Coordinate Input Device Having Rotating Bodies Capable Of Rotating In A Direction Normal To The Rotation Of A Wheel

• US 20020180701A1
• Filed: 01/07/2000
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited
• Inventors: Nakamura, Shuji, Hayama, Masanobu
• Granted Patent: US 7,142,193 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0312 for tracking the rotation of a spherical or circular member, e.g. optical rotary encoders used in mice or trackballs using a tracking ball or in mouse scroll wheels tracking relative movement in co-operation with a regularly or irregularly patterned surface, e.g. as in optical mice G06F3/0317; constructional details of scroll or thumb-wheels G06F3/0362; optical rotary encoders G01D5/3473
• 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: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0383 Signal control means within the pointing device

Abstract

A coordinate input device comprising a wheel operable through rotation includes a plurality of rotating bodies disposed along a circumferential edge of the wheel for rotation and a rotating body rotating state detection means for detecting the rotating state of the rotating bodies.

Claims

1. A coordinate input device having a wheel that can be operated through rotation, comprising:

a plurality of rotating bodies disposed along a circumferential edge of said wheel for rotation; and

rotating body rotating state detection means for detecting the rotating state of said rotating bodies.

2. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said coordinate input device has a left click switch as a first switch and a right click switch as a second switch, said coordinate input device further comprising:

a third switch disposed as a lower portion of said wheel,

a wheel support portion having a construction for supporting said wheel and allowing said wheel to slide and adapted to drive said third switch by depressing said wheel downwardly; and

third switch operating state detection means for detecting the operating state of said third switch.

3. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 2, wherein

said wheel support portion further comprises a ratchet construction on the side of said wheel, and wherein

said wheel is adapted to fit in said ratchet construction.

4. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein

an inner wall at a center of said respective rotating bodies through which said circumferential edge is put has a locking construction, and wherein

said circumferential edge is adapted to fit in said second locking construction.

5. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rotating body is of a cylindrical configuration.

6. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rotating body is of a spherical configuration.

7. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein a surface of said rotating bodies is covered with a slip preventive material.

8. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in the surface of said rotating bodies.

9. A coordinate input device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said coordinate input device further comprises:

ball moving state detection means for detecting the moving state of a ball;

click switch operating state detection means for detecting the operating state of a click switch; and

wheel rotating state detection means for detecting the rotating state of said wheel, said coordinate input device further comprising;

a format change-over switch; and

data transmission means for transmitting respective pieces of information detected by said respective detection means as a set of operation instructions for a computer and adapted to effect a transmission in a first format when said format changeover switch is not depressed and to effect another transmission in a second format when said format changeover switch is depressed.