Proximity selection of selectable items in a graphical user interface
First Claim
1. A method for enabling a selection of a selectable item in a graphical user interface displayed on a computer display screen, comprising:
- enabling a selectable item to be selected when a displayed cursor is in proximity to the selectable item;
receiving an input selection; and
causing the selectable item to be selected.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments including a system, method and program enable the focus on a selectable item, such as a menu item, desktop icon, hyperlink, etc., to change based on proximity of the cursor. The selectable item is chosen by hitting enter or pressing the mouse button, or by utilizing other known selection means. In a first embodiment, the region of clicking or hitting enter for a selectable item is associated with an area surrounding the displayed cursor. Whenever a portion of the area surrounding the cursor moves over a portion of the selectable item, the item can be selected upon a mouse click or other selection means. In another embodiment, the displayed region or window or page is divided up into non-overlapping regions among the selectable items. When the cursor moves into one of the non-overlapping regions, the item associated with that region would be selected if a selection means were to be utilized. In yet another embodiment, focus is changed to an item if a cursor moves toward it. As such, the direction of movement of the cursor predicts the item the user is moving towards. The item then becomes selectable.
108 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for enabling a selection of a selectable item in a graphical user interface displayed on a computer display screen, comprising:
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enabling a selectable item to be selected when a displayed cursor is in proximity to the selectable item;
receiving an input selection; and
causing the selectable item to be selected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A device having a processor, memory, a display screen, and means for enabling a selection of a selectable item in a user interface displayed on the display screen, comprising:
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means for enabling a selectable item to be selected when a displayed cursor is in proximity to the selectable item;
means for receiving an input selection; and
means for causing the selectable item to be selected. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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12. A program on a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means for enabling a selection of a selectable item in a user interface displayed on a display screen, comprising:
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means for enabling a selectable item to be selected when a displayed cursor is in proximity to the selectable item;
means for receiving an input selection; and
means for causing the selectable item to be selected.
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Specification