Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Patent
1997-04-11
2000-01-04
Powell, Mark R.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
345145, 345157, 345160, 345168, G06F 300
Patent
active
060115416
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to an apparatus for enabling a user to make a seamless transition between using a primary pointing device and a secondary pointing device on a computer to interact with the computer. The apparatus comprises a first microcontroller and a second microcontroller, wherein the first and second microcontrollers are electrically connected to each other. A primary pointing device input is connected to the first microcontroller, and a secondary pointing device input is connected to the second microcontroller. A system microcontroller is electrically connected to the first microcontroller. The first and second microcontrollers share a first and second switch. Computer software instructions operative by the first microcontroller determine which of the primary pointing device and the secondary pointing device is in use. If the primary pointing device is in use, then the first microcontroller process the switch actions (i.e., the data from the primary pointing device input element). The processed data output by the first microcontroller is transmitted by the first microcontroller to the system microcontroller.
If the secondary pointing device is in use, then the software operative by the first microcontroller causes the first microcontroller to ignore the switch actions. By ignoring the switch actions, the data processed by the second microcontroller, which is sent to the first microcontroller, is transmitted to the system microcontroller. Thus, this apparatus enables a use to make a seamless transition between the primary and secondary pointing device and use either pointing device at any time.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5021771 (1991-06-01), Lachman
patent: 5414422 (1995-05-01), Allen
patent: 5440325 (1995-08-01), Edmark, III
patent: 5666499 (1997-09-01), Baudel et al.
patent: 5675360 (1997-10-01), Takegoshi et al.
patent: 5694150 (1997-12-01), Sigona et al.
Kovalick Vincent E.
Micron Electronics Inc.
Powell Mark R.
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