Patent ID: 6580416
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method by which an operator can use a pointer unambiguously tell an actuator to actuate itself, said method comprising the following steps:a. monitoring the target of the operator's pointer or equivalent operator controlled cursor to determine if it enters a specific geographical region associated with the actuator; b. when such intersection occurs, delivering â€œenteringâ€  audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator to indicate that the intersection has occurred and that the cursor is in position to tell the actuator to actuate itself; c. monitoring the position of the operator's cursor for a prescribed grace period to determine whether the intersection continues and, if the intersection ends, delivering â€œleavingâ€  audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator to indicate that the intersection has ended, such feedback consisting of at least the discontinuation of any ongoing entering feedback; d. when the intersection is maintained during the entire grace period, delivering â€œcockingâ€  audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to indicate to the operator the initiation of the opt-out period and therefore the imminence of actuation; e. monitoring the location of the operator's cursor for a prescribed â€œopt-outâ€  time interval to determine whether the intersection continues, and delivering â€œopting-outâ€  audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator as soon as the intersection ends therefore indicating that the actuation is no longer imminent; f. when the intersection is maintained during both the grace period and the opt-out period, actuating the actuator and delivering any â€œfiringâ€  audio, visual, tactile or other sensory feedback to the operator which is necessary or desirable to positively indicate to the operator that actuation has occurred.