Importance

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Abstract

A method characterized by the steps of: a) determining an action to be taken on an object on a computer screen which changes the status of the object; b) modifying the visual appearance of the object through animation to reflect the change in status; and c) automatically moving the modified object on the screen to indicate the disposition of the object. With a delete or 'trashing' action, an object is crumpled on screen to indicate that the object has become trash, and the crumpled object is moved across the screen and into a trash can icon to indicate its final disposition. One embodiment of the present invention is a pen based computer system including a central processing unit, a display assembly showing at least one object, and a pointer for inputting information to the computer system. Additionally, the system can receive a change in status command for the object, modify the visual appearance of the object, automatically move the object, and execute the change in status command.

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First Claim