Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
  • G06F3/04817—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
  • G06T11/00—2D [Two Dimensional] image generation
  • G06T11/60—Editing figures and text; Combining figures or text

Definitions

• the present invention relates to virtual tools for manipulating virtual objects including computer graphics.
• the present invention relates to icons used to denote virtual tools for manipulating virtual objects.
• Computer graphics editors traditionally provide a set of virtual tools. These tools provide a range of functions which allow manipulation of graphics objects. Modern sophisticated graphics editors provide a substantial array of different virtual tools. Traditionally, these virtual tools are accessible by a user through an on-screen drop down menu of tools. Some graphics editors display virtual tools on a pallet or tool bar. Toolbars or pallets typically show a set of icons, each corresponding to a different virtual tool. The large number of virtual tools provided by modern, sophisticated graphics editors requires the use of drop down menu directories, pallets or multiple pallets. These methods of accessing virtual tools can be cumbersome.
• Traditional graphic editors allow tools to be used in a two-step process. First the user selects a tool by entering drop down menus and subdirectories, for example, with a cursor and 'clicking' on the tool they wish to select. The cursor then represents the virtual tool and the user uses the cursor to manipulate a graphic object. This process is time consuming even if the selection of virtual tools is readily accessible on a pallet for example.
• At least one known system provides tool bars with features that allow the tool bar to be customised.
• the customisation of a tool bar may go some way to speeding up the navigation of a selection of available virtual tools on a visual tool and the use of the selected virtual on a graphical object.
• 'geometrical relationship refers broadly to any relationship that can be defined geometrically. The term is not limited to static relationships and may specifically include relationships that adapt over with time or in response to given conditions.
• 'virtual object' is intended to refer broadly to any object that may be manipulated at least in part by a graphical editor.
• 'editing' is intended to broadly refer to any interaction with a virtual object enabled by a graphic editor.
• graphical objects are intended to broadly refer to any graphical representation of any virtual object that might be manipulated graphically. It may include graphical representations of text objects.
• the applicant has identified a need for a simplified, rapid process for selecting and using virtual tools.
• the present invention provides a set of computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable medium, said instructions providing a graphical editor which is adapted to:
• each icon is displayed with a predetermined geometrical relationship to the selected object whereby manipulation of the object is effected by manipulation of the at least one icon associated with said selected second set function.
• the editing context of said object selected includes at least one attribute of the object.
• the editing context of said object selected includes a designated object type for the object.
• the context of the object selected includes aspects of the relationship of the object to other objects.
• the first set of editing functions includes a move function.
• the first set of editing functions includes a lock or unlock function.
• the first set of editing functions includes a rotate function.
• the first set of editing functions includes a play function.
• the first set of editing functions includes an edit function.
• the 'context' of an object may take into account any combination of the following.
• the type of object For example, whether the object is a video, 2D graphic, text object or such like. Many alternative types will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• the editing context may also include properties of the object or even logic associated with the object.
• the manipulation tool icons displayed are related to the content of the virtual object and manipulation operations applicable to the object.
• the manipulation tool icons displayed are a selection of a set of manipulator tool icons, the selection being applicable to the editing context of the virtual object.
• tool icons displayed are elements of a computer operating system.
• a method of displaying a virtual object the method characterised by the steps of:
• manipulation tool icons are displayed in a predetermined geometrical relationship with the graphical representation of the virtual object.
• an object can be manipulated by manipulation of an icon associated with the object.
• Figure 1 depicts a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 2 shows a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the graphical object selected;
• Figure 3 shows a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the graphical object 1 selected and rotated;
• Figure 4 shows a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the graphical object selected and rotated in 3- Dimensions;
• Figure 5 shows a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the graphical object having changed its state by being replayed;
• Figure 6 shows an alternative graphical object to figures 1 to 5 displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the object selected;
• Figure 7 shows the same graphical object as figure 6 displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the graphical object rotated in 2- Dimensions;
• Figures 8 and 9 show a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the editing context altered by use of a keyboard key;
• Figure 10 shows a process for the display of virtual tool icons according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• Figures 11. 12 and 13 show a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and depict a line editing functionality;
• Figures 14 and 15 show a graphical object displayed by a graphical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and depict a text editing functionality.
• the present invention provides (with respect to figures 1-9) a set of computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable medium.
• the instructions provide a graphical editor (not shown) which is adapted to provide a first set of editing functions available for editing graphical objects 1 and provide a selection input means (for example a computer mouse pointer or keyboard, not shown) to receive inputs to select objects to be edited.
• the invention provides a means to determine an editing context for an object selected and provide for each object selected a second set of editing functions, said second set being a selection of functions taken from the first set of functions said selections being determined by the editing context of said object selected (such as box 2 shown in figure 2) and displaying in association with the selected object selected at least one icon 3 for each function of said second set of functions.
• Figure 1 shows a graphical object 1 as it might appear on a geographical editor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• the graphical object 1 has not been selected.
• Figure 2 shows a graphic object 1 as it would appear on a graphic editor (not shown).
• the graphic object 1 has been selected as denoted by the edge of the box 2 being highlighted.
• the graphic object 1 would typically be selected by some form of selection event such as a cursor 6 coming into the proximity with the graphic object 1. Suitable selection events will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• Figure 2 shows a set of icons 3 displayed in association with the selected object.
• the set of icons 3 is located slightly above the box 2 at the left side of the box 2.
• the set of icons shown in figure 2 includes an icon 4 (which is replicated around the other three corners of the box 2), and which represents a re-scaling tool.
• Each icon of set of icons 3 represents a different function provided by the graphical editor with which to manipulate or edit the graphical object 1.
• the example shown in figure 2 has a 'copy' icon 5.
• this icon is clicked with the cursor 6, a copy of the graphical object 1 is generated and displayed by the graphical editor.
• the set of icons shown in figure 3 also includes a 'move' icon 7.
• the 'move' icon 7 When the 'move' icon 7 is moved the graphical object 1 is moved in response to the icon 7.
• the graphical object moves with the 'move' icon 7 to preserve the geometrical relationship between the icon 7 and the object 1. Because the geometrical relationship between the 'move' icon 7 and the object 1 is preserved by the graphical editor, the object can in effect be moved or manipulated in general, by moving the 'move' icon 7.
• the 'move' icon 7 is moved the rest of the set of icons 3 and the box 2 will typically move with the icon and preserve the geometrical relationship with the graphical object 1 and the other icons.
• Figure 2 shows a 'help' box which shows the word 'move' when the 'move' icon 7 is selected with the cursor 6.
• Figure 3 depicts the situation where a 'rotate' icon 8 is manipulated by the cursor 6.
• Figure 3 also depicts that once again the geometrical relationship between respective icons and the box 2 are preserved during manipulations of the icon and the object 1.
• Figure 4 resembles figures 2 and 3 except that it is a 'rotate 3D' icon 10 that is selected. From figure 4 it is apparent that the 3-Dimensional graphical object 1 has been rotated in a 3-Dimensional manner.
• the 3D icon typically allows a user to manipulate the 'pitch' and 'yaw' of the object. The 'rolling' of the object will be manipulated with the 'rotate' icon as in the case of 2D graphics. To manipulate the 'pitch' and 'yaw' the user clicks on the 3D rotate icon then drags the cursor in a given direction.
• the icon may not move with respect to a central point of the object (not shown) but the distance and direction that the cursor is dragged from the icon affects a manipulation of the object. In this case the geometrical relationship between the icon and a central point of the object is preserved. Also the icon is manipulated by a cursor being dragged a distance and direction from the icon.
• Figure 5 depicts the case where a 'replay' icon 11 is selected and activated.
• the attitude and appearance of the graphical object 1 has changed from that shown in the other figures to depict that the graphical object is an animation which has begun to be replayed. If the replay icon is selected, a pause icon (not shown) may appear. This demonstrates the editing context of an object being determined in part by the state of the object.
• Figure 6 shows another graphical object 21 which has been selected, as denoted by the appearance of the box 2 and the set of icons 23.
• the graphical object 21 is a static, 2-Dimensional graphic.
• a static 2-Dimensional graphic object 21 represents a different context to a graphical editor and, correspondingly, it cannot be manipulated by the same set of functions as a 3-
• the different context presented to the graphical editor by a different type of object is represented by a different set of icons 23 being displayed with the graphical object 21.
• the 'rotate 3D' icon 10 and the 'replay' icon 11 are not displayed with the graphical object 21. This is because the editing functions for which those icons are not applicable to a static, 2-Dimensional graphic.
