US4654648A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wireless cursor control system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1984-12-17
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Granted: 1987-03-31
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Expires: 2004-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A position control system is described for the control of cursor movement on a video display terminal or the like. The control system includes a wireless movable steering means which emits acoustic signals, tracking means adapted to receive the acoustic signals and determine the position of the steering means by hyperbolic triangulation, and communication means for communicating the position (either absolute position or relative movement) of the steering means to the video display terminal.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Herrington
- 👤 Ken L. Burgess
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:51
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/041; G06F3/043; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03545
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A position control system adapted to control cursor movement on a video display terminal, said system comprising: (a) a wireless movable steering means adapted to emit periodic acoustic signals; (b) tracking means adapted to receive said acoustic signals and determine the position of said steering means; wherein said tracking means comprises a plurality of acoustic receivers adapted to sense said acoustic signals; wherein said tracking means further comprises processing means adapted to measure the time difference of the sensing of said acoustic signals by said receivers and being further adapted to convert said time difference into a coordinate position of said steering means; and (c) communication means adapted to communicate said position of said steering means to said video display terminal; wherein said steering means is adapted to communicate with said tracking means solely by means of acoustical signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A position control system adapted to control cursor movement on a video display terminal, said system comprising: (a) a wireless movable steering means adapted to emit periodic acoustic signals; (b) tracking means adapted to receive said acoustic signals and determine the position of said steering means; wherein said tracking means comprises a plurality of acoustic receivers adapted to sense said acoustic signals; wherein said tracking means further comprises processing means adapted to measure the time difference of the sensing of said acoustic signals by said receivers and being further adapted to convert said time difference into a coordinate position of said steering means; and (c) communication means adapted to communicate said position of said steering means to said video display terminal; wherein said steering means is adapted to communicate with said tracking means solely by means of acoustical signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said acoustic receivers comprise transducers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said acoustic receivers each comprise a transducer recessed within a cavity, wherein said acoustic signals enter said cavity through an aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said acoustic receivers are aligned in a straight line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said steering means comprises an elongated stylus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said steering means comprises a puck.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said steering means includes a transmitting transducer which is adapted to emit said acoustic signals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said steering means includes switch means operable to actuate said transmitting transducer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said steering means is adapted to discontinue emission of said acoustic signals in the event said switch means has not actuated said transmitting transducer within a predetermined time period.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 7, wherein said transmitting transducer exhibit omnidirectional transmitting characteristics.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said transmitting transducer utilizes a diffraction principle to effect omnidirectional transmitting characteristics.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said steering means is adapted to emit a plurality of acoustic signals pulsed at different time intervals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said acoustic receivers exhibit omnidirectional reception characteristics.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A position control system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said acoustic receivers utilize a diffraction principle to effect omnidirectional reception characteristics.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-03-30 | 1990-09-29 | 1991-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-30 | 1994-09-29 | 1995-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-30 | 1998-09-29 | 1999-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |