Computer input stylus and color control system

• US 5,959,616 A
• Filed: 12/23/1997
• Issued: 09/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte Limited (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Challener, David Carroll
• Primary Examiner(s): Brier, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEWIS, DAVID LEE
• Application Number:
  US08/997,027
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156-184, 178/18.01, 178/18.09, 178/19.01, 178/19.05
• US Class Current: 345/179
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour

Abstract

A computer-input stylus which provides color control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Color selection is accomplished utilizing a color selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The color selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to drive a pointer around within a color palette, such as the so-called RGB color triangle.

Claims

1. A computer-input stylus for use with a computer-implemented software drawing application, said computer-input stylus comprising:

a cylindrical body sized to be grasped by a human hand;

a tip attached to said cylindrical body;

a color display within said tip for illuminating said tip with a selected color indicative of a color currently selected within said software drawing application; and

control means mounted to said cylindrical body for altering a selection of a color within said software drawing application.

2. The computer-input stylus according to claim 1 wherein said color display comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

3. The computer-input stylus according to claim 1 further including communication means for coupling said control means to a computer.

4. The computer-input stylus according to claim 1 wherein said control means comprises a trackpoint device mounted to said cylindrical body.

5. A computer drawing system comprising:

a processor;

a display coupled to said processor for displaying images;

a software drawing application operational within said processor for creating color images within said display in response to user inputs designating selected colors and locations; and

an input stylus coupled to said processor for designating locations within said display, said input stylus comprising;

a cylindrical body sized to be grasped by a human hand;

a tip attached to said cylindrical body;

a color display within said tip for illuminating said tip with a selected color indicative of a color currently selected within said software drawing application; and

control means mounted to said cylindrical body for altering a selection of a color within said software drawing application.

6. The computer drawing system according to claim 5 wherein said color display comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

7. The computer drawing system according to claim 5 further including a communications means for coupling said control means to said processor.

8. The computer drawing system according to claim 5 wherein said control means comprises a trackpoint device mounted to said cylindrical body.