WO2000072123A2

WO2000072123A2 - Parallel graphical user interface

Info

Publication number: WO2000072123A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/013866
Authority: WO
Inventors: D. David Nason; Thomas C. O'rourke; Scott Campbell
Original assignee: Xsides Corporation
Priority date: 1999-05-21
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2000-11-30
Also published as: AU5276800A; US6593945B1; WO2000072123A3

Abstract

A parallel graphical user interface ('GUI') according to the present invention permits use of display spaces having aspect ratios greater than or equal to 3:1. In one example, a parallel GUI includes discrete cartridges which may be added, modified or deleted permitting user specific organization of the cartridges and the functions/links thereon. In another example, a preferred embodiment uses a dial tuning metaphor. A plurality of cartridges compose a bar and each cartridge may be displayed singularly by rotating the bar. Actuation of a selection device such as a button on a cartridge may initiate an application, document, file, utility, network link or simply rotation of the bar.

Description

PARALLEL GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to computer user interfaces and more specifically to a parallel graphical user interface for a digital computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advent of the computer age saw users struggling with text based interfaces to manage and use a computer. The introduction of graphical user interfaces simplified computer use and prompted many people to buy and use computers. Generally, a computer has a single "primary" graphical user interface and all other programs run under it. As computer processor speed and complexity has increased it has become possible for computers and their displays to handle more and more tasks simultaneously as illustrated by the growth of multitasking applications. There is no more reason for a computer user to be limited to a single graphical user interface for computer control and interaction. What is needed is a parallel graphical user interface that may be used with conventional user interfaces to allow a computer user to exploit the capability of conventional displays and processors with a minimal impact on the functionality of the conventional user interfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention includes a parallel graphical user interface (GUI) modeled as a dial tuning metaphor. This provides an intuitive interface that remains useable in spaces with high aspect ratios for convenient use in parallel with another more conventional GUI to increase the efficiency of a users computer experience. In another aspect of the present invention, a GUI according to the present invention may operate in display areas having aspect ratios of 3 : 1 or greater.

These and other features and advantages of this invention will become further apparent from the detailed description and accompanying figures that follow.

In the figures and description, numerals indicate the various features of the invention, like numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings and the description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example computer apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a line drawing of an example parallel GUI according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a simplified example of a menu tree according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a line drawing of an example parallel GUI with an accessory container or cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 5-14 are example screen images from an example parallel GUI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to Fig. 1 , the general architecture of a digital computer system 10 for implementing the present invention is shown. The present invention may be implemented in any electronic device presenting a GUI on a display for user control and interaction. Processor 12 may be any conventional digital computer processor running any appropriate conventional operating system such as the Windows 98™ operating system (Windows 98™ is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond Washington). System software 14 may be stored on storage unit 16 which may be any conventional storage device such as an internal fixed disk drive or any other conventional device. Also preferably stored on storage unit 16 may be parallel GUI software 18 as described in greater detail below. An interactive user input, where referenced below, may be provided via any standard input peripherals such as keyboard 20 and/or mouse 22. Graphical output created by processor 12 under control of GUI software 18 may be transmitted to any conventional display device such as video monitor 24 for display to users; equivalently, output may also be transmitted to any conventional hard copy output device to generate conventional hard copy output such as printer 13. Computer system 10 may also be connected to a network such as network 15. Referring now to Fig. 2, display area 26 includes a parallel GUI 28 according to the present invention. Display area 26 may be located anywhere on screen 24S of video monitor 24. For example, with long axis L oriented horizontally display area 26 may be located adjacent edge 24T or edge 24B. Alternatively, with long axis L oriented vertically, display area 26 may be located adjacent edge 24L or edge 24R.

Aspect ratio 34 of parallel GUI 28 is the relationship between dimension 32 measured along long axis L and dimension 30 expressed as 34:1 where aspect ratio 34 is determined by equation 36.

36 -» Aspect ratio 34 = dimension 32 ÷ dimension 30

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, parallel GUI 28 includes bar 38 surrounded by area 28 A. Bar 38 may include one or more containers or cartridges such as cartridge 86 of Fig. 3. Area 28 A may be any color, in one preferred embodiment, area 28 A is black. Bar 38 may be composed of separate elements such as title area 40, one or more help areas such as help area 42 and or help area 56, one or more rotators such as rotator 44 and or rotator 48, and one or more buttons such as button 46, button 50, ticker 52 and button 54. A button may be depressible such as button 46 or non-depressible such as button 40. A depressible button such as button 46 may perform an associated action and display highlighting when selected and clicked on using any conventional pointing device such as mouse 22. A non-depressible button such as button 40 may act as a label and or initiate apparent rotation of the elements of bar 38 to the right of button 40 along with all the associated sound, apparent motion, and highlighting as described below.

One example of behaviors for the various user interface elements shown in example bar 38 is described in Appendix A, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Examples of some of the possible behaviors of bar 38 are now described. During a 'mouse over' condition, that is when a pointer such as arrow

64 is moved over a depressible button such as button 46, the appearance of button frame 62 may be changed such as by changing its color and thus the apparent intensity of emitted light. The change evoked in a button frame such as button frame 62 may be localized to a portion of the button frame such as corner 62A. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a 'mouse over' condition causes light to apparently emit from the lower left corner of the button frame such as corner 62B. Clicking on or 'mouse down' condition of a depressible button such as button 46 may evoke apparent movement of the button and or apparent lighting changes adjacent the effected button. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, 'mouse down' of a depressible button such as button 46 causes button 46 to apparently move into bar 38 and an apparent increase of light from behind button frame 62. Apparent motion and light emission changes may be accomplished by any conventional means.

Following a click on or 'mouse down' condition of a depressible button such as button 46 a 'mouse up' condition is initiated thus completing a button selection cycle. A 'mouse up' condition may initiate an action such a hyperlink or launch an application associated with the acting button such as button 46. Additionally, a 'mouse up' condition may cause a button such as button 46 to reverse the apparent motion caused by the prior 'mouse down' condition, thus as in the prior example, button 46 apparently springs back out of bar 38 into alignment with bar 38. At the conclusion of a button selection cycle, a highlighting change of a selected button may also be included. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a post selection highlighting is the same as the earlier described 'mouse over' highlighting and is maintained until another button such as button 54 is selected or some other action within parallel GUI 28 is initiated.

Actuation of a complete button selection cycle on a non-depressible button such as button 50, a title button such as title area 40, or on a rotator such as rotator 44 may initiate rotation about long axis L of the display area. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention a click of right mouse button 22R initiates rotation of 38 in a first direction D and a click of left mouse button 22L initiates rotation of 38 in a second direction U, opposite first direction D. Accompanying a complete button selection cycle as described above, sound may be used to enhance the experience and thus heighten the similarity of a virtual metaphor to a real 3 -dimensional device. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, sound 66 may issue from computer system 10, sound 66 may resemble a sound or sounds issued from a real device such as a subtle mechanical click. Any other appropriate sound or sounds may also be used.

A non-depressible button such as button 50 may be used a title button or a placeholder, and thus may not invoke a utility, URL or any other function if subjected to a complete button selection cycle. Accordingly, no highlighting or other special indicia would accompany a 'mouse over' condition of a non-depressible button such as button 50. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a non- depressible button such as button 50 may include the functionality of a rotator such as rotator 44 or 48. Thus a complete button selection cycle on such a non-depressible button would result in the apparent rotation of non-depressible button 50 and all the elements of bar 38 to its right such as ticker 52 and button 60.

Tickers such as ticker 52 may be dynamic reading areas within a cartridge such as cartridge 86 as shown in Fig. 3. Scrolling updateable text such as text 53 can be displayed and the text reading area can also be dynamically linked to launch an application or URL. A ticker such as ticker 52 may be as long as a single button or any combination of multiple buttons. The text such as text 53 that is displayed may be scrolling or otherwise made to move through ticker window 52A.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention text enters ticker window 52A at right side 52R and scrolls to the left to left side 52L. The scrolling text such as text 53 may repeat in a loop at the end of the text string. Ticker text such as text 53 may be updated locally or over a network such as network 15. A ticker such as ticker 52 may activate a hyperlink through a network such as network 15 when ticker 52 is clicked on, or subjected to a complete button cycle. Referring now to Fig. 3, an example of a menu tree that may be displayed and accessed through parallel GUI 28 is shown. Menu 70 includes title bands 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80 which correspond to title area 40, button 46, button 50, ticker 52 and button 54 respectively. Rotators 44 and 48 are represented by bands 82 and 84 respectively. In this example, title area 40 includes 6 containers or cartridges, cartridges 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 and cartridge 91. Many more cartridges and titles may be available, the number of cartridges or titles available may only be limited by the resources of the computer. Cartridges such as cartridge 90 or cartridge 91 may include accessories such as a web browser or media player or any other accessory. Accessories for a cartridge such as cartridge 90 may be installed for use with system software 14, or they may be components of parallel GUI software 18, or they may be available via a network such as network 15. Referring now to Fig. 4, parallel GUI 28 is shown with accessory cartridge 90 visible. Accessory cartridge 90 may include function specific actuators such as fast forward or next track for a CD player. A section of accessory cartridge 90 or any other cartridge selected may also be dedicated to a single function such as web browser 92, to permit the browser to remain visible at all times that parallel GUI software 18 is running.

Cartridges such as cartridges 86-91 may be pre-loaded with links and accessories as explained in attached example product specification Appendix C, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the elements or buttons of a cartridge may be blank for loading by a user as explained in attached example product specification Appendix B, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. User cartridge(s) may include access to applications, documents, files, or network links such as URLs and or embedded functions. Some embedded functions which may be launched from a cartridge may include, for example, a browser, an MP3 player, instant messaging, trading notices for marketplace functions, alerts for auction results and or trades, agent checking regarding price comparison searches. User items such as, for example, applications, documents, files, or network links may be added to a user button via any conventional method such as copy and paste or drag and drop functions of system software 14 or of any web browser. In addition, the button may include access to an application which interprets text that is entered into an area on the button itself. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention user buttons may be renamed or cleared in any conventional manner.

A parallel GUI such as parallel GUI 28 may also include a help function. Help screens or menus may be implemented in any conventional manner. A map of the contents and organization of bar 38 may be provided in the form of a menu or tree such as menu 70 of Fig. 3. Menu 70 and other help screens may extend from display area 26 in any conventional manner. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention in which menu 70 is visible extending away from edge 26T thus allowing bar 38 to remain visible, actuation of a complete button cycle on a title such as title 87C will initiate rotation of bar 38 to bring cartridge 87 and title 87C to visibility on bar 38. In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention display area 26 includes 4 preset actuators 94. Activation of a complete button cycle on an actuator such as actuator 96 will rotate bar 38 to a pre-selected position. A user may initially load, change or delete a preset setting associated with an actuator such as actuator 96. Parallel GUI software 18 may also include a screen saver component such as idle component 96. If parallel GUI 28 is notified that system software 14 is in idle, rather than blanking display area 26 as in some conventional techniques, parallel GUI 28 may auto rotate through all possible cartridge displays of menu 70. When system software 14 returns to active mode, bar 38 will automatically return to the last active position prior to idle.

If parallel GUI 28 is oriented with a title cartridge such as cartridge 86 with title 86A visible on title area 40, a complete button cycle of title area 40 as described above may result in apparent rotation of bar 38 and thus display an adjacent cartridge such as cartridge 87 or cartridge 85 (not shown). Title area 40 may also include all buttons and rotators to the right of title area 40 as well. In an alternate embodiment, a complete button cycle of title area 40 changes the visible title such as title 86 and apparently rotates elements of bar 38 to the right of title area 40 such as rotator 44, rotator 48, button 46, button 50, ticker 52 and button 54. The result of changing a cartridge and thus the title visible in title area 40 is that as cartridge 87 is visible, title 87A may be visible as well as a set of it's subordinate titles such as titles 87B, 87C, 87D and 87E. Additional cycling of title area 40 will result in display of additional cartridges and thus additional titles of band 72 such as titles 88A and 89A.

If title 89A is visible in band 72, execution of a complete button cycle on rotator 44 corresponding to band 82 will cause apparent rotation of bar 38 at button 46 corresponding to band 74 including everything to the right of button 46. Subsequent button cycles of a rotator such as rotator 44 cause titles which appear on button 46 to sequentially cycle through titles 89B, 89C, 89D, 89E and 89F with a new title appearing after each button cycle.

In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention a merge function may be included to allow cartridges such as cartridges 86-91 to be added to an existing parallel GUI such as parallel GUI 28. A cartridge such as cartridge 86 may be added or merged with any existing cartridges in a parallel GUI such as parallel GUI 28 using any conventional technique such as copy and paste or drag and drop. A merged cartridge such as cartridge 86 may be added between any two adjacent cartridges such as cartridges 88 and 89. Similarly, existing cartridges may be reordered using a conventional sort function.

