Pointing device having segment resistor subtrate
US6236034A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G2009/04744
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pointing device comprises a substrate having a fixed pivoting hole area defined by a hole through a conductive surface that is coated with electrically conductive material and comprises four segments of patterned resistive materials. Each segment includes a plurality of spaced thick film pieces that may include radially extending strips, substantially Rectangular blocks, or substantially circular pieces. An electrically conductive force disc is supported by is a movable conductive spring or sheath to pivot relative to the pivoting hole area and rotate over the resistive surface of the substrate. The deflection of the conductive spring allows the force disc to contact portions of the conductors of the substrate, and the spring or sheath to contact portions of the conductors inside the pivoting hole area, generating electrical outputs to a microcontroller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.