Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing controls on the screen of a computer controlled display. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for quick and efficient activation and deactivation of controls by designating a number of controls as a control grouping. The preferred embodiment then collectively activates or deactivates the designated number of controls using an identifier for the control grouping. Additionally, after a user terminates cursor movement, the preferred embodiment automatically positions a cursor on an ideal control. The preferred embodiment determines the ideal control (1) by removing from consideration any controls which are (a) not visible to the user, or (b) located at non-optimal positions on the screen, and (2) by calculating a weighted distance for each remaining control. The preferred embodiment calculates the weighted distances by comparing the previous cursor movements made by a user with application specified parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing controls on the screen of a computer controlled display. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for quick and efficient activation and deactivation of controls by designating a number of controls as a control grouping. The preferred embodiment then collectively activates or deactivates the designated number of controls using an identifier for the control grouping. Additionally, after a user terminates cursor movement, the preferred embodiment automatically positions a cursor on an ideal control. The preferred embodiment determines the ideal control (1) by removing from consideration any controls which are (a) not visible to the user, or (b) located at non-optimal positions on the screen, and (2) by calculating a weighted distance for each remaining control. The preferred embodiment calculates the weighted distances by comparing the previous cursor movements made by a user with application specified parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing controls on the screen of a computer controlled display. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for quick and efficient activation and deactivation of controls by designating a number of controls as a control grouping. The preferred embodiment then collectively activates or deactivates the designated number of controls using an identifier for the control grouping. Additionally, after a user terminates cursor movement, the preferred embodiment automatically positions a cursor on an ideal control. The preferred embodiment determines the ideal control (1) by removing from consideration any controls which are (a) not visible to the user, or (b) located at non-optimal positions on the screen, and (2) by calculating a weighted distance for each remaining control. The preferred embodiment calculates the weighted distances by comparing the previous cursor movements made by a user with application specified parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for navigating through an application program on a computer coupled to a computer-controlled display screen. The user can control the cursor position on the computer-controlled display using simple controls. The invention may use a hand-held controller with a four direction control button and a function select button. The computer accepts the direction input information and moves the cursor or focus according to one of three different navigation functions. The first two navigation functions are selected by the application program, and may change from one navigation to another in different portions of the program or under user control. With the first navigation function, the direction buttons on the controller shift the focus from one hot spot to another hot spot in the selected direction using predefined criteria. With the second navigation function, the focus is shifted from a present position on the computer-controlled display to the adjacent position in the selected direction.