System for displaying a notification window from completely transparent to intermediate level of opacity as a function of time to indicate an event has occurred

Patent 7250955 Issued on July 31, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 2, 2023. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Microsoft Corporation

Application

No. 10452706 filed on 06/02/2003

US Classes:

345/592, Transparency (mixing color values)345/629, Merge or overlay715/501.1, Hypermedia709/206, Demand based messaging705/35, Finance (e.g., banking, investment or credit)380/282, By public key method709/219, Accessing a remote server713/300, COMPUTER POWER CONTROL713/600, CLOCK CONTROL OF DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM, COMPONENT, OR DATA TRANSMISSION719/310, MISCELLANEOUS715/530, Edit, composition, or storage control345/1.1PLURAL DISPLAY SYSTEMS

Examiners

Primary: Luu, Le Hien

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Merchant & Gould

International Class

G09G 5/02

Abstract

A method and apparatus for notifying a computer user of the occurrence of an event are provided. An indication is received that an event has occurred. In response to receiving the indication, a notification window is gradually displayed by varying the opacity of the window. When the event comprises the receipt of a new electronic mail message, the notification window includes a notification message indicating that the new electronic mail message has been received. If a predetermined period of time elapses without a selection of the new message notification window being received, the window is gradually removed. The new message notification window may be displayed above the displays provided by other executing applications.

Other References

Carroll, John M.; Neale, Dennis C.; Isenhour, Philip L.; Beth Rosson, Mary; Scott McCrickard, D., “Notification and Awareness: Synchronizing Task-Oriented Collaborative Activity,” Center for Human-Computer Interaction Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech, International Journal of Human Computer Studies, vol. 58, No. 5, May, 2003, p. 605-632.
McCrickard, D. Scott; Catrambone, Richard; Stasko, John T.; Chewar, C.M., “Establishing Tradeoffs That Leverage Attention For Utility: Empirically Evaluating Information Display In Notification Systems,” Department of Computer Science Virginia Polytechnic Institute Virginia State University, International Journal of Human Computer Studies, vol. 58, No. 5, May 2003, p. 547-582.
McCrickard, D. Scott; Czerwinski, Mary; Bartram, Lyn, “Introduction: Design and Evaluation of Notification User Interfaces,” International Journal of Human Computer Studies, vol. 58, No. 5, May 2003, p. 509-514.
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