Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Including keyboard
Patent
1997-06-27
1999-01-26
Saras, Steven J.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Including keyboard
345156, 345158, G09G 500
Patent
active
058643346
ABSTRACT:
The keyboard portion of a computer has a small toggle switch structure positioned among its keys and reachable by a user while his hands are in the home row typing position. The switch structure is used to selectively switch the computer between typing and cursor control modes. When the computer is switched to its cursor control mode by depressing a stick-like activation portion of the switch structure, a small video camera mounted above the keyboard monitors an observation zone above the keyboard. A cursor control system in which the camera is incorporated detects the presence of the user's hand in a first predetermined configuration within the observation zone, tracks the hand's cursor control movement through the zone, and correspondingly moves the cursor on the computer's display screen. To carry out a cursor "pick" function in conjunction with the repositioned cursor, the user reshapes his hand to a second predetermined configuration. The system detects the second hand configuration and responsively generates an appropriate cursor pick signal. When the user desires to return the computer to its typing mode he either depresses the activation portion of the toggle switch structure or moves his control hand out of the observation zone, moves the hand back into the zone, and presses any of the keys. The video controlled cursor positioning system is representatively illustrated in both a portable and desktop computer embodiment.
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Awad Amr
Compaq Computer Corporation
Saras Steven J.
LandOfFree
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