Input unit for a computer
US5726685A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0425
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An input unit for a computer has a housing with a transparent plate at one side thereof over which an input element is movable. The housing contains a camera which identifies the position of the input element and converts this position into a position output signal. An evaluation unit converts the position output signal into control signals for the computer according to a mouse protocol. The input unit can thus be used to control the computer in a manner which mimics the control of a computer using a conventional mouse, but avoids the disadvantages associated with conventional mouse control. The input element may be an element specifically dedicated for that purpose, or may be a tool which the user happens to have available, or may simply be the finger of a user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.