Position detecting apparatus
US5861876A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0421
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A position detecting apparatus includes a ball on which dots are magnetically recorded so as to form a repetitive pattern (dot pattern) provided at a front end portion of a pen-type case and a magnetic head 4 having detecting elements arranged in a matrix form to detect the repetitive pattern and to output position detection information corresponding to the detection result. Because the dot pattern is magnetically recorded on the ball, it is possible to precisely record the dot pattern on a ball having a diameter of the several mm, and the position detecting apparatus can become compact through miniaturization of the ball. In addition, abrasion by friction, etc. of dot pattern can be prevented by the magnetic recording thereby contributing to detection of a precise dot pattern. Such a dot pattern also may be magneto-optically recorded. In addition, a second ball in contact with the first ball and having a portion exposed to the external portion of the case may be preferably provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.