Method of selecting an element from a list by moving a graphics distinction and device implementing the method

• US 20060174295A1
• Filed: 12/30/2005
• Published: 08/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InterDigital Madison Patent Holdings (InterDigital, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Inventors: Dartigues, Herve, Martin, Jerome
• Granted Patent: US 8,584,039 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/90
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0231 Cordless keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04892 Arrangements for controlling cursor position based on codes indicative of cursor displacements from one discrete location to another, e.g. using cursor control keys associated to different directions or using the tab key arrangements for controlling cursor position based on coordinate signals G06F3/038
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4312 involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47217 for controlling playback functions for recorded or on-demand content, e.g. using progress bars, mode or play-point indicators or bookmarks specific graphical features in visual interfaces H04N21/4312

Abstract

The invention makes it possible to select an element from a list of elements represented by icons. A first element is selected by affixing a graphics distinction on its icon. When the user activates and holds a command, said graphics distinction moves from the first icon to a second icon. A second element is selected when the graphics distinction occupies at least one determined area of the second icon representing this second element. According to an improvement, the graphics distinction moves from icon to icon, totally overlapping only a single icon at a time. The invention also relates to a device able to execute the method of selecting an element by moving a graphics distinction.

Claims

1. Method of selecting elements represented by icons forming an ordered series of icons appearing on a screen, comprising a step of selecting a first element by superposition of a graphics distinction applied to a first icon representing this first element;

wherein it comprises the steps of

moving the graphics distinction towards a second icon triggered by the introduction and the holding of an action introduced by the user,

selecting the second element represented by said second icon as soon as the graphics distinction occupies at least one determined area of the second icon.

2. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the graphics distinction moves from icon to icon, totally overlapping only a single icon at a time.

3. Method of selecting elements according to claim 2;

wherein it comprises a step of accelerating the movement of the graphics distinction when the latter reaches an intermediate position between two icons.

4. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the first icon preserves the graphics distinction which extends over the other icons in the course of the movement step.

5. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein it comprises a step of displaying an identifier of the second element when the graphics distinction occupies a determined area of the icon representing said second element.

6. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the most commonly used elements are associated with the first icons of the ordered series.

7. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the direction of movement of the graphics distinction is reversed subsequent to the introduction of an action of the user.

8. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the elements are commands applied to the document displayed as screen background, and in that it comprises a step of executing the command whose icon is highlighted by the graphics distinction subsequent to the introduction of an action of the user.

9. Method of selecting elements according to claim 1;

wherein the actions introduced by the user are performed on one and the same key.

10. Electronic device comprising a means of display of a series of icons representing elements, a means of generation of a graphics distinction applied to a first icon representing a first element, a means of introducing an action of a user;

wherein the means of generation of a graphics distinction moves said graphics distinction from the first icon to a second icon, the movement being activated upon the introduction of a first action on the introduction means, and a means of selection of a second element represented by the second icon when the graphics distinction is applied to a determined area at least of the second icon.

11. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the generation means moves said graphics distinction from an icon to another icon, while totally overlapping only a single icon at a time.

12. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the generation means accelerates the movement of the graphics distinction when the latter reaches an intermediate position between two icons.

13. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the generation means holds the graphics distinction on the first icon and extends said graphics distinction over the other icons in the course of the movement step.

14. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the generation means displays an identifier of the second element when the graphics distinction occupies a determined area of the icon representing said second element.

15. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the generation means reverses the direction of movement of the graphics distinction subsequent to the introduction of an action on the introduction means.

16. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the elements are commands applied to the document displayed as screen background, and in that it comprises a means of execution of the command whose icon is highlighted by the graphics distinction subsequent to the introduction of an action on the introduction means.

17. Electronic device according to claim 10;

wherein the actions introduced by the user on the introduction means are performed on one and the same key.