Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Utility Patent
1994-02-14
2001-01-02
Chang, Kent (Department: 2778)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S156000, C345S157000, C345S161000
Utility Patent
active
06169537
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the electronics circuitry field. More particularly, this invention is an ergonomically designed input device, such as a mouse, with a handle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The traditional way of inputting data into a computer has changed dramatically over the years. Punched cards read through a card reader thankfully gave way to a computer keyboard styled upon a typewriter keyboard. While the keyboard is still the primary way of inputting textual data into a computer, the computer mouse has emerged as a complementary input device, especially useful in navigating around a graphical user interface such as that employed by Apple computers, IBM-Compatible computers running Microsoft Windows, and many types and styles of UNIX-based workstations.
The intuitive nature and ease of use of these graphical user interfaces have made them extremely popular with computer users. This popularity has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of the computer mouse and a corresponding decrease in the use of the keyboard. For an ever increasing number of users, the mouse is now used much more often than the keyboard. When one factors in the increasing number of useful applications now present on these computers, it is not uncommon for a computer mouse to be used for several hours at a time during a typical computing day.
This dramatic increase of use for computer mice has not been without its problems. One problem of particular concern is the awkward and unnatural hand position required to hold and control a computer mouse. While this awkward and unnatural hand position does not normally cause any real discomfort if a mouse is used a few minutes at a time, it can cause great discomfort if a mouse is used for hours at a time. In extreme instances, serious hand and/or wrist injury, such as the infamous and debilitating carpel tunnel syndrome, can be the result.
Computer mouse manufacturers have attempted to address this problem by making their mice more ergonomic. While some small improvements have been made, today's computer mouse remains ergonomically deficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An input device, such as a mouse, has a base unit movable in an x direction and a y direction. Inside this base unit is a position detection mechanism which detects movement of the base unit. A handle is attached to the top of the base unit. The handle has sufficient length and width to accommodate the fingers of a human hand curled about it, and has an adjustable length, width, and orientation. After adjustment and during normal operation, the handle does not move in any direction independent of movement of the base unit. The handle has one or more switches on it. Each of the switches is positioned for activation by a different finger of a human hand curled about it.
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Chang Kent
Hewlett--Packard Company
Rose Curtis G.
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