Pointing device and method
OwnerTimothy Trifiloinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and device for an enhanced pointing device is provided. The pointing device includes an encoder and a pressure sensor circuit. The encoder is operable to detect a directional user input. The pressure circuit includes a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state. The encoder and the pressure circuit are in communication with a controller. The controller outputs a rate signal which varies in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor and outputs a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector. Minimum and maximum speeds can be set for the rate. In addition, audio and/or tactile feedback can be provided.
Claims20
A pointing device comprising:
- an encoder operable to detect a directional user input;
- a pressure circuit including a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state;
- a controller in communication with said encoder and said pressure circuit;
- said controller outputting a rate signal varying in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor, said controller further outputting a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector.
A method for providing enhanced user input using a pointing device comprising:
- detecting a directional user input by an encoder;
- detecting an amount of pressure exerted on said pointing device by a pressure circuit including a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state;
- sending signals from said encoder and said pressure circuit to a controller;
- said controller outputting a rate signal varying in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor and a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.