초록 ▼

A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile moveme

A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.

대표청구항 ▼

A tactile manipulatable control having a controlled device, said control having a support structure, means juxtaposed to said support structure for detecting a first motion, and means juxtaposed to said support structure for detecting a second motion; said control providing a first linear motion and

A tactile manipulatable control having a controlled device, said control having a support structure, means juxtaposed to said support structure for detecting a first motion, and means juxtaposed to said support structure for detecting a second motion; said control providing a first linear motion and a second rotary motion and comprising: a support track in said support structure, said track having an elongated recess; an elongated movable bar positioned in and longitudinally movable in said track recess; a linearly and rotatively movable elongated cylindrical element journalled in said bar, portions of said bar and said cylindrical element being spacedly juxtaposed and exposed for isolated or combined digit-operable tactile movement; means operable by linear movement of said bar or said cylindrical element for producing a motion signal for accessing a first motion detector; and means operable by rotative movement of said cylindrical element independent of said bar for producing a motion signal for accessing a second motion detector.