Mouse-based user interface device employing user-removable modules

摘要

The functionality of a conventional mouse is extended to provide an extended number of simultaneously adjustable user interface parameters employing one or more user-removable modules. In an embodiment, a user interface for controlling an external device, such as a computer, includes a first user interface sensor configured with a housing. This first sensor generates a first plurality of signals responsive to movement of the housing relative to two orthogonal axes. A compartment is configured with the housing and is sized to receive the user-removable module. This user-removable module contains a second user interface sensor, which generates a second plurality of signals responsive to user manipulation. Output is provided responsive to signals generated by the first and second user interface sensors. In another embodiment, the housing of an extended functionality mouse itself serves as a module removable from a compartment provided in another physical device.

主权项

1. A user interface for controlling an external device, comprising:
a user-removable module containing first and second user interface sensors, said module sized to be received within a compartment configured with said external device, said first user interface sensor configured with said user-removable module and generating, only when said user-removable module is removed from said compartment, a first plurality of signals responsive to movement of said user-removable module relative to two orthogonal axes; and said second user interface sensor configured with said user-removable module and generating, regardless of whether or not said user-removable module is contained within said compartment, a second plurality of signals individually representing one of a plurality of different values responsive to user manipulation relative to two orthogonal axes; and a multiplex function providing an output signal responsive to signals generated by said first and second user interface sensors, wherein each of said first plurality of signals and second plurality of signals permit simultaneous control of respective first and second aspects of said external device, the first aspect being not controllable by any of the second plurality of signals, such that the output signal is received by a demultiplexer of an external device, the demultiplexer producing a plurality of first additional signals associated with the first plurality of signals, and a plurality of second additional signals corresponding to the second plurality of signals, and a photoelectric cell configured with said user-removable module and supplying electrical power to said first and second user interface sensors.