Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-29
2004-02-10
Liang, Regina (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S672000, C345S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06690356
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing user feedback in a computer system. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing visual feedback to a computer user while manipulating text on a computer screen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many computer systems include graphical user interfaces. Graphical user interfaces typically include a user interface window, more commonly referred to as a desktop window. While operating within the desktop window computer users are able to manipulate graphical objects, i.e. icons, using a cursor control device such as a mouse or trackball. Icons can be moved simply by pointing, clicking and dragging. During these operations the computer user receives visual feedback that enhances the feeling of physical control over the desktop window and the icons therein. For example, selected icons are highlighted and, while the mouse button is held down, the selected icon moves with the cursor.
Moving text within word processor files is not as easy. Highlighted text cannot be dragged about a document as if it were an icon. There is no way to “grab” the highlighted text. As a result, computer users do not have a feeling of physical control during cut, copy and paste operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus providing visual feedback to a computer user while dragging selected text. As its first step, the processing logic of the present invention creates a text object from the selected, highlighted text when the computer user initiates a drag. Simultaneously, the selected text is visually de-emphasized. Secondly, after the cursor begins to move, the processing logic snaps the text object to the cursor so that the text object follows the cursor without obscuring the insertion point. The computer user is then free to move about text onscreen in search of an insertion point. Finally, when the computer user selects the insertion point, the selected text is visually zoomed from the source location to the insertion point. As a result, the computer user has a feeling of physical control while moving selected text within a document.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4922448 (1990-05-01), Kunieda et al.
patent: 4937439 (1990-06-01), Wanninger et al.
patent: 5040131 (1991-08-01), Torres
patent: 5157763 (1992-10-01), Peters et al.
patent: 5442742 (1995-08-01), Greyson et al.
patent: 5561444 (1996-10-01), Johnston, Jr. et al.
WordPerfect for Windows, Version 5.1, Program Release Apr. 30, 1992, pp. 1-4.
MACPAINT for Macintosh (1983), 19 pages.
Apple Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop Interface, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., pp. 119-120 (undated).
Jenson Scott
Johnston, Jr. Robert G.
Apple Computer Inc.
Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Liang Regina
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