Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Zspace, Inc.

Oracle America, Inc.

Michael C Albers

Eric D Bergman

David A Chavez

Michael A Vesely

Kevin Seichi Yamada

Chris J Ryan

Tom J Santos

Peter Alex Korn

Hania Gajewska

David P Mendenhall

Anne Marie Fowler

Terry K Kellerman

Lynn Monsanto

John T Clingan

Harry S Vertelney

Suzanna L Smith

Chris Ryan

Three button stylus

For validating user input fields in a graphical user interface, a data entry field includes a graphical validation indicator. In response to user activation of the validation indicator, such as by hovering with an on-screen pointer, a message is displayed in visual association with the data entry field. The message describes one or more expected characteristics of the data to be entered, for example that the data is numerical. As the user enters data consistent with the expected characteristics, the validation indicator is displayed with a neutral appearance, indicating that no errors have been detected. If incorrect data is detected, the validation indicator takes on an emphasized appearance, such as a higher intensity and/or an error-indicating color such as red, providing an immediate error indication to the user. An error message may also be displayed in visual association with the data entry field. The error message is preferably displayed with an emphasized appearance, and may specifically identify the error in the entered data.

Method and apparatus for validating user input fields in a graphical display

Apparatus, methods and computer program products are disclosed for providing audio output in conjunction with a platform independent computer service. A software object is described which includes modular themes which can be flexibly changed in order to service multiple platforms. Each theme includes a set of platform dependent audio fields designed to run on a particular platform. Each of the set of platform dependent audio fields is associated with at least one of a set of audio events which requires audio output. In this manner, a computer service is capable of providing a platform dependent audio output by calling the platform dependent audio field corresponding to the event.

Cross-platform audio feedback for GUI components

Graphical user interface and computer program products are disclosed for providing a unique user interface that allows a GUI developer significant flexibility and strength in designing a layout for an application user interface in a Java&trade; environment. This is done while keeping the process for the developer simple and efficient. The developer can &ldquo;drag and drop&rdquo; components from a palette to a container. Once in the container, the developer can specify row and column types and attachment/alignment options for the component. This can be done using a simple icon set. The developer can also dynamically add new rows and columns to the layout design. Adjustments to the position and size of a component are made automatically and numerous row and column types can be specified.

Graphical user interface layout customizer

A method for keyboard navigation in a graphical user interface, including defining a key event dispatcher for focus ordering of at least one non-focusable component, configured to recognize a special mode entry character and a special mode exit character, upon entry of the special mode entry character by a user, entering a special mode wherein subsequent key events are manipulated by the key event dispatcher to navigate the focus ordering of the at least one non-focusable component while a current focus owner is maintained, and exiting the special mode upon entry of the special mode exit character by the user, wherein the special mode is at least one of the group consisting of an input method mode, an accessible navigation mode and a window navigation mode.

Keyboard navigation of non-focusable components

A system for presenting hypermedia link information. A computer-implemented method for presenting hypermedia link information is described which relates to the user the characteristics of a data file pointed to by the hypermedia link. The computer system waits for an event to occur. This event is the user or system selecting one or more hypermedia links. The hypermedia link in this scenario points to a data file about which information is to be gathered. The computer system then requests information about the data file. In one embodiment, a cue is generated to communicate information about said data file to a user. This information may be conveyed to the user by auditory or visual means, such as a pop-up information box on the user's display. A powerful and convenient system for browsing hypermedia information is thus provided.

Presentation of link information as an aid to hypermedia navigation

A method and apparatus for creating and utilizing To-Be-Visited sites in a web enabled application accessible list is provided. The apparatus includes an access unit for adding the TBV site to the web enabled application accessible list, and a dating/deleting unit for determining whether the TBV site is expired, and deleting the TBV site if the TBV site has expired.

Method and apparatus maintaining a to-be-visited site bookmark file

A method for providing network device status notification includes providing at least one auditory cue to indicate at least one device status. According to one aspect, distinct auditory cues are provided when a device begins looking for a federation, when a device has connected to federation and when a device has disconnected from a federation. A network device includes a network interface and an auditory cue unit coupled to the network interface to provide at least one auditory cue to indicate at least one activity status.

Auditory cues for notification of device activity

A system for presenting hypermedia link information. A computer-implemented method for presenting hypermedia link information is described which relates to the user the characteristics of a data file pointed to by the hypermedia link. The computer system waits for an event to occur. This event is the user or system selecting one or more hypermedia links. The hypermedia link in this scenario points to a data file about which information is to be gathered. The computer system then requests information about the data file. Finally, an auditory cue is generated to communicate information about said data file to a user. Alternatively, this information may be conveyed to the user by visual means, such as a pop-up information box on the user's display. A powerful and convenient system for browsing hypermedia information is thus provided.

Growing community of inventors

San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Michael C Albers