GUI Pointer Vectoring via Keyboard Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of moving a graphical user interface (GUI) pointer to a desired selectable item is often tedious and prone to unintentional drifting, requiring significant time and effort.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically vectors the pointer to a target item on a GUI display using keyboard-based input, extrapolating the target item's location based on direction of travel, vector angle range, and user-defined limitations, allowing the pointer to jump directly to the intended item.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual pointer movement via pointing device is used, then the pointer can be moved to selectable items, but the process is time-consuming and prone to unintentional drifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer positioning accuracyVSAvoidtime to move pointer

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pointing device (mouse, trackball) with a keyboard-based input system that uses vector mathematics to calculate direct pointer movement. The keyboard input provides directional information that is processed through vector operations to determine the target item and directly position the pointer, eliminating the need for manual dragging and reducing both time and drift errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vector calculation system as an intermediary between the keyboard input and the pointer positioning. The vector system processes the directional input from the keyboard, calculates the appropriate movement parameters, and determines the target item, serving as a mathematical mediator that translates simple keyboard presses into accurate pointer positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual pointer movement is used, then the user can navigate to items, but unintentional movements cause pointer drift away from the desired item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer movement controlVSAvoidpointer movement effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical control of manual pointer dragging with a keyboard-based vector calculation system. The keyboard provides discrete directional inputs that are processed through vector mathematics to determine precise pointer movement, eliminating the continuous manual control that causes drift while maintaining ease of operation through simple key presses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vector calculation system automatically determines the target item and calculates the appropriate pointer movement based on the keyboard input direction. The system self-corrects and self-positiones the pointer to the intended target without requiring manual adjustment, making the operation more reliable while remaining easy to use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic pointer vectoring is implemented, then pointer movement speed and accuracy improve, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer movement speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual pointing operations with a relatively simple vector calculation system based on keyboard input. The vector mathematics provides a straightforward computational approach to determine pointer movement and target identification, achieving high productivity through algorithmic efficiency rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters from continuous manual positioning to discrete vector-based directional movement. By using vector components (direction and magnitude) derived from keyboard input, the system achieves rapid pointer movement through parameter transformation rather than physical manipulation, improving productivity while keeping the control mechanism simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8566751B2GUI pointer automatic position vectoring

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

A method and computer system for rapid and accurate automatic vectoring of a graphical user interface pointer to a selectable item on a display. Based upon pointer movement input from a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, touchpad or specially configured keyboard), a direction of travel vector from an initial anchor position towards a target item is determined. The location of the target item is extrapolated and the pointer is automatically moved to that target item. To ensure that the pointer moves to the intended target item, the location of the target item is extrapolated based upon the direction of travel vector and default and/or user defined parameters. Optional user defined parameters include initial pointer anchor position, vector sensitivity, automatic selection of target item, and user defined pointer limitations.