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Ergonomic human-computer input device

  • US 6,756,968 B2
  • Filed: 11/14/2001
  • Issued: 06/29/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An input apparatus comprising:

  • a housing;

    a controller moveably coupled with the housing;

    a kinematic map plate moveably coupled with the controller such that the kinematic map plate moves in response to movement of the controller;

    at least one impression formed in the kinematic map plate defining a plurality of keystroke-defining locations and a home location;

    a spider mechanism that cooperatively engages the at least one impression to guide the controller for movement among the plurality of keystroke-defining locations and the home location;

    an upper director plate for guiding the controller in at least one direction;

    an actuator armature moveable in response to movement of the controller;

    means for sensing a position of the controller operatively coupled with the actuator armature and the controller, the means for sensing a position of the controller configured to sense a movement of the controller from the home location to a first keystroke-defining location and generate a first location signal indicative of the keystroke-defining location;

    means for biasing the controller so that it may be depressed and released and for biasing the spider mechanism against the kinematic map plate; and

    a processing means configured to receive the first location signal and translate the first location signal into a keystroke signal having a unique correspondence with the first location signal.

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