Patent ID: 6614455
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G06F,G08B,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
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.