Fingertip Mouse and Base

• US 20090213077A1
• Filed: 05/25/2007
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FTM Computer Products
• Original Assignee: FTM Computer Products
• Inventors: Bailen, Michael P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,648,805 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/164
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0331 Finger worn pointing device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0335 Finger operated miniaturized mouse
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0337 Status LEDs integrated in the mouse to provide visual feedback to the user about the status of the input device, the PC, or the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0383 Remote input, i.e. interface arrangements in which the signals generated by a pointing device are transmitted to a PC at a remote location, e.g. to a PC in a LAN
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0317 in co-operation with a patterned surface, e.g. absolute position or relative movement detection for an optical mouse or pen positioned with respect to a coded surface
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/039 Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads

Abstract

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a tracking device to generate movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a graphical user interface. The tracking device is configured to receive at least a portion of a user'"'"'s finger. The system also includes a base device configured to receive the tracking device. The base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.

Claims

1. A computer peripheral system comprising:

a tracking device to generate movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a graphical user interface, wherein the tracking device is configured to receive at least a portion of a user'"'"'s finger; and

a base device configured to receive the tracking device, wherein the base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises a first tracking mechanism for determining movement used to generate the movement information.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a selection mechanism configured to disable and enable the first tracking mechanism.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the tracking mechanism comprises a roller ball, a trackball, an optical sensor, or a laser.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the tracking mechanism comprises an optical sensor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the tracking device further comprises a optical mount for mounting at least a portion of the optical sensor, wherein the optical mount is configured to tilt so that the portion of the optical sensor remains within an operative angle range relative to a surface used to determine the movement of the tracking device.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the base device comprises a second tracking mechanism for determining movement of the base device relative to the adjacent surface.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second tracking mechanism for the base device is disabled when the tracking device is received.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the base device uses the first tracking mechanism to translate movement of the base device relative to the adjacent surface when the tracking device is received.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device further comprises a scrolling mechanism to generate second movement information based on manipulation of the scrolling mechanism by a second finger of the user.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the scrolling mechanism has an adjustable orientation.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises a liner located within the tracking device and configured generate friction or pressure used to secure the tracking device to the received portion of the user'"'"'s finger.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second tracking device to generate second movement information for use in moving the user interface object on the graphical user interface.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a connection key for establishing a communication channel between the tracking device or the base device and a display device that displays the graphical user interface.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the connection key comprises a wireless receiver that transmits the movement information from the tracking device to the display device.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the connection key comprises a wired connector that transmits information from the base device to the display device.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the connection key has an interface to connect to the base device comprising a non-standard universal serial bus connection.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the base device further comprises a storage section for storing the connection key.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device further comprises rechargeable batteries configured to be charged when the tracking device is inserted in the base device.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device further comprises a display screen or light emitting diodes configured to indicate a status.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device is configured to allow a tip of the received user'"'"'s finger to protrude from the tracking device.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the tracking device further comprises a mechanism configured to receiving user input for generating the movement information for use in moving the user interface object and configured to make selections of other user interface objects on the graphical user interface.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the mechanism is located on the tracking device so that when the tracking device is placed on an index finger of the user, the mechanism is accessible to a thumb adjacent to the index finger.

24. An apparatus comprising:

a base device to receive a tracking device configured for placement on a user'"'"'s finger, wherein the tracking device generates movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a user interface,

wherein the base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.

25. An apparatus comprising:

a housing having a finger holding portion configured to receive a portion of a finger of a user;

a movement tracker to generate movement information based on movement of the housing relative to an adjacent surface, wherein the movement information is configured to move a first user interface object on a display; and

a pressure sensitive switch coupled to the housing and configured to make a selection of a second user interface object on the display when the switch is pressed against the adjacent surface.