Compact cursor controller structure for use with laptop, notebook and hand-held computers and keyboards
US6084570A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/03548
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A compact cursor controller includes a housing having an opening through the top thereof. A controller structure is substantially disposed within the housing and has a puck extending through the opening and a first brush within the housing and a second brush within the housing. A printed circuit board is disposed within the housing and coupled to the first brush and the second brush and configured to generate a first sensor signal in response to movement of the first brush on a first conductive strip and to generate a second sensor signal in response movement of the second brush on a second conductive strip oriented perpendicular to the first conductive strip. A processor is coupled to the first conductive strip and the second conductive strip and configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal to determine a position of the puck. The processor then sends a puck position signal to a computer. Advantages of the invention include compact size and a high degree of accurate cursor control. Moreover, the invention provides good ergonomics that reduces fatigue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.