Electromagnetic cursor control device for a computer display

• US 5,379,053 A
• Filed: 07/15/1992
• Issued: 01/03/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steinberg, John D.
• Original Assignee: Steinberg, John D.
• Inventors: Steinberg, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Tommy P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Au, A.
• Application Number:
  US07/913,214
• Time in Patent Office: 902 Days
• Field of Search: 340/710, 340/709, 340/706, 74/471 XY, 74/471 R, 33/1 M, 324/207.22, 73/1 D, 273/438, 273/148 B, 345/156, 345/157, 345/158, 345/161, 345/163, 345/164, 345/166, 345/167, 345/179
• US Class Current: 345/157
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0333 Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand
• 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 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

The electromechanical controller, or cursor control device, consists of a solid surrounded by a flexible bladder, the solid and bladder being received within a housing. The bladder is freely moveable relative to the solid. Movement of the bladder is sensed by X and Y transducers to generate signals which may be employed to control the visual display of a computer. In one embodiment, the device is physically connected to the computer; in another embodiment, the device incorporates a wireless transmitter to broadcast signals to a receiver associated with the computer.

Claims

1. An cursor control device including

a solid,

a flexible bladder enveloping the solid and moveable in at least two generally perpendicular directions relative to the solid, and

a pair of transducers mounted relative to the solid to convert the motion of the flexible sleeve into corresponding electrical for controlling movement of a cursor the transducers being mounted within the solid.

2. A cursor control device including

a rounded solid,

a flexible bladder enveloping the solid and moveable in at least two generally perpendicular directions relative to the solid, and

a pair of transducers mounted relative to the solid to convert the motion of the flexible sleeve into corresponding electrical signals, for controlling movement of a cursor

and in which both the solid and the sleeve are transparent to permit viewing of an underlying surface through the solid and sleeve.

3. A cursor control device including

a rounded solid,

a flexible bladder enveloping the solid and moveable in at least two generally perpendicular directions relative to the solid, and

a pair of transducers mounted relative to the solid to convert the motion of the flexible sleeve into corresponding electrical signals, for controlling movement of a cursor

and in which the solid is shaped like a flattened egg yolk to provide a generally hemispherical top portion and a flattened bottom surface.

4. A cursor control device for a computer system with a visual display, the control device including

an electromechanical controller having

a solid,

a flexible sleeve enveloping the solid and movable in at least two generally perpendicular directions relative to the solid, and

a pair of transducers mounted relative to the solid to convert the motion of the flexible sleeve into corresponding electrical signals,

means to transmit the electrical signals for use by an associated system whereby the controller transmits the electrical signals to the computer system to enable the controller to control motion of a cursor on the computer'"'"'s associated visual display, and in which the solid and sleeve are transparent to permit viewing therethrough.