Methods and apparatus for interacting with data objects using action handles
US5760773A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/106
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A central processing unit (CPU) is coupled to a computer display for displaying graphic and other information. The CPU is further coupled to a pointer control device such as a pen, stylus or mouse that permits the user to selectively position a pointer and activate an action handle on the display associated with a data object. Activation of the action handle signals the CPU of selections associated with the data object. Tapping or clicking on the action handle causes display of a context menu containing at least one command that may be invoked with respect to the data object. Dragging the action handle indicates movement or dragging of the action handle and the corresponding data object for an operation associated with dragging such as drag-and-drop. The use of action handles in association with data objects eliminates ambiguity between actions intended to create digital ink with respect to a pen-based computer system and actions intended to invoke a command or other interaction with the computer system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.