Apparatus and method for optically modulating electronic signals and computer data
Patent 5999166 Issued on December 7, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date: 
April 9, 2017. 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.
April 9, 2017. 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.Patent ReferencesComputer apparatus input device for three-dimensional information Three-dimensional mouse with tactile feedback Finger operated digital input device Keyboard-compatible optical determination of object's position System for inputting image and commond using three-dimensional mouse capable of generating, in real time, three-dimensional image Patent #: 5739812 InventorApplicationNo. 833789 filed on 04/09/1997US Classes:345/157, Cursor mark position control device345/158, Including orientation sensors (e.g., infrared, ultrasonic, remotely controlled)345/163, Mouse345/166Optical detectorExaminersPrimary: Shankar, VijayAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG09G 005/08AbstractA light source for generating a light beam which can be focused in many different directions or varied in intensity under control of a user's hand. A light sensor for detecting the focused light beam and generating a sensor signal based on either the light beam's area of coverage on the light sensor or the light beam's intensity. A modulation apparatus for receiving the sensor signal and in response modulating a computer variable and/or an electronic signal. A freeze circuit for inhibiting modulation when the sensor signal either exceeds or falls below a predetermined maximum or minimum level.Other References
Field of SearchDISPLAY PERIPHERAL INTERFACE INPUT DEVICECursor mark position control device Including orientation sensors (e.g., infrared, ultrasonic, remotely controlled) Having variable cursor speed Positional storage means Mouse Optical detector Including optical detection Transparent substrate having light entrapment capability (i.e., waveguides) | |
