MXPA98000988A - Vertical point axle lever with electrostat dump protection - Google Patents

Abstract

A pointing device to control the position, movement and operation of a cursor on a monitor. Specifically, there is a pointing lever that both directs a cursor and functions as the activation button to select details or paragraphs on the monitor by tapping on the pointing lever, instead of hitting a mouse button. Additionally, there is a pointing lever that is both insensitive to the ED (electrostatic discharge) as well as the force of sefferni

Description

VERTICAL POINT AXLE LEVER WITH PROTECTION OF ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE ANTECEDENT OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The present application relates to co-pending US Application Serial No. 08 / 756,202, entitled "Z-axis aiming lever" with base as a tension concentrator, filed on November 25, 1996, and the Copending application of the United States serial number 08 / 717,517, entitled collar-mounted aiming lever, filed September 23, 1996. Both applications being assigned to the current assignee of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety by reference .

FIELD OF PREFERRED MODALITY (S) The present invention relates generally to a pointing device for controlling the position, movement and operation of a cursor on a display screen. Specifically, there is a pointing lever that both directs a cursor and functions as the activation button to select items on the display screen, by tapping on the pointing lever instead of pressing on a mouse button. Additionally, there is a pointing lever that is insensitive to ED (electrostatic discharge). 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE Various devices are known to control the movement of the cursor on a computer display screen of a computer and to indicate an option of the computer command identified by the position of the cursor on the menu of the display screen. One of these devices is a "mouse" which has a ball on its lower side that rolls on a horizontal surface, with the moving components on the X axis and the Y axis that are perceived and transmitted through a connecting cable to a serial port of computer input. The signal for the computer is varied by the amount and direction of movement of the mouse ball, and causes the cursor on the display screen to have a corresponding movement. One or two "mouse" or "oppression" buttons located on top of the mouse at the front end allow the computer operator to enter a selection or another command to the computer (the command being typically shown by the position of the computer). cursor over an expanded menu) by pressing one or the other, or both, depending on the software associated with the device. This device, which is separated from the console and keyboard of the computer and requires a connection to a computer port, requires a horizontal, flat surface, and for the operation of the mouse, the computer operator must completely remove a hand of the computer keyboard. Another mechanism for controlling and pointing the cursor is a "joystick" which, like the mouse, is completely separate from the computer's console and keyboard. The joystick is typically an elongated lever that extends upwards from a base connected to the computer console by means of a cable. The control lever is operated by tilting the upright lever in several directions to make the cursor or other deployment element move in one direction and usually at a speed corresponding to the direction and pressure exerted on the lever by the computer operator . However, the operation of a joystick frequently requires that both hands be removed from the computer keyboard, one hand to hold the base while the other hand manipulates the joystick. An "oppression" button is usually located on the joystick. Although a mouse or joystick can be used with a laptop-sized laptop or notebook computer, these devices are uncomfortable, must be carried separately and connected to the computer before being used., and they are not appropriate for the operation during the trip. Still, another type of cursor driver device is a "mouseball" (trackball). This device, which is essentially an inverted mouse, includes a rotatable ball mounted inside a housing. The ball is rotated by a finger, the thumb or the palm of the computer operator, and the components of the X and Y movement are perceived and entered into the computer to cause the corresponding movement of the cursor through the display screen. The buttons of the "mouse" or "oppression" are usually located on the housing of the mouse ball, although with some models the selection signal is entered by pressing the "return" key on the standard keyboard. This type of pointing device has been found useful with laptops, because it can be temporarily attached to the side of the computer case for manipulation by a hand of the computer operator. However, although mouse ball devices can be removably attached to the computer case, they still require fixation before use and removal after use. It is also noted that some mouse balls are manufactured on the computer keyboard. However, these mouse balls require a set of separate oppression buttons for the selection of the elements on the display monitor.

Manufacturers of laptop laptops, recognizing the need to place the cursor driver device in a permanent and more convenient location, installed a button-shaped, outgoing joystick, centrally around the keyboard keys of the computer, specifically in the union of the "g", "h" and "b" keys of the standard "QWERTY" keyboard. The joystick, also known as a pointing lever, was sensitive to lateral pressure, the amount and direction from which they were perceived and entered into the computer to cause the movement of the cursor, and the speed and direction of the movement of the cursor corresponded to the amount and direction of the pressure on the joystick. However, he had to provide "mouse" or "oppression" buttons that extend upwards, somewhere on the computer. Despite the advantages of each type of cursor control, neither has allowed the user to control the movement of the cursor as well as to select the items on the screen, using only a pointing lever device. Additionally, nothing in the state of the art allows the user of this double control to use only one finger while allowing the remaining fingers to reside in the origin row of the standard keyboard.

Description of Related Art The examples of patents related to the present invention are as follows, wherein each patent is hereby incorporated by reference for related teachings and support: U.S. Patent No. Re. 35,016, is a Style of force measurement on all three axes. U.S. Patent No. 5,489,900, is a tension sensitive column transducer for a data entry keyboard that contains a column that rises from the keyboard. U.S. Patent No. 5,521, 596, is a sensor device placed either under a cover of the key or a key or a keyboard or between two keys on a keyboard, such that the movement of the cursor It can be carried out from the keyboard by itself. U.S. Patent No. 5,473,347, is a computer pointing device for controlling the position, movement and operation of a cursor on a computer's display screen. U.S. Patent No. 5,407,285, is an apparatus for use on a computer keyboard to control the cousin is disclosed. U.S. Patent No. 5,325,081, is a supported strain gauge assembly and a joystick and the method of making it. U.S. Patent No. 5,263,375 is a contact detector that uses resistance elements and their application. U.S. Patent No. 4,969,366, is a moment detector that uses resistance elements. U.S. Patent No. 4,967,605 is a force and acceleration detector that uses resistance elements. U.S. Patent No. 4,905,523 is a force and acceleration detector that uses resistance elements. U.S. Patent No. 4,876,524, is a control or similar somatic device of the type having an elastic beam and tension indicators fixed to the surface of the beam, characterized by at least a first group of three strain gauges each having an operating axis thereof inclined with a single predetermined angle with respect to the main axis of the beam, and tension indicators arranged at a previously determined first level along the beam. U.S. Patent No. 4,680,577, is a multi-purpose key switch for controlling the movement of the cursor on a CRT monitor and for character access includes a key cover that moves laterally to provide control of the cursor and it moves vertically to access the character. The prior patents reflect the state of the art of which the applicant is aware and are offered with the propitious purpose of fulfilling the admitted obligation of the sincerity applicant to disclose the information that may be pertinent in the examination of the present application. It is stipulated respectfully, however, that none of these patents teaches or makes obvious, simply or when considered in combination, the invention claimed by the applicant.

Problems of the Prior Art There are several problems that exist with the prior art that are enshrined by the preferred embodiment. A problem for the developers of the aiming lever is total with the forces of seffernick. The forces of Seffernick are those forces that are applied to a support structure, a keyboard for example, that moves towards the pointing lever. For example, writing on a keyboard can generate seffernick forces. In this case, the aiming lever is so sensitive that a user would be activating the operation of the aiming lever unintentionally. The sensitivity of the electronic parts of the aiming lever would perceive the deformation of the support surface of the keyboard and would move it towards the deformation of its own support surface and would erroneously generate control signals. In this way, the Seffernick forces are those forces that move from a support structure through the body of the aiming lever and towards the electronic components of the aiming lever, sufficient to generate unintentional control signals. Another problem with the levers of pointing of the prior art is the lack of protection against ED (electrostatic discharge). Users of keyboards, for example, often form static electricity that is discharged to the sensitive electronic parts of the pointing device. If the pointing device receives the energy DE, the sensitive electronics of not only the pointing lever but also the keyboard or even the associated components of the computer can be damaged. This and other problems will be solved by the preferred embodiments of the invention. A review of the description, drawings and claims will teach a craftsman more clearly with knowledge of other problems that are solved by the preferred modalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES It is a feature of the invention to provide a pointing lever for controlling the position, movement and operation of a cursor on a display screen. It is another feature of the invention to provide a pointing screen having DE protection. Specifically, there is a housing structure that connects to ground and surrounds key parts of the aiming lever to ground with any of the events DE away from any electronic part of the aiming lever.

A further feature of the invention is to provide a pointing lever assembly utilizing resistor-based voltage indicators mounted on the sides of the axis of the aiming lever. Where, the tension indicators are to perceive when, either, the lever or the base is being bent. When bending, tension is created on the resistor-based voltage indicators. Where, the voltage indicators are coupled to a combination of circuits that will produce signals in response to the voltage on the indicators. The resulting signals are used, either to control the movement of the cursor around the display screen, or to do what is commonly called "press" a mouse button to select elements or drag elements on the display screen. Yet, a further feature of the invention is to provide a device having a pointing lever extending through the base, such that the laterally mounted tension indicators extend through the bendable base. In this way, when the lever is pushed down along the Z axis, the base will exert pressure on all tension indicators. A further feature of the invention is to provide an easy method or design for coupling the electrical tracks located on the flexible cable to the resistor-based voltage indicators. A further feature of the invention is to provide a mountable pointing lever that is protected from seffernick forces. Specifically, there is a protective housing that isolates the pole assembly and is not mechanically fixed to the pole assembly. Additionally, the housing does not deform the base and electrical parts of the aiming lever, when the housing is deforming by itself to some degree or is vibrated by the seffernick forces. Specifically, there is a pole base and an electrical track film that are joined together forming the electromechanical working portion of the invention. Additionally, there is a housing component of the invention, which is integrally mounted to a keyboard base, and protects the pole assembly from the stresses associated with the keyboard assembly. The invention resides not only in any of one of these characteristics per se, but in the partial combination of all of them here disclosed and claimed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, can be readily used as a basis for the design of other structures, methods and systems to carry out various purposes of the present invention. Furthermore, the abstract is not even intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it even intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of the invention can be better understood by the following description of the accompanying drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pointing lever of the related art. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pointing lever of Figure 1, as it is placed between the keys of a keyboard. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 illustrating an approach view of the operational assembly. Figure 6 is an electrical diagram of a bridge circuit that incorporates the voltage sensitive elements. Figure 7 is an illustration of the aiming lever as used in a computer system operated by keyboard. It is emphasized that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray the specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to describe only the typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to both of Figures 1 and 2, there is a pointing lever 10 of the related art that can be used to control the movement of a cursor on a computer screen (not shown). In particular, the pointing lever 10 is formed of a lever 12 (or shaft), a substrate 14 for supporting the lever 12 (also referred to as an axis or pole), and a cavity 16 formed in the base 14 for the positioning of a flexible cable 18 that is electrically connected to 4 voltage indicators (not shown) located on the sides of the lever 12). The lever can be made of alumina ceramic material. Typically, the cable 18 can be made of polyamide material that contains electrical tracks thereon. The pointing lever 10 is typically positioned on the support base 20 and between the B, G and H 22 keys of a writing keyboard. Typically, the aiming lever has a similar rubber cover 24 placed on top of the lever 12 to increase the ease of operation. The lid is designed to allow the operator to control the cursor with a single finger placed on top of it and push in the direction of the desired cursor. Finger pressure causes tension in the lever that is sensed by the sensitivity indicators (not shown). The base 14, made of FR4 epoxy glass, or molded polycarbonate material, to name a few, will have some impact on the tension indicators because of the increased flexibility of the base around the indicators. Referring to Figure 3, there is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Specifically, there is a pointing lever 10 having a pole assembly 311. The pole assembly 311 is formed of the ceramic pole 12, a plastic base 312 for mounting the pole, and the flexible cable 18 for directing the signals from the pole. post 12 to the combination of circuits that determine the signal (not shown). Of course, the components of the pole assembly are fixedly joined together to form a unitary body. The post 12 has voltage indicators 30 (electrical circuit) mounted thereon, and a cover or plastic cover 24 placed on the post for use by a user of the keyboard to direct the movement of a cursor on a computer display. There is also a housing 315 which is formed of a cover 314 and a bracket 316. The cover includes a mounting tab 313 for securing the cover to a bracket 316. The bracket 316 serves as a base for mounting the complete assembly of the lever. pointing 10 on a keyboard 20 fixing the support pads 317 thereto. Referring to Figure 4, there is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3. Specifically, the base 312 has a collar 318 protruding from the cover 314, and a second section 320 that fits under the cover 314. The bracket 316 has holes 319 therein for inserting tabs 313 therethrough, which are bent when inserted into the illustrated position. The bracket 316 is typically mounted on a structure 321, such as a keyboard, through the pads 317. Referring to Figure 5, there is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3, taken along the edge of the cable 18. and to one side of the lever 12. In particular, the following additional elements are illustrated: the tension indicators 30 are mounted on the sides of the lever 12 and are made of pressure sensitive strips 32, to electrically modify the strength of the material in response to the amount of voltage applied thereto, a conductive contact bridge 34 for electrically connecting the two strips 32, and conductive contact pads 36 for making electrical contact with the combination of electronic circuits that determine the signal (not shown) to through the flexible cable 18. A suitable material for the cable is a polyimide film also known as printed fold cables made by Fuj ikura merica. The cable 18 has electrical tracks 44 and input / output (I / O) pads 46 mounted between the two insulating layers 18 '. The insulating film layers isolate the tracks of the bracket 316. The lever 12 extends through the hole 38 in a Z-axis direction 39, and is held in place by an adhesive bonding epoxy 40. For example, an adhesive material of cyanoacrylate is also suitable for joining. The cable 18 is placed inside the cavity 16. The contact pads 36 are attached to the I / O cushions 46 by suitable joining material 50, such as lead-tin solder. It is distinguished that only the pole assembly is joined together and is not fixedly attached to the housing 315. The aiming lever 10 can be assembled as follows: the first step usually involves, either, the sifting of the resistive thick film or the electronic deposition of the thin resistive film material on the sides of the lever 12. The sifting of the material forms the tension indicators 30. The second step often involves placing the lever 12 on the substrate or the plastic base 312 (or base). Subsequently, the flexible cable 18 is usually fixed to connect the voltage indicators 30 to the combination of circuits that determine the signal (not shown). The welding material can then be placed around the lever 12 to fix all of the 8 I / O pads 46 to all of the 8 contact pads 36, two on each side of the lever 12. Afterwards, a certain amount of the bonding material 40 on the wire to secure it to the base 312. Finally, the total assembly is cured to harden the bonding materials. Finally, the complete post assembly 311 is now placed on the bracket 316 and the cover 314 is thus fixed by the tabs 313, in this way keeping the pole assembly there. With reference to Figures 6, there is an electrical diagram of a bridge circuit that incorporates the voltage sensitive elements. Specifically, this circuit is an example of how the vertical axis or Z axis pointing lever can be arranged on the interface with the electronic components (not shown). The voltage-sensitive resistors 32 on the opposite sides of the lever 12 are configured in 2 bridge means, the resistors 32Y + and 32Y- form a first half bridge, the resistors 32 X + and 32X- form the second bridge half. A fixed resistor 110 is connected between the supply voltage 112 of the system and the node 114. The outputs X, Y and Z OUT 116, 118 and 120, respectively, are amplified by the 3 differential amplifiers 160, 161 and 162. Each amplifier It has a variable reference voltage input. These reference voltages are calibrated to set output 0 when no force is applied to lever 12. The output of X and Y axis, 116 and 188, are developed when a directional force X or Y is applied to lever 12. For example, when a force is applied in the X direction, resistors sensitive to voltage X- and X + change resistance in opposite directions and cause a change in output. The same is true for the Y axis. A Z-axis output develops when a Z-axis force is applied to the top of the lever 12. The force on the Z-axis causes all the resistors 32 on the lever 12 to change in a negative direction. This change reduces the total impedance of the two half bridges. The smaller bridge impedance causes a voltage change at the output Z 120, since the series of the resistor 110 is fixed. Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a computer system operated by keyboard. The system includes a keyboard 211 incremented by this invention and connected to a computer 212. The data access from the keyboard 211 is displayed on a computer display or monitor 213 during the normal course of operation of an application program. The keyboard has a key arrangement 212 which is a standard in the industry. The keyboard is shown to have an output cable 218 coupled to the computer 212. The computer is coupled to the monitor via the connection cable 206. A cursor 209 is displayed on the monitor of the computer 213. The aiming lever 10 is located in the middle of the keyboard 211.

COMMENTS ON THE PREFERRED MODALITY One of ordinary experience in the technique of stress gauges and ceramic materials, and more particularly to the technique of designing leverage levers with tension indicators on the sides, will realize many advantages of using the preferred embodiment. In particular, tension indicators are devices that perceive the amount of applied pressure placed on the pointing lever.

The perceived pressure creates electrical output signals used to direct the cursor over a display device. In this way, the laterally mounted tension indicators allow control of both the directions of the movement of the cursor and the selection of the elements on the display device by touching the pointing lever as the oppression of a mouse button. Of course, a skilled artisan will realize that the base 312 may have some flexion in a downward direction during the application of the touch force. Specifically, the organization of the base 312 will cause some force to be applied to the sensor from the upper portion of the walls of the orifice 38. Additionally, a skilled artisan will understand that the strain gauges can be made of stiff resistive material of thick films , which is applied using known sifting techniques. It is also remarked that an expert craftsman would realize that the pointing lever 10 is now able to develop the selection and drag of the icons on a monitor, in addition to the double oppression for the selection of an element. In this operation, the user would hold down the pointing lever 10, while exerting additional force in the X-Y plane to control the direction of the icon being dragged. All of these functions are now capable of being developed with just one finger while the remaining fingers are inactive located in a row of keyboard origin. The origin row being the keys marked "a, s, d, f, j, k, l and," as typically referred to in the typewriting manuals. It is noted that there are two basic assemblies for the present design of the pointing lever 10. Namely, the housing 315 and the pole assembly 311, which are not permanently fixed to each other. The advantage of having two separate loose parts is that the housing protects the pole assembly from the seffernick forces that result from the use of the keyboard. In other words, a user of the keyboard may hit the keyboard and cause some deformation of the housing 315, but the force sensitive electronic components on the post assembly 311 would not be deformed or sensitive to the seffernick forces sufficiently to generate spurious signals. Although the housing 315 and the assembly 311 are positioned fairly together, there is sufficient space for the assembly to move independent of the housing. This independent movement between these two parts provides insensitivity to the forces of seffernick. It is distinguished that the collar 318 serves to create and focus attention on the tension indicators located on the flexible post 12. In this way, when a Z-axis force 39 is applied thereto, the collar 318 will press against the post 12 generally on all four sides. It is further distinguished that the mounting of the pads 317 lift or isolate the remaining portion of the aiming lever out of the support structure 321, such as a keypad 20. The lifting combination of the main part of the aiming lever 10 out of the The keyboard and the loose fit of the post assembly 311 within the housing 315, also serves to stop or stop the effect of the seffernick forces on the post assembly. It is distinguished that both the cover and the bracket can be made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal. When the metal housing is made, it will function as a low impedance path connected to ground for any of the potential electrostatic discharge (De) events. In other words, the metal housing 315 will protect the combination of electrical circuits, through, the voltage indicators from any potential electrostatic discharge. Of course, a person skilled in the art will realize that the aiming lever 10 would have to be coupled to a ground potential. A person with ordinary experience in the tension indicator technique will realize that the collar 318 will increase or focus the tension created from the movement of the axis 12, along the length of the tension indicators.

In particular, the shorter section 320 would not provide a surface area large enough to contact the voltage indicators to generate sufficiently large detection signals.

VARIATIONS OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY OR MODALITIES A person with ordinary experience in the technique of the development of aiming levers will realize that there are many different ways to achieve the preferred embodiment. For example, it is contemplated to make the aiming lever 12 and the substrate 312 beyond any suitable material, such as ceramic material, epoxy resin plastics or metals, etc. In addition, although the connecting compound 40 is illustrated to be placed between the substrate 312 and the lever 12, this can not be required when the hole 38 securely fits around the lever 12. This is equally true for the material 50 if the cable flexible 18 fits securely around lever 12, in which only a small amount of welding may be necessary to increase the electrical contact between them. Although, the method discusses the use of tension indicators on all four sides of the lever 12, it is contemplated to use only the sides of the lever to perceive only either the positive or negative tension on the bending of the lever to create the resulting control signals. Similarly, even when the modality discusses the use of a cursor on a monitor, a person skilled in the art of computing would realize that any item that can be moved around by the typical mouse can be controlled by the preferred mode. For example, the pointing arrows, the icon selection items, the airplanes, the boats, the atom images, datas, all can have their movements controlled. Although the base 312 is illustrated in Figure 5 as having a large step between the collar 318 and the second portion 320, it is contemplated that it has many designs for the transition. For example, it is possible to have a ramp, or still have the second section 320 to be the same as in accordance with the collar 318. Additionally, although it is illustrated that the flexible cable 18 separates the base 312 from the contact with the bracket 316, it is contemplated forming a slot in the base 312 to fit a cable of smaller dimension around the post 12 such that the base 312 would then function as a support surface for contacting the bracket 316. Although the invention has been taught with specific reference to In these embodiments, any person skilled in the art would recognize that changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described modalities should be considered in all aspects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims in lieu of the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims must be encompassed within its scope.

Claims (5)

1. An electrical device, comprising: a) signal means for receiving the applied forces and generating signals representative of the applied forces; and b) protection means, having at least a portion of the signal means mounted thereon, to protect the signal means from both the ED and the seffernick forces.

The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the signal means comprises: a) an axis having a longitudinal length oriented along a first axis; b) a base having the shaft mounted thereon; and c) a sensor, mounted on the shaft, to determine an output signal indicative of a force exerted along the first axis.

The electrical device according to claim 2, further comprising: an entrance track positioned below the base and abutting the sensor, for coupling the sensor to a voltage source; and an exit track placed below the base and coupled to the sensor, for the output of the signals indicative of the direction in which the axis is being forced.

The electrical device according to claim 3, further comprising: a flexible cable to support the entry and exit tracks that are mounted below the base.

5. The electrical device according to claim 2, wherein the protection comprises: a) a cover; and b) a bracket, coupled to the cover to secure the shaft, the base, and a between the bracket and the cover.