Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-07
2003-02-04
Mengistu, Amare (Department: 2778)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
C345S157000, C345S161000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06515650
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an input device used in a computer system, and particularly relates to a pointing device for moving a cursor to a desired position in a display and to an acceleration-measuring apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, many computer systems are provided with pointing devices as well as keyboards, so as to provide a data input means of an improved operability.
Pointing devices such as mouses and digitizers have been commonly used for desktop type computers. However, laptop type or notebook type portable computers require pointing devices which can be used at places where no flat working surface is available.
Thus, various pointing devices, such as a track-ball type pointing device, which are reduced in size and do not require a flat working surface have been developed.
FIG. 1
is a diagram showing an example of a pointing device
100
of the related art.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, the pointing device
100
of the related art is provided with a rod
101
. The rod
101
and a supporting frame
102
are connected via a tightly wound coil spring
103
.
A coordinate detecting part
104
is provided underneath the rod
101
and the supporting frame
102
. The coordinate detecting part
104
includes, for example, a light-emitting element
105
provided at a lower end of the rod
101
and a light-receiving element
106
mounted on a printed-circuit board
107
at a position opposing the light-emitting element
105
.
The light-receiving element
106
may be a CCD having a number of light-receiving parts arranged in a matrix form. When the rod
101
is pushed in a desired direction with a horizontal force, the coil spring
103
is bent and a shaft center of the operating rod
101
is tilted. Thus, a direction of irradiation of the light-emitting element
105
changes.
As a result, corresponding to a direction and an angle of inclination, a light beam from the light-emitting element
105
is incident on a specific light-receiving part on the light-receiving element
106
. Then, electric signals are output from the light-receiving parts provided on the light-receiving element
106
at positions corresponding to coordinates of the direction and the angle of inclination of the rod
101
.
The above-described pointing device
100
of the related art has comparatively large size and weight. Therefore, the pointing device of the related art is cumbersome and difficult to handle with ease. That is to say, there is a problem that the pointing device is not suitable for use by small children.
Therefore, there is a need for a pointing device which is usable for all ages. Further, there is a need for a pointing device with a reduced size and a good operability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an input device which can satisfy the needs described above.
It is another and more specific object of the present invention to provide an input device having an operating part which returns to its initial position when released.
In order to achieve the above objects, an input device includes a substantially spherical part provided at a lower end of said movable part; bearing means which rotatably supports said substantially spherical part of said movable part; a recovery means which rotates said substantially spherical part within said bearing means so as to recover the upright position of the movable part; and inclination detecting means which detects a direction of inclination and an angle of inclination of said movable part.
The input device described above may be embodied as a pointing device or as an acceleration measuring device. With the structure describe above, it is possible to obtain an input device with a reduced size.
The recovery means may include a cover having a cylindrical part; a plurality of protrusions protruding outward from said substantially spherical part; a slider slidably provided in said cylindrical part of said cover, a lower end of said slider being supported by said protrusions; and a spring which downwardly spring-biases said slider.
With the recovery means described above, the input device can be operated with less operational force. Further, it is ensured that the slider and the movable part will recover its original position.
Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5068498 (1991-11-01), Engel
patent: 5724068 (1998-03-01), Sanchez et al.
patent: 5831596 (1998-11-01), Marshall et al.
patent: 6259433 (2001-07-01), Meyers
patent: 6266046 (2001-07-01), Arita
patent: 7-117876 (1995-12-01), None
patent: 9-134251 (1997-05-01), None
Arita Takashi
Funakoshi Katsuya
Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
Mengistu Amare
Staas & Halsey , LLP
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