Patent Application
20050240878
None.
None.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to improving a computer user experience through the user interface and more particularly to scaling of icons in accordance with user preference.
Icons have been used for many years in computer systems to display information to users. Icons are images that are used to represent items such as files, folders, shortcuts, applications, documents, tasks, and commands throughout a computer operating system such as Microsoft Windows, a product of the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. Icons are currently used in toolbars, dialog boxes, menus, and numerous other locations in file management systems such as Windows Explorer, also a product of the Microsoft Corporation. Icons are usually stored as static bitmaps, but dynamic icon handlers may also be written to generate icons dynamically.
Currently, two types of icons are used to represent items. These two types include traditional icons and thumbnail icons. Whereas traditional icons are typically shared across files and are determined per type, thumbnails are determined per item and are not shared across files. A traditional icon is composed of two components including an icon image and a status overlay. The icon image forms the basis of the traditional icon. The status overlay is used to convey status information about the item. It is used, for example, to display the shortcut overlay.
A thumbnail icon is a particular type of icon displaying an image generated based on the contents of the underlying item. For example, an icon for an image file that actually looks like the image itself is a thumbnail of the image file. Thumbnail icons may also include an overlay. Thumbnail icons may be dynamically generated by code run on a user computer, although the generated image may be cached.
Although existing operating systems offer thumbnails, these thumbnails are not well integrated into existing file management systems such as Windows Explorer. As a result, the thumbnail feature is not as useful as it could be. A user has to go to a special “thumbnails view” to see thumbnail icons today, even for objects having thumbnail icons that would be visually effective at a smaller size, such as photographs. When in the thumbnails view of existing systems, icons for objects without thumbnails appear small and inadequate. The user typically cannot see extra information about each file in thumbnails view as the user can in other views such as tile view or details view. Accordingly, the user is often forced to choose between viewing thumbnails and viewing other important information.
Because the thumbnails feature is remote and not extensively utilized, little incentive exists for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to write thumbnail generators, When ISVs do write the thumbnail generators, they are unlikely to invest in making the thumbnail generators powerful. As a result, many existing application produce thumbnails of poor quality. Generally, since thumbnails are pictures, it is difficult to determine what type of item underlies a thumbnail icon. Furthermore, while traditional icons appear instantly, thumbnail icons are typically noticeably slow to appear because they were not generated in advance.
With traditional icons, overlays are often used as a primary or only indication of information about an item underlying an icon. However, overlays do not reliably appear. If multiple states need to be shown, overlays will only show the highest priority state and will ignore others since no more than one overlay may be shown at a time. Overlays are difficult to recognize at small icon sizes, such as the sizes generally used in list or details mode. Overlays have additional drawbacks including the ability to be readily imitated and used in an unauthorized manner. A further limitation is the inaccessibility of overlays to the visually-impaired. A user navigating with the keyboard and using a narrator hears a name and type of each file as the file is selected, but is not given any information about a state that the overlay represents. Additionally, overlays are used inconsistently to convey information about the state of a file.
As set forth above, current icon display systems often result in icons that are too small or unable to display adequate information to the user. Accordingly, a solution is needed that effectively manipulates icons to enhance the user experience. An effective solution preferably implements traditional icons, thumbnail icons, and overlays in a manner effective for displaying valuable information quickly and efficiently. Further a solution is needed that allows users to resize their icons in real time will when performing routine tasks like accessing files through a file management system. The ability of a user to control icon displays will enhance the user experience. Further, a solution is needed for improving thumbnail image presentation to help home users manage their digital media and knowledge workers manage their documents. Development and integration of icons will enhance the user experience.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for displaying an icon representing an underlying file on a user interface. The method includes providing a user with a size selection mechanism for selecting an icon size from a range of sizes. The method further includes searching a set of stored resources related to the underlying file and generating the icon in a user selected size based upon the stored resources.
In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for enhancing display of icons on a user interface. The method includes providing a user selection component for allowing a user to select an icon size for an icon representing a file. The method additionally includes selecting an icon type including one of a traditional icon and a thumbnail icon based on at least one of the size selection and the represented file. The method additionally includes generating the selected icon having the selected size and icon type.
In yet an additional aspect of the invention, a system is provided for enhancing icon display. The system includes a user icon scaling module for allowing a user to select an icon size for an icon representing an underlying file. The system additionally includes a resource selection module for selecting an image resource for generating the icon based on the size selection.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided for enhancing icon display. The system includes a user icon scaling module for allowing a user to select an icon size for an icon representing an underlying file. The system additionally includes a type selection module for selecting a type of icon including at least one of a traditional icon and a thumbnail icon, the type selection based on at least one of the size selection and the underlying file.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein:
I. System Overview
Embodiments of the invention include a method and system for enabling scaling of icons to enhance a user experience. Icon scaling enables users to resize the icons in file management systems, such as Microsoft Windows Explorer, to any size in a range from a small size appropriate for looking at a long list of items to a very large size appropriate for looking at a small number of thumbnails within a single view. As an icon is resized, the appearance and layout of the icon change to best accommodate its new size.
Icons are authored using a predetermined set of sizes, such as 16×16 pixels and 32×32 pixels. When a user chooses to view an icon at a size that is not one of the predetermined sizes, the scaling module 200 interpolates to determine what image to show the user. When the size of an icon is changed, variable including the type of icon, the image resource, label placement, and overlay configuration may be impacted as set forth above.
II. Exemplary Operating Environment
The invention is described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
With reference to
Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 131 and random access memory (RAM) 132. A basic input/output system 133 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 110, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit 120. By way of example, and not limitation,
The computer 110 may also include other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,
The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in
The computer 110 in the present invention will operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 110, although only a memory storage device 181 has been illustrated in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 110 is connected to the LAN 171 through a network interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 110 typically includes a modem 172 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input interface 160, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,
Although many other internal components of the computer 110 are not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such components and the interconnection are well known. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of the computer 110 need not be disclosed in connection with the present invention.
III. Sample Icons
IV. Overlays
As set forth above, the different icon sizes also include different overlay sizes. As set forth above with respect to
Two kinds of overlays include status overlays and type overlays. The overlays shown above with respect to FIGS. 3A-G are type overlays that indicate a type. The type overlay is used for thumbnail icons to convey what type of object the thumbnail image portrays. The type overlays appear in a lower right-hand corner of the image. Status overlays serve as a visual cue to help a user quickly identify some piece of relevant information about an item being viewed. Status overlays may appear in a lower left hand corner of an image. A recommended use of a status overlay includes alerting the user of a transitional or temporary state of a file upon which a user may wish to act. An example would be putting a “new” overlay on a file that has just recently been created. Another possible use for a status overlay is indicating relevant context sensitive information upon which a user may wish to act. An example would be putting an “error” overlay on a file in the download manager that could not complete downloading. In general, information that is being conveyed through a status overlay should also be a property that can be used for sorting, grouping, stacking, filtering, and searching.
Table 1 describes what size overlay may be displayed on icons of different sizes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
In embodiments of the invention, the overlays scale independently from the icons. Between each defined icon snap size such as 256×256, 128×128, 64×64, 32×32, and 16×16, the overlays may scale linearly between the two overlay sizes. Table 2 shows one embodiment of the overlay sizes relative to icon sizes along a continuous range.
V. Icon Types and Layouts
As illustrated in
The placement of the status overlay (B) depends on the placement of the thumbnail image (A) within the thumbnail icon. The status overlay (B) fits within the boundaries of the thumbnail icon. Horizontally, the status overlay (B) may be centered around the left edge of the thumbnail image (A), but may be moved to the right when necessary, to avoid extending over a left boundary of the thumbnail icon itself.
The placement of the type overlay (C) depends on the placement of the thumbnail image (A) within the thumbnail icon. Vertically, like the status overlay (B), the bottom edge of the type overlay (C) lies along the bottom edge of the thumbnail image such that the type overlay (C) fits within the boundaries of the thumbnail icon when the thumbnail image (A) is bottom-aligned. Horizontally, like a mirror of the status overlay (B), the type overlay (C) should be centered around the right edge of the thumbnail image (A), but may be moved to the left when necessary, to avoid extending over the right boundary of the thumbnail icon itself.
In embodiments of the invention, for icons between 16×16 and 47×47 pixels, the label placement module 240 will position the filename beside the icon. For sizes 32×32 to 47, the label placement module 240 may provide additional tile information beside the icon. For sizes 48×48 and larger, the label placement module 240 places the filename below the icon.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a default mode, type overlays will be shown on a thumbnail icon if and only if it is within the document library. In this embodiment, type overlays will not be shown on photographs or video by default. A setting in the view options may be available to enable users to turn on or off the type overlays on documents. A mechanism such as an application program interface (API) may be provided that allows applications to associate a type overlay with each file type they own.
VI. Visual Enhancements
Table 3 describes the photo paper border width at each thumbnail icon size.
The width may be interpolated between the displayed sizes in a similar manner to the overlays shown in Table 2.
The top sprocket may be placed so that its bottom edge aligns with the top edge of the thumbnail image, and the bottom sprocket may be placed so that its top edge aligns with the bottom edge of the thumbnail image. If the thumbnail image has a height large enough to make the thumbnail image with the sprockets higher than X pixels, then the two sprockets should be moved closer to one another. The top sprocket may be moved down and the bottom sprocket may be moved up until the thumbnail image with the applied sprockets is no taller than the height X.
Other effects may include a gradient effect that may be applied to thumbnail image to make it more attractive. Furthermore, a shine effect may be applied to the thumbnail image if the object type has been registered to receive such a treatment. For example, PowerPoint types may be registered to have this treatment applied to them. A thumbnail icon may also include a drop shadow effect or other visual effect.
VII. Using the Scaling Mechanism
As set forth above, and as illustrated in
Additionally, a view menu may have an item labeled “Icon Size,” with the following choices appearing off a submenu: Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, and Huge, or similar selections that correspond to icon sizes such as 16, 32, 48, 128, and 256.
Finally, users may be able to scale icons using a scroll wheel found on many mice. Moving the scroll wheel forward while holding down the CTRL key can increase the size of the icon and moving the scroller wheel backward while holding down the CTRL key can decrease the size of the icon.
In absence of user scaling, the icons may have default sizes. The following Table 5 describes the default sizes of icons in various folder locations.
If the user selection requires that the icon be scaled between snap sizes, the system utilizes a scaling mechanism including a mechanism for converting the icons to an appropriate format, such as DX9 textures. A hardware accelerated scaling mechanism may implement a bilinear filter or other known mechanism to perform the actual icon scaling while maintaining visual fidelity of the image. The scaling occurs in real-time by the icon scaling system 200. The real-time scaling can occur at draw time or optionally at other times.
VIII. Type Selection Process
In step A02, the system compares the icon size and a pre-set size cutoff. If the icon size is above the pre-set size cutoff in step A04, the system seeks a thumbnail icon in step A10. If the icon is not above the size cutoff in step A04, the system selects and shows a traditional item in step A14.
In step A10, the system seeks a thumbnail icon. If a thumbnail icon is not cached in step A12, the system attempts to extract it in step A06. If the thumbnail is not cached in step A12, or if the extraction is successful in step A08, the system selects and shows the thumbnail icon in step A16. If the extraction is unsuccessful in step A08, the system selects and shows the traditional icon in step A14.
Exemplary icon size cutoffs are illustrated in Table 6 below.
IX. Resource Selection and Scaling Process
As set forth above, the system provides image snap sizes. The sizes might include for example 16, 32, 48, 128, and 256. For every item Y at any size X the system may choose the image at the best available size for Y. In step B02, the system searches for the appropriate sized image X. If X is a snap size and an image for Y is available at size X in step B04, then the system uses the available image at size X in step B20. If an image for Y is not available in size X, in step B04, then the system determines if the largest size was searched in step B06. If the largest size was not searched in step B06, the system searches the next largest size in step B08. If the next largest image is available in step B10, the system uses the available icon in step B20. If the image is not available in step B10, the system continues the search until the largest image has been searched.
Subsequently, in step B12, if the search for larger images representing Y was unsuccessful, the system determines if the smallest size has been searched. If the smallest size has not been searched, the system continues to search for the next smallest size in step B14. If the image is available in step B16, the system uses it in step B20. If the icon is not available and the smallest size has been searched in step B12, the system uses a generic image in step B18. If and only if no image can be found at any size, the system will show a generic image. Although the process above is described as considering larger images prior to smaller images, the reverse process is also encompassed.
If the user selection requires that the image be scaled between snap sizes, the system utilizes a scaling mechanism including a mechanism for converting the images to an appropriate format, such as DX9 textures. A hardware accelerated scaling mechanism implements a bilinear filter to perform the actual image scaling. In addition to scaling the retrieved image, the system also attempts to re-extract at the correct size. The system uses the closest stored image it can find in the interim time. Once the system re-extracts, it displays the correctly sized image and also stores the new correctly sized image into a cache for subsequent retrieval. This extraction, display, store-into-cache sequence also occurs if the cache is empty and first displays the traditional icon.
Thus, icon scaling in accordance with the invention enables users to resize icons to any size in a range from a small size to a very large size, depending upon user preference. As an icon is resized, the appearance of the icon and the layout of the icons changes to best accommodate its new size.
Users can, in real-time, scale icons across the continuous range of possible sizes, and the scaling is visually appealing. Thumbnail icons consistently convey what type of object they represent (e.g. Word Document, PowerPoint deck, video clip, etc.) even for thumbnail extractors written by ISVs. Overlays are used in a consistent and reliable way as visual cues conveying some information about an item.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications might be made to the invention without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. The embodiments described herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternate embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated and within the scope of the appended claims.
