Hand-held ergonomic computer interface device
OwnerFrank P. Gatto JR., Alicia M. Hitchoinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ergonomic, hand-held computer interface device for computer control. The device transmits control information upon activation of buttons and movement of a rotatable ball on the device. The device which operates without the need for a horizontal surface, within a reasonable distance from the computer and which is shaped to minimize muscle fatigue during longer periods of use. The device offers precision control by means of tension during drawing, controlling and other input requiring precise movement.
Claims17
A hand held computer interface device configured to provide cursor pointing signals and cursor selection signals to a computer, the device comprising:
- a cylindrical housing;
- a mouse button, disposed on the side of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cursor selection signals are produced in response to actuation of the mouse button;
- and
- a head ball, disposed at one end of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cursor pointing signals are produced in response to movement of the head ball.
A hand held computer interface device configured to provide cursor pointing signals and cursor selection signals to a computer, the device comprising:
- a cylindrical housing;
- a mouse button, disposed on the side of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cursor selection signals are produced in response to actuation of the mouse button;
- a head encasement disposed at one end of the cylindrical housing;
- and
- a ball, disposed in the head encasement and free to rotate, wherein the cursor pointing signals are produced in response to movement of the ball.
A hand held computer interface device configured to provide cursor pointing signals and cursor selection signals to a computer, the device comprising:
- a cylindrical housing;
- two or more mouse buttons, disposed on the side of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cursor selection signals are produced in response to actuation of the mouse buttons;
- a scroll wheel disposed on the side of the cylindrical housing, adjacent to the mouse buttons;
- a head encasement disposed at one end of the cylindrical housing;
- a rotator contact ring disposed about the head encasement to enable the head encasement to be rotated with respect to the cylindrical housing;
- a ball, disposed in the head encasement and free to rotate, wherein the cursor pointing signals are produced in response to movement of the ball;
- and
- a friction ring, wherein the ball is nested within the head encasement and is held in place by contact with the friction ring while being free to rotate;
- wherein cursor pointing signals and cursor selection signals are provided to the computer via a wireless link.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.