Apparatus and method for generating data signals
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the repsective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices.
1. An apparatus for generating a data signal, the apparatus comprising:
a housing;
means for coupling a first controller to the housing so that the first controller may move from a home position to a plurality of positions radially extending from the home position comprising a dome plate coupled with the first controller, the plate including a plurality of cantilever arms that matingly engage an upper surface of the housing to create a bias when the first controller is coupled to the housing and a director plate coupled with the dome plate, the director plate including a post affixed to a cantilever arm that fits within an aperture formed in the dome plate when the dome plate and director plate are coupled together;
means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position; and
means for sensing a position of the first controller and generating the data signal in response to the first controller being moved from the home position to one of the plurality of positions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
means for coupling a second controller to the housing so that the second controller may move within the housing from a home position to a plurality of positions radially extending from the home position;
means for guiding the second controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position;
means for sensing a position of the second controller; and
a processing module configured to receive a position signal from the means for sensing a position of the first controller and a position signal from the means for sensing a position of the second controller and covert the received position signals into the data signal wherein the data signal is indicative of an alphanumeric character.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position comprising:
a guide plate positioned beneath the director plate, the guide plate include a pair of slots for receiving a pair of respective guide posts affixed to an underside of the director plate when the apparatus is assembled;
a plurality of guide walls affixed to a bottom portion of the housing for receiving respective ones of a plurality of guide rails affixed to the underside of the director plate when the apparatus is assembled;
a first ball plunger affixed to the bottom portion of the housing; and
an impression formed in the underside of the director plate defining the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position wherein the first ball plunger engages the impression when the apparatus is assembled.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position further comprising:
a second ball plunger affixed to the bottom portion of the housing; and
a concave impression formed in the underside of the director plate wherein the second ball plunger engages the concave impression when the apparatus is assembled.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for sensing a position of the first controller and generating the data signal in response to the first controller being moved from the home position to one of the plurality of positions comprising:
a position sensing means within the housing;
a shaft pivotally extending from the position sensing means; and
a director plate coupled with the first controller, the director plate including an aperture for receiving the shaft so that the shaft moves in response to movement of the first controller.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for coupling a first controller to the housing so that the first controller may move from a home position to a plurality of positions radially extending from the home position comprising:
a recess formed in an underside of the first controller; and
a shaft pivotally extending from a sensing means contained within the housing wherein the shaft extends into the recess to couple the first controller to the housing.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position comprising:
a nub affixed to a base piece of the first controller; and
an impression formed on an underside of the housing defining the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position wherein the nub engages the impression when the apparatus is assembled for guiding the first controller.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position comprising:
a base plate affixed to the first controller;
a first ball plunger affixed within the housing; and
an impression formed within a bottom surface of the base plate defining the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position wherein the first ball plunger engages the impression when the apparatus is assemble for guiding the first controller.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position further comprising:
a second ball plunger affixed within the housing; and
a concave impression formed within the bottom surface of the base plate wherein the second ball plunger engages the concave impression when the apparatus is assembled.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position compnsing:
an impression formed within a concave surface located beneath the first controller, the impression defining the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position; and
a guide ball pivotally extending from a position sensing means affixed within the housing, the guide ball having a guide knob formed thereon that engages the impressions when the apparatus is assembled for guiding the first controller.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , the means for guiding the first controller among the home position and the plurality of positions radially extending from the home position further comprising:
means for biasing the impression and the guide ball together.