The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 21, 1995
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1992
Jay Smith, III, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Jeffrey W Fort, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A cursor control system is provided whereby a discrete-direction input device, such as a joystick, may be used to accurately move a cursor in both straight and curved lines. The cursor control system may be implemented in software and is ideal for with an electronic drawing application having only a rudimentary joystick-like control and various user buttons. A cursor capable of indicating the direction of movement, such as an arrow, is provided and may be aimed with the joystick. During drawing or movement, depression of the joystick causes the arrow to rotate towards the selected direction at a fixed angular rate such that the arrow travels in a smooth arc. The control system may be arranged so that the rotation of the arrow stops when it has reached the selected direction or so that the arrow continues to rotate even after it has reached the selected direction. The former control method may be used for moving and the latter control method for drawing. A control may be provided to vary the forward speed of the arrow to thereby vary the radius of the arc.