Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Patent
1996-03-29
1998-07-28
Powell, Mark R.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
345160, 361680, G09G 508
Patent
active
057868069
ABSTRACT:
A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, a shifting mechanism retracts the keys to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the shifting mechanism extends the keys outwardly to their extended operating positions. Incorporated into the collapsible keyboard structure is a cursor position control pointing stick device that, via the shifting mechanism, is automatically retracted to a collapsed orientation in response to a corresponding collapsing of the keys, and automatically extended back to a use orientation in response to a corresponding return of the keys to their extended use orientations. Operation of the shifting means rotates the pointing stick in an associated housing in which side projections of the pointing stick are carried in ramped, thread-like grooves within the housing. Rotation of the stick in opposite directions by the shifting means causes the pointing stick to correspondingly move axially in the desired extension and retraction directions thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5594618 (1997-01-01), Sellers
patent: 5621610 (1997-04-01), Moore et al.
patent: 5635928 (1997-06-01), Takagi et al.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Luu Matthew
Powell Mark R.
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