Hand-held trackball computer pointing device

• US 20030090465A1
• Filed: 11/09/2001
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Terry L. Dellinger
• Original Assignee: Terry L. Dellinger
• Inventors: Dellinger, Terry L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,816,151 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/167
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/014 Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

There is provided a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user'"'"'s hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.

Claims

1. A symmetrical, hand-held trackball pointing device for use by right-handed and left-handed users, comprising:

a) a housing adapted and configured to fit into a users hand proximate the metacarpal (i.e., first phalangal) region of the fingers thereof;

b) a trackball element disposed in said housing and adapted and configured for interaction with the thumb of said hand of said user, and adapted for generating a trackball signal representative of a position thereof;

c) at least one switch disposed in said housing and adapted for manipulative interaction with said metacarpal region of a finger of said hand of said user, said at least one switch producing a switch signal representative of the state of said at least one switch;

d) circuitry disposed within said housing and operatively connected to said track ball element and said at least one switch and adapted to receive at least said trackball signal and said switch signal and generate an output signal representative of at least one of said trackball signal and said switch signal;

e) means for communicating operatively connected to said circuitry and adapted to communicate said output signal to an external device.

2. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one switch comprises three switches adapted and configured for switchable interaction with said metacarpal region of three adjacent fingers of said hand of said user.

3. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 2, wherein said three switches comprise momentary push button switches.

4. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for communicating comprises a hard-wired connection to said external device.

5. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for communicating comprises a wireless transmitter disposed in said housing and adapted for transmitting said output signal to a receiver operatively connected to said external device.

6. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 5, wherein said wireless transmitter comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and said receiver comprises an RF receiver adapted for reception of said output signal transmitted by said transmitter.

7. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 5, wherein said wireless transmitter comprises a infrared (IR) transmitter and said receiver comprises an IR receiver compatible therewith.

8. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a pistol grip region and said at least one switch is disposed proximate said pistol grip region.

9. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

f) means for securing said hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user.

10. The hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said means for securing said hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user comprises at least one elastic band.

11. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said means for securing said hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user comprises at least one strap comprising hook and loop fastening means.

12. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a symmetrical housing adapted for use in either the right or left hand of a user.