Multidimensional hybrid mouse for computers

• US 5,446,481 A
• Filed: 10/11/1991
• Issued: 08/29/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mouse Systems Corporation
• Original Assignee: Mouse Systems Corporation
• Inventors: Rosenberg, Ronald A., Gillick, William G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Weldon, Ulysses
• Assistant Examiner(s): Luu, Matthew
• Application Number:
  US07/772,395
• Time in Patent Office: 1,418 Days
• Field of Search: 340/710, 340/706, 340/709, 74/471 X, 345/163, 345/164, 345/157, 345/167
• US Class Current: 345/163
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2019/146 Roller type actuators
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/008 Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being perpendicular to the axis of angular movement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20201 Control moves in two planes

Abstract

A hybrid mouse combining the usual x and y motion signals usually found in mice together with additional degrees of freedom, particularly a z-axis signal. The z-axis signal is generated by a roller whose turning motion is sensed by a shaft angle encoder, including a light chopper. Additional degrees of freedom may be provided by tilting the roller left and right to actuate switches. Actuation of each switch, together with pulse counts from the roller may be used to indicate pitch and roll. A yaw motion signal may be provided by use of dual position detectors. In another embodiment, pitch and roll may be indicated by a trackball mounted on the mouse housing with or without the z-axis roller.

Claims

1. A multidimensional pointing device for use with a computer comprising,

mouse means for sensing x motion and y motion relative to a planar surface, the mouse means including at least one actuatable signalling button and having means for producing x and y electrical signals in response to said motion and means for producing a control signal in response to actuation of the signalling button,

a first finger actuated means mounted on the mouse for indicating z motion, with means for producing a z motion signal in response to said indication, and

output means for delivering said x, y and z motion signals,

a second finger actuated means proximate to the first finger actuated means for indicating roll motion, with means for producing a roll motion signal in response to said indication,

a third finger actuated means proximate to the first finger actuated means for indicating pitch motion, with means for producing a pitch motion signal in response to said indication, wherein said second and third finger actuated means are switches operable in combination with said first finger actuated means, the closure of one of said switches in combination with actuation of the first finger actuated means indicating pitch or roll

said output means for delivering said x, y and z motion signals also delivering said pitch and roll motion signals.

2. A multidimensional pointing device for use with a computer comprising,

mouse means for sensing x motion and y motion relative to a planar surface, the mouse means including at least one actuatable signalling button and having means for producing x and y electrical signals in response to said motion and means for producing a control signal in response to actuation of the signalling button,

a first finger actuated roller means mounted on the mouse for indicating z motion by turning of the roller, with means for producing a z motion signal in response to said indication,

a second and third finger actuated means proximate to the first finger actuated means for indicating roll and pitch motion, with means for producing respective roll and pitch motion signals in response to said indication, wherein said second and third finger actuated means are switches operable in combination with said roller means, the operation of one of said switches in combination with the turning of the roller indicating pitch or roll, and

output means for delivering said x, y, z, pitch and roll motion signals.

3. A multidimensional pointing device for use with a computer comprising,

mouse means for sensing x motion and y motion relative to a planar surface, the mouse means including at least one actuatable signalling button and having means for producing x and y electrical signals in response to said motion and means for producing a control signal in response to actuation of the signalling button,

a roller means mounted on the mouse for indicating an extent of motion in combination with a switch,

a first finger actuated switch mounted on the mouse for indicating roll motion, the extent of roll motion indicated by turning of the roller means,

a second finger actuated switch mounted on the mouse for indicating pitch motion, the extent of pitch motion indicated by turning of the roller means, and

means for producing electrical pitch or roll signals in response to actuation of said first or second finger actuated switches and turnings of said roller means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further defined by a bidirectional tilting suspension mounting said roller means, said first and second switches actuated by tilting said suspension in one direction or the other.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein turning of said roller means indicates z motion when neither the first nor second switches is actuated, said apparatus having means for producing z electrical signals in response to turning of the roller means.