CA1048775A - Cursor position device - Google Patents
Cursor position deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1048775A CA1048775A CA75238380A CA238380A CA1048775A CA 1048775 A CA1048775 A CA 1048775A CA 75238380 A CA75238380 A CA 75238380A CA 238380 A CA238380 A CA 238380A CA 1048775 A CA1048775 A CA 1048775A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sphere
- contact
- housing
- rotation
- base member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
- G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
- G06F2203/0333—Ergonomic shaped mouse for one hand
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
- Y10T74/20201—Control moves in two planes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention relates to a position device which rides over a surface for controlling a cursor over a visual display. The device generates signals indicative of its position to cause the cursor to be displayed on the display at a corresponding position. The device includes a control mechanism that comprises a transport sphere coupled with rotatable shafts which represent the position of the device in terms of Cartesian coordinates. The sphere is in contact with the surface over which the device rides and the rotatable shafts contact the sphere at a position on the sphere approxi-mately 90° from the contact loci of the sphere and the surface.
The invention relates to a position device which rides over a surface for controlling a cursor over a visual display. The device generates signals indicative of its position to cause the cursor to be displayed on the display at a corresponding position. The device includes a control mechanism that comprises a transport sphere coupled with rotatable shafts which represent the position of the device in terms of Cartesian coordinates. The sphere is in contact with the surface over which the device rides and the rotatable shafts contact the sphere at a position on the sphere approxi-mately 90° from the contact loci of the sphere and the surface.
Description
1~348775 `~ BACKGROUND OE' THE INVENTION
This invention relates to display systems and, i more particularly, to devices which alter the display at selected locations by controlling a cursor over the display.
Engelbart, in U.S. Patent No. 3,541,541 describes an X-Y position indicator control for movement by the hand over any surface to move a cursor over the display on a cathode ray tube. The indicator control mechanism of the Engelbart device contains X and Y position wheels mounted perpendicular Y 10 to each other, which rotate according to the X and Y movements of the mechanism, and which operate rheostats to send signals ~s~ along a wire to a computer which controls a CRT display.The Engelbart device is a promising one for altering a display pattern on a cathode ray tube. The us~ of the cursor allows the operator to accurately indicate the exact position ~ on the display on which he can make alterations. The X-Y
s~ ~ position indicating device is a practicable mechanism for con-~-' :'~
trolling the position of the cursor relative to the display ~ pattern.
; 20 A disadvantage of the Engelbart device is that its movement over a surface is dependent upon the movement of the i: ~
X-Y position wheels themselves. Hence, the device is biased to move in X and Y directions respective to the planes of the X and Y position wheels.
Rider, in U.S. Patent No. 3,835,464, provides an X-Y position indicator for controlling a cursor over a visual display which is not biased in any given direction of movement.
-~ The position indicator includes a transport sphere in combination ~, with position wheels for supporting the indicator and trans-i 30 lating its movement into Cartesian coordinates.
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Thus~ in accordance with the present teachings, an apparatus is provided for indicating movement over a surface.
~" The apparatus comprises a housing which has an apertured base member. A sphere which is loosely supported by the housing is provided such that the sphere may have universal rotation and furthermore such that a portion of the sphere extends through the aperture in the base member. Contact , between the sphere and the surface provides rotation of the sphere indicative of movement of the housing with respect to the surface. A pair of rotatable members is each supported by the housing with each of the rotatable members being adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof. The axis of rotation ~i of the rotatable members is substantially perpendicular to each other with each of the rotatable members being in frictional abutment with the sphere such that each of the rotatable members rotates as a function of a component of the rotation of the sphere. Transducer means is provided responsive to rotation of each of the rotatable members for delivering signals indicative of the movement and position of the housing.
Rotatable means are provided urging the sphere towards the base , member with the rotatable means contacting the sphere at a position off-set from a polar position on the surface of the sphere defined by an axis through the center of the sphere and the point of contact of the sphere with the surface.
More specifically, the invention provides a position ~ device for controlling a cursor over a display on a cathode " ray tube. The device generates signals indicative of its , position to cause the cursor to be displayed on the CRT at a corresponding position.
~ 30 Another feature of the invention is that the position ;s device rides over a surface about a transport sphere. The movement of the transport sphere causes signals to be generated s rom the device indicative of its position.
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Yet another feature of the present invention is that the control mechanism further includes rotatable shafts in combination with the transport sphere such that the 3 shafts contact this sphere at positionsi on the sphere 90 from the contact locii of the sphere and the supporting surface. The movement of the device over the surface is translated into the movement of the sphere in rotation about its radius. The radial rotation of the sphere is in turn translated into Cartesian coordinates respective to the re-sulting rotation of the shafts.
,~ An additional feature of the present invention is ;' that the shafts 0ntact the sphere at points on the sphere approximately 90 from each other.
It is still another feature of the invention that the position wheels are coupled to indicating means which transmit X and Y signals which control the display in accord-'ç ance with the respective movements of the shafts.
It is yet another feature of the invention that a roller be spring loaded to contact the sphere at a third point to constrain the sphere in contact with the rotatable shafts.
The third point of contact is preferably, at a position on the sphere 90 from the contact locii of the sphere and its sup-~ porting surface, opposite from the positions of shaft contact ,- with the sphere, and approximately equidistant therefrom.
~, 25 Another feature of the present invention is that the ' sphere is also constrained in an upward direction from its supporting surface by means of another roller spring biased ~- in contact with the sphere opposite from the supporting surface.
This point of contact is at a position off-set from a po~ar position defined on the surface of the sphere by an axis through the center of the sphere and its point of contact with its supporting surface.
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These and other features which are considered to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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DESCRIPTION OE THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a position -, 10 device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the ~ position device of Figure 1.
j ;~ Figure 3 is a bottom view of the transport sphereshown in Figures 1 and 2 as constrained by the rotatable ~- 15 elements in contact with it.
'~ Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the rotatable , ~ shafts shown in Figure 3 in contact with the sphere riding j over a support surface with an additional constraint imposed ~ ' -~ on the upper surface of the sphere.
In Figure 5 is shown the upper and lower constraining elementsimposed on the sphere by the position device of Figure ,:,i~,: 1 :, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In Figure 1 is ~hown a position device 1 which ~?~ incorporates features of the invention. Located in the top , of the housing 2 of the device 1 are control buttons 3 which are provided for closing switches (not shown) which send pulses through a cable 5 to signal certain changes in the displayed -~ 30 information on a display monitor (not shown). A horizontal '~ support plane 8 is mounted in fixed relation to the inside of 'i~, ~ -5-- 1~48775 the housing 2 to support transducer elements 12 and 14. A
;~ sphere 16 is located within the position device 1 bounded by the transducer elements 12 and 14. The sphere 16 is constrained against these elements by means of a biasing element 18.
the an aperture 20 to extend beyond/bottom surface of the support plane 8. Support stems 22 and 24 are mounted on the bottom side of the plane 8 which in combination with a sphere 16 enable the position device 1 to be supported on a surface, such as a table, in a tripodal configuration. The radius of the sphere 16 and the length of the stems 22 and 24 are selected such that the position device 1 is in horizontal relationship with a horizontal supporting surface. As the indicator device 1 is moved by the supporting surface, the sphere 16 translates the x and y coordinate directions of travel of the device 1 , over the surface into rad;i~ motion. The diameter of the aperture 20 is smaller than the diameter of the sphere 16 such that the sphere 16 is retained within the device 1.
A bottom view of the transducer elements 12 and 14 in Figure 3 'js~ 20 and the biasing element 18 are shown/in contact with the sphere 16. The transducer elements 12and 14 are comprised respectively of rotatable shafts 32 and 34 which are rotatably supported on the support plane 8 by means of bearing elements 36. The ' rotatable shafts 32 and 34 contact the sphere 16 at points located approximately 90 from the contact locd of the sphere 16 and the supporting surfaces. This latter feature is more clearly shown in the front view, Figure 4, of the arrangement shown in Figure 3.
