Method and apparatus for improved feedback during manipulation of data on a computer controlled display system

Patent 5754178 Issued on May 19, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 16, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Cursor control
Patent #: 4313113
Issued on: 01/26/1982
Inventor: Thornburg

Single screen display system with multiple virtual display having prioritized service programs and dedicated memory stacks
Patent #: 4484302
Issued on: 11/20/1984
Inventor: Cason , et al.

Dynamic generation and overlaying of graphic windows for multiple active program storage areas
Patent #: 4555775
Issued on: 11/26/1985
Inventor: Pike

Screen manager for data processing system
Patent #: 4688167
Issued on: 08/18/1987
Inventor: Agarwal

Definition of line unit size
Patent #: 4698624
Issued on: 10/06/1987
Inventor: Barker , et al.

Graphic highlight adjacent a pointing cursor
Patent #: 4698625
Issued on: 10/06/1987
Inventor: McCaskill , et al.

Display method and apparatus employing cursor panning
Patent #: 4720703
Issued on: 01/19/1988
Inventor: Schnarel, Jr. , et al.

Data modem with adaptive synchronized speed change
Patent #: 4780883
Issued on: 10/25/1988
Inventor: O'Connor , et al.

Computer system with multiwindow presentation manager
Patent #: 4819189
Issued on: 04/04/1989
Inventor: Kikuchi , et al.

Device capable of displaying window size and position
Patent #: 4831556
Issued on: 05/16/1989
Inventor: Oono

More ...

Inventors

Assignee

Apple Computer, Inc.

Application

No. 543699 filed on 10/16/1995

US Classes:

715/769, Data transfer operation between objects (e.g., drag and drop)715/803, Window differentiation715/805, On-screen link or communication (e.g., cue)715/839, Imitating real life object715/853Hierarchy or network structure

Examiners

Primary: Tung, Kee M.
Assistant: Chauhan, U.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman

International Class

G06F 003/14

Abstract

A method and apparatus for improved user interaction and feedback on a computer system display. Interapplication dragging upon a user interface display is provided allowing a user to select a first item in a first window and move that first item to a second window which is under control of second process. Feedback is provided in the second window under control of the second process if the second application program can accept the data. In addition, other improved user interface actions are described, such as improved selection feedback, improved navigation, and improved completion feedback.

Other References

Richter, J. "Drop Everything: How to Make Your Application Accept and Source Drag-and Drop Files", Microsoft Systems Journal, May-Jun. 1992, pp. 19-30
Screen-Dumps From Microsoft Windows V.3.1, Microsoft Corporation, 1985-1992
WordPerfect for Windows V.5.1, WordPerfect Corporation, 1991
Scree Dump p. 15, Microsoft Corporation, 1985-92
"Notebook Tabs as Target Location for Drag/Drop Operations", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 35, No. 7, Dec. 1992
Future Enterprises Inc., A Microcomputer Education Course for: U.S. Department of Commerce "Studen Workbook for Quattro Pro 3.0--Concepts and Basic Uses," 1991 (3 pages)
Apple Computer, Inc., "Inside Macintosh, vol. VI," Table of Contents, 5-1 through 6-117 (1991)
Jeffrey M. Richter, Windows 3.1: A Developer's Guide, 2nd Edition, M&T Books, A Division of M & T Publishing, Inc. (1992), pp. 541-577 (Chapter 9)
Charles Petzold, "Windows™3.1--Hello to TrueType™, OLE, and Easier DDE; Farewell to Real Mode," Microsoft Systems Journal, vol. 6, No. 5, Sep./Oct. 1991, pp. 17-26
Jeffery Richter, "Drop Everything: How to Make Your Application Accept and Source Drag-and-Drop Files," Microsoft Systems Journal, vol. 7, No. 3, May/Jun. 1992, pp. 19-3