User interface for manipulating user interface objects with magnetic properties

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to user interfaces for manipulating user interface objects. A device, including a display and a rotatable input mechanism, is described in relation to manipulating user interface objects. In some examples, the manipulation of the object is a scroll, zoom, or rotate of the object. In other examples, objects are selected in accordance with simulated magnetic properties.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial Number PCT / US2014 / 053961, filed Sep. 3, 2014, entitled “USER INTERFACE FOR MANIPULATING USER INTERFACE OBJECTS WITH MAGNETIC PROPERTIES”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 873,356, filed Sep. 3, 2013, entitled “CROWN INPUT FOR A WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 873,359, filed Sep. 3, 2013, entitled “USER INTERFACE OBJECT MANIPULATIONS IN A USER INTERFACE”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 959,851, filed Sep. 3, 2013, entitled “USER INTERFACE FOR MANIPULATING USER INTERFACE OBJECTS”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 873,360, filed Sep. 3, 2013, entitled “USER INTERFACE FOR MANIPULATING USER INTERFACE OBJECTS WITH MAGNETIC PROPERTIES”. The content of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.[0002]This a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes the need for electronic devices to have faster and more efficient ways to manipulate user interface objects. These new methods can replace or work alongside existing methods, making them easier for users and producing a more efficient interaction between human and machine. The use of these new methods can also reduce the cognitive burden on users, conserve power, and increase the time between battery charges for battery-operated devices. Overall, the patent aims to make devices more effective and satisfying to users by increasing their efficiency and precision in manipulating user interface objects.

Problems solved by technology

Some techniques for manipulating user interface objects using reduced-size touch-sensitive displays, however, are generally cumbersome and inefficient.

For example, it may be difficult for the user to precisely scroll a document object to a scroll position within a range of potential scroll positions that properly aligns the desired content with the viewable display.

For another example, it may be difficult for the user to precisely change the magnification of an image object to a desired zoom size within a range of potential zoom size.

For another example, it may be difficult to for the user select a particular user interface object.

Existing techniques require more time than necessary when the user attempts to perform tasks, wasting user time and device energy.

Thus, existing methods for manipulating user interface objects on reduced-size touch-sensitive displays can be inefficient and provide less precision than is preferable.

In some embodiments, the device is user-wearable.

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