US5214428A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data input grid for computer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-09-18
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Granted: 1993-05-25
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Expires: 2011-09-18
Abstract
Abstract A data input device for a computer or other electronic apparatus includes a grid panel having a pattern of grooves in the panel surface and a plurality of sensors along the grooves. The sensors sense the passage of a stylus along the grooves and feed the stylus movement information to electrical circuitry which interprets the movements as data. In an alternate embodiment, the grooves have lower channels in which a lower portion of a stylus guide moves. The stylus guide has a ball-type universal joint on the upper portion to which is connected a fitting for retaining the end of the stylus. An alphabet for use with the present grid panel is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:07
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0487; G06F3/0488; G06F3/04883; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03545; G06F3/041; G06F3/042; G06F3/0421; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/10; G06V10/17; G09; G09B; G09B21/00; G09B21/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A data input device for use with a stylus to input data to a computer, comprising: a panel having an upper surface, said upper surface including a plurality of interconnecting grooves in a grid pattern; a plurality of sensors arranged along said plurality of interconnecting grooves to sense movement of the stylus along said grooves; and means for reading output signals from said plurality of sensors as input data for the computer; a stylus guide held captive in said plurality of grooves and movable therealong, wherein said stylus guide comprises: a lower body held in a lower section of said grooves for sliding movement therealong; an upper body disposed outside of said lower section of said grooves, said upper body including means for engaging a stylus; and a connector extending between said lower body and said upper body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A data input device for use with a stylus to input data to a computer, comprising: a panel having an upper surface, said upper surface including a plurality of interconnecting grooves in a grid pattern; a plurality of sensors arranged along said plurality of interconnecting grooves to sense movement of the stylus along said grooves; and means for reading output signals from said plurality of sensors as input data for the computer; a stylus guide held captive in said plurality of grooves and movable therealong, wherein said stylus guide comprises: a lower body held in a lower section of said grooves for sliding movement therealong; an upper body disposed outside of said lower section of said grooves, said upper body including means for engaging a stylus; and a connector extending between said lower body and said upper body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper body includes: a universal joint having a first end connected to said connector at an end opposite said lower body; a stylus engaging fitting connected to a second end of said universal joint; and a stylus removable connectable in said stylus engaging fitting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A data input device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a spring clasp in said stylus engaging fitting for removably engaging said stylus.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-24 | 1996-11-23 | 1997-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-24 | 2000-11-23 | 2001-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-24 | 2004-11-23 | 2005-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |