Patent ID: 6587131
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for assisting a user to operate a pointer so as to move said pointer onto a desired object by a pointing device, said method comprising the steps of:detecting a pointer movement direction in which the user wants to move said pointer, in accordance with a movement of said pointer by said pointing device; displaying candidate objects located within a predetermined range of said pointer movement direction; and selecting the object from said displayed candidate objects; wherein said method is used by switching between an active state in which a system for implementing the assisting method is on and an inactive state in which said system for implementing the assisting method is off; and wherein said pointer movement direction is detected by use of a direction indicator comprising two large and small concentric circles around a reference point which is a position of said pointer when said system for implementing the assisting method enters said active state.