Keyboard with integrated mouse/pointer device

• US 20030001822A1
• Filed: 06/29/2001
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brian Davidson, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
• Original Assignee: Brian Davidson, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
• Inventors: Davidson, Brian, Bestle, Nikolaj Helberg
• Application Number:
  US09/896,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20030001822A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0231 Cordless keyboards

Abstract

A data input device for use with portable electronic devices. The data input device has a motion-sensing device disposed within it that detects movement of the input device. In the presently preferred embodiment, the data input device has at least a keypad and an integral mouse-ball system.

Claims

1. A data input device, comprising:

a keypad; and

an integral motion-sensing device;

wherein said integral motion-sensing device is configured to generate data relating to the movement of said keypad.

2. The data input device of claim 0, wherein said integral motion-sensing device is a mouse.

3. The data input device of claim 0, wherein said integral motion-sensing device is configured to generate said data by signal triangulation.

4. The data input device of claim 0, wherein said integral motion-sensing device is configured to transmit said data to a remote electronic device.

5. A data input system, comprising:

a data input device;

a motion-sensing device, for sensing motion of said data input device;

a remote data processing device; and

a communication link coupling said data input device, said motion-sensing device, and said remote data processing device, whereby data may be transferred from said data input device or said motion-sensing device to said remote data processing device;

wherein said motion-sensing device is disposed within said data input device.

6. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said data input device is a keyboard, said keyboard having at least one key.

7. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said remote data processing device further comprises:

a display; and

a logic control assembly coupled to said communication link;

wherein said logic control assembly is configured to update said display in response to receiving data from said motion-sensing device.

8. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said communication link is an IR link.

9. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said communication link is a low-power RF link.

10. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said remote data processing device is a mobile communication device.

11. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said remote data processing device is a portable computer.

12. The data input system of claim 5, wherein said communication link is a cable comprising at least one wire.

14. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said mouse senses motion of said keypad device and generates data related to said motion.

15. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said keypad device comprises at least one key.

16. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said keypad device further comprises:

a top side having keys;

a bottom side; and

said mouse is disposed toward said bottom side of said keypad device.

17. The data input device of claim 13, wherein said mouse is an optical mouse.

18. The data input device of claim 13, further comprising an input/output device coupled to said mouse;

whereby data from said mouse may be transmitted by said input/output device to a remote device.

19. The data input device of claim 18, wherein said input/output device is configurable to transmit data to a remote device.

20. The data input device of claim 19, wherein said input/output device is configurable to transmit said data in digital form.

13. A data input device, comprising:

a keypad device; and

a mouse, for sensing motion of said keypad device;

wherein said mouse is primarily disposed within said keypad device.