Z-encoder mechanism

Details Z-encoder mechanism Z-encoder mechanism

1997-01-14

1999-06-15

Hofsass, Jeffery A.

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Cursor mark position control device

345157, 345163, G01D 1508

Patent

active

059126612

ABSTRACT:
A z-encoder for a computer input device includes a wheel button that is supported on an axle or spindle within the housing of the input device. The axle is supported in the housing by spaced-apart axle supports. The axle supports are configured to allow one end of the axle to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel button such that the wheel button may be depressed, tilting the axle sightly. A spring mounted within the housing is arranged to resist depression of the wheel button.
An optical encoder may be positioned on the axle for rotation with the wheel button. A light source and a light sensor may be mounted within the housing so as to sense the motion of the optical encoder to provide a positioning signal. A microswitch may be mounted within the housing, and a switch engager on the axle may be arranged to depress the microswitch when the wheel button is depressed, thereby providing a button signal. A detent mechanism may also be provided on the axle and may engage a detent spring mounted within the housing to provide a segmented feel to the rotation of the wheel button. The size of the segments may be proportioned to the resolution of the optical encoder.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3582015 (1971-06-01), Laschenski
patent: 4739138 (1988-04-01), Wolf
patent: 4982618 (1991-01-01), Culver
patent: 5235868 (1993-08-01), Culver
patent: 5446481 (1995-08-01), Gillick et al.
patent: 5473344 (1995-12-01), Bacon et al.
patent: 5516993 (1996-05-01), Wecke et al.

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