Apparatus and method for generating data signals
DCFirst Claim
1. An apparatus for generating a data signal, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing;
a first controller moveably coupled to the housing;
a plurality of impressions formed in a lower surface of the first controller with each individual impression of the plurality of impressions defining a distinct direction the first controller may be moved linearly or laterally from a center resting location;
a first spring-loaded plunger;
a ball bearing affixed to an upper end of the first spring-loaded plunger so that the ball bearing engages the plurality of impressions formed in the lower surface of the first controller for guiding the first controller along a linear or lateral direction from a center resting position;
means for sensing linear or lateral movement of the first controller in the distinct direction as determined by one impression of the plurality of impressions and generating a signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller; and
a processing module configured to generate the data signal in response to receipt of the signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller.
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Abstract
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user'"'"'s hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the respective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for generating a data signal, the apparatus comprising:
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a housing; a first controller moveably coupled to the housing; a plurality of impressions formed in a lower surface of the first controller with each individual impression of the plurality of impressions defining a distinct direction the first controller may be moved linearly or laterally from a center resting location; a first spring-loaded plunger; a ball bearing affixed to an upper end of the first spring-loaded plunger so that the ball bearing engages the plurality of impressions formed in the lower surface of the first controller for guiding the first controller along a linear or lateral direction from a center resting position; means for sensing linear or lateral movement of the first controller in the distinct direction as determined by one impression of the plurality of impressions and generating a signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller; and a processing module configured to generate the data signal in response to receipt of the signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for generating a data signal, the apparatus comprising:
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a housing; a first controller moveably coupled to the housing; a concave surface positioned on an underside of the first controller; a plurality of impressions formed in the concave surface with each individual impression of the plurality of impressions defining a distinct direction the first controller may be moved linearly or laterally from a center resting position; a potentiometer for sensing movement of the first controller and generating a signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller, the potentiometer having a pivotally extending joystick with a guide nub affixed to an upper end of the joystick that engages the plurality of impressions; means for biasing the concave surface against the guide nub; and a processing module configured to generate the data signal in response to receipt of the signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification