Importance

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Abstract

A computer input device, such as a mouse, and a method of operating the same. Initially, the location of the cursor at various times on the screen is detected. From these various positions a path of travel and a rate of travel of the cursor are computed. Display objects, such as buttons, which exist along or near the path of travel are identified and designated as potential targets. The rate of change in the rate of travel is also computed. This information is used to decide if a user is slowing down in approach of a specific screen display object. If certain deceleration criteria are met, then that target which the user is approaching is designated as the intended target and the cursor is translated smoothly to that target. After the pointer has been moved to the intended display object, the pointer is maintained at that object and small mouse movements are ignored, thereby allowing the user to maintain the cursor on the desired target despite small, possibly inadvertent, mouse movements. If the movement or acceleration of the mouse exceed a predetermined threshold, then this hold is released.

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First Claim