Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-06
2002-11-26
Wu, Xiao (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S157000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06486873
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an illuminated computer input device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer input device including an illumination source for illuminating the proximate area and for indicating whether the computer is ON or OFF.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern computer systems are designed to receive input from a number of input devices including mice and trackballs. Both the mouse and the trackball control the cursor on a computer screen, and include keys for performing certain computer operations. Frequently, a mouse includes a ball mounted to the bottom of a housing. When the mouse is moved over a supporting surface, the ball movement is translated into distance and direction information, which is supplied to the computer. The cursor on the computer screen is moved in a direction and by an amount corresponding to the movement of the ball. The mouse may also include buttons or keys, which control particular operations on the computer. In another arrangement for the mouse, the mechanical ball tracking system is replaced with an optical tracking system to measure movement of the mouse with respect to the supporting surface.
A trackball device is also a common peripheral for computers and workstations. In a trackball device, the tracking ball is rotatably mounted to a part of the housing that is exposed when it is resting on a supporting surface. To operate the trackball device, the housing remains stationary on a supporting surface and the ball is moved relative to the housing by a user. Once again, the movement of the ball is translated to corresponding movement of the cursor on the computer screen. The trackball device typically includes buttons or keys, which control particular operations on the computer.
The conventional mouse may be difficult to efficiently use in conditions of low lighting or no lighting, since there is nothing to render the exact position of the mouse visible in these conditions. More particularly, in order to enhance the visibility of the information displayed on a computer screen and to reduce glare from the screen, computers are often operated in either low or no lighting conditions. Operations requiring the use of the mouse are typically performed periodically, therefore the user is frequently required to locate and orient the mouse to perform a particular operation. Although the mouse is usually arranged within reach of the user, it may be difficult to efficiently locate and orient the mouse with low or no lighting.
A similar problem exists with trackball devices. Users typically desire to locate the movable ball quickly without relying solely on tactile feedback. Accordingly, poor lighting conditions can make quick and accurate positioning of the user's hand on the trackball device or locating the trackball device inefficient.
Difficulty in quick and accurate locating of a mouse and/or trackball device can be more significant when the input devices are being used with certain computer programs. For example, certain programs may require the user to move his or her hand between a keyboard and the computer input device hundreds of times. Any efficiency gained in these repetitive movements may increase the user's efficiency with the program and may make such repetitive movements more tolerable.
Additionally, some computer users will accidentally turn off his or her computer monitor without turning off the central processing unit (CPU). When this occurs, there may be no indication that the CPU is still ON. While some CPUs may include a small light indicating that the system is ON, such a small light on the CPU may be difficult to see. As many CPUs are stored underneath desks, a small indicator light on a CPU may not serve as a casual, easily noticeable indicator providing information as to whether the system is ON or OFF.
Therefore, a mouse and a trackball device are needed which would enable a user to quickly and accurately locate and position the mouse and trackball device during conditions where there is reduced lighting or no lighting. Additionally, a device to provide an improved indication as to whether the computer is ON or OFF is also needed. The present invention was developed to accomplish these and other objectives.
Many computer communication systems, such as email programs, are currently used. Many of these programs have notification features. Typically, with a notification feature of the program in an active mode, the receipt of an email may cause an icon or user interface to appear on the display device or may cause the computer to produce an audible signal. However, such icons and visual indicators take up valuable display area, and both the visual and audible indicators can sometimes be annoying, even to the point where many users disable such features. Therefore, a notification system that is more desirable to certain users was also needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides an improved computer input device that eliminates the deficiencies of the prior art.
The present invention also provides an improved computer input device that enables a user to more efficiently and accurately locate the device during reduced lighting conditions or no lighting conditions.
The present invention further provides an improved computer input device that enables a user to more efficiently and accurately position his or her hand on the device during reduced lighting conditions or no lighting conditions.
Further, the present invention provides an improved computer input device that illuminates the area proximate the device.
The present invention also provides an improved computer input device that indicates whether the computer is ON or OFF.
According to one aspect, the invention provides a computer input device having a housing that is configured to interface with a human hand, and an illumination device. The illumination device is coupled to the housing and is visible when the housing is placed on a supporting surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer input device includes a housing configured to interface with a human hand, and an illumination device. The illumination device is coupled to the housing and is visible when the housing is placed on a supporting surface. The illumination device can be used to illuminate the area proximate the computer input device.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer input device is provided which includes a housing configured to interface with a human hand, and an illumination device, which is coupled to the housing and is visible when the housing is placed on a supporting surface, where the illumination device indicates whether the computer is ON or OFF.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in connection with the following drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements throughout.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3892963 (1975-07-01), Hawley et al.
patent: 4409479 (1983-10-01), Sprague et al.
patent: 4847484 (1989-07-01), Kikuchi
patent: 4922060 (1990-05-01), McJunkin
patent: 5001467 (1991-03-01), Chien
patent: 5034602 (1991-07-01), Garcia, Jr. et al.
patent: 5119077 (1992-06-01), Giorgio
patent: 5355146 (1994-10-01), Chiu et al.
patent: 5363120 (1994-11-01), Drumm
patent: 5428369 (1995-06-01), Pranger et al.
patent: 5457480 (1995-10-01), White
patent: 5463387 (1995-10-01), Kato
patent: 5517211 (1996-05-01), Kwang-Chein
patent: 5574479 (1996-11-01), Odell
patent: 5574480 (1996-11-01), Pranger et al.
patent: 5692956 (1997-12-01), Rifkin
patent: 5764224 (1998-06-01), Lilja et al.
patent: 5841425 (1998-11-01), Zenz, Sr.
patent: 5909209 (1999-06-01), Dickinson
patent: 5999166 (1999-12-01), Rangan
patent: 6337919 (2002-01-01), Dunton
Fisher Steven W.
Kaneko Steven T.
Ledbetter Carl J.
McDonough Timothy A.
Plank Robert Scott
Banner & Witcoff , Ltd.
Microsoft Corporation
Wu Xiao
LandOfFree
Illuminated computer input device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Illuminated computer input device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Illuminated computer input device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2926015