US007859514B1
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Park
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,859,514 B1
`Dec. 28, 2010
`
`(54) MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USER INTERFACE
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`6,394,906 B1
`6,512,511 B2 *
`6,557,853 B2 *
`
`5/2002 Ogata
`............ .. 345/169
`1/2003 Willner et al.
`5/2003 Huettlinger ........... .. 273/148 B
`
`(76)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Inventor: Young Park, 964 Woodward Park Dr.,
`Suwanee, GA (US) 30024
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(1)) by 1437 days.
`
`J 1. 19 2005
`u
`’
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`22
`
`)
`(
`(51)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/183,096
`-
`F l d:
`1 e
`Int CL
`(2006.01)
`G09G 5/00
`(52) U.s. Cl.
`..................... .. 345/156; 345/168; 345/169;
`345/184; 400/472; 400/485
`(58) Field of Classification Search ....... .. 345/156—172;
`400/472 485 100
`See application file for Complete Search hiSt’Ory ’
`'
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,394,168 A
`2/1995 Smith, III et al.
`5,984,548 A * 11/1999 Willner et al.
`............ .. 400/472
`D438,l78 S
`2/2001 Hames
`6,288,709 B1
`9/2001 Willner et al.
`
`42
`
`*
`
`6/2003 K310 6131'
`8/2001 Wang et al.
`
`655805415 B1
`2001/0011991 A1
`.
`.
`Cited by exalfinner
`P””W”)’Ex‘1m”f9”‘QuanjZhenWa11g
`ASSZSZLWIZ Examme/'—Jennifer T Nguyen
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A multi-functional user interface for electronic devices
`includes a hand-operable controller forproviding an interface
`through which a user can command a peripheral electronic
`device to perform multiple actions. Such a controllerincludes
`111.1 e1g°11°1111° 11°11S111g111°111‘1111g *1 .°°11111111.111°a11°11 11111‘ e1.e°‘
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`control signals based upon aplurality of corresponding user
`inputs respectively. The housing includes front and rear faces,
`each including a plurality of controls for generating a plural-
`ity of signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user
`inputs respectively. The device is selectively interchangeable
`between lntemet Mode Applications Mode and Word Mode
`conveniently enabling a user to use a single input device for a
`Vaflety Of dlfferem f11I1CU0I1S~
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`12 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`‘IO
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`MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USER INTERFACE
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`
`nience of using one device for the above referenced functions
`results in cost and time savings for consumers in addition to
`adding to their enjoyment when using such devices.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Not Applicable.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`Not Applicable.
`
`REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
`
`Not Applicable.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`This invention relates to data entry and input devices and,
`more particularly, to a multi-functional user interface for
`electronic devices such that a user can instruct the electronic
`
`devices to execute web browsing operations, word processing
`operations, and gaming operations.
`2. Prior Art
`
`25
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`Keyboard data entry systems and game controllers are
`known in the art. Some prior art systems are directed to
`ergonomic keyboard systems wherein the user’s hands are
`substantially vertically oriented when the keyboard is used.
`Such
`systems
`disclose utilizing
`somewhat
`standard
`QWERTY keyboard formats, as opposed to a format which is
`capable ofhigher speed data entry. However, such systems do
`not disclose an ergonomic housing that is adapted to be sup-
`ported by the two hands ofthe user while the user operates the
`key switches during data entry.
`Over the years, many prior art systems have presented
`alternatives to the QWERTY format as a means of increasing
`typing speed. While those systems wouldperrnit a user to type
`faster, they required a user to learn the new keyboard layout.
`In spite of the potential typing speed increase, the public has
`been loath to adopt any keyboard format other than the old
`QWERTY arrangement. It is clear that once typists become
`familiar with a keyboard layout, a promised increase in typing
`speed is not sufficient motivation to learn an additional key-
`board arrangement.
`there has been a tremendous
`During the past decade,
`growth in the use and ownership of computers, game software
`and video game systems. As a result, children and young
`adults have become very accustomed to handling and using
`game controllers that incorporate multidirectional switches.
`This growing portion of the keyboard-using population is
`more likely to adopt a keyboard format that is arranged like a
`game controller, can function as a game controller, is ergo-
`nomically designed, allows users to enter data while seated in
`a reclined position away from a desk, and offers greater
`typing speed. The limitations of the mouse and keyboard for
`applications like computer aided design (CAD) and computer
`games are well known, and a new type of multimedia instru-
`ment is urgently needed for input devices so that users are able
`to interact efiiciently with the latest technology on the market.
