Patent ID: 7890890

Claim:
Computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, enable a lasso-select function to be carried out via a computing device, the computer-executable instructions comprising: a user interface module that collects selection ink, displays a selection line based upon the collected selection ink, the selection line having a starting point and an end point, and redraws the end point as additional segments of the selection line are created through the collection of selection ink as a result of receiving user input via said computing device; an encounter select module that selects each object intersected by the selection line; a lasso select module that creates a connection line between the starting point and end point of the selection line to thereby form a lasso enclosure while additional segments of the selection line are still being created and selects each object with a portion thereof encircled by the lasso enclosure, wherein the connection line is deleted and redrawn as the end point is redrawn; and a selection line shape determining module that: provides the collected selection ink to the encounter select module when the selection line is determined to be approximately straight, provides the collected selection ink to the lasso select module when the selection line is determined to not be approximately straight, and after determining the selection line has changed from approximately straight to not approximately straight, converts the selection line from an encounter selection line to a lasso selection line, provides the collected selection ink to the lasso select module, and deselects objects selected by the encounter selection line when the objects are not substantially encircled by the lasso enclosure.