Multi-dimensional input device

Patent 5298919 Issued on March 29, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 31, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Input device featuring both trackball and mouse capability
Patent #: 4562347
Issued on: 12/31/1985
Inventor: Hovey , et al.

Method and apparatus for wireless cursor position control
Patent #: 4578674
Issued on: 03/25/1986
Inventor: Baker , et al.

Stator body with laminated compression plates
Patent #: 4638199
Issued on: 01/20/1987
Inventor: Brem , et al.

System and method for displaying, and interactively excavating and examining a three dimensional volume
Patent #: 4685070
Issued on: 08/04/1987
Inventor: Flinchbaugh

Three-dimensional spatial image system
Patent #: 4692878
Issued on: 09/08/1987
Inventor: Ciongoli

Integrating pointing device
Patent #: 4719455
Issued on: 01/12/1988
Inventor: Louis

Multiple function control member
Patent #: 4748441
Issued on: 05/31/1988
Inventor: Brzezinski

Joystick with additional degree of control
Patent #: 4763100
Issued on: 08/09/1988
Inventor: Wood

Input apparatus for design work on an image-bearing screen
Patent #: 4763116
Issued on: 08/09/1988
Inventor: Eichholz

Three-dimensional display apparatus
Patent #: 4766423
Issued on: 08/23/1988
Inventor: Ono , et al.

More ...

Inventor

Chang, Mingtai

Assignee

Multipoint Technology Corporation

Application

No. 922804 filed on 07/31/1992

US Classes:

345/163, Mouse74/471XY, Control moves in two planes345/167Trackball

Examiners

Primary: Weldon, Ulysses
Assistant: Goon, Gin

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Hayes

Foreign Patent References

60-193032 JP. 01/11/1985

International Class

G06F 003/02

Abstract

An input device for providing multi-dimensional spatial input data to a computer is disclosed. The device incorporates multiple independently operable locating members or input mechanisms, such as a roller ball for entry of two translational coordinates, a thumb wheel for entry of a third translational coordinate, and a trackball for entry of three rotational coordinates. The input mechanisms are also available for performing additional or alternative functions. The input mechanisms may be configured in several arrangements, while a single unified interface is presented to the host computer regardless of the configuration. In an additional embodiment, a seventh degree of freedom can be provided by sensing rotation of the housing containing the locating members.

Other References

IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 27 No. 6, Nov. 1984 "Mouse" by H. Nomura and A. Saitoh
Carrabine, Laura, "Plugging into the Computer to Sense," Computer-Aided Engineering, Jun. 1990
Foley, James D. et al., Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice (2d Ed.), pp. 188-195 & 354-57, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1990
"Tablet-Based Valuators That Provide One, Two, or Three Degrees of Freedom" by Kenneth B. Evans, Peter P. Tanner and Marecli Wein, dated Aug. 1981, pp. 91-97, vol. 15, No. 3, Computer Graphic