Computer data and command entry device

• US 5,309,172 A
• Filed: 07/29/1991
• Issued: 05/03/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Charles S. Fox
• Original Assignee: Charles S. Fox
• Inventors: Fox, Charles S.
• Primary Examiner(s): BRIER, JEFFERY A
• Application Number:
  US07/737,311
• Time in Patent Office: 1,009 Days
• Field of Search: 340/706, 340/709, 340/710, 178/18, 178/19, 400/715, 74/471, 345/157, 345/159, 345/167, 345/169
• US Class Current: 345/159
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A multiple speed computer control device for use in providing touch commands from a user, comprising a roller ball and a roller assembly supporting the roller ball, wherein the roller assembly responds to pressure applied to the roller ball so as to produce a control signal. The invention further provides a method of controlling the speed of movement of a cursor on a display screen, comprising the steps of providing a control element, moving the control element to a first predetermined position corresponding to a first speed of movement of the cursor and moving the cursor at the first speed of movement in response to moving the control element to the first predetermined position. In another embodiment of the invention, an adjustable computer control device is provided, comprising a keyboard, a rotatable housing positioned in the keyboard, and a control positioned in the housing.

Claims

1. A multiple speed cursor control device for use in providing touch commands from a user, comprising:

a roller ball;

a roller assembly supporting said roller ball, wherein said roller assembly responds to pressure applied to said roller ball so as to move in a vertical direction and produce a control signal;

a computer to receive said control signal; and

a display connected to said computer for displaying a movable cursor, wherein said control signal controls the speed of movement of said cursor on said display.

2. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 1, comprising a first switch for generating said control signal so that said cursor moves at a first speed.

3. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 2, comprising a second switch for generating said control signal so that said cursor moves at a second speed.

4. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 1, wherein said roller assembly comprises a first spring and a first protrusion attached to said first spring.

5. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 4, wherein said roller assembly comprises a second protrusion attached to said first spring.

6. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 4, comprising a first space which engages said first protrusion upon movement of said roller assembly a first distance along said vertical direction.

7. The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 6, comprising a second space which engages said first protrusion upon movement of said roller assembly a second distance along said vertical direction.