Pointing device
First Claim
1. A pointing device for mounting at least partially at an opening in a keyboard to affect a display screen of a computer by rendering an effect through its programming, comprising:
- a panel mounted at said opening;
a sensor means mounted adjacent said panel for producing a motion signal in response to relative motion between said panel and said sensor means, said sensor means and said panel being mounted with freedom to separate and allow relative movement therebetween in two dimensions without actuation of said sensor means, so that said pointing device can be repositioned without affecting said display screen;
a knob having an indicating button and being mounted at said opening with freedom to move in said two dimensions and cause relative motion between said panel and said sensor means, said knob projecting in a transverse direction relative to said panel; and
control means coupled to said indicating button and said sensor means for providing an encoded signal signifying said motion signal and actuation of said indicating button.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pointing device employs a panel mounted at an opening in a keyboard of a computer, such as a portable computer with a hinged display screen. The panel is mounted with freedom to move in two dimensions. A knob projecting from atop the panel has an indicating pushbutton. A sensor mounted adjacent to the panel can produce a motion signal in response to motion of the panel. The panel may be mounted with freedom to rise above the sensor and move in the two dimensions without actuating the sensor. Also, a limit detector may be mounted near the opening to sense arrival of the knob at a border of the opening. A controller coupled to the indicating button and the sensor can provide an encoded signal signifying the motion signal and actuation of the indicating button, and if employed, the limit detector.
49 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A pointing device for mounting at least partially at an opening in a keyboard to affect a display screen of a computer by rendering an effect through its programming, comprising:
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a panel mounted at said opening; a sensor means mounted adjacent said panel for producing a motion signal in response to relative motion between said panel and said sensor means, said sensor means and said panel being mounted with freedom to separate and allow relative movement therebetween in two dimensions without actuation of said sensor means, so that said pointing device can be repositioned without affecting said display screen; a knob having an indicating button and being mounted at said opening with freedom to move in said two dimensions and cause relative motion between said panel and said sensor means, said knob projecting in a transverse direction relative to said panel; and control means coupled to said indicating button and said sensor means for providing an encoded signal signifying said motion signal and actuation of said indicating button. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A portable computer having a pointing device comprising:
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a keyboard having an opening; a display screen hinged to said keyboard; a panel mounted at said opening; a sensor means mounted adjacent said panel for producing a motion signal in response to relative motion between said panel and said sensor means, said sensor means and said panel being mounted with freedom to separate and allow relative movement therebetween in two dimensions without actuation of said sensor means, so that said pointing device can be repositioned without affecting said display screen; a knob having an indicating button and being mounted at said opening with freedom to move in said two dimensions and cause relative motion between said panel and said sensor means; and control means coupled to said indicating button and said sensor means for providing an encoded signal signifying said motion signal and actuation of said indicating button.
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18. A pointing device for mounting at least partially at an opening in a casing to affect a display screen of a computer by rendering an effect through its programming, comprising:
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a panel mounted at said opening; a sensor means mounted adjacent said panel for producing a motion signal in response to relative motion between said panel and said sensor means; a knob having an indicating button and being mounted at said opening with freedom to move in said two dimensions and cause relative motion between said panel and said sensor means; a limit detector spaced from said sensor means and mounted near said opening to sense arrival of said knob at a border of said opening independently of said motion signal; control means coupled to said indicating button and said sensor means for providing an encoded signal signifying said motion signal and actuation of said indicating button. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification