Finger controlled computer mouse

Abstract

An electronic mouse controlled substantially by finger movement. The translation of the mouse can be controlled by the index finger placed over a primary selection button. Means for facilitating translation of the mouse are provided for in the primary selection button. Means for facilitating translation include, but are not limited to, concave depressions, protrusions and surface texture with a high coefficient of friction.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pointing device comprising a first button adapted to be engaged by a finger for positioning said pointing device.  
     
     
         2 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said pointing device including side walls having a concave surface.  
     
     
         3 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said pointing device having a generally frusto-conical shape.  
     
     
         4 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said pointing device having a plan view defining a generally circular shape.  
     
     
         5 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said first button being responsive to an activation force for activating a first switch.  
     
     
         6 . A pointing device according to  claim 5  wherein said first button is responsive to the activation force exerted in an activation direction, said first button being unresponsive to forces exerted in a direction other than said activation direction.  
     
     
         7 . A pointing device according to  claim 5  wherein said first button is responsive to an activation force exerted in a generally downward direction, said first button being unresponsive to forces exerted in other than a downward direction.  
     
     
         8 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said first button being positioned centrally on said pointing device.  
     
     
         9 . A pointing device according  claim 1 , said first button including a protrusion extending therefrom.  
     
     
         10 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , said first button having a depression therein.  
     
     
         11 . A pointing device according to  claim 10 , wherein said depression is complementary to the shape of the finger.  
     
     
         12 . A pointing device according to  claim 10 , including a protrusion extending out of said depression.  
     
     
         13 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , including a second button responsive to a second activation force for activating a second switch.  
     
     
         14 . A pointing device according to  claim 13 , said second button being located in front of said first button.  
     
     
         15 . A pointing device according to  claim 13 , said second button being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.  
     
     
         16 . A pointing device according to  claim 13 , including a third button responsive to a third activation force for activating a third switch.  
     
     
         17 . A pointing device according to  claim 16 , said third button being located in front of said first button.  
     
     
         18 . A pointing device according to  claim 16 , said third button being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.  
     
     
         19 . A pointing device according to  claim 16 , said first button being proximal to said second and third buttons.  
     
     
         20 . A pointing device according to  claim 16 , said first button being interposed between said second button and said third button.  
     
     
         21 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , including scrolling means for scrolling a computer display to unobserved portions of the computer display.  
     
     
         22 . A pointing device according to  claim 21 , said scrolling means being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.  
     
     
         23 . A pointing device according to  claim 21 , said scrolling means being positioned forward of said first button.  
     
     
         24 . A method for manipulating a cursor in a computer display comprising: 
 engaging a button of a pointing device with a finger, wherein said button is adapted to be responsive to an activation force for activating a switch; and    exerting a force against the button in a direction that does not activate the switch in an amount sufficient to translate the position of the pointing device.    
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein the button is responsive to the activation force exerted in an activation direction, with the button being unresponsive to forces exerted in directions other than an activation direction.  
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein the button is responsive to the activation force exerted in a generally downward direction, the button being unresponsive to forces exerted in other than a downward direction.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein: 
 said manipulating includes positioning an object in the computer display;  
 and further wherein said method includes: 
 translating the pointing device so that the cursor is associated with a desired target; and  
 exerting force on the button in an activation direction, thereby activating the switch.  
 
 
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 27 , including exerting a force against the button in other than the activation direction in an amount sufficient to translate the position of the pointing device.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 27 , including scrolling a computer display to unobserved portions of the computer display.  
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 27 , including rotating scrolling means with a thumb or finger to display unobserved portions of the computer display.  
     
     
         31 . A pointing device according to  claim 1 , further including a rear extension adapted to be attached to said mouse.  
     
     
         32 . A pointing device according to  claim 31 , wherein said pointing device comprises a peripheral groove, and further wherein said rear extension comprises a pair of arms adapted to be snapped into said groove so as to attach said rear extension to said pointing device.  
     
     
         33 . A pointing device comprising at least one button, wherein said button is adapted to sense the magnitude of a force applied to said button.