New cartridges may be merged or added to an existing parallel GUI from any conventional media such as magnetic storage media, optical storage media, or from network resources such as the Internet, or any local or intranet network. A delete and or a sort function may also be included to permit a user to organize or personalize a bar such as bar 38 in parallel GUI according to their own wishes consistent with parallel GUI software 18.

Although specific embodiments of, and examples for the present invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Equivalent methods, structures, processes, steps, and other modifications within the spirit of the invention fall within the scope of the invention. Also, those skilled in this art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the present invention to meet their specific requirements or conditions. For example, the teachings provided herein of the present invention can be applied to other types of computer systems, including those that control non-integrated display surfaces. Also, for example, the teachings provided herein can be applied to other types of user interface elements and other behaviors of such user interface elements. In addition, the teachings may be applied to other types of devices that have display surfaces and other organizations of computer operating systems and environments. These and other changes may be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure and is set forth in the following claims. MySpace™ Functional Spec

Appendix

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Confldanlld.Thθ Pixel Connpcnv. Ccpyrlς M998. All rlςjifc reserved Pdenl pendng Nopcrllcncf I ls d-X-u enlrnv erepcxlJ-Bdv l outperrrtssion

Over l N ninα Conventions Description: T here will be three σecε that cm be sdd to oontent pcrtners . Gdd S liver end Bronze. Pldtnum vλ\\ be avdlcfcle only to dstτibutor level:

Adcftiond ncming:

Frame: T e ySpa-e^,M ocrtrlc^e frare Is a deck σe dvlng the Impression the* dl of the buttons, rotctcrs end Tickers (re floating in specs.

Spedflc button names aeoo/eredin thβpcges to fdlo . trtrlctlθ T ype - Mcjcr octegory title - Tlcrilnum"

Action Ruje$

Stcr tup Sequence: Ortoe the user hα> c ^nloctted end Ins Idled Ihe MyS xθ^IM Softwαe it will lαxiαjtoπx-iodly curing the bod

AtStαt-up: F dialing the text mθssqgθ^*... Acti Overseen Aea to Dlspicy...."thebcrls dsplcyedd Ihelnilidstalup cctegbrγ. atheus«cfeflnedslalLpc_ptlonfromPreferenoes. ,

Roldion Speed: Rβascncfclyfcst. One turn per dick. Roldion Adlon: Rotdlcn occurs

the mcjcr odegary title σea end the rddcrs. Chcny roldion σea left dick goes forwadln thθocrtri εt rlςit dick goes

The portion d the bcr lotheri t thθtitlθa rotdcr is turned

Button Adions: T here ere 2 prlmcry types of Buttons with two dfferent -dions:

Depressible Buttons: will perf m e c ϋon when dlcked cndds play hiς-iςfiling end ccticn (see button

Hlς lςhtlng below)

Non-depressible buttons: σθstc<lccrd(±)rx-4dsda ci-flcτι

over a (Tcusecbwn. They function C6 flue buttons.

Button H. lløMIng: Mouseover: Liς*.l emits from the IC W left corner cf the button frame.

Mousedown: Button mcves Intofrcma moreodαedll tis enrttted from behind the button frcme.

Mouseup: Action loun ied button sprlnςp bock cndstαys in " rcuseαer" stde.

Sound: S ubtle medxniod sound cμiet, to ϋend In with the experienoe. S ound will α±J to the "feel. " nd overs hcrfcw it. Anlmdlons: Bltmcp6. suchcB IheMSpα-β'" Wdoomecnd Help will cnlmde when lcunched CB If slidngupouldthe ar. At Idle. S ee Ide function" pcge.

Buttons - Appear cnce/Action on screen

Key fa button ncrring I.MySpa-B'^Mloςp Brlngp uplhe Spcoθ^,M Mφϋlm lh the About. Help crid Preferences tcfcB a/alctte.

2. Preset Buttons (SeejPreset button cfesσiptlcn fa more Infamdlcn)

3. Catrl θtltlθaθa LCD σeabuttcn - left dick goes

oorhldge, rl it dick goes bxkwad

4. R older Rotctes the portion of the ccrtrldae to the rlςitd the Rdda. left dick goes fcrwσd riςit dick goes bxkwad

5. Non-depres side button Inthegdd silver end trcnzelevd buttons there aβs are non-ctepres side buttons. Non-ctepesslϋe buttcrβ cbnotlca-nchcnything don't hiςfτliςj.t end they a-mot be ctepessed with a rnousecJ- rior ' keyboadoomrrcnd Theyaetydodlyuseda. title buttons or plaoe hdcters .

ΓY> 6. Depres side buttons Most buttons ingdd. silver- end fcrcnze-level odegories aedepresside. T hey

cndhoelaundi c tlons when depressed

7. Ticker (S ee T Idcer Buttons end T icker F eecfc d-βσipficn fa more Informdion) Hdp

8. Help Help depresses wlt -XJSθ-±-wn τxJlcun±ιes thθh-_lp^efererκ---Slτ p-l---xιtddog'(Sθθ w^cxxτiθ/hdpvtϊθfβθr»cestτcp)Λ±--XJt ddogdasσlplicn for more Infσmdicn)

9. DistrlbutaLcgoexll

Ticker Buttons end Ticker Feeds.

Description; T Ickers σe dyncrric reαdng αeos

the MySpa-B¹" Bσ. Sσdling updde tie text cxn bedsdcyed end the text reccing σeαoon dso be d nαriodly linked to launch en cpp-loc-lcn or URL. Note: nddl tickers σe linked to cp-llodions a URLs.

Ticker Text Display: the text Hid Is dsda edsadls - entering dspcy on the rlφt end sσdling left - repec-ing in a loop d the end of the text string Text sfrlr jrepθds cnoe the lest

the string dscppeas from view in the ticker σea

T lcker Updde f edure : T ext Is qpdde-cfcle by mecns d push from a Plxd Ccrrpcny server. Up des will be done on a weekly basis - by putting the new text end U Ls from content pa tner s (who have tickers In their bas) on the MySpa-e¹" server. T he Pixel Compcny will post weekly upddes each Wechesc-fcy befae 9:00 cmPadlicTlma The new text αndURLs will bθ Mpαttedon the Users ' tickers when they oonned to the Internet end use MyS pcce^,M Internet relded oontent buttons . T lcker text will nd d ngθ en tickers for wrtch noip±-e Is poβted

Notec All teκtlndl versions is sutjed torervlewpiα topoεtlng Ark retdns the rlφt to nd cxt ledionctiernderld. Any Text revlslons σe llh Pσlners'perrτ1sslon.

