Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Patent
1994-04-28
1996-01-30
Kuntz, Curtis
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
345168, G09G 302
Patent
active
054883920
ABSTRACT:
A computer pointing device having a rectangular operation plate and an integrated stationary base is disclosed. The operation plate is maneuverable with substantially equal ease along any pathway within a finite X-Y plane defined by the base. Movement of the operation plate involves an intermediate carriage that is uniaxially movable in unity with the operation plate along a first axis. The operation plate is uniaxially movable relative to the carriage along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. Uniaxial movement is guided by ball bearings positioned between face-to-face counterpart support and guide channels respectively composed on the base and on the carriage, parallel to the first axis. Similar channels are composed between the operation plate and the carriage, parallel to the second axis. The ball bearings, being partially engaged in each face-to-face counterpart channel, permit relative movement that is parallel to the channels and inhibit play or lateral movement between counterpart channels. In some embodiments, two rotary encoders are mounted in the carriage such that each of the encoder shafts is positioned perpendicular to one of the movement axes and each being in frictional contact with a linear rack. One rack is fixed to the base perpendicular to the first axis and drives one shaft from below, the shaft being perpendicular to the first axis. The other rack is fixed relative to the operation plate parallel to the second axis and drives the other shaft from above, the shaft being perpendicular to the second axis. The encoders each respond to independent uniaxial movement and are driven by consistent contact with the racks, thereby generating consistent signals enabling the maintenance of absolute mapping relationships. Since the ball bearings enforce precision alignment and orientation of moving parts with an absence of play, small encoder shafts are used, whereby possible resolution is over twice that obtainable in prior art devices having ball-driven encoders.
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Logitech CyberMan 3D Controller operating model package bearing model #1004 and copyright date of 1993.
Chang Vivian W.
Kuntz Curtis
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