Force Sensor for Use in an Input Device and Methods for Constructing and Using the Sensor
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Abstract
The disclosure addresses a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse. The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members. In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor. The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection.
8 Citations
40 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. An input device for a processing system, comprising:
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a first support member; a second support member; a deflection member coupled in movable relation to the first support member; a first sensor coupled at least in part to the deflection member and arranged to provide a signal representative of the magnitude of movement of the deflection member relative to the first support member in a first area; and a second sensor coupled at least in part to the deflection member and arranged to provide a signal representative of the magnitude of the movement of the deflection member relative to the first support member in a second area. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of constructing an input device for a processing system, comprising the acts of:
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securing a first support member and a second support member in deflectable engagement with one another, where such deflectable engagement allows relative movement between the first support member in the second support member, and wherein the method of establishing the deflectable engagement provides a resistance to such relative movement; arranging at least a first distance sensor proximate the first and second support members, the first distance sensor configured to provide a signal representative of the magnitude of any deflection between the first and second support members in a first area; arranging the first and second support members and the first distance sensor within an outer housing of the input device, the housing comprising at least two component parts; and arranging at least a second distance sensor proximate the first and second support members, the second distance sensor configured to provide a signal representative of the magnitude of any deflection between the first and second support members wherein the deflection is in a second area. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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40-1. The method of constructing an input device for a processing system of claim 32, wherein said operation of securing a first support member and a second support member in deflectable engagement with one another comprises securing the first support member and the second support member utilizing at least one of a flexible elastomer, a flexible metal, or a flexible plastic.
Specification