Controller device including at least one finger hole, a trackball, and a display screen

• US 6,297,808 B1
• Filed: 03/03/1998
• Issued: 10/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tai-Her Yang
• Original Assignee: Tai-Her Yang
• Inventors: Yang, Tai-Her
• Primary Examiner(s): Jankus, Almis R.
• Application Number:
  US09/033,596
• Time in Patent Office: 1,309 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345/167, 345/8, 345/7
• US Class Current: 345/167
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0331 Finger worn pointing device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03549 Trackballs G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

Abstract

A hand controller device includes a casing on the outside of which are positioned a finger hole, a track ball, a display screen, and an interface, and on the interior of which are batteries and any other necessary circuitry, depending on the function of the controller. The casing includes one or more finger holes so that the device can be worn like a ring.

Claims

1. A holding ring type hand controller device, comprising:

a casing body having an interior and an exterior;

on the exterior of the casing body, a trackball and a display screen, at least said trackball being arranged to generate electrical signals;

on the interior of the casing body, circuitry connected to receive said electrical signals; and

at least one finger hole extending transversely through said casing, said at least one finger hole being arranged to fit over at least two fingers to permit said controller device to be worn on said at least two fingers.

2. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an interface responsive to said electrical signals.

3. A controller device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said interface is selected from the group consisting of a switch, an indicating light, a speaker, a timer, and a counter.

4. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display screen is also arranged to generate electrical signals.

5. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trackball is arranged to perform a push button on/off or toggle function.

6. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a detector arranged to detect movement of said trackball and thereby generate said electrical signals.

7. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuitry further includes a power source.

8. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power source includes at least one battery.

9. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said casing includes at least two components.

10. A controller device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said casing includes two slots in which are fitted ends of a handle, said ends of the handle being held in said slots by spring force to form said at least one finger hole.

11. A controller device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said casing includes a main body and a handle, said handle being fixed on said main body by screw bolts to form said at least one finger hole.

12. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one finger hole includes a single finger hole wide enough to accommodate at least two fingers.

13. A controller device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one finger hole includes two finger holes, each of which accommodates a single respective finger.