Magnetic ratchet for input device roller
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A user input device for interfacing with a host computer, comprising:
- a rotatable wheel mounted in said input device, said wheel being rotatable by a digit of said user;
a wheel sensor mounted in said input device and providing a wheel signal to said host computer indicating a rotary position of said wheel; and
a permanent magnet coupled to said rotatable wheel and operative to provide a ratchet force to said rotatable wheel.
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Abstract
A reduced power magnetic or electromagnetic ratchet for a roller on an input device. In one embodiment, opposing rings of permanent magnets are mounted in the roller, or are attached to the roller by a gearing arrangement. In another embodiment, a variable reluctance stepper motor is used
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A user input device for interfacing with a host computer, comprising:
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a rotatable wheel mounted in said input device, said wheel being rotatable by a digit of said user;
a wheel sensor mounted in said input device and providing a wheel signal to said host computer indicating a rotary position of said wheel; and
a permanent magnet coupled to said rotatable wheel and operative to provide a ratchet force to said rotatable wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A user input device for interfacing with a host computer, comprising:
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a rotatable wheel mounted in said input device, said wheel being rotatable by a finger of a user;
a wheel sensor mounted in said input device and providing a wheel signal to said host computer indicating a rotary position of said wheel; and
a variable reluctance stepper motor coupled to said rotatable wheel and operative to provide a ratchet force to said rotatable wheel. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A user input device for interfacing with a host computer, comprising:
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a rotatable wheel mounted in said input device, said wheel being rotatable by a finger of a user;
a wheel sensor mounted in said input device and providing a wheel signal to said host computer indicating a rotary position of said wheel; and
first and second magnetic wheel coupled to said wheel and includes sets of opposing teeth that are configured to magnetically interact as the wheel is rotated to provide ratcheting. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification