Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive controls is disclosed in which controls respond differently to different pressure applied by a stylus on a digitizer. Users interacting with displayed controls may modify the speed, increment, or other property of the control by pressing harder or softer. Devices that allow for the input of location and pressure information may use embodiments of the invention, including computers with pressure sensitive mice or digitizer tablets, PDAs, or tablet computers. Controls that may use pressure to augment their behavior include scrollbars, spinner controls, resize handles, buttons, drop down menus and so forth.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user to perform a flick gesture is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive selection tools in a graphical user interface is disclosed in which the amount of pressure during a selection operation may modify selection behavior. Upon receiving a selection input, the pressure applied is determined and the selection behavior modified. In some embodiments, the number of objects selected is increased when more pressure is applied and decreased when less pressure is applied.

Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive controls is disclosed in which controls respond differently to different pressure applied by a stylus on a digitizer. Users interacting with displayed controls may modify the speed, increment, or other property of the control by pressing harder or softer. Devices that allow for the input of location and pressure information may use embodiments of the invention, including computers with pressure sensitive mice or digitizer tablets, PDAs, or tablet computers. Controls that may use pressure to augment their behavior include scrollbars, spinner controls, resize handles, buttons, drop down menus and so forth.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus are provided for managing display windows that are too large for viewing on a screen. A screen manager via a re-positioning apparatus, such as a scroll bar, hardware keys, a separate user-interface widget, or the like, re-positions a display window on the screen. The re-positioning apparatus is not part of the display window. The re-positioning apparatus may be manually or automatically initiated. The screen manager is configured to move a portion or the entire display window to a location that is inaccessible to a cursor on the screen.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide virtual hover zones. When a user lowers a hovering stylus while remaining within a hover zone, cursor control is modified to be more easily controllable by the user. If the user pauses the stylus in mid-air before lowering the stylus, and if the stylus remains within the hover zone, then upon touchdown the cursor may be moved to the projection of the location where the stylus was paused. Any action that my be taken in response to the touch down may be sent to the projection location as well. Also provided are cursor control zones. A dampening zone may be used to provide dampened cursor movement feedback in response to movement input provided by a pointing device. Also, a dead zone may be used to prohibit cursor movement in response to movement input provided by the pointing device.

Abstract: Described is a computer-implemented system and method that detects and differentiates different actuation methods entered via a single hardware button, and then takes different task (application program window) switching actions based on the type of actuation method detected. Example button actuation methods include double actuation, press-and-hold, single actuation, and also latent double actuation (which is slower than double actuation, but fast enough to be differentiated from a single actuation). Example task switching actions include toggling focus between two programs, cycling focus between each active program, presenting a Start menu, and/or presenting a list of active programs to select. The single hardware button may be dedicated to task switching, or may be a multi-purpose button that performs task switching when entered into a task switching mode via one actuation method, and performs one or more other functions when not in the task switching mode.

Abstract: Described is a computer-implemented system and method that dynamically detects which input device (e.g., pen or mouse) is currently in use, and based on the device, varies a program's user interaction model to better optimize the user's ability to interact with the program via that input device. A tablet input subsystem receives pen and touch data, and also obtains keyboard and mouse data. The subsystem analyzes the data and determines which input device is currently active. The active device is mapped to an interaction model, whereby different user interface appearances, behaviors and the like may be presented to the user to facilitate improved interaction. For example, a program may change the size of user interface elements to enable the user to more accurately scroll and make selections. Timing, tolerances and thresholds may change. Pen hovering can become active, and interaction events received at the same location can be handled differently.

Abstract: Described is a system and method in which pen gestures cause a mode to be entered in which a computing device acts as if a modifier key (e.g., Control, Alt, or Shift) was being pressed. This is accomplished by a pen driver sending a modifier key down to the keyboard and mouse input subsystem. Modifier key behavior is thus provided, including at times when a keyboard is not readily available. While in the modifier key mode, additional gestures can be input, including a gesture that results in the computing device acting as if multiple modifier keys are pressed. Also, while in the mode, visual feedback may be provided to indicate the mode is active. The mode may be exited by sending a corresponding modifier key up, and the exit may be triggered in various ways, including by other gestures, mouse or pen events, and certain keyboard input.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user to perform a flick gesture is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively displaying selection indication fields is described. A user may select multiple items using various selection indication fields. The fields may be displayed all the time or may only appear if a pointing device or cursor is near the field or an associated item.