Visual scrolling feedback and method of achieving the same

Abstract

A new technique is described which provides realtime visual feedback to the user while scrolling in standard windowing environments. This visual scrolling technique makes use of a transient overlay which provides direct visual cues to the user about the new areas of the scrolled document that have been exposed to view by the scrolling action. After a predetermined period of time or as soon as the user stops scrolling, the overlay fades from view. This feedback can substantially enhance the user's ability to maintain spatial context while the document moves, reducing error and strain, and enhancing ease of use and productivity. The visual scrolling technique can be used for both one-dimensional scrolling such as in long galleys of text, and two-dimensional scrolling and zooming such as in maps and technical drawings. It is especially useful for small displays, such as in handheld devices.

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