Patents by Inventor Alan Richard Buss

Alan Richard Buss has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Input device with multiple controls having interchangeable functionality
    Patent number: 6950092
    Abstract: A data processing system input device is described. The input device includes a first control device, a second control device, and a device driver. The first control device is capable of moving a cursor in accordance with a direction and magnitude of forces applied to the first control device. The second control device is capable of controlling scrolling in accordance with a direction and magnitude of forces applied to the second control device. The device driver is capable of switching functionality of the first control device with the functionality of the second control device. When the functionality of the first control devices is switched with the functionality of the second control device, the second control device moves the cursor and the first control device controls scrolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Richard Buss
  • Input device with multiple controls having interchangeable functionality
    Publication number: 20020118164
    Abstract: A data processing system input device is described. The input device includes a first control device, a second control device, and a device driver. The first control device is capable of moving a cursor in accordance with a direction and magnitude of forces applied to the first control device. The second control device is capable of controlling scrolling in accordance with a direction and magnitude of forces applied to the second control device. The device driver is capable of switching functionality of the first control device with the functionality of the second control device. When the functionality of the first control devices is switched with the functionality of the second control device, the second control device moves the cursor and the first control device controls scrolling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Richard Buss