G06F 3/048 Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
Introduced: January 2006
Last revised: January 2013
Full Title
Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements > Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer > Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
Classification Context
- Section:
- PHYSICS
- Class:
- COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- Subclass:
- ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
Description
G06F3/048 covers interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces, i.e. the software-side methods by which users operate windows, icons, menus, pointers and other on-screen widgets. Typical subject matter includes selection and drag-and-drop behaviour, scrolling and zooming techniques, and gesture interpretation on touch-sensitive surfaces as far as the interaction concept is concerned. The group belongs to the input arrangements of G06F3/00 and is further subdivided, for example into G06F3/0481 for interaction with specific interface elements and G06F3/0488 for touchscreen gestures.
Filing statistics
IPC G06F 3/048 belongs to the parent subclass G06F, which recorded 2,990,091 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 193,009 in 2013 to 380,314 in 2023 (+97%). The most active applicants in class G06 are SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (66,669 applications), IBM (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION) (62,313 applications) and MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING (41,918 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
3 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F 3/0484 for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
- G06F 3/0487 using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G06, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 66,669
- IBM (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION) US 62,313
- MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING US 41,918
- GOOGLE US 32,969
- SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) 30,822
- INTEL CORPORATION US 30,010
- TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY 28,235
- HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY CN 26,079
- APPLE US 21,891
- HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY 20,505