the scope of the invention. For example.
`displaying a graphical display element ("GDE") on said
`the help window need not permit all of the variations
`display;
`suggested herein. and the help window may be displayed in
`connection with application program instructions. iconized 25
`detecting selection of said GDE;
`or text, as well as with GUI menus and application icons.
`responsive to selection of said GDE being detected,
`The help window need not contain merely help information.
`displaying on said display a help window associated
`but could also provide marketing and other information. The
`with said GDE. said help window comprising help
`help window need not necessarily operate within Windows
`information regarding said GDE and supporting a plu(cid:173)
`operating environments and may instead be operated in 30
`rality of text formatting options; and
`other GUI environments.
`subsequent to said detecting selection of said GDE, wait(cid:173)
`Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have
`ing a first period of time prior to performing said
`been shown and described. a wide range of modification,
`displaying said help window. wherein a length of said
`change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclo-
`first time period is specified by a user.
`sure and in some instances some features of the present 35
`10. A method of operating a computer having a display.
`invention may be employed without a corresponding use of
`the method comprising the steps of:
`the other features. Accordingly. it is appropriate that the
`displaying a graphical display element ("GDE");
`appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
`responsive to placement of a mouse pointer over said
`consistent with the scope of the invention.
`ODE. thereby to select said GDE, displaying a help
`What is claimed is:
`window associated with said GDE. said help window
`1. A method of operating a computer having a display, the
`comprising information regarding the operation of said
`method comprising the steps of:
`GDE and supporting a plurality of text formatting
`display a graphical display element ("GDE") on said
`options;
`display;
`determining placement of said mouse pointer on said help
`detecting selection of said GDE;
`window; and
`responsive to selection of said GDE being detected.
`subsequent to said displaying said help window, respon(cid:173)
`displaying on said display a help window associated
`sive to movement of said mouse pointer off of said
`with said GDE. said help window comprising help
`GDE and said help window. concealing said help
`information regarding said GDE and supporting a plu- 50
`window.
`rality of text formatting options;
`11. The method of claim 10 further comprising, subse(cid:173)
`determining selection of said help window; and
`quent to said displaying said help window, responsive to a
`determination that said help window has associated there-
`subsequent to said displaying said help window. respon(cid:173)
`with a multimedia object. executing said multimedia object.
`sive to a determination that both said GDE and said
`12. The method of claim 10 wherein said help window
`help window are not sele