`Accordingly, a need remains for a multi-functional user
`interface for electronic devices. Such an interface satisfies the
`
`above noted shortcomings by providing the functions of a
`keyboard, mouse, and joystick in one device. Such a device is
`capable of operating a wide variety of computer programs as
`well as playing games and is fun and easy to use. The conve-
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`In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
`object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional
`user interface for electronic devices. These and other objects,
`features, and advantages of the invention are provided by a
`hand-operable controller for providing a versatile interface
`through which a user can command a peripheral electronic
`device to perform multiple functions.
`The present invention operates in at least five modes: inter-
`net mode, word mode, applications mode, remote control
`mode, internet telephone mode, for example. Although typing
`with the present invention is not as fast as a conventional word
`processor, it is much faster than typing with a cell phone or
`PDAs. Also, the voice recognition system of the present
`invention enables a user to quickly and effectively input
`alphanumerical characters on a display screen. Accordingly, a
`user has more than 60 available keys, which can be pro-
`grammed to fit their necessary needs. Of course, all PC games
`can be experienced as a console game including real life
`simulations commonly available through the X-Box and Play
`Station II.
`
`Such a controller includes an ergonomic housing including
`a communication link electrically matable to the electronic
`device. The housing is sized and shaped to be held in a user’s
`hands during operating conditions and includes a plurality of
`controls for generating a plurality of control signals based
`upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively.
`The housing has a general bat shape and further includes
`integrally opposed arms defining bat wings respectively. The
`housing further has top and bottom surfaces wherein selected
`ones of the controls are disposed on the top surface and other
`ones of the controls are disposed on the bottom surface
`respectively.
`The controller further includes a control circuit operably
`mated with the controls for processing and transmitting the
`control signals to the electronic device during operating con-
`ditions. The control circuit includes a mechanism for allow-
`
`ing the user to independently operate at least one controller
`function such that the user can command the electronic device
`
`to perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick, a mouse,
`and a keyboard respectively.
`The housing includes at least one bay for receiving the
`control circuit therein such that the user can selectively
`remove the control circuit as desired. An eyelet is integrally
`connected to the housing and a flexible cord may be posi-
`tioned through the eyelet so that the user can wear the con-
`troller around a selected portion of the user’ s body. The inde-
`pendent operating mechanism preferably includes
`a
`programmed computer software product for enabling the
`electronic device to perform a plurality of word processing
`tasks for displaying alphanumeric characters.
`In an alternate embodiment, such a mechanism may further
`include a programmed computer software product
`for
`enabling the electronic device to perform a plurality of Inter-
`net browsing tasks for accessing at least one web page using
`hypertext transfer protocol. In yet another alternate embodi-
`ment, the independent operating mechanism may include a
`programmed computer software product for enabling the
`electronic device to perform a plurality of gaming tasks for
`controlling a gaming figure during game play.
`It is noted the purpose ofthe foregoing abstract is to enable
`the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public gener-
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`ally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in
`the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or
`phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection
`the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the
`
`application. The abstract is neither intended to define the
`invention ofthe application, which is measured by the claims,
`nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope ofthe invention
`in any way.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`
`The novel features believed to be characteristic of this
`
`invention are set forth with particularity in the appended
`claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organiza-
`tion and method of operation, together with further objects
`and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference
`to the following description taken in connection with the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front face and
`plurality of controls of a multifunctional user interface for
`electronic devices, in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear face and the plural-
`ity of controls of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention showing
`the front face at the Internet Mode; and
`FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the present invention showing
`the front face at the Word Mode;
`FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the present invention showing
`the rear face at the Internet Mode;
`FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the present invention showing
`the rear face at the Word mode; and
`FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the present invention
`shown in FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention will now be described more fully
`hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
`which a preferred embodiment ofthe invention is shown. This
`invention may, however, be embodied in many different
`forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodi-
`
`ment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so
`that this application will be thorough and complete, and will
`fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in
`the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the
`figures.
`The device of this invention is referred to generally in
`FIGS. 1-7 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to
`provide a multi-functional user interface for electronic
`devices. It should be understood that the device 10 may be
`used to interface many different types of electronic devices
`and should not be limited to only video games. Initially refer-
`ring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 10 includes a hand-operable
`controller 20 for providing a versatile interface through which
`a user can command a peripheral electronic device to perform
`multiple actions. Such a controller 20 includes an ergonomic
`housing 30. The housing 30 is sized and shaped to be held in
`a user’s hands during operating conditions and includes a
`plurality of controls collectively referred to as item 40 and
`described in greater detail herein below for generating a plu-
`rality of control signals based upon a plurality of correspond-
`ing user inputs respectively. Such controls 40 are easily
`manipulated by a user’s fingers, while still maintaining con-
`trol of the device 10.
`
`A control circuit 60 is operably mated with such controls
`40 for processing and transmitting control signals to the elec-
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`tronic device during operating conditions. The control circuit
`60 includes a mechanism for allowing the user to indepen-
`dently operate at least one controller function such that the
`user can command the electronic device to perform a plurality
`of tasks unique to a joystick and a mouse and a keyboard
`respectively. The controls 40 are selectively programmable
`between a Word mode, an Internet mode, an Applications
`mode, and a Remote Control mode so that the user can inter-
`changeably perform the plurality of tasks with the indepen-
`dent operating mechanism.
`The housing 30 further has front 21 and rear 22 faces
`wherein selected ones of the controls 40 are disposed on the
`front face 21 and other ones ofthe controls 40 are disposed on
`the rear face 22 respectively. The housing 30 also includes at
`least one bay 61 for receiving the control circuit 60 therein
`such that a user can selectively program the control circuit 60
`as desired. The rear face 22 has a groove formed therein such
`that the device 10 may be laid flat on a surface so that the
`controls 40 may be disposed thereon and not contact the
`surface, as shown in FIG. 7. The device 10 is selectively
`interchangeable between Word, Internet Mode, Applications
`Mode, and Remote Control Mode, conveniently enabling a
`user to use a single input device for a variety of different
`functions.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in more detail, a front face of
`the controller 20 is shown wherein the “*” keys 41 are adapted
`to a non-engaged or out position. Such “*” keys 41 may be
`selectively toggled between disengaged and engaged posi-
`tions. The position ofthe “*” key 41 defines the Internet mode
`or the Applications mode. A group of controls 42 are situated
`subjacent the “*” key 41 on the left side of the controller 20.
`In the Internet mode, shown in FIG. 3, such controls 42 allow
`a user to maximize, minimize, and close a web browser win-
`dow and are identified as “
`,
`” “two overlapping rectangles,”
`“X,” “F4,”and“He”. Inthe Word mode, shown in FIG. 4, such
`keys are identified as the letters I], KL, MN, OP, and QR. On
`the right side of the controller 20, there are a second series of
`controls 43 which can be programmed according to each
`user’s needs by simultaneously engaging the (*) button 41
`and at least one of the controls in the second group 43. In the
`Internet Mode,
`the keys 43 are identified as “BOOK,”
`“SEARCH,” “LIST,” “STOP,” and “P.” In the Word mode,
`such keys 43 are identified as ST, UV, WX, YZ, and “www”.
`Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, advantageously, the device
`10 can learn a series of commands unique to a user such that
`multiple users can employ the device 10 in a variety of ways.
`A scroll button 44 is located on the upper right corner of the
`controller front face 21 and is functional in a conventional
`
`manner. Adjacent the scroll button 44, there are a series of
`juxtaposed controls 45 defining up, down,
`left, and right
`movements such that
`the user may position the cursor
`between orthogonal positions.
`A pair of track balls 46 are simultaneously operable by the
`user for enhancing the ergonomic and functional ability of
`such track balls 46. For example, a user may quickly and
`efiiciently move a cursor across the display by cooperatively
`the rolling the trackballs 46 in opposing or complimentary
`directions. To the left of the track balls 46 is a multi-flange
`control 47 for allowing the user to scroll backwards and
`forwards between web pages. In the Internet mode, such a
`control 47 is identified as “HOME,” “FRONT,” “ALL,” and
`“REAR”. In the Word mode, such a control 47 represents the
`letter groups AB, CD, EF, and GH. Thus, the (*) controls may
`operate similar to a conventional “alt” key, “control” key, and
`“shift” key, on a conventional keyboard. Therefore, by engag-
`ing and disengaging the asterisk key, all the letters and char-
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`acters commonly provided on a conventional keyboard can be
`executed via the front face of the controller 20.
`
`Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of controls 48 are
`oppositely disposed along a top edge 23 of the front face 21.
`Such controls 48 identify a “left” button employed on a con-
`ventional mouse. A third “left” button 49 is positioned gen-
`erally medially between the trackballs 46 and may be used in
`lieu of engaging the first 48A and second 48B “left” button
`controls. An operating mode control 50 is located subjacent
`the third left button control 49 and allows the user to toggle
`the present invention 10 to the intemet mode. When the (*)
`buttons 41 are at an engaged position (or in positions) the set
`of arrow keys 45 functions to scroll the page up and down as
`well as move the cursor between a home and an end position
`commonly employed by a conventional keyboard. A central
`control 51 is disposed above the track balls 46 and operates to
`function as a media player wherein the user can effectively
`play, stop, pause, skip, fast forward, and rewind an audio file
`executed by a CPU.
`In the Applications Mode, two phenomes may be selec-
`tively outputted using one key, enabling a user to input the
`entire alphabet while using approximately half the number of
`keys. For example, pressing the AB key alone would result in
`the input of A. Pressing the AB key and one of the “*” keys
`would result in the input of the letter B. For the CD key,
`pressing the CD key alone would result in the input of the
`letter C. Pressing the CD key and one of the “*” keys would
`result in the inputting of the letter D. The “*” keys are analo-
`gous to the SHIFT keys on a conventional keyboard. The
`positioning of one “*” key on each side of the device 10
`makes it easy to press this key in conjunction with any other
`key. One advantage of the device 10 over conventional key-
`boards is that the right hand “*” key only works with left hand
`phoneme keys and vice versa. Hence, one key would be
`pressed with each hand, resulting in faster and more accurate
`character input when compared with conventional keyboards.
`In the Internet Mode, pressing the AB key would result in
`the input HOME. Pressing the CD key would result in the
`input BACKWARD. Other Word Mode/Internet Mode
`equivalents would be: EF/FORWARD; IJ/FULL SCREEN;
`MN/SCREEN CLOSING; OR/MY COMPUTER; ST/FA-
`VORITE; UV/SEARCH; WX/LIST; and YZ/STOP.
`Pressing the “A” key in conjunction with a phenome key
`(AB, CD, etc.) would result in an application mode function.
`The numerical functions outputted would be equal to the
`place of each letter in the alphabet. Therefore, pressing AB
`andA would result in Function 1 and Function 2. Pressing CD
`and A would result in Function 3 and Function 4, etc.
`Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a rear face 22 of the
`controller 20 is shown wherein the (*) key is disengaged and
`engaged respectively. Such figures illustrate the controller 20
`at an Internet mode and Word mode respectively. The rear
`face 22 of the controller 20 includes a plurality of controls
`selectively operable when the asterisk control 41 is at a dis-
`engaged position. Such controls define numerical values as
`well as the shift and space keys. The Word mode, shown in
`FIG. 6, includes at least one “R” key 54 and five rows of keys
`identified as follows: Row one 55: “ESC” and “DEL”; Row
`two 56: “w” and “TAB”; Row three 57: “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” and
`“5”; Row four 58: “SHIFT,” “6,” “7,” “8,” “9,” “O,” and
`“SHIFT.” Row five 59: “SPACE,” “Ch,” “WE,” “WO,” “#,”
`“SPACE,” and “e”. The rear face 22, in the Internet mode,
`includes the same keys as the Word mode.
`Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the housing 30 has a general bat
`shape and further includes integrally opposed arms 32 defin-
`ing bat wings respectively. Such a shape allows a user to
`firmly and comfortably grip and operate the device 10,
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`enabling a user to work or play for longerperiods oftime than
`might otherwise be possible with a conventional input device.
`The shape and design of conventional keyboards prohibits a
`user from holding it with both hands and inputting data. In
`addition, the large number of keys on a conventional key-
`board makes it less than desirable for game applications
`where a limited number of keys are used frequently. Conven-
`tional joysticks have been developed for use with some com-
`puter games, however, their application is limited because
`alphanumeric characters carmot be input via the joystick.
`Again referring to FIG. 1, the controller 20 further includes
`a communications link 31 for processing and transmitting
`control signals to the electronic device during operating con-
`ditions. An eyelet 36 may be integrally connected to the
`housing 30 and a flexible cord 37 may be positioned through
`the eyelet 36 so that the user can wear the controller 10 around
`a selected portion of the user’s body. Such a cord 37 enables
`a user to easily transport the device 10 so that it may be used
`in a car, on vacation, or while out of town on business.
`Of course, such a device may further include a pro-
`grammed computer software product for enabling the elec-
`tronic device to perform a plurality of Internet browsing tasks
`for accessing at least one web page using hypertext transfer
`protocol, as well known in the industry. The independent
`operating mechanism may further include a programmed
`computer software product for enabling the electronic device
`to perform a plurality of gaming tasks for controlling a gam-
`ing figure during game play, as also well known in the indus-
`try.
`While the invention has been described with respect to a
`certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many
`modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in
`the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is
`intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such
`modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and
`scope of the invention.
`In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to
`be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for
`the parts of the present invention may include variations in
`size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of opera-
`tion. The assembly and use of the present invention are
`deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.
`What is claimed as new and what is desired to secure by
`Letters Patent of the United States is:
`
`1. A hand-operable controller for providing a versatile
`interface through which a user can command a peripheral
`electronic device to perform multiple actions, said controller
`comprising:
`an ergonomic housing including a communication link
`electrically matable to the electronic device, said hous-
`ing being sized and shaped to be held in a user’s hands
`during operating conditions, said housing including a
`plurality of controls for generating a plurality of control
`signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user
`inputs respectively, said housing having a general bat
`shape including integrally opposed arms defining bat
`wings respectively; and
`a control circuit operably mated with said controls for
`processing and transmitting said control signals to the
`electronic device during operating conditions, said con-
`trol circuit including means for allowing the user to
`independently operate at least one controller function
`such that the user can command the electronic device to
`
`perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick and a
`mouse and a keyboard respectively, said controls being
`selectively programmable between an application mode
`and an intemet mode and a word mode so that the user
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`can interchangeably perform the plurality of tasks with
`said independent operating means;
`wherein said controls include a plurality of keys, wherein
`the plurality of keys are (*) keys and a first group of
`controls comprising AB, CD key;
`when said controller is in said applications mode, two
`phenomes are selectively outputted using one of said
`keys in combination with one of said first group of
`controls and thereby input an entire alphabet while using
`approximately half of said controls; and
`when in the internet mode, pressing the AB key would
`result in the input HOME, Pressing the CD key would
`result in the input BACKWARD.
`2. The controller of claim 1, wherein said housing com-
`prises:
`at least one bay for receiving said control circuit therein
`such that the user can selectively program said control
`circuit as desired.
`
`3. The controller of claim 1, wherein said housing further
`comprising:
`an eyelet integrally connected to said housing; and
`a flexible cord positioned through said eyelet so that the
`user can wear said controller around a selected portion
`ofthe user’s body.
`4. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of word processing tasks for displaying alphanu-
`meric characters.
`
`5. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of lntemet browsing tasks for accessing at least one
`web page using hypertext transfer protocol.
`6. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of gaming tasks for controlling a gaming figure
`during game play.
`7. A hand-operable controller for providing a versatile
`interface through which a user can command a peripheral
`electronic device to perform multiple actions, said controller
`comprising:
`an ergonomic housing including a communication link
`electrically matable to the electronic device, said hous-
`ing being sized and shaped to be held in a user’s hands
`during operating conditions, said housing including a
`plurality of controls for generating a plurality of control
`signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user
`inputs respectively, said housing having a general bat
`shape including integrally opposed arms defining bat
`wings respectively, said housing having top and bottom
`surfaces wherein selected ones of said controls are dis-
`
`posed on said top surface and other ones of said controls
`are disposed on said bottom surface respectively; and
`a control circuit operably mated with said controls for
`processing and transmitting said control signals to the
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`8
`electronic device during operating conditions, said con-
`trol circuit including means for allowing the user to
`independently operate at least one controller function
`such that the user can command the electronic device to
`
`perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick and a
`mouse and a keyboard respectively, said controls being
`selectively programmable between an application mode
`and an internet mode and a word mode so that the user
`
`can interchangeably perform the plurality of tasks with
`said independent operating means;
`wherein said controls include a plurality of keys adapted
`between engaged and non-engaged positions thereby
`defining said Internet mode and saidApplications mode
`respectively;
`wherein a first group of said controls are situated subjacent
`to said keys on a left side of said controller;
`when said controller is in said lntemet mode, said first
`group of controls maximize, minimize, and close a web
`browser window respectively;
`when said controller is in said Word mode, said first group
`of controls are I], KL, MN, OP, and QR letters, respec-
`tively;
`when said controller is in said lntemet Mode, a second
`group of said controls are “BOOK,” “SEARCH,”
`“LIST,” “STOP,” and “P” functions, respectively;
`when said controller is in said Word mode, said second
`group of controls are ST, UV, WX, YZ, and “www”
`letters, respectively.
`8. The controller of claim 7, wherein said housing com-
`prises:
`at least one bay for receiving said control circuit therein
`such that the user can selectively program said control
`circuit as desired.
`
`9. The controller of claim 7, wherein said housing further
`comprising:
`an eyelet integrally connected to said housing; and
`a flexible cord positioned through said eyelet so that the
`user can wear said controller around a selected portion
`of the user’s body.
`10. The controller of claim 7, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of word processing tasks for displaying alphanu-
`meric characters.
`
`11. The controller of claim 7, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of lntemet browsing tasks for accessing at least one
`web page using hypertext transfer protocol.
`12. The controller of claim 7, wherein said independent
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`plurality of gaming tasks for controlling a gaming figure
`during game play.
`
`IRONBURG EX2007
`
`IRONBURG EX2007