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Thumb actuated X-Y input device

  • US RE40,324 E1
  • Filed: 04/20/2006
  • Issued: 05/20/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An input device adapted for receiving an x-y input and input from at least one input actuator on the input device;

  • the input device comprising;

    a) a housing adapted for use independent of any solid surface beyond the user'"'"'s hand;

    b) the housing comprising a main body section with a long axis substantially parallel to a line in the body of a user grasping the pointing device running through the forearm of the user to the tip of the user'"'"'s extended thumb;

    c) the housing further comprising a platform for containment of an x-y input device, the platform placed to be protruding outward from and substantially perpendicular to and slightly skewed to one side of the long axis of the main body section;

    d) the housing having a channel for placement of the user'"'"'s index finger;

    e) the housing having a channel for placement of the user'"'"'s middle finger;

    f) the channels positioned to place the user'"'"'s index and middle fingers below and substantially orthogonal to the orientation of the user'"'"'s thumb while the user is grasping the device;

    g) an input actuator being integrally formed into a recessed portion of at least one of the channels; and

    h) an x-y input sensor placed at the end of the input device, distal to the user'"'"'s wrist, such that the x-y input is provided to the x-y input sensor by movements of the thumb primarily comprised of circumduction of the thumb'"'"'s basal joint.

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