Compact low profile magnetic input device
US6762748B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H36/0066
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention discloses a low profile input device for moving a cursor, scrolling a page, or selecting a function on a display of a handheld device. In an embodiment of the invention, a planar joystick (402,940) for use moving a cursor on the display of a handheld device comprises a movable sliding button having a first magnet M1 embedded therein. The button is slid by a user's finger over a second magnet M2, an action that distorts the magnetic flux 418 which is detected by a plurality of magnetic flux sensors 420. The direction and magnitude of the cursor movement on the display correspond to the change in flux caused by the movement of the sliding button.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.