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US 5,479,190 AGranted
Continuous loop mouse
OwnerDavid G. Roweinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A continuous loop multi-axis pointing position control device is provided permitting continuous rotation about an X-axis to provide generation of a first motion signal and a continuous rotation about a Y-axis to provide generation of a second motion signal to enable directional control of a cursor or pointing device on a computer screen and to substitute for track ball, joystick and mouse control devices.
Claims4
A position control device comprising:
- a plurality of grooved segments each presenting a longitudinal void therethrough,
- an annular band for supporting said segments and holding said segments in adjacent annular array to permit a user to apply a rotational force on at least one of said segments to accomplish rotational movement of said segment for communication of said rotational force to a detector and to permit a user to apply a lateral force to at least one of said segments to accomplish lateral movement of said segment for communication of said lateral force to a detector,
- means for detecting lateral movement of at least one of said segments,
- means for detecting rotational movement of at least one of said segments, and
- means responsive to said detected segment movement for generating a signal to effect repositioning of a symbol on a graphic display device.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.