Virtual focus for contextual discovery
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method of navigating using a virtual focus, comprising:
- entering a virtual focus navigation mode;
receiving an input that directs a virtual focus location to change;
updating the virtual focus location to change in response to the input;
wherein a system focus location is maintained while in the virtual focus navigation mode;
determining an element that currently has the virtual focus; and
providing information about the element that currently has the virtual focus.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Virtual Focus allows a user to explore elements on a screen without changing the location of the current system focus. While virtually navigating around and exploring the user interface (UI) elements on the screen, the user may change the system'"'"'s input focus to the current virtual focus or return to the current system focus position. The user may also choose between navigation modes such as tree navigation and spatial navigation. Virtual focus navigation also allows the user to locate elements on the screen that may not be navigated to using just the keyboard input focus. Additionally, while using virtual focus to navigate around a screen, the state of user interface elements remains constant.
11 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method of navigating using a virtual focus, comprising:
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entering a virtual focus navigation mode;
receiving an input that directs a virtual focus location to change;
updating the virtual focus location to change in response to the input;
wherein a system focus location is maintained while in the virtual focus navigation mode;
determining an element that currently has the virtual focus; and
providing information about the element that currently has the virtual focus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for navigating an application using virtual focus, comprising:
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updating a virtual focus location in response to an input;
wherein a system focus location is maintained while the virtual focus location changes;
determining when an element has a virtual focus in response to a comparison between the virtual focus location and a location of the element; and
providing information about the element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for navigating an application using a virtual focus navigation mode, comprising:
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an application having elements;
an input component configured to receive input;
an output component configured to provide information;
wherein providing the information comprises performing at least one of;
providing a name of an element;
providing a description of an element;
highlighting an element and magnifying an element;
a virtual focus manager that is coupled to the application and the input component and that is configured to;
enter the virtual focus navigation mode;
use the input to adjust a virtual focus location while maintaining a system focus location;
determining when an element within the application receives a virtual focus; and
when the element receives the virtual focus providing information about the element to the output device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification