Patent · US Expired

System for simplifying the implementation of specified functions

US5930732A · kind A · utility

25Cited by
40References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 15, 1995
Grant dateJul 27, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 15, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG05B2219/23387
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.

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