U.S. patent application number 12/267594 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for electronic pen device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pegasus Technologies Ltd.. Invention is credited to Boris Gluzman, Gideon Shenholz, Isaac ZLOTER.
Application Number | 20090115746 12/267594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39593868 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090115746 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZLOTER; Isaac ; et
al. |
May 7, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC PEN DEVICE
Abstract
Various electronic pen devices are disclosed herein. In one
embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved ultrasound
transducer (i.e. transmitter or receiver) is provided. In one
embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved `pen up/pen down`
detector is provided. In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an
improved structure for transmitting infrared light is provided. In
one embodiment, an improved electronic pen that may be operated in
pen mode or mouse mode is provided.
Inventors: |
ZLOTER; Isaac; (Holon,
IL) ; Gluzman; Boris; (Petah Tiqwa, IL) ;
Shenholz; Gideon; (Tel Aviv, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK M. FRIEDMAN;C/O BILL POLKINGHORN - DISCOVERY DISPATCH
9003 FLORIN WAY
UPPER MARLBORO
MD
20772
US
|
Assignee: |
Pegasus Technologies Ltd.
Azoor
IL
|
Family ID: |
39593868 |
Appl. No.: |
12/267594 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11620739 |
Jan 8, 2007 |
|
|
|
12267594 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/179 ;
178/19.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0304 20130101;
G06F 3/03545 20130101; G06F 3/0433 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/179 ;
178/19.02 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/033 20060101
G06F003/033 |
Claims
1. An electronic pen device comprising: a. an elongated housing
having an inner longitudinal cavity including at least one
light-conveying element selected from the group consisting of a
transparent region and an opening transmitting part; b. an internal
light source positioned within said inner longitudinal cavity; c.
at least one reflector located in said longitudinal cavity, said
reflector being configured to reflect incident light received from
said light source such that the reflected light exits said
light-conveying element; said reflector is operative to increase
the intensity of said emitted light; and, d. at least one
ultrasound electronic transducer selected from the group consisting
of an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver; said
transducer being operative to facilitate an electronic determining
of a location of said electronic pen device.
2. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-conveying element is selected from the group consisting of a
hole, an opening, a slot, a notch or a transparent solid
material.
3. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-conveying element is embedded with a less light-conveying
element to reflect incident light received from said reflector such
that the reflected light exits said light-conveying element.
4. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-conveying element includes a radial opening.
5. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein at least a majority
of the light emitted by said light source exiting from said
light-conveying element is reflected light.
6. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said light source
includes infrared emitter.
7. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said infrared light
source includes a LED.
8. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein at least one said
reflector comprises at least one reflecting portion deployed at
different angles within said inner cavity to reflect the infrared
radiation and at least one transparent portion to convey said
radiation outwardly.
9. The pen system according to claim 1, wherein said transparent
portion is shaped in a way selected from the group consisting of a
slot, a notch, an opening, and a hole.
10. The pen system according to claim 1, wherein said transparent
portion includes any transparent solid material, adapted to convey
light signals.
11. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said reflector is
formed from at least one material selected from the group
consisting of metal, plastic, and other solid material.
12. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said reflector is
at least partially metal-coated.
13. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said reflector is
substantially cylindrical.
14. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said housing inner
cavity surrounding said infrared light source, is reflective.
15. The pen device according to claim 1, wherein said housing inner
cavity is metal-coated.
16. A method for transmitting from an electronic pen device a
uniform radiation being operative to facilitate an electronic
determining of a location of said electronic pen device, and
increasing the radiation intensity, comprising the steps of: a.
providing an electronic pen device including (i) an elongated
housing having an inner longitudinal cavity including at least one
light-conveying element; (ii) an internal light source positioned
within said cavity; (iii) an infrared reflector located in said
longitudinal cavity and, (iv) at least one ultrasound electronic
transducer selected from the group consisting of an ultrasound
transmitter and an ultrasound receiver; b. emitting a radiation
within said reflector; c. reflecting said incident radiation within
said reflector received from said light source; d. increasing said
emitted radiation intensity; e. transmitting said radiation
radially out of said reflector; and, f. transmitting said radiation
radially out of said housing through said light-conveying
element.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step
of: a. coating said inner cavity to increase the radiation
reflection.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a U.S. Divisional Application of
U.S. Ser. No. 11/620,739 filed on Jan. 8, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to improved electronic pen
devices, for example, electronic pen devices for use in a system
operative to determine the pen's location while digitizing the
written data, using ultrasound- and/or infrared signals.
BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART
[0003] By way of introduction, a digitizer system for tracking an
electronic pen enables hand written documents and drawings to be
tracked and stored electronically. The writing movements produced
by these devices are traced and recorded, and as a result the
textual and graphical content can be digitized and stored in memory
and/or persistent storage. Some digital writing systems include
optical character recognition (OCR) software for converting
recorded pen strokes to text data. The term `electronic pen` refers
to pen with ink or to an inkless stylus. Digital writing
instruments or styluses, interchangeably referred to herein as
"digital pens" regardless of whether or not they write in ink, can
be used to capture pen strokes and digitize them. The electronic
pen communicates with a base unit of the digitizer system using a
communications method that typically includes at least one of
infrared signals, ultrasound signals and other communications
method. The base unit also communicates with an external device
such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) to record the movements
of the electronic pen or stylus.
[0004] Various sensors detect and digitize the location of the pen,
such that the writings, drawings or scribbles of the pen are
stored, for example, into a computer file. The location of the
digitizer pen is tracked with a device tracking mechanism. Those
devices typically employ a combination of transmitters, especially
ultrasound and infrared transmitters, and receivers for processing
signals. The position of the movable implement is then derived by
triangulation. These systems typically may require additional
hard-wired or electromagnetic link, such as an infrared link,
between the movable implement and a base unit whose position is
fixed in space, to provide timing information for time-of-flight
ultrasound calculations.
[0005] It is noted that digital writing systems have been described
in several patent documents, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,356,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,623, JP. Pat. No. 11,085,378 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,104,388 (incorporated herein by reference).
[0006] It is thus noted that digital pens may include one or more
of the following elements: (i) a sound transducer (for example, a
sound transmitter and/or receiver, for example, including
piezoelectric film), (ii) a `pen-up/pen-down` sensor for sensing if
the digital pen is in contact with a writing surface (or pressed to
the writing surface), and (iii) an optical transmitter and/or
optical receiver (for example, infrared transmitter and/or
receiver).
