Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-13
2002-06-11
Nguyen, Chanh (Department: 2675)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06404415
ABSTRACT:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from my application A PORTABLE COMPUTER WITH A POINTING DEVICE filed with the Korean Industrial Property Office on Oct. 13, 1998 and there duly assigned Ser. No. 42807/1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable computer and, more particularly to a portable computer having a control mechanism for controlling a position of a cursor of a portable computer display.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known to use a hand-engageable mouse with a computer keyboard for moving a pointer or cursor on a display screen into various positions on the display for one or more purposes. It has also been known to substitute for the mouse a control mechanism which is used adjacent to the keyboard of the computer for effecting changes in cursor positions by manipulation of movable parts by the fingers or palm of the hand while the fingers of the hand remain on the keys of the computer keyboard.
In a portable computer having a control mechanism exemplary of contemporary practice in the art, control over vertical and horizontal movements of the cursor on a computer display is achieved by the use of a contact portion of a rotatable and freely slidable shaft. The shaft is coupled to a support so that the shaft can be moved longitudinally or rotationally. A first analog value is adjusted by rotation of the contact portion in either direction. A second analog value is adjusted by moving the contact portion along the shaft in either direction. Also, the control mechanism exemplary of contemporary practice in the art can be constructed so that, with a slight downward pressure on the contact portion, an electrical switch can be actuated for enabling a circuit of the apparatus with which the control mechanism is associated.
In accordance with the aforementioned control mechanism exemplary of contemporary practice in the art, sensing members detecting a movement of the slidable and rotational contact portion are affixed on the shaft. Generally, the sensing members are directly printed on the shaft or on another printed film that is affixed on the shaft. For example, a line of one sensing member is provided vertically, and a line of another sensing member is provided horizontally. The movement of the shaft causes a position of one or both of the sensing members to change, which produces an analog value about a position of the contact portion. A system unit, located within the portable computer receives the analog value and controls the position of a cursor on the display screen. Therefore, the sensing members are always exposed to the outside, which can result in a low efficiency or a failure of the control mechanism exemplary of contemporary practice in the art when used.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,652 to Lapson, et al. entitled Cursor Control Device For Use With Display Systems, disclose a cursor control device having application to a computer display system that includes a unitary frame, having a domed portion substantially surrounding and retaining a ball which is free to rotate. X-Y position indicating means are provided, such that rotation of the ball provides signals indicative of X-Y positions on the display system. X-Y positions are established by movement of the control device over a surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,811 to Tobey, et al. entitled Apparatus And Method For Controlling Cursor Movement, disclose an apparatus and method for navigating through an application program on a computer coupled to a computer-controlled display screen. The user can control the cursor position on the computer-controlled display using a hand-held controller with a four direction control button and a function select button. The computer accepts the direction input information and moves the cursor or the focus according to one of three different navigation functions. It is disclosed movement can simultaneously occur in two dimensions using any of the navigational functions if the user selects directions in two dimensions on the four directional control button.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,092 to Eng, et al. entitled Cursor Control System, disclose a cursor control system and method for moving a cursor on a computer screen in response to movement of a ring over a keyboard. The ring contains a transmitter circuit which is activated by a switch positioned on the ring. A signal generated by the transmitter circuit is transmitted to a receiver attached to a computer keyboard. The receiver detects motion of the transmitter circuit over the keyboard and, in response, generates signals which are used to control the movement of the cursor on the computer screen.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,140 to Rosenberg, et al. entitled Method And Apparatus For Providing A Cursor Control Interface With Force Feedback, disclose a method and apparatus for use with a computer for providing commands to a computer through tracked manual gestures and for providing feedback to the user through forces applied to the interface. It is disclosed a user manipulatable object is coupled to a mechanical linkage which is, in turn, supportable on a fixed surface. The mechanical linkage or the user manipulatable object is tracked by sensors for sensing the location and/or orientation of the object. A multi-processor system architecture is disclosed wherein a host computer system is interfaced with a dedicated microprocessor which is responsive to the output of the sensors and provides the host computer with information derived from the sensors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,037 to Chen entitled Cursor Positioning Device For Computer System, discloses a cursor control device for controlling the movement and positioning of a cursor on a computer including a finger controllable member formed on the cursor positioning device. The cursor on the display is disclosed as being controllable either in X-axis or Y-axis direction by means of sliding the finger controllable member on the device. The cursor positioning device includes a displacement detecting structure for detecting the movement of the finger controllable member, and photo encoder detectors for detecting the operating situation of the X-axis and Y-axis photo encoders which are arranged in 90 degrees phase deference in space. In such an arrangement, it is disclosed the displacement of the finger controllable member in X-axis and Y-axis direction can be detected as coordinate data. The detected coordinate data is transmitted to a control circuit for further processes and then sent to a computer device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,764 to Martinelli entitled Computer Display Cursor Controller With Serial Interface, discloses a controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,602 to Sellers entitled Rotary Cursor Positioning Apparatus, discloses a portable computer provided with a rotary display screen cursor position control device that includes a rotatably supported disc member that has radially extending depression formed in an exposed outer side surface thereof. To reposition the display screen cursor, it is disclosed the computer user places a finger in the depression and rotates the disc until the radially outer end of the depression points in a direction corresponding to the desired cursor repositioning movement direction, with the finger being placed at a radial position in the depression corresponding to the cursor repositioning velocity, a radially o
Alphonse Fritz
Bushnell , Esq. Robert E.
Nguyen Chanh
Samsung Electronics Co,. Ltd.
LandOfFree
Control mechanism and method for controlling parameter... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Control mechanism and method for controlling parameter..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Control mechanism and method for controlling parameter... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2907586