INTUITIVE TOOLS FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN A DISPLAY
First Claim
1. A method in a computing device for providing tools for manipulating an object on a display device using a pointer, the method comprising:
- displaying an object on the display device;
displaying a first set of handles positioned in proximity of the object, the first set including a plurality of handles for manipulating the object;
determining whether the pointer is over the object for a threshold length of time;
when it is determined that the pointer is over the object for the threshold length of time, displaying the first set of handles repositioned farther away from the object to provide space for a second set of handles, the second set including a plurality of handles; and
displaying the second set of handles positioned in proximity of the object for manipulating the object, wherein the manipulating provided by the first set is different from the manipulating provided by the second set and wherein accessibility of the first set and the second set is maintained while the first set and the second set are displayed;
when a first handle of the first set is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the first handle; and
when a second handle of the second set is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the second handle.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for providing a user with user-friendly handles for manipulating graphics and other displayed objects using a pointer. An initial toolset of handles can evolve into a toolset with enhanced functionality. Selecting an object can invoke a first toolset. Pausing the pointer over an object for a preset length of time can invoke a second toolset with additional functionality. Continuing to maintain the pointers stationary position over the object can invoke a third toolset. A rotation tool handle can rotate an object about an axis of rotation in response to pointer-based input. Moving a pointer over a rotation tool handles can invoke an axis-of-rotation tool for repositioning the axis of rotation using the pointer.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method in a computing device for providing tools for manipulating an object on a display device using a pointer, the method comprising:
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displaying an object on the display device;
displaying a first set of handles positioned in proximity of the object, the first set including a plurality of handles for manipulating the object;
determining whether the pointer is over the object for a threshold length of time;
when it is determined that the pointer is over the object for the threshold length of time, displaying the first set of handles repositioned farther away from the object to provide space for a second set of handles, the second set including a plurality of handles; and
displaying the second set of handles positioned in proximity of the object for manipulating the object, wherein the manipulating provided by the first set is different from the manipulating provided by the second set and wherein accessibility of the first set and the second set is maintained while the first set and the second set are displayed;
when a first handle of the first set is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the first handle; and
when a second handle of the second set is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the second handle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer-readable storage medium embedded with instruction for controlling a computing device to provide tools for manipulating an object on a display device using a pointer, by a method comprising:
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displaying a first toolset positioned in proximity to an object displayed on the display device;
determining whether the pointer is stationary over the object for a threshold length of time;
when it is determined that the pointer is over the object for the threshold length of time, displaying the first toolset so that it is farther away from the object to provide space for a second toolset; and
displaying the second toolset positioned in proximity of the object for manipulating the object, wherein the manipulating provided by the first toolset is different from the manipulating provided by the second toolset and wherein accessibility of the first toolset and the second set is maintained while the first toolset and the second toolset are displayed;
when a first tool of the first toolset is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the first tool; and
when a second tool of the second toolset is selected, performing a manipulation on the object in accord with the second tool. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computing device for providing tools for manipulating an object on a display device using a pointer, comprising:
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a component that displays an object on the display device;
a component that, when the pointer is over the object for a first threshold length of time, displays a first set of handles positioned in proximity of the object, the first set including a plurality of handles for manipulating the object;
a component that when the pointer continues to be over the object for a second threshold length of time, displays a second set of handles positioned in proximity of the object, the second set including a plurality of handles for manipulating the object, wherein the manipulating provided by the first set is different from the manipulating provided by the second set and wherein accessibility of the first set and the second set is maintained while the first set and the second set are displayed;
a component that, when a first handle of the first set is selected, performs a manipulation on the object in accord with the first handle; and
a component that, when a second handle of the second set is selected, performs a manipulation on the object in accord with the second handle. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification