Patent · US Expired

Hand held computer input apparatus and method

US5640152A · kind A · utility

120Cited by
9References
7Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 16, 1996
Grant dateJun 17, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 16, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F3/0338
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for generating command signals for a computer monitor or other equipment. The system includes at least one pressure responsive potentiometer and a device operatively connected with such potentiometer for generating a command signal indicating at least one of the direction, intensity and duration of pressure applied to such potentiometer. The method remotely controls a function of a computer monitor or other equipment in response to signals obtained from pressure sensitive potentiometers manipulated by a user. The method includes the steps of periodically iterating to detect signals present on such pressure sensitive potentiometers, comparing the signals detected on each iteration to determine at least one of the amount and direction of change, generating a control signal reflecting the information determined in the comparison step, then transmitting the control signal to the computer or other equipment in a form acceptable by such computer or other equipment to effect a change in the function being controlled. The control system includes a hand held device having a control disc readily manipulable by a digit of a hand holding the device. There is also disclosed …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.