Time-based, non-constant translation of user interface objects between states
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for moving an object in a graphical user interface, comprising the steps of:
- a) determining a path of movement for the object along at least one axis, and a period of time for the movement along said path;
b) establishing a non-constant velocity function along said axis for said period of time;
c) calculating an instantaneous position for the object along said path in accordance with said function and the relationship of a current time value to said period of time;
d) displaying said object at said calculated position; and
e) iteratively repeating steps (c) and (d) during said period of time.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for moving objects within the graphical user interface (GUI) of an operating system in a manner that provides a transitional effect between window states, which is pleasing to the user. This transitional effect includes changing the shape of a window while scaling and moving the window between two different sizes and positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transitional effect may be employed as a window is minimized into an icon, or restored from an icon. In another embodiment of the present invention, the transitional effect is employed as a window is minimized within its title bar, or restored therefrom. The rate of movement of objects is controlled in a non-linear manner, to further enhance the pleasing effect.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for moving an object in a graphical user interface, comprising the steps of:
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a) determining a path of movement for the object along at least one axis, and a period of time for the movement along said path; b) establishing a non-constant velocity function along said axis for said period of time; c) calculating an instantaneous position for the object along said path in accordance with said function and the relationship of a current time value to said period of time; d) displaying said object at said calculated position; and e) iteratively repeating steps (c) and (d) during said period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for minimizing a window in a graphical user interface, comprising the steps of:
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in response to a command to minimize a window positioned at a current location, selecting a destination location for the window; displaying said window at sequential positions along a path from said current location to said destination location at equal increments of time, such that the distance between successive positions varies in accordance with a non-linear function so that the object appears to be moving at a changing velocity. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A user interface for a computer, comprising:
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a display space within which objects are displayed; and means responsive to a user action that results in the removal of an object from a series of objects, said means causing other objects in said series to move toward the space occupied by the removed object, by displaying the other objects at different sequential positions during respective increments of time, such that the distance between successive positions varies in accordance with a non-linear function so that the objects appear to be moving at a changing velocity. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A user interface for a computer, comprising:
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a display space within which obiects are displayed; and means responsive to a user action that results in the insertion of an object into a series of objects, said means causing other objects in said series to move away from the inserted object by displaying the other obiects at different sequential positions during respective increments of time, such that the distance between successive positions varies in accordance with a non-linear function so that the objects appear to be moving at a changing velocity. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A computer-readable medium containing a program which executes the following steps:
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a) displaying at least one object in a display space; b) determining a path of movement for the object along at least one axis within the display space, and a period of time for the movement along said path; c) establishing a non-constant velocity function along said axis for said period of time; d) calculating an instantaneous position for the object along said path in accordance with said function and the relationship of a current time value to said period of time; d) displaying said object at said calculated position; and f) iteratively repeating steps (d) and (e) during said period of time. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A computer-readable medium containing a program which executes the following steps:
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displaying at least one object at a first location in a display space; selecting a second location for the object within said display space, and a period of time within which the object is to move from the first location to the second location; displaying said object at sequential positions along a path from said first location to said second location at increments of time within said period, such that the distance between successive positions varies in accordance with a non-linear function so that the object appears to be moving at a changing velocity along said path. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A user interface for a computer, comprising:
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a display space within which an object is displayed at a first location; and means responsive to a user action for selecting a second location to which said object is to be moved and a period of time during which the movement is to occur, and for moving said object from said first location to said second location at a non-linear rate of movement during said period of time. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A computer having an operating system that includes a user interface which implements the following steps:
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displaying an object at a first location within a display space; selecting a second location to which said object is to be moved and a period of time during which the movement is to occur in response to a user action; and moving said object from said first location to said second location at a non-linear rate of movement during said period of time. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification