(12) United States Patent
`Escamilla et al.
`
`USOO6724365B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,724,365 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 20, 2004
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(54) SCROLL WHEEL DEVICE FOR PORTABLE
`COMPUTERS
`(75) Inventors: Eduardo Escamilla, Round Rock, TX
`SS Darin Lee Cepeda, Austin, TX
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, TX
`(US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 158 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/668,495
`1-1.
`Sep. 22, 2000
`(22) Filed:
`(51) Int. Cl." .................................................. G09G 5/08
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 345/157; 345/163; 345/164;
`345/165
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 345/163, 168,
`345/684, 157, 165, 164
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,287,090 A 2/1994 Grant
`
`
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`2Y- - -a-
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`aS C a
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`5,526,481 A 6/1996 Parks et al.
`5.530,455 A * 6/1996 Gillicket al.
`5,669,015 A 9/1997 Chidester et al.
`t A E. Shell.
`6,046,728. A 4/2000 Hume et al.
`6,348,913 B1 * 2/2002 Cho
`6,380,927 B1 * 4/2002 Ostrum et al.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Matthew C. Bella
`Assistant Examiner-Hau Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Haynes and Boone, LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A portable notebook computer includes a base having an
`exterior Surface. A keyboard is mounted on the exterior
`Surface. A palmrest area is mounted on the exterior Surface
`adjacent the keyboard. A scroll device is mounted in the
`exterior Surface adjacent the palmrest area. The Scroll device
`includes a first portion protruding from the exterior Surface,
`and a Second portion extending through the exterior Surface
`and recessed into the base. The Scroll device is
`bi-directionally rotatable relative to the exterior surface and
`resiliently depressible into the base.
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`:
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`8 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 001
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 20, 2004
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,724,365 B1
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 002
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 20, 2004
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 6,724,365 B1
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 003
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 20, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 6,724,365 B1
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 20, 2004
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,724,365 B1
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`1
`SCROLL WHEEL DEVICE FOR PORTABLE
`COMPUTERS
`
`US 6,724,365 B1
`
`BACKGROUND
`The disclosures herein relate generally to computer
`Systems, and more particularly a Scroll wheel component
`built into a portable laptop computer.
`Portable laptop computers do not have a Scrolling device
`with a middle mouse button functionality. Middle mouse
`button functionality is useful for applications Such as com
`puter aided design (CAD) as well as other applications Such
`as pan, Zoom and horizontal Scroll functions.
`Currently, arrow scroll buttons, located below the track
`pad, are used to provide the applications mentioned above.
`However, arrow Scroll buttons do not have middle mouse
`button functionality and therefore only provide arrow scroll
`ing in the vertical direction.
`A currently available mouse with a wheel and wheel
`button provides a scroll function by rolling the wheel
`forward to Scroll up in a document, or rolling the wheel
`backward to Scroll down in a document. Another function is
`an autoScroll function which permits the user to click or
`depress the wheel button to read a document while the
`document Scrolls automatically. A user can pan through a
`document by clicking and holding the wheel button down. A
`Zoom function is also provided to Zoom-in for a close-up
`view of a document, or to Zoom-out for a full view of
`document at a reduced size. The Zoom function is accom
`plished by holding down the CTRL key and moving the
`wheel forward for Zoom-in and backward for Zoom-out.
`These and other functions, not discussed, are available with
`a mouse wheel and wheel button.
`Examples of mouse devices with multiple input function
`ality are described below. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,090, a
`combined mouse and track ball are contained within an
`ergonomically designed housing or shell. The Shell is curved
`to fit comfortably within the palm of the hand of an operator
`So that the forefinger and thumb are opposed to each other
`in a prehensile position. A Single shell is operable by a
`left-handed or right-handed operator by rotation of a Switch
`to change the alignment of the Sensor pickups engaging the
`roller ball of the combined mouse and track ball. At least one
`Switch plate extends acroSS an upper Surface of the shell for
`depression by a forefinger of the operator. The Switch plate
`is pivoted about a central fulcrum So as to have a cursor
`shifted to a position above an icon located on a computer
`Screen for depression of the Switch plate and initiation of a
`computer function indicated.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,518, a device comfortably supports
`the hand of the user while the thumb and fingers are
`asSociated with keys, a trackball, and a Scrolling wheel
`carried on the device. The overall configuration of the device
`and the arrangement of these actuators permits the user to
`operate all of the functions provided by the actuators while
`the forearm is in a neutral posture Zone between pronation
`and Supination of the forearm, and the wrist and fingers are
`minimally extended and comfortably flexed, respectively.
`Therefore, what is needed is an input device adjacent the
`keyboard for Supplementing input functionality for a por
`table notebook computer.
`SUMMARY
`One embodiment, accordingly, provides a multi-function
`input device adjacent the keyboard and palmrest areas of a
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`portable notebook computer. To this end, a computer has a
`base including an exterior Surface. A keyboard is mounted
`on the exterior Surface. A palmrest area is provided on the
`exterior Surface adjacent the keyboard. A Scroll member is
`mounted in the exterior Surface adjacent the palmrest area.
`The Scroll member includes a first portion protruding from
`the exterior Surface, and a Second portion extending through
`the exterior surface. The scroll member is bi-directionally
`rotatable relative to the exterior Surface and resiliently
`depressible into the base.
`Aprincipal advantage of this embodiment is that the Scroll
`member is located on the palm rest area adjacent the
`keyboard So that the user can quickly and easily Switch
`between keyboard and Scroll member input functions.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an embodiment
`of a computer System.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
`a portable laptop computer having a lid in a closed position.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
`a portable laptop computer having the lid in an open
`position.
`FIG. 4 is a frontal view illustrating an embodiment of a
`scroll member assembly.
`FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views further illustrating
`the embodiment of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another embodi
`ment of a Scroll member assembly.
`FIG. 8 is a side view further illustrating the embodiment
`of FIG. 7.
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view further illustrating the
`embodiment of FIG. 7.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`In one embodiment, computer system 10, FIG. 1, includes
`a microprocessor 12, which is connected to a bus 14. Bus 14
`Serves as a connection between microprocessor 12 and other
`components of computer System 10. An input System 16 is
`coupled to microprocessor 12 to provide input to micropro
`ceSSor 12. Examples of input devices include keyboards,
`touchscreens, and pointing devices Such as mouses, track
`balls and trackpads. Programs and data are Stored on a mass
`Storage device 18, which is coupled to microprocessor 12.
`Mass Storage devices include Such devices as hard disks,
`optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy drives and the
`like. Computer system 10 further includes a display 20,
`which is coupled to microprocessor 12 by a Video controller
`22. A System memory 24 is coupled to microprocessor 12 to
`provide the microprocessor with fast Storage to facilitate
`execution of computer programs by microprocessor 12. It
`should be understood that other busses and intermediate
`circuits can be deployed between the components described
`above and microprocessor 12 to facilitate interconnection
`between the components and the microprocessor.
`Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a portable, notebook size
`computer designated 26 comprising a Self-contained System,
`such as that illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1, and including a
`hinged top or lid 28 rotable about the hinge or hinges 30
`from a nested position, “N,” with a horizontal chassis base
`32, to a substantially vertical or open position “V,” FIG. 3.
`Opening of the notebook style portable computer by
`manipulation of a latch 34, reveals a plurality of input
`components Such as a keyboard of keys 36 on base 32, and
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`3
`a monitor screen 38 mounted in lid or top 28. Base 32
`includes a palm or wrist rest area 40 including the input
`System 16 having an input area 42 positioned above a battery
`housing 44 and adjacent keys 36.
`Base 32 includes an exterior Surface 50, FIG. 3. The
`keyboard keys 36 and also the adjacent palmrest area 40 are
`provided on the exterior Surface 50. A scroll member 52 is
`mounted in the input area 42 of the exterior surface 50
`adjacent the palmrest area 40. Scroll member 52 includes a
`first portion 54 protruding from the exterior surface 50, and
`a Second portion 56 extending through an opening 58
`formed in exterior surface 50. In this manner, second portion
`56 is recessed into the base 32. The Scroll member 52 is
`bi-directionally rotatable relative to the exterior surface 50,
`as indicated by the bi-directional arrow designated B, and is
`also resiliently depressible into the base 32, as indicted by
`the arrow designated D, and as will be discussed in greater
`detail below.
`Scroll member 52, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, is mounted in a first
`mounting bracket 60 and a Second mounting bracket 62. An
`axle 64 extends through scroll member 52. Axle 64 is
`rotatably Supported in an opening 66 formed in first mount
`ing bracket 60. The axle 64 is rotatably and reciprocally
`mounted in a slot 68 formed in second mounting bracket 62.
`Axle 64 includes a plurality of teeth 70 formed thereon for
`engagement with a tactile probe 72 which may be Supported
`on base 32 or on bracket 62.
`A compression Spring 74 is mounted on bracket 62 and is
`engaged with bracket 60 for urging bracket 60 away from
`bracket 62. A Switch 76, mounted on bracket 62, engages
`bracket 60 when bracket 60 is depressed to compress spring
`74. In this manner, bracket 60 is resiliently