Additionally, the rotatable shafts 32 and 34 contact the sphere 16 at points on the sphere approximately 90 from ~ each other. To maintain the desired physical relationships $
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between the shafts 32 and 34 and the sphere 16, the shafts 32 and 34 mounted at right angles to each other and located substantially parallel to the supporting surface over which the device 1 is to be transported.
` 5 The biasing element 18 constrains the sphere against the shafts 32 and 34 to ensure that the radi~lrotation of the , sphere 16 is translated into Cartesian coordinates of motion respective to the resulting rotation of the shafts 32 and 34.
The biasing element 18 is comprised of a wheel bearing 40 which is mounted on an axle 41 which pivots about a stem 42 ~ mounted on the support plane 8. The bearing ~0 is biased : against the sphere 16 by means of a spring 44 which is anchored -~` to stems 46 to direct pressure on the axle 41 in the direction of the sphere 16. The wheel bearing 40 is rotabably mounted on the axle 41 so that there is no interference with the rotation of the sphere 16. The contact of the bearing 40 with the sphere 16 is at a position on the sphere 16 90 from the contact loci 'i,J. of the sphere 16 and its supporting surface, opposite from the ' position of shaft contact with the sphere 16, and approximately equal distance therefrom. The axle 41 is disposed to pivot through the plane of the shafts 32 and 34 to maintain the contact surface of the bearing 40 tangential to the surface .,.~
of the sphere 16.
Encoder disks 50 and 52 are fixed respectively on ends of the shafts 32 and 34 by means of screws 54 and 55 and sleeves 57 and 58. The encoder disks 50 and 52 are such as ~3 described in U.S. Patent ~o. 3,541,541 to convert the rotation ~3 of the shafts 32 and 34 to x and y electrical signals.
., ~, .~T As shown in Figure 4, the sphere 16 is constrained ~, in the direction opposite the supporting surface by means of ~, a roller 60 which is spring biased by a spring 62 to contact the sphere 16 at a position off-set from a polar position defined on the surface of the sphere 16 by an axis through , the center of the sphere 16 and its point of contact with its ~, supporting surface. The roller 60 and the spring 62 are mounted relative to each other and to a section of the housing
This invention relates to display systems and, i more particularly, to devices which alter the display at selected locations by controlling a cursor over the display.
Engelbart, in U.S. Patent No. 3,541,541 describes an X-Y position indicator control for movement by the hand over any surface to move a cursor over the display on a cathode ray tube. The indicator control mechanism of the Engelbart device contains X and Y position wheels mounted perpendicular Y 10 to each other, which rotate according to the X and Y movements of the mechanism, and which operate rheostats to send signals ~s~ along a wire to a computer which controls a CRT display.The Engelbart device is a promising one for altering a display pattern on a cathode ray tube. The us~ of the cursor allows the operator to accurately indicate the exact position ~ on the display on which he can make alterations. The X-Y
s~ ~ position indicating device is a practicable mechanism for con-~-' :'~
trolling the position of the cursor relative to the display ~ pattern.
; 20 A disadvantage of the Engelbart device is that its movement over a surface is dependent upon the movement of the i: ~
X-Y position wheels themselves. Hence, the device is biased to move in X and Y directions respective to the planes of the X and Y position wheels.
Rider, in U.S. Patent No. 3,835,464, provides an X-Y position indicator for controlling a cursor over a visual display which is not biased in any given direction of movement.
-~ The position indicator includes a transport sphere in combination ~, with position wheels for supporting the indicator and trans-i 30 lating its movement into Cartesian coordinates.
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Thus~ in accordance with the present teachings, an apparatus is provided for indicating movement over a surface.
~" The apparatus comprises a housing which has an apertured base member. A sphere which is loosely supported by the housing is provided such that the sphere may have universal rotation and furthermore such that a portion of the sphere extends through the aperture in the base member. Contact , between the sphere and the surface provides rotation of the sphere indicative of movement of the housing with respect to the surface. A pair of rotatable members is each supported by the housing with each of the rotatable members being adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof. The axis of rotation ~i of the rotatable members is substantially perpendicular to each other with each of the rotatable members being in frictional abutment with the sphere such that each of the rotatable members rotates as a function of a component of the rotation of the sphere. Transducer means is provided responsive to rotation of each of the rotatable members for delivering signals indicative of the movement and position of the housing.
Rotatable means are provided urging the sphere towards the base , member with the rotatable means contacting the sphere at a position off-set from a polar position on the surface of the sphere defined by an axis through the center of the sphere and the point of contact of the sphere with the surface.
More specifically, the invention provides a position ~ device for controlling a cursor over a display on a cathode " ray tube. The device generates signals indicative of its , position to cause the cursor to be displayed on the CRT at a corresponding position.
~ 30 Another feature of the invention is that the position ;s device rides over a surface about a transport sphere. The movement of the transport sphere causes signals to be generated s rom the device indicative of its position.
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Yet another feature of the present invention is that the control mechanism further includes rotatable shafts in combination with the transport sphere such that the 3 shafts contact this sphere at positionsi on the sphere 90 from the contact locii of the sphere and the supporting surface. The movement of the device over the surface is translated into the movement of the sphere in rotation about its radius. The radial rotation of the sphere is in turn translated into Cartesian coordinates respective to the re-sulting rotation of the shafts.
,~ An additional feature of the present invention is ;' that the shafts 0ntact the sphere at points on the sphere approximately 90 from each other.
It is still another feature of the invention that the position wheels are coupled to indicating means which transmit X and Y signals which control the display in accord-'ç ance with the respective movements of the shafts.
It is yet another feature of the invention that a roller be spring loaded to contact the sphere at a third point to constrain the sphere in contact with the rotatable shafts.
The third point of contact is preferably, at a position on the sphere 90 from the contact locii of the sphere and its sup-~ porting surface, opposite from the positions of shaft contact ,- with the sphere, and approximately equidistant therefrom.
~, 25 Another feature of the present invention is that the ' sphere is also constrained in an upward direction from its supporting surface by means of another roller spring biased ~- in contact with the sphere opposite from the supporting surface.
This point of contact is at a position off-set from a po~ar position defined on the surface of the sphere by an axis through the center of the sphere and its point of contact with its supporting surface.
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These and other features which are considered to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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DESCRIPTION OE THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a position -, 10 device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the ~ position device of Figure 1.
j ;~ Figure 3 is a bottom view of the transport sphereshown in Figures 1 and 2 as constrained by the rotatable ~- 15 elements in contact with it.
'~ Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the rotatable , ~ shafts shown in Figure 3 in contact with the sphere riding j over a support surface with an additional constraint imposed ~ ' -~ on the upper surface of the sphere.
In Figure 5 is shown the upper and lower constraining elementsimposed on the sphere by the position device of Figure ,:,i~,: 1 :, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In Figure 1 is ~hown a position device 1 which ~?~ incorporates features of the invention. Located in the top , of the housing 2 of the device 1 are control buttons 3 which are provided for closing switches (not shown) which send pulses through a cable 5 to signal certain changes in the displayed -~ 30 information on a display monitor (not shown). A horizontal '~ support plane 8 is mounted in fixed relation to the inside of 'i~, ~ -5-- 1~48775 the housing 2 to support transducer elements 12 and 14. A
;~ sphere 16 is located within the position device 1 bounded by the transducer elements 12 and 14. The sphere 16 is constrained against these elements by means of a biasing element 18.
the an aperture 20 to extend beyond/bottom surface of the support plane 8. Support stems 22 and 24 are mounted on the bottom side of the plane 8 which in combination with a sphere 16 enable the position device 1 to be supported on a surface, such as a table, in a tripodal configuration. The radius of the sphere 16 and the length of the stems 22 and 24 are selected such that the position device 1 is in horizontal relationship with a horizontal supporting surface. As the indicator device 1 is moved by the supporting surface, the sphere 16 translates the x and y coordinate directions of travel of the device 1 , over the surface into rad;i~ motion. The diameter of the aperture 20 is smaller than the diameter of the sphere 16 such that the sphere 16 is retained within the device 1.
A bottom view of the transducer elements 12 and 14 in Figure 3 'js~ 20 and the biasing element 18 are shown/in contact with the sphere 16. The transducer elements 12and 14 are comprised respectively of rotatable shafts 32 and 34 which are rotatably supported on the support plane 8 by means of bearing elements 36. The ' rotatable shafts 32 and 34 contact the sphere 16 at points located approximately 90 from the contact locd of the sphere 16 and the supporting surfaces. This latter feature is more clearly shown in the front view, Figure 4, of the arrangement shown in Figure 3.
Additionally, the rotatable shafts 32 and 34 contact the sphere 16 at points on the sphere approximately 90 from ~ each other. To maintain the desired physical relationships $
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between the shafts 32 and 34 and the sphere 16, the shafts 32 and 34 mounted at right angles to each other and located substantially parallel to the supporting surface over which the device 1 is to be transported.
` 5 The biasing element 18 constrains the sphere against the shafts 32 and 34 to ensure that the radi~lrotation of the , sphere 16 is translated into Cartesian coordinates of motion respective to the resulting rotation of the shafts 32 and 34.
The biasing element 18 is comprised of a wheel bearing 40 which is mounted on an axle 41 which pivots about a stem 42 ~ mounted on the support plane 8. The bearing ~0 is biased : against the sphere 16 by means of a spring 44 which is anchored -~` to stems 46 to direct pressure on the axle 41 in the direction of the sphere 16. The wheel bearing 40 is rotabably mounted on the axle 41 so that there is no interference with the rotation of the sphere 16. The contact of the bearing 40 with the sphere 16 is at a position on the sphere 16 90 from the contact loci 'i,J. of the sphere 16 and its supporting surface, opposite from the ' position of shaft contact with the sphere 16, and approximately equal distance therefrom. The axle 41 is disposed to pivot through the plane of the shafts 32 and 34 to maintain the contact surface of the bearing 40 tangential to the surface .,.~
of the sphere 16.
Encoder disks 50 and 52 are fixed respectively on ends of the shafts 32 and 34 by means of screws 54 and 55 and sleeves 57 and 58. The encoder disks 50 and 52 are such as ~3 described in U.S. Patent ~o. 3,541,541 to convert the rotation ~3 of the shafts 32 and 34 to x and y electrical signals.
., ~, .~T As shown in Figure 4, the sphere 16 is constrained ~, in the direction opposite the supporting surface by means of ~, a roller 60 which is spring biased by a spring 62 to contact the sphere 16 at a position off-set from a polar position defined on the surface of the sphere 16 by an axis through , the center of the sphere 16 and its point of contact with its ~, supporting surface. The roller 60 and the spring 62 are mounted relative to each other and to a section of the housing
2 as shown in Figure 5.
In Figure 5(a), a top view of the assembly consisting of the roller 60 and the spring 62 is shown. The roller 60 is mounted within a recess in a retainer 64 by means of a ~haft 66. The retainer 64 is mounted within the inner race of a bearing 68 which in turn is disposed in a section of the housing 2 above the upper surface of the sphere 16 as shown in Figure 5(b) to provide the desired off-set. The spring 16 is, in fact, biased in contact against the upper surface of the bearing 68, ~ which in turn biasesthe roller 60 against the surface of the ., .
sphere 16. The spring 16 is a leaf spring which provides sufficient force to retain the bearing 68 within the channel provided in the fixed section of housing 2 and yet allow the bearing 68 to move sufficiently in the vertical direction to avoid damaging shock from the movement of the sphere 16 to be imparted to the roller 60. The off-set of the roller 60 from the polar position on the sphere 16 prevents any skidding of the sphere 16 which would otherwise result. Such an off-set of the roller 60 mounted within the bearing 68 provides a caster-like movement of the roller 60 as the sphere 16 rotates. The ;,i constraint thus provided in the vertical direction for the sphere 16 allows for smooth action and rotation of the sphere 16 for the ~ptimum conversion of directional information through ,, ~f ' : ;. -:
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to the rotational shafts 32 and 34.~ About the periphery of the aperture 20 of the support plane 8 is located a washer J~ 72 which is biased against the surface of the sphere 16 by ` means of a wave-spring washer 74 disposed within a recess in the support plane 8. The washer 72 therefore serves to , provide a seal between the plane 8 and the sphere 16 to keep dirt from entering the device 1 in that dirt is removed from the sphere 16 as it rotates. The action of the wave-spring ,~
;r~ washer 74 also serves to provide a cushion for the sphere 16 to protect the sphere 16 from any excessive pressures,such as from the device 1 being dropped. In Figure 5(c), the washer 72 and 74 are shown.
~; obviously, many modifications of the present in-vention are possible in light of the above teaching. It is ; 15 therefore to be understood that,in the scope of tne appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
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In Figure 5(a), a top view of the assembly consisting of the roller 60 and the spring 62 is shown. The roller 60 is mounted within a recess in a retainer 64 by means of a ~haft 66. The retainer 64 is mounted within the inner race of a bearing 68 which in turn is disposed in a section of the housing 2 above the upper surface of the sphere 16 as shown in Figure 5(b) to provide the desired off-set. The spring 16 is, in fact, biased in contact against the upper surface of the bearing 68, ~ which in turn biasesthe roller 60 against the surface of the ., .
sphere 16. The spring 16 is a leaf spring which provides sufficient force to retain the bearing 68 within the channel provided in the fixed section of housing 2 and yet allow the bearing 68 to move sufficiently in the vertical direction to avoid damaging shock from the movement of the sphere 16 to be imparted to the roller 60. The off-set of the roller 60 from the polar position on the sphere 16 prevents any skidding of the sphere 16 which would otherwise result. Such an off-set of the roller 60 mounted within the bearing 68 provides a caster-like movement of the roller 60 as the sphere 16 rotates. The ;,i constraint thus provided in the vertical direction for the sphere 16 allows for smooth action and rotation of the sphere 16 for the ~ptimum conversion of directional information through ,, ~f ' : ;. -:
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to the rotational shafts 32 and 34.~ About the periphery of the aperture 20 of the support plane 8 is located a washer J~ 72 which is biased against the surface of the sphere 16 by ` means of a wave-spring washer 74 disposed within a recess in the support plane 8. The washer 72 therefore serves to , provide a seal between the plane 8 and the sphere 16 to keep dirt from entering the device 1 in that dirt is removed from the sphere 16 as it rotates. The action of the wave-spring ,~
;r~ washer 74 also serves to provide a cushion for the sphere 16 to protect the sphere 16 from any excessive pressures,such as from the device 1 being dropped. In Figure 5(c), the washer 72 and 74 are shown.
~; obviously, many modifications of the present in-vention are possible in light of the above teaching. It is ; 15 therefore to be understood that,in the scope of tne appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
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Claims (2)
1. Apparatus for indicating movement over a surface comprising:
a housing having an apertured base member, a sphere loosely supported by said housing such that said sphere can have universal rotation and such that a portion of said sphere extends through said aperture in said base member, contact between said sphere and the surface providing rotation of said sphere indicative of movement of said housing with respect to the surface, a pair of rotatable members each supported by said housing, each of said rotatable members being adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof, the axes of rotation of said rotatable members being substantially perpendicular to each other, each of said rotatable members being in frictional abutment with said sphere such that each of said rotatable members rotates as a function of a component of the rotation of said sphere;
transducer means responsive to rotation of each of said rotatable members for delivering signals indicative of the movement and position of said housing, and rotatable means for urging said sphere toward said base member, said rotatable means contacting said sphere at a position off-set from a polar position on the surface of said sphere defined by an axis through the center of said sphere and the point of contact of said sphere with the surface.
a housing having an apertured base member, a sphere loosely supported by said housing such that said sphere can have universal rotation and such that a portion of said sphere extends through said aperture in said base member, contact between said sphere and the surface providing rotation of said sphere indicative of movement of said housing with respect to the surface, a pair of rotatable members each supported by said housing, each of said rotatable members being adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof, the axes of rotation of said rotatable members being substantially perpendicular to each other, each of said rotatable members being in frictional abutment with said sphere such that each of said rotatable members rotates as a function of a component of the rotation of said sphere;
transducer means responsive to rotation of each of said rotatable members for delivering signals indicative of the movement and position of said housing, and rotatable means for urging said sphere toward said base member, said rotatable means contacting said sphere at a position off-set from a polar position on the surface of said sphere defined by an axis through the center of said sphere and the point of contact of said sphere with the surface.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein a non-planar member surrounds said aperture in said base member to provide a seal between said base member and the portion of said sphere extending through said aperture in said base member.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/532,788 US3987685A (en) | 1974-12-16 | 1974-12-16 | Cursor position device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1048775A true CA1048775A (en) | 1979-02-20 |
Family
ID=24123176
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA75238380A Expired CA1048775A (en) | 1974-12-16 | 1975-10-27 | Cursor position device |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3987685A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5183737A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1048775A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH607053A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2549639A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2295501A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1526428A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL174995C (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7513854L (en) |
Families Citing this family (102)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| JPS5925415U (en) * | 1982-08-07 | 1984-02-17 | アルプス電気株式会社 | X-Y direction input device |
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| JPS59138956U (en) * | 1983-03-09 | 1984-09-17 | アルプス電気株式会社 | X-Y direction input device |
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| JPS59138942U (en) * | 1983-03-09 | 1984-09-17 | アルプス電気株式会社 | X-Y direction input device |
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Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3179755A (en) * | 1963-01-16 | 1965-04-20 | Optomechanisms Inc | Control apparatus using universally mounted handle and notched shafts |
| US3269190A (en) * | 1965-08-09 | 1966-08-30 | Bunker Ramo | Position control ball assembly |
| US3395589A (en) * | 1966-06-06 | 1968-08-06 | Orbit Instr Corp | Motion converting apparatus |
| US3541521A (en) * | 1967-12-11 | 1970-11-17 | Bunker Ramo | Multiple ratio cursor control system |
-
1974
- 1974-12-16 US US05/532,788 patent/US3987685A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-10-24 GB GB43765/75A patent/GB1526428A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-10-27 CA CA75238380A patent/CA1048775A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-05 DE DE19752549639 patent/DE2549639A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1975-11-11 CH CH1460075A patent/CH607053A5/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-12-08 NL NLAANVRAGE7514287,A patent/NL174995C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-12-09 JP JP14681375A patent/JPS5183737A/ja active Pending
- 1975-12-09 SE SE7513854A patent/SE7513854L/en unknown
- 1975-12-16 FR FR7538469A patent/FR2295501A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US3987685A (en) | 1976-10-26 |
| JPS5183737A (en) | 1976-07-22 |
| DE2549639A1 (en) | 1976-07-01 |
| GB1526428A (en) | 1978-09-27 |
| SE7513854L (en) | 1976-06-17 |
| NL174995B (en) | 1984-04-02 |
| CH607053A5 (en) | 1978-11-30 |
| NL174995C (en) | 1984-09-03 |
| NL7514287A (en) | 1976-06-18 |
| FR2295501A1 (en) | 1976-07-16 |
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