US 5,760,764 A · Computer display cursor controller with serial interface

Abstract

A controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal. To generate the cursor position signal, the processor may perform a conversion function based on predetermined criteria. The processor transmits the cursor position signal to a computer having a predefined display size, which displays the cursor at a respective position. Moreover, the processor may maintain puck movement parameters including puck velocity to generate a continuous movement signal when the puck is moved into an edge position. The processor may also identify if the puck is positioned in a number of macro locations that are associated with user-selectable tasks.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A cursor controller for controlling a computer display cursor and for use with a computer system having a processor, a memory and a display, said cursor controller comprising:

a controller structure for manipulation by a user and configured to generate cursor position information in response to said manipulation;
a cable coupled to said controller structure and configured to couple to said computer system and to communicate said cursor position information to said computer system;
said cursor controller having a plurality of modes for selection by the user, said modes influencing said cursor position information and said modes including:
a first mode where a manipulation of said controller structure by the user produces relative cursor position information, said first mode including a PS/2-type protocol that sets a first information bit to 0;
and
a second mode where a manipulation of said controller structure by the user produces absolute cursor position information, said second mode including a PS/2-type protocol that sets a first information bit to 1.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Computer display cursor controller with serial interface

Life of this patent

Computer display cursor controller with serial interface

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30