Method and system for providing a pre-selection indicator for a graphical user interface (GUI) widget

A method of generating a pre-selection indicator for a widget displayed by a graphical user interface (GUI), comprising:

• determining the distance D between the center of a displayed selection pointer having a mass value M and the center of the widget having a mass value m;
• calculating the value B={square root}{square root over (m/M)};
• determining whether the value of B is greater than or equal to D;
• and
• if so, generating the pre-selection indicator for the widget.

A computer-usable medium storing a computer program product for generating a pre-selection indicator for a widget displayed by a graphical user interface (GUI), comprising:

• means for determining a field of influence extending beyond the visual display area of the widget;
• means for determining whether a displayed selection pointer is within the field of influence of the widget;
• and
• means for generating the pre-selection indicator for the widget when the displayed selection pointer is within the field of influence.

A computer system, comprising:

• a display;
• a graphical user interface (GUI) presented by the display;
• a widget, included in the GUI;
• means for determining a field of influence extending beyond the visual display area of the widget;
• means for determining whether a displayed selection pointer is within the field of influence of the widget;
• and
• means for generating the pre-selection indicator for the widget when the displayed selection pointer is within the field of influence.