Method and apparatus for implementing a dialpad on the surface of a mouse input device
AssigneeSiemens Business Communication Systems, Inc.
InventorsMichael Glen Duncan, Roger Bjork
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An interface device, such as a mouse input device, is used to provide input to a computer system or alternatively to a telephone system. The motion of the mouse input device over a first surface is detected. Selections made by a user on a mouse selection key are also detected. Numeric entry is received from numeric entry keys on a top surface of the mouse input device. In the preferred embodiment, the numeric keys are arranged as a dialpad for a telephone.
Claims26
An interface device comprising:
- motion detecting means for detecting motion of the interface device over a surface;
- selection means, for indicating a user selection;
- numeric entry means on the interface device for allowing a user to input numbers to the interface device, wherein said numeric entry means includes a telephone dialpad;
- and
- motion restriction means for restricting motion of the interface device over the surface when the user uses the numeric entry means to input numbers to the interface device.
A method for using a mouse input device to provide input to a system comprising the following steps:
- (a) detecting motion of the mouse input device over a surface;
- (b) detecting selections made by a user on a mouse selection key;
- and,
- (c) receiving numeric entry from numeric entry keys on the mouse input device, wherein said numeric entry keys include a telephone dialpad, and wherein step (c) includes restricting motion of the mouse input device over the surface.
A system comprising:
- a personal computer;
- a feature telephone coupled to the personal computer through a first data link;
- a mouse input device, coupled to the feature telephone through a second data link, the mouse input device including
- motion detecting means for detecting motion of the mouse input device over a surface;
- selection means, for indicating a user selection;
- numeric entry means on the mouse input device for allowing a user to input numbers to the mouse input device;
- and
- motion restriction means for restricting motion of the mouse input device over the surface to facilitate the user using the numeric entry means to input numbers to the mouse input device.
An interface device comprising:
- motion detecting means for detecting motion of the interface device over a surface;
- selection means, for indicating a user selection;
- numeric entry means on the interface device for allowing a user to input numbers to the interface device;
- and
- motion restriction means for restricting motion of the interface device over the surface when the user uses the numeric entry means to input numbers to the interface device.
A method for using a mouse input device to provide input to a system comprising the following steps:
- (a) detecting motion of the mouse input device over a surface;
- (b) detecting selections made by a user on a mouse selection key;
- and
- (c) receiving numeric entry from numeric entry keys on the mouse input device, wherein when said numeric entry is entered, motion restriction means are activated to restrict motion of said mouse input device over said surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.