Control device (mouse) for computer

• US 20050001786A1
• Filed: 11/12/2001
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ken Alvin Jensen
• Original Assignee: Ken Alvin Jensen
• Inventors: Jensen, Ken Alvin
• Granted Patent: US 7,176,882 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/6
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry

Abstract

Control device (computer mouse) for moving a visual pointer on a display constituting part of a user interface for computer equipment. The control device is designed to be used hand held free of support from any surface, as the movement of the pointer in two dimensions takes place by means of a guide pin), a so-called joy-stick. The guide pin preferably has a double function so that it may also be used for scrolling the display. The control device may include an attachment for the user'"'"'s hand or wrist, and may be integrated with a telephone receiver or with a remote control for a television set or the like.

Claims

1. Control device (computer mouse) for controlling a visual pointer on a display or the like, constituting part of a user interface for computer equipment, comprising a control device (1) designed to be used hand held free of support from any surface, as the movement of the pointer in two dimensions takes place by means of a guide pin (3), a so-called joy-stick,

characterized in that said guide pin (3) has a double function, as it alternatingly may be used for controlling the pointer and for scrolling the display respectively.

2. Control device as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the guide pin (3) rests on a selector switch (9) so arranged that when pushed down once the guide pin (3) assumes the function of controlling scrolling of the display, and when pushed down again it resumes controlling of the pointer'"'"'s movement.

3. Control device as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the guide pin (3) is localized at a top surface (2) of the control device (1) and is intended for being operated with an index finger.

4. Control device as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the guide pin'"'"'s (3) base is retracted relative to the top surface cover (2) so that only part of the guide pin (3) protrudes from the top surface cover (2).

5. Control device as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the control device (1) in a manner known per se comprises a right button (5) and a left button (4) for starting and activating choices in software.

6. Control device as claimed in claim 5 characterized in that the left button (4) is arranged mainly at a lateral surface (6) of the control device (1) and is intended for being operated with a thumb.

7. Control device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the right button (5) is arranged mainly at the top surface (2) of the control device (1) to the side of the guide pin (3), and is intended for being operated with a middle finger.

8. Control device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the dimension and shape of the control device (1) is such that it may easily be held in one hand independent of the hand'"'"'s position relative to the user or relative to the user interface to which it transfers information.

9. Control device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transfer of signals from the control device (1) is wireless.

10. Control device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the control device (1) comprises means (not shown) suited to attach the control device to the user'"'"'s hand or wrist.

11. Control device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the right button (5) is arranged mainly at the top surface (2) of the control device (1) to the side of the guide pin (3), and is intended for being operated with a middle finger.