Integrated pointing and signaling device
US5473347A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/012
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer pointing device is disclosed for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen of a computer. A manually manipulatable member in the form of a stubby button-like joystick is permanently and ergonomically located within the area defined by the rows of computer keyboard keys and is immediately adjacent the last key in one row of keys, so that the computer operator can move or apply a force to the member to position the cursor in a manner which is very comfortable and similar to the movement from home position that is required when using a mouse as a pointing device. Operational click or "mouse" buttons are located on the front face of the computer case in position for pressing by the right thumb of the computer operator with a normal thumb contraction motion, which is natural and comfortable as opposed to pressing sideways with the side of the thumb.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.