Patent ID: 7730425

Claim:
A method of presenting a function-oriented user interface on a display of a computer comprising: presenting a plurality of icons arranged in an elliptical pattern, each of the plurality of icons representing a functional capability, including at least one of a first icon representing an entertainment function, a second icon representing a document editing function, and a third icon representing an Internet and communication function; setting a cursor associated with a pointing device outside a boundary formed by the elliptical pattern of icons; determining that the cursor is outside the boundary formed by the elliptical pattern of icons; when the cursor is outside the boundary formed by the elliptical pattern of icons, determining a distance and direction of the cursor relative to the centerline of the elliptical pattern of icons; rotating the elliptical pattern of icons at a constant speed proportional to the distance of the cursor from the centerline and in a direction matching the direction of the cursor relative to the centerline; moving the cursor inside the boundary formed by the elliptical pattern; determining the cursor is inside the boundary formed by the elliptical pattern; stopping the rotating of the elliptical pattern after determining the cursor is inside the boundary formed by the elliptical pattern; highlighting a front-most icon as a result of stopping the rotating of the elliptical pattern; accepting a user signal indicating a selection of the highlighted front-most icon; and activating a default application corresponding to the functional capability associated with the highlighted front-most icon.