ASSISTING USER INTERFACE ELEMENT USE

• US 20100318930A1
• Filed: 06/28/2010
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Dodge, Steven P., Townsend, Reed L., Scott, Bryan D., Kolmykov-Zotov, Alexander J.
• Granted Patent: US 9,690,470 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/769
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

Methods of controlling the display and use of a UI element are disclosed. In an embodiment, the UI element may configured so that it initially maintains a topmost position but eventually allows other applications to assume the topmost position. In an embodiment, the display of the element may be adjusted in response to an input so that the UI element is not visible on the display. In an embodiment, the use of the UI element may allow for seamless dragging of the UI element even if the user inadvertently fails to make consistent contact with the touch-sensitive display while dragging the UI element.

Claims

1. In a computer coupled to a touch-sensitive display, a method for receiving input on the touch sensitive display, the method comprising:

(a) receiving a first drag input;

(b) receiving a second drag input;

(c) determining that the first and second drag input are intended to be a continuous drag input; and

(d) treating the first and second drag input as a single drag input.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input lies within a range of trajectories associated with the first drag input.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input approximates an expected trajectory of the first drag input.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating in (d) comprises:

(i) continuing to drag an object initially being dragged with the first drag input.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, perform a method, comprising:

(a) receiving a first drag input;

(b) receiving a second drag input;

(c) determining that the first and second drag input are intended to be a continuous drag input; and

(d) treating the first and second drag input as a single drag input.

6. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input lies within a range of trajectories associated with the first drag input.

7. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input approximates an expected trajectory of the first drag input.

8. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 5, wherein the treating in (d) comprises:

(i) continuing to drag an object initially being dragged with the first drag input.

9. A computing device comprising:

a processor; and

computing memory having stored therein instructions that when executed by the processor perform the following;

(a) receiving a first drag input;

(b) receiving a second drag input;

(c) determining that the first and second drag input are intended to be a continuous drag input; and

(d) treating the first and second drag input as a single drag input.

10. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input lies within a range of trajectories associated with the first drag input.

11. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the determining in (c) comprises:

(i) determining that the second drag input approximates an expected trajectory of the first drag input.

12. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the treating in (d) comprises:

(i) continuing to drag an object initially being dragged with the first drag input.