Microspeed, Inc.

Altra, Inc.

Apt, Inc.

John K Martinelli

Timothy C Barry

John B Barrett

Charles E Ader

A controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal. To generate the cursor position signal, the processor may perform a conversion function based on predetermined criteria. The processor transmits the cursor position signal to a computer having a predefined display size, which displays the cursor at a respective position. Moreover, the processor may maintain puck movement parameters including puck velocity to generate a continuous movement signal when the puck is moved into an edge position. The processor may also identify if the puck is positioned in a number of macro locations that are associated with user-selectable tasks.

Computer display cursor controller with serial interface

An improved peripheral device for a computer includes a miniature motion-sensing mechanism which is placed in a pen-shaped body to allow computer input to be accomplished by a user in the familiar form of a pen or pencil. The mechanism include a rolling ball supported at six points by support shafts whose movement in response to ball motion is converted into signals indicative of the direction and magnitude of the movement of the device.

Computer peripheral device for positioning a cursor on a computer display

A trackball device for controlling a cursor on a display screen employs two rotatable shafts and a single nonrotatable support member in contract with the ball to convert rolling motion of the ball to X and Y positioning information. The nonrotatable support member has a number of spaced bearing surfaces and may be removed from and replaced in the trackball housing to present a different bearing surface to the ball, thereby prolonging the life of the device. The device may be provided with removable apertured phase slit members which can be replaced with phase slit members having different apertures therein, to modify the operating resolution of the device.

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Paso Robles, CA, United States of America

John K Martinelli