Patent US5666113A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5666113A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System for using a touchpad input device for cursor control and keyboard emulation
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
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Filing: 1995-09-05
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Granted: 1997-09-09
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Expires: 2015-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A system for using a touch-sensitive computer input touchpad for computer cursor control and keypad emulation in which the system senses a touch on the touchpad surface, resolves lateral touch movement after the touch, and establishes cursor control on resolution of sufficient lateral movement.
Inventors
- 👤 James D. Logan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:43
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0487; G06F3/0488
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A system which automatically switches use of a touch-sensitive computer input touchpad between the functions of cursor control and keypad emulation, the system comprising: touchpad means; means for sensing a touch on the touchpad means; means for timing the time period between a touch on and a lift off from said touchpad means; mean for sensing lateral movement across the touchpad means after a touch and for determining the distance of said lateral movement; means for entering cursor control upon a lateral movement across the touchpad means, after a touch, of more than a predetermined distance and for entering cursor control upon the expiration of a predetermined time period after a touch without a liftoff; and means for entering keypad emulation upon the sensing of a liftoff and a subsequent touch on the touchpad means within said preestablished time of and within said predetermined distance from a prior touch on said touchpad.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A system which automatically switches use of a touch-sensitive computer input touchpad between the functions of cursor control and keypad emulation, the system comprising: touchpad means; means for sensing a touch on the touchpad means; means for timing the time period between a touch on and a lift off from said touchpad means; mean for sensing lateral movement across the touchpad means after a touch and for determining the distance of said lateral movement; means for entering cursor control upon a lateral movement across the touchpad means, after a touch, of more than a predetermined distance and for entering cursor control upon the expiration of a predetermined time period after a touch without a liftoff; and means for entering keypad emulation upon the sensing of a liftoff and a subsequent touch on the touchpad means within said preestablished time of and within said predetermined distance from a prior touch on said touchpad.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 1 further including separate switch means and means for entering keypad emulation upon sensing movement of said switch means within said preestablished time period of and within said predetermined distance from a prior touch on said touchpad means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-03-10 | 2001-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-08 | 2005-03-10 | 2005-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-08 | 2009-03-10 | 2009-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |