MULTI-BUTTON MOUSE
First Claim
1. A method of sending signals corresponding to multiple button functionalities from a unibody mouse to an electronic system having a single movable housing component that cooperates with and is movably coupled with a base housing component that supports the unibody mouse on a surface, comprising:
- associating the multiple button functionalities with specific portions of the single movable housing component;
activating each of the multiple button functionalities by moving the single movable housing component to different positions relative to the base housing component wherein the single movable housing component has at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base housing component;
generating a clicking action by moving the movable housing component relative to the base housing component along at least one of the at least two degrees of freedom; and
sending a signal to the electronic system based upon the clicking action.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mouse with multi button functionality is disclosed. The mouse includes a housing that surrounds the internal components of the mouse. The housing includes at least a first member and a second member, each of which forms a substantial portion of the housing. The first member moves relative to the second member so as to implement at least one of the multiple button functions of the mouse.
92 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of sending signals corresponding to multiple button functionalities from a unibody mouse to an electronic system having a single movable housing component that cooperates with and is movably coupled with a base housing component that supports the unibody mouse on a surface, comprising:
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associating the multiple button functionalities with specific portions of the single movable housing component;
activating each of the multiple button functionalities by moving the single movable housing component to different positions relative to the base housing component wherein the single movable housing component has at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base housing component;
generating a clicking action by moving the movable housing component relative to the base housing component along at least one of the at least two degrees of freedom; and
sending a signal to the electronic system based upon the clicking action. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of configuring a multi-function mouse having a single movable housing component being movably coupled to an associated base housing component that supports the multi-function mouse on a surface, the method comprising:
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assigning a number of distinct button zones to the single movable housing component;
interpreting a signal received from each assigned button zone as a corresponding button function; and
performing the button function corresponding to the signal received from the mouse. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. Computer program product executable by a processor for configuring a multi-function mouse having a single movable housing component being movably coupled to an associated base housing component that supports the multi-function mouse on a surface, comprising:
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computer code for assigning a number of distinct button zones to the single movable housing component;
computer code for interpreting a signal received from each assigned button zone as a corresponding button function;
computer code for performing the button function corresponding to the signal received from the mouse; and
computer readable medium for storing the computer code. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. Software encoded in one or more computer readable media in an electronic system, when executed the software operable to:
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assign a number of distinct button zones to a single movable housing component of a user input device communicatively coupled with the electronic system, the single movable housing component being movably coupled to an associated base housing component that supports the user input device on a surface, the single movable housing component being capable of movement along at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base housing component;
associate a button function with each assigned button zone;
interpret a signal received from the user input device, the signal being produced in the user input device and transmitted to the electronic system as a result of actuating a button zone, the button zone being actuated as a result of moving the single movable housing component relative to the base housing component to actuate an associated movement indicator configured to sense a movement of the associated button zone, wherein interpreting the signal involves at least determining which button zone was actuated; and
implement a specific button function corresponding to the associated actuated button zone, the button function corresponding to an action on a display. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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30. A system, comprising:
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a unibody user input device having multiple assigned button zones in a single movable housing component of the user input device, wherein each button zone has an associated button functionality and all of said multiple button functionalities are incorporated into the single movable housing component, the single movable housing component being movably coupled to a base housing component that supports the mouse along a surface, wherein the movable housing component is capable of movement along at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base housing component, wherein actuation of a single button zone is achieved by moving the movable housing component relative to the base housing component to actuate an associated movement indicator configured to sense a movement of the associated button zone;
a display; and
a processor communicatively coupled with the mouse, the processor configured to interpret a signal received from the user input device, the signal being produced in the user input device as a result of the actuation of a button zone, wherein the interpretation of the signal involves at least the determination of which button zone was actuated, the processor being further configured to implement a specific button function corresponding to the associated actuated button zone, the button function corresponding to an action on the display.
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31. Computer program product for configuring a multi-function mouse having a single movable housing component being movably coupled to an associated base housing component that supports the multi-function mouse on a surface, comprising:
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computer code for assigning a number of distinct button zones to the single movable housing component;
computer code for interpreting a signal received from each assigned button zone as a corresponding button function;
computer code for performing the button function corresponding to the signal received from the mouse; and
computer readable medium for storing the computer code.
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Specification