Visual scrolling feedback and method of achieving the same
US6476831B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/973
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A new technique is described which provides realtime visual feedback to the user while scrolling in standard windowing environments. This visual scrolling technique makes use of a transient overlay which provides direct visual cues to the user about the new areas of the scrolled document that have been exposed to view by the scrolling action. After a predetermined period of time or as soon as the user stops scrolling, the overlay fades from view. This feedback can substantially enhance the user's ability to maintain spatial context while the document moves, reducing error and strain, and enhancing ease of use and productivity. The visual scrolling technique can be used for both one-dimensional scrolling such as in long galleys of text, and two-dimensional scrolling and zooming such as in maps and technical drawings. It is especially useful for small displays, such as in handheld devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.