Graphically represented dynamic time strip for displaying user-accessible time-dependant data objects

Abstract

The invention provides graphically representing time dependent information or data objects in a sequential manner using a dynamic time strip having implicit or explicit indications of time. The dynamic time strip is a linear graphical strip comprising graphical representations of time dependent information elements or data objects which may or may not include text or markers to indicate the time (i.e. second, minute, hour, day and/or date) along the length of the strip. As time passes, and data objects are changed, added or removed from the time strip, the time strip is automatically and dynamically updated to reflect these changes along with showing the passage of time. The period of time represented by the dynamic time strip is preferably one day, with the dynamic time strip automatically scrolling forward as time passes. However, in one embodiment, the period of time represented by the dynamic time strip is user configurable.

1 . A computer readable media having computer executable instructions stored thereon for displaying time-dependant data objects on a computer display device, said computer executable instructions comprising:
 providing a dynamic display area represented by a dynamic time strip, said dynamic time strip including one or more indications of time along the length of the dynamic time strip;   populating the dynamic time strip with one or more graphically represented data objects, wherein each of the data objects is positioned along the dynamic time strip relative to at least one associated time;   providing a user interface for scrolling the dynamic time strip to cover a desired period of time in response to a user input;   updating the population and position of the data objects within the time strip to correspond to the desired period of time; and   wherein the dynamic time strip remains visible on the computer display device from within whatever application is currently active on the computer display device.   
   
   
       2 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein the dynamic time strip automatically generates an alert for data objects requiring user action at a specific time. 
   
   
       3 . The computer readable media of  claim 2  wherein the alert is a pop-up window for displaying information associated with data objects requiring user action at a specific time. 
   
   
       4 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein the dynamic time strip is curved. 
   
   
       5 . The computer readable media of  claim 5  wherein the curved dynamic time strip forms a closed curve. 
   
   
       6 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability to add data objects to the dynamic time strip, said added data objects including at least one associated time. 
   
   
       7 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability to delete data objects from the dynamic time strip. 
   
   
       8 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein user selection of any one or more graphically represented data objects serves to open each selected data object in an application associated with each selected data object. 
   
   
       9 . The computer readable media of  claim 1  wherein at least one time associated with any graphically represented data object is adjustable. 
   
   
       10 . A computer readable media having computer executable instructions stored thereon for displaying time-dependant data objects on a computer display device, said computer executable instructions comprising:
 providing a dynamic display area represented by a dynamic time strip, said dynamic time strip including one or more indications of time along the length of the dynamic time strip;   populating the dynamic time strip with one or more graphically represented data objects, wherein each of the data objects is positioned along the dynamic time strip relative to at least one associated time;   providing a user interface for scrolling the dynamic time strip to cover a desired period of time in response to a user input;   updating the population and position of the data objects within the time strip to correspond to the desired period of time; and   wherein the user interface further comprises a capability for moving a position of the dynamic time strip to any desired location within the computer display device.   
   
   
       11 . The computer readable media of  claim 11  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability for opening and displaying the contents of at least one database of graphically represented data objects which are selectable by the user for addition to the dynamic time strip. 
   
   
       12 . The computer readable media of  claim 11  wherein the dynamic time strip remains visible on the computer display device from within whatever application is currently active on the computer display device. 
   
   
       13 . The computer readable media of  claim 12  wherein the dynamic time strip automatically generates a user alert for graphically represented data objects requiring user action at a specific time, said user alert including a pop-up window for displaying information associated with data objects requiring user action at a specific time. 
   
   
       14 . The computer readable media of  claim 12  wherein the dynamic time strip is curved, and wherein the graphically represented data objects used to populate the curved dynamic time strip are represented as segments of the curved dynamic time strip. 
   
   
       15 . The computer readable medium of  claim 12  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability to edit any time associated with any graphically represented data object. 
   
   
       16 . A method for displaying time-dependant data objects on a computer display device, comprising:
 providing a dynamic display area represented by a dynamic time strip, said dynamic time strip including one or more indications of time along the length of the dynamic time strip;   populating the dynamic time strip with one or more graphically represented data objects, wherein each of the data objects is positioned along the dynamic time strip relative to at least one associated time;   providing a user interface for scrolling the dynamic time strip to cover a desired period of time in response to a user input;   updating the population and position of the data objects within the time strip to correspond to the desired period of time; and   wherein the dynamic time strip remains visible on the computer display device from within whatever application is currently active on the computer display device.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability for opening and displaying the contents of at least one database of graphically represented data objects which are selectable by the user for addition to the dynamic time strip. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the dynamic time strip is semi-transparent, and wherein the amount of transparency changes relative to the motion of a computer pointing device relative to the position of dynamic time strip. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising automatically generating a pop-up window alert for displaying information associated with data objects requiring user action at a specific time. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the user interface further comprises a capability for moving a position of the dynamic time strip within the computer display device.