×

System integrated 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional input device

  • US 6,198,472 B1
  • Filed: 09/16/1998
  • Issued: 03/06/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/16/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An improved controller device for manipulating objects on a display screen of a computing device, comprising:

  • an input mechanism which is integrated into a keyboard of said computing device as a pointer stick device;

    means for converting, by a user of said computing device, said input mechanism between a 2-dimensional input mode and a 3-dimensional input mode by pressing down on said pointer stick device to alternately release said pointer stick device from an initial 2-dimensional input mode position into a position signifying said 3-dimensional input mode or lock said pointer stick device in said initial 2-dimensional input mode position signifying said 2-dimensional input mode, and wherein input signals in a third dimension are allowed only when said pointer stick device is in said 3-dimensional input mode;

    means for moving said pointer stick device left and right and backward and forward, by said user, to provide input signals in a first dimension and a second dimension;

    means for rotating said pointer stick device, by said user, to provide input signals in said third dimension when said pointer stick device is in said 3-dimensional input mode; and

    means for providing said input signals to said computing device, wherein said input signals indicate said user'"'"'s request to move a pointer symbol on said display screen.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×