Abstract:
A method for controlling a pointing icon in a computer, including the steps of (A) establishing a wireless connection between a pointing device and the computer, (B) generating directional information through one or more three dimensional movements of the pointing device, (C) transmitting the directional information from the pointing device to the computer and (D) translating the directional information into movements of the pointing icon on a screen of the computer using a device driver program stored on the computer.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to computer interface devices generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing a pointing device housed in a writing device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    An existing problem for users of portable computers is having access to a pointing device (i.e., a traditional mouse) for controlling the pointer on a screen. Most computers have inputs for a traditional mouse (i.e., a roller-ball mouse, an optical mouse, etc.). Laptop computers often have touch pads, which simulate the movement of a mouse via the movement of the finger of a user on a pad. 
         [0003]    What works for one user may not always work for another. A regular mouse can provide convenient access for one user, but not all users want to keep track of an external mouse when moving the computer from place to place. Certain users may not like using a touch pad, perhaps due to the lack of tactile feedback from the device. 
         [0004]    It would be desirable to implement a method and/or apparatus for implementing a pointing device housed in a writing device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention concerns a method that includes an example embodiment for controlling a pointing icon in a computer, comprising the steps of (A) establishing a wireless connection between a pointing device and the computer, (B) generating directional information through one or more three dimensional movements of the pointing device, (C) transmitting the directional information from the pointing device to the computer and (D) translating the directional information into movements of the pointing icon on a screen of the computer using a device driver program stored on the computer. 
         [0006]    The objects, features and advantages of the present invention include providing a pointing device that may (i) be implemented in the housing of a pen, (ii) have the same capabilities as a generic computer mouse, (iii) wirelessly connect to a computer, (iv) have a gadgety appeal, (v) eliminate the need to transport a separate mouse and writing device, (vi) enable scroll-wheel functionality and/or (vii) be housed within a standard writing utensil. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a detailed block diagram illustrating three dimensional movements of an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a system  100  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system  100  includes a block  102 , a block  104 , and a network  106 . The block  102  may be implemented as a computer (e.g., a personal computer). In one example, the block  102  may be implemented as a portable computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, etc.). The block  102  generally includes a block  108 . The block  108  may be implemented as an antenna. In one example, the antenna  108  may broadcast a Bluetooth signal. The block  104  may be implemented as a mouse or other pointing device (e.g., stylus, trackball, etc.). In one example, the mouse  104  may be implemented as a pen mouse. The network  106  may be implemented as a wireless network. In one example, the network  106  may be implemented as a Bluetooth network. Other types of wireless networks (e.g., wireless USB, etc.) may be implemented to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. The blocks  102 ,  104 ,  106 , and/or  108  may be implemented as a circuit, a hardware device, a software device, and/or a combination of hardware and/or software. 
         [0012]    In one example, the pen mouse  104  may be a computer interface device that may have capabilities similar to a generic computer mouse. In one example, the pen mouse  104  may be housed within the space defined by a standard-sized pen (e.g., ballpoint, rollerball, etc.) with a cap. However, the particular size of the pen mouse  104  may be varied to meet the design criteria of a particular implementation. The pen mouse  104  may have a wireless connection to connect to the personal computer  102 . The pen mouse  104  may control the computer  102 . In one example, the wireless connection  106  may be established via Bluetooth (or other comparable wireless standards). The personal computer  102  may be capable of interfacing directly with Bluetooth devices (e.g, computers with built-in Bluetooth radio antennas, add-on Bluetooth cards, etc.). In one example, the computer  102  may implement an add-on wireless antenna (not shown) to provide wireless capability. The pen mouse  104  may transmit movement information to the personal computer  102 . 
         [0013]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a more detailed diagram of the system  100  illustrating three dimensional movements of an embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 2(   a ) illustrates the personal computer  102 , the pen mouse  104 , and the network  106 . The pen mouse  104  may control a pointer  120  (e.g., cursor, arrow, etc.) of the personal computer  102 .  FIG. 2(   a ) illustrates the pen mouse  104  in an original position (e.g., horizontal). 
         [0014]    The pen mouse  104  may establish a wireless connection to the personal computer  102  via the network  106 . In one example, the network  106  may be a wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth). The pen mouse  104  may generate data (e.g., directional information) in response to a three dimensional movement of the pen mouse  104 . The directional information data may be transmitted via the network  106  to the personal computer  102 . The computer  102  may translate the directional information data to control the computer  102 . For example, the directional information data may be translated into movements of a pointing icon on a screen of the personal computer  102 . 
         [0015]    The personal computer  102  may use a device driver program stored on the personal computer  102  to translate the directional information data. When the pen mouse  104  is activated, the pen mouse  104  may generate a detection signal. The detection signal may be sent to the personal computer  102  over the wireless network  106 . An operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.) running on the personal computer  102  may recognize the detection signal. The operating system may run an appropriate setup program to find a suitable device driver for the pen mouse  104 . For example, the directional information data may be compatible with a pre-configured device driver of the operating system. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2(   b ) illustrates the pointer  120  moving in a direction to the left. The pen mouse  104  is shown tilted to the left to initiate movement to the left. For example, a first end  130  (e.g., a cap) of the pen mouse  104  may be tilted to be lower than a second end  132  (e.g., a main body) of the pen mouse  104 . When the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  is lower than the second end  132  of the pen mouse  104 , the pointer  120  may move in the left direction. In one example, the more the pen mouse  104  is tilted to the left, the faster the pointer  120  will move in the left direction. To stop the movement of the pointer  120  in the left direction, the pen mouse  104  may be moved back to the original position. 
         [0017]      FIG. 2(   c ) illustrates the pointer  120  moving in a direction to the right. The pen mouse  104  may be tilted to the right to initiate movement to the right. The first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  may be moved higher than the second end  132  of the pen mouse  104 . When the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  is higher than the second end  132  of the pen mouse  104 , the pointer  120  may move in a direction to the right. In one example, the more the pen mouse  104  is tilted to the right, the faster the pointer  120  will move in the right direction. To stop the movement of the pointer  120  in the direction to the right, the pen mouse  104  may be brought back to the original level position. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2(   d ) illustrates the pointer  120  moving in a downward direction. The pen mouse  104  may be rolled in a motion away from a user. When the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion away from the user, the pointer  120  may move in the downward direction. In one example, the more the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion away from the user, the faster the pointer  120  will move in the downward direction. To stop the pointer  120  from moving in the downward direction, the user may bring the pen mouse  104  back to the original position. In one implementation, the pointer  120  may move in the downward direction when the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  is rotated to the left (not shown). 
         [0019]      FIG. 2(   e ) illustrates the pointer  120  moving in an upward direction. The pen mouse  104  may be rolled in a motion towards the user. When the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion towards the user, the pointer  120  may move in the upward direction. In one example, the more the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion towards the user, the faster the pointer  120  will move in the upward direction. To stop the pointer  120  from moving in the upward direction, the user may bring the pen mouse  104  back to the original position. In one implementation, the pointer  120  may move in the upward direction when the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  is rotated to the right (not shown). 
         [0020]      FIG. 2(   f ) illustrates an image  122  being scrolled down. The pen mouse  104  may be rolled in a motion away from the user while the first end  130  is held stationary. When the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion away from the user while the first end  130  is stationary, the image  122  may be scrolled down. In one example, the image  122  may be scrolled down continuously as the pen mouse  104  is rolled. In another example, the image  122  may be scrolled down automatically after the pen mouse  104  is rolled a certain amount. To stop the image  122  from being scrolled down, the user may roll the pen mouse  104  back to the original position. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2(   g ) illustrates the image  122  being scrolled up. The pen mouse  104  may be rolled in a motion towards the user while the first end  130  is held stationary. When the pen mouse  104  is rolled in the motion towards the user while the first end  130  is stationary, the image  122  may be scrolled up. In one example, the image  122  may be scrolled up continuously as the pen mouse  104  is rolled. In another example, the image  122  may be scrolled up automatically after the pen mouse  104  is rolled a certain amount. To stop the image  122  from being scrolled up, the user may roll the pen mouse  104  back to the original position. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2(   h ) illustrates a window  124  being minimized. The window  124  may be minimized when a left-mouse button  134  is clicked. The left-mouse button  134  may be located on the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104 . For example, when the left-mouse button  134  is pressed, the pointer  120  may select a particular function of the personal computer  102 . In another example, when the left-mouse button  134  is pressed, the pointer  120  may highlight some text. Various functions may be carried out by the left-mouse button  134 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2(   i ) illustrates an effect of clicking a right-mouse button  136  on the pen mouse  104 . An options menu  126  is shown being maximized as the right-mouse button  136  is being pressed. The right-mouse button  136  may perform the functions associated with a right-mouse click. 
         [0024]    In one example, the pen mouse  104  may incorporate a custom configured device driver. The custom configured device driver may be configured to interpret the directional information data. In one example, the custom configured device driver may be customized by a user. The custom configured device driver may interpret a variety of three dimensional movements in addition to the movements described above. For example, the user may configure the device driver to recognize a slashing motion with the pen mouse  104 . The slashing motion may be configured to perform a specific computer task, such as automatically scrolling to an end of a document. In another example, the user may configure the device driver to recognize when the pen mouse  104  is being fluttered (e.g., a rapid pattern of movement about an axis). The fluttering motion may trigger another specific computer task. For example, the flutter may cause the personal computer  102  to close a current window. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a more detailed diagram of the pen mouse  104  is shown.  FIG. 3(   a ) illustrates the general components of the pen mouse  104 .  FIG. 3(   b ) illustrates the internal electrical components of the pen mouse  104 . The pen mouse  104  further comprises a rotating ring  138 , a power switch  140 , and a clip  142 . The rotating ring  138  may attach to the first end  130 . The rotating ring  138  may contain an electrical connection between the first end  130  and a main body of the pen mouse  104 . Disconnecting the first end  130  may disconnect an electrical connection and power down the powered parts of the pen mouse  104 . The smooth rotational ability of the rotating ring  138  may enable a scroll-wheel like function and may be easy to use. The power switch  140  (e.g., master on/off switch) may be provided on the main body of the pen mouse  104 . The power switch  140  may turn off the mouse functions of the pen mouse  104 . Turning off the pen mouse  104  may save power. Turning off the pen mouse may reduce the chance of interfering with another device when not being actively used. 
         [0026]    The pen mouse  104  may generate three dimensional movements used by the computer  102 . A motion accelerometer  144  (or sensor) may be built into the pen mouse  104 . The accelerometer  144  may be implemented as a sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a particular motion. In one example, a plurality of motion accelerometers  144  may be implemented. The three dimensional movements of the pen mouse  104  may be captured by the accelerometer  144 . The accelerometer  144  may translate the three dimensional movements of the pen mouse  104  into an electrical signal (e.g., a movement signal). The movement signal may be sent to a processor  150 . The processor  150  may generate the directional information data in response to the movement signal. The directional information data may be transmitted through an antenna  152 . 
         [0027]    The particular movement signal transmitted between the accelerometer  144  and the processor  150  may depend on the particular type of accelerometer implemented. For example, an analog accelerometer  144  may vary a voltage in response to the amount of G force measured. A wire/connection may be implemented for each axis between the accelerometer  144  and the processor  150 . A digital accelerometer  144  may implement a modulated voltage signal to indicate similar G force information. The particular type of accelerometer  144  and the particular type of movement signal may be varied based on the implementation of the pen mouse  104 . The particular size of the accelerometer  144  may also be varied. The processor  150  may be used to translate a variety of types of movement information into directional information data in a format that may be transmitted through the antenna  152 . 
         [0028]    In general, an accelerometer  144  that measures three axes may be implemented. In one example, two accelerometers  144  that each measure two axes may be implemented. The two accelerometers  144  may be implemented at right angles to each other within the pen mouse  104 . Cost and/or power and/or space constraints may be used when designing a particular configuration for the accelerometer  144 . 
         [0029]    The directional information data sent to the antenna  152  (and then to the antenna  108  on the computer  102 ) may represent the current angle of tilt for all three axes of the pen mouse  104 . A device driver on the computer  102  may use the directional information data, along with previous values (e.g., of directional information data) sent, to determine a rate of change. The rate of change may be used to determine where the pointer  120  moves on the screen of the computer  102 . In one example, the accelerometer  144  and the processor  150  may be combined. 
         [0030]    A battery  156  may also be implemented. The battery  156  may supply power to the electrical components of the pen mouse  104 . In one example, the battery  156  may be located within the main body of the pen mouse  104 . When the pen mouse  104  is used to write, the first end  130  may be removed. Removing the first end  130  may power down the electrical components of the pen mouse  104 . When the pen mouse  104  is powered down, the mouse functions of the pen mouse  104  may be disabled. Disabling the mouse functions while writing may avoid inadvertent mouse functions from occurring. 
         [0031]    The pen mouse  104  may combine a writing implement (e.g., a pen or other ordinary writing utensil) and a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse) into a single device. The pointing device may be assembled in a housing of the writing implement. The pen mouse  104  may alleviate a need to transport a separate mouse and/or writing utensil when transporting the computer  102 . The pen mouse  104  may include an ink cartridge  158 . The pen mouse  104  may be able to function as a normal writing instrument when the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  has been removed. In one example, a tip of the second end  132  of the pen mouse  104  may be removed to allow replacement of the ink cartridge  158 . The pen mouse  104  may have a certain “gadgety” appeal to some users. 
         [0032]    In one example, the pen mouse  104  may be reconfigurable by a user (e.g., a left-handed user). The pen mouse  104  may be reconfigured to allow a variety of functions available with a regular mouse. For example, the reconfiguration may be done through a software driver located on the computer  102 . In another example, the reconfiguration may be implemented as a hardware switch on the pen mouse  104 . The user may flip the pen mouse  104  around and have the pen mouse  104  point in another direction. Flipping the pen mouse  104  may allow the user to reverse the functions of the pen mouse  104 . 
         [0033]    In one example, the pen mouse  104  may be activated in the original position (e.g., held horizontally). However, the pen mouse  104  may be activated in several different positions. The position the user activates the pen mouse  104  may depend on what the user wants the pen mouse  104  to be doing when activated. The processing of a position signal by the accelerometer  144  may take into account different situations (e.g., a dead zone). The pen mouse  104  may not start to respond until the user may have the pen mouse  104  left or right of a certain angle. 
         [0034]    In another example, a rate of change of a position of the pen mouse  104  may accelerate when the user tips the pen mouse  104 . When rotating the pen mouse  104  (e.g., for up-down movements, scrolling, etc.), the accelerometer  144  may base the movement of the pen mouse  104  in relation to a change compared with an initial angle. The starting point for the movements may be the position of the pen mouse  104  when activated. The accelerometer  144  may take into account how the pen mouse  104  is rotated. 
         [0035]    The rotation of the rotating ring  138  may be a motion that enables a scroll-wheel functionality to work. In one example, the ring  138  may rotate with respect to the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104 . The first end  130  may plug into the rotating ring  138 . A user may hold the first end  130  (e.g., the rotating ring  138  may be stationary), and turn the main body  132  of the pen mouse  104 . The main body  132  of the pen mouse  104  may rotate while the user holds the first end  130  of the pen mouse  104  stationary. For example, the user may rotate the main body  132  of the pen mouse  104  underneath the rotating ring  138 . The same functionality may be achieved if, instead of holding the first end  130  (and rotating ring  138 ) still and rotating the main body  132 , the user holds the main body  132  still and rotates the first end  130  (and rotating ring  138 ) in an opposite direction. 
         [0036]    In one implementation, the ring  138  may be rotated independently of the first end  130  and the second end  132 . For example, the ring  138  may be rotated with the thumb of a user. The ring  138  may be rotated without having to move the main body  132  of the pen mouse  104 . Rotating the ring  138  independent of the first end  130  and the second end  132  may be similar to an actual motion of a conventional mouse. In another example, the ring  138  may have multiple layers (e.g., a top ring, and a lower ring that connects to the body of the pen mouse  104 ). The movement of the top ring (with relation the bottom ring) may cause the scroll-wheel functionality. The above mentioned implementations may all be used to implement the scroll-wheel functionality. 
         [0037]    The processor  150  may be located between the ink cartridge  158  and the battery  156 . The size of the processor  150  (and/or the RF/Bluetooth transmitter) may define the physical size of the pen mouse  104 . For example, as a concession to space, the pen mouse  104  may be long/wide enough to account for such components. The ink cartridge  158  may be shorter than a normal replacement cartridge to allow for more space to hold the internal components of the pen mouse  104 . If the electronics of the pen mouse  104  use extra battery power, a USB port may be implemented on the pen mouse  104 . In one example, the USB port may be located at the second end  132  of the pen mouse  104 . 
         [0038]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.