Method for inputting data via the foot

(54) METHOD FOR INPUTTING DATA VIA THE FOOT

(75) Inventor: Matthew G. Howell, Nampa, ID (US)

(73) Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/561,065

(22) Filed: Apr. 28, 2000

Related U.S. Application Data

(63) Continuation of application No. 08/992,639, filed on Dec. 17, 1997, now Pat. No. 6,091,402.

(51) Int. CI.7 G09G 5/08; G09G 5/00

(52) U.S. CI 345/157; 345/156; 345/163;

345/167; 345/173

(58) Field of Search 345/156, 157,

345/158, 163, 165, 166, 168, 173, 174,

175

(56) References Cited

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5,943,044 A * 8/1999 Marinelli et al 345/174

6,091,402 A * 7/2000 Howell 345/157

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

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JP 404077913 A 3/1992

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* cited by examiner

Primary Examiner—Steven Saras

Assistant Examiner—Alecia D. Nelson

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Knobbe, Martens, Olson &

Bear, LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

One embodiment ol the present invention comprises a method lor inputting information into an electronic device comprising the acts ol orienting a sensing pad relative to an electronic device operator, sensing the relative location ol a foot motion indicator controlled by the operator and translating the relative location ol the foot motion indicator into electronic information. The method may further comprise displaying the electronic information on a screen. The act of sensing may be capacitive sensing, resistive sensing or optical sensing.

30 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets