Navigation wheel having discrete switches

• US 7,535,464 B1
• Filed: 08/30/2004
• Issued: 05/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Siddiqui, Kabir
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Kevin M
• Application Number:
  US10/929,162
• Time in Patent Office: 1,723 Days
• Field of Search: 345/184, 345/156, 200/14, 200/18
• US Class Current: 345/184
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2019/146 Roller type actuators

Abstract

An ergonomic pointing device receives user commands for controlling an electronic device. Typically three switches are provided underneath a navigation wheel. The two side switches are typically located towards the back right and left corners of the navigation wheel body, whereas the select/enter dome switch is typically located in an area that is at or substantially near the front midsection of the wheel body. A pivot pin is typically provided in a back center area of the navigation wheel body. The navigation wheel is arranged to slightly rock in response to a user'"'"'s downwards force. The left and right switches operate when the wheel rocks left and right about the pivot pin. The select/enter switch operates when the wheel rocks frontward and backwards about the pivot pin. An optional plastic cap can be used to secure the navigation wheel assembly to a base such as a printed circuit board.

Claims

1. A pointing device for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

a wheel that is arranged to modulate a signal such rotation of the wheel about a longitudinal axis is determinable;

a first switch disposed adjacent a first end of the wheel such that depressing the first end of the wheel results in the first switch modulating a signal;

a second switch disposed adjacent a second end of the wheel such that depressing the second end of the wheel results in the second switch modulating a signal;

a third switch disposed adjacent to the wheel between the first and second ends of the wheel and wherein the third switch is offset from the first and second switch; and

a pivot pin that is arranged adjacent and offset to the wheel at a first point between the first and second ends of the wheel to;

inhibit both the first and the second switches from modulating a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel;

allow both the first and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the first end of the wheel; and

allow both the second and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the second end of the wheel.

2. The pointing device of claim 1, further comprising a base.

3. The pointing device of claim 2, wherein the base comprises an electrical circuit.

4. The pointing device of claim 3, wherein the electrical circuit is arranged to determine the rotational direction of the wheel.

5. The pointing device of claim 1, further comprising a cap that is arranged to affix the wheel to the base.

6. A pointing device, comprising:

a wheel for modulating a signal such that rotation of the wheel about a longitudinal axis is determinable wherein the wheel includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a first, second, and third switch, each of which are generally configured to modulate a signal in response to a user depressing the wheel;

wherein at least one of the switches is arranged offset from a center location of the other two switches; and

a pivot that is arranged at a first point between the first end of the wheel and the second end of the wheel and offset from the first end of the wheel and the second end of the wheel to;

inhibit both the first and the second switch from modulating a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel;

allow both the first and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the first end of the wheel; and

allow both the second and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the second end of the wheel.

7. The pointing device of claim 6, wherein the first, second, and third switches lie subjacent to the wheel.

8. The pointing device of claim 6, further comprising a base.

9. The pointing device of claim 8, wherein the base comprises an electrical circuit.

10. The pointing device of claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit is arranged to determine the rotational direction of the wheel.

11. The pointing device of claim 6, further comprising a cap arranged to affix the wheel to the base.

12. The pointing device of claim 6, wherein the first switch is arranged to modulate a signal in response to a left depression of the wheel, the second switch is arranged to modulate a signal in response to a right depression of the wheel, and the third switch is arranged to modulate a signal in response to a center depression of the wheel.

13. An electronic device, comprising:

a wheel that is arranged to modulate a signal such that rotation of the wheel about a longitudinal axis is determinable;

a first, second, and third switch, each of which are generally configured to produce a signal in response to a user depressing the wheel, wherein the first switch and the second switch are disposed at opposing ends of the longitudinal axis of the wheel; and

wherein the third switch is arranged offset from a center location of the first switch and the second switch;

a pivot pin that is arranged at a first point generally adjacent and offset from a midpoint of the longitudinal axis of the wheel to;

inhibit both the first and the second switches from producing a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel;

allow both the first and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the first end of the wheel; and

allow both the second and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the second end of the wheel; and

a processor that is arranged to receive the produced signals.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further arranged to change an electronic image in response to the produced signals.

15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a display that is arranged to display the electronic image.

16. The device of claim 13, further comprising an application program that is configured to select a particular data field displayed in a list in response to the produced signals.