Techniques for current steering directional programming in a neurostimulation system

An external control device for use with a two-dimensional array of electrodes implanted within tissue and a neurostimulator capable of delivering electrical stimulation energy to the electrodes to create a volume of activation, comprising:

• a user interface including a current steering initiation control element and a current steering direction control element capable of being rotated about an axis;
• a controller/processor configured for, in response to actuation of the initiation control element, generating a series of different combinations of the electrodes in a manner that the volume of activation gradually translates in a specific direction when the electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the different electrode combinations, the controller/processor further configured for, in response to rotation of the direction control element about the axis, defining the specific direction in which the volume of activation is translated;
• and
• output circuitry configured for transmitting the different electrode combinations to the neurostimulator.