Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Patent
1996-11-18
1998-11-24
Swarthout, Brent A.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
273148B, 341 21, 345157, 400273, G09G 508
Patent
active
058414266
ABSTRACT:
A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position. In an alternative embodiment, one switch operator is located at the toe position and another at the heel position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5148152 (1992-09-01), Stueckle et al.
patent: 5334997 (1994-08-01), Scallon
patent: 5689253 (1997-11-01), Hargreaves et al.
patent: 5694152 (1997-12-01), Loop
patent: 5745055 (1998-04-01), Redlich et al.
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 28, No. 11, Apr. 1986 "Foot Operated Mouse".
Dodson Dean
Kelley Timothy
Siemens Terrance L.
Swarthout Brent A.
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