Electronic input devices with radial force sensor array
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsOwen RICHARD, Fred Charles THOMAS, III
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one example, an electronic input device is described. The electronic input device includes a cylindrical shaft including a tip. A sensor housing of the electronic input device is disposed within an external housing. The sensor housing is parallel with, and surrounds, the cylindrical shaft. The electronic input device also includes a radial sensor(s) disposed on an inside diameter of the sensor housing. The sensor(s) are to sense, directly from the tip, radial force inputs against the tip.
Claims15
An electronic input device comprising:
- a cylindrical shaft including a tip;
- a sensor housing disposed within an external housing, the sensor housing being parallel with, and surrounding, the cylindrical shaft;
- and
- a radial array of sensors disposed on an inside diameter of the sensor housing, wherein the sensors are to sense directly from the tip, radial force inputs against the tip.
An electronic input device comprising:
- a cylindrical shaft including a tip, the tip to interface with a surface;
- a sensor housing disposed within an external housing, the sensor housing being parallel with, and surrounding, the cylindrical shaft, wherein the sensor housing is adjacent the tip of the cylindrical shaft;
- a radial array of multiple sensors disposed on an inside diameter of the sensor housing, wherein the sensors are to sense directly from the tip, radial force inputs against the tip;
- and
- an axial sensor adjacent an end of the cylindrical shaft opposite the tip, the axial sensor to sense axial force inputs against the cylindrical shaft.
An electronic input system, comprising:
- an external housing, the external housing including an opening through which a tip of a cylindrical shaft protrudes;
- and
- an electronic input device disposed within the external housing, the electronic input device comprising:
- the cylindrical shaft including the tip, the tip to interface with an electronic surface;
- a sensor housing disposed within the external housing, the sensor housing being parallel with, and surrounding, the cylindrical shaft;
- and
- a radial sensing unit disposed on an inside diameter of the sensor housing at the opening of the external housing, wherein the radial sensing unit is to sense, directly from the tip, radial force inputs against the tip;
- and
- an axial sensor disposed on an end of the housing opposite the tip of the cylindrical shaft to sense axial force inputs against the cylindrical shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.