[0007] A brief discussion of certain implementations of each of the
aforementioned elements is provided below. Furthermore, it is noted
that certain digital pens may also be used as mouse devices, and a
brief discussion of certain issues related to using a digital pen
also as a mouse device is also provided below.
Digital Pens that Include Sound Transmitters
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a distal portion of a digitizer pen, for
example a digitizer pen disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,356 of the
present inventors, showing the digitizer pen designed as a
cylindrical housing 10 having a central longitudinal axis 15,
including a rigid writing implement 12 disposed along axis 15, and
at its lower end, a narrower region 11 surrounded by a
piezoelectric film 14 for transmitting sound signals. Furthermore,
the pen device includes an optical transmitter (or optical
receiver) for providing synchronization information. Ultrasound
transmitter is formed as a substantially cylindrical piezoelectric
transmitter element attached to the lower end of housing 10. When
piezoelectric transmitter element resonates, it produces an output
sound wave which propagates perpendicularly to axis 15, as
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0009] Unfortunately, because of the propagation of the signals
perpendicularly to the pen longitudinal axis, a significant
attenuation of the detected signal is detected by the receivers.
Interfering noise, created around the ultrasound transmitter,
decreases the signal to noise ratio in the detected signal,
decreasing accuracy and resolution. Therefore there is an ongoing
need for electronic pen systems that facilitate more accurate
determinations of pen position.
Digital Pens that Detected `Pen Up and/or Pen Down` and/or Pressing
of the Digital Pen to a Writing Surface
[0010] Moreover, in many applications, the pen or stylus (i.e.
having a point) is used by the user to `write` or perform strokes
on a given surface. Thus, when the stylus or pen is "down" (i.e.
contacting the surface), the location of the pen at any given
moment may be tracked in order to perform pen strokes. When the pen
is "up" (i.e. hovering over the surface) the location of the pen
may be tracked in order to provide the "mouse mode," or,
alternatively, can be in "idle" status. Therefore an additional
system is also required in order to determine when the user is
writing and when the user is just moving the pen (i.e. to determine
`pen-up` or `pen down`). Various systems are used to identify when
the movable element is in contact with the writing surface and to
determine when the user is writing as well as the fineness or
thickness of a line being drawn.
[0011] In certain devices, for example--as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,104,388 to Katsuharu et al., contact and pressure detectors
are usually incorporated in the digitizer pen as a self-contained
element including electronic circuitry.
[0012] Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, a sensor 16 (i.e. for detecting a
longitudinal force on elongated rod 13) is provided separately from
printed circuit board PCB 18 which hosts electronics for operating
an ultrasound transducer and/or an optical transmitter or receiver
useful for sending or receiving signals for determining pen
location. Unfortunately, this configuration (i.e. where sensor 16
is provided separately from PCT 18) might, in some situations,
increase the manufacturing cost of the pen and/or make the pen less
effective or convenient to use.
Digital Pens that Include Optical Transmitters
[0013] Digitizer pens frequently include an infrared transmitter.
The IR signal may provide synchronization information, and may also
provide additional information--for example, writing color
information. Conventionally, infrared light sources are implemented
at the distal end of a digitizer pen for directing infrared
radiation emitted thereby through the pen housing as illustrated in
FIG. 3. Because of the cylindrical shape of the housing, the
infrared interface must have 360 degrees angular communications
range around the pen longitudinal axis, to transmit an accurate
signal. Typically, a plurality of infrared light sources (17), such
as light-emitting diode (LED), reside `externally` on a surface of
the pen housing 19 and are located at various locations around
housing 19 to obtain a good uniformity of the light transmission
over the 360 degrees angular communications range around the pen
longitudinal axis. Unfortunately, the need for multiple LEDs makes
the device more expensive to manufacture, and it would be desirable
to have a digital pen that requires fewer LEDs and/or provides
light transmission of multiple beams of light per LED.
A Brief Discussion Related to Using a Digital Pen as a Computer
Mouse
[0014] Certain digital writing systems provide two modes of
operations--"digital pen mode" for tracking pen strokes, and a
"mouse mode" where translation of the digital pen serves to provide
movement of a "mouse locator" within the host system. The term
"mouse" refers hereinafter to any device that a computer user
pushes across a surface, such as a mouse pad or desk surface, in
order to point to a place on a display screen of a computing device
and/or to select one or more actions to take from that position.
Towards this end, digital pens associated with these systems
typically include a button deployed to the housing of the digital
pen for providing "mouse clicks" on the host device. There are a
number of applications for these such multifunctional systems.
According to one specific example, a user may read certain
electronic material (for example, by surfing the internet) and
write notes upon finding items of interest. These notes may be
saved-electronically and refereed to a later time. There is an
ongoing need for improved electronic pen system where the
electronic pen provides both `pen mode` and `mouse mode.` In
particular, there is an ongoing need for improved mechanisms for
switching between pen mode and mouse mode and there is an ongoing
need for improved `writing` or `inked` electronic pen devices that
provide both pen mode and mouse mode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide an
efficient electronic pen device including (a) an elongated housing
including an elongated inner cavity, the housing further including
a radial bore located at the distal end of the housing; and (b) an
ultrasonic transmitter or receiver including a piezoelectric film
deployed on the housing such that at least a portion of the
piezoelectric film overlays at least one the radial bore.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention the
housing is structured such that the inner cavity includes a first
narrow portion whose average radius is a first value and a second
wider portion whose average radius is a second value.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention the
pen is configured so that a majority of sound energy of sound waves
generated by said piezoelectric film: i) enters into said elongated
inner cavity via said at least one radial bore; ii) is downwardly
transmitted within said elongated inner cavity towards a distal end
of said housing; and, iii) exits said housing at a distal end.
[0018] According to still another aspect of the present invention
the pen device further includes a sound-reflecting external cover
overlaying the piezoelectric film. The cover is configured to
re-direct propagation of external sound waves downward radially
outwardly. The pen device is configured such that such a majority
of externally-propagating sound waves generated by said
piezoelectric film is confined by said sound-reflecting external
cover to propagate substantially a downward direction. The cover is
connected to the housing at a proximal end of the cover and the
distal end is open to facilitate downward external propagation of
sound waves. The cover is made of any solid material selected from
the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood and other solid
material, substantially blocking propagation of ultrasonic waveform
incident onto the cover.
[0019] It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the
pen device further includes an elongated rod positioned within the
cavity. The rod has its operative tip extending from the housing
extremity to function as a writing tip of the pen device. The rod
is selected from the group consisting of a refill, a pencil tip, a
marker, a plastic stylus, and an eraser. The rod is removably
inserted within the housing, and movable longitudinally along the
pen axis.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention the pen
device further includes an infrared transmitter operative to emit
infrared signals wherein the infrared signals and the signals
emitted from the piezoelectric film provides pen location
information. The infrared transmitter is positioned within the
elongated cavity.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention the
inner cavity is dimensioned to form a resonance volume, sized to be
in resonance with a transmitter resonance frequency of the
ultrasound transmitter.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention the
piezoelectric film is formed from at least one material selected
from the group consisting of polarized fluoropolymer,
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinylidene difluoride and its
copolymers.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is
provided an electronic pen device including (a) an elongated
housing including an elongated inner cavity, (b) an ultrasound
transmitter including piezoelectric film located at the distal
portion of the pen; and, (c) a sound-reflecting external cover
overlaying the piezoelectric film, wherein the cover is connected
the housing at a proximal end of the cover and the distal end is
open to facilitate downward external propagation of sound-waves;
the cover is configured to re-direct external sound waves
propagating outwardly radially in a downward axial direction.
[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided an electronic pen device including (a) an elongated
housing having an inner longitudinal cavity; (b) an elongated
writing implement including at least an elongated rod portion, the
writing implement deployed within the elongated cavity such that a
distal end of the elongate rod protrudes from the housing at a
distal end of the housing; (c) a circuit board mounted on an
elongate surface the inner cavity; and, (d) a sensor operative to
generate an electrical signal indicative of a force on a distal end
of the elongated writing implement, wherein the sensor is mounted
on the circuit board.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention the
device further includes an electronic circuitry residing on the
circuit board, the electronic circuitry is operative to generate
transmission signals. The circuit board includes a PCB, which
includes a connection to an electric power source.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
sensor is a contact sensor and/or a pressure sensor. The pressure
sensor includes a normally open pressure activated micro
switch.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention the pen
device further includes a force-transfer element for providing an
outward radial force in accordance with a longitudinal force on the
elongated rod portion. The force-transfer element has a first end
attached to and rotated by the proximal end of the writing
implement and a second end balanced about a pivot point, being
movable in accordance with a longitudinal force exerted on the rod.
The force-transfer element may be an integral part of the writing
implement.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention the
sensor includes a pressure activated conductive material disposed
between the force-transfer element and the circuit board.
[0029] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided an electronic pen device including: (a) an
elongated housing having an inner longitudinal cavity including at
least one light-conveying element selected from the group
consisting of a transparent region and an opening transmitting
part; (b) an internal light source positioned within the inner
longitudinal cavity; (e) at least one reflector located in the
longitudinal cavity, the reflector being configured to reflect
incident light received from the light source such that the
reflected light exits the light-conveying element; the reflector is
operative to increase the intensity of the emitted light; and, (d)
at least one ultrasound electronic transducer selected from the
group consisting of an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound
receiver, the transducer being operative to facilitate an
electronic determining of a location of the electronic pen
device.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention the
light-conveying element is selected from the group consisting of a
hole, an opening, a slot, a notch or a transparent solid material.
The light-conveying element is embedded with a less light-conveying
element to reflect incident light received from the reflector such
that the reflected light exits the light-conveying element. The
light-conveying element includes a radial opening.
[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention at
least a majority of the light emitted by the light source exiting
from the transparent portion is reflected light.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention the
light source includes infrared emitter.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention the
reflector includes at least one reflecting portion deployed at
different angles within the inner cavity to reflect the infrared
radiation and at least one transparent portion to convey the
radiation outwardly.
[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention the
transparent portion is shaped in a way selected from the group
consisting of a slot, a notch, an opening, and a hole. The
transparent portion includes any transparent solid material,
adapted to convey light signals.
[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention the
reflector is formed from at least one material selected from the
group consisting of metal, plastic, and other solid material. The
reflector is at least partially metal-coated and substantially
cylindrical.
[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention the
housing inner cavity surrounding the infrared light source is
reflective, preferably metal-coated.
[0037] According yet to another embodiment of the present invention
there is provided an improved electronic pen system providing two
modes of operations: the pen mode for tracking pen strokes, and the
mouse mode where the pen serves as a mouse for a host device
including: (a) an electronic pen having a housing defining a
location of a writing tip; and, (b) a removable writing tip cap
with a cap end structured to cover the writing tip when the pen is
in a mouse mode, for deactivating the writing tip when touching a
surface.
[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention the cap
includes a protruding movable element peripherally extended out of
the cap pressing on the writing tip for contacting the surface. The
cap further includes at least one transparent portion adapted to
convey signals selected from the group consisting of light signals
and sound signals from the pen device to a receiver. The
transparent portion is shaped in a way selected from the group
consisting of a slot, a notch, an opening, and a hole. The
transparent portion includes any transparent solid material,
adapted to convey light signals.
[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention the pen
system further-includes at least one pressing button having an
outer protrusion portion, adapted to perform the functions of the
standard mouse "click" buttons. The pressing button is embedded in
the housing or in the cap. The pressing button is configured such
the inner protrusion portion is positioned above switch embedded in
the housing. The cap and pressing buttons are made of plastic
selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials such as
polyethylene and polystyrene or epoxy, silicone, and
polyurethane.
[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention the pen
system further includes a software system including an electronic
detector operative to detect the covering of the writing tip by the
cap and to determine if the pen is in the pen mode or in the mouse
mode.
[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a removable writing tip cap with a cap end structured
to cover a writing tip when a pen device is in a mouse mode, the
cap includes a protruding movable element peripherally extended out
of the cap pressing on the writing tip for contacting a surface;
wherein the cap is operative for deactivating the writing tip when
touching a surface. The cap further includes at least one
transparent portion adapted to convey signals selected from the
group consisting of light signals and sound signals from a pen
device to a receiver. The cap also further includes at least one
pressing button embedded in the cap, adapted to perform the
functions of the standard mouse "click" buttons.
[0042] a. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide
a method for transmitting an output signal waveform, representing
the location of an electronic pen device; the method including the
steps of (a) providing the electronic pen device including: (i) a
piezoelectric transmitter including: (A) an elongated housing (20)
including an elongated inner cavity, the housing further including
a radial bore located at a lower portion of the housing; (B) a
piezoelectric film deployed on the housing such that at least a
portion of the piezoelectric film overlays at least one the radial
bore; and, (ii) an external cover overlaying the piezoelectric
film; (b) actuating the electronic pen device; (c) generating sound
waves by the piezoelectric film; (d) emitting an omnidirectional
output ultrasonic signal waveform which travel through the inner
cavity via the at least one radial bore; and, (e) restricting the
propagation of the signal downward within the inner cavity towards
a distal end of the housing.
[0043] It is still another aspect of the present invention to
provide a method for determining when a writing implement is
against a writing surface, and the force with which the writing
implement is being applied to the writing surface including the
steps of (a) providing a electronic pen device including (i) a
housing including an elongate surface cavity defining a location of
the writing implement; (ii) a sensor having a pressure activated
conductive material, (iii) a force-transfer element adjacent to the
sensor and (iv) an a circuit board mounted on the elongate inner
cavity; (b) applying a contact between the writing implement and
the writing surface; (c) enabling a downward motion of the
force-transfer element; (d) applying pressure on the pressure
activated conductive material; and, (e) enabling electrical
connection between the writing implement and the circuit board.
[0044] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a method for transmitting from an electronic pen device a uniform
radiation being operative to facilitate an electronic determining
of a location of the electronic pen device, and increasing the
radiation intensity, including the steps of: (a) providing an
electronic pen device including (i) an elongated housing having an
inner longitudinal cavity including at least one light-conveying
element; (ii) an internal light source positioned within the
cavity; (iii) an infrared reflector located in the longitudinal
cavity and, (iv) at least one ultrasound electronic transducer
selected from the group consisting of an ultrasound transmitter and
an ultrasound receiver; (b) emitting a radiation within the
reflector; (c) reflecting the incident radiation within the
reflector received from the light source; (d) increasing the
emitted radiation intensity; (e) transmitting the radiation
radially out of the reflector; and, (f) transmitting the radiation
radially out of the housing through the light-conveying element.
The method further includes the step of coating the inner cavity to
increase the radiation reflection.
[0045] a. It is yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide a method for operating an electronic pen device in two
modes of operations the pen mode for tracking pen strokes, and the
mouse mode where the pen serves as a mouse for a host device
including the steps of (a) providing a removable writing tip cap
with a cap end structured to cover a writing tip of a electronic
pen; the cap including (i) at least one transparent portion; (ii) a
protruding movable element peripherally extended out of the cap
pressing on the writing tip; and, (iii) at least one pressing
button embedded in the cap; (b) deactivating the writing tip by
covering the writing tip of the pen device; and, (c) moving the pen
device to solicit a motion of the mouse displayed on a display
screen without marking a surface. The method further includes the
step of detecting a contact between the protruding movable element
to a surface. The method further includes the step of presenting a
mouse cursor on the host device display screen. The method further
includes the step of pressing on the pressing button to perform the
functions of the standard mouse "click" buttons. The method also
further includes the step of transmitting signals from the pen
device to a receiver through the apertures, when the pen device is
used as an electronic pen. The method also further includes the
step of detecting the covering of the writing tip by the cap; and,
determining that the pen is in the mouse mode.
[0046] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended
to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0047] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be implemented in practice, and by way of non-limiting example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which
[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art
pen device, showing a piezoelectric transmitter emitting signals
propagating perpendicularly to the pen device longitudinal
axis;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art
pen device, showing a pressure sensor and an independent unit for
actuating an infrared and ultrasound transmitters;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art
pen device, showing a plurality of externally-deployed infrared
light sources;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a housing of an
improved electronic pen, according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of the
same;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the same
showing an external cover configured to confine the direction of
propagation of sound waves in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of the
same;
[0055] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
functional components of the pen device distal portion;
[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second
configuration of the improved electronic pen showing an external
cover configured to confine the direction of propagation of sound
waves in accordance with some embodiments of this invention;
[0057] FIG. 10 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of
the pen device, showing a pressure activated micro switch,
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 11 is a schematic detailed cross-sectional view of the
same;
[0059] FIGS. 12A and 12B are detailed partial side and front
cross-sectional views of the same;
[0060] FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D are schematic cross-sectional
views of the pen device distal portion, showing a reflector for
transmitting from the pen device multiple beams of light;
[0061] FIG. 14 is schematic cross-sectional view of another
configuration of the same;
[0062] FIG. 14A is a graphical representation of the intensity of
transmitted infrared signal as a function of direction; and,
[0063] FIG. 15 is schematic cross-sectional views of the pen device
distal portion, showing a pen device having an improved cap, the
pen device having also functional features of a computer mouse in
accordance with another embodiment of the teachings of this
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0064] The following description is provided, alongside all
chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person
skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the
present invention have been defined specifically to provide a pen
device, which can be used for digitizing graphical or textual data
drawn on every writing surface.
[0065] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in
their entirety Citation of a reference does not constitute an
admission that the reference is prior art.
[0066] In the description and claims of the present application,
each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates
thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the
verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components,
elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.
[0067] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or
to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object
of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element
or more than one element.
[0068] The term "including" is used herein to mean, and is used
interchangeably with, the phrase "including but not limited
to".
[0069] The term "or" is used herein to mean, and is used
interchangeably with, the term "and/or," unless context clearly
indicates otherwise.
[0070] The term "such as" is used herein to mean, and is used
interchangeably, with the phrase "such as but not limited to".
[0071] The term `plurality` applies hereinafter to any integer
greater than or equal to one.
[0072] The term `about` refers hereinafter to a tolerance of
.+-.50% of the defined measure. In some embodiments, the tolerance
is .+-.20%.
[0073] The term `piezoelectric film` refers in the present
invention to any polarized fluoropolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride
(PVDF) and its copolymers. It also refers to similar material
having an equivalent function.
[0074] The term "writing surface" relates to an object on which the
user writes (typically planar), and may have a "thickness" (for
example, a "portable" writing surface such as paper) and may also
be referred to herein as a board. The term writing surface may
refer to a computer screen, a transparent overlay, a piece of
paper, or any other object on which one may write or to which one
may point.
[0075] The term `micro switch` refers to an electric switch
designed to be actuated by the physical motion of a writing
implement.
[0076] The term "downward" refers hereinafter to the direction
along the pen axial axis toward the writing surface.
[0077] The term "external propagation of sound waves" refers
hereinafter to the propagation of the emitted sound waves out of
the pen housing.
[0078] The term "elongated writing implement" refers hereinafter to
an object whose function is to contact the writing surface when the
user writes with the pen. The `elongated writing implement` may
includes at least a rod potion deployed within an elongated inner
cavity of the pen housing and optionally a tip at the distal
end--the elongated writing implement optionally may have a marking
tip or a non-marking tip.
[0079] The term "pen axis" refers hereinafter to the axial
longitudinal axis of the pen.
[0080] The term "contact sensor" refers hereinafter to a sensor
adapted to determine if the writing implement located in the pen is
in contact with the writing surface.
[0081] The term "pressure sensor" refers hereinafter to a sensor
adapted to determine the presence and/or magnitude of the force
applied on the rod.
[0082] The present invention will now be described in terms of
specific, example embodiments. It is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the example embodiments disclosed. It
should also be understood that not every feature of the improved
system for transmitting sound; improved system for transmitting
light; improved system for detecting pen up/pen down; improved
mouse system; and methods of manufacturing and using the same
described is necessary to implement the invention as claimed in any
particular one of the appended claims.
Improved System for Transmitting Sound
[0083] The pen device according to some embodiments of the present
invention is schematically characterized by FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0084] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical housing 20
having a central longitudinal axis 15. Housing 20 may be made of
any solid material, such as plastic, metal, wood or other solid
material. Housing 20 includes at its distal end a radial bore
26.
[0085] In the example of FIGS. 4-7, a piezoelectric film 28
externally deployed on a part of housing 20, overlays radial bore
26, and converts electrical energy into ultrasound signals.
Piezoelectric crystals have the property of changing size when an
electric voltage is applied to them. By applying an alternating
electric voltage (AC) on a piezoelectric crystal, the crystal is
caused to oscillate producing ultrasound signals. Piezoelectric
film 28, typically having a cylindrical shape, has outer and inner
conductive layers. The outer and inner conductive layers are
electrodes, which typically are physically or chemical deposited
onto piezoelectric film 28. In a preferred embodiment, the
piezoelectric film is composed of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)
or of copolymers of PVDF.
[0086] FIG. 5 shows a cross section view of the distal portion of a
pen device 100. Housing 20 includes an inner elongated cavity 24
having a non-uniform cylindrical shape divided into two portions
i.e. the upper narrow portion 24a and the lower wider portion 24b.
The upper portion radius is substantially smaller than the lower
portion radius. There is no explicit limitation on the value of the
radius for the narrow portion and the value of the radius for the
wider portion. In some non-limiting embodiments, the radio is
between the value of the radius for the narrow portion and the
value of the radius for the wider portion is between 0.2 and 0.9,
preferably 0.7. In exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the ratio
radius of the inner portion is in the range of about 1.3 to 2 mm,
preferably 1.7 mm and the radius of the wider portion is in the
range of about 1.5 to 4 mm, preferably 2.275 mm. Elongated rod 32
is located within cavity 24. The upper portion radius is slightly
greater than the radius of a rod 32, defining a space preferably
adapted to allow a displacement of rod 32 upwardly and downwardly.
In exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the radius of the rod is in
the range of about 1.3 to 2 mm, preferably 1.675 mm. In exemplary
non-limiting embodiments, the space is in the range of about 0.001
mm to 0.5 mm preferably 0.025 mm. The length of the wider portion
is in the range of about 2.5 to 4 mm, preferably 3.3 mm. Housing 20
having a substantially cylindrical cavity 24 terminates at its
lower end in an annular opening 36.
[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a rod 32 is located within cavity
24 having its operative tip 38 extending through opening 36. In one
non-limiting example, the distance between operative tip 38 and the
extremity of housing 20 may be, for example, a few mm to preserve a
visibility of the tip. Rod 32 may be, but is not limited to a
marking tip including an ink refill, a pencil tip, a marker or a
non-marking tip such as a stylus tip, or an eraser. Rod 32 can be
removably inserted and reversibly deployed within housing 20, to be
replaced with a new one when ink runs out.
[0088] The signal emitted from piezoelectric film 28 propagates
omni directionally (in both directions: internally and externally).
An external cover 34 overlays piezoelectric film 28 and operates to
reflect the ultrasonic waveform emitted by piezoelectric film 28.
The term "overlay" refers hereinafter to the superimposition of
piezoelectric film 28 and external cover 34 wherein there is no
required contact between piezoelectric film 28 and external cover
34. In some embodiments, having portions or the entirety of
piezoelectric film 28 allows piezoelectric film 28 to vibrate.
[0089] Cover 34 may be include, for example, of any solid material
that reflects incident sound waves and/or that prevents incident
sound waves from propagating through cover 34--including but not
limited to as plastic, metal, wood or other solid material. Cover
34 also protects piezoelectric film 28 from mechanical damage. As
illustrated in the figures, cover 34 may be configured to inwardly
reflect radially outwardly propagating sound waves and/or to
reflect in a `downwards direction` sound waves propagating along a
vector that has a radial outward component. The term "outwardly
propagating sound waves" refers hereinafter to sound waves
generated by piezoelectric film 28 that are propagating outside of
housing 20 of pen 100 but possibly within cover 34. Furthermore,
cover 34 may be operative to `block` radial outward propagation of
sound waves. Therefore, signals 37 emitted from pen device 20, can
not be emitted perpendicularly to axis 15 as in conventional prior
art devices, and are hence restricted to be emitted substantially
in axis 15 direction. Signals 37 propagate then in the writing
surface.
[0090] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
cover 34 is oriented substantially parallelly to the pen axis 15,
being configured to substantially confine the direction of the
signals emitted from pen device 100. The term "substantially
parallelly" refers hereinafter to the shape of the cover designed
in a way that it is parallel in principle to the longitudinal pen
axis 15, but due to design reasons it might be slightly rounded in
the connection between cover 34 and housing 20.
[0091] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
cover 34 is connected to housing 20 a proximal end of cover 34 and
the distal end is open to facilitate downward external propagation
of sound waves. The term "open" refers hereinafter to distance
between the distal end of cover 34 and housing 20 enabling
propagation downward along pen axis 15.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a detailed schematic side cross-sectional view of
the distal portion of pen device. According to another embodiment
of the present invention, the pen device includes an ultrasound
transmitter formed as a substantially annular piezoelectric
transmitter element. The transmitter also includes electrical leads
(not shown) such as a pair of wires or any other electrically
conductive object which is electrically coupled (for example, by
electrical contacts) with piezoelectric film 28. This electrical
signal may be produced by electronic circuitry controlling the
ultrasound emission. When a voltage is applied to the sides of
piezoelectric film 28, film 28 vibrate emitting ultrasonic signals.
As a result, piezoelectric film 28 serves as a transmitter of
ultrasonic waves. The voltage applied on the sides of film 28
produces vibrations, external to frame housing 20. Since
piezoelectric film 28 is flexible, the oscillations generate
ultrasonic waves traveling toward inner cavity tapered lower
portion 24b.
[0093] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the pen device is configured so that a majority of sound energy of
sound waves generated by the piezoelectric film (i) enters into the
elongated inner cavity via the at least one radial bore; (ii) is
downwardly transmitted within the elongated inner cavity towards a
distal end of the housing; (iii) exits the housing at a distal end.
The term "configured" in reference to the pen device refers
hereinafter to the any combination of configuration of the shape of
the housing and/or of the placement of the film, and/or of the
shape of the inner cavity and/or of any other design condition of
the elements included in the pen device.
[0094] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the pen device such that such a majority of externally-propagating,
i.e. as measured by energy, sound waves generated by the
piezoelectric film is confined by the sound-reflecting external
cover to propagate substantially in a downward direction. The term
"substantially in a downward direction" refers hereinafter to
propagation in an angle of the general direction of less than about
45 degrees defined between the propagation and the pen axis.
[0095] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
when film 28 vibrates a sound wave enters into lower portion 24b
via at least one radial bore 26, this sound wave then travels
through lower portion 24b. In addition, vibration of film 28 may
generate radially outwardly propagating sound waves which are, in
turn, reflected to propagate in an inward direction and enter into
lower portion 24b via radial bore 26. In some embodiments, a
majority of the ultrasound energy of sound waves produced by
vibrating film 28 is, after entering the lower portion 24b via at
least one radial bore 26, directed downward through annular opening
36, while a minor amount of the energy such as heat is absorbed
within cavity 24.
[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
lower portion 24b, is configured to form an acoustic aperture or
resonance volume, sized in accordance with the transmitter resonant
frequency to transfer a maximum (or near-maximum) energy from the
lower portion of the pen, and hence to increase the emitted signal,
increasing the sensitivity of device 100.
[0097] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
functional components of the pen device distal portion according to
some embodiments. The distal portion includes three layers; the
first layer is cylindrical housing 20, according to one embodiment
of the present invention. Housing 20 having a substantially
cylindrical cavity terminates at its lower end in an annular
opening 36. Operative tip 38 of rod 32 is especially adapted to
extend through annular opening 36.
[0098] The second layer 28, adapted to overlay the first layer, is
a cylindrical piezoelectric film, having a protruding end 29
including inner and outer conductive layers especially adapted to
be connected to an external circuit which applies electrical
contact to the sides of piezoelectric film 28. The conductive
layers are selected from a group including electrodes or electron
conducting metal film. Piezoelectric film 28 receives an electrical
signal from electrical leads such as by a pair of wires or any
other electrically conductive object which is electrically coupled
(for example, by electrical contacts) with piezoelectric film 28.
This AC electrical signal, for example one or more excitation
pulses, may be produced by electronic circuitry (not shown), for
example associated with, attached to or embedded in the stylus,
powered with an electrical power source (not shown). There is no
limitation on this electrical power source (not shown). It may
include a battery (such as a rechargeable battery) or may include a
rechargeable "capacitor." It is recognized that the latter may be
rechargeable over a shorter time scale, and thus, in some
embodiments, an electronic "ink well" is provided, which a user may
engage to recharge the capacitor.
[0099] In exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the radius of
piezoelectric film 28 is about 2-3 mm and the length of
piezoelectric film 28 is between 2 and 5 mm.
[0100] The third layer 34, adapted to overlay second layer 28, is a
cover 34 operating to reflect the ultrasonic waveform emitted by
piezoelectric film 28. Cover 34 also protects piezoelectric film 28
from mechanical damage, and forms the finger support of pen device
100.
[0101] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
device 100 also includes an infrared transmitter (not shown)
positioned within elongated cavity 24, operative to emit infrared
signals wherein the infrared signals and the signals emitted from
the piezoelectric film provides pen location information. The term
"pen location information" refers hereinafter to the timing
information for time-of-flight between the ultrasound and/or
transmitter and each ultra-sound and/or infrared receiver useful
for determining the location of the pen by triangulation.
[0102] A second configuration of pen device 100 is shown in FIG. 9.
Pen device 100 includes an ultrasound transmitter including
piezoelectric film 28 located at the distal portion of the pen
below housing 20; and, an external cover 34 overlaying
piezoelectric film 28. Cover 34 positioned below housing 20, is
configured to substantially reflect the direction of the signals
emitted from the pen device, in such a manner as to allow
propagation of ultrasonic waves downward in pen axis 15 direction.
Cover 34 is also configured to block radially outward propagation
of sound waves. The extremity of housing 20 is connected to the
proximal end of cover 34. Cover 34 includes an inner cavity 29
terminates at its lower end in an annular opening 31. Rod 32 is
located within housing 20 having its operative tip 38 extending
through opening 31.
[0103] It will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art
that other features of the prior art pen devices described
hereinabove and novel features of the pen devices according to the
various aspects of the present invention as further described
herein can be combined to operate with device 100.
Improved System for Detecting Pen Up/Pen Down
[0104] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a pen device including a contact and/or pressure sensor. The pen
device according to this aspect of the present invention is shown
in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12A-B and is referred to herein below as device
200.
[0105] Turning now to FIG. 10, this is a schematic side
cross-sectional view of the pen device, illustrating a contact
and/or pressure sensor 42 connected to an electronic circuitry (58)
especially a PCB which hosts electronics for operating an
ultrasound transducer and/or an optical transmitter or receiver
useful for sending or receiving signals for determining pen
location. The circuit board is mounted on an elongate surface 43 of
the housing cavity. The term "mounted on an elongate surface"
refers hereinafter to the position of the circuit board in the
longitudinal pen axis direction.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 11, pen device 200 also includes
within the hollow housing, a holder 50 for releasably retaining the
removably attached rod 32; a contact and/or pressure sensor, being
actuated when contacted by a force-transfer element, such as a
lever 54. Lever 54 is useful for converting axial motion and/or
force applied on the tip of the rod upon contacting and/or pressing
upon the writing surface into radial motion on the sensor, so as to
be responsive to a longitudinal force exerted on writing tip 38 of
rod 32; and an electronic circuitry disposed along the pen axis,
being electronically communicating with sensor 42 for affecting
operation of pen device 200 at least when sensor 42 indicates that
a force and/or a magnitude of a force is exerted on writing tip 38
of rod 32. The force applied on rod 32 is upward and in the
direction of the pen axis.
[0107] According to another embodiment of the present invention
lever 54 is integrally formed with the writing implement. The rod
and the lever are integrally formed within a single object i.e. the
elongated writing implement.
[0108] The sensor is configured as a pressure activated micro
switch, which allows pen device 200 to determine when rod 32 is
against a writing surface and the force with which rod 32 is being
applied to the writing surface, thereby allowing pen device 200 to
determine when the user is writing as well as the fineness or
thickness of a line being drawn. Micro switch is configured such
that, when rod 32 is in contact with the writing surface, holder 50
is actuated in direction of the pen axis, enabling a downward
motion of lever 54 around pivot point 52. Rotating lever 54 has a
first end attached to and rotated by holder 50 and a second end.
Rotating lever 54 actuated by holder 50 is upwardly and downwardly
movable according to the amount of the force exerted on rod 32.
Lever 54 transforms the pressure applied on rod 32, which has a
direction parallel to the pen axis to a pressure applied
perpendicularly to the pen axis. This is an important advantage of
the present invention which reduces the rod movement during the
sensing.
[0109] Second end of lever 54 mechanically presses on a pressure
activated conductive material 56. In exemplary non-limiting
embodiments, the pressure activated conductive material may be
rubber materials such as commercially available pressure-activated
conductive ZOFLEX.RTM. ZL60.1, Xilor Inc, which becomes conductive
under pressure. A permanent contact between lever 54 and conductive
material 56 is assured due to a spring (not shown) positioned below
holder 50. An electrical connection is therefore enabled between
rod 32 and an electronic circuitry actuating ultrasound transmitter
40 and an infrared transmitter (not shown), preferably a Printed
Circuit Board (PCB) 58, which includes a connection to an electric
power source, such as a miniature battery. PCB 58 is disposed
adjacent to conductive material 56 and is oriented parallel to the
pen axis. PCB 58 is responsive to the opening and the closing of
the micro switch to affect a signal transmitted by transmitter
device 40. Pen device 200 thus identifies that a writing action is
being performed, and movements of pen device 200 are interpreted as
writing movements. When the pressure is removed from rod 32, lever
54 springs back to its original state. Thus, this sensor detects
the force applied to the tip of the rod by sensing pressure; in
addition, it also detects the up/down movement of pen device
200.
[0110] FIGS. 12A and 12B are detailed partial side and front
cross-sectional views of micro switch 500 in accordance with the
teachings of this invention. Micro switch 500 is configured such
that, when rod 32 is in contact with the writing surface, holder 50
is actuated in the pen axis direction. Lever 54 is configured as a
roughly L-shaped lever having a first end attached to and rotated
by holder 50 and a second end balanced about a pivot point 52.
Lever 54 is preferably formed from a conductive material such as
metal, also having elastic properties. Holder 50 overlaps the lever
first end and the lever second end is in contact with conductive
material 56. When holder 50 is actuated in the pen axis direction,
lever 54 is activated downward, in a direction perpendicular to the
pen axis. In principle, release of the pressure on conductive
material 56 allows conductive material 56 to return to its initial
state, thereby breaking the circuit. However, in practice, the
relaxation response time of conductive material 56 is typically
quite slow. For this reason lever 54 has elastic properties such
that, when the pressure is released, lever 54 is lifted immediately
so as to break the circuit. When writing implement 38 is not in
use, lever 54 urges rod 3 downwards so as to open micro switch 500.
Micro switch 500 also includes a protecting cover 60, defining a
restraining arm 62, surrounding the distal portion of lever 54 and
conductive material 56, separated from holder 50 by a protection
gap 64. Restraining arm 62 limiting the holder displacement
prevents system damages if an excessive pressure is applied on rod
32. The reduction of the rod motion during the pressure and contact
sensing, is an important advantage of pen device 200, contributing
for efficient accurate operation of micro switch 500, and for the
non-disturbance of the user writings movements.
[0111] It will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art
that other features of the prior art pen devices described
hereinabove and novel features of the pen devices according to the
various aspects of the present invention as further described
herein can be combined to operate with device 200.
Improved System for Transmitting Light
[0112] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a pen device including a reflector for transmitting from the pen
device multidirectional beams of light. The pen device according to
this aspect of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13A-D and
FIG. 14 and is referred to herein below as device 300.
[0113] Commercially available pen devices usually operate with both
ultrasound and infrared (IR) transmitters. The position of the
writing implement is derived from the time-of-flight (TOF) of
ultrasound signals from the writing implement to the receiver by
triangulation. The IR signal provides synchronization information,
as well as carrying additional information such as, for example,
the color of the writing implement being used. Conventionally,
infrared light sources are implemented at the distal end of a pen
device for directing infrared radiation emitted thereby through the
pen device housing. Because of the cylindrical shape of the
housing, the infrared interface must have 360 degrees angular
communications range around the pen longitudinal axis, to transmit
an accurate signal. Typically, a plurality of infrared light
sources, such as light-emitting diode (LED), are disposed all
around the housing to obtain a good uniformity of the light
transmission over the 360 degrees angular communications range
around the pen longitudinal axis.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 13A-13D, to obtain a good uniformity
of the light transmission over the 360 degrees angular
communications range around the pen axis, involving only one LED
70, an infrared reflector 72 is supplemented in the longitudinal
inner cavity of the housing.
[0115] Reflector 72 surrounds LED 70 and conveys the infrared
radiation out of housing 20. Housing 20 is mostly non-transparent
having slots or small transparent regions to convey the reflected
light. The radiation is transmitted out of the housing through a
plurality of slots, or transparent layers 74. The intensity of
light leaving the slits/transparent part is increased.
[0116] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at
least a majority of the light exiting from the transparent portion
is reflected light. Only one LED 70 is therefore positioned within
housing 20, adjacent to a rod 32. FIGS. 13 B and C show the
positioning of LED 70 into housing 20 and reflector 72.
[0117] Optionally, reflector 72 is a metal ring having a
reflectivity of about 85% with notches 76 or a metal-coated plastic
ring with uncoated transparent parts as represented in FIG. 13D.
The metal ring may also include an upper and under plane to obtain
a higher reflectivity. The notches allow the transmission of the
radiation out of the reflector, while the metal part 73 of the
reflector reflects the radiation. The reflector may be configured
to have more notches or transparent spaces in the portion
surrounding the backside of the LED. The distance between notches
76 may also be small enough to assure that the detector positioned
close to the pen device will not detect only a shadow signal.
[0118] A second configuration is to be discussed with reference to
FIG. 14. The reflector is a reflecting ring 80 having a
reflectivity of 50% to 100% without notches and operates as an
integrator. A transparent ring 82 is located below the metal ring.
Transparent ring 82 allows the transmission of the radiation out of
the reflector, while metal ring 80 reflects the radiation.
Moreover, to increase the radiation reflection, the housing cavity
confining the LED and rod 32 may be metal-coated. Infrared
multidirectional beams of light are transmitted radially
perpendicularly to the pen axis.
[0119] Moreover, internal infrared transmitter provides a good
uniformity of the light transmission over the 360 degrees angular
communications range around the pen longitudinal axis. FIG. 14A
illustrates a typical profile of the intensity of transmitted
infrared signal as a function of direction. Device 300 emits
infrared signals propagating as shown in FIG. 14A with radiation
lobs (81). For example 10% of energy is radiating in 45 degrees
(83).
[0120] It will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art
that other features of the prior art pen devices described
hereinabove and novel features of the pen devices according to the
various aspects of the present invention as further described
herein can be combined to operate with device 300.
Improved Mouse System
[0121] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a pen device including an improved cap having functional features
of a computer mouse. The pen device according to this aspect of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 15 and is referred to herein
below as device 400.
[0122] Turning now to FIG. 15, a pen device having an improved cap,
generally designated 92, will be described. The pen operates in two
modes of operations--"digital pen mode" for tracking pen strokes,
and a "mouse mode" where the digital pen may serve as a mouse for
the host device. Generally, when a user desires to switch from a
conventional digitizer pen, using ink on a writing surface, to a
computer mouse, and moves the mouse to track the cursor, the
movements of the pen are marked on the surface. One embodiment of
the present invention discloses a plastic cap to be placed over the
tip of the pen, enabling the refill to switch on/off when touching
the surface. This cap is used normally as a pen cap to cover the
writing implement and to avoid liking of the ink when not in use,
and may be designed to fit the other side of the pen when in use.
When the pen would function as a mouse, the cap prevents the refill
to draw on the surface. When the pen would function as a
conventional pen, the cap would be simply removed and may be placed
at the other side of the pen.
[0123] The improved mouse-cap provided by some embodiments of the
present invention allows pen device 400 to be used as both a
digitizer pen, or alternatively, as a traditional mouse pointer
device. For instance, a removable cap 92 with a cap end structured
to cover writing tip 98 when not in use may also be operated in a
manner similar to a conventional mouse. Cap 92 includes at least
one slot 99 or a transparent layer, especially adapted to convey
signals from pen device 400 to a receiver; a protruding element 94
peripherally extended out of cap 92 pressing on writing tip 98 for
preventing the marking of the surface or `muzzling` writing tip 98,
when pen device 400 is used as a mouse. The term "peripherally"
refers hereinafter to the circumference of the cap. The term
"protruding movable element" refers hereinafter to tool having a
bulged shape such as a ball, selected in a non-limiting manner from
the group consisting of a roller, a knob, and a button.
[0124] Pen device 400 may include at least one pressing button 96
embedded in cap 92, or in pen device body 90, especially adapted to
perform the functions of the standard mouse "click" buttons. When
the mouse is in use, pressing button 96 can activate one or more
switches embedded in the pen device body 90. Pressing buttons 96
having an outer protrusion portion and an inner protrusion portion
are configured such that inner protrusions portion are positioned
above pen device switches (not shown). Pen device 400 transmits
ultrasound and infrared signals, even when cap 92 is mounted on pen
device 400 through slots 99 or transparent layer. Cap 92 and
pressing buttons 96 can be formed of plastic selected in a
non-limiting manner from polymeric materials such as polyethylene
and polystyrene or epoxy, silicone, and polyurethane that have the
capability of being molded or shaped, usually by the application of
heat and pressure.
[0125] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
cap 92 may also integrates an eraser.
[0126] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
pen device 400 also includes a software system including an
electronic circuitry operative to detect the covering of writing
tip 98 by cap 92 and hence to determine if the pen is in a pen mode
or in a mouse mode.
[0127] It will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art
that other features of the prior art pen devices described
hereinabove and novel features of the pen devices according to the
various aspects of the present invention as further described
herein can be combined to operate with device 400.
[0128] Another potential advantage provided by some embodiments of
the present invention is that the operative tip 38 is as close as
possible to the point of transmission and only small tilt effect
can occur. The term "tilt effect" refers hereinafter to the
phenomenon, in which the position of the operative tip is different
from the point of transmission located above it, leading to
inaccurate location position information of the tip. Moreover, in
conventional prior art devices, the users may position their
fingers over the region of the infrared or ultrasound transducers,
located close to the writing tip, thereby blocking communication
between the electronic pen and a base unit. In contrast, in device
100, the emission of signals 37 in axis 15 direction, facilitates
the finger holding of pen device 100, which can be close to the
operative tip, without involving a risk of blocking the
transmission of emitted signals 37.
[0129] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in
their entirety. Citation of a reference does not constitute an
admission that the reference is prior art.
[0130] The present invention has been described using detailed
descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of
example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of
which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some
embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the
features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of
embodiments of the present invention that are described and
embodiments of the present invention comprising different
combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will
occur to persons of the art.
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