Size of tickers: there σe 3 sizes d tickers. Each ecμlvdent >lhθscπiθ * orstcnd-τd button lenςfhs thd wcdd otherwise be on the bcr. A 3x ticker Is ecμd to 3 stcnctrd utton lengths. a2x ticker Is ecμd to2 sten i utton lengths, cnda lx ticker is θcμd to I slcnc-ad button lenςfh.

User Ce-ftrjctge

βfiiQ llfiQI User buttons σe fα-nd In the User Cσtrlcfcp in MySpα-e»^M. There σe seven rddfcns d User buttons, fα αtdd d 42 us er- cus terrizetie buttons. These αeαecx the user αcn tdlα to their needs. It rαictes α way toccoess end n rx-ga the user's mo6t heq enl1y usθdcppllαdlcns, dxuηθnb. flle-x, even URLs.

T euse --lcns. URLs cndother α-x-esslde Items tolheUser bαs lnMySpαoθ>^M by using the copy and pcεlθ a cfcgcnddcp fι-nc-ions φθrdinosystemc-x.<τιy WebBrowsa. i

FuπcJIondlty; 4

To copy an item:

1. From Windows, seled aid right-dlck (dick with the right-haid mouse button) on the Item you wish to put on the MyS pace"* control bar. For URLs, be sure to highlight the text of theURL, then right-dlck.

2. In the pop-up menu thd qppecrs, seled and left-dick on "Copy." Then, to put the Item on the MyS pace'*¹ control ba:

3. Rl t-dlck with the mouse on a blaik button.

4. In the pop-up menu thd cppeas, left-dlck on "Paste.''

5. T he Item will now be on the MyS pace"⁴ button for future rdrievd.

Or, to u e drag-and-drop:

1. From the Windows Desktop, seled cnd'droEf (dick with the left-haid mouse button, end slide the mouse without releasing the button) the item you wish to put on the MyS pacer™ control bcr.

2. Slide the mouse until the cursor Is just cfaovβ the button you wish to "drop" the Item Into.

3. A box will cppear oontdnlng the text "Drop Hera"

4. Put the mouse cursor over this box a d relecee the mouse button.

5. T he Hem will now be on the MyS pace'* button for future retrlevd.

T odea aUser button, rlφt-dlck on the button lhen left-dlc cn ^,'Ddeter in the p-upm-rRj thd<^-p©as. a selθ& cn hlφliφl aUser button and pees the DE L key on your keyboσd

TorencxneaUser button riφl dlck on thd button then left-dick on "Rename" In the popup menu thd cppeσs. Type the new name in the

T he Pre-Set Buttons

Desαlptlon:

7

Download qor Cerfeaories (Plcrfinum)

PWCflpllon; T here σe up to 10 Pldlnum octegories In the DcNvnlocd version of MyS pa-e^,M . T he current a-teςprles ere:

Platinum Titles

A) Partner -Brand

1) Directories

2) E ntert nmβnt

5) MyS pace Online σ. 6) Shopping

7) News aid Sports

8) Secτch

9) User

2

Help $ Of eet)$ -M

Description: TheMc ls α⁽_Vrxxriα-ily-linkθdtitιτ>φd theg-nerd lood_ion f Fcpc odegorles end some subodegorles.

ToUseMcp: Theuser pieces the cursα over IhθL_θ/el 1 a Level 2 (ς_jdd and silver respectively) topic title thd Ihey ae Interested In and left dick. Theba w_ill rotd_θ culcmc-iodly to Ihd position. Note: you vλ\\ nd be cfcle to aoess the ba unt_il you dose out d the ddog.

10

Help Screens -Help

Pwcrlpllon. tye-pvrfU ecn TF file dsdcyed in αddog The ddogbαx will ocntdnαgcphlc dsplαylnh-he αlous fundtond fedures d the MyS paa?^M Bα end their titles. The help file will rt er to these features enddesαibethdr fundlcns CB well CB Instructions cnhc o uselhem Users mus fuse the s σdl txr to no gde Itvou the Hdp file. Note: you will nd beetle to axes s Ihebσ until you dose out d the ddog.

M

H9lp$ een$ -Prαπ ng/Afrout Pescrlptjon; TheAboutBcK will ds day the logo oonla-i infQ end pdent Infamdion regcrdngT he Plxd Cc pa .y. Nota you will nd be ctie to axess the ba until you dose out d the ddog

"About" launch pcJlQn; Tl^five-t<--___-edsaeenvdlloomeip when the "7" a the ySpc-oe^,M loop Is pessedcnae.

T he "About^" will be on the rl if mos t let) d the Hdp ddog boxes, endocnbeeϋoessed ydlcklngonlts let).

\Q-

Pop-up Help

Description: Pcp-Liphalpls αxessitiefα moβto the buttons.

To access pop-up help fa a pcrtioulcr button simply hdd the mouse cursor over the* button fa cnβseand

qpρecr.

For each Catridge Title aid each Rotator, the

If you le ve the mouse there for two seconds. pop-up help lists dl of thesubodegorles ovdlctlθ mote InfamcΛon may eppeσ wtlh dθtdls cbout through dlcklng on the* T IHΘ a Rot a. Clicking the function of that button. on cny chdoe In these lists will rotate the bcr to thatsubodegory.

To o dose pop-up help dialog you an dick on it, lt vtll

c-fta sevad second- on Its own.

13

$ cr wn S gyor - Idle F unotiQn Desαlptlon: TheMySprra»^M txr when

on the oomputer saeen when the user's system goes Intoide, end the OS sσeensava Is cctivcted ySpa__e^, will inltlcte Its cwn saeen sa/er idemocfec-t system idecε well.

_*

In Sσeen sa/a mocte, MySpaoe^IM will slowly rotate throuς dl l.Rddes toα 2.RotdesttτouςhGdd of Its cotegorles cndsut oateg_-fles. When the system is adive mdnodegory si-bodθςprleβ end Its gdn MySpa-θ^IM aitomotiodly returns to the last cctlve

3. Rddes to the next mdn octegory a-rtriφa then Ihrouςji Its s xxJeg-Tles.

id

Exit MyS pace™ /Uninstdl MySpace™:

Overall Descriptions and Definitions

The following document outlines the function and design specifications of a Pixel Company product technology named xSides. xSides is based on a proprietary technology that opens up new screen real estate outside the operating system desktop. ,

The xSide technology is available to partners in two versions:

1. xS fee - SDK. Allows partner to build any function into the bar induding applications, bookmarks, links, tickers, etc. or their own technological function. Partner can design (with or without The Pixel Company [TPC] design help) their own look and feel.

2. xSides - Basic. Allows partner to modify functions of presently existing Pixel technology including launching, ticker messaging and help. Partner can modify look and feel within defined parameters (outlined by TPC), or can work directly with TPC to design new, partner specific design guidelines. ■ Function, cπ size and number are restricted.

Product is made up of a series of cartridges, or containers, that "hold" and display functionality. The minimum number of containers is three: one for partner content, one for help, frequently asked questions and web support, and one for 'user buttons" that may be modified and manipulated by the user (see User Cartridge - page x). Product is designed to be part of a wide selection of xSides products available to users through many distribution sources, therefore, the partner's specific xSides product will have the ability to exist with other such products in this space. Upgrades and future products will be offered through a product / Pixel Company link within the "Help^* cartridge or container.

The "Array". This term describes the look and feel of the set of buttons, tickers, rotators, windows, etc., that presently make up the functionality of the MySide product (see the ySide product specification). Partners will be able to modify their look and feel by adopting one of the "arrays' provided by TPC, or by designing their own. In each case, the look and feel will be changeable by the user, that is, when a new xSides - Basic product is loaded, the user will have an option to adopt its look and feel to apply lo the rest of the MySides bars.

IMPORTANT: Spedfteally designed xSides - SDK products may carry their own look and feel without affecting the look and feel of other xSides products. This will carry a small overhead of having another design DLL loaded in memory.

xSides - Basic Design & Feature Guidelines

This section contains design and feature parameters that apply to xSides-Basic products only.

(please see "Overall Functional Guidelines" section for parameters that extend to both xSides-Basic, and xSides-SDK products)

xSides- Paste

The "SDK" version of xSides provides Partners the option to change the look and feel of their application within the guidelines of Pixel

Company guidelines. There are a specific set of button "arrays^* (see sample below) that the partner can adapt as their own. The partner can also work with Pixel (time and resource permitting) to have a unique "array" built, on a for hire basis. The following restrictions apply to xSi-Jesfpresentation and function: ,

* The size of the space will match the other 'xSides^* products. This will enable users lo 'mix and match' cartπdges, or content cylinders as they discover new xSides applications in the marketplace.

* Each xSides product wW Indude two additional cartridges, a "User' cartridge and a Help Support cartridge. (See "User Bar^* section and "Support^* section)

* The user wiH be able to remove this application from the computer screen by exiting and or uninstalling the program from their system, either as part of a larger group of xSides " cartπdges". or as a stand alone product.

* xSides- SDK products have a limited set of buttons and functionality that must be present and supported in every instance of (he product in addition to Partner defined/developed buttons/functionality. (Please see "xSides - SDK: Buttons - Appearance/Action Requirements'.)

Confidential The Pu-βl Company Copyright I WO Al rights resented Patent pending No portion of this document may be reproduced wt-hotf permission

xSides- Basic; Buttons - Appearance/Action Requirements - page 1

1. Pixel logo When the mouse cursor is moved over the Pixel brand and logo, the logo animates and rotates The logo button, when clicked, links to a Pixel Company web destination.

2. Preset Button* Users can mark a spot on the bar by right-clicking on a Preset Button, then return to that place by left-choking on that button. These become colored once a setting is saved.

3. Category (not active. display only) Displays the title of major categories

4. Help / (?) When the user dicks on the Help button (?), it animates a depress and then launches a pop up window. (Welcome, Help, Map, About and Preferences tabs are accessed here)

5. Rotator When clicked, Rotators turn the portion of the bar to the right of the Rotator; left click turns upward, right click turns downward.

Confidential The Pixel Company Copyright tβββ. ΛI rights reserved Patent pending No portion of tins document may be reproduced eithout perm_u_on

5

XSides- Basic: Buttons - Appearance/Action Key - page 2

6. Non-Action buttons Non-Action buttons function only as title buttons or place holders. They do not activate a launch or highlight and cannot be depressed with a mouse down or keyboard command.

7. Action buttons Other buttons are depressible and launch web links. They highlight and function as described under Button Highlighting (see "Fμnctions^* page). .

8. Ticker Tickers display scrolling text and, when clicked on, can activate a hyperlink to launch an associated web page. Text and hyperlink can be updated as defined in each partner's contract.

9. Exit / (X) When the user clicks on the Exit button (X), a window appears that confums the user's choice to exit xSides.

10. Partner Logo Partner's logo is displayed here. A left mouse click activates link to partner web page.

Confidential The Pixel Company. Copyright "ββ. ΛI rights reserved. Pal^βnl pending No portion of this document may be reproduced without pβππHs-on.

"x$ides Basic" - Functions

Startup Sequence: Once the user has downloaded, installed and launched the program, the user is prompted by a dialog to decide how they want the product to load. The startup option default from the dialog is for automatic load during the Windows boot sequence. While the product software loads a text message is displayed in the horizontal blank area just blow the start bar informing the user that the program is "Adding Overscan Area to Display" or "Initializing xSides Display " (xSides startup does not interfere with the display of startup sequence of Windows.)

At Start-up: Following the above text message, the bar appears, and the Distributor or Sub-Distributor cartridge is displayed, unless the user has set a different startup category under Preferences, a dialog box accessed through the "?" button The first time xSides runs, the Welcome screen appears when the user moves the mouse cursor over the xSides bar Simultaneously, the xSides bar rotates quickly through its content, to show bar rotation

Rotation Action: Rotators turn different elements of the bar. On any Rotator, left click turns the bar upward to the next bar. and right click turns the bar downward to the previous bar. The portion of the bar to the right of the Rotator is turned.

Button Actions: Action Buttons, when clicked, launch the associated function, including launching Tiles, documents, URLs, applications, etc. Buttons with no action function as title areas only, have no associated hyperlink, and do not highlight.

Ticker Tickers display scrolling text and, when clicked on, can activate a hyperlink to launch an associated web page. Text and hyperlink can be updated. Partners have the ability to update their own tickers. Users will receive the updated Ticker text and URL when they connect to the Web and xSidesis running.

