US RE32,633 EGranted

Cursor control device

AssigneeApple Computer, Inc.

InventorsDean Hovey, James Sachs, James Yurchenco, William Lapson

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Abstract

A cursor control device having particular application to a computer display system is disclosed. The cursor control includes a unitary frame, having a domed portion substantially surrounding and retaining a ball which is free to rotate. X-Y position indicating means are provided, such that rotation of the ball provides signals indicative of X-Y positions on the display system. The ball is free to "float" in the vertical direction within the dome, and thereby maintain good surface contact. X-Y positions are established by movement of the control device over a surface. A display system and method is disclosed for use in conjunction with the cursor control device, which permits a user to select command options simply by movement of the displayed cursor over a "pull-down" menu bar.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A device for providing signals indicative of X-Y locations on a display system or the like, comprising:

a housing including a base having an opening for the passage of a rotatable ball;
a unitary frame disposed on saide base including:
a domed portion integrally formed with said frame substantially surrounding and retaining said rotatable ball;
said domed portion having first and second cut-outs through said dome disposed substantially at 90 degrees with respect to one another, and a third cut-out disposed at an angle with respect to said first and second cut-outs;
X-Y position indicating means passing through said first and second cut-outs, for converting the rotation of said ball into signals indicative of X-Y positions on said display system;
biasing means passing through said third cut-out, for biasing said ball against said X-Y position indicating means;
means for removing said ball from said domed portion through said opening in said base, such that said ball and the interior of said dome may be serviced, said means for removing comprising:
outwardly extending lock ridges integrally formed with said opening in said base;
a lock cap having a second opening of smaller diameter then said base opening to permit only a portion of said ball to pass therethrough and contact said surface;
said lock cap further including outwardly extending lock tabs to interleaf with said lock ridges, such that rotation of said cap interleafs with said tabs and ridges thereby locking said cap onto said base;
whereby movement of said device over a surface such that a portion of said ball is maintained in contact with said surface results in X-Y positions defined on said display system.

8 more elements

A computer controlled display system having a display wherein a plurality of command options are displayed along a menu bar and sub-command items corresponding to each option are displayed once said option has been selected, comprising:

first display means coupled to said computer for generating and displaying said menu bar comprising said plurality of command options;
cursor control means coupled to said display system for selectively positioning a cursor on said display, said cursor control means including a cursor control device for movement over a surface, the movement of said cursor control device over said surface by a user resulting in a corresponding movement of said cursor on said display;
signal generation means including a switch having a first and second position coupled to said display system for signalling said computer of an option choice once said cursor is positioned over a first predetermined area on said display corresponding to an option to be selected, said user placing said switch in said second position while moving said cursor control device over said surface such that said cursor is over said first predetermined area;
second display means coupled to said computer for generating and displaying said sub-command items corresponding to said selected option;
said switch being placed in said first position by said user once said user has positioned said cursor over a second predetermined area corresponding to a sub-command item to be selected;
whereby an option and a sub-command item is selected and executed by said computer.] [

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.