Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-03
2001-03-13
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S167000, C345S164000, C345S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201534
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cursor control devices and, particularly, to a trackball for single digit control of a wireless terminal.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless terminals including cellular telephones and other wireless telecommunication devices are providing increasingly sophisticated functionality. Functions performed by hand-held wireless terminals require an increasing degree of user input and interaction. For example, a typical wireless terminal includes a viewscreen, typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), a keypad, and a plurality of control buttons or switches to allow the user to scroll through menu options on the viewscreen. One such control is a dial which may be used to “roll” through menu options. Alternatively, forward and reverse buttons may be employed to accomplish this task. Finally, certain wireless terminals provide a trackball on the front face of the wireless terminal to position a cursor on the viewscreen. Each of these controls is also associated with a separate select button to allow selection of the menu item highlighted by the cursor.
In ergonomic terms, such menu selection or cursor pointing devices require relatively complex hand or finger movements. More particularly, such user interfaces have typically required the manipulation of a trackball, keys, or dial in order to locate a cursor on the view screen. A separate motion on a separate select key is required to select the item highlighted by the cursor. Frequently this is error-prone and counter-intuitive. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved user interface mechanism for a wireless terminal which is capable of being manipulated by a single finger in both cursor positioning and select modes.
The increasing functionality of wireless terminals also requires the display of increasing amounts of information on the viewscreen. The larger amounts of information generally require larger viewscreens. At the same time, however, the overall size of wireless terminals continues to decrease. Larger viewscreens also facilitate more user-friendly user interfaces, in particular, graphical user interfaces. Accordingly, there is a need for a user interface mechanism that increases the area of a wireless terminal that is available as viewscreen area.
In addition, wireless terminals are subjected to relatively severe operating conditions. Control buttons such as an on-switch may be jostled and thus unintentionally activated. Cursor controls may be exposed to scalding liquids, which can have a deleterious effect on their functionality. This is particularly the case when the control is a trackball, due to the electromechanical or optomechanical structure required to convert the ball's rotation into cursor movement. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved cursor control which is relatively immune from unintentional activation and/or liquid spillage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These drawbacks in the prior art are overcome in large part by a side-mounted trackball including a sliding cover according to the present invention. A wireless terminal is provided including a key pad and a side mounted trackball. A sliding cover is provided which can slide over the trackball in an off position. When the cover is slid off the trackball, a biasing member upon which the trackball rests allows the trackball to pop out and in to position. The user can press down on the trackball in order to make a selection. In addition, the sliding cover is preferably an on-off switch for the wireless terminal.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic controller with an improved user interface is provided. The user interface includes a cursor pointing device and a controller housing adapted to receive the cursor pointing device. A control switch is coupled to the cursor pointing device and the controller housing, and is configured to be activated when the cursor pointing device is depressed. A sliding member is coupled to the controller housing. The sliding member is con figured to conceal the cursor pointing device when the sliding member is in a first position, and expose the cursor pointing device when the sliding member is in a second position. The sliding member also preferably functions as an on-off switch for the electronic controller or the device being controlled. The cursor pointing device is provided with a biasing member such that the biasing member positions the cursor pointing device in an inactive position when the sliding member is in the first position and is configured to position the cursor pointing device in an active position when the sliding member is in the second position.
A method for operating an electronic controller according to the present invention comprises sliding a sliding member from a first position to a second position on a controller housing. The sliding member conceals a cursor pointing device when the sliding member is in the first position, and exposes the cursor pointing device when the sliding member is in the second position. The method further comprises translating the cursor pointing device from an inactive position when the sliding member is in the first position to an active position when the sliding member is in the second position. Finally, the method further comprises using the cursor pointing device to position a cursor on a viewscreen, and depressing the cursor pointing device to select an item on the viewscreen positioned proximately to the cursor.
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Beyda William
Bömer Leopold
Steele Ben
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Marc-Coleman Marthe Y.
Siemens Information and Communications Networks, Inc.
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