Computer input module using light (infrared or laser) switches

• US 6,950,091 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2002
• Issued: 09/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Opti-Storm LLC
• Original Assignee: Opti-Storm LLC
• Inventors: Wilson, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Eisen, Alexander
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Kimnhung
• Application Number:
  US10/243,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20040051697A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,111 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/158, 345/163, 345/166, 345/173, 345/179, 345/165
• US Class Current: 345/158
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0333 Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention is a computer input module comprising: a base; a housing, attached to the base; and at least one set of light (infrared or laser) emitter and detector devices. The input module is adapted so as to generate output signals to a host computer based on the interruption of a light beam or beams between said adjustable emitter and detector devices. The preferred embodiment is a computer mouse wherein light switches, rather than the more typical buttons, are used to generate output signals from a computer mouse to its host computer (an “IR Mouse”). Another embodiment is a Wristband Mouse wherein a wristband replaces the base and housing.

Claims

1. A computer input module comprising:

at least one set of light (including but not limited to infrared and laser) emitter and detector devices placed above a user'"'"'s fingers;

associated circuitry and wiring; and

a support mechanism;

said computer input module adapted so as to generate output signals to a host computer based on the interruption of a light beam or beams between said emitter and detector devices when the user raises his or her finger or fingers.

2. A computer input module as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a cursor control mechanism.

3. A computer input module as claimed in claim 2, wherein

said support mechanism is comprised of a base and a housing, attached to the base.

4. A computer input module as claimed in claim 3, wherein said light emitter and detector devices are mounted on or through said housing so as to provide a light beam or light beams above the user'"'"'s finger or fingers when a user'"'"'s hand is placed on said support mechanism.

5. A computer input module as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said light emitter and detector devices are adjustable in position.

6. A computer input module as claimed in claim 5, wherein said housing is shaped and adapted to ergonomically support a user'"'"'s hand.

7. A computer input module as claimed in claim 6, further shaped and adapted to allow the user to interrupt the light beam(s) through finger movements of the supported hand.

8. A computer input module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the computer input module generates specified signals in response to the user'"'"'s interruption of the light beam(s).

9. A computer input module as claimed in claim 8, wherein said adjustable emitter and detector devices are adapted so as to provide a first light beam, a second light beam, and a third light beam.

10. A computer input module as claimed in claim 9, further adapted so as to generate a first output signal upon interruption of said first light beam.

11. A computer input module as claimed in claim 10, further adapted so as to generate only a second output signal upon interruption of said second light beam or interruptions of both said first and second infrared beams.

12. A computer input module as claimed in claim 11, further adapted so as to generate only a third output signal upon interruption of said third light beam or interruptions of said third light beams and either or both of said first and second light beams.

13. A computer input module as claimed in claim 3, further comprising:

a micro-pressure switch located attached to said base so as to prevent the generation of output signals unless the user'"'"'s hand is resting on said housing.

14. A computer input module as claimed in claim 2, wherein

said support mechanism is comprised of a wristband.

15. A computer input module as claimed in claim 14, wherein said light emitter and detector devices are mounted on said wristband, extending radially outward above the user'"'"'s fingers so as to provide a light beam or beams above the user'"'"'s fingers.

16. A computer input module as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

said set of light emitter and detector devices are adjustable in position.

17. A computer input module as claimed in claim 16, further shaped and adapted to allow the user to interrupt the light beam(s) through finger movements of his or her hand on the arm where the wristband is being worn.

18. A computer input module as claimed in claim 17, wherein the computer input module generates specified signals in response to the user'"'"'s interruption of the light beam(s).

19. A computer input module as claimed in claim 18, wherein said adjustable emitter and detector devices are adapted so as to provide a first light beam, a second light beam, and a third light beam.

20. A computer input module as claimed in claim 19, further adapted so as to generate a first output signal upon interruption of said first light beam.

21. A computer input module as claimed in claim 20, further adapted so as to generate only a second output signal upon interruption of said second light beam, or interruptions of both said first and second light beams.

22. A computer input module as claimed in claim 21, further adapted so as to generate only a third output signal upon interruption of said third light beam or interruptions of said third light beams and either or both of said first and second light beams.