US4939508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Point and select device
Assignee: Emtek Health Care Systems Inc
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Filing: 1988-10-31
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Granted: 1990-07-03
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Expires: 2008-10-31
Abstract
Abstract A point and select device is disclosed in which a sphere protruding from one major surface of a housing can serve as either a trackball or the moving element in a mouse. Actuators on either side of the device are selected according to the use of the device. The sense of motion for up/down is reversed between the two modes of operation.
Inventors
- 👤 James G. Lawrence
- 👤 Oscar R. Diaz
- 👤 Robert E. Erdmann, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:05
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03541; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20012; Y10T74/20201
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A point and select device which can function in either a mouse or a trackball mode comprising: a housing having an aperture in one major surface thereof; a spherical member located within said aperture; encoder means in contact with said spherical member for converting the rotation of said spherical member into a first electrical signal; orientation means for sensing the orientation of said housing and producing a second electrical signal indicative thereof; and interface means for combining said first and second electrical signals into an output signal indicative of the motion of said sphere and indicative of the proper sense of rotation, whether said device is oriented as a trackball or as a mouse, thereby enabling said device to function as either a trackball or a mouse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A point and select device which can function in either a mouse or a trackball mode comprising: a housing having an aperture in one major surface thereof; a spherical member located within said aperture; encoder means in contact with said spherical member for converting the rotation of said spherical member into a first electrical signal; orientation means for sensing the orientation of said housing and producing a second electrical signal indicative thereof; and interface means for combining said first and second electrical signals into an output signal indicative of the motion of said sphere and indicative of the proper sense of rotation, whether said device is oriented as a trackball or as a mouse, thereby enabling said device to function as either a trackball or a mouse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises ridges for cooperating with said spherical member in supporting said housing in the mouse mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said encoder means produces a signal indicative of the direction of rotation of said spherical member and wherein said interface means comprises inverter means for inverting said signal indicative of direction of rotation when said housing is in one of said mouse and trackball modes and for not inverting said signal when said housing is in the other of said mouse and trackball modes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising: actuator means for indicating a selection, said actuator means comprising two switches located one on each side of said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said switches are electrically connected in parallel whereby said device has the same feel whether operated in a mouse or in a trackball mode.
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) | 1993-07-02 | 1994-01-01 | 1994-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-07-02 | 1998-01-01 | 1998-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-07-02 | 2002-01-01 | 2002-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |