WO1996039679A1

WO1996039679A1 - Pointer device

Info

Publication number: WO1996039679A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/009744
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mrigank Shekhar
Original assignee: Mrigank Shekhar
Priority date: 1995-06-06
Filing date: 1996-06-06
Publication date: 1996-12-12

Abstract

A cursor control system and method for use with a computer having a visual display. The cursor control system comprises a cursor control device and a receiver device. The present cursor control invention provides control of both the relative position of the cursor on the display and the speed of movement of the cursor across the display. In addition, the invention provides control signals to the computer. The cursor control device is preferably mounted on a user's index finger and is manipulated by the user's thumb.

Description

POINTER DEVICE

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to a pointer device for use with a computer having a visual display and, more particularly, relates to a pointer device which is mounted to a finger and wirelessly transmits position and control signals to a computer. Description of the Related Technology.

Pointer devices for inputting either relative or absolute position data to computers are well known. These devices come in several forms. Among the forms are mouse, joystick, and light pen systems.

In general, mouse systems provide relative information to the display to enable repositioning of a cursor. The mouse provides position signals indicative of the amount and direction of its travel, which signals cause the cursor to be moved a like amount and direction. Mouse systems use both mechanical and optical position detecting means to enable the generation of their cursor position signals. One problem with prior art mouse systems is that they require the availability of a relatively flat dedicated surface over which the mouse can be moved. Such a surface area is not always available on a user's desk. Furthermore, such mouse systems require the user to move one hand away from the keyboard area to operate the mouse. If standard typing and mouse cursor movements are both being employed to perform one complex operation, then time is lost repositioning the user's hand from the keyboard to the mouse area and back.

A "tailless" or handheld mouse can communicate with the computer without an interconnecting cable. Position coordinates are typically communicated from the handheld mouse to the computer via infrared, radio frequency (RF), or ultrasonic signals. An advantage of a handheld mouse is that it does not require contact with a user's work area. The following paragraphs discuss specific types of handheld pointer devices.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,594 to Gilchrist, an acoustic mouse system is described which employs an acoustic transmitter and at least three acoustic receivers to read the absolute X-Y-Z coordinates of the transmitter. However, in that system only absolute coordinates are read and not relative coordinates.

Furthermore, the Gilchrist system requires the user to move the entire hand in space to place the transmitter in the desired location to affect cursor movement.

In Canadian Pat. No. 1,245,782 to Darroch, a hand operated cursor control system is described which employs two arrays of light emitting elements opposite two arrays of light sensing elements which sense the location of an interruption means controlled by the user's index finger. The movement of the user's index finger thereby obstructs the light from the light emitting elements which is detected by the light sensing elements and is then translated into the cursor movement. However, that system uses light emitting and detecting elements which must be precisely located to translate index finger movement into desired cursor movement. Furthermore, the Darroch system requires an array of wire connections between the hand operated device and the computer which would be cumbersome to the user.

In the RingMouse system of Kantek, Inc., a hand mouπtabie cursor control system is described which employs an ultrasonic transmitter and three ultrasonic receivers to read the relative X and Y coordinates of the transmitter to indicate the desired movement of the cursor. The user moves the cursor by activating the ultrasonic transmitter in the finger mounted mouse and moving the mouse to indicate the direction and amount of cursor movement. However, that system requires that the user move the entire hand in space to produce the desired cursor movement.

In the RemotePoint system of Interlink Electronics, a handheld cursor control system employs a Force Sensing Resistor™ (FSR™) to indicate the desired movement of the cursor. The user holds the transmitter in the hand and pressure on the FSR™ indicates the direction, amount, and speed of cursor movement. However, that system requires the user to hold the cursor control device in the hand to operate it thus the user could not simultaneously enter data through the keyboard.

Accordingly, a need presently exists for a mouse system for a computer which resolves the above mentioned problems. It would be of particular benefit if such an improved mouse system could provide relative cursor control inputs indicating desired direction, amount, and speed of cursor movement and be directly mounted on the user's finger.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a finger mountable cursor control system for a computer that is designed to address the aforementioned limitations. The subject system, in the presently preferred embodiment, is a ring pointer device mounted on the index finger of the user's hand and a receiver that is connected to the computer.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the ring pointer device comprises a housing having a strap with a fastener for mounting the device to the index finger of the user's hand and a micro joystick, a Force

Sensing Resistor™ (FSR™), two control buttons, a signal processor, and an infrared transmitter all contained in the housing. This ring pointer device is operated by the user's thumb engaging the micro joystick and the user control buttons as desired. The operations performed by the present cursor control system include those of an ordinary mouse cursor control system. In addition, the present ring pointer device is able to control the speed of cursor movement by measuring the amount of pressure exerted by the user's thumb on the micro joystick.

The presently preferred configuration of the ring pointer device is such that it can be worn and operated while simultaneously inputting data through the keyboard of the computer. Alternatively, the present ring pointer device can be configured to lie flat on or near the keyboard of the computer for user operation.

One aspect of the present invention is a cursor control system for use with a computer having a display, the system comprising: a pointer device and a receiver. The pointer device of the cursor control system comprises: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; a spatial coordinate generator, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, the spatial coordinate generator being attached to the member; a circuit connected to the spatial coordinate generator; and a wireless transmitter connected to the circuit, wherein the transmitter transmits the relative cursor position signal. The receiver of the cursor control system is connected to the computer, wherein the receiver receives the relative cursor position signal from the transmitter of the pointer device and feeds the relative cursor position signal to the computer.

A further aspect of the present invention is a cursor control system for use with a computer having a display, the system comprising: a pointer device and an infrared receiver. The pointer device of the cursor control system comprises: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, the member comprising a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, the strap having a first fastener element attached to the top surface of the strap and a second fastener element attached to the bottom surface of the strap; a spatial coordinate generator, the spatial coordinate generator comprising a micro joystick and a force sensor resistor, wherein a relative cursor position signal and a cursor speed signal are generated, the spatial coordinate generator being attached to the member; a first control generator, wherein a first control signal is generated, the first control generator being attached to the member; a second control generator, wherein a second control signal is generated, the second control generator being attached to the member; a circuit connected to each of the spatial coordinate generator, the first control generator, and the second control generator; and an infrared transmitter connected to the circuit, wherein the transmitter transmits each of the relative cursor position signal, the cursor speed signal, the first control signal, and the second control signal. The infrared receiver of the cursor control system is connected to the computer, wherein the receiver receives each of the relative cursor position signal, the cursor speed signal, the first control signal, and the second control signal from the transmitter of the pointer device and feeds each of the relative cursor position signal, the cursor speed signal, the first control signal, and the second control signal to the computer.

Another aspect of the present invention is a cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, the device comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; a spatial coordinate generator, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, the spatial coordinate generator being attached to the member; a circuit connected to the spatial coordinate generator; and a wireless transmitter connected to the circuit, wherein the transmitter transmits the relative cursor position signal.

A further aspect of the present invention is a cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, the device comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, the member comprising a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, the strap having a first fastener element attached to the top surface of the strap and a second fastener element attached to the bottom surface of the strap; a spatial coordinate generator, the spatial coordinate generator comprising a micro joystick and a force sensor resistor, wherein a relative cursor position signal and a cursor speed signal are generated, the spatial coordinate generator being attached to the member; a first control generator, wherein a first control signal is generated, the first control generator being attached to the member; a second control generator, wherein a second control signal is generated, the second control generator being attached to the member; a circuit connected to each of the spatial coordinate generator, the first control generator, and the second control generator; and an infrared transmitter connected to the circuit, wherein the transmitter transmits each of the relative cursor position signal, the cursor speed signal, the first control signal, and the second control signal. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of cursor control for use with a computer having a display and a cursor control system, wherein the cursor control system comprises a pointer device and a receiver connected to the computer, wherein the pointer device comprises a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, the method comprising the steps of: generating a relative cursor position signal through user manipulation of a spatial coordinate generator; transmitting the relative cursor position signal to the receiver via electromagnetic radiation; receiving the relative cursor position signal from the electromagnetic radiation; feeding the relative cursor position signal to the computer; and moving a cursor on the display of the computer according to the relative cursor position signal.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of cursor control for use with a computer having a display, a receiver, and a pointer control device, wherein the pointer control device comprises a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, the method comprising the steps of: generating a relative cursor position signal through user manipulation of a spatial coordinate generator; transmitting the relative cursor position signal to the receiver of the computer via electromagnetic radiation; and moving a cursor on the display of the computer according to the relative cursor position signal.

Another aspect of the present invention is a cursor control system for use with a computer having a display, the system comprising: means for pointing and means for receiving. The means for pointing of the cursor control system comprises: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; first means for signal generation, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, the first means for signal generation being attached to the member; means for processing connected to the first means for signal generation; and means for wirelessly transmitting connected to the means for processing, wherein the means for transmitting transmits the relative cursor position signal. The means for receiving of the cursor control system is connected to the computer, wherein the means for receiving receives the relative cursor position signal from the means for transmitting of the means for pointing and feeds the relative cursor position signal to the computer.

Another aspect of the present invention is a cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, the device comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; first means for signal generation, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, the first means for signal generation being attached to the member; means for processing connected to the first means for signal generation; and means for wireiessly transmitting connected to the means for processing, wherein the means for transmitting transmits the relative cursor position signal.

These and other objects of and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computer workstation including the cursor control system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the computer workstation shown in Figure 1 showing a presently preferred embodiment of the cursor control system to comprise a ring pointer device and a receiver device. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the ring pointer device shown in Figure 2. Figure 4A is a plan view of the ring pointer device of the present invention shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4B is an elevation view of the ring pointer device of the present invention shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of the presently preferred embodiment of the cursor control system including the ring pointer device and the receiver device shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the ring pointer device shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the receiver device shown in Figure 5.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. Referring to Figure 1, a block diagram of a computer workstation 100 is shown including a cursor control system 104 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, a computer workstation 100 includes a computer 102, having a microprocessor 112 such as an Intel 80486 running at 33 MHz, for example. The computer 102 includes a graphics interface 114 connected between the microprocessor 112 and a video monitor 108. Also, the computer 102 preferably contains two forms of data storage connected to the microprocessor 112. A slower access secondary memory 116 is a hard disk drive or other storage device.

A faster access primary memory 120 is a random access memory (RAM), which preferably comprises at least four megabytes. The present invention will also operate with other computers such as Macintosh, Power PC, Unix based workstations and so forth and with other computing devices having a visual display, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or vertical market products such as television. The computer 102 is integrated with a group of computer peripherals to form the computer workstation 100. First, the cursor control system 104 of the present invention is connected to the computer 102. Further details of the cursor control system 104 will be described below. A keyboard 106 that is compatible with IBM AT type computers is connected to the computer 102. The video graphic array (VGA) color video monitor 108, which displays a cursor controlled by the cursor control system 104, is connected to the computer 102. The computer 102 connects to a printer 110 to provide a way to produce hard-copy output. One presently preferred printer 110 is a model LaserJet from Hewlett-Packard, although the computer 102 could be adapted to use other available printers.

Referring to Figure 2, a perspective view of the computer workstation 100 of Figure 1 including the computer 102, the cursor control system 104, the keyboard 106, and the video monitor 108 is shown.

The presently preferred embodiment of the cursor control system 104 is shown to comprise a ring pointer device 200 and a receiver device 300. The ring pointer device 200 is shown mounted on the user's hand

118.

Displayed on the video monitor 108 is one possible form of a cursor 122 that could be controlled by the present invention.

Also, in the presently preferred embodiment of the cursor control system 104, the receiver device 300 comprises a unitary housing that is connected to the computer 102. Alternatively, the receiver device

300 could be integrated into any of the computer 102, the keyboard 106, or the video monitor 108.

Referring to Figure 3, an enlarged perspective view of the ring pointer device 200 of Figure 2 is shown. The presently preferred embodiment of the ring pointer device 200 is shown mounted to the finger of the user's hand 118 in a first configuration. Alternatively, the ring pointer device 200 could be laid out flat on or near the keyboard 106 (Figure 2) of the computer 102 (Figure 2) in a second configuration.

The ring pointer device 200 is shown to comprise a housing 210 for mounting the ring pointer device 200 to a finger, preferably the index finger, of the user's hand 118. Attached to the housing 210 is a set of three signal generators 211 for generating signals for input to the computer 102 (Figure 2). The set of signal generators 211 comprises a spatial coordinate generator 212, a first control generator 214, and a second control generator 216. The set of three signal generators 211 are preferably operated through manipulation by the user's thumb.

The spatial coordinate generator 212 generates a relative cursor position signal to govern the direction of movement of the cursor 122 (Figure 2) on the video monitor 108 (Figure 2) of the computer 102 (Figure 2). The direction of movement of the cursor 122 corresponds to the direction of movement of the spatial coordinate generator 212. For example, using a Cartesian coordinate system, by moving the spatial coordinate generator 212 in the X direction, the cursor 122 will move in the X direction on the video monitor 108. Likewise, by moving the spatial coordinate generator 212 in the Y direction, the cursor 122 will move in the Y direction on the video monitor 108.

Also, the spatial coordinate generator 212 generates a cursor speed signal to govern the speed of movement of the cursor 122 (Figure 2) on the video monitor 108 (Figure 2). The speed of movement of the cursor 122 corresponds to the amount of pressure exerted by the user's thumb on the spatial coordinate generator 212.

The first control generator 214 generates a first control signal to perform a function in the computer 102 (Figure 2). The array of possible functions that could be performed would depend on the application program that is running on the computer 102 at the time, but could include those functions commonly performed by an ordinary mouse system. For example, the first control generator 214 could be used to select an icon on the video monitor 108 (Figure 2) of the computer 102 that the cursor 122 (Figure 2) has been positioned over using the spatial coordinate generator 212.

The second control generator 216 generates a second control signal to perform a function in the computer 102 (Figure 2). The functions could be similar to those of the first control generator 214 just described above or could be entirely different.

Also attached to the housing 210 of the ring pointer device 200 is a transmitter 218. The transmitter 218 transmits the signals generated by the set of three signal generators 211 preferably via electromagnetic radiation to the receiver device 300 (Figure 2), although acoustic signals are also possible. The receiver device 300 in turn feeds the signals to the computer 102 (Figure 2). In the presently preferred embodiment, both the transmitter 218 and the receiver device 300 operate at a selected infrared frequency.

Alternatively, both the transmitter 218 and the receiver device 300 could operate at a selected radio frequency or other transmittiπg-receiving means.

Referring to Figure 4A, a plan view of the ring pointer device 200 of the present invention of Figure 3 is shown. The spatial coordinate generator 212, the first control generator 214, the second control generator 216, and the transmitter 218 are shown in relative position to one another on the housing 210.

As shown, the housing 210 has a long axis 217 and a short axis 219. The short axis 219 will generally run parallel to an axis representing the center of the finger of a user's hand 118 (Figure 3) when the ring pointer device 200 is attached to the finger. Assume that the long axis 217 of the housing 210 is oriented left to right and assume a circle having 360° with 0° to the right and numbers increasing in a counter clockwise direction is referenced to the housing 210. Then, starting at the upper right, the first control generator 214, the spatial coordinate generator 212, and the second control generator 216 are preferably located along a line that runs approximately from 45° to 225°. The transmitter 218 is preferably located immediately to the right of the first control generator 214. This is the presently preferred orientation of these items. However, this location for the set of signal generators (Figure 3) is just one possible configuration for these items in the present invention.

Also shown attached to the housing 210 are a first strap end 213a and a second strap end 213b. When the ring pointer device 200 is placed on the finger of the user's hand 118 (Figure 3), these strap ends 213a, 213b are wrapped around the user's finger to conform to the contours of the finger. The strap ends 213a, 213b are secured to one another by a first fastener end 215a and a second fastener end 215b. In the presently preferred embodiment, the strap ends 213a, 213b are made of a webbed material and the fastener ends 215a, 215b are made of a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro^®. Of course, other materials and fastener means may be used.

The length of the strap ends 213a, 213b will depend in part on the circumference of the finger of the user's hand 118 (Figure 3) and may be adjustable in length. The strap ends 213a, 213b should be long enough to permit the user to be comfortable while wearing the cursor control device 200. In the presently preferred embodiment, while wearing the cursor control device 200, the user should be able to both manipulate the set of three signal generators 211 (Figure 3) and enter data through the keyboard 106 (Figure 2) of the computer 102 (Figure 2).

Referring to Figure 4B, an elevation view of the ring pointer device 200 of the present invention of Figure 3 is shown. All of the items shown correspond to the similarly numbered items shown in Figure 4A discussed above. In this view, it is clear that in the preferred configuration the fastener ends 215a,

215b are on opposite sides of the corresponding strap ends 213a, 213b.

Referring to Figure 5, a block diagram of the cursor control system 104 including the ring pointer device 200 and the receiver device 300 of Figure 2 is shown.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the ring pointer device 200, the spatial coordinate generator 212 includes a single-pole single-throw micro joystick 224 and a Force Sensing Resistor™ (FSR™)

222 available from interlink Electronics of Camarilio, California. Alternatively, a touch sensitive surface and a touch sensor, or other sensing devices, could be used . The spatial coordinate generator 212 generates the relative cursor position signal and the cursor speed signal, discussed with reference to Figure 3 above, and feeds each of these signals to a signal processor 220, preferably a Versa Point® micro controller, also available from Interlink Electronics of Camarilio, California, which is part of the preferred ring pointer device

200. Other signal processors may be substituted.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the ring pointer device 200, the first control generator 214 and the second control generator 216 each include a dual-pole dual-throw switch. The first control generator

214 generates the first control signal, discussed with reference to Figure 3 above, and feeds this signal to the signal processor 220. The second control generator 216 generates the second control signal, discussed with reference to Figure 3 above, and feeds this signal to the signal processor 220.

Each of the relative cursor position signal, the cursor speed signal, the first control signal, and the second control signal, each discussed with reference to Figure 3 above, is processed in the signal processor 220. In operation, the signal processor 220 senses changes in the resistances of the FSR 222 to determine the direction and the amount of pressure applied on the FSR and translates them into digital data in the

Microsoft mouse format. The Microsoft mouse format is well known in the input device technology field. The signal processor 220 also reads the left and right mouse buttons.

The signal processor 220 subsequently feeds the signals to the transmitter 218 of the ring pointer device 200 for conversion to the appropriate electromagnetic frequency and wireless transmission to the receiver device 300. The receiver device 300 in turn feeds each of the transmitted signals to the computer

102. Referriπg to Figure 6, a schematic diagram of the ring pointer device 200 of Figure 5 is shown including the spatial coordinate generator 212, the first control generator 214, the second control generator 216, and the signal processor 220.

The spatial coordinate generator 212, the first control generator 214, and the second control generator 216 each have two sets of electrical leads. The first set of leads of each is connected to one of the inputs of the signal processor 220. The spatial coordinate generator 212 is connected to Pins 18-21 of the preferred signal processor 220. The first control generator 214 is connected to Pin 17 and the second control generator 216 is connected to Pin 16 of the signal processor 220. The second set of leads of each is tied together and connected to a center lead of a parallel input button 250. The main purpose of the parallel button 250 is to conserve the battery power. This is accomplished by disconnecting battery supply to the circuit when the pointing device is idle. Any activity on input buttons (212, 214, 216) is detected by the parallel input button 250 enabling two things to happen: 1) poude the bias current to the transistor Q2, which enables the power supply to the entire circuit by providing ground connection; and 2) charge capacitor C4, which provides ground connection as described in step 1) for a short period after input buttons 212, 214 or 216 have been released. This allows the entire circuit to operate for an extended time to complete transmission after the switches 212, 214 or 216 have been released.

The parallel input button 250 has two input leads in addition to the center lead. The first input lead of the parallel input button 250 is connected to the positive terminal of a 5 volt battery 252. The second input lead of the parallel input button 250 is connected in series with the parallel combination of a resistor (R5) 254 and a capacitor (C4) 256 which are in turn each connected to the negative terminal of the battery 252. Also, the second input lead of the parallel input button 250 is connected in series with a resistor (R6) 258 which is in turn connected to the base of a transistor (02) 260. Resistor (R6) 258 provides an appropriate bias current of transistor (Q2) 260. Capacitor (C4) 256 holds a charge for a brief period after input buttons have been released. This allows appropriate signals to be transmitted when the input buttons are released. Capacitor (C4) 256 discharges through resistor (R5) 254, thus turning off transistor (02) 260.

The collector of the transistor (Q2) 260 is connected to the signal processor 220 at Pin 14. The emitter of the transistor (Q2) 260 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 252. Transistor (Q2) 260 acts as a switch to turn on and off the remaining circuit.

The positive terminal of the battery 252 is connected to the signal processor 220 at Pin 28. A crystal 262 is connected to the signal processor 220 across Pins 26 and 27 and provides a 4Mhz clock to the processor 220.

An output of the signal processor 220 at Pin 10 is designated as a serial transmit 264 and is connected to Pin 4 of an LM555 integrated circuit (IC) (U1) 266. Serial transmit 264 is TTL-level, 8-bit data transmitted at approximately 1200 baud rate. Pin 1 of the IC (U1) 266 is connected to the collector of the transistor (Q2) 260. Pin 5 of the IC (U1) 266 is connected to a capacitor (C2) 268 which is in turn connected to the collector of the transistor (Q2) 260. Capacitor (C2) 268 is used to stabilize the output signal of circuit (U1) 266.

Pin 7 of the IC (Ul) 266 is connected in parallel to a resistor (R4) 270 and a resistor (R3) 272. The resistor (R4) 270 is in turn connected to the positive terminal of the battery 252. The resistor (R3) 272 is in turn connected in parallel with Pin 2 and Pin 6 of the IC (U1) 266 and a capacitor (C1) 274. The capacitor (C1) 274 is in turn connected to the collector of the transistor (Q2) 260. The values of resistors (R3) 272, (R4) 270 and capacitor (C1) 274 are chosen to configure the circuit (U1) 266 to function as a 50KHz astable multivibrator. Pin 8 of the IC (Ul) 266 is connected in parallel with the positive terminal of the battery 252 and a capacitor (C3) 276. The capacitor (C3) 276 is in turn connected to the collector of the transistor (Q2) 260. Capacitor (C3) 276 filters out noise from power supply.

The output of the IC (Ul) 266 is Pin 3. The output of IC (Ul) 266 at pin 3 is a 50Khz burst signal corresponding to the TTL low output of serial transmit 264. There is no output on pin 3 of IC (Ul) 266 when serial transmit 264 is TTL high. Pin 3 of IC (U1) 266 is connected to a resistor (R1) 278 which is in turn connected to the base of a transistor (01) 280. Resistor (R1) 278 provides an appropriate bias current going to transistor (01) 280. The emitter of the transistor (01) 280 is connected to the collector of the transistor (02) 260. The collector of the transistor (Q1) 280 is connected to the input of an infrared diode (D1) 282. Diode (01) 282 is a light emitting diode (LED) and it transmits infra-red signal. Transistor (Q2) 260 turns diode (01) 282 on/off based on the output from pin 3 of IC (U1) 266. The output of the diode (D1) 282 is connected to a resistor (R2) 284 which is in turn connected to the positive terminal of the battery 252. Resistor (R2) 284 limits the current going to diode (D1) 282. When the current is higher, the power consumption is greater and the range of operation is greater.

The value or type of all of the components shown in Figure 6 are given in Table 1. Under the column labeled Component Category, B designates a battery, C designates a capacitor, D designates a diode,

Q designates a transistor, R designates a resistor, and U designates an integrated circuit.

TABLE 1

COMPONENTS ON RING POINTER DEVICE SCHEMATIC (FIGURE 6)

REF NO. COMP. CAT. COMP. NO. VALUE/TYPE

212 SPATIAL SPST COORDINATE & FSR™ GENERATOR

214 FIRST CONTROL DPDT GENERATOR

216 SECOND CONTROL DPDT GENERATOR

220 SIGNAL VERSA POINT® PROCESSOR MICRO CONTROLLER

252 B 1 5 V

254 R 5 2 MΩ

256 C 4 100 pF

258 R 6 1 kΩ

260 Q 2 2N5088

262 CRYSTAL 4 MHz CERAMIC RESONATOR

266 U 1 LM555

268 C 2 0.1 /F

270 R 4 1 kΩ

272 R 3 125 kΩ

274 C 1 100 pF

276 C 3 22 μf

278 R 1 67 Ω

280 Q 1 2N5088

282 D 1 LT1029

284 R 2 10 Ω Referring to Figure 7, a schematic diagram of the receiver device 300 of Figure 5 is shown. The signals transmitted by the ring pointer device 200 (Figure 5) are received in the receiver device 300 (Figure 5) by an infrared crystal receiver or photo-sensitive transistor (CR1) 310. The output of the crystal receiver (CR1) 310 is connected in parallel to a resistor (R9) 312 and a capacitor (C9) 314. The capacitor (C9) 314 is in turn connected to ground. The capacitor (C9) 314 filters ambient noise picked up by crystal receiver (CR1) 310. The resistor (R9) 312 is in turn connected to Pin 8 of an integrated circuit (IC) (U4) 316. The resistor (R9) 312 changes the sensitivity of crystal receiver (CR1) 310. The input of the crystal receiver (CR1) 310 is connected to Pin 7 of the IC (U4) 316. IC (U4) 316 is an infra-red amplifier auto detector. Pin 8 of the IC (U4) 316 is also connected in parallel with a resistor (R11) 318, a capacitor (C10)

320, a resistor (R8) 322, and the parallel combination of a capacitor (C7) 324 and an inductor (L1) 326. The resistor (R11) 318 is in turn connected to an external power supply through Contact 4 of a receptacle (J1) 360. Resistor (RI D 318 is used as a current limiter. The capacitor (C10) 320 is in turn connected to ground. Capacitor ( 10) 320 filters noise from the power supply. The parallel combination of the capacitor (C7) 324 and the inductor (L1) 326 is in turn connected to Pin 3 of the IC (U4) 316. Capacitor

(C7) 324 and inductor (L1) 326 together function as an LC tank circuit acting on Pin 3 of IC (U4) 316. The tuned circuit provided by the LC tank furnishes the main system a selectivity, thereby reducing random noise interference. This LC tank circuit is tuned to resonate at 50Khz. The resistor (R8) 322 is in turn connected in parallel to Pin 1 of the IC (U4) 316, a capacitor (C8) 328, and the input Pin 1 of an inverter (U2A) 330. The capacitor (C8) 328 is in turn connected to ground. The values of resistor (R8) 322 and capacitor (C8)

328 are selected to shape the output wave from IC (U4) 316 to a 1200 BAUD rate.

The output Pin 2 of the inverter (U2A) 330 is connected in parallel to Pin 11 of an IC (U3) 334 and the input Pin 1 of an inverter (U2B) 332. The output Pin 2 of the inverter (U2B) 332 is connected to the output of a diode (D2) 336. The input of the diode (D2) 336 is connected to a resistor (R7) 338 which is in turn connected to the external power supply through Contact 4 of the receptacle (J1) 360. Inverter

(U2B) 332, diode (D2) 336 and resistor (R7) 338 together form an auxiliary circuit to test the presence of a signal from the infrared transmitter 218.

Pin 2 of the IC (U4) 316 is connected to a capacitor (C6) 340 which is in turn connected to ground. Capacitor (C6) 340 filters the ultrasonic carrier from the pulser. Pin 4 of the IC (U4) 316 is connected in parallel to a resistor (R12) 342 and a capacitor (Cl 1} 344 which are in turn each connected to ground.

Resistor (R12) 342 and capacitor (C11) 344 together determine the detection threshold (-Ve threshold). Pin 5 of the IC (U4) 316 is connected to ground. Pin 6 of the IC (U4) 316 is connected to a resistor (R10) 346 which is in turn connected to a capacitor (C5) 348 which is in turn connected to ground. Resistor (RIO) 346 and capacitor (C5) 348 together reduce the gain of the low frequency signal. Pin 1 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to a capacitor (C12) 350 which is in turn connected to Pin

3 of the IC (U3) 334. Pin 2 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to a capacitor (C15) 352 which is connected iπ parallel to Pin 16 of the IC (U3) 334, a capacitor (C16) 358, and the external power supply through Contact 4 of the receptacle (Jl) 360. The capacitor (C16) 358 is in turn connected to ground. Pin 4 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to a capacitor (C13) 354 which is in turn connected to Pin 5 of the IC (U3) 334. Pin 6 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to a capacitor (C14) 356 which is in turn connected to ground. Pin 15 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to ground. MAX232CPE Circuit (U3) 334 is a dual EIO 232 driver/receiver. The value of capacitors C12-C16 are selected to provide -1-8.5 and -8.5 RS232 voltage levels.

Pin 14 of the IC (U3) 334 is connected to Contact 2 of the receptacle (J1) 360 and provides the RS232 output to the computer. Contact 5 of the receptacle (J1) 360 is connected to ground.

The value or type of all of the components shown in Figure 7 are given in Table 2. Under the column labeled Component Category, C designates a capacitor, CR designates a crystal receiver, 0 designates a diode, J designates a receptacle, L designates an inductor, R designates a resistor, and U designates an integrated circuit.

TABLE 2 COMPONENTS ON RECEIVER DEVICE SCHEMATIC (FIGURE 7)

REF NO. COMP. CAT. COMP. NO. VALUE/TYPE

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cursor control system for use with a computing device having a display, said system comprising: a) a pointer device comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; a spatial coordinate generator, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, said spatial coordinate generator being attached to said member; a circuit connected to said spatial coordinate generator; and a wireless transmitter connected to said circuit, wherein said transmitter transmits said relative cursor position signal; and b) a receiver connected to the computing device, wherein said receiver receives said relative cursor position signal from said transmitter of said pointer device and feeds said relative cursor position signal to the computing device.

2. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said pointer device further comprises at least one control generator connected to said circuit, wherein at least one control signal is generated, said at least one control generator being attached to said member.

3. The system as defined in Claim 2, wherein said transmitter also transmits said at least one control signal.

4. The system as defined in Claim 3, wherein said receiver also receives said at least one control signal from said transmitter of said pointer device and feeds said at least one control signal to the computing device.

5. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further generates a cursor speed signal.

6. The system as defined in Claim 5, wherein said transmitter also transmits said cursor speed signal.

7. The system as defined in Claim 6, wherein said receiver also receives said cursor speed signal from said transmitter of said pointer device and feeds said cursor speed signal to the computing device.

8. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said member comprises a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, said strap having a first fastener element attached to the bottom surface of said strap.

9. The system as defined in Claim 8, wherein said member further having a second fastener element attached to the top surface of said strap.

10. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said spatial coordinate generator comprises a force sensor resistor.

11. The system as defined in Claim 10, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further comprises a joystick.

12. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said spatial coordinate generator comprises a touch sensor.

13. The system as defined in Claim 12, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further comprises a touch sensitive surface.

14. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said receiver comprises a unitary housing electrically connected to the computing device.

15. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said receiver is integral to the computing device.

16. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said transmitter and said receiver each operate at a selected infrared frequency.

17. The system as defined in Claim 1, wherein said transmitter and said receiver each operate at a selected radio frequency.

18. A cursor control system for use with a computer having a display, said system comprising: a) a pointer device comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, said member comprising a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, said strap having a first fastener element attached to the top surface of said strap and a second fastener element attached to the bottom surface of said strap; a spatial coordinate generator, said spatial coordinate generator comprising a micro joystick and a force sensor resistor, wherein a relative cursor position signal and a cursor speed signal are generated, said spatial coordinate generator being attached to said member; a first control generator, wherein a first control signal is generated, said first control generator being attached to said member; a second control generator, wherein a second control signal is generated, said second control generator being attached to said member; a circuit connected to each of said spatial coordinate generator, said first control generator, and said second control generator; and an infrared transmitter connected to said circuit, wherein said transmitter transmits each of said relative cursor position signal, said cursor speed signal, said first control signal, and said second control signal; and b) an infrared receiver connected to the computer, wherein said receiver receives each of said relative cursor position signal, said cursor speed signal, said first control signal, and said second control signal from said transmitter of said pointer device and feeds each of said relative cursor position signal, said cursor speed signal, said first control signal, and said second control signal to the computer.

19. A cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, said device comprising: a) a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; b) a spatial coordinate generator, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, said spatial coordinate generator being attached to said member; c) a circuit connected to said spatial coordinate generator; and d) a wireless transmitter connected to said circuit, wherein said transmitter transmits said relative cursor position signal.

20. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said cursor control device further comprises at least one control generator connected to said circuit, wherein at least one control signal is generated, said at least one control generator being attached to said member.

21. The device as defined in Claim 20, wherein said transmitter also transmits said at least one control signal.

22. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further generates a cursor speed signal.

23. The device as defined in Claim 22, wherein said transmitter also transmits said cursor speed signal.

24. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said member comprises a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, said strap having a first fastener element attached to the bottom surface of said strap.

25. The device as defined in Claim 24, wherein said member further having a second fastener element attached to the top surface of said strap.

26. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said spatial coordinate generator comprises a force sensor resistor.

27. The device as defined in Claim 26, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further comprises a micro joystick.

28. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said spatial coordinate generator comprises a touch sensor.

29. The device as defined in Claim 28, wherein said spatial coordinate generator further comprises a touch sensitive surface.

30. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said transmitter operates at a selected infrared frequency.

31. The device as defined in Claim 19, wherein said transmitter operates at a selected radio frequency.

32. A cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, said device comprising: a) a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, said member comprising a strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, said strap having a first fastener element attached to the top surface of said strap and a second fastener element attached to the bottom surface of said strap; b) a spatial coordinate generator, said spatial coordinate generator comprising a micro joystick and a force sensor resistor, wherein a relative cursor position signal and a cursor speed signal are generated, said spatial coordinate generator being attached to said member; c) a first control generator, wherein a first control signal is generated, said first control generator being attached to said member; d) a second control generator, wherein a second control signal is generated, said second control generator being attached to said member; e) a circuit connected to each of said spatial coordinate generator, said first control generator, and said second control generator; and f) an infrared transmitter connected to said circuit, wherein said transmitter transmits each of said relative cursor position signal, said cursor speed signal, said first control signal, and said second control signal.

33. A method of cursor control for use with a computer having a display and a cursor control system, wherein the cursor control system comprises a pointer device and a receiver connected to the computer, wherein the pointer device comprises a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, said method comprising the steps of: a) generating a relative cursor position signal through user manipulation of a spatial coordinate generator; b) transmitting said relative cursor position signal to the receiver via electromagnetic radiation; c) receiving said relative cursor position signal from said electromagnetic radiation; d) feeding said relative cursor position signal to the computer; and e) moving a cursor on the display of the computer according to said relative cursor position signal.

34. The method as defined in Claim 33, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: a) generating at least one control signal through user manipulation of at least one control generator; b) transmitting said at least one control signal to the receiver via electromagnetic radiation; c) receiving said at least one control signal from said electromagnetic radiation; d) feeding said at least one control signal to the computer; and e) performing at least one function in the computer according to said at least one coπtrol signal.

35. The method as defined in Claim 33, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: a) generating a cursor speed signal through user manipulation of the spatial coordinate generator; b) transmitting said cursor speed signal to the receiver via eiectromagnetic radiation; c) receiving said cursor speed signal from said electromagnetic radiation; d) feeding said cursor speed signal to the computer; and e) moving the cursor on the display of the computer according to said cursor speed signal.

36. A method of cursor control for use with a computer having a display, a receiver, and a pointer control device, wherein the pointer control device comprises a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger, said method comprising the steps of: a) generating a relative cursor position signal through user manipulation of a spatial coordinate generator; b) transmitting said relative cursor position signal to the receiver of the computer via electromagnetic radiation; and c) moving a cursor on the display of the computer according to said relative cursor position signal.

37. The method as defined in Claim 36, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: a) generating at least one control signal through user manipulation of at least one control generator; b) transmitting said at least one control signal to the receiver of the computer via electromagnetic radiation; and c) performing at least one function in the computer according to said at least one control signal.

38. The method as defined in Claim 36, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: a) generating a cursor speed signal through user manipulation of the spatial coordinate generator; b) transmitting said cursor speed signal to the receiver of the computer via eiectromagnetic radiation; and c) moving the cursor on the display of the computer according to said cursor speed signal.

39. A cursor control system for use with a computer having a display, said system comprising: a) means for pointing comprising: a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; first means for signal generation, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, said first means for signal generation being attached to said member; means for processing connected to said first means for signal generation; and means for wirelessly transmitting connected to said means for processing, wherein said means for transmitting transmits said relative cursor position signal; and b) means for receiving connected to the computer, wherein said means for receiving receives said relative cursor position signal from said means for transmitting of said means for pointing and feeds said relative cursor position signal to the computer.

40. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said means for pointing further comprises at least one additional means for signal generation connected to said means for processing, wherein at least one control signal is generated, said at least one additional means for signal generation being attached to said member.

41. The system as defined in Claim 40, wherein said means for transmitting also transmits said at least one control signal.

42. The system as defined in Claim 41, wherein said means for receiving also receives said at least one control signal from said means for transmitting of said means for pointing and feeds said at least one control signal to the computer.

43. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said first means for signal generation further generates a cursor speed signal.

44. The system as defined in Claim 43, wherein said means for transmitting also transmits said cursor speed signal.

45. The system as defined in Claim 44, wherein said means for receiving also receives said cursor speed signal from said means for transmitting of said means for pointing and feeds said cursor speed signal to the computer.

46. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said member comprises means for encircling a user's finger, said means for encircling having a top surface and a bottom surface and a first means for fastening attached to the bottom surface of said means for encircling.

47. The system as defined in Claim 46, wherein said member further has a second means for fastening attached to the top surface of said means for encircling.

48. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said means for receiving comprises a unitary housing electrically connected to the computer.

49. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said means for receiving is integral to the computer.

50. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said means for transmitting and said means for receiving each operate at a selected infrared frequency.

51. The system as defined in Claim 39, wherein said means for transmitting and said means for receiving each operate at a selected radio frequency.

52. A cursor control device for use with a computer having a display, said device comprising: a) a member configurable to include an annulus conforming to the contours of a user's finger; b) first means for signal generation, wherein a relative cursor position signal is generated, said first means for signal generation being attached to said member; c) means for processing connected to said first means for signal generation; and d) means for wirelessly transmitting connected to said means for processing, wherein said means for transmitting transmits said relative cursor position signal.

53. The device as defined in Claim 52, wherein said cursor control device further comprises at least one additional means for signal generation connected to said means for processing, wherein at least one control signal is generated, said at least one additional means for signal generation being attached to said member.

54. The device as defined in Claim 53, wherein said means for transmitting also transmits said at least one control signal.

55. The device as defined in Claim 52, wherein said first means for signal generation further generates a cursor speed signal.

56. The device as defined in Claim 55, wherein said means for transmitting also transmits said cursor speed signal.

57. The device as defined in Claim 52, wherein said member comprises means for encircling a user's finger, said means for encircling having a top surface and a bottom surface and a first means for fastening attached to the bottom surface of said means for encircling.

58. The device as defined in Claim 57, wherein said member further has a second means for fastening attached to the top surface of said means for encircling.

59. The device as defined in Claim 52, wherein said means for transmitting operates at a selected infrared frequency.

60. The device as defined in Claim 52, wherein said means for transmitting operates at a selected radio frequency.