Force-sensing mouse pointing device for computer input
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorScott E. Fahlman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mouse has a set of force sensors that measure vertical force with respect to the surface on which the mouse moves and pass information to the computer system in question. The mouse output can be used for: 1) downward force; 2) tilt in several directions; 3) rotation. The relevant application program can use the data for any number of purposes.
Claims17
A sensing system for providing input to a computer and comprising a substantially horizontal body enclosing sensing means for sensing translation in a horizontal plane, further comprising:
- at least one force sensor oriented to sense vertical force perpendicular to the horizontal;
- and
- a set of at least two vertical force sensors.
An article of manufacture in computer readable form comprising means for performing a method for operating a computer system comprising a sensing system for providing input to said computer and comprising a substantially horizontal body enclosing sensing means for sensing translation in a horizontal plane, at least two force sensors oriented to sense vertical force perpendicular to the horizontal, electronic means responsive to said set of at least two vertical force sensors for sensing the difference between two sensors disposed on opposite sides of a horizontal axis, thereby sensing the magnitude of a tilt along said horizontal axis, said method comprising the steps of:
- sensing outputs of said at least two force sensors;
- converting said outputs of said at least two force sensors to digital form;
- smoothing said outputs over a time period to generate smoothed outputs of said at least two force sensors to reduce fluctuations therein;
- and
- passing said smoothed outputs to application program means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.