← Back to Patent Explorer
US6686927B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Intelligent scrolling

Assignee: Apple Inc
•
Filing: 2001-10-30
•
Granted: 2004-02-03
•
Expires: 2021-10-30
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for intelligent scrolling. In a computer system that has a user interface which allows for the movement of items from a first open window to a second open window or to a second region, such as a desktop, the present invention allows a user to select one or more items in the first window, move the selected item(s) to within a predetermined distance from an edge of the first window for a predetermined period of time and cause the viewable portion of the data and/or document within the first window to scroll in a corresponding direction.

Inventors

  • 👤 John R. Meier
  • 👤 John Sullivan
  • 👤 Paul Mercer

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-24 21:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0484; G06F3/0485; G06F3/0481; G06F3/04812; G06F3/0486

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim 167 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over said first item so that said first item is associated with said cursor for further operation or manipulation; means for determining if said cursor has been moved with said first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second region; and means for determining whether to scroll contents of said second region or to allow said first item to be moved from said second region to a third region; means for scrolling the contents of a data display area of said second region while said cursor is positioned over said predetermined scrolling area and while said first item is associated with said cursor, to display a second item and wherein said predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 167 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over said first item so that said first item is associated with said cursor for further operation or manipulation; means for determining if said cursor has been moved with said first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second region; and means for determining whether to scroll contents of said second region or to allow said first item to be moved from said second region to a third region; means for scrolling the contents of a data display area of said second region while said cursor is positioned over said predetermined scrolling area and while said first item is associated with said cursor, to display a second item and wherein said predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 115 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 1 wherein the program further comprises: means for determining if a switch has been placed in a first predetermined position when said cursor is positioned over said first item; means for determining if said switch remains in said first predetermined position when said cursor has been positioned over said predetermined scrolling area; means for determining if said cursor has been moved with said first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of said first region; and means for scrolling the contents of said first region while said cursor is positioned over said predetermined scrolling area while said switch remains in said first predetermined position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 73 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 2 wherein the program further comprises: means for determining if said cursor has been positioned over said second item and if said switch has been positioned in a second predetermined position; and means for depositing said first item into said second item if said cursor has been positioned over said second item and said switch has been placed in said second predetermined position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 63 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 1 wherein the program further comprises: means for moving said first item from a first portion of said data display area of said first region to a second portion of said data display area of said first region, said first portion being visible and said second portion being non-visible prior to said scrolling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 4 wherein the program further comprises: means for depositing said first item into a third item disposed in said second portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 50 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 1 wherein the program further comprises: means for determining whether to scroll said contents of said data display area of said first region or to allow said first item to be moved from said first region to said second region.
Claim 8
Independent Claim 174 words
A method of interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions comprising: determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and scrolling the contents of a data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 174 words
A method of interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions comprising: determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and scrolling the contents of a data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 12 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: the second region is a window.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 12 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: the first region is a window.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 51 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: the predetermined scrolling area of the first region scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context; and scrolling the contents of the data display area of the first region when no item is selected and when in a second context.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 10 wherein: the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: manipulating the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: the rate of scrolling of the contents of the data display area is determined based on the location of the first item within the predetermined scrolling area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 13 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: the first region overlays the second region.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 139 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 139 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 34 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 15 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the second data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 34 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 16 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 39 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 15 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 18 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 35 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 15 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: manipulation of the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 18 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first context requires that an item be selected.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 58 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 15 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: scrolling the contents of the second data display area serves to display a second item, the second item in a portion of the second data display area made visible after scrolling the second data display area.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 32 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 22 further storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method further comprising: depositing the first item into the second item.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 68 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 15 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the second data display area having four predetermined scrolling areas, each predetermined scrolling area scrolling the contents along only a first direction when in a first context, the intersection of two predetermined scrolling areas scrolling the contents along a diagonal direction when in a first context.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 185 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of a first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 185 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of a first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 28 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 25 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the second region is a window.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 28 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 26 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first region is a window.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 29 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 27 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first region overlays the second region.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 202 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; means for determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; means for determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; means for determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; means for determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and means for scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 202 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of a display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; means for determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; means for determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; means for determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; means for determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and means for scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 13 words
The computer system of claim 29 wherein: the second region is a window.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 13 words
The computer system of claim 29 wherein: the first region is a window.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 54 words
The computer system of claim 29 wherein: the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context; and means for scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region when no item is selected and when in a second context.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 16 words
The computer system of claim 32 wherein: the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 23 words
The computer system of claim 29 wherein: means for manipulating the first item comprises means for moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 37 words
The computer system of claim wherein: the rate of scrolling of the contents of the data display area is determined based on the location of the first item within the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 14 words
The computer system of claim 29 wherein: the first region overlays the second region.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 210 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 210 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: determining if a first item within a first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 61 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 37 further storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context; and the method further comprising scrolling the contents of the second region when in a second context.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 38 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 37 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 37 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: manipulating the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item on the display.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer readable medium as described in claims 37 further storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method comprising: depositing the first item in a second item.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 49 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 37 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: scrolling the contents of the second region occurs at a rate based on the location of the cursor within the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 215 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions, the method comprising determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of the display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 215 words
A computer readable medium storing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions, the method comprising determining if a first item within a data display area of a first region of the display has been selected by a user so that the first item may be further manipulated or operated on; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the first item has been moved and thereby positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region while the first item is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and the first item is selected, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 28 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the second region is a window.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 28 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first region is a window.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 71 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context; and the method further comprising scrolling the contents of the data display area of the second region when no item is selected and when in a second context.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 46 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 34 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: manipulating the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 56 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method the rate of scrolling of the contents of the data display area of the second region is determined based on the location of the first item within the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 29 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 43 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first region overlays the second region.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 237 words
In a computer controlled display system having a display wherein a plurality of regions may be displayed including at least a first region, the first region having at least a first item within a visible display area of the first region, a method for moving the first item, the method comprising: determining if the first item within the first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 237 words
In a computer controlled display system having a display wherein a plurality of regions may be displayed including at least a first region, the first region having at least a first item within a visible display area of the first region, a method for moving the first item, the method comprising: determining if the first item within the first region has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the first region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the first region or to allow the first item to be moved from the first region to a second region; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of the second region; determining whether to scroll the contents of the second region or to allow the first item to be moved from the second region; and scrolling the contents of the second region while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area of the second region and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 61 words
The method of claim 51 wherein: the predetermined scrolling area of the second region scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the method further comprising scrolling the contents of the second region when in the second context of the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method of claim 51 wherein: manipulating the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item on the display.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 62 words
The method of claim 52 wherein: the first context of the predetermined scrolling area of the second region requires that an item be moved into the predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and the second context of the predetermined scrolling area of the second region requires that an item not be moved into the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 27 words
The method of claim 51 wherein: scrolling occurs at a rate determined by the location of the cursor within the predetermined scrolling area of the second region.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 56 words
The method of claim 52 wherein: the first context of the predetermined scrolling area of the second region requires that an item be moved into the predetermined scrolling area of the second region; and the second context of the predetermined scrolling area of the second region requires that the cursor not be associated with an item.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 130 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; means for determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and means for scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 130 words
A computer system having a program which comprises: means for determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; means for determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and means for scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 24 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 57 wherein: the second data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 24 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 58 wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a desktop.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 24 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 58 wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 29 words
The computer system having a program as described in claims 57 wherein: the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 21 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 61 wherein: the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 25 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 57 wherein: manipulation of the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 21 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 61 wherein: the first context requires that an item be selected.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 47 words
The computer system having a program as described in claims wherein: scrolling the contents of the second data display area serves to display a second item, the second item in a portion of the second data display area made visible after scrolling the second data display area.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 23 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim 65 further comprising: means for depositing the first item into the second item.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 57 words
The computer system having a program as described in claim wherein: the second data display area having four predetermined scrolling areas, each predetermined scrolling area scrolling the contents along only a first direction when in a first context, the intersection of two predetermined scrolling areas scrolling the contents along a diagonal direction when in a first context.
Claim 77
Independent Claim 131 words
A method for interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 78
Independent Claim 131 words
A method for interacting with a display capable of displaying a plurality of regions comprising: determining if a first item within a first data display area of the display has been selected by a user by positioning a cursor over the first item so that the first item is associated with the cursor for further operation or manipulation; determining if the cursor has been moved with the first item and positioned over a predetermined scrolling area of a second data display area; and scrolling the contents of the second data display area while the cursor is positioned over the predetermined scrolling area and while the first item is associated with the cursor, and wherein the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a first direction when in a first context.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: the second data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a desktop.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a window.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 23 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: the predetermined scrolling area scrolls the contents along only a second direction when in a second context.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 72 wherein: the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: manipulation of the first item comprises moving a representation of the first item.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 72 wherein: the first context requires that an item be selected.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 42 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: scrolling the contents of the second data display area serves to display a second item, the second item in a portion of the second data display area made visible after scrolling the second data display area.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 76 further comprising: depositing the first item into the second item.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim 52 words
The method of claim 68 wherein: the second data display area having four predetermined scrolling areas, each predetermined scrolling area scrolling the contents along only a first direction when in a first context, the intersection of two predetermined scrolling areas scrolling the contents along a diagonal direction when in a first context.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim 34 words
The computer readable medium as described in claim 16 storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to perform the method wherein: the first data display area displays the data associated with a desktop.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4313113A Cited
US4464652A Cited
US4954967A Cited
US4720703A Cited
US4698624A Cited
US4698625A Cited
US4831556A Cited
US5196838A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2007-02-02 2007-08-04 2008-02-03 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2011-02-02 2011-08-04 2012-02-03 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2015-02-02 2015-08-04 2016-02-03 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag