×

System and method for extending the drag function of a computer pointing device

  • US 5,757,368 A
  • Filed: 03/27/1995
  • Issued: 05/26/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for extending the cursor dragging function of a pointing device used to control the movement of a cursor on a computing output device, the pointing device otherwise requiring continuous contact by a human digit of a user in a dragging position to maintain engagement of the cursor dragging function of the pointing device, the method comprising the steps of:

  • defining a border area which is less than the maximum distance which can be traveled by a pointing object manipulated by the user;

    detecting when the pointing object is on the edge of the border or beyond;

    determining if the drag function is engaged when the pointing object enters the border;

    maintaining the dragging function as the human digit is removed from its dragging position;

    continuing the drag function and holding the cursor at a first location on the computing output device while the pointing object is moved to a new position using the pointing device;

    continuing the dragging function as the human digit is again applied to the dragging position; and

    continuing the dragging function from the first location on the computing output device to a second location on the computing output device as the pointing object is moved from the new position to an end position.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×