Computer cursor pointing device with electric stimulator

• US 7,193,611 B2
• Filed: 12/12/2003
• Issued: 03/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yu-Yu Chen
• Original Assignee: Yu-Yu Chen
• Inventors: Chen, Yu-Yu
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIMNHUNG T
• Application Number:
  US10/733,329
• Publication Number:
  US 20050128187A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,194 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/163, 345/157, 128/741, 601/46, 601/64, 607/40, 607/45
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence

Abstract

A computer cursor pointing device with an electric stimulator is disclosed, including a casing, a first electrode which is mounted at the top surface of the casing, a second electrode which is also mounted at the top surface of the casing and is close to and insulated from the first electrode, and a stimulator circuit for generating a pair of stimulating signals to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively. When a user puts his hand on the computer cursor pointing device, the hollow of his palm rests on the first electrode and the second electrode. The stimulating signal drives the first electrode and the second electrode to electrically stimulate the user'"'"'s palm.

Claims

1. A computer cursor pointing device with an integrally formed electric stimulator comprising:

a casing having a top surface and a cavity therein;

a first electrode mounted at the top surface of the casing;

a second electrode, which is mounted at the top surface of the casing and is disposed in close proximity to the first electrode, the second electrode being electrically insulated from the first electrode; and

a stimulator circuit for generating a pair of stimulating signals to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively;

wherein when a user puts his hand on the top surface of the casing to operate the pointing device,

the stimulating signals from the stimulator circuit are transmitted to the first electrode and the second electrode to perform an electric stimulation to the user'"'"'s hand,

said electric stimulator simultaneously operable during use of the pointing device.

2. The computer cursor pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrode is spherical in structure and protrudes at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the casing.

3. The computer cursor pointing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first electrode is mounted at a recess formed at the top surface of the casing.

4. The computer cursor pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrode is ring shape and surrounds the first electrode, the second electrode being insulated from the first electrode by means of an insulating annulus.

5. A computer cursor pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrode has a flat structure and surrounds the first electrode, the second electrode being insulated from the first electrode by means of an insulating annulus.

6. A computer cursor pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing is further provided with a regulating switch for regulating an intensity of the stimulating signals.