Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-10-16
Liang, Regina (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C248S118100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304249
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to input devices for a computer, and more particularly, to a manually controlled pointing device for a computer, such as a mouse.
A computer mouse is a common pointing device used to generate movement commands for controlling a cursor position displayed on a computer screen. The mouse sits to the side of the computer and resides on a flat surface, such as a mouse pad. Typically the mouse requires a substantially planar surface on which to move. A mechanical mouse includes a captured ball at an underside which rolls along the planar surface as an operator moves the mouse. The movement of the ball generates inputs to respective x,y directional sensors housed adjacent to the ball within the mouse. The x,y directional signals are input to the computer to control the cursor movement. Another kind of mouse, an optical mouse, includes a light emitting diode or phototransistor associated with a grid and providing a signal corresponding to distance and direction of mouse movement.
A computer mouse often includes one or more buttons which are either dedicated or programmed to correspond to specific command functions, (e.g., “click” to select a display icon; “double click” or open item corresponding to display icon; display a menu; drag icon to a new location on the screen; or some custom function). Other common computer pointing devices include a trackball, a touch pad, and a joy stick. Each of such devices controls movement of a cursor on a computer screen and include buttons for entering specific command functions.
Conventionally, the mouse is tethered to a host computer by a cable, or another flexible or rigid linking mechanism. One undesired effect of the cable is that it restricts movement of the mouse.
Another shortcoming of the conventional mouse relates to portable computing. A large portion of the personal computer market is for portable computers, such as laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers and hand-held or palmtop computers. The mouse is a tethered device, so it typically is detached and stored in a carrying case with the portable computer. Such mouse takes up scarce space in the carrying case.
In commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,355 a flexible linking mechanism connects the mouse to the host computer. This flexible linking mechanism is part of the tracking device, the remainder of which is contained inside the computer. This type of tracking device is acceptable only for computers that have space available for containment of the tracking device and storage for the mouse. Accordingly, there is a need for a computer mouse which overcomes these shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a computer mouse is conveniently stored by collapsing the mouse into a smaller form. In some embodiments the computer mouse includes a cable to tether the mouse to a host computer. In other embodiments the computer mouse is wireless, including a wireless transmission medium for communicating with the host computer.
According to one aspect of the invention, the computer mouse is adjustable between a first operable configuration and a second, reduced-volume, storage configuration. In various embodiments different mechanisms are used to allow alteration of the mouse configuration between the operable configuration and the storage configuration.
According to another aspect of this invention, in one embodiment a cover portion of the computer mouse moves between an extended position and a retracted position. With the cover in the extended position, the mouse has a desirably contoured shape suitable for hand-held operation. This corresponds to the operable configuration. With the cover in the retracted position the mouse is reduced in length. This corresponds to the storage configuration.
According to another aspect of the invention, to move the cover from the retracted to the extended position, the cover is slid along a track. The cover slides into the extended position where it lowers into place providing a smooth contoured upper surface formed by the cover and an adjacent housing component. To move the cover from the extended to the retracted position, the cover is lifted, then slid along the track. In various embodiments, the cover moves along an upper surface over the mouse buttons to conceal and protect the buttons while in the retracted position, or along an undersurface of the mouse. The mouse occupies a smaller volume in the storage configuration than in the operable configuration. In particular the length of the mouse is reduced in the storage position in one embodiment of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, in another embodiment the mouse includes a lever which moves between a first position and a second position to change the mouse configuration from the operable configuration to the storage configuration. While in the operable configuration the mouse has a generally convex surface with one or more mouse buttons accessible for use. When the lever is moved from the first position to the second position, the lever covers the mouse buttons and collapses the bulk of the mouse to reduce the height and generally flatten the mouse. When the lever is moved from the second position to the first position, the buttons are revealed and the bulk of the mouse is propped up to provide a generally convex surface for the user's palm.
According to another aspect of the invention, in yet another embodiment the mouse is formed to a generally convex shape in the operable configuration by a contoured leaf spring. When the leaf spring is relaxed, the spring is generally convex, so as to shape an overlying rubber-like surface into the convex shape desirable for the operable configuration. In the storage configuration, the leaf spring is extended to be held generally flat by a latch. To change from the storage configuration to the operable configuration, the operator pulls on the latch releasing the spring. The spring then returns to its relaxed, convex shape, and correspondingly the mouse changes to the operable configuration. To change from the operable configuration to the storage configuration, the operator merely pushes down on the convex surface of the mouse until the metal spring is grasped and locked into the flattened shape by the latch. While in the flattened shape of the storage configuration, the mouse has a reduced height compared to the height when in the convex shape of the operable configuration.
According to another aspect of the invention, in yet another embodiment the mouse folds in half about a pivot axis to move from the operable configuration to the storage configuration. While in the operable configuration the mouse has a desired generally convex surface. When the mouse is folded, the mouse length is reduced. The mouse is unfolded to change to the operable configuration.
According to another aspect of the invention, a cable, when present, is spring-loaded to retract into the mouse body during storage.
According to another aspect of the invention, a case for the computer mouse is dimensioned to house the mouse while in the reduced-volume storage configuration. In one embodiment the case is adhered, clasped or otherwise permanently or removably attached to the AC adapter of the portable computer. In another embodiment, a storage area is provided within the portable computer case, such as in the underside of the computer, within the battery area or within the port and connector area of the computer.
According to an advantage of the invention, the collapsible mouse reduces the mouse volume while in the storage configuration allowing for easier storage and transport. In various embodiments the mouse length or height is reduced while in the storage configuration. According to another advantage of the invention, an operator can quickly change the mouse between the operable configuration and the storage configuration. These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in
Derocher Michael D
Helot Jacques H
Oross Glen A
Hewlett--Packard Company
Liang Regina
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