Displaying available targets for an object during a drag and drop operation

• Main Author: CHRISTOPHER JOHN EVANS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.07.2013
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; PHYSICS

A method involves presenting a user with available actions and options for an item/object that is dragged across a graphical user interface (GUI) during a drag and drop operation. The method comprises displaying the possible actions for the item as one or more drop targets when the drag operation begins, the drop targets being visually distinguishable from other areas of the screen or display; and allowing the user to select an option by dropping the dragged item onto one of the available drop targets. This method may be used for adding music tracks or albums to playlists, or for sharing and recommending media content to friends via e-mail or social networking sites. The available actions may be defined for each item, and a set of target objects may be defined for each action. The drop targets may be shown for a predetermined period, such as five seconds.