U.S. patent application number 09/728432 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for optical-mechanical roller with ratchet.
Invention is credited to Bidiville, Marc A., Chang, Ting Hu, Merminod, Antoine A..
Application Number | 20010020932 09/728432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25489419 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010020932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merminod, Antoine A. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2001 |
Optical-mechanical roller with ratchet
Abstract
A pointing device, such as a mouse, track ball or joystick,
having a roller. The roller itself has either a plurality of slits
or reflective strips for optical detection. A photoemitter and
photodetector are positioned to detect rotation of the roller.
Thus, the present invention eliminates the need for coupling to a
separate optical encoder. The roller can be depressed to cause the
actuation of a microswitch. In a preferred embodiment, the
photoemitter and photodetector are aligned along a vertical axis,
such that the position information is not affected by the vertical
depressing of the roller.
Inventors: |
Merminod, Antoine A.;
(Cully, CH) ; Bidiville, Marc A.; (Pully, CH)
; Chang, Ting Hu; (Hsinchu, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul C. Haughey, Esq.
TOWNSEND and TOWNSEND and CREW LLP
8th Floor
Two Embarcadero Center
San Francisco
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Family ID: |
25489419 |
Appl. No.: |
09/728432 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09728432 |
Dec 1, 2000 |
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08949681 |
Oct 14, 1997 |
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6157369 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0312 20130101;
G06F 3/03543 20130101; H01H 19/11 20130101; G06F 3/03549 20130101;
H01H 2019/146 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pointing device for a computer comprising: a housing; a
user-movable roller extending from said housing, said roller having
a light modulating portion, said roller being mounted to both
rotate about its axis, and to be depressed; a photoemitter mounted
to direct light toward said roller; a photodetector mounted to
detect light from said roller; and a switch mounted to be actuated
when said roller is depressed.
2. The pointing device of claim 1 further comprising: a structure,
spring biased against said roller, to produce a ratcheting movement
of said roller to provide tactile user feedback.
3. The pointing device of claim 2 wherein said roller has an
undulating inside surface, and said structure comprises: a second
roller, mounted inside said first roller, said second roller being
spring biased against said undulating inside surface.
4. The pointing device of claim 3 further comprising: an axle
support structure for supporting ends of said second roller; and a
spring biasing said axle support structure against said undulating
inside surface.
5. The pointing device of claim 1 further comprising: a support
structure for said roller configured to allow said roller to be
depressed; and a member extending from said support structure to
said switch, said member being configured to activate said switch
when said roller is depressed.
6. The pointing device of claim 5 wherein said roller includes a
plurality of radial slits and said photoemitter and photodetector
are mounted on opposite sides of said roller, and said photoemitter
and photodectector are mounted along a vertical axis of said roller
so that the slits will stay aligned with said photoemitter and
photodetector as said roller is depressed.
7. The pointing device of claim 5 wherein said member comprises a
spring.
8. The pointing device of claim 7 wherein said spring is configured
to both bias said support structure against said roller, and to
activate said switch when said roller is depressed.
9. The pointing device of claim 8 wherein said spring comprises: a
first pivoting member supporting said support structure; a second
pivoting member positioned over said switch; and a spring joining
said first and second members, such that when said first member is
depressed, said second member will pivot downward to activate said
switch.
10. The pointing device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device is
a mouse.
11. The pointing device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device is
a trackball.
12. The pointing device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device is
a joystick.
13. The pointing device of claim 1 wherein said roller includes a
plurality of elongated slits extending radially, and said
photoemitter and photodetector are mounted on opposite sides of
said roller.
14. The pointing device of claim 1 wherein said roller includes
alternating reflective and nonreflective surfaces on a first side
of said roller, said photoemitter and photodetector being both
mounted on said first side of said roller.
