Digitizer tablet system with dual-mode cursor/mouse

Abstract

This is a dual-mode digitizing tablet system for providing inputs to a user program. There is a tablet with an active surface and an output connected to the computer. A cursor is moveable over the surface for generating a first signal reflecting the position thereof. Two switch-activating buttons on the cursor generate a second signal when pushed. A position history table holds a last position of the cursor and a menu definition table holds entries defining menu selections associated with the user program as a function of pre-established positions on the tablet. Dual-mode logic is disposed between the tablet and the user program for determining and storing a present location of the cursor, for outputting the present location of the cursor when one of the buttons is pressed, for otherwise outputting both the present location and relative movement of the cursor, and for outputting an indication when the other button is pressed. Finally there is an interfacing program disposed between the dual-mode logic and the user program for receiving the present location of the cursor when the one button is pressed, for using the present location of the cursor to retrieve an associated one of the menu selections from the menu definition table, and for providing the menu selection to the user program. Replaceable menu overlays for each user program are clipped to the tablet surface.