Ergonomic mouse
First Claim
1. An input controller for inputting user commands to a computing device, comprising:
- a pedestal in contact with a work surface wherein the work surface defines a x-y plane and wherein the pedestal is displaced from the work surface defining a Z direction;
an input housing rotatably gimbaled atop the pedestal defining a datum plan parallel to the work surface wherein the input housing is capable of simultaneous angular displacement from the datum plane in a Z-Y plane and a Z-X plane and wherein the input housing further comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane in the Z-Y plane and the Z-X plane;
an input detector communicatively coupled to the input housing and the computing device and configured to receive signals corresponding to angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane and convert the signals into planer positional commands of the cursor compatible with the computing device; and
a grip body attached to the input housing wherein a full-range angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane is configurable to correspond to a displayable field of the computing device, the pedestal remaining in substantially the same position on the X-Y plane.
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Abstract
An ergonomic input controller includes a pedestal that is in contact with a work surface, such as a desk or an equipment operation panel. A stem is attached atop the pedestal and a grip body is rotatably attached atop the stem at an input housing. An input detector is incorporated into the grip body and is in communication with the input housing. The input detector provides signals regarding grip body movement about the stem. A z-axis controller permits the user to manipulate three dimensional drawings. A maintaining device is attached prevents inadvertent movement of the grip body and holds the grip body in its last used position. An encoder is in communication with and receives signals from the input detector. The encoder provides control signals for output to the computer, game, data input device or industrial controller.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An input controller for inputting user commands to a computing device, comprising:
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a pedestal in contact with a work surface wherein the work surface defines a x-y plane and wherein the pedestal is displaced from the work surface defining a Z direction;
an input housing rotatably gimbaled atop the pedestal defining a datum plan parallel to the work surface wherein the input housing is capable of simultaneous angular displacement from the datum plane in a Z-Y plane and a Z-X plane and wherein the input housing further comprises at least one sensor capable of detecting angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane in the Z-Y plane and the Z-X plane;
an input detector communicatively coupled to the input housing and the computing device and configured to receive signals corresponding to angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane and convert the signals into planer positional commands of the cursor compatible with the computing device; and
a grip body attached to the input housing wherein a full-range angular displacement of the input housing from the datum plane is configurable to correspond to a displayable field of the computing device, the pedestal remaining in substantially the same position on the X-Y plane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An ergonomic mouse, comprising
a pedestal having a generally planar lower surface for contact with a work surface; -
an adjustable stem attached atop the pedestal; and
a grip body rotatably attached atop the stem, - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for inputting user commands to a computing device, comprising:
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coupling an ergonomic input controller to the computing device wherein the ergonomic input controller comprises a pedestal in contact with a work surface and an input housing rotatably gimbaled atop the pedestal defining a datum plan parallel to the work surface receiving signals at the input housing corresponding to angular displacement of the input housing deviating from the datum plane;
converting the inputs the signals into planer positional commands for a cursor compatible with the computing device; and
communicating planer positional commands from the ergonomic input controller to the computing device. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification