Method and apparatus for cursor positioning

Abstract

A cursor positioning system for use with computer systems employing relative-pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or mice) for cursor positioning functions. The cursor positioning system employs a cursor driver, stored in a memory of the computer system and responsive to cursor positioning signals from the relative-pointing device, to enable fast and accurate cursor positioning to specific, predefined locations. The cursor driver responds to user-actuated signals, such as 'clicks' or keystrokes to record cursor position objects at particular cursor locations. Thereafter, during cursor position selection mode, initiated by a keystroke or relative-pointing device signal, the cursor's position is moved from position object to position object. The preferred embodiment also provides for recording of bias objects, typically the same as the position objects, to attract the cursor's location towards them. This attraction reduces undershoot and overshoot of the cursor. Additionally, autoconfiguration of the cursor position/bias objects results from monitoring for prespecified actions from the user, such as 'click'-events, and recording that position when the number of clicks at that location exceed a particular threshold. Subsequent use or non-use of that position can increase that objects weighting for bias influence effects. The cursor positioning system provides consistent cursor positioning tools, for all applications, and permits addition of new cursor tools to applications and the operating without modification of the applications.