Process and apparatus for providing a one-dimensional computer input interface allowing movement in one or two directions to conduct pointer operations usually performed with a mouse and character input usually performed with a keyboard
US8013837B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0362
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The apparatus and method help physically-disabled persons perform point-and-click activities or input text or control characters, which typically require the user to simultaneously control two independent dimensions to select options presented on a computer display. Computer users operate a control in a single dimension (i.e., two directions—first embodiment) or in just one direction (second embodiment). Different input strategies allow a person using the one- or two-directional control method to emulate pointer functions and input characters or character strings. An embodiment augments antagonistic muscle groups for persons exhibiting adequate control in one direction but not the other. An additional embodiment uses available two-dimensional pointers but restricts their operation to one dimension. The output of existing sensors is converted to a form that can be input directly to a computer to be used with a one-dimensional control strategy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.