Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for providing two dimensional positioning data signals

US4580006A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
6References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 14, 1984
Grant dateApr 1, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 14, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/20201
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and methods for providing two-dimensional positioning data signals for positioning an indicating element have an upper, hand-movable member having a center of rotational movement in close proximity to a palm carrying surface. A fixed base support provides a frictional supporting surface for the hand movable member so that any discontinuities of friction arising from the operation of the sensing elements described below are masked. Position sensing elements provide electrical signals corresponding to the position of the hand movable member. The position signals are processed to provide for a fixed mapping of hand movable element position to indicating element position when either the x or y axis position signals are changing at a rate greater than a preset threshold, and for a (low) fixed ratio incremental positioning otherwise.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.