Abstract: A cursor positioning system for use with computer systems employing relative-pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or mice) for cursor positioning functions. The cursor positioning system employs a cursor driver, stored in a memory of the computer system and responsive to cursor positioning signals from the relative-pointing device, to enable fast and accurate cursor positioning to specific, predefined locations. The cursor driver responds to user-actuated signals, such as "clicks" or keystrokes to record cursor position objects at particular cursor locations. Thereafter, during cursor position selection mode, initiated by a keystroke or relative-pointing device signal, the cursor's position is moved from position object to position object. The preferred embodiment also provides for recording of bias objects, typically the same as the position objects, to attract the cursor's location towards them. This attraction reduces undershoot and overshoot of the cursor.

Abstract: A cursor positioning system for use with computer systems employing relative-pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or mice) for cursor positioning functions. The cursor positioning system employs a cursor driver, stored in a memory of the computer system and responsive to cursor positioning signals from the relative-pointing device, to enable fast and accurate cursor positioning to specific, predefined locations. The cursor driver responds to user-actuated signals, such as "clicks" or keystrokes to record cursor position objects at particular cursor locations. Thereafter, during cursor position selection mode, initiated by a keystroke or relative-pointing device signal, the cursor's position is moved from position object to position object. The preferred embodiment also provides for recording of bias objects, typically the same as the position objects, to attract the cursor's location towards them. This attraction reduces undershoot and overshoot of the cursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved computer pointing device such as a trackball or mouse, for example. The improved computer pointing device allows a user to set a communications protocol for use with a particular computer system by using a user-friendly configuration program designed for operation on a different platform and by using a different communications protocol. Additionally, the computer pointing device includes an LED encoder illumination control system to provide varying levels of LED intensities. During normal operation, an LED operates at a particular intensity level. The intensity level is controllable in discrete steps: LED power is off for power up, LED power is reduced for testing to test for unacceptable signal levels, and LED power may be increased beyond normal levels to counteract diminution of light intensity as the LED ages.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved computer pointing device such as a trackball or mouse, for example. The improved computer pointing device allows a user to set a communications protocol for use with a particular computer system by using a user-friendly configuration program designed for operation on a different platform and by using a different communications protocol. Additionally, the computer pointing device includes an LED encoder illumination control system to provide varying levels of LED intensities. During normal operation, an LED operates at a particular intensity level. The intensity level is controllable in discrete steps: LED power is off for power up, LED power is reduced for testing to test for unacceptable signal levels, and LED power may be increased beyond normal levels to counteract diminution of light intensity as the LED ages.