Coordinates input apparatus

• US 20010055002A1
• Filed: 05/29/2001
• Published: 12/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
• Inventors: Endo, Michiko
• Granted Patent: US 6,738,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04755 Magnetic sensor, e.g. hall generator, pick-up coil
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2025/046 having a spherical bearing between operating member and housing or bezel
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/04 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/024 with inductive switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/041 having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Abstract

An improved coordinates input apparatus for designating a particular set of coordinates in three-dimensional space has a substantially box-like frame, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers. The first magnet and second magnet are mounted on the frame and disposed so that sides thereof having identical magnetic poles are disposed opposite each other. The second magnet is disposed so as to be tiltable in response to a disposition of forces acting thereupon. The forces include a repulsive force arising between the first magnet and the second magnet and a pressing force exerted on the second magnet. The plurality of magnetoelectric transducers mounted on the frame opposite the second magnet and output voltage values that vary according to a change in a gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet, such that the voltage values indicate a set of X,Y coordinates in two-dimensional space.

Claims

1. A coordinates input apparatus for designating a particular set of coordinates in three-dimensional space, the coordinates input apparatus comprising:

a substantially box-like frame;

a first magnet;

a second magnet; and

a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers, the first magnet and second magnet mounted on the frame and disposed so that sides thereof having identical magnetic poles are disposed opposite each other,

the second magnet disposed so as to be tiltable in response to a disposition of forces acting thereupon, said forces including a repulsive force arising between the first magnet and the second magnet and a pressing force exerted on the second magnet,

the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers mounted on the frame opposite the second magnet and outputting voltage values that vary according to a change in a gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet, such that the voltage values indicate a set of X,Y coordinates in two-dimensional space.

2. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein the second magnet is disposed so as to be further movable vertically in response to the disposition of forces exerted thereupon, said forces including the repulsive force arising between the first and second magnet 12s and the pressing force exerted on the second magnet, the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers mounted on the frame opposite the second magnet and outputting voltage differential signals that vary according to a change in the gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet.

3. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 2

, further comprising an operating part,

the second magnet being supported by the operating part so that a direction of a magnetic field generated from at least one magnetic pole is held vertical when the operating part is vertical,

the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers being arranged substantially symmetrically around a hypothetical circle centered on an intersection of the direction of the magnetic field and a circuit board disposed substantially horizontally below the second magnet,

the voltages and voltage differential signals being generated by a tilting of the operating part.

4. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein the second magnet is disposed so as to be further movable vertically in response to the disposition of forces exerted thereupon,

at least one of the magnetoelectric transducers producing a voltage value indicating a Z coordinate in three-dimensional space.

5. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 3

, further comprising an additional magnetoelectric transducer positioned near the intersection of the printed circuit board and the magnetic field, the voltage differential value obtained from the additional magnetoelectric transducer producing a voltage value indicating a Z coordinate in three-dimensional space.

6. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 4

, wherein a threshold value is placed on the detected output voltages and the Z-coordinate obtained from the voltage differential value is subjected to a digital ON/OFF detection.

7. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein:

the first magnet and the second magnet are annular in shape; and

the magnetoelectric transducers are mounted atop the frame so as to be positioned inside an interior rim of the first magnet.

8. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein:

the first magnet is cylindrically shaped;

the second magnet is annular in shape; and

the first magnetic is positioned below and interior to the second magnet.

9. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein:

the first magnet is annular in shape;

the second magnet is cylindrically shaped; and

the second magnetic is positioned above and interior to the second magnet.

10. The coordinates input apparatus as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers are Hall elements.