Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-20
2001-11-27
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323843
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to an electromechanical mouse input device for a computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mouse input devices for computers are well known in the art. The movement of the mouse in an X-Y plane typically actuates a mechanical, optical or electrical device within the mouse which produces X and Y position signals which are conveyed to the computer. The computer typically uses the mouse X and Y position signals to manipulate the display of the computer screen, allowing a user to control a program. Computer mice also typically have one or more buttons which allow the user to further control a computer program. The mouse and mouse button allow the user to move a cursor or other pointing device to a specific area of the computer screen and depress the one or more buttons to activate specific computer program functions. In general, the mouse buttons are actuated by pressing the button downward.
With the proliferation of home and school computers, people are becoming computer literate at earlier ages. Software companies are developing educational programs for use by young children. These programs require children to operate a computer mouse.
One of the problems associated with computer mice is that children have great difficulty with the combined action of positioning the mouse in the required x-y coordinate while at the same time operating the one or more buttons. Computer mice are typically designed for adult hands with buttons designed for adult fingers. When the adult mouse is used by small children, the movement and button activation can be very difficult.
The prior art has attempted to make mice more user friendly, however these designs are generally designed to reduce hand injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome. Examples of Ergonomic mice include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,726,683 and 5,576,733 which both provide mouse bodies shaped for a more natural user hand position. Although these inventions address the problem of repetitive stress for adult hands, they do not aid children with the use of mice. Specifically, the prior art has not designed a mouse specifically sized for children's hands and which minimizes the coordination requirements of positioning the mouse while at the same time activating the button. In particular, children have problems actuating the buttons of an adult computer mouse.
In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a computer mouse that allows small hands to easily actuate the buttons and that can also be easily used by larger adult hands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a child's computer mouse for controlling a cursor and inputting information into a computer. The inventive computer mouse includes an internal position detection mechanism and one or two buttons that electrically actuate features of a computer program. The mouse body is substantially hemispherical in shape and the buttons are mounted adjacent to each other on a front portion of the mouse. The buttons are curved downward from the top to the front. The buttons are attached to hinges that are close to the top of the buttons. The curved shape allows the buttons to be actuated by either squeezing the mouse or by applying a downward force on the buttons.
Because the inventive mouse is smaller in size and substantially hemispheric shape that is more easily controlled by a child. The small hemispheric shape of the inventive mouse allows the child to manipulate the mouse position by gripping it and the curved shape of the button allows the button to be actuated by squeezing the mouse.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5570112 (1996-10-01), Robinson
patent: 5870081 (1999-02-01), Wu
patent: 5912661 (1999-06-01), Siddiqui
patent: 6275215 (2001-08-01), Kim
Anastas George V.
Giles Susan L.
Mavrakis Patrick A.
Dergosits & Noah LLP
Giles Susan L.
Hjerpe Richard
Nguyen Francis
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