Multipurpose cursor control keyswitch
US4680577A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G9/047
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multipurpose keyswitch for controlling cursor movement on a CRT display and for character entry includes a key cap that moves laterally to provide cursor control and that moves vertically for character entry. Sensors are coupled to the key cap for sensing the lateral movement of the key cap. Forward and backward movement of the key cap selects upward and downward movement of the cursor on the CRT display. Left and right movement of the key cap selects left and right movement of the cursor. Vertical movement of the key cap selects the entry of a character. The multipurpose keyswitch is advantageously positioned as one of the home keys of the keyboard.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.