Computer interface toolbar for acquiring most frequently accessed options using short cursor traverses

Abstract

A pop-up toolbar is disclosed which is demonstrably faster and easier to utilize than the permanently displayed, horizontal toolbar. Two columns provide a variable number of irregularly shaped regions arrayed on either side of a generally circular central-area. Components of regions converge on the central area. Targets, each displaying an icon and an optional, descriptive label, appear within the regions. At pop-up of the toolbar, the cursor moves under system control to the central-area of the toolbar, enabling users to perform short, radial traverses of the cursor into targets, activating related functions by appropriate action. Alternatively, primary and secondary targets for regions may be designated for remote acquisition, whereby alternate user actions in any non-target area of a region activate the primary and secondary targets respectively defined for that region. The central-area is divided into a varying number of shapes permitting users to activate application, system, or toolbar management activities.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.