Button Highlighting: Mouse over: At "mouse over', a lighting effect appears in the lower left corner of the button frame. Mouse down: When the left mouse button is depressed, highlighting shows xSides button is actually depressed. Mouse up: When the left mouse is released, the function is activated, and the xSides button appears to spring back, reverting to 'mouse over" state described above.

Sound: A subtle mechanical sound is generated with each action, to enhance the xSides experience.

Pop-up Window: ' A Pop-up window will launch when the user clicks on the "?" button. The Pop-up will have tabs such as Welcome. Help, About, Map, and Preferences.

Screen Saver Mode: The xSides bar slowly rotates through all content when the computer is in Screen Saver mode. Pop-up Help When the mouse cursor rests over a button for a moment, a pop-up window appears. Pop-up Help may contain sub- level menus, descriptive text, etc.

xSides - SDK Design & Feature Guidelines O

This section contains design and feature parameters that apply to xSides-SDK products only.

(please see "Overall Functional Guidelines" section for parameters that extend to both xSides -Basic, and xSides SDK products)

Version #1 xSides ■ SDK

The "SDK" version of xSides will allow partners to modify the function of the xSides technology. Each partner works with The p'ixel Company to embed application functions directly into the space, with, or without use of calls to the operating system This function will display anywhere within the space, as defined by the partner. The following restrictions apply to xSides presentation and function:

The size of the space will match the other "xSides^* products. This will enable users to 'mix and match' cartridges, or content cylinders as they discover new xSides applications in the marketplace.

Eacb xSides product will indudθ two addiϋonal cartridges, a 'User^* cartridge and a Help/Support cartridge. (See "User Bar" section and 'Support^* section

The user will be able to remove this application from the computer screen by exiling and/or uninstalliπg the program from their system. either as part of a larger group of xSides 'cartridges', or as a stand alone product. xSides- SOK products have a limited set of buttons and functionality thai must be present and supported in every instance of the product in addition to Partner defined/developed buttons functionality. (Please see "xSides • SDK: Buttons - Appearance/Action

Requirements^*.)

Pixel will provide graphic design, HTML, and product architecture resources to support partner efforts to create applications in (he xSides domain. Pixel web server space is also available to house content, support, upgrade and partner company information.

xSides- SDK: Buttons - Appearance/Action Requirements

Partner developed xSides - SDK products must carry the following button appearance and actions.

1. Pixel logo When the mouse cursor is over the Pixel brand and logo, the logo animates and rotates. The logo button, when clicked. links to a Pixel Company web site. Size of Pixel Logo buttons are pre-defined (outlined in the deliverables).

2. Partner logo Partner's logo is displayed here, a left mouse click will activate a link to a web destination of the partners choice. Size of Pixel Lopo buttons are pre-defined.

3. "Array" of buttons/and/ Partner's own buttons will be displayed within this area. The buttons and tickers, rotators are restricted in height as shown below. Partner button lengths can be varied within the xSides' two endcap locations in the partner cartridge.

4. User and Support Size of User and Support buttons are pre-defined, as outlined in the User Cartridge section. buttons:

Confidential: The Pixel Company. Copyright IMS. ΛI rights reserved. Patent pending

»^.- .- ---_M .-_V ».«_M ._M,_-«

xSides Overall Functional Guidelines

O -P-

This section contains parameters extending to both xSides -Basic, and xSides SDK products.

CorΛJβn-W: The Pk-el Company Copyright Iβeβ. ΛI rights reeerved Patent penc-ng No portion or tt-e document may be repraktced wtthoul perm-talon.

Color / Button Style System

The following guidelines describe where look and feel of xSides products may be modified.

1. xSides - Basic. JPartners have the option to change the look and feel of their application within the guidelines of Pixel (Company guidelines. There are a specific set of button "arrays^* (see sample below) that the partner can adapt as their own. The partner can also work with Pixel (time and resource permitting) to have a unique "array' built, on a for hire basis.

As "Arrays" are loaded into the bar area with new products, the new graphic array is applied to all installed user xSides and xSides basic products. All of the cartridges on all the bars will match the look and feel of the latest "Array^* until the user loads another product with another "Array^*, or until the user switches the look and feel using "Preferences' controls.

2. xSides - SDK Each xSides SDK product can carries it's own function DLL and/or resource DLL, and as a result, can have a unique look, feel, and, in some cases, specific button structure and presentation to match specific application delivery. All xSides SDK products can load separately and act independently.

"xSides Basic and SDK" - User Cartridge

Description: User buttons are found in the User Cartridge in xSides. In these cartridges the User can tailor buttons to suit their needs by adding links to items of their choice. xSides products comes with seven default User cartridges.

Buttons can be added b User Cartridges in a number of ways. With xSides Users may add links by dragging and dropping (or copying and pasting) into the user button. xSides has the additional ability to add links to the User area by clicking on xSides link icons on partner web sites This provides a way for the user to manage and access their most frequently used applications, documents, files, and URLs.

Additional bonus User bars are added to the User Cartridge when a User clicks on a partner web site xSides link icon. The new User bar is added, titled with the partner's name, containing the link that was just selected. The bonus User bars have the added feature of being able to be deleted from the User Cartridge.

The user can rename the user button by right clicking on the button and selecting 'rename" in a pop-up menu.

To clear a User button, right-click on the button, then left-click on "Delete" in the pop-up menu that appears, or select and highlight a User button and press the DEL key on your keyboard.

Example User bar and addition of Bonus ban

Graphics shown here are representationa o ow a user-click on an xSides link icon from a partner s te a s a onus ser ar to the xSides product

CortMentlel The Pixel Company. Copyright IBM. Λ r^hta reserved Patent pending No portion of this document may be reproduced «*houl perm-talon.

"xSides Basic and SDK" - Upgrade and Support

Description: Each xSides product has a cartridge specifically designated for support and upgrade use. Using these cartridges the user can access links to Arequently asked questions, upgrade pages where other xSides products can be found, and can receive news and information about xSides products.

The bar has one side containing conhbinatioπ of button links and tickers.

"xSides" Product Specification - Additional Notes

Upgrade Path and Merging Function

The xSides upgrade/mβrgθ|functionality provides some control and flexibility to the user, keeping the application fresh, useful and personalised, one side at a time. xSides technology is designed to be delivered a la carte Jo users, with the advanced ability to allow users to add new product features and merge any xSides branded bars they choose to any other j-fβviously installed xSides product(s). Users will be able to upgrade and merge their xSides products via download from our partners' or an xSides web site (under construction). The user will have full' discretion to download any number of sides, hence the name "xSides". '

Logo and Branding Guidelines

The xSides logo and branding is incorporated into the design of the product and the product's download button(s). The xSides/Pixel logo and branding signify that your company uses Pixel's patented Sides technology. They can be used to enhance your marketing materials, including brochures, presentations and advertisements. The Pixel and xSides logo and branding must be used according to the guidelines outlined in the deliverables. Any deviation from these guidelines must be approved by Pixel.

.APPE PK C.

MySides^™ Product Spec

Version 2.1.5

No portion of this document may be reproduced without permission.

1

Overall Descriptions and Definitions

The following Spec introduces the function and design specifications of the MySides.bar.

There are two types of relationships/partnerships with MySides.

- Third Party Content Providers, parties that include their content on the MySides bar, however, these parties do not distribute the bar.

- Distributors and Sub-Distributors, parties distributing Co-Branded MySides bars with their own content, in addition to the third party content providers' content. o

: .- - ^ Tmm^' W* \ Dι^n

, -

No portion of this document may be re roduced without permission.

Buttons - Appearance/Action Key

1. Distributor/ Distributor's logo is displayed here, a left mouse click will activate a hyper-link to Distributor's or Sub- Distributor's web Sub-Distributor Logo page. f

2. Preset Buttons Users can mark a spot on the bar by right-clicking on a white Preset Button, then return to that place by left-clicking on thai button. These become colored once a setting is saved.

3. Category (not active, dis lay only) Displayk the title of a major category (or Distributor or Sub-Distributor name), such as Entertainment. News and

Spo ts, etc.

4. Holp / (?) When the user clicks on the Help button (?), it appears to depress and launches the pop up window. (Welcome, Help, Map, About and Preferences tabs are accessed here)

6. Non-Action buttons Non-Action buttons function only as title buttons or place holders. They do not launch anything, don't highlight and cannot be depressed with a mouse down or keyboard command.

7. Action buttons Most buttons are depressible and launch web pages. They highlight and function as described under Button Highlighting (previous page).

8. Ticker Tickers display scrolling text and, when clicked on, can activate a hyperlink to launch an associated web page. Text and hyperlink can be updated. Content partners, Distributors and Sub-Distributors have the ability to update their own tickers. Users will receive the updated Ticker text and URL when they connect to the Web and click on any MySides Internet hyperlink.

9. Exit f (X) When the user clicks on the Exit button (X), a window appears that confirms the user's choice to exit MySides.

10. Pixel logo When the mouse cursor is over the Pixel brand and logo, the logo turns with an animation. The button, when clicked. links to www.thepixelcompany.com, or another Pixel Company website.

Distributor Placement

Distributed directly by Distribution Partner (InfoSpace Example)

Distributor Content

ADDITIONAL PIXEL AND CONTENT-PARTNER CONTENT WILL BE INCLUDED

Category A could bo Dlrectorleβ, (or example.

Category B could ba Entertainment.

Category C could ba Finance, ate.

Categories (othar than the Distributor or S-ib-Olatrlbutor) an In alphabetical order.

For an example of a category breakdown, aaβ page 7

4

Sub-Distributor Placement

ADDITIONAL PIXEL AND CONTENT-PARTNER CONTENT WILL BE INCLUDED

Category A could be Directories, tor example.

Category B could be Entertainment

Category C could be Finance, etc.

Categories (other than the Distributor or Sub-DMributor) are In alphabetical order.

For an example of a category breakdown, see page 7

Pixel Content Partner Placements Under Categories (Gold, silver, and Bronze)

Depending on their level of partnership (Gold, Silver or Bronze), content partners own a series of nineteen, eleven or five buttons within a given Platinum cartridge.

Gold Placement: Gold-tevel Content \ Partners receive a maximum ol 19 buttons including 3 tickers

Sllver Placement: Silver-level Conlβnl Partners receive a maximum of 11 buttons including two tickers.

Bronze Placement: Bronze-level Content Partners receive a maximum of 5 buttons.

"' W.. '.?V?tiΛΛA-' _amm IE ιι_-.» 11 --,.--.--. II

Bronze-level partner under Category C (eg Finance) will be a Company with content relevant to that category 3.

Example of a Category with Multiple Content Partners

Summary of Pixel Content and Third Party Content included in generic version as Qf EFFECTIVE PATE

MySides FunctiQns

Startup Sequence: Once the user has downloaded, installed and launched the program, the user is prompted by a dialog lo decide how they want the product to load. The startup option default from the dialog is for automatic load during the Windows boot sequence. While the product software loads a text message is displayed in the horizontal, blank area just blow the start bar informing the user that the program is "Adding Overscan Area to Display" or "Initializing MySides Display." (My ides startup does not interfere with the display of startup sequence of Windows.)

At Start-up: following the above text message, the bar appears, and the Distributor or Sub-Distributor cartridge is displayed, unless Ihe user has set a different startup category under Preferences, a dialog box accessed through the "?^* button. The first time that MySides runs, the Welcome screen appears when the user moves the mouse cursor over the MySides bar. Simultaneously, the MySides bar rotates quickly through all of its content, to show the bar rotation.

Rotation Action: Rotators turn different elements of the bar. On any Rotator, left click turns the bar upward, and right click turns the bar downward. The portion of the bar to the right of the Rotator is turned.

Button Actions: Action Buttons, when clicked, launch the associated function, including launching files, documents, URLs, applications, etc. Buttons with no action function as title areas only, have no associated hyperlink, and do not highlight (Distributor and Sub-Distributor buttons are limited lo web-page hyperlinks, unless otherwise agreed to.)

Ticker (See description on following page.) F-> -1 Button Highlighting: Mouse over When the mouse cursor is over a MySides button, a lighting effect appears in the lower left corner or the button frame.

Mouse down: When the left mouse button is depressed, additional highlighting makes it appear that the MySides button is actually depressed.

Mouse up: When the left mouse button is then released, the function is activated, and the MySides button appears to spring back, reverting to 'mouse over^* state described above.

Sound: A subtle mechanical sound is generated with each action, to enhance the MySides experience. Sound will add to the "feel," not overshadow it

Pop-up Window: A Pop-up window will launch when the user clicks on the "?' button. The Pop-up will have tabs such as Welcome, Help, About, Map, and Preferences.

Screen Saver Mode: The MySides bar slowly rotates through all content when the computer is in Screen Saver mode. Pop-up Help When the mouse cursor rests over a button for a moment, a pop-up window appears. Pop-up Help may contain sub- level menus, descriptive text etc.

User Cartridge

Description: User buttons are found in the User Cartridge in MySides™. These are buttons the user can tailor to their needs by adding links to items of their choice by dragging and dropping (or copying and pasting) into the user button. This provides a way for the user to manage and access their most frequently used applications, documents, files, and URLs.

The user can. rename the user but -ton by right clicking on the button and selecting "rename^* in a pop-up menu.

To clear a User button, right- ick on the button, then left-click on "Delete" in the pop-up menu that appears, or select and highlight a User button and press the DEL key on your keyboard.

To rename a User button, right-dick on that button, then left-click on "Rename^* in the pop-up menu that appears. Type the new name in the field that appears, then hit 'Enter' on your keyboard or dick on 'Yes' with the mouse to keep the change - or seled 'No' with the mouse to cancel the change.

10

Additional Notes

Upgrade Path ancj Merging Function

Our newest product under development is called "xSides". xSides is differentiated from MySides with its advanced functionality and it comes a la carte for users, one side at a time. This technology will allow users to add new features and merge xSides branded bars of their choice to their MySides bar via download from our partners' or an xSides web site (under construction). The user will have full discretion to download any number of sides, hence the name "xSides". This new metaphor will give some control and flexibility to the user to keep the application fresh, useful and personalized.

-F-" logo and Pranding Guidelines

The MySides logo and branding is incorporated into the design of Co-Branded MySides and the MySides download button(s). The MySides and Pixel logo and branding signify that your company uses Pixel's patented MySides technology. They shall be used with your marketing materials, including brochures, presentations, advertisements. The Pixel and MySides logo and branding must be used according to the guidelines included with the Deliverables provided to Distributor and Sub-Distributor by Pixel. Any deviation from these guidelines must be approved by Pixel.

No portion of this document may be reproduced without permission.

11

Claims

1. A method in a computer system for presenting on a video display system a supplemental user interface that is used in conjunction with a user interface of a computer operating system, comprising: under the control of code outside of the control of the operating system; presenting an image on the video display system of a graphical bar having at least one cartridge and at least one user interface element associated with a behavior; receiving an indication of a selection of the element; and performing the behavior associated with the element.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the graphical bar further comprises a plurality of user interface elements.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface element is linked to executable code that is launched when the behavior associated with the element is performed.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface element is associated with an indicator to a web page that is accessed when the behavior associated with the element is performed.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the graphical bar further comprises a plurality of cartridges that are dynamically merged into the bar.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein each cartridge includes a set of user interface elements that behave independently from the user elements of a different cartridge.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the bar includes a rotator as the at least one user interface element, and wherein a particular cartridge is displayed when an indication is received that the rotator has been selected.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the bar appears alongside the user interface of the computer operating system and is used to quickly access pre-selected capabilities.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the bar is displayable with different graphical appearances.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein one of the graphical appearances resembles a dial based tuner.

11. The method of claim 9, the bar having a plurality of cartridges, where at least two cartridges are displayed with different graphical appearances.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a title area that displays a title.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a rotator which causes a portion of the bar to rotate when an indication has been received that the rotator has been selected.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a help button.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a depressible button which performs a behavior when an indication has been received that the button is depressed.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a non-depressible button which acts as a label to a portion of the bar.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one user interface element is a ticker which displays dynamically scrolling text.

18. A system for presenting on a video display system associated with an apparatus a supplemental user interface that is used in conjunction with a separately controlled user interface of the apparatus, comprising: an image rendering system that presents a graphical bar image on the video display system, the bar having at least one cartridge and at least one user interface element associated with a behavior; and a supplemental user interface that receives an indication of a selection of the element and performs the behavior associated with the element.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar includes a plurality of cartridges.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the plurality of cartridges can be dynamically merged and deleted from the bar.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar includes a rotator as the at least one user interface element, and wherein a particular cartridge is displayed when an indication is received by the supplemental user interface that the rotator has been selected.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar includes a plurality of user interface elements.

23. The system of claim 18 wherein the user interface element is linked to executable code that is launched by the supplemental user interface when the behavior associated with the element is performed.

24. The system of claim 18 wherein the user interface element is associated with an indicator to a web page that is accessed when the behavior associated with the element is performed.

25. The system of claim 18 wherein each cartridge includes a set of user interface elements that behave independently from the user elements of a different cartridge.

26. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar includes a rotator as the at least one user interface element, and wherein a particular cartridge is displayed when an indication is received that the rotator has been selected.

27. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar appears alongside the separately controlled user interface and is used to quickly access pre-selected capabilities.

28. The system of claim 18 wherein the bar is displayable with different graphical appearances.

29. The system of claim 18 wherein one of the graphical appearances resembles a dial based tuner.

30. The system of claim 18, the bar having a plurality of cartridges, where at least two cartridges are displayed with different graphical appearances.

31. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a title area that displays a title.

32. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a rotator which causes a portion of the bar to rotate when an indication has been received that the rotator has been selected.

33. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a help button.

34. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a depressible button which performs a behavior when an indication has been received that the button is depressed.

35. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a non-depressible button which acts as a label to a portion of the bar.

36. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one user interface element is a ticker which displays dynamically scrolling text.

37. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer processor to present on a video display system a supplemental user interface that is used in conjunction with a separately controlled user interface of an apparatus associated with the video display system by: presenting an image on the video display system of a graphical bar having at least one cartridge and at least one user interface element associated with a behavior; receiving an indication of a selection of the element; and performing the behavior associated with the element.

38. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the graphical bar has a plurality of cartridges that are displayed one at a time.

39. The computer-readable medium of claim 38 wherein each cartridge has a plurality of user interface elements, each element being one of the set of depressible buttons, non-depressible buttons, rotators, tickers, and titles.

40. The computer-readable medium of claim 38 wherein at least two cartridges are displayable using different graphical appearances.

41. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the cartridge has a plurality of user interface elements, each element being one of the set of depressible buttons, non-depressible buttons, rotators, tickers, and titles.

42. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the bar appears alongside the separately controlled user interface and is used to quickly access pre-selected capabilities.

43. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the user interface element provides access to a web page.

44. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the user interface element provides access to an executable program.

45. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the user interface element accepts input and performs a behavior based upon receiving the input.