Pointing device and method
A method and device for an enhanced pointing device is provided. The pointing device includes an encoder and a pressure sensor circuit. The encoder is operable to detect a directional user input. The pressure circuit includes a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state. The encoder and the pressure circuit are in communication with a controller. The controller outputs a rate signal which varies in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor and outputs a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector. Minimum and maximum speeds can be set for the rate. In addition, audio and/or tactile feedback can be provided.
1 . A pointing device comprising:
an encoder operable to detect a directional user input;
a pressure circuit including a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state;
a controller in communication with said encoder and said pressure circuit;
said controller outputting a rate signal varying in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor, said controller further outputting a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector.
2 . The device of claim 1 wherein said controller is operable with a computing environment.
3 . The device of claim 1 wherein said pressure sensor includes an analog pressure sensor and pulse generator.
4 . The device of claim 1 wherein said controller is a control processor capable of handling data framing and sense and positional resolution.
5 . The device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device includes a computer mouse.
6 . The device of claim 5 wherein said pressure detector includes a mouse button.
7 . The device of claim 6 wherein a light depression of said button triggers an off-state.
8 . The device of claim 7 wherein an increased depression of said button provides an on-state.
9 . The device of claim 8 wherein said on-state creates a rapid repeat click of the mouse button.
10 . The device of claim 9 wherein a frequency of said rapid repeat click function increases in a manner proportional to an amount of pressure applied to said button.
11 . The device of claim 1 wherein said controller is also in communication with an audio feedback component.
12 . The device of claim 1 wherein said controller is also in communication with a tactile feedback component.
13 . The device of claim 2 wherein said controller is operable to set minimum and maximum rates of said rate signal in accordance with a computer program interfacing with said controller.
14 . The device of claim 2 wherein an interface mechanism is provided for establishing communication between said controller and the computing environment.
15 . The device of claim 5 wherein said encoder is a directional encoder for detecting position of said pointing device in x and y directions.
16 . The device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device is a portable computer mouse.
17 . The device of claim 16 wherein said mouse is installed on a keyboard connected to the portable computer.
18 . The device of claim 1 wherein said pointing device is a joystick.
19 . The device of claim 1 wherein said encoder is a directional encoder for detecting rotational position of said joystick.
20 . A method for providing enhanced user input using a pointing device comprising:
detecting a directional user input by an encoder;
detecting an amount of pressure exerted on said pointing device by a pressure circuit including a pressure sensor and a pressure detector having an off-state and an on-state;
sending signals from said encoder and said pressure circuit to a controller;
said controller outputting a rate signal varying in relation to an amount of pressure sensed by said pressure sensor and a signal indicative of the on or off state of said pressure detector.