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Directional navigation within a graphical user interface

  • US 6,614,455 B1
  • Filed: 10/26/1999
  • Issued: 09/02/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/27/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A data processing system, comprising:

  • a) a display device;

    b) a graphical user Interface including a plurality of menu options associated with positions on the display device; and

    c) a processor adapted to perform the following operations i) receiving a user input specifying a vector selected by the user from a finite selection of user-selectable vectors, the user selecting the vector based on a current position, ii) determining a respective fitness for each of the plurality of menu options based on the current position, the vector, and the plurality of menu options, and iii) supplying a target menu option, which Is that one having a most optimal fitness, wherein the fitnesses are determined according to a procedure that takes into account a difference in direction between the vector and the difference between the current position and a given one of the plurality of menu options, wherein the steps of determining a respective fitness and supplying a target menu option comprises;

    determining a fitness of each of the plurality of menu options according to the following criteria;

    i) If the direction is straight up or straight down;

    A) if there is sufficient horizontal overlap between current and destination element the fitness value is the square of the vertical distance; and

    B) if there is insufficient horizontal overlap between current and destination element, the fitness value is negative;

    ii) if the direction is straight left or straight right;

    A) if there is sufficient vertical overlap between current and destination element, the fitness value is the square of the horizontal distance; and

    B) if there is insufficient vertical overlap between current and destination element, the fitness value is negative; and

    iii) if the direction is diagonal;

    A) if there is sufficient horizontal and vertical overlap between current and destination element, the fitness value is the square of the vertical distance plus the square of the horizontal distance; and

    B) if there is insufficient horizontal or vertical overlap between current and destination element, the fitness value is negative; and

    supplying the target menu option as that one having a most optimal fitness.

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