Cursor controller having cross-translating platforms with a cantilevered handle

• US 5,821,921 A
• Filed: 08/09/1996
• Issued: 10/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Osborn, John J., Robert E. Kraft
• Original Assignee: Osborn, John J., Robert E. Kraft
• Inventors: Kraft, Robert E., Osborn, John J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Saras, Steven J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): VAIL, SETH D
• Application Number:
  US08/694,538
• Time in Patent Office: 795 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345/158, 345/160, 345/163, 345/184, 74/417 XY, 463/38, D14/114, 341/20
• US Class Current: 345/157
• 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 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20201 Control moves in two planes

Abstract

A cursor controller with a handle which moves in X, Y directions has the handle cantilevered on a upper platform which slides on an intermediate platform in an X direction with the axis of the handle intersecting the effective center of X guide means. And then the intermediate platform slides on a Y guide on a lower fixed platform, all of the foregoing being captured by a top cover. The top cover has a slot through which the handle, which is cantilevered on a bracket fixed to the end of the top platform, extends. The controller can be mounted directly on a keyboard or with a specially shaped enclosure to be operated by one hand.

Claims

1. A cursor controller for use with a computer having a grippable handle movable in X axis and Y axis directions, which are orthogonal including X and Y linear motion detectors to control the movement of a computer generated cursor in response to movement of the handle comprising:

a lower fixed base on which is mounted in the Y direction at least one portion of said Y motion detector, and including one part of a male-female pair of Y interlocking guide means fixed on the top face of said base in an elongated Y direction;

an intermediate slab-like platform, on which is mounted in the X direction at least one portion of said X motion detector, and having the other part of said Y interlocking guide means on its bottom face and slidable only in the Y direction on said fixed base for a predetermined Y distance, said intermediate platform having one part of a male-female pair of X interlocking guide means fixed on its top face in an elongated X direction;

an upper slab-like platform having the other part of said X interlocking guide means on its bottom face and slidable only in the X direction on said intermediate platform for a predetermined X distance;

a rigid cover having a top face and sides which securely fit to the sides of said lower fixed base to retain said intermediate and upper platforms in slidable engagement with each other and said fixed base, said top face having a work surface with said X and Y predetermined dimensions;

said upper platform including bracket means, having two ends, for cantilevering over the top face of said cover from a Y direction extremity of said upper platform, to which a said end is fixed, the other said end carrying said handle, said grippable handle having a Z axis which substantially intersects the effective center of said X interlocking guide means, said handle being freely movable over said work surface by the sliding of said intermediate and upper platforms.

2. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said cover extends over all of said lower fixed base and includes an X oriented slot for receiving and allowing movement of said bracket and handle over said work surface.

3. A cursor controller as in claim 2 where said slot divides said cover between said work surface and a stepped portion to allow free movement of said bracket.

4. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said handle includes a pressure switch in close proximity to said work surface.

5. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said guide means consist of half-round male-female interlocking components which are self-centering.

6. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said bracket means is relatively rigid in the X-Y plane compared to the Z direction.

7. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said intermediate platform has a Y axis length substantially greater than its X axis width whereby sliding friction in the Y direction is reduced.

8. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said platforms are molded from low friction plastic.

9. A cursor controller as in claim 1 where said rigid cover forms a part of an enclosure which is holdable in one hand and elongated in one direction and having top and bottom faces and side edge, said bottom face having a work area with X and Y directions corresponding to the range of movement of said handle which is mounted on said enclosure for planar movement over said work area;

said top face or edge having at least one function button operable in conjunction with said cursor;

said handle including a portion adapted to be engaged by the index finger of said hand and positioned on said bottom face to be reachable and engageable by such index finger.