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Computer input stylus method and apparatus

  • US 5,914,708 A
  • Filed: 04/04/1996
  • Issued: 06/22/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/04/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A stylus system including a stylus for use with a capacitance sensitive touch pad having a touch sensitive surface, for providing input to an associated computing means, said stylus comprising:

  • a conductive stylus tip for making contact with the touch sensitive surface of the touch pad;

    a conductive mass which is electrically insulated from the conductive stylus tip;

    a stylus casing for housing the conductive stylus tip at a first writing end of the casing, and the conductive mass generally spaced apart from the conductive stylus tip;

    a manually manipulable means disposed in the stylus casing for manipulation to an actuated position in which the conductive stylus tip is electrically coupled to the conductive mass to thereby increase a capacitive disturbance caused by the conductive stylus tip on the touch pad, or to a non-actuated position in which the conductive stylus tip is electrically insulated from the conductive mass;

    a resilient, conductive cover disposed over the conductive stylus tip to amplify the capacitive disturbance when the cover touches the touch sensitive surface; and

    wherein the touch pad includes a capacitive disturbance sensing means for determining a first magnitude of the capacitive disturbance caused by the conductive stylus tip making contact with the touch sensitive surface of the touch pad.

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