Patent ID: 7523418
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of choosing at least one position on a display having a cursor, comprising the steps of: responsive to a first user-initiated action, automatically moving the cursor along a predetermined during-selection trajectory; facilitating display of said predetermined during-selection trajectory; responsive to a second user-initiated action when the cursor is at a first location along said predetermined during-selection trajectory: responsive to a pre-selection automatic movement-initiating action, automatically moving the cursor in a predetermined pre-selection trajectory; responsive to said first user-initiated action: obtaining first user inputs for said predetermined during-selection trajectory, said first user inputs comprising shape of movement for said predetermined during-selection trajectory, acceleration profile for said predetermined during-selection trajectory, number of repetitions for said predetermined during-selection trajectory, and user-movement threshold for said predetermined during-selection trajectory; and obtaining second user inputs for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory, said second user inputs comprising shape of movement for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory, acceleration profile for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory, number of repetitions for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory, and user-movement threshold for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory; wherein: said pre-selection automatic movement-initiating action comprises a pause in user-initiated cursor motion; said user-initiated cursor motion is effected via a human-operated pointing device; said automatic moving of the cursor in said predetermined during-selection trajectory is carried out in accordance with said first user inputs; said automatic moving of the cursor along said predetermined pre-selection trajectory is carried out in accordance with said second user inputs; said shape of movement for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory comprises a zig-zag; and said shape of movement for said predetermined during-selection trajectory comprises a spiral; further comprising: during said automatic moving of the cursor in said predetermined during-selection trajectory, suppressing during-selection user cursor movement unless said during-selection user cursor movement exceeds said user-movement threshold for said predetermined during-selection trajectory; and during said automatic moving of the cursor along said predetermined pre-selection trajectory, suppressing pre-selection user cursor movement unless said pre-selection user cursor movement exceeds said user-movement threshold for said predetermined pre-selection trajectory.