Freeform encounter selection tool
First Claim
1. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to instantiate one or more program modules that facilitate freeform selection of electronic ink using a digitizer that is connected to the processor, the one or more program modules comprising:
- a user interface module that collects points for a plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths, wherein each of the plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths is created in response to a user holding a user input device against the digitizer while dragging the user input device across the digitizer such that the resulting selection path touches a graphical object and displaying a simultaneous selection of each of the plurality of graphical objects based upon the freeform selection paths on a display surface wherein each of the plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths includes selection ink and the graphical objects include handwritten electronic ink strokes input via the digitizer; and
an encounter selection module for simultaneously selecting each of the graphical objects responsive to the freeform selection paths touching the graphical objects;
wherein the user interface module displays a graphical hollow appearance for the plurality of graphical objects responsive to selection of the plurality of graphical objects by the encounter selection module, the graphical hollow appearance comprising a perimeter of the handwritten ink strokes having a dark contrast with respect to an interior of the strokes bounded by the perimeter.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A freeform selection tool for a computer system with a graphical user interface allows a user to draw a freeform selection path so as to select one or more graphical objects. The user is provided with the freedom to input selection ink, in any orientation, and using any desired selection path size provided by the select tool. The selecting tool may change the visual appearance of any graphical object once selected. The selecting tool provides the ability to select ink or graphical object with a particular property to be used for the selection. The selecting tool can recognize various selection gestures coordinated with a semantic relationship of the ink so that the number of selection ink strokes can be minimized. The selecting tool may change for different selection modes depending on the type of graphical object encountered and change of the context for a particular selection.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to instantiate one or more program modules that facilitate freeform selection of electronic ink using a digitizer that is connected to the processor, the one or more program modules comprising:
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a user interface module that collects points for a plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths, wherein each of the plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths is created in response to a user holding a user input device against the digitizer while dragging the user input device across the digitizer such that the resulting selection path touches a graphical object and displaying a simultaneous selection of each of the plurality of graphical objects based upon the freeform selection paths on a display surface wherein each of the plurality of unconnected freeform selection paths includes selection ink and the graphical objects include handwritten electronic ink strokes input via the digitizer; and an encounter selection module for simultaneously selecting each of the graphical objects responsive to the freeform selection paths touching the graphical objects;
wherein the user interface module displays a graphical hollow appearance for the plurality of graphical objects responsive to selection of the plurality of graphical objects by the encounter selection module, the graphical hollow appearance comprising a perimeter of the handwritten ink strokes having a dark contrast with respect to an interior of the strokes bounded by the perimeter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer-implemented method of selecting a plurality of graphical objects in a computer system having a digitizer, comprising the steps of:
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receiving, at the computer, user input for displaying a selection of the plurality of graphical objects, the user input comprising a plurality of freeform selection paths being unconnected, in which each selection path is created in response to a user providing input to the digitizer, wherein said input includes a drag motion across the digitizer such that the resulting selection path touches at least one of the plurality of graphical objects and includes a first end and a second end, and the ends are at different locations on a display surface such that the selection path does not form an enclosed shape, and selecting, using the computer, each of the plurality of graphical objects responsive to at least one of the freeform selection paths touching the graphical object. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of selecting a plurality of graphical objects in a computer system having a digitizer that is connected to the processor, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a selection of a property value for a characteristic of ink comprising the plurality of graphical objects on which to at least partially base selection of the graphical objects; receiving user input for displaying a selection of the plurality graphical objects, the user input comprising a plurality of freeform selection paths being unconnected, in which each selection path is created in response to a user holding a user input device against the digitizer while dragging the user input device across the digitizer such that the resulting selection path encounters a graphical object and includes a first end and a second end, and the ends are at different locations on a display surface such that the selection path does not form an enclosed shape, and selecting, using the computer, each of the plurality of graphical objects responsive to at least one of the freeform selection paths encountering the graphical object and the graphical object including the property value, wherein selecting each of the plurality of graphical objects includes determining that at least a portion of the at least one freeform selection path satisfies a preset tolerance value corresponding to a predetermined distance from the graphical object. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification