Computer mouse
First Claim
1. A computer mouse comprising:
- a. a first subassembly having a concavity;
b. a second subassembly that includes a convexity having a toroidal surface that projects into the concavity of the first subassembly;
c. a plurality of bearing elements, each bearing element interposed at least partially between the first and second subassemblies such that one of the subassemblies is supported by the other subassembly and such that relative movement is permitted between the subassemblies;
d. a motion detection system for detecting motion of one of the first and second subassemblies relative to the other and for generating movement signals;
e. one or more actuators for being contacted by one or more hand digits and for transforming digit motions and a circuit for generating command signals from the motions;
f. a circuit for transmitting movement signals and command signals, and;
g. wherein each subassembly includes one or more of;
i. a base for being supported by a work surface,ii. a controller for being engaged with a hand;
iii. a portion of the motion detection system, andiv. one or more of the actuators.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer mouse including a base and rotatably coupled controller that permits only circular arc motions where only two radii of curvature are permitted and the radii differ in length. Hand translation is prevented by the device. A contoured hand engaging surface on the controller includes a raised palm seat with a spiral hand seat around the palm seat. Ergonomically-configured selectors are described. The hand motions permitted by the mouse are constrained by a toroidal shape at the interface between a base and a rotatably-movable controller. Selectors include one or more one finger activated keys mechanically linked to an internal electrical selector switch. A thumbwheel selector is also located in the controller.
49 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A computer mouse comprising:
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a. a first subassembly having a concavity; b. a second subassembly that includes a convexity having a toroidal surface that projects into the concavity of the first subassembly; c. a plurality of bearing elements, each bearing element interposed at least partially between the first and second subassemblies such that one of the subassemblies is supported by the other subassembly and such that relative movement is permitted between the subassemblies; d. a motion detection system for detecting motion of one of the first and second subassemblies relative to the other and for generating movement signals; e. one or more actuators for being contacted by one or more hand digits and for transforming digit motions and a circuit for generating command signals from the motions; f. a circuit for transmitting movement signals and command signals, and; g. wherein each subassembly includes one or more of; i. a base for being supported by a work surface, ii. a controller for being engaged with a hand; iii. a portion of the motion detection system, and iv. one or more of the actuators. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of communicating hand movement to a computer, comprising:
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a. supporting a controller on a base; b. engaging a hand with the controller; c. executing a motion of the hand to produce controller movement, the motion consisting of either or both of; i. rotating the hand about a longitudinal axis of a computer mouse such that the hand traverses a first circular path, and ii. rotating the hand about a transverse axis normal to the longitudinal axis such that the point on the hand traverses a second circular path, wherein each of the first and second circular paths includes a radius, and the radius of the first circular path has a length different from a length of the radius of the second circular path; d. detecting the movement of the controller relative to the base; e. transforming the movement into data communicable to a computer; and f. transmitting the data to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for supporting a mouse and generating movement signals in response to the movement of the mouse, the method comprising:
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a. placing a hand-actuated controller on a base; b. moving the hand-actuated controller relative to the base; c. guiding the controller with a toroidal guide surface forming a part of the controller or the base; and d. wherein the movement of the controller relative to the base is dictated by the toroidal guide surface. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification