System and method for generating a user interface for text and item selection

Abstract

A system and method for generating a user interface for text and item selection is disclosed. As described for various embodiments, a system and process is disclosed for providing an arrangement of selectable items, a mechanism for selection from the arrangement of selectable items, and a mechanism for adjusting the granularity of control of the selector. In one embodiment, the granularity control can be a zooming mechanism to modify the size and/or position of items in a selection set. In another embodiment, the granularity control can be a modification of the motion vector based on a distance from a reference point and the speed or quantity of deflection of a pointing device. Thus, as a selection point approaches the selection set, the motion of the selection point becomes less responsive to movement of the pointing device, so the user has more control over the positioning of the selection point relative to an item in the selection set.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 receiving an input from a pointing device indicating movement right or left;   receiving an input from a pointing device indicating movement upward or downward;   moving a selection set right in response to movement of the pointing device to the right, moving the selection set left in response to movement of the pointing device to the left; and   zooming the selection set outward in response to movement of the pointing device downward, and zooming the selection set inward in response to movement of the pointing device upward.