Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-30
2001-09-04
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C379S433020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285354
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer interface devices and telecommunications; more specifically, the present invention relates to the combination of a computer mouse and telephone.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computers and telephones are indispensable tools for efficiently performing work in the modern workplace. Very often, both are found in close proximity to one another, whether that workplace be the office or the home. Furthermore, virtually every personal computer is accompanied by a mouse to facilitate computer input.
Since the mouse and the telephone are often located on the same finite workspace, they tend to significantly add to workspace clutter. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,031, entitled “Computing and Telecommunications Interface System”, discloses a partial solution to this problem by providing a mouse and a telephone integrated into a single device. Unfortunately, the device cannot be used as a telephone unless the computer is powered-up. Additionally, the telephone data entry keypad is located on the top side of the mouse, thereby interfering with the user's operation of the mouse.
Another problem associated with the combined mouse/telephone disclosed in the '031 patent is that the user has no simple way of knowing which mode of operation the device is in. That is to say, the device operates in either mode, as a mouse or a telephone, without changing its appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a device which integrates the functions of a mouse and telephone handset in a manner which provides a device which is easy to use and which does not require that the computer be turned on for use of the telephone function.
In addition, the device may be used as either a mouse or a telephone, and the user can easily identify which mode of operation the device is in. The device is in an open configuration for use as a telephone, and in a closed configuration, for use as a mouse. A switch, activated by opening or closing the device, automatically selects the appropriate mode of operation for the device.
In addition, accidental operation of the keypad when the device is functioning as a mouse is avoided by placing the keypad beneath a top-side housing of the device so that it is not exposed for accidental operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 320197 (1991-09-01), Weber
patent: 4917516 (1990-04-01), Retter
patent: 5063376 (1991-11-01), Chang
patent: 5457480 (1995-10-01), White
patent: 5631669 (1997-05-01), Stobbs et al.
patent: 5659335 (1997-08-01), Partridge, III
patent: 5706031 (1998-01-01), Brendzel et al.
patent: 5847695 (1998-12-01), Duncan et al.
patent: 6040820 (2000-03-01), Choi
Hjerpe Richard
Laneau Ronald
Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Perkins Coie LLP
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