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:
Jun. 23, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 24, 1995
Robert E Jackson, Rolling Hills Estates, CA (US);
Altra, Rawlins, WY (US);
Abstract
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 may identify if the puck is positioned in a number of macro locations that are associated with user-selectable tasks.