System and method that facilitates computer desktop use via scaling of displayed objects with shifts to the periphery
US7536650B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04806
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system that facilitates multi-tasking in a computing environment. A focus area component defines a focus area within a display space—the focus area occupying a subset area of the display space area. A scaling component scales display objects as a function of proximity to the focus area, and a behavior modification component modifies respective behavior of the display objects as a function their location of the display space. Thus, and more particularly the subject invention provides for interaction technique(s) and user interface(s) in connection with managing display objects on a display surface. One aspect of the invention defines a central focus area where the display objects are displayed and behave as usual, and a periphery outside the focus area where the display objects are reduced in size based on their location, getting smaller as they near an edge of the display surface so that many more objects can remain visible. In addition or alternatively, the objects can fade as they move toward an edge, fading increasing as a function of distance from the focus area and/or use of the object and/or priority of the object. Objects in the periphery c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.