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Indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface

a computer system and user interface technology, applied in the field of indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface, can solve the problem of hard navigation through all the options for users

Inactive Publication Date: 2016-11-17
APPLE INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to show the order of objects in a computer system's graphical user interface. It uses two different colored lines to represent different levels of the hierarchy. The first color is used for the first set of objects, and the second color is used for the second set of objects. These two colors can be different shades of the same color or two different colors in the visible light spectrum. The technical effect is that this method makes it easier to quickly see the structure and order of objects in a GUI.

Problems solved by technology

Given that the computer screen can display many active windows, it may be hard for users to navigate through all the options that are presented to them.

Method used

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  • Indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface
  • Indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface
  • Indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples and embodiments of the invention are set forth and described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention may be practiced without some of the specific details and examples discussed.

I. Definitions

[0023]As used in this document, the term “color” includes all colors in the light spectrum. As used in this application, two colors are different colors when they are two different colors in the spectrum of visible light, or are two different shades of the same color.

[0024]A graphical user interface (“GUI”) is an interface of a computer system that allows users to interact with the computer system through images and text. A GUI allows users of the computer system to interact with the computer system in an intuitive graphical manner. Instead of learning and writing complex command languages, users ...

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PUM

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Abstract

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for indicating hierarchy of objects in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system. The method uses a first color to display a first set of objects at a first level of the hierarchy. The method then uses a second color, different from the first color, to display a second set of objects at a second level of the hierarchy. The first and second colors are two different colors in the visible light spectrum in some embodiments, while they are two different shades of the same color in other embodiments.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to indicating hierarchy in a computer system with a graphical user interface.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Today's operating systems and applications come packaged with numerous functions and features. Most operating systems and applications use a graphical user interface (“GUI”) in some shape or form, as a GUI simplifies a user's interaction with the computer.[0002]Organization and presentation are the key elements in designing a successful GUI because users depend on the visual presentation of the GUI to guide them through the process. This is especially true today because computer screens are cluttered with numerous windows and icons. Given that the computer screen can display many active windows, it may be hard for users to navigate through all the options that are presented to them.[0003]Therefore, there is a need for a method that organizes features that are embedded within other features. Specifically, there is a need fo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F3/0482G06F3/0483G06F3/0481G06T11/00
CPCG06F3/0482G06F3/04817G06F3/0483G06T11/001G06F16/168G06F3/0481G06F16/156
Inventor ORDING, BAS
Owner APPLE INC