System for controlling computer processing utilizing a multifunctional cursor with decoupling of pointer and image functionalities in space and time
US4984152A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/04817
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A human-computer interface for executing computer operations on data objects under control of a multifunctional cursor which represents multiple computer operations visually in the cursor, which facilitates execution of repeated operations through a "cycle" capability, and which decouples pointer and image functionalities in time and space. The interface may be configured with a screen display and a movable region to display a cursor shape, which shape contains multiple icons representative of computer operations. Each computer operation may be executed under the control of a distinct input pattern. Multiple operations may be loaded in one or more sequences, which may themselves by cycled under control of a distinct input pattern. The interface may also be configured with a screen display, a movable region to display a cursor pointer, and an image region to display computer operation icons. One operation from a menu of operations is associated with the image subarea, and then an icon representative of the associated operation is displayed in the image subarea as a local reminder of this operation. The associated operation may then be executed on a data object on the screen when pro…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.