Pointing device with pressure sensitive resistor
US6879316B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/03543
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a pressure sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the pressure sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the pressure sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensing resistor used is a folded-over metal-coated plastic film which is responsive to very low activation forces, such as forces less than 50 grams.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.