Patent · US Expired

Multi-control point tool for computer drawing programs

US5325110A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
8References
48Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 30, 1991
Grant dateJun 28, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F3/04845
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for using and moving an tool, such as an eraser on a graphical display whose width can be changed. The invention provides a plurality of distinct areas on the tool that can be selected by a user input device, such as a stylus on an electronic tablet or a mouse. Selecting a first distinct area on the tool allows the user to move the tool without affecting the graphical images present on the display. Selecting the second distinct area on the tool allows the tool to modify the graphical image in a first manner (such as by providing a narrow line of erasure). Selecting a different distinct area on the tool allows it to modify the graphical image in a different manner (such as by providing a wider line of erasure). The orientation of the eraser can also be changed, simplifying several fine erasure applications.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.