Percussion input device for personal computer systems
USRE36387E · kind E · reissue
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A percussion system including at least one force transducer developing a variable resistance output based upon a force exerted upon its surface, an interface providing an interface output based upon the analog output of the force transducer, and a digital processing system coupled to the interface. The analog input is preferably a variable resistance, and the interface output is preferably a pulse having a width related to the variable resistance. The interface preferably includes a capacitive member to form an RC circuit with the force transducer, and circuitry responsive to the RC circuit to produce a digital output. The digital processing system stores the digital output of the interface in memory and processes the digital output with other digital outputs of the interface to perform a computer implemented process such as producing a synthesized drum sound. The percussion device preferably includes a transducer element sandwiched between two elastomeric members which are configured and sized to operate both as a percussive input device and as a mouse pad for the personal computer system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.