Cursor control with user feedback mechanism
US5973689A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/015
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A feedback means is provided in conjunction with a cursor control mechanism for a two- or three-dimensional graphic user interface. Feedback levels are determined by tonal variation (grey scale or color component) at the pixel (P) currently indicated by the cursor. Suitably, the levels are set by generating differentials across a patch of pixels (A) surrounding the indicated pixel, with differential generation in mutually perpendicular directions (X and Y) providing for independent feedback in two or three directions. The technique enables interface features such as window boundaries (36) or textured patches to be identified to the user without specially authored software being required for those features to trigger feedback when indicated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.