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A method and apparatus for using directional gestures in popup menus to enter data into and control a computer system. A popup menu contains a number of items represented by images or labels positioned on a regular grid around a popup position. When an operator requests a popup menu using a trigger

A method and apparatus for using directional gestures in popup menus to enter data into and control a computer system. A popup menu contains a number of items represented by images or labels positioned on a regular grid around a popup position. When an operator requests a popup menu using a trigger event, the appropriate menu for the operator, the trigger, and the system state is selected and is displayed with the popup position centered over the current cursor position. The operator scans through the items by dragging the cursor and selects one to initiate the associated action. The operator can design menus containing the commands he or she uses most frequently and use these menus with existing applications without revising the applications. Menus with many items are managed by scrolling or by progressive disclosure of the menu items.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [11.] An operator interface apparatus for selecting from a plurality of commands in a computer having a processor, a memory, a display, an input device for controlling the position of a cursor on said display, a trigger operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and

[ I claim:] [11.] An operator interface apparatus for selecting from a plurality of commands in a computer having a processor, a memory, a display, an input device for controlling the position of a cursor on said display, a trigger operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a default menu containing application commands common to many different applications, said default menu having a plurality of menu items arranged in a rectangular array having a plurality of rows and columns, each of said menu items being associated with a different command, comprising:trigger event detecting means for detecting a trigger event, said trigger event including a last event comprising an engagement of said trigger;command searching means responsive to said trigger event detecting means for automatically searching the currently active application for command identifiers associated with command names in said default menu;displaying means for displaying said default menu when updated with command identifiers determined by said command searching means;tracking means for tracking said cursor when said cursor is moved across said menu items;defining means for defining a menu item at the position of said cursor as a current menu item;highlighting means for highlighting said current menu item;trigger disengagement detecting means for detecting a first disengagement of said trigger since said engagement; andactivating means responsive to said trigger disengagement detecting means for activating the command associated with said current menu item.