Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Patent
1994-07-20
1996-08-06
Chin, Tommy P.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
345157, G09G 508
Patent
active
055438210
ABSTRACT:
An improved track ball which can be conveniently manipulated with a single hand is disclosed. The track ball protrudes through a circular opening in a housing, with the top edge of the housing having a rounded switch. The switch can thus be manipulated with the fingers while the palm or thumb of the hand is manipulating the track ball. The housing is mounted at an angle to the side of a computer keyboard, providing for easy access. The track ball housing can be rotated to any continuous angle through two angles of rotation by the user. A tetrahedron support arrangement holds the ball in place at any angle. The same housing can be used for either the right or left sides of a keyboard by simply switching the activating point on the switch. An encoder wheel is attached by a shaft to the ball and has a number of slots extending from its center to its edge. The slots are rectangular in shape, and do not have edges along radial lines as in the prior art encoder wheels.
REFERENCES:
patent: D315552 (1991-03-01), Sacherman
patent: 3757128 (1973-09-01), Vermeulen
patent: 3990565 (1976-11-01), Felton et al.
patent: 4533830 (1985-08-01), Beauprey
patent: 4654525 (1987-03-01), Ebina et al.
patent: 4670743 (1987-06-01), Zemke
patent: 4705943 (1987-11-01), Charlton
patent: 4913387 (1990-04-01), Tice
patent: 4939508 (1990-07-01), Lawrence et al.
patent: 4952919 (1990-08-01), Nippoldt
patent: 4977397 (1990-12-01), Kuo et al.
patent: 5008528 (1991-04-01), Duchon
patent: 5017776 (1991-05-01), Loewen
patent: 5027109 (1991-06-01), Donovan et al.
patent: 5144290 (1992-09-01), Honda et al.
patent: 5187468 (1993-02-01), Garthwaite et al.
patent: 5281958 (1994-01-01), Ashmun et al.
PC Magazine, Oct. 15, 1991, "Portable Pointing Device" by Bill Howard.
PC Magazine, Sep. 11, 1990, "Switchboard".
The Computer Glossary (4th Ed. Copyright 1989)., Picture of "Turbo Mouse".
Lathrop Robert L.
Marchis Carlos
McVicar David N.
Chin Tommy P.
Goon Gin
Logitech Inc.
LandOfFree
Track ball mounted on keyboard does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Track ball mounted on keyboard, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Track ball mounted on keyboard will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2194182