USER INTERFACE TECHNIQUES FOR PEN-BASED COMPUTERS

摘要

The present invention is a system that positions an interface for a pen-based computer at an end of a natural user motion arc, such as an arc a hand travels when an elbow is pivoted [3010]. Positioning of the interface in a lower corner of display or window (left corner for a right-handed person [2042] and right corner for a left-handed person) allows easy approach when the user is working in the center of the display, such as when drawing on the pen-based computer display [1200]. An arc [2010] or curved interface improves approach zones and reduces unintended selections of controls or buttons within the interface. The arc [2010] allows the natural motion to be extended by wrist or finger motions to access all the controls in the comer command interface. Controls on the arc [2010] are placed to allow any underlying pop-up menus [2020] to be completely accessible when an activated. Overflow menu [3130] items of activated controls of the interface are located in conformity of the natural arc.