Method and apparatus for improved scrolling functionality in a graphical user interface utilizing a software tether
US5874957A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0485
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for scrolling functionality in a graphical user interface utilizing a software tether. Preferably, the invention is utilized in a data processing system which supports a graphical user interface which is utilized by the operator to create, modify, or review software objects. At least one particular work space is provided in the graphical user interface. A scroll bar activation function is provided which initiates scroll bar functionality after a predefined interaction of the graphical pointing device with said graphical user interface. The data processing system is utilized to monitor for interaction between the graphical pointing device and the graphical user interface, which satisfies the scroll bar activation function. After detection of satisfaction of the scroll bar activation function, the at least one scroll bar functionality is associated with the graphical pointing device. Then, a visually perceptible connection is generated which associates the at least one scroll bar functionality with the graphical pointing device in the graphical user interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.