Method and apparatus for scroll bar control
US5943052A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/04855
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for touchpad-based scroll control and method for scroll control comprising a data packet processor working in conjunction with a touchpad. A scroll zone, having a central axis, is defined on the touchpad. After detecting a user running a finger on the touchpad in a direction substantially parallel to an axis running the length of the scroll zone, the processor software sends scrolling messages to the operating system or application that owns an active window. The packet processing software is configured to not scroll on motions that are not substantially parallel to the axis of the scroll zone, thereby avoiding unwanted interference with normal program function, and also stops scrolling when the user lifts the scroll-activating finger or moves it in direction substantially perpendicular to the scroll zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.