Abstract Improved cursor-positioning apparatus is disclosed for use with a mouse-type cursor controller and a host computer display system to enable the mouse's operating area to remain relatively small, yet enabling normal-feeling mouse operation to provide both high-precision cursor pointing and very efficient coarse positioning of the cursor to any zone of a relatively larger display area. The disclosed apparatus provides an ideally limited operative-area for the attached mouse, comprising structure for defining a boundary limiting the range of X-Y movement of the mouse when it is operated within such contained operative-area. The apparatus also comprises elements that sense orthogonal forces that result when the travel of the mouse is limited by such structural boundaries, elements for synthesizing appropriate cursor-movement signals upon activation by the sense of such forces during mouse/boundary contact and elements for selectively coupling either such synthesized signals or normal mouse-generated signals to the host computer system.
Apparatus for use with a mouse-type cursor controller and a host computer and display system, said apparatus comprising: means for defining a boundary limiting the X-Y movement of the mouse when said mouse is positioned within said means for defining a boundary; means for detecting contact between said mouse and said means for defining a boundary; means for generating cursor-movement signals upon activation by said means for detecting contact; means for electrically coupling said generated cursor-movement signals from said means for generating to the host computer and display system; and means for electrically coupling signals from said mouse to said host computer and display system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for use with a mouse-type cursor controller and a host computer and display system, said apparatus comprising: means for defining a boundary limiting the X-Y movement of the mouse when said mouse is positioned within said means for defining a boundary; means for detecting contact between said mouse and said means for defining a boundary; means for generating cursor-movement signals upon activation by said means for detecting contact; means for electrically coupling said generated cursor-movement signals from said means for generating to the host computer and display system; and means for electrically coupling signals from said mouse to said host computer and display system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for defining a boundary comprises an X+ boundary, an X- boundary, a Y+ boundary and a Y- boundary.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for detecting contact comprises: a first sensor for detecting contact of said mouse with said X+ boundary; a second sensor for detecting contact of said mouse with said X- boundary; a third sensor for detecting contact of said mouse with said Y+ boundary; and a fourth sensor for detecting contact of said mouse with said Y- boundary.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for generating cursor-movement signals comprises configurable mouse compatible cursor-movement signal generation means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for generating cursor-movement signals comprises a user-adjustable repetition rate control means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for electrically coupling said generated cursor-movement signals is selected by the presence of detection of contact by said means for detecting contact.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for electrically coupling said signals generated by said mouse is selected by the absence of detection of contact by said means for detecting contact.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first sensor, said second sensor, said third sensor, and said fourth sensor comprises separate pressure-sensitive switches.