Method and apparatus for implementing a dialpad on the surface of a mouse input device

Abstract

An interface device, such as a mouse input device, is used to provide input to a computer system or alternatively to a telephone system. The motion of the mouse input device over a first surface is detected. Selections made by a user on a mouse selection key are also detected. Numeric entry is received from numeric entry keys on a top surface of the mouse input device. In the preferred embodiment, the numeric keys are arranged as a dialpad for a telephone.

Description

technical field [0001] This invention relates to synergism systems between computer systems and telephone systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for implementing a dial pad on the surface of a mouse input device. Background technique [0002] In personal computers using a graphical interface, a pointing and selection device, such as a mouse input device, is usually used. In the background art, there are mouse input devices with many keys; however, these keys are used to speed up the access of certain computing operations. [0003] In almost all conventional telephones, a dial is incorporated into the telephone set and, in some cases, the telephone handset. As more features and functions are added to a high-end performance phone, the usual user interface keys and displays on the phone limit the user's ability to effectively utilize the full functionality of the phone. One of the major limiting factors of a standard telephone keypad i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As more features and functions are added to a high-end performance phone, the usual user interface keys and displays on the phone limit the user's ability to effectively utilize the full capabilities of the phone

Images