US5859629A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Linear touch input device
Assignee: Sun Microsystems Inc
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Filing: 1996-07-01
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Granted: 1999-01-12
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Expires: 2016-07-01
Abstract
Abstract A keyboard contains an input device comprising a linear strip of sensitive material the approximate width of the human finger integrated into the left or right side of the keyboard. The strip is linearly sensitive in only one direction and not to any other direction, such as from left to right. A user operates the device by touching it with his or her finger and varies the input by changing the position along the strip and the pressure of his or her finger.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce Tognazzini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:56
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; G06F3/0219; G06F3/021; G06F3/0213; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0362; G06F2203/00; G06F2203/033; G06F2203/0339
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of providing user controlled inputs to a computer, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a strip of touch sensitive material by hand; in response to said contact, converting the position of said contact into a data signal indicating the position of said contact along the length of said strip; activating one or more touch keys substantially simultaneously with contacting said strip of touch sensitive material to change the meaning of said data signal; and outputting said data signal to a bus of said computer, wherein selection of said touch keys modifies a granularity of movement controlled by said strip of touch sensitive material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of providing user controlled inputs to a computer, the method comprising the steps of: contacting a strip of touch sensitive material by hand; in response to said contact, converting the position of said contact into a data signal indicating the position of said contact along the length of said strip; activating one or more touch keys substantially simultaneously with contacting said strip of touch sensitive material to change the meaning of said data signal; and outputting said data signal to a bus of said computer, wherein selection of said touch keys modifies a granularity of movement controlled by said strip of touch sensitive material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of transposing includes transposing the pressure of said contact and wherein said data signal also indicates the pressure of said contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said touch keys are selected by the fingers of a hand while said strip of touch sensitive material is contacted by the thumb of the hand.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4458238A
Cited
US5598527A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-11 | 2002-07-13 | 2003-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | 2007-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-11 | 2010-07-13 | 2011-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |