System and method for efficient hit-testing in a computer-based system
US6229525A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R13/0218
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hit-test system and methodology for use in a computer-based system having a display for searching a display pixel map in successively-increasing distances from a selected pixel location associated with a current cursor position in accordance with a predetermined search topology defined by pixel offset values. The pixel offset values may be determined a priori and stored in memory in, for example, a look-up table, may be determined algorithmically, or any combination thereof. The hit text system determines whether each queried pixel location in the display pixel map contains a color or other attribute indicative of a display element. Preferably, a maximum search distance which defines a range of pixel locations likely to include a display element of interest to the user while avoiding causing the user to select an undesired display element. The selected pixel location may be represented by a cursor positioned with a pointing device such as a mouse, light pen, keyboard controls, touch pad, etc. Preferably, a pixel location is also determined to be selected when the cursor dwells, or remains stationary, at a pixel location for a predetermined period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.