Apparatus and method for generating data signals

• US 8,614,667 B2
• Filed: 06/27/2006
• Issued: 12/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gametronics LLC (Jeffrey M. Gross)
• Original Assignee: Blue ORB Incorporated
• Inventors: McAlindon, Peter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bukowski, Kenneth
• Application Number:
  US11/426,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20060291937A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,737 Days
• Field of Search: 345/161, 345/184, 345156-157, 463 36- 38, 744/71.XY, 200/6.R, 200/6.A, 36167908-6791, 361/679.18
• US Class Current: 345/157
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• 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 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20201 Control moves in two planes

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.

Claims

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.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the 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 comprising a potentiometer having a pivotally extending joystick engaged with the first controller so that the joystick moves linearly or laterally from a center resting position in response to movement of the first controller.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:

a concave recess formed in the lower surface of the first controller; and

a ball affixed to an upper end of the joystick so that the ball engages the concave recess.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a concave impression formed in the lower surface of the first controller; and

a second spring-loaded plunger that engages the concave impression.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second controller moveably coupled to the housing;

a plurality of impressions formed in a lower surface of the second controller with each individual impressions of the plurality of impressions defining a distinct direction the second controller may be moved linearly or laterally from a center resting position;

a second spring-loaded plunger;

a ball bearing affixed to an upper end of the second spring-loaded plunger so that the ball bearing engages the plurality of impressions formed in the lower surface of the second controller for guiding the second controller along a linear or lateral direction from a center resting position;

means for sensing linear or lateral movement of the second 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 second controller; and

wherein the processing module is configured to generate the data signal in response to receipt of the signals indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller and the second controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of impressions is configured to provide for the second controller to be moved linearly and laterally from a center resting position in a single plane.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the impression comprises a variable depth kinematic impression.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of impression is in a shape of a flower such that each flower-pedal comprises an individual impression.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of impressions is configured to provide for the first controller to be moved linearly and laterally from a center resting position in a single plane.

10. An apparatus for generating a data signal, the apparatus comprising:

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.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:

a plurality of extensions extending from the first controller;

a base plate coupled with the first controller;

an aperture formed in the base plate; and

an insert within the aperture of the base plate wherein the concave surface is formed within the insert.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 the means for biasing the concave surface against the guide nub comprising a compression spring positioned between the first controller and the insert.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:

a second controller moveably coupled to the housing;

a concave surface positioned on an underside of the second controller;

a plurality of impressions formed in the concave surface defining a distinct direction the second controller may be moved linearly or laterally from a center resting position;

a potentiometer for sensing movement of the second controller and generating a signal indicative of a direction of movement of the second controller, the potentiometer having a pivotally extending joystick with a guide nub affixed to an upper end of the joystick that engages the impression;

means for biasing the concave surface against the guide nub; and

wherein the processing module is configured to generate the data signal in response to receipt of the signals indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller and the second controller.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the processing module is configured to generate the data signal indicative of an alphanumeric character in response to receipt of at least one of the signal indicative of a direction of movement of the first controller and the signal indicative of a direction of movement of the second controller.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of impressions is configured to provide for the second controller to be moved linearly and laterally from a center resting position in a single plane.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of impressions is configured to provide for the first controller to be moved linearly and laterally from a center resting position in a single plane.