15. A pointing device for a computer comprising: a housing; a
user-movable roller extending from said housing, said roller having
a plurality of slits; a photoemitter mounted on one side of said
roller for directing light through said slits; a photodetector
mounted on a second side of said roller opposite said photoemitter;
a rachet structure coupled to said roller to produce a ratcheting
movement of said roller to provide tactile user feedback; a support
structure for said roller configured to allow said roller to be
depressed; a switch; and a member extending from said support
structure to said switch, said member being configured to activate
said switch when said roller is depressed.
16. The pointing device of claim 15 wherein said roller has an
undulating inside surface, and said rachet structure and said
support structure both include the same second roller, mounted
inside said first roller, said second roller being spring biased
against said undulating inside surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to computer mice or track
balls, and in particular to those including a roller.
[0002] In one type of computer mouse, a ball protrudes from the
bottom of the mouse housing, and rolls across a supporting surface.
The movement of the ball is typically detected by shafts which are
in contact with the ball and turn an encoder wheel having a number
of slots. An LED is on one side of the encoder wheel, and a
detector on the other, so that the turning of a encoder wheel,
corresponding to the movement of the ball in one direction, can be
detected by the intensity of light when it shines through a slot,
and is subsequently blocked between slots. Track balls will have a
ball mounted on the top with the housing being stationary, but
similarly operate with two encoder wheels at 90.degree. angles to
detect X and Y movement. optical mice and trackballs have also been
developed.
[0003] Such mice and track balls typically also have buttons which
can be depressed or clicked by a user, and which depress a
microswitch. These provide additional inputs to the computer, in
addition to the position of the mouse or trackball. Some mouse
designs have added a roller which can be used for such functions as
scrolling or zooming. The roller is operated by a user finger much
like a dial on a radio.
[0004] One roller design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,919
assigned to Multipoint Technology Corporation. This has a user
operable roller which has a shaft extending out from it, and an
encoder wheel attached to the shaft. The encoder wheel is like the
optical encoders used on the mice or trackball balls. Microsoft
U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,344 shows a design similar to the Multipoint
one in which a shaft from the roller is connected to a separate
optical encoder wheel.
[0005] Another design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,230 assigned
to Apple Computer. This shows two finger rollers with a shaft which
drives a belt which is connected to a pulley on a separate encoder.
A similar pulley system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,455
assigned to Mouse Systems.
[0006] Yet another design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,481
assigned to Mouse Systems. In this design, the roller has a shaft
attached to a gear outside the roller, which drives an optical
encoder wheel with the gear.
[0007] In addition to the rollers being turnable, a number of
designs allow the roller itself to actuate a switch. In Microsoft
U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,344, this is done with a roller which pivots
inward under pressure from the finger, in addition to rolling about
its axis. When pivoted inward, it will depress a microswitch to
send an activation signal to the computer. Mouse Systems U.S. Pat.
No. 5,530,455 shows a design in which the entire housing for the
roller is depressed against supporting springs, and when depressed
actuates an underlying microswitch.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,303 to Apple Computer shows a graphic
controller with three dials, with at least one of the dials shown
with an encoder ring and detectors, with the detectors being shown
on either side of the dial in one drawing. However, unlike some of
the designs discussed above, the dials are on a fixed axis and
cannot be depressed to actuate a microswitch and provide another
input signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a pointing device, such as a
mouse, track ball or joystick, having a roller. The roller itself
has either a plurality of slits or reflective strips for optical
detection. A photoemitter and photodetector are positioned to
detect rotation of the roller. Thus, the present invention
eliminates the need for coupling to a separate optical encoder.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the roller
design provides a mechanical, ratchet feel as feedback to the user.
This is done by providing an undulating or sawtooth-type surface
inside the rim of the roller. A second roller is biased against
this surface with a spring, so that when the larger roller rotates,
it clicks from one depression to the next against the inside
roller. In a preferred embodiment, the same spring both biases the
roller against the inside surface, thus supporting the larger
roller, and also is used to activate a microswitch when the entire
roller is depressed.
[0011] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the invention, reference should be made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller according to the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the
roller of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the roller of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a second embodiment of the spring
used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a roller 12 mounted over a substrate 14
which can be, itself, mounted inside of a mouse, trackball, or
joystick housing, with roller 12 extending out through a slot in
the housing for user actuation. The roller has a number of slits 16
which are elongated and extend radially. The number of slits can
vary from six to forty-eight, or even more. Preferably, the number
of slits is 1/4 the number of ratchets of the roller, or a multiple
thereof. By incorporating the slits into the roller body itself,
the need for a coupling mechanism to a separate encoder wheel is
eliminated.
[0017] Additionally, roller 12 can move up and down. Roller 12
rotates about an inner roller (not shown in this view) which
rotates about an axle 18. Axle 18 is mounted in a slot 20 in a
support structure 22. By aligning the emitter and detector along
the vertical axis even with slot 20, the up and down movement of
the roller will not effect the detection of the rotational
movement.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows the opposite side of roller 12 from that shown
in FIG. 1. This side of roller 12 is open, with an internal
mechanism for producing a ratchet effect, discussed below, as well
as an attachment to a spring 24. Spring 24 connects with a first,
flat portion 26 to an internal support structure 28 for roller 12.
The spring contains an additional flat portion 30 over a
microswitch 32, with portions 26 and 30 being joined by a curved
portion 32. Portions 26 and 30 are rigid. When roller 12 is
depressed, flat portion 30 will contact microswitch 32, providing
an activating signal. An alternate embodiment of spring 24 is shown
in FIGS. 4A-4D, discussed below. In yet another alternate
embodiment, an optical switch could be used to detect the
depression of the roller, with an emitter and detector positioned
below the roller normally, so that they have the light path blocked
when the roller is depressed. Alternately, the light beam could be
interrupted by the spring or a lever, or reflective detection could
be used.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view from the side of FIG. 2 further
illustrating the invention. As can be seen, an optical detector 36
is mounted along the vertical axis of the roller, with a
corresponding photoemitter or LED on the other side, hidden in this
view by microswitch 34. Alternately, the position of the emitter
and detector could be reversed, but preferably the detector is
adjacent the slots so that light does not diverge as much after
passing through the slots, allowing more accurate measurement. The
photodetector is preferably a multiple element photodetector which
provides two outputs. As for a mouse ball optical encoder, the
direction of movement can be determined by which element is
illuminated first, in addition to determining the amount of
rotation from the number of times the detector is illuminated.
[0020] Also shown more clearly in FIG. 3 is support structure 28
which holds a second, smaller roller 38. Also shown is a ring 40
which mounts inside of roller 12 in a press fit configuration. Ring
40 is the portion including the slots 16 on one end. In addition,
ring 40 includes an undulating or sawtooth-type inner surface 42.
Roller 38 is biased against this undulating surface by the action
of spring 24 pushing up against the bottom of housing 28 in roller
38. In addition, this mechanism is the actual support for the
roller, which is pushed up against the main skeleton, portion 50,
and extends through a slot in the mouse housing. Thus, when the
user moves roller 12, the user feels a spring-back or ratchet-type
resistance due to the spring action of roller 38, giving it the
feel of a mechanical, ratchet encoder wheel, while it actually uses
optical encoding for recording its position. The use of the small
roller in the present invention improves the durability of the
mechanism compared to prior designs which simply spring bias an
element against a sawtooth surface.
[0021] Additionally, the preferred embodiment of spring 24 is
designed so that the same spring not only provides the upward
support for roller 12, but when roller 12 is depressed, will press
downward to activate microswitch 34. This is possible through the
unique use of flat portions 28 and 30 of the spring connected by a
loop portion 32. Loop portion 32 is under stress, having been
compressed upon assembly. The loop portion causes a downward force
on flat portion 26 to cause portion 30 to also go down, rather than
up. This allows an easy mounting of microswitch 34 underneath flat
portion 30, with it being actuated when the roller is depressed.
Flat portion 26 pivots about a pivot point at notches 60, 62.
Similarly, flat portion 30 pivots about a pivot point where it
contacts notches 64, 66. In operation, portion 26 will pivot upward
at the end attached to loop 32, which will move that end of portion
30 up, causing the far end over switch 34 to pivot down.
[0022] FIG. 4D illustrates an alternate embodiment of switch 24,
illustrated as switch 70. A pair of arms 72, 74 are joined by a
spring 76. Arms 72, 74 have ends 78, 80 which initially are not in
contact. As for switch 24, described above, the downward movement
on one end of arm 72 causes it to pivot about point 62, with end 78
moving up, contacting end 80, and moving end 80 up. As end 80 moves
up, arm 74 pivots so far end 82 moves down to activate microswitch
34. Spring 76 is in compression, to hold the two ends together and
transfer force.
[0023] FIGS. 4B-4D illustrate different positions of spring
mechanism 70, with arms 72' and 74' being reinforced versions of
arms 72 and 74 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows the structure 28,
connected to the rachet mechanism, moving upward. FIG. 4C shows
structure 28 moving down, and FIG. 4D shows the switch being
activated. In one embodiment, arms 72' and 74' are plastic, and
spring 76 is a commercially available coil spring, making spring
mechanism 70 a low cost assembly.
[0024] Spring mechanism 70 provides adaptive feedback. Due to the
use of the spring, as structure 28 is depressed, the spring will
compress and pivoting will start, and as structure 28 is depressed
more, a snapping action will occur to complete the movement,
depressing microswitch 34. This is similar to the structure inside
microswitch 34, which gives the user a noticeable feedback feel at
the point where the switch has been activated.
[0025] Also shown in the figures are additional microswitches 44
and 46. These microswitches are used in an embodiment in which the
mouse housing has buttons on either side of the slot through which
roller extends to provide the standard clicking functions found in
a typical mouse.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, support 22 which has slot 20 is a
separate structure from a support structure 48 which partially
surrounds wheel 12, and has a portion 50 which will extend inside
of roller 12 to provide guides for the upward and downward movement
of structure 28. In addition, a portion 52 provides a support for
spring 24.
[0027] The present invention thus provides a compact design due to
the combination of the hollow roller drum and the encoder disk,
allowing both optical encoding and depressing of the roller for
switch actuation.
[0028] As can be seen, the unique design of the roller does not
include a central axis, but is rather a centerless system, allowing
the ratchet-type support structure to be viable. Preferably, upon
manufacturing, the optical components are held in place with a
soldering fixture to guarantee their precise position. The roller
mechanism is assembled separately, and inserted on the completed
substrate or printed circuit board after removal of the soldering
fixture.
[0029] As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the
present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For
example, two separate springs could be used, one to support the
roller and another to actuate the microswitch. Alternately, a
single spring could be used to support the roller, and an extending
arm could actuate the microswitch, or the microswitch could be
actuated by depressing of the roller or its housing itself. In
addition, different designs for the switch could be provided, such
as by having two fixed, pivoting members joined by a spring so that
downward movement on one end of one pivoting member cause the
corresponding end of the other pivoting member to also move down.
The mechanism can be incorporated into a mouse or trackball on the
top or side, or the side, handle or base of a joystick.
[0030] Substrate 14 is preferably a printed circuit board (PCB),
and, in some mouse designs, could be mounted at an angle to match
the inclined surface of the mouse through which it protrudes. In
addition, roller 12 may optionally be made of a rubber material,
which is press-fitted across internal ring 40 of FIG. 3. The rubber
material may have ridges along its outer surface to give additional
tactile feedback to the user, and to improve the friction of the
user's finger when rotating the roller.
[0031] In one alternate embodiment, instead of slits, the roller
can have reflective and nonreflective strips, with the emitter and
detector being mounted on the same side of the roller. Preferably,
the emitter and detector are mounted side by side, and a multiple
element detector is used. The strips can be shaped in the same
manner as the slits of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0032] Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be
illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which
is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *