(12) United States Patent
`US 7,859,514 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`Park
`Dec. 28, 2010
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`
`US007859514B1
`
`(4)
`
`(76)
`
`MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USER INTERFACE
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`Inventor: Young Park, 964 Woodward Park Dr,
`Suwanee, GA (US) 30024
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended. or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 1487 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 11/183,096
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 19, 2005
`
`G1)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G09G 5/00
`US. C1. cece teens 345/156, 345/168; 345/169;
`345/184; 400/472; 400/485
`Field of Classification Search......... 345/156-172;
`400/472, 485, 100
`Sce applicationfile for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,394,906 Bl
`6,512,511 B2*
`6,557,853 B2*
`6,580,415 Bl
`200L/0011991 Al
`
`5/2002 Ogata
`1/2003 Willner etal. oo... 345/169
`5/2003 Huettlinger ............. 273/148 B
`6/2003 Kato etal.
`8/2001 Wanget al.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Quan-Zhen Wang
`Assistant Examiner—Jennifer T Nguyen
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A multi-functional user interface for electronic devices
`includes a hand-operable controller for providing an interface
`through which a user can commanda peripheral electronic
`device to perform multiple actions. Such a controller includes
`an ergonomic housing including a communication link elec-
`trically matable to the electronic device. The housing
`includesa plurality of controls for generating a plurality of
`control signals based upona plurality of corresponding user
`inputs respectively. The housing includes front andrearfaces,
`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 Internet Mode, Applications Made, and Word Made,
`conveniently enabling a user to use a single input device fora
`variety of different functions.
`
`5,394,168 A
`5,984,548 A *
`D438,178 S
`6,288,709 Bl
`
`2/1995 Smith,II etal.
`11/1999 Willner et al... 400/472
`2/2001 Hames
`9/2001 Willner etal,
`
`12 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`FIG.7
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`US 7,859,514 Bl
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`1
`MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USER INTEREACE
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`nience ofusing one device for the above referenced functions
`results in cost and time savings for consumersin addition to
`adding to their enjoyment whenusing such devices.
`
`
`BRIEF SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`
`Not Applicable.
`
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`
`Not Applicable.
`REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
`
`Not Applicable.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
`object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional
`userinterface for electronic devices. These and other objects,
`features, and advantages of the invention are provided bya
`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 aconventional word
`processor, it is much faster than typing with a cell phone or
`PDAs. Also,
`the voice recognition system of the present
`1. Technical Field
`invention enables a user to quickly and effectively input
`This invention relates to data entry and input devices and,
`alphanumerical characters ona display screen. Accordingly,a
`more particularly, to a multi-functional user interface for
`user has more than 60 available keys, which can be pro-
`electronic devices such that a user can instruct the electronic
`grammedto fit their necessary needs. Of course, all PC games
`devices to execute web browsing operations, word processing
`can be experienced as a console gameincluding real life
`operations, and gaming operations.
`simulations commonly available through the X-Box and Play
`2. Prior Art
`Station II.
`Keyboard data entry systems and game controllers are
`Such a controller includes an ergonomic housing including
`known in the art. Some prior art systems are directed to
`a communication link electrically matable to the electronic
`device. The housing is sized and shapedto be held ina user’s
`ergonomic keyboard systems wherein the user’s hands are
`substantially vertically oriented when the keyboardis used.
`hands during operating conditions and includesa plurality of
`Such
`systems
`disclose utilizing
`somewhat
`standard
`controls for generating a plurality of control signals based
`
`QWERTYkeyboard formats, as opposedto a format whichis
`upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively.
`capable ofhigher speed data entry. However, such systems do
`The housing, has a general bat shape and further includes
`not disclose an ergonomic housingthat is adapted to be sup-
`integrally opposed armsdefining bat wings respectively. ‘he
`ported bythe two handsofthe user while the user operates the
`housing further has top and bottom surfaces wherein selected
`key switches during data entry.
`onesofthe controls are disposed on the top surface and other
`ones of the controls are disposed on the bottom surface
`Over the years, many prior arl systems have presented
`alternatives to the QWERTYformat as a meansofincreasing
`respectively.
`
`typing speed. While those systems would permitauserto type The controller further includes a control circuit operably
`40
`faster, they required a user to learn the new keyboard layout.
`mated with the controls for processing and transmitting the
`In spite ofthe potential typing speed increase, the public has
`control signals to the electronic device during operating con-
`ditions. The control circuit includes a mechanismfor allow-
`been loath to adopt any keyboard format other than the old
`QWERTYarrangement.It is clear that once typists become
`ing the user to independently operate at least one controller
`function such that the user can commandthe electronic device
`familiar with a keyboard layout, a promised increase in typing
`speed is not sufficient motivation to learn an additional key-
`to perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick, a mouse,
`board arrangement.
`and a keyboard respectively.
`The housing includes at least one bay for receiving the
`there has been a tremendous
`During the past decade,
`growthin the use and ownership of computers, game software
`control circuit therein such that the user can selectively
`remove the control circuit as desired. An eyelet is integrally
`and video game systems. As a result, children and young
`i2
`connected to the housing and a flexible cord may be posi-
`adults have become very accustomed to handling and using 5
`tioned through the eyelet so that the user can wear the con-
`game controllers that incorporate multidirectional switches.
`troller around a selected portion ofthe user’s body. ‘Uhe inde-
`This growing portion of the keyboard-using population is
`pendent operating mechanism preferably includes
`a
`morelikely to adopt a keyboard formatthat is arranged like a
`programmed computer software product for enabling the
`gamecontroller, can function as a game controller, is ergo-
`electronic device to perform a plurality of word processing
`nomically designed, allows users to enter data while seated in 5
`tasks for displaying alphanumeric characters.
`a reclined position away [rom a desk, and offers greater
`typing speed. The limitations of the mouse and keyboard for
`Inanalternate embodiment, sucha mechanismmayfurther
`applications like computer aided design (CAD) and computer
`include a programmed computer software product
`for
`gamesare well known, and a new type of multimedia instru-
`enabling the electronic device to perform a plurality of Inter-
`ment is urgently needed for input devices so that users are able
`net browsing tasks for accessing at least one web page using
`to interact efficiently withthe latest technology on the market.
`hypertext transfer protocol. In yet another alternate embodi-
`ment, the independent operating mechanism may include a
`Accordingly, a need remains for a multi-functional user
`interface for electronic devices. Such aninterfacesatisfies the
`programmed computer software product for enabling the
`electronic device to perform a plurality of gaming tasks for
`above noted shortcomings by providing the functions of a
`controlling a gaming figure during gameplay.
`keyboard, mouse,and joystick in one device. Such a device is
`capable of operating a wide variety of compuler programs as
`Itis noted the purposeof the foregoing abstractis to enable
`well as playing gamesandis fun and easy to use. The conve-
`the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public gener-
`
`45
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`60
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`65
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`The novel features believed to be characteristic of this
`invention are set forth with particularity in the appended
`claims. The inventionitself, however, both asto 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 3
`plurality of controls of a multifunctional user interface for
`electronic devices, in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG.2 is a perspective viewofthe rear face andthe plural-
`ity of controls of the present invention shownin FIG.1;
`TG.3 is a top plan viewof the present invention showing 2
`the front faceat the Internet Mode; and
`FIG.4 is a top plan viewofthe present invention showing
`the front face at the Word Mode:
`FIG. 5 is a bottom view ofthe 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
`shownin FIG. 1.
`
`30
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`35
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`US 7,859,514 Bl
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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 froma 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 measuredbythe claims,
`norisit intendedto belimiting asto the scope of
`the invention
`in any way.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OFTHE DRAWING
`
`
`
`4
`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 commandthe 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 madeso 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 includesat
`least one bay 61 for receiving the control circuit 60 therein
`suchthat 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 ['IG. 7. The device 10 is selectively
`interchangeable between Word, Internet Mode, Applications
`Mode, and Remote Control Mode, conveniently enabling a
`user lo use a single input device for a variety of different
`functions.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in moredetail, a front face of
`the controller 20 is shown wherein the “*” keys 41 are adapted
`to a non-engagedor out position. Such “*” keys 41 may be
`selectively toggled between disengaged and engaged posi-
`tions. The position ofthe “*”’ key 41 definesthe Internet mode
`or the Applications mode. A group of controls 42 aresituated
`subjacentthe “*” key 41 on the lefi side of the controller 20.
`In the Internet mode, shownin FIG. 3, such controls 42 allow
`
`auser to maximize, minimize, and close a web browser win-
`
`
`
`dow andare identified as “C1”, “two overlapping rectangles,”
`“X.“E4," and “He”. In the Word mode, shown in FIG.4, such
`keysare identified asthe letters IJ, KL, MN, OP, and QR. On
`the right side ofthe controller 20, there are a second series of
`The present invention will now be described more fully
`controls 43 which can be programmed according to cach
`hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
`user’s needs by simultaneously engaging the (*) button 41
`whicha preferred embodimentofthe inventionis shown. This
`and atleast one ofthe controls in the second group 43. In the
`invention may, however, be embodied in many different
`forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodi-
`Internet Mode,
`the keys 43 are identified as “BOOK,”
`“SEARCH,” “LIST, “STOP, and “P,’ In the Word mode,
`mentset forth herein. Rather, this embodimentis provided so
`such keys 43 are identified as ST, UV, WX, YZ, and “www”.
`that this application will be thorough and complete, and will
`Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, advantageously, the device
`fully conveythe true scopeof the invention to those skilled in
`10 can learn a series of commands uniqueto a user such that
`the art. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout the
`multiple users can employthe device 10 in a varicty ofways.
`figures.
`A scroll button 44 is located on the upperright corner of the
`The device ofthis invention is referred to generally in
`controller front face 21 and is functional in a conventional
`FIGS. 1-7 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to
`i2
`manner. Adjacent the scroll button 44, there are a series of
`provide a multi-functional user interface for electronic 5
`juxtaposed controls 45 defining up, down,
`left, and right
`devices. It should be understood that the device 10 may be
`movements such that
`the user may position the cursor
`used to interface many different types of electronic devices
`between orthogonal positions.
`and should not be limited to only video games. Initiallyrefer-
`ring to FIGS. 1 and 2,the device 10 includes a hand-operable
`A pair oftrack balls 46 are simultaneously operable by the
`controller 20 for providing a versatile interface through which 5
`user for enhancing the ergonomic and functional ability of
`auser can commandaperipheral electronic device to perform
`such track balls 46. For example, a user may quickly and
`multiple actions. Such a controller 20 includes an ergonomic
`efficiently move a cursor across the display by cooperatively
`housing 30. The housing 30 is sized and shapedto be held in
`the rolling the trackballs 46 in opposing or complimentary
`a user’s hands during operating conditions and includes a
`directions. To the left of the track balls 46 is a multi-flange
`plurality of controls collectively referred to as item 40 and
`control 47 for allowing the user to scroll backwards and
`described in greater detail herein below for generating a plu-
`forwards between web pages. In the Internet mode, such a
`control 47 is identified as “HOME,” “FRONT,” “ALL,” and
`rality of control signals based uponaplurality of correspond-
`ing uscr inputs respectively. Such controls 40 are casily
`“REAR”. In the Word mode, such a contro! 47 represents the
`manipulated by a user’s fingers, while still maintaining con-
`letter groups AB, CD, EF, and GH. Thus, the (*) controls may
`trol of the device 10.
`operate similar to a conventional “alt” key, “control” key, and
`A control circuit 60 is operably mated with such controls
`“shift” key, on a conventional keyboard. Therefore, by engag-
`40 for processing and transmitting controlsignals to the elec-
`ing and disengaging theasterisk key, all the letters and char-
`
`40
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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 ofthe front face 21.
`Such controls 48 identify a “left” button employed on a con-
`ventional mouse. Athird “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 allowsthe userto toggle
`the present invention 10 to the internet mode. Whenthe (**)
`buttons 41 are at an engaged position (or in positions) the set
`of arrow keys 45 functionsto scroll the page up and down as
`well as move the cursor between a homeand an endposition
`commonly employed by a conventional keyboard. A central
`control $1 is disposed abovethe 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 audiofile
`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 keyand oneofthe “*” keys
`would result in the input of the letter B. For the CD key,
`pressing the CD key alone would result in the mput ofthe
`letter C. Pressing the CD keyand one ofthe ‘*” keys would
`result in the inputting ofthe letter D. The “*”’ keysare 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-
`boardsis 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.
`Tn the Internet Mode,pressing the AB key would result in
`the input HOME. Pressing the CD key would result in the
`inpul 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: WXI/LIST; and YZ/STOP.
`Pressing the “A” key in conjunction with a phenomekey
`(AB, CD,ete.) would result in an application mode function.
`The numerical functions outputted would be equal to the
`place of cach letter in the alphabet. Therefore, pressing AB
`andA wouldresult 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 5
`engaged respectively. Such figuresillustrate the controller 20
`at an Internet mode and Word moderespectively. The rear
`face 22 of the controller 20 includes a plurality of controls
`selectively operable when the asterisk contra! 41 is at a dis-
`engaged position. Such controls define numerical valucs as
`well as the shift and space keys. The Word mode, shown in
`FIG.6, includesal least one “R” key 54 andfive rows of keys
`identified as follows: Row one 55: “ESC”and “DEL”; Row
`two 56: “w” and “TAB”; Row three 57: “17? “2,“3? “4,” and
`“5”; Row four 58: “SHIFT,” “6,” “7.” “8.” “9." “0.” 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 made.
`Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the housing 30 has a general bat
`shape and further includes integrally opposed arms 32 defin-
`ing bal wings respectively. Such a shape allows a user to
`firmly and comfortably grip and operate the device 10,
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`40
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`wnan
`5
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`enabling a user to workor play for longer periods 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
`wherea limited numberof 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 cannot be input via the joystick.
`Againreferring 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 cyelet 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 ofthe user’s body. Such a cord 37 enables
`a userto 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 performa 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 mayfurther include a programmed
`computer software product for enabling the electronic device
`to perform a plurality of gamingtasks for controlling a gam-
`ing figure during gameplay, 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 madeby those skilled in
`the art without departing from thespirit of the invention.It is
`intended, therefore, by the appended claimsto coverall 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 obviousto one skilled in theart.
`Whatis claimed as new and what is desired to secure by
`Letters Patent of the United Statesis:
`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 respeclively; 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
`suchthat the user can commandthe electronic device to
`perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick and a
`mouse and a keyboard respectively, said controls being
`selectively programmable betweenan application mode
`and an internet mode and a word mode so that the user
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`electronic device during operating conditions, said con-
`can interchangeably perform the plurality of tasks with
`trol circuit including means for allowing the user to
`said independent operating means;
`independently operate at least one controller function
`wherein said controls include a plurality of keys, wherein
`suchthat the user can commandthe electronic device to
`the plurality of keys are (*) keys and a first group of
`perform a plurality of tasks unique to a joystick and a
`controls comprising AB, CD key;
`mouse and a keyboard respectively, said controls being
`when said controller is in said applications mode, two
`selectively programmable betweenan application mode
`phenomesare selectively outputted using one of said
`and an internet mode and a word mode so that the user
`keys in combination with one ofsaid first group of
`can interchangeablyperform the plurality of tasks with
`controls and thereby input anentire alphabet while using
`said independent operating means;
`approximately half of said controls; and
`when in the internet mode, pressing the AB key would
`wherein said controls include a plurality of keys adapted
`result in the input HOME,Pressing the CD key would
`between engaged and non-engaged positions thereby
`result in the input BACKWARD.
`defining said Internet mode and said Applications mode
`2. The controller of claim 1, whercin said housing com-
`respectively;
`prises:
`wherein a first group of said controls are situated subjacent
`al least one bay for receiving said control circuit therein
`to said keys on a left side of said controller;
`suchthat the user can selectively programsaid control
`when said controller is in said Internet mode, said first
`circuit as desired.
`group of controls maximize, minimize, and close a web
`3. The controller of claim 1, wherein said housing further
`browser windowrespectively;
`comprising:
`whensaid controller is in said Word mode,said first group
`an eyelet integrally connected to said housing; and
`of controls are IJ, KL, MN, OP, and QRletters, respec-
`a flexible cord positioned through said eyelet so that the
`tively;
`user can wear said controller around a selected portion
`when said controller is in said Internct Mode, a sccond
`of the user’s body.
`group of said controls are “BOOK,” “SEARCH,”
`4. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`“LIST? “STOP,” and “P” functions, respectively;
`perating means comprises: a programmed computersoft-
`when said controller is in said Word mode, said second
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`group ofcontrols are S'l, UV, WX, YZ, and “www”
`plurality of word processing tasks for displaying alphanu-
`letters, respectively.
`meric characters.
`8. The controller of claim 7, wherein said housing com-
`5. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`prises:
`programmed computer soft-
`2io perating means comprises: a
`at least one bay for receiving said control circuit therein
`are product for enabling the e
`ectronic device to perform a
`such that the user can selectively program said control
`circuit as desired.
`urality of Internet browsingta
`sks for accessing at least one
`a‘eb page using hypertext transfer protocol.
`9. Lhe controller of claim 7, wherein said housing further
`6. The controller of claim 1, wherein said independent
`°
`comprising:
`perating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`an eyelet integrally connected to said housing; and
`yare product for enabling the clectronic device to perform a
`a flexible cord. positioned through said eyelet so that the
`urality of gaming tasks for controlling a gaming figure
`user can wear said controller around a selected portion
`during gameplay.
`of the user’s body.
`7. A hand-operable controller for providing a versatile
`10. The controller of claim 7, wherein said independent
`interface through which a user can commandaperipheral
`operating means comprises: a programmed computer soft-
`electronic device to perform multiple actions, said controller
`ware product for enabling the electronic device to perform a
`comprising:
`plurality of word processing tasks for displaying alphanu-
`an ergonomic housing, including a communication link
`meric characters.
`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 generatinga 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
`wingsrespectively, said housing having top and bottom
`surfaces wherein selected ones of said controls are dis-
`posed on said top surface and other onesof 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
`
`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 Internet 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 gameplay.
`
`
`
`°
`
`ta
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`US 7,859,514 Bl
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`5
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`2
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`IRONBURG EX2012, Page 12
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`IRONBURG EX2012, Page 12
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