Abstract: A lasso select tool that allows a user to draw a flexible line of selection ink in order to select one or more graphical objects for manipulation. As the user draws this selection line, the lasso select tool continuously redraws and displays a connection line connecting one end of the selection line with the opposite end of the selection line. This connection line thus graphically demonstrates to the user the area that is presently encompassed by the resulting lasso enclosure. Further, the lasso select tool will change the appearance of any object selected with the lasso enclosure. The lasso select tool also selects objects that are only substantially encompassed by the lasso enclosure. For example, the lasso select tool may select ink objects that are only 60% or more encompassed by the lasso enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods useful in communicating messages over a peer-to-peer network, optionally over transient connections to participants in a collaborative session (e.g., an “electronic whiteboard” session), are described. Examples include establishing a session for data transfer, wherein participants easily enter and leave the session without losing data or connections between the participants. Participants in a session may gain access to and catch up with data previously transmitted. Various data structures are useful for communicating messages. Such data structures may be used for transmitting message data or identification data to participants.

Abstract: Many computer applications incorporate and support animation (e.g., interactive user interfaces). Unfortunately, it may be challenging for computer applications and rendering systems to render animation frames at a smooth and consistent rate while conserving system resources. Accordingly, a technique for controlling animation rendering frame rate of an application is disclosed herein. An animation rendering update interval of an animation timer may be adjusted based upon a rendering system state (e.g., a rate of compositing visual layouts from animation frames) of a rendering system and/or an application state (e.g., a rate at which an application renders frames) of an application. Adjusting the animation rendering update interval allows the animation timer to adjust the frequency of performing rendering callback notifications (work requests to an application to render animation frames) to an application based upon rendering system performance and application performance.

Abstract: A lasso select tool that allows a user to draw a flexible line of selection ink in order to select one or more graphical objects for manipulation. As the user draws this selection line, the lasso select tool continuously redraws and displays a connection line connecting one end of the selection line with the opposite end of the selection line. This connection line thus graphically demonstrates to the user the area that is presently encompassed by the resulting lasso enclosure. Further, the lasso select tool will change the appearance of any object selected with the lasso enclosure. The lasso select tool also selects objects that are only substantially encompassed by the lasso enclosure. For example, the lasso select tool may select ink objects that are only 60% or more encompassed by the lasso enclosure.

Abstract: An improved approach to highlighting a graphical object in a graphical user interface is disclosed. A body of a highlighted graphical object may, upon selection or highlighting, be changed to a transparent color, and a graphical outline, or “halo,” is added surrounding the original graphical object's body. The halo may be in the same color as the graphical object originally was, preserving any meaning attributed to the color of the graphical object and simplifying the user's ability to identify the selected object(s), as well as the ability to select the highlighted object for further processing. The highlighted graphical object may also be displayed with a bounding box to further identify the selected object(s). A moving version of the highlighted graphical object may be drawn during a moving process, in which the moving version has an appearance distinct from the original object.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred 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: 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: 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 may 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: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred 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: 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 may 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: A system and process for enabling programmatic access to the contents of documents containing electronic ink are described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for scrolling or dragging information on a display. A panning tool is provided that may scroll information, such as a web page, on a display in tandem with movement of a cursor. If interactive elements are present on the page or document, an interactive element may be activated as desired. Scrolling may be accomplished with the panning tool either on non-interactive elements or interactive elements that are not required to be activated. Furthermore, inertia of movement of the information on a display is optimized and autoscrolling is provided in which a page or document may be scrolled without dragging.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for scrolling or dragging information on a display. A panning tool is provided that may scroll information, such as a web page, on a display in tandem with movement of a cursor. If interactive elements are present on the page or document, an interactive element may be activated as desired. Scrolling may be accomplished with the panning tool either on non-interactive elements or interactive elements that are not required to be activated. Furthermore, inertia of movement of the information on a display is optimized and autoscrolling is provided in which a page or document may be scrolled without dragging.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a flick gesture has occurred 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 determining whether a flick gesture has occurred 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: Methods, user interfaces, and computer-readable media for displaying thumbnail copies of running items for a particular running application on a display are provided. The displayed thumbnail copies are interactive, and provide the user with an easy and efficient way to identify and manage multiple items, such as windows, that are concurrently running. The thumbnail copies are either snapshots or real-time displays of the corresponding running items, depending on whether the running item is minimized or maximized at the time the thumbnail copies are displayed. The user interacts with the thumbnail copies by choosing to either close a particular running item by selecting the closing icon on the corresponding thumbnail copy, or view a particular running item on the display by selecting the corresponding thumbnail in any location other than the closing icon.

Abstract: Methods for bridging subnet broadcasts across subnet boundaries include: (a) receiving a first broadcast message that originates in a first subnet; (b) sending the first broadcast message to a second subnet; and (c) broadcasting the first broadcast message on the second subnet, wherein the first broadcast message is not sent from the second subnet back to the first subnet and/or it is not rebroadcast on the first subnet. Other methods of processing broadcast messages include: (a) receiving a first broadcast message on a first subnet; (b) determining whether the first broadcast message originated in the first subnet; and (c) when the first broadcast message originated in the first subnet, sending the first broadcast message to a second subnet. Such methods may further include, at least in some examples, marking the first broadcast message to indicate that it originated from the first subnet.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for scrolling or dragging information on a display. A panning tool is provided that may scroll information, such as a web page, on a display in tandem with movement of a cursor. If interactive elements are present on the page or document, an interactive element may be activated as desired. Scrolling may be accomplished with the panning tool either on non-interactive elements or interactive elements that are not required to be activated. Furthermore, inertia of movement of the information on a display is optimized and autoscrolling is provided in which a page or document may be scrolled without dragging.

Abstract: A user interface is provided allowing a user to simulate mouse hovering with the user's finger on a touch-sensitive display. When a finger or other stylus touches the touch-sensitive display adjacent to a display cursor, a control appears that enables the user to drag the cursor about the display by dragging the control. Manipulation of the control instead of the cursor allows the user to see the cursor while it moves, making it easier to accurately target small objects that were previously difficult to target directly. In addition, a tap or other user touch input is funneled from the control to the location of the cursor itself. For example, if the user taps on the control, the tap causes an event such as a left mouse button down event to be generated at the location of the cursor as opposed to the location of the tap, thereby improving accuracy.

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.