Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-03
2001-05-08
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S157000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229527
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains to hand operated computer pointing devices, such as a “mouse”, and in particular to a computer pointing device which has movable control buttons which, can be positioned by a user to a plurality of desired locations upon the surface of the computer pointing device.
BACKGROUND ART
Computer pointing devices for positioning a cursor and entering commands into a computer are well known in the art. These devices typically include a body or top portion upon which the user's hand rests, two or three depressible control buttons integral with the body, and a bottom portion or base which contains a motion sensing device and electronics. Some computer pointing devices include a rotatable ball, wherein electronic encoders sense rotation of the ball and generate a signal indicative of the ball's rotation to control movement of a cursor on a computer screen. The rotatable ball extends from the bottom surface of the computer pointing device, and contacts a work surface such as a table or mouse pad. The movement of the computer pointing device across the work surface causes rotation of the ball, and therefore movement of the cursor. Other computer pointing devices employ optical encoders that track the motion of the pointing device over a work surface and generate a signal indicative of the pointing devices' position which is electronically coupled to the computer screen cursor.
After the cursor is appropriately positioned, the control buttons, sometimes referred to as keys or switches, permit the user to enter various commands into the computer. For example, depressing a control button may open an application program, highlight text in a word processing program, fire a weapon in a game, pull down a menu, open or close a file, and the like.
Many of the currently available computer pointing devices have disadvantages however. First, the computer pointing device may not fit the hand of the particular user, and therefore may cause discomfort or difficulty of operation. Additionally, prolonged use of the computer pointing device can cause biomechanical stress to the user. These factors may manifest themselves in several ways, some examples being, the hand or arm of the user may feel tired or cramped after grasping and operating the computer pointing device for any length of time. Or more seriously, repetitive stress injury (RSI), a cumulative trauma disorder stemming from prolonged repetitive, forceful, or awkward hand movements, may be experienced, with its' resultant damage to the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand.
A need therefore exists for a computer pointing device which will both fit the hand of the particular user, and minimize any biomechanical stress experienced by the user. U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,807 discloses a computer pointing device which assists in realizing these two goals. This patent discloses an apparatus and method for customizing the shape of a computer mouse to an individual's hand. The device uses a pliable body, typically a pliable body with an elastomer skin enclosing a pliable material. The pliable body is shaped into a customized configuration. A bonding agent may be used with the pliable material to form a hardened, customized configuration. The pliable body is connected to an electonic base assembly, which includes electronic circuitry to generate a mouse output signal for application to a computer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,570,112, 5,576,733, 5,581,277, and 5,648,798 illustrate other ergonomic computer pointing devices.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a computer pointing device which has a moldable body wherein a user can mold or form the body into a plurality of shapes. This novel feature permits the user to both (1) form the body into a shape that is easier and most comfortable to use, and (2) during a work period, periodically change the body shape to lessen biomechanical stress. Additionally, the present invention includes selectively positionable control buttons which can also be placed to fit the user, and periodically moved to lessen biomechanical stress. These design features provide an ergonomic computer pointing device which allows the user to change both the body shape and the location of the control buttons over the course of a work period, thus reducing overall biomechanical stress, while still maintaining the accuracy with which the computer pointing device is controlled and actuated.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer pointing device has a moldable body connected to a base. The moldable body can be molded or formed by a user into a plurality of shapes.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the moldable body includes a material selected from the group consisting of silicone putty, wax, and clay.
In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the moldable body includes a granular or powdered material contained with a flexible covering.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the moldable body has an outer surface having at least one control button disposed thereon.
In accordance with another important feature of the invention, the control button is selectively positionable on the outer surface.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, Velcro™ is utilized to hold the control button in place on the surface of the moldable body.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer pointing device has a body having an outer surface. At least one control button is disposed upon the surface. The control button is selectively positionable to any one of an unlimited plurality of desired locations upon the surface.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, a base having electronic circuitry is connected to the body. A conductor such as a wire connects the control button to the electronic circuitry and forms a tether therebetween.
In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the control button electromagnetically communicates with the electronic circuitry rather than being directly connected by a conductor.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the body can either be of conventional firm construction or can be moldable.
In accordance with another important feature of the invention, a retaining means holds the control button in the desired location upon the surface of the body of the computer pointing device.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the retaining means includes a hook and loop-type fastener.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4142244 (1979-02-01), Garziera et al.
patent: 5122654 (1992-06-01), Koh et al.
patent: 5731807 (1998-03-01), Feierbach
patent: 6107990 (2000-08-01), Fleming, III
Bowers Benjamin D.
Hjerpe Richard
Masters Ted
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