USRE40698E1 - Hand-held trackball computer pointing device - Google Patents

Hand-held trackball computer pointing device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE40698E1
USRE40698E1 US11/594,722 US59472206A USRE40698E US RE40698 E1 USRE40698 E1 US RE40698E1 US 59472206 A US59472206 A US 59472206A US RE40698 E USRE40698 E US RE40698E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hand
pointing device
user
trackball
symmetrical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US11/594,722
Inventor
Terry L Dellinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/594,722 priority Critical patent/USRE40698E1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE40698E1 publication Critical patent/USRE40698E1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G06F3/0233—Character input methods
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
    • G06F3/014—Hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03549—Trackballs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to computer pointing devices and, more particularly, to a hand-held, trackball type pointing device.
  • GUI Graphic User Interface
  • a GUI assumes that the user thereof is equipped with what is generically referred to as a pointing device.
  • Pointing devices are used to move a cursor around on a computer screen.
  • pointing devices are typically equipped with one or more switches, buttons or similar devices to allow “clicking” on a selected spot on the computer screen.
  • the earliest and probably still the most widely used pointing device is the ubiquitous “mouse”.
  • a mouse typically has a contoured housing having a flat bottom surface equipped with a ball which moves on a flat surface.
  • a mechanism inside the mouse generates signals corresponding to the movement of the mouse in both the X and Y directions on the flat surface. It has been suggested, however, that the extended use of a mouse may lead to or aggravate carpel tunnel syndrom.
  • a trackball device Another widely used class of pointing devices is called a trackball device.
  • a trackball may be envisioned as an inverted mouse where the ball resides on the top surface of the device rather than on the bottom surface.
  • a user directly manipulates the ball to generate X and Y signals similar to those generated by a mouse.
  • Track ball devices typically require less movement than do mice and, because they do not rely on a flat surface for operation, may be placed in possibly more convenient locations relative to their users. Trackballs still require that users keep an arm and hand in a relatively fixed position while using the device.
  • the pointing device of the present invention allows the user greater flexibility in positioning himself or herself relative to the computer screen.
  • the hand-held trackball of the present invention provides a small trackball pointing device packaged in an ergonomically correct housing. There are no deformable means necessary to sense pointing device motions. Rather, the necessary signals are generated by the trackball device itself.
  • a strap is provided to keep the inventive trackball device affixed to a user's hand while allowing use of the fingers and/or hand for other activities without need to set the pointing device down.
  • the inventive pointing device features a small, ergonomically correct, “pistol grip” shaped hand-held trackball device.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,106 for HAND HELD REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE WITH TRIGGER BUTTON, issued Mar. 3, 1998 to Sidney David Autry, et al., discloses a flat remote control device in a similar form factor to a “TV” remote control.
  • a trackball is located in a central region of the upper surface of the device.
  • the inventive apparatus provides a easily gripped trackball pointing device and features no other ancillary controls (e.g., controls for a dictating machine).
  • the inventive device does, naturally, incorporate the traditional button switches generally found on a mouse.
  • MYERS would need to provide two different devices, the second being a mirror image of the first, to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users.
  • the second major difference between the MYERS device and the device of the present invention is that the mouse buttons of the inventive pointing device, because of their position along the edge seam of the device, are activated by the metacarpal or first phalangal area of a user's finger, not by the user's finger tips. This makes actuation much more convenient, especially while the tips of the user's fingers are involved in two-handed typing or another similar activity.
  • the user's finger tips must be removed from the keyboard and repositioned over the mouse buttons.
  • RF radio frequency
  • IR infrared
  • the present invention features a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user.
  • the pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue.
  • the operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse.
  • a band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down.
  • the trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hand-held trackball pointing device of the invention
  • FIG. 1a is a palm-side perspective view of the hand-held trackball pointing device of FIG. 1 with the user's hand closed around the pointing device;
  • FIG. 2 is a palm-side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 1 in position in a user's open hand;
  • FIG. 3 is a palm-side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's hand;
  • FIG. 4 is a back side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic block diagrams illustrating a wired and a wireless connection, respectively, of the trackball device connected to a computer.
  • this invention relates to a small, hand-held trackball pointing device.
  • FIGS. 1 , 1 a, and 2 there are shown perspective views 100 and 200 , respectively, of the trackball pointing device of the invention.
  • An ergonomically contoured, “pistol grip”, housing 102 contains a miniature trackball element 104 and three push button switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c disposed within individual curved surfaces in a front region of housing 102 and adapted to interact with three fingers (i.e., the index and middle, and ring fingers) 108 a, 108 b, 108 c, respectively of a user's hand as may readily be seen in FIG. 1 a.
  • three fingers i.e., the index and middle, and ring fingers
  • switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c have been chosen for purposes of disclosure, the pointing device 100 of the invention could be provided with no buttons, a single button, two buttons, or three, or even more buttons and the invention is not considered limited to the number of buttons chosen for purposes of disclosure. In typical computer applications, a minimum of two pointing device buttons are assumed to be present. Switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c are assumed to be momentary contact switches although other switch configurations could be provided to meet the requirements of a particular operating circumstance or environment.
  • Trackball element 104 is disposed on a curved of housing 102 and is typically manipulated by the user's thumb 110 .
  • Circuitry (not shown) within housing 102 is adapted to receive input signals from trackball element 104 and switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c and provide a standardized output signal compatible with the output signal of a standard mouse or other similar pointing device.
  • Communications between the circuitry and the computer or similar device to which the pointing device is attached may be by either a hard-wired connection or by a wireless interconnection.
  • the preferred wireless interconnection is typically a radio frequency RF signal.
  • IR infrared
  • Both types of electrical communications interfaces are well known in the art and form no part of the present invention.
  • a “tail” 114 emerging from a lower distal point of housing 102 may be a cable leading to a remote computer (not shown), or, in alternate embodiments, may be short and function as an antenna.
  • power must be supplied for both the internal transmitter (not shown) and for the trackball/switch interface circuitry as well.
  • Power may be provided by a battery which, of course, could be a rechargeable battery.
  • power may be supplied by the computer or other apparatus to which the trackball pointing device 100 is attached.
  • FIGS. 5a and 5b The two possible communications strategies are illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b , respectively. It will also be recognized that other wireless interconnection strategies are available and could be used instead of an RF communications. Infrared (IR) is one such alternate communications link.
  • IR Infrared
  • the advantage of a RF communications link over an IR link is that there is no need to maintain an unblocked line of sight to the receptor (i.e., antenna) such as is required when using an IR link.
  • the inventive trackball device 100 rests in a user's hand with button switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c positioned adjacent the index and subsequent fingers 108 a, 108 b, 108 c.
  • button switches 106 a, 106 b, 106 c positioned adjacent the index and subsequent fingers 108 a, 108 b, 108 c.
  • the tips of fingers 108 a, 108 b, 108 c remain relatively unencumbered and, consequently, are available for other operations or functions in addition to actuating pointing device 100 buttons 106 a, 106 b, 106 c.
  • housing 102 is sized and shaped so as to provide an ergonomically proper relationship between; trackball element 104 and the user's thumb 110 ; and the user's fingers 108 a, 108 b, 108 c and corresponding switches 106 a, 106 b and 106 c as shown in FIG. 1 a.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 there are shown front and back perspective views, respectively, of the trackball device 100 secured to the user's hand using bands 116 .
  • the user may utilize fingers 108 a, 108 b, 108 c for other operations such as typing on the computer keyboard (not shown) or other similar tasks.
  • Bands 116 may be continuous elastic bands. In alternate embodiments, straps having hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or other similar fasteners could also be used.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer pointing devices and, more particularly, to a hand-held, trackball type pointing device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of the Prior Art
Computer systems have now invaded virtually every are of human endeavor, most being equipped with a Graphic User Interface (GUI). A GUI assumes that the user thereof is equipped with what is generically referred to as a pointing device. Pointing devices are used to move a cursor around on a computer screen. In addition to providing cursor movement, pointing devices are typically equipped with one or more switches, buttons or similar devices to allow “clicking” on a selected spot on the computer screen. The earliest and probably still the most widely used pointing device is the ubiquitous “mouse”. A mouse typically has a contoured housing having a flat bottom surface equipped with a ball which moves on a flat surface. A mechanism inside the mouse generates signals corresponding to the movement of the mouse in both the X and Y directions on the flat surface. It has been suggested, however, that the extended use of a mouse may lead to or aggravate carpel tunnel syndrom.
Another widely used class of pointing devices is called a trackball device. In operation, a trackball may be envisioned as an inverted mouse where the ball resides on the top surface of the device rather than on the bottom surface. A user directly manipulates the ball to generate X and Y signals similar to those generated by a mouse. Track ball devices typically require less movement than do mice and, because they do not rely on a flat surface for operation, may be placed in possibly more convenient locations relative to their users. Trackballs still require that users keep an arm and hand in a relatively fixed position while using the device.
It would appear desirable to provide a pointing device which did not require that a user maintain a constant, fixed physical relationship to the fixed surface upon which the pointing device is manipulated. The pointing device of the present invention allows the user greater flexibility in positioning himself or herself relative to the computer screen.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,871, for THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOUSE WITH TACTILE FEEDBACK, issued Mar. 22, 1994 to W. Bradford Paley, teaches one implementation of a hand-held pointing device. PALEY teaches the use of deformable means acting as sensors to generate signals representatives of movement along not only in the X and Y axes but in the Z axis as well. There is no teaching of a trackball or similar device.
In contradistinction, the hand-held trackball of the present invention provides a small trackball pointing device packaged in an ergonomically correct housing. There are no deformable means necessary to sense pointing device motions. Rather, the necessary signals are generated by the trackball device itself. In alternate embodiments, a strap is provided to keep the inventive trackball device affixed to a user's hand while allowing use of the fingers and/or hand for other activities without need to set the pointing device down.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,892, for HAND HELD CONTROL DEVICE, issued Apr. 30, 1996 to Liam P. Corballis, et al., teaches a controller having a number of switch type actuators. A pointing stick is also included but no trackball is present.
The inventive pointing device, on the other hand, features a small, ergonomically correct, “pistol grip” shaped hand-held trackball device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,106, for HAND HELD REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE WITH TRIGGER BUTTON, issued Mar. 3, 1998 to Sidney David Autry, et al., discloses a flat remote control device in a similar form factor to a “TV” remote control. A trackball is located in a central region of the upper surface of the device. There is no teaching of a package having an ergonomically correct shape to be grasped and operated in a single hand of a user. Neither is there any provision for a band or other attachment means for securing the trackball unit to a user's hand.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,862, for APPARATUS FOR AUDIO DICTATION AND NAVIGATION OF ELECTRONIC IMAGES AND DOCUMENT, issued Feb. 6, 2001, to Thomas Leiper discloses a hand-gripped remote control. The primary function of the LEIPER apparatus is to scan through a series of MRI or similar diagnostic images while dictating notes regarding the images. No trackball or similar pointing device, per se, is provided.
The inventive apparatus, on the other hand, provides a easily gripped trackball pointing device and features no other ancillary controls (e.g., controls for a dictating machine). The inventive device does, naturally, incorporate the traditional button switches generally found on a mouse.
Published U.S. patent application No. 2001003586, for PALM-HELD COMPUTER POINTING DEVICE, SERIAL No. 09/850,437, filed May 7, 2001 by Christopher S. Myers, teaches a palm-help computer pointing device. The mouse buttons are disposed on the side of the housing, adapted for activation by the tips of a user's fingers. In contradistinction, the mouse buttons on the inventive pointing device are located centrally on the edge of the housing. This provides two distinct advantages over the MYERS device. First, the inventive device is symmetrical with the mouse buttons located along an edge, thereby allowing use by either a right-handed or left-handed person. MYERS would need to provide two different devices, the second being a mirror image of the first, to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users. The second major difference between the MYERS device and the device of the present invention is that the mouse buttons of the inventive pointing device, because of their position along the edge seam of the device, are activated by the metacarpal or first phalangal area of a user's finger, not by the user's finger tips. This makes actuation much more convenient, especially while the tips of the user's fingers are involved in two-handed typing or another similar activity. To active the mouse buttons of the MYERS device, the user's finger tips must be removed from the keyboard and repositioned over the mouse buttons.
None of these patents or the published application, singly or in any combination, is seen to either teach or suggest the hand-held trackball pointing device of the invention.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device which fits comfortably in a user's hand.
It is another object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device which is symmetrical and may be used comfortably by either a left-handed or a right-handed person.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device which incorporates two or more button switches corresponding to the buttons found on a classic mouse-type pointing device.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device which may be fastened by a strap or band to a user's hand so that the hand or the fingers thereon may be used for other tasks without setting down the device.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device which may be connected to a computer or other device using a wire or cable.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device system which may have a wireless interconnection between the pointing device and a computer or similar device.
It is another object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device wherein the wireless interconnection is a radio frequency (RF) interconnection.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a hand-held trackball pointing device wherein the wireless interconnection is an infrared (IR) interconnection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when taken in conjunction with the detail description thereof and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hand-held trackball pointing device of the invention;
FIG. 1a is a palm-side perspective view of the hand-held trackball pointing device of FIG. 1 with the user's hand closed around the pointing device;
FIG. 2 is a palm-side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 1 in position in a user's open hand;
FIG. 3 is a palm-side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's hand;
FIG. 4 is a back side perspective view of the trackball device of FIG. 3; and
FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic block diagrams illustrating a wired and a wireless connection, respectively, of the trackball device connected to a computer.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally speaking this invention relates to a small, hand-held trackball pointing device.
Referring first to FIGS. 1, 1a, and 2, there are shown perspective views 100 and 200, respectively, of the trackball pointing device of the invention. An ergonomically contoured, “pistol grip”, housing 102 contains a miniature trackball element 104 and three push button switches 106a, 106b, 106c disposed within individual curved surfaces in a front region of housing 102 and adapted to interact with three fingers (i.e., the index and middle, and ring fingers) 108a, 108b, 108c, respectively of a user's hand as may readily be seen in FIG. 1a. While three switches 106a, 106b, 106c have been chosen for purposes of disclosure, the pointing device 100 of the invention could be provided with no buttons, a single button, two buttons, or three, or even more buttons and the invention is not considered limited to the number of buttons chosen for purposes of disclosure. In typical computer applications, a minimum of two pointing device buttons are assumed to be present. Switches 106a, 106b, 106c are assumed to be momentary contact switches although other switch configurations could be provided to meet the requirements of a particular operating circumstance or environment.
Trackball element 104 is disposed on a curved of housing 102 and is typically manipulated by the user's thumb 110. Circuitry (not shown) within housing 102 is adapted to receive input signals from trackball element 104 and switches 106a, 106b, 106c and provide a standardized output signal compatible with the output signal of a standard mouse or other similar pointing device.
Communications between the circuitry and the computer or similar device to which the pointing device is attached may be by either a hard-wired connection or by a wireless interconnection. The preferred wireless interconnection is typically a radio frequency RF signal. However, infrared (IR) or other known wireless interconnection strategies cold be substituted for an RF or IR link. Both types of electrical communications interfaces are well known in the art and form no part of the present invention. A “tail” 114 emerging from a lower distal point of housing 102 may be a cable leading to a remote computer (not shown), or, in alternate embodiments, may be short and function as an antenna. In the wireless embodiment of the pointing device, it will be recognized that power must be supplied for both the internal transmitter (not shown) and for the trackball/switch interface circuitry as well. Power may be provided by a battery which, of course, could be a rechargeable battery. In hard wired embodiments, power may be supplied by the computer or other apparatus to which the trackball pointing device 100 is attached.
The two possible communications strategies are illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, respectively. It will also be recognized that other wireless interconnection strategies are available and could be used instead of an RF communications. Infrared (IR) is one such alternate communications link. The advantage of a RF communications link over an IR link is that there is no need to maintain an unblocked line of sight to the receptor (i.e., antenna) such as is required when using an IR link.
In operation, the inventive trackball device 100 rests in a user's hand with button switches 106a, 106b, 106c positioned adjacent the index and subsequent fingers 108a, 108b, 108c. By positioning the device in this way, relatively small movements of the fingers are required to activate their respective switches. It will be noted that the tips of fingers 108a, 108b, 108c remain relatively unencumbered and, consequently, are available for other operations or functions in addition to actuating pointing device 100 buttons 106a, 106b, 106c. In addition, housing 102 is sized and shaped so as to provide an ergonomically proper relationship between; trackball element 104 and the user's thumb 110; and the user's fingers 108a, 108b, 108c and corresponding switches 106a, 106b and 106c as shown in FIG. 1a.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown front and back perspective views, respectively, of the trackball device 100 secured to the user's hand using bands 116. By securing trackball device to a user's hand using bands 116 or any other suitable method, the user may utilize fingers 108a, 108b, 108c for other operations such as typing on the computer keyboard (not shown) or other similar tasks. Bands 116 may be continuous elastic bands. In alternate embodiments, straps having hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or other similar fasteners could also be used.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit a particular operating requirements and environment will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequent appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A symmetrical, miniature, hand-held trackball pointing device for interchangeable use in either a right hand or a left hand of a user, comprising:
a) a symmetrical housing adapted and configured to fit interchangeably into a user's right or left hand, a front portion of said housing comprising at least three curved surfaces adapted to snugly fit into the first phalangal of the metacarpal portion of a an index, a middle, and a ring finger, respectively, of said user's right or left hand, said housing further comprising a rear curved surface adapted to snugly rest in a palm portion of said user's right or left hand, said housing being adapted for retention in said user's hand between said metacarpal regions of said index, middle, and ring fingers of said user's hand and a palm thereof, thereby freeing post-metacarpal regions of said index, middle, and ring fingers for tasks unrelated to said pointing device;
b) a trackball disposed in a top, curved surface of said housing and configured for interaction with the thumb of said right or left hand of said user, and adapted for generating a trackball signal representative of a position thereof;
c) at least one switch disposed in said housing and adapted and configured for manipulative interaction with the thumb of said metacarpal region of a finger of said right or said left hand of said user, and adapted for generating a trackball said at least one switch producing a switch signal representative of a position thereof state of said at least one switch;
d) circuitry disposed within said housing and operatively connected to said trackball element and said at least one switch and adapted to received receive at least said trackball signal and said switch signal, and generate an output signal representative of at least one of said trackball signal and said switch signal; and
e) means for communicating operatively connected to said circuitry and adapted to communicate said output signal to an external device.
2. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one switch comprises three switches adapted and configured for switchable interaction with said metacarpal region of three adjacent fingers of said hand of said user.
3. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 2, wherein said three switches comprise momentary push button switches.
4. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for communicating comprises a hard-wired connection to said external device.
5. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for communicating comprises a wireless transmitter disposed in said housing and adapted for transmitting said output signal to a receiver operatively connected to said external device.
6. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 5, wherein said wireless transmitter comprises an infrared transmitter and said receiver comprises an infrared receiver compatible therewith.
7. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 1 5, wherein said wireless transmitter comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and said receiver comprises an RF receiver adapted for reception of said output signal transmitted by said transmitter.
8. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a pistol grip and said at least one switch is disposed proximate said pistol grip region.
9. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 8, further comprising:
f) optional means for securing said hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user.
10. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 9, wherein said optional means for securing said hand-help hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user comprises at least one elastic band.
11. The symmetrical, hand-held pointing device as recited in claim 9, wherein said optional means for securing said hand-help hand-held pointing device to said hand of said user comprises at least one strap comprising hook and loop fastening means.
US11/594,722 2001-11-09 2006-11-08 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device Expired - Lifetime USRE40698E1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/594,722 USRE40698E1 (en) 2001-11-09 2006-11-08 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/986,591 US6816151B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device
PCT/US2003/013403 WO2004107309A1 (en) 2001-11-09 2003-05-12 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device
US11/594,722 USRE40698E1 (en) 2001-11-09 2006-11-08 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/986,591 Reissue US6816151B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE40698E1 true USRE40698E1 (en) 2009-04-14

Family

ID=34118075

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/986,591 Ceased US6816151B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device
US10/954,071 Expired - Fee Related US7379052B1 (en) 2001-11-09 2004-09-29 Hand-held computer control device
US11/594,722 Expired - Lifetime USRE40698E1 (en) 2001-11-09 2006-11-08 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/986,591 Ceased US6816151B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2001-11-09 Hand-held trackball computer pointing device
US10/954,071 Expired - Fee Related US7379052B1 (en) 2001-11-09 2004-09-29 Hand-held computer control device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (3) US6816151B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2003234299A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004107309A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015006109A1 (en) 2015-05-11 2016-11-17 Cyrus Zahedy Alphanumeric one-hand keyboard
US9715286B2 (en) 2014-01-28 2017-07-25 Solid Art Labs, Inc. Hand-controllable signal-generating devices and systems

Families Citing this family (61)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7749089B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2010-07-06 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Multi-media interactive play system
US7878905B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2011-02-01 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Multi-layered interactive play experience
US6761637B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2004-07-13 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Method of game play using RFID tracking device
US7445550B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2008-11-04 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Magical wand and interactive play experience
US7066781B2 (en) 2000-10-20 2006-06-27 Denise Chapman Weston Children's toy with wireless tag/transponder
US20030034987A1 (en) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-20 William Webb Handheld computer having moveable segments that can be adjusted to affect a size of the handheld computer
US7692667B2 (en) * 2001-08-17 2010-04-06 Palm, Inc. Handheld computer having moveable segments that are interactive with an integrated display
US20030076296A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-04-24 Kolybaba Derek J. Computer mouse
US7176882B2 (en) * 2001-11-12 2007-02-13 Ken Alvin Jenssen Hand held control device with dual mode joystick for pointing and scrolling
US20030142069A1 (en) * 2002-01-25 2003-07-31 Gatto Frank P. Hand-held ergonomic computer interface device
US6967566B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2005-11-22 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Live-action interactive adventure game
US20070066396A1 (en) 2002-04-05 2007-03-22 Denise Chapman Weston Retail methods for providing an interactive product to a consumer
US7674184B2 (en) 2002-08-01 2010-03-09 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Interactive water attraction and quest game
US9446319B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2016-09-20 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive gaming toy
GB2409596A (en) * 2003-12-23 2005-06-29 Nokia Corp Handset with squeezable body
US20050151725A1 (en) * 2003-12-30 2005-07-14 Jennings Christopher P. User interface device
US20050190155A1 (en) * 2004-03-01 2005-09-01 Pollenz Adam S. Computer mouse carried on the palm of the hand
JP4366246B2 (en) * 2004-05-26 2009-11-18 パイオニア株式会社 Information input device
EP1849123A2 (en) 2005-01-07 2007-10-31 GestureTek, Inc. Optical flow based tilt sensor
DE102005016147B4 (en) * 2005-04-07 2007-11-08 Bury Sp.Z.O.O remote control
KR101430761B1 (en) 2005-05-17 2014-08-19 퀄컴 인코포레이티드 Orientation-sensitive signal output
US8313379B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2012-11-20 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Video game system with wireless modular handheld controller
US7942745B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2011-05-17 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US7927216B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2011-04-19 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Video game system with wireless modular handheld controller
JP4805633B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2011-11-02 任天堂株式会社 Game operation device
US8870655B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2014-10-28 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Wireless game controllers
JP4262726B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2009-05-13 任天堂株式会社 Game controller and game system
US8308563B2 (en) 2005-08-30 2012-11-13 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game system and storage medium having game program stored thereon
US8157651B2 (en) 2005-09-12 2012-04-17 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Information processing program
JP4151982B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2008-09-17 任天堂株式会社 Motion discrimination device and motion discrimination program
JP4989105B2 (en) * 2006-05-09 2012-08-01 任天堂株式会社 Game controller
US20070279380A1 (en) * 2006-05-31 2007-12-06 Bruno Rafael Murillo Computer input device
US7626572B2 (en) * 2006-06-15 2009-12-01 Microsoft Corporation Soap mobile electronic human interface device
US20080007753A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-10 Mark Van Regenmorter User interface for a multi-function peripheral device
US20080136778A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-12 Eli Hursh Mouse device for a computer
US20080201508A1 (en) * 2007-02-20 2008-08-21 Dan Gavish Method And Apparatus For an Enhanced Computer Peripheral Device
US8373653B2 (en) * 2007-07-16 2013-02-12 Walter Urbach III Trust Hand integrated operations platform
US20100201625A1 (en) * 2007-07-16 2010-08-12 Walter Urbach Wearable Computer Mouse And Electronic Device Controller
JP5224832B2 (en) * 2008-01-21 2013-07-03 任天堂株式会社 Information processing program and information processing apparatus
TW201209648A (en) * 2010-08-24 2012-03-01 Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd Mouse
US8754853B2 (en) 2010-09-29 2014-06-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Hand-interface for weapon station
US9567065B2 (en) * 2010-10-07 2017-02-14 Bae Systems Plc Vehicle armrest
AU2011318246A1 (en) 2010-10-22 2013-05-09 Joshua Michael Young Methods devices and systems for creating control signals
JP2013047945A (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-03-07 Kyocera Corp Electronic device, control method, and control program
US9007302B1 (en) 2011-11-11 2015-04-14 Benjamin D. Bandt-Horn Device and user interface for visualizing, navigating, and manipulating hierarchically structured information on host electronic devices
CZ306185B6 (en) * 2013-08-15 2016-09-14 Linet, Spol. S R. O. Bed
US9785256B2 (en) * 2015-02-16 2017-10-10 Ming Xia Ergonomic computer mouse with handheld and ambidextrous body design
CN105854291B (en) * 2016-06-03 2023-12-26 歌尔科技有限公司 Game control device and game equipment
US10898797B2 (en) * 2016-10-11 2021-01-26 Valve Corporation Electronic controller with finger sensing and an adjustable hand retainer
US10391400B1 (en) 2016-10-11 2019-08-27 Valve Corporation Electronic controller with hand retainer and finger motion sensing
US10888773B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2021-01-12 Valve Corporation Force sensing resistor (FSR) with polyimide substrate, systems, and methods thereof
US10691233B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2020-06-23 Valve Corporation Sensor fusion algorithms for a handheld controller that includes a force sensing resistor (FSR)
US11625898B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2023-04-11 Valve Corporation Holding and releasing virtual objects
US10987573B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2021-04-27 Valve Corporation Virtual reality hand gesture generation
US11185763B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2021-11-30 Valve Corporation Holding and releasing virtual objects
US10307669B2 (en) * 2016-10-11 2019-06-04 Valve Corporation Electronic controller with finger sensing and an adjustable hand retainer
USD860202S1 (en) * 2017-04-24 2019-09-17 Tactual Labs Co. Handheld controller
WO2018232375A1 (en) 2017-06-16 2018-12-20 Valve Corporation Electronic controller with finger motion sensing
CN111526925B (en) * 2017-12-07 2024-06-25 威尔乌集团 Electronic controller with finger sensing and adjustable hand holder
US11273367B1 (en) * 2019-09-24 2022-03-15 Wayne Hughes Beckett Non-CRT pointing device
US11504615B1 (en) * 2021-05-18 2022-11-22 Valve Corporation Electronic controller with linear hand strap adjuster

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5267181A (en) * 1989-11-03 1993-11-30 Handykey Corporation Cybernetic interface for a computer that uses a hand held chord keyboard
US5296871A (en) * 1992-07-27 1994-03-22 Paley W Bradford Three-dimensional mouse with tactile feedback
US5512892A (en) * 1994-02-25 1996-04-30 International Business Machines Corporation Hand held control device
US5668574A (en) * 1995-06-26 1997-09-16 Chung-Chin Chen Palm-top wireless trackball
US5724106A (en) * 1995-07-17 1998-03-03 Gateway 2000, Inc. Hand held remote control device with trigger button
US5760766A (en) * 1993-03-29 1998-06-02 International Business Machines Corp. Pointing device with relocatable cable
US5805256A (en) * 1995-02-27 1998-09-08 Miller; William Remote control with a thumbswitch for controlling equipment that handles video or audio signals
US5894303A (en) * 1995-03-14 1999-04-13 Barr; Ann E. Computer mouse and shell therefore
US5982356A (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-11-09 Akiyama; Robert Ergonomic computer cursor control apparatus and mount
USD430161S (en) * 2000-01-19 2000-08-29 Alexander Hovsepian Hand supported and controlled mouse
US6184862B1 (en) * 1996-07-08 2001-02-06 Thomas Leiper Apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents
US20010035856A1 (en) * 2000-05-08 2001-11-01 Myers Christopher S. Palm-held computer pointing devices
US6429854B1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2002-08-06 Mckown John W. Stealthy keyboard
USD464053S1 (en) * 2000-06-27 2002-10-08 Patrick Zicolello Input device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05502130A (en) * 1989-11-22 1993-04-15 ラッセル、デヴィッド、シー computer control system
US5648798A (en) * 1995-02-13 1997-07-15 Hamling; Daniel T. Universal ergonomic computer mouse/trackball
US6222526B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2001-04-24 Quentin J. Holmes Hand held ergonomic computer controller
US6680728B1 (en) * 1999-08-23 2004-01-20 David Michael Lilenfeld Cursor control device for convenient and ergonomic hand-held or work-surface use

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5267181A (en) * 1989-11-03 1993-11-30 Handykey Corporation Cybernetic interface for a computer that uses a hand held chord keyboard
US5296871A (en) * 1992-07-27 1994-03-22 Paley W Bradford Three-dimensional mouse with tactile feedback
US5506605A (en) * 1992-07-27 1996-04-09 Paley; W. Bradford Three-dimensional mouse with tactile feedback
US5760766A (en) * 1993-03-29 1998-06-02 International Business Machines Corp. Pointing device with relocatable cable
US5512892A (en) * 1994-02-25 1996-04-30 International Business Machines Corporation Hand held control device
US5805256A (en) * 1995-02-27 1998-09-08 Miller; William Remote control with a thumbswitch for controlling equipment that handles video or audio signals
US5894303A (en) * 1995-03-14 1999-04-13 Barr; Ann E. Computer mouse and shell therefore
US5668574A (en) * 1995-06-26 1997-09-16 Chung-Chin Chen Palm-top wireless trackball
US5724106A (en) * 1995-07-17 1998-03-03 Gateway 2000, Inc. Hand held remote control device with trigger button
US6184862B1 (en) * 1996-07-08 2001-02-06 Thomas Leiper Apparatus for audio dictation and navigation of electronic images and documents
US5982356A (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-11-09 Akiyama; Robert Ergonomic computer cursor control apparatus and mount
USD430161S (en) * 2000-01-19 2000-08-29 Alexander Hovsepian Hand supported and controlled mouse
US20010035856A1 (en) * 2000-05-08 2001-11-01 Myers Christopher S. Palm-held computer pointing devices
USD464053S1 (en) * 2000-06-27 2002-10-08 Patrick Zicolello Input device
US6429854B1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2002-08-06 Mckown John W. Stealthy keyboard

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
US Published Application 20010035856, for Palm Held Computer Pointing Device, by Christopher S. Myers, U.S. Appl. No. 09/850,437, filed May 7, 2001. *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9715286B2 (en) 2014-01-28 2017-07-25 Solid Art Labs, Inc. Hand-controllable signal-generating devices and systems
DE102015006109A1 (en) 2015-05-11 2016-11-17 Cyrus Zahedy Alphanumeric one-hand keyboard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7379052B1 (en) 2008-05-27
US20030090465A1 (en) 2003-05-15
US6816151B2 (en) 2004-11-09
AU2003234299A1 (en) 2005-01-21
WO2004107309A1 (en) 2004-12-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE40698E1 (en) Hand-held trackball computer pointing device
US6850224B2 (en) Wearable ergonomic computer mouse
US7042438B2 (en) Hand manipulated data apparatus for computers and video games
US20020171625A1 (en) Pistol-grip trackball mouse
US20020163495A1 (en) Multi-functional ergonomic interface
US5512892A (en) Hand held control device
US6545664B1 (en) Head operated computer pointer
US8681101B1 (en) Finger mounted input device
US5841425A (en) Ambidextrous computer input device
US6828958B2 (en) Ergonomic side grip computer mouse
US6288706B1 (en) Method for operating an ergonomic keyboard
US20020175894A1 (en) Hand-supported mouse for computer input
US8502779B2 (en) Hand held control device with dual mode joystick for pointing and scrolling
US8605036B1 (en) Finger control and data entry device
US20020101401A1 (en) Thumb mounted function and cursor control device for a computer
US20040051694A1 (en) Portable device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, and use of such a device
US20030076296A1 (en) Computer mouse
US6462732B2 (en) Hand un-inhibiting cursor control device
JP2001236177A (en) Mouse
EP2023235A2 (en) A computer mouse
JP2001109569A (en) Pointing device
US20060176268A1 (en) Device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit and a combination including such a device
KR200277010Y1 (en) Mouse for Computer
JP2006140575A (en) Belt for portable terminal and portable terminal
CA2408834A1 (en) Computer mouse

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

SULP Surcharge for late payment

Year of fee payment: 7

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PATENT HOLDER CLAIMS MICRO ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO MICRO (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOM); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

SULP Surcharge for late payment