Patent ID: 6069626
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method in a graphical user interface of a data processing system, including at least one particular work space displaying at least one particular software object, for providing an indication of selected scrolling functionality, comprising the data processing implemented steps of:(a) providing a scroll bar activation function which initiates scroll bar functionality after predefined interaction of a graphical pointing device associated with said data processing system and said graphical user interface;(b) monitoring for interaction between said graphical pointing device and said graphical user interface which satisfies said scroll bar activation function;(c) after detection of satisfaction of said scroll bar activation function, associating said scroll bar functionality with said graphical pointing device and with one particular software object of said at least one particular software object;(d) visually representing said association of said scroll bar functionality with said graphical pointing device with a visually perceptible, but transparent, scroll function icon, including at least one scroll bar function track and at least one scroll bar function slider, in said graphical user interface located proximate to said graphical pointing device without otherwise affecting display of said at least one particular software object in at least one particular work space;(e) monitoring for relocation of said graphical pointing device;(f) adjusting the position of said visually perceptible, but transparent, scroll function icon in response to relocation of said graphical pointing device without selection of said scroll function icon;(g) moving said one particular software object through said at least one particular work space in a predefined manner in response to detected relocation of said visually perceptible, but transparent, scroll function icon;(h) providing a visual indication of a relative portion of said one particular software object which is within present view through the relative position of said at least one scroll bar function slider relative to said at least one scroll bar function track.