Writing instrument
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A writing instrument for inputting information into a computer via a trackpad navigational device having a pad surface that is contacted to control said computer, comprising:
- an electrically conductive grip retainable in a user'"'"'s hand to move said writing instrument; and
a contact end, mechanically and electrically coupled to a distal end of said grip;
wherein retention of said grip in said hand causes said contact end to electrically simulate a fingertip such that said trackpad navigational device senses electrical contact between said contact end and said pad surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A writing instrument for use with trackpad type of navigational devices for computers is described. The writing instrument includes a standard grip as typically found in a pen so that a human can move the instrument about the surface as desired. The instrument also includes a contact end simulating a fingertip, and the grip is electrically coupled to the contact end.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A writing instrument for inputting information into a computer via a trackpad navigational device having a pad surface that is contacted to control said computer, comprising:
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an electrically conductive grip retainable in a user'"'"'s hand to move said writing instrument; and a contact end, mechanically and electrically coupled to a distal end of said grip; wherein retention of said grip in said hand causes said contact end to electrically simulate a fingertip such that said trackpad navigational device senses electrical contact between said contact end and said pad surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A writing instrument for inputting information into a computer via a trackpad navigational device having a pad surface that is contacted to control operation of said computer, comprising:
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an electrically conductive grip retainable in a user'"'"'s hand to move said writing instrument; and a contact end mechanically coupled and electrically coupleable to a distal end of said grip; a switch electrically coupled in series between said grip and said contact end such in a first switch position said grip is electrically coupled to said contact end, and in a second switch position said grip is electrically de-coupled from said contact end; wherein when said switch is in said first switch position and said grip is retained in said hand, said contact and electrically simulates a fingertip such that said trackpad navigational devices senses contact between said contact end and said pad surface. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of inputting information into a computer, with a writing instrument, via a trackpad navigational device having a pad surface that is contacted to control operation of said computer, the method comprising the following steps:
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(a) providing a writing instrument having an electrically conductive grip retainable in a user'"'"'s hand to move said writing instrument and further including a contact end mechanically coupled and electrically coupleable to a distal end of said grip; and (b) contacting a portion of said pad surface with at least a portion of said contact end such that said trackpad navigational device senses electrical contact between said contact end and said pad surface; wherein said computer may be controlled. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification