Loop menu navigation apparatus and method

Abstract

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

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 09 / 948,219, filed Sep. 6, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to computers. In particular, the present invention relates to an application chooser format for a data processing device.BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART[0003]Processors and memory devices may be getting smaller with advances in technology. As the processors and the memory devices get smaller, data processing devices that use the processors and the memory devices, may be made smaller and have more functionality than previous data processing devices. However, with the smaller size of the data processing devices, there may be several challenges to overcome. For example, as the data processing devices get smaller, input devices on the data processing devices may get smaller and, consequently, more difficult to use. As a result, it may be necessary to reduce the amount of input required from a user to perform tasks ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a way to display information about computer files and applications on a screen. It uses a curved-listing file hierarchy and a preview window to show identifiers and information about the files. This makes it easier for users to quickly find and identify relevant files.

Problems solved by technology

However, with the smaller size of the data processing devices, there may be several challenges to overcome.

For example, as the data processing devices get smaller, input devices on the data processing devices may get smaller and, consequently, more difficult to use.

An additional challenge is that smaller data processing devices typically require smaller screens which may be difficult to read.

However, even with the ability to flip out, the data processing device screen may still be very small and therefore still may need to present information to the user in a more compact manner.

This manner of presenting the file hierarchy may take up a significant amount of screen space.

Because of the smaller screen, the number of filenames, applications, subheadings, and headings that may be viewed at once by the user may be limited.

Because the user may only be able to view a small portion of the file hierarchy at a time, it may take the user a longer time to locate a file.

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