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US5288993A
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Cursor pointing device utilizing a photodetector array with target ball having randomly distributed speckles
Assignee: Logitech Europe SA
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Filing: 1992-10-05
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Granted: 1994-02-22
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Expires: 2012-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes a randomly speckled ball illuminated with diffuse lighting. An image of at least a portion of the illuminated area of the speckled ball is focused by an optical element such as a diffractive optical element onto a photosensitive array. Logic associated with the photosensitive array determines movement of the ball across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.
Inventors
- 👤 Marc Bidiville
- 👤 Javier Arreguit
- 👤 Floris A. Van Shaik
- 👤 Bernard Steenis
- 👤 Fabien Droz-Dit-Busset
- 👤 Harthmuth Buczek
- 👤 Aldo Bussien
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:25
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/0304; G06F3/0317; G06F3/0312; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03543; G06F3/03547; G06F3/03549; G06F3/038; G06F3/0383
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
The A cursor pointing device for controlling the position of a cursor on a display for a personal computer or workstation comprising a ball of a first color having speckles thereon of a color contrasting to the first color and which are randomly distributed on the ball, light source means for flooding a portion of the ball with diffuse light, sensor means responsive to diffuse light reflected from the speckled ball and impinging thereon for creating an output, optical means for creating an image of an illuminated portion of the ball on the sensor means, processing means responsive to the output from the sensor means for generating a cursor control output.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
The A cursor pointing device for controlling the position of a cursor on a display for a personal computer or workstation comprising a ball of a first color having speckles thereon of a color contrasting to the first color and which are randomly distributed on the ball, light source means for flooding a portion of the ball with diffuse light, sensor means responsive to diffuse light reflected from the speckled ball and impinging thereon for creating an output, optical means for creating an image of an illuminated portion of the ball on the sensor means, processing means responsive to the output from the sensor means for generating a cursor control output.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4720631A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-02-21 | 1997-08-23 | 1998-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-02-21 | 2001-08-23 | 2002-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-02-21 | 2005-08-23 | 2006-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |