公开(公告)号：US5407285A

公开(公告)日：1995-04-18

申请号：US275946

申请日：1994-07-14

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz

IPC: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/033 ,  H01H13/70 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H13/807 ,  B41J5/28

CPC classification number: H01H13/807 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0338 ,  H01H13/70 ,  H01H13/785 ,  G05G2009/04762 ,  H01H2003/0293 ,  H01H2201/02 ,  H01H2201/036 ,  H01H2221/012 ,  H01H2225/018 ,  H01H2225/03 ,  H01H2239/006 ,  H01H2239/052

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The apparatus includes a compound key which serves for both typing a character and for pointing operations, i.e. for cursor control like a mouse. For pointing operations, a pointing stick or shaft is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. The pointing stick is disposed in an aperture that extends through a modified key cap, so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the pointing stick extends through an aperture in the keyboard space bar. In another embodiment, adjacent key caps are modified so as to fit closely around the key cap that houses the pointing stick without interfering with operation of either the pointing stick or the keyswiches.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于计算机键盘进行光标控制的装置。 该装置包括用于打字和用于指示操作的复合键，即用于诸如鼠标的光标控制。 对于指示操作，用户在所期望的方向上按指示杆或轴，以在显示屏上相对于方向移动光标。 指示杆设置在延伸通过修改的键帽的孔中，使得定位装置不需要额外的键盘空间，从而避免单独的鼠标，键盘安装的轨迹球等。 在替代实施例中，指示杆延伸穿过键盘空间栏中的孔。 在另一个实施例中，相邻的键帽被修改为紧密地围绕容纳指示杆的键帽，而不会干扰指示杆或键盘的操作。

公开(公告)号：US6107996A

公开(公告)日：2000-08-22

申请号：US981750

申请日：1992-11-24

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/038 ,  G09G5/08 ,  H03M11/14 ,  G09G5/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/038 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0489 ,  G06F2203/04801 ,  H01H2221/012

Abstract: A computer system employs a keyboard that includes an integrated pointing device coupled to a pointing key. The system has a typing mode of operation and a pointing mode of operation. In the pointing mode, the pointing key is used to enter pointing information, thereby obviating a discrete pointing device such as a mouse. The system may be switched between the typing mode and the pointing mode explicitly by predetermined commands. Alternatively, the system may be switched into the pointing mode implicitly by monitoring and timing keyboard events following a pointing key press.

Abstract translation: 计算机系统使用包括耦合到指向键的集成指示设备的键盘。 系统具有打字操作模式和指示操作模式。 在指示模式中，指点键用于输入指示信息，从而避免诸如鼠标之类的离散指示装置。 系统可以通过预定命令明确地在打字模式和指向模式之间切换。 或者，可以通过在指示键按下之后监视和定时键盘事件来隐式地将系统切换到指向模式。

公开(公告)号：US5499041A

公开(公告)日：1996-03-12

申请号：US322956

申请日：1994-10-13

Applicant: Eric L. Brandenburg ,  Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

Inventor： Eric L. Brandenburg ,  Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

IPC: H01H13/00 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/033 ,  H01H13/52 ,  H01H13/70 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H13/807 ,  G06F3/14 ,  H01C10/10 ,  H01H9/26

CPC classification number: G06F3/0213 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0338 ,  H01H13/70 ,  H01H13/785 ,  H01H13/807 ,  G05G2009/04762 ,  H01H2003/0293 ,  H01H2201/02 ,  H01H2201/036 ,  H01H2221/012 ,  H01H2225/018 ,  H01H2225/03 ,  H01H2239/006 ,  H01H2239/052

Abstract: A keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly in which a plurality of substantially planar force sensing elements are disposed on a planar surface adjacent a keyswitch on a keyboard. The keyswitch includes a plunger which extends downwardly from a key cap for actuating a switch at the lower end of vertical key cap travel. The key cap engages an indexing surface when fully depressed which transmits force applied to the key cap to the force sensing elements. The force sensing elements are sandwiched between a pair of opposing plates thereby biasing the elements into a substantially linear operating region when no force is applied to the key cap.

Abstract translation: 一种钥匙开关集成指示组件，其中多个基本上平面的力感测元件设置在与键盘上的钥匙开关相邻的平面上。 钥匙开关包括从键帽向下延伸的柱塞，用于致动在垂直键帽行程的下端的开关。 当完全按压时，钥匙盖接合分度表面，其将施加到钥匙帽的力传递给力感测元件。 力检测元件被夹在一对相对的板之间，从而当没有力施加到钥匙盖时将元件偏压到基本线性的操作区域。

公开(公告)号：USD359956S

公开(公告)日：1995-07-04

申请号：US30310

申请日：1994-10-26

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz

Designer： Patrick J. Franz

公开(公告)号：USD358385S

公开(公告)日：1995-05-16

申请号：US30317

申请日：1994-10-26

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz

Designer： Patrick J. Franz

公开(公告)号：US5245321A

公开(公告)日：1993-09-14

申请号：US855531

申请日：1992-03-20

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

IPC: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/048

CPC classification number: G06F3/0213 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0489 ,  H01H2221/012

Abstract: A computer system employs an integrated keyboard and pointing device to allow user input of alpha numeric (typing) information, pointing direction information and pointing event information without moving the user's hands from the usual typing position on the keyboard. The new system has typing and pointing modes of operation. In the pointing mode, preassigned keyswitches are used to input pointing events, cursor speed changes, and other modifications to the system's operation. All such modifications are transparent to the operating system and application software because they are processed at keyboard interrupt level.

Abstract translation: 计算机系统使用集成的键盘和指点设备来允许用户输入字母数字（打字）信息，指向方向信息和指向事件信息，而不用用户的手从键盘上的通常打字位置移动。 新系统具有打字和指向操作模式。 在指向模式下，预先分配的按键开关用于输入指向事件，光标速度变化以及对系统操作的其他修改。 所有这些修改对于操作系统和应用软件是透明的，因为它们在键盘中断级别处理。

公开(公告)号：US5189403A

公开(公告)日：1993-02-23

申请号：US649711

申请日：1991-02-01

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz ,  David H. Straayer

IPC: G06F1/16 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/038 ,  G09G5/08 ,  H03M11/14

CPC classification number: G06F3/038 ,  G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0489 ,  G06F2203/04801 ,  H01H2221/012

Abstract: A computer system employs a keyboard that includes an integrated pointing device coupled to a pointing key. The system has a typing mode of operation and a pointing mode of operation. In the pointing mode, the pointing key is used to enter pointing information, thereby obviating a discrete pointing device such as a mouse. The system may be switched between the typing mode and the pointing mode explicitly by predetermined commands. Alternatively, the system may be switched into the pointing mode implicitly by monitoring and timing keyboard events following a pointing key press.

Abstract translation: 计算机系统使用包括耦合到指向键的集成指示设备的键盘。 系统具有打字操作模式和指示操作模式。 在指示模式中，指点键用于输入指示信息，从而避免诸如鼠标之类的离散指示装置。 系统可以通过预定命令明确地在打字模式和指向模式之间切换。 或者，可以通过在指示键按下之后监视和定时键盘事件来隐式地将系统切换到指向模式。

公开(公告)号：US6040821A

公开(公告)日：2000-03-21

申请号：US6139

申请日：1993-01-19

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz ,  Philip D. Biehl ,  David H. Straayer ,  Robert H. Dodier

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz ,  Philip D. Biehl ,  David H. Straayer ,  Robert H. Dodier

IPC: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/033 ,  G09G5/08

CPC classification number: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G06F3/0338 ,  H01H2003/0293 ,  H01H2221/012 ,  H01H2239/006

Abstract: In a cursor tracking system (FIG. 11), a pointing device includes a plurality of force sensors (304), optionally integrated with a keyswitch on a computer keyboard. The force sensors detect lateral and vertical forces applied to the keycap (300) by a user (302) for cursor control. Raw force data is acquired by A/D apparatus (306) and transmitted (310,312) to a host processor. Driver level software in the host linearizes the raw force values (316, FIG. 12D) to compensate for anomolies and nonlinearities in the force sensors, keyboard mechanics, and A/D. The resulting linear force values are adjusted (320) to compensate for preloading bias forces (318) on the sensors. The unbiased, linear force values and sensor configuration (322) are used to determine a net XY vector (324, FIG. 16). A speed value is determined by a quadratic mapping of the XY vector magnitude (328), taking mouse button status into account. The speed value is scaled by a speed factor, clamped according to a speed limit value, and the result used to determine a total displacement value which, in turn, is used to scale the XY vectors to determine X and Y cursor displacement for repositioning the cursor. The quadratic mapping coefficients, as well as the speed factor and speed limit values, are user-alterable at run time, to allow customizing the response of the cursor tracking system. The result is a low-cost pointing system having excellent responsiveness for ergonomic efficiency. The system is useful in most computer systems, such as IBM AT-compatible systems, to allow pointing operations without use of a separate pointing device such as a mouse.

Abstract translation: 在光标跟踪系统（图11）中，指示设备包括多个力传感器（304），可选地与计算机键盘上的钥匙开关集成。 力传感器检测由用户（302）施加到键帽（300）的用于光标控制的横向和垂直力。 原始力数据由A / D装置（306）获取并发送（310,312）到主机处理器。 主机中的驾驶员级软件将原始力值线性化（316，图12D）以补偿力传感器，键盘机构和A / D中的异常和非线性。 调整所得到的线性力值（320）以补偿传感器上的预加载偏压力（318）。 无偏压线性力值和传感器配置（322）用于确定净XY向量（图16中的324）。 考虑到鼠标按钮状态，通过XY矢量幅度（328）的二次映射来确定速度值。 速度值按照速度因子进行缩放，根据速度限制值进行钳位，用于确定总位移值的结果，该位移值又用于缩放XY向量以确定X和Y光标位移，以重新定位 光标。 二次映射系数以及速度因子和速度限制值在运行时可由用户改变，以允许定制光标跟踪系统的响应。 结果是低成本的指示系统对人体工程学效率具有出色的响应能力。 该系统在大多数计算机系统（例如IBM AT兼容系统）中是有用的，以允许指向操作而不使用诸如鼠标的单独的指示设备。

公开(公告)号：US5701142A

公开(公告)日：1997-12-23

申请号：US480163

申请日：1995-06-07

Applicant: Daniel R. Brown ,  Patrick J. Franz

Inventor： Daniel R. Brown ,  Patrick J. Franz

IPC: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/02 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G09G5/22

CPC classification number: G05G9/047 ,  G06F3/0213 ,  G06F3/023 ,  G05G2009/04762 ,  H01H2003/0293 ,  H01H2221/012 ,  H01H2239/006

Abstract: Pointing stick assembly for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The assembly includes a pointing button coupled through a plurality of rigid actuator legs to force sensors. For pointing operations, the pointing button is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. Apertures are provided extending through one or more keycaps on the keyboard for mounting the pointing assembly. Each actuator leg is positioned in one of the apertures so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于光标控制的计算机键盘中的指示杆组件。 组件包括通过多个刚性致动器腿联接以指导传感器的指示按钮。 对于指示操作，用户在所期望的方向上按指示按钮，以在显示屏幕上沿相应方向移动光标。 提供延伸通过键盘上的一个或多个键帽的孔径，用于安装指示组件。 每个致动器腿定位在一个孔中，使得定位装置不需要额外的键盘空间，从而避免单独的鼠标，键盘安装的轨迹球等。

公开(公告)号：US5578765A

公开(公告)日：1996-11-26

申请号：US457627

申请日：1995-06-01

Applicant: Patrick J. Franz

Inventor： Patrick J. Franz

IPC: G01L1/14 ,  G01L1/20 ,  G01L5/22 ,  G06F3/033 ,  G06F3/045 ,  G01L1/00

CPC classification number: G06F3/045 ,  G01L1/146 ,  G01L1/20 ,  G01L5/228 ,  H01H2221/012 ,  H01H2239/078

Abstract: A pressure sensitive transducer array in which a plurality of transducers are connected in series and in parallel with one another. In one embodiment, a resistive layer is formed from carbon or silver ink on a polyester film. A plurality of conductive shunt elements having greater conductivity than the resistive layer is formed on a second polyester film. The films are placed adjacent to one another with the shunt elements contacting the resistive layer. Voltage is applied across the resistive layer and pressure is applied thereto. As the pressure increases, the number of current paths set up through contact points on the shunt elements increase thereby decreasing the resistance across the resistive layer and increasing current flow. In another embodiment a plurality of plate elements are contained in a plane on one side of a dielectric layer. A plurality of plate elements are contained in a plane on the other side of the dielectric layer. As the layer is pushed together responsive to force applied, total capacitance as measured across the planes of plate elements varies.