Pointing device with solid-state roller
US7170488B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0362
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.