US6448964B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Graphic object manipulating tool
Assignee: CA Inc
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Filing: 1999-03-15
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Granted: 2002-09-10
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Expires: 2019-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A graphic object manipulation tool includes a knob that controls a graphic object manipulation function, a planar indicator having a center point, and a linear indicator passing through the planar indicator's center point in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar indicator. The planar indicator and the linear indicator automatically align themselves relative to a feature of the graphic object when the tool is placed on the feature.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Isaacs
- 👤 Kurt J. Schaefer
- 👤 Robert K. Myers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:58
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0481; G06F3/04815; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0362; G06F3/0484; G06F3/04845
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A graphic object manipulation tool comprising: a knob that controls a graphic object manipulation function; a planar indicator having a center point; and a linear indicator passing through the planar indicator's center point in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar indicator, wherein the planar indicator and the linear indicator automatically align themselves relative to a feature of the graphic object when the tool is placed on the feature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A graphic object manipulation tool comprising: a knob that controls a graphic object manipulation function; a planar indicator having a center point; and a linear indicator passing through the planar indicator's center point in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar indicator, wherein the planar indicator and the linear indicator automatically align themselves relative to a feature of the graphic object when the tool is placed on the feature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein, when the feature comprises a polygon, the tool realigns such that the plane of the planar indicator is coplanar with a plane of the polygon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein, when the feature comprises an edge, the tool realigns such that the linear indicator is colinear with the edge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein, when the feature comprises a point, the tool realigns such that the planar indicator is coplanar with a plane whose normal is the average of plane normals for edges that touch that point.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises rotating a feature of a graphic object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 further comprising another knob, wherein one of the knobs is for controlling scaling of a feature of a graphic object and the other knob is for controlling rotation of the feature of the graphic object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the knob is positioned on the planar indicator for rotating the planar indicator to cause a corresponding rotation of the feature of the graphic object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises rotating a feature of a graphic object in a dimension about the linear indicator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises rotating a feature of a graphic object in three dimensions about the planar indicator's center point.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises scaling a feature of a graphic object. 11 .The manipulation tool of claim 10 wherein the knob is positioned at an end of the linear indicator, and wherein moving the knob causes a corresponding scaling of the feature of the graphic object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The manipulation tool of claim 11 wherein movement of the knob towards the planar indicator's center causes the feature of the graphic object to shrink.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The manipulation tool of claim 11 wherein movement of the knob away from the planar indicator's center causes the feature of the graphic object to enlarge.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises scaling a feature of a graphic object in one dimension along the linear indicator and about the planar indicator's center.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises scaling a feature of a graphic object about the planar indicator's center point in two dimensions within the plane defined by the planar indicator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the manipulation function comprises scaling a feature of a graphic object in three dimensions about the planar indicator's center.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 further comprising at least one spoke extending from an edge point of the planar indicator to the planar indicator's center point.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The manipulation tool of claim 17 wherein the knob is positioned at an intersection formed by the at least one spoke and an edge point on the planar indicator.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a wheel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the linear indicator comprises an axle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a two-dimensional ring.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a disk.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a series of discrete points forming a discontinuous two-dimensional circle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a solid and continuous three-dimensional disk.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the planar indicator comprises a non-circular shape.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the linear indicator comprises a one-dimensional line.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The manipulation tool of claim 1 wherein the linear indicator comprises a multi-dimensional rod.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
The manipulation tool of claim 27 wherein the multi-dimensional rod comprises a cylindrical shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-09 | 2006-03-11 | 2006-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-09 | 2010-03-11 | 2010-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-09 | 2014-03-11 | 2014-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |