Data input grid for computer

• US 5,214,428 A
• Filed: 09/18/1991
• Issued: 05/25/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gregory Allen
• Original Assignee: Gregory Allen
• Inventors: Allen, Gregory
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Application Number:
  US07/761,445
• Time in Patent Office: 615 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/21, 341/31, 341/28, 340/706, 178/18, 250/221, 250/222.1, 382/11, 382/13, 382/59
• US Class Current: 341/20
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0421 by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/17 using hand-held instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/001 Teaching or communicating with blind persons G09B21/02 - G09B21/06 take precedence

Abstract

A data input device for a computer or other electronic apparatus includes a grid panel having a pattern of grooves in the panel surface and a plurality of sensors along the grooves. The sensors sense the passage of a stylus along the grooves and feed the stylus movement information to electrical circuitry which interprets the movements as data. In an alternate embodiment, the grooves have lower channels in which a lower portion of a stylus guide moves. The stylus guide has a ball-type universal joint on the upper portion to which is connected a fitting for retaining the end of the stylus. An alphabet for use with the present grid panel is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A data input device for use with a stylus to input data to a computer, comprising:

a panel having an upper surface, said upper surface including a plurality of interconnecting grooves in a grid pattern;

a plurality of sensors arranged along said plurality of interconnecting grooves to sense movement of the stylus along said grooves; and

means for reading output signals from said plurality of sensors as input data for the computer;

a stylus guide held captive in said plurality of grooves and movable therealong, wherein said stylus guide comprises;

a lower body held in a lower section of said grooves for sliding movement therealong;

an upper body disposed outside of said lower section of said grooves, said upper body including means for engaging a stylus; and

a connector extending between said lower body and said upper body.

2. A data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper body includes:

a universal joint having a first end connected to said connector at an end opposite said lower body;

a stylus engaging fitting connected to a second end of said universal joint; and

a stylus removable connectable in said stylus engaging fitting.

3. A data input device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:

a spring clasp in said stylus engaging fitting for removably engaging said stylus.