Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)

According to some methods, a computer-implemented technique that can be utilized alongside a device with an LCD display that is touch-sensitive is described. The method detects movements of objects that are near or in the display of the touch screen. In response to detecting the movement, the electronic document that is displayed on the display of the touch screen is translated in a single direction. If an edge of the electronic document is touched while translating the electronic document’s first direction while the object is being visible on or near the display of the touch screen an area outside the edges of the document will be displayed. When the object has no longer been recognized close to or on the display of the touch screen the document is then translated in a different direction until the area beyond the edge of the document is no longer displayed.

Since portable electronic devices are becoming smaller, and the number of functions offered by each device is increasing and it is now a major challenge to create a user interface that allows users to interact easily with multi-function devices. This is particularly true for portable electronic devices that have smaller screens than desktop computers or laptops. This is unfortunate as the interface for users is where people access content and responses. Certain portable devices for communication (e.g., mobile telephones or mobile phones, also known as cellphones, mobile phones telephones, and so on) have been experimenting with expanding the number of pushbuttons, increasing the density of push buttons, overloading the capabilities of pushbuttons or using complex menu systems that permit a user to access information, manage and store it. The traditional user interfaces could create complicated key sequences and menu hierarchies which must be remembered by the user.

A lot of traditional user interfaces including those with physical buttons, are not flexible. This is unfortunate as it could hinder users or programs from changing or configuring the user interface. When coupled with the time consuming requirement to memorize a variety of menu hierarchy and key sequences, and the difficulty in pressing a desired button, this inflexibility can be frustrating for most users.

Because of the limited screen size of handheld devices, and the possibility of a large document size, only a small portion of a document/list is displayed at once. Users thus will frequently need to scroll lists displayed on their screens or to translate display of electronic documents. Displayed electronic documents will also need to be rotated and scaled (i.e. magnify or demagnify). But, the limitations of traditional user interfaces can make these tasks difficult to do.

Furthermore, scrolling displayed lists or translating documents could be awkward on both mobile and non-portable electronic devices equipped with touch screens. If the way the document is scrolled and translated doesn’t reflect the user’s intent the user may become frustrated. In the same way, a user could be frustrated when the rotation or scaling of documents do not reflect the user’s intent.

There is a need for devices that have touch-screen displays that are more clear and easy to use interfaces for scrolling lists of items and to translate, rotate and scaling digital documents that are easy to operate, configure, and/or adapt.

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Patent searches are the first step to getting your patent. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. After the patent application is filed, the item that is covered by the patent application could be described as patent-pending. you can locate the patent application on public pair. When the patent office is satisfied with your application, you will be able to do a patent number look to find the patent that was issued. Your product is now patentable. You can also use the USPTO search engine. See below for details. A patent lawyer or attorney can help you through the procedure. Patents granted in the United States are granted by the US trademark and patent office or the United States patent office. The trademark office also evaluates trademark applications.

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