Ergonomic customizeable user/computer interface device

• US 6,201,484 B1
• Filed: 03/09/1998
• Issued: 03/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Transforming Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: Russell, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US09/037,061
• Time in Patent Office: 1,100 Days
• Field of Search: 341/22, 341/21, 341/23, 341/20, 345/157, 345/159, 345/172, 340/825.31
• US Class Current: 341/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 4/00 Methods or devices enabling patients or disabled persons to operate an apparatus or a device not forming part of the body operating or control means for prostheses A61F2/48, A61F2/68
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/83 input devices, e.g. keyboards, mice or controllers thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0331 Finger worn pointing device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/014 Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0236 using selection techniques to select from displayed items
• 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 3/04895 Guidance during keyboard input operation, e.g. prompting

Abstract

A ergonomic customizeable user/computer interface system for wireless computer control. A hand-attachable user interface device transmits control information upon activation of switches on the interface device. A base interface device receives the transmissions, decodes the information and provides control signals to the computer. The interface system allows for security authorization control and multiple computer or LAN operations with each user interface device. Greater functionality is provided by the use of personality modules in the user interface device for different modes of operation.

Claims

1. A user and computer interface system, comprising:

an ergonomically shaped, finger attachable interface means for generating user signals, wherein said user signals include message packets;

coding means for encoding said message packets in the form of bursts of coded signals;

signal transmission means for transmitting said coded signals, said signal transmission means including at least one communication channel;

detesting means for receiving said bursts of coded signals;

conversion means for converting said bursts of coded signals received by said detecting means into computer processable signals; and

at least one computer for processing said computer processable signals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one computer includes a graphic user interface.