System and method for extending the drag function of a computer pointing

Abstract

A method and system for extending the distance which a user can drag a cursor across a computer display device when using a touch sensitive pointing device as a relative cursor locating device. When such relative cursor locating devices are used the small perimeter size of the position sensing surface makes it inconvenient to carry out drag required functions. A border within the outer perimeter of the position sensing surface is defined and when a pointing object enters the border on the position sensing surface it is detected. It is then determined if the drag function is engaged for the cursor when the pointing object enters the border. If the drag function is engaged, the present invention holds the cursor at the location on the computer display while the user moves the pointing object to a new position on the position sensing surface from which position the user continues the dragging function to a desired end location on the computer display. Most preferably, a touch sensitive pointing device is utilized which allows a user to locate the cursor on the computer display using a single finger and emulate the click and drag functions of a mouse by tapping on the position sensing surface with a finger.