• a user wanting to manipulate the graphical object is presented with a set of objects that has been refined to the subset of ail possible functions that are applicable to the context of the object.
• the editing context may typically include a representation of the current state of an object.
• the current frame of an animation might correspond to a particular state of the graphical or virtual object.
• Figures 8 and 9 depict a function which is available in a context that is affected by events received by the graphic editor.
• the event might be a given keyboard key being selected when the object 31 is selected and the shift key is selected, for example, the move function, depicted by the move icon 37, is adapted by being restricted to predefined movement aixs as depicted by the set of icons 38.
• Figure 9 depicts the movement of the object 31 by the move icon 37 used in the modified context of the shift key, for example, being selected.
• Figures 8 and 9 and the example depicted demonstrates the context not only being used to select the icons displayed from all possible icons but also demonstrates that a function can be modified by a context involving an event such as a key stroke.
• Figure 10 depicts a process for displaying icons for manipulator functions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• a graphical representation of a virtual object is displayed. This might be the graphical object or if the object is a text object, for example, a graphical representation of the object will typically be provided.
• Figures 1 to 9 shows examples of a graphical representation of an object.
• FIG. 1 to 9 show an object selected with a cursor 6, 26 and 36.
• Steps 43 and 44 define a set of functions that are applicable to the object in the given context.
• step 43 establishes the type of the object.
• the type are given in table 1. These might be an image, video or shape, for example. Various 'types' will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• step 44 establishes the state dependant aspects of the context of the object.
• the state may involve events, such as a key selection.
• the state may also involve whether a video, for example, is being played and how much time has elapsed.
• Various functions involved in the state and the impact on the applicability of given factors will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• step 45 the set of functions that are applicable to the context of the object enabled. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable methods for enabling given functions.
• FIG. 1 to 9 illustrate various example sets of icons displayed.
• step 47 events defining a users selection and manipulation of the icons are received. This may be the user 'clicking and dragging' an icon 8 such as rotate (see figure 3).
• step 48 the object is manipulated according to the events received in step 47. This may be rotating the object (see figure 3).
• the following table shows an example functions available in given contexts.
• the icon is named after the function it represents.
• These particular examples determine editing context by use the object type and a predefined condition relating to the object or events received by the graphic editor. Other criteria may be used in place of these or in addition to these. Additional criteria would be represented in this table by additional or replacement columns. Alternative criteria and alternative names for the elements shown in the table will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
• Figures 11 , 12 and 13 depict a line editing function.
• the line to be edited in the example of figures 11 to 13 is defined by a series of line sections and points and has an overlayed texture.
• Figure 11 depicts the selection of an 'edit' icon denoted by a 'pen'.
• the 'edit' icon is selected from a set of icons displayed in association with the object, which is a drawn line in this case. Only icons that relate to functions applicable to the line are displayed.
• Figure 12 depicts the line 52 as it is displayed once the 'edit' icon has been selected.
• the set of icons displayed in association with the object has been, in this particular embodiment, removed.
• Another icon for de-selecting the 'edit' icon is now displayed in association with the object.
• the points 53 and lines 54 defining the line are displayed and made available for manipulation by a cursor.
• the lines may include 'handles' 55.
• Figure 13 shows a set of text boxes 56 and 57 and corresponding icons which represent options made available when the 'edit' icon is selected.
• Figures 14 and 15 depict editing of an object 61 in the form of text.
• An 'edit' icon 62 is displayed in association with the object 61 along with icons depicting alternative functionalities.
• Figure 14 shows the icon 62 changing shade or colour when it is selected.
• Figure 15 depicts the set of icons 64 to 66 depicting alternative functions to the 'edit' being hidden.
• the icon 63 representing de-selection of the 'edit' function is shown in association with the object.
• the preferred embodiment of the present invention displays icons that are editing context sensitive so the number of icons displayed is minimised and selection of the icons is facilitated.
• the preferred embodiment of the present invention allows an object to be manipulated by manipulation of an icon associated with the object. This facilitates rapid, succinct editing.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=38437803

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Cited By (4)

Citations (5)

• 2007
  • 2007-02-21 WO PCT/NZ2007/000033 patent/WO2007097644A2/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (5)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events