Absolute coordinate, single user-interface element pointing device
First Claim
1. An absolute coordinate single control element device that enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks, the device comprising:
- a single control element manipulable by a user of said device;
a surface defining an x-y plane whereon said element is manipulable by said user;
means for resolving user movement of said single control element relative to said x-y plane of said surface and for outputting a computer recognizable signal therefrom; and
means for recognizing user manipulation of said single control element in an axis normal to said x-y plane and for discerning therefrom at least one emulated mouse click;
wherein relative position of said single control element on said x-y plane of said surface provides said user with information as to relative position of a cursor on a computer display controlled by said device.
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Abstract
A single control element device provides a user with absolute coordinate information and enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks. The single control element is user-moved relative to a surface having a dynamic coefficient of friction that reduces false double-clicks. The device may be used by handicapped persons and emulates left mouse clicking and double clicking by recognizing downward force of the single control element into the surface, and recognizes upward movement of the single control element away from the surface as a right mouse click.
10 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An absolute coordinate single control element device that enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks, the device comprising:
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a single control element manipulable by a user of said device;
a surface defining an x-y plane whereon said element is manipulable by said user;
means for resolving user movement of said single control element relative to said x-y plane of said surface and for outputting a computer recognizable signal therefrom; and
means for recognizing user manipulation of said single control element in an axis normal to said x-y plane and for discerning therefrom at least one emulated mouse click;
wherein relative position of said single control element on said x-y plane of said surface provides said user with information as to relative position of a cursor on a computer display controlled by said device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An absolute coordinate single control element device that enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks, the device comprising:
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a single control element manipulable by a user of said device;
a surface defining an x-y plane whereon said element is manipulable by said user, said surface having a dynamic coefficient of friction such that friction between said surface and said single control element increases with decreasing rate of movement of said single control element on said surface;
a pantographic mechanism having a first end coupled to said single control element and having a second end;
a reflective element coupled to said second end of said pantographic mechanism for movement along an x-axis and a y-axis of said x-y plane responsive to movement of said single element;
at least one stationary light transmitter disposed to direct light upon said reflective element; and
at least one stationary light detector disposed to detect light from said light transmitter reflected by said reflective element;
means coupled to said light detector for outputting a computer recognizable signal responsive to detected movement of said control element on said x-y plane;
means for recognizing user manipulation of said single control element in a direction normal to said x-y plane and for discerning therefrom at least one emulated mouse click;
wherein relative position of said single control element on said x-y plane of said surface provides said user with information as to relative position of a cursor on a computer display controlled by said device. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method to enable user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks using an absolute coordinate single control element, the method comprising:
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providing a single control element manipulable by a user in an x-y plane to move said cursor and in an axis normal to said x-y plane to emulate mouse clicks;
providing a surface defining said x-y plane whereon said element is manipulable by said user, said surface having a dynamic coefficient of friction such that friction between said surface and said single control element increases with decreasing rate of movement of said single control element on said surface;
translating movement of said control element on said x-y plane into movements along an x-axis and a y-axis;
detecting said movements along said x-axis and said y-axis, and detecting movements along said axis to discern emulated mouse clicks, and outputting a computer recognizable signal responsive to detected said movements. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification