초록 ▼

A method and system for assisting physically challenged users in positioning cursor objects at desired icons displayed within a graphic interface of a computer system. Icons are displayed within the graphic interface, such that an icon, when graphically selected by a user, facilitates a particular a

A method and system for assisting physically challenged users in positioning cursor objects at desired icons displayed within a graphic interface of a computer system. Icons are displayed within the graphic interface, such that an icon, when graphically selected by a user, facilitates a particular application function. Icon domains are established about each icon, wherein each icon domain is larger than the icon itself. The cursor object may thereafter be automatically positioned at the center of a particular icon, in response to moving the cursor object into an icon domain associated with that particular icon, thereby assisting physically challenged users in efficiently positioning the cursor object at the icon in order to graphically select a particular function associated with the icon. According to this method and system, the icons are thereby graphically magnetized, such that a cursor object is immediately snapped toward a desired icon when entering a graphically magnetized domain surrounding the desired icon, eliminating the need for positioning the cursor object precisely on the icon or other graphical object to be selected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method in a computer system for assisting physically challenged users in positioning cursor objects at desired icons displayed within a graphic interface of said computer system, said method comprising the steps of:displaying an icon within said graphic interface, where

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method in a computer system for assisting physically challenged users in positioning cursor objects at desired icons displayed within a graphic interface of said computer system, said method comprising the steps of:displaying an icon within said graphic interface, wherein said icon, when graphically selected by a user, facilitates a particular application function;establishing an icon domain about said icon, said icon domain being larger than said icon;automatically positioning said cursor object at the center of said icon, in response to moving said cursor object into said icon domain, thereby assisting physically challenged users in efficiently positioning said cursor object at said icon in order to graphically select a particular function associated with said icon;compiling a registry of icons previously visited by said cursor object during a current application session;determining if said icon is contained within said registry; andautomatically repositioning said cursor object from said icon to the center of said another icon located nearest said icon, if said icon is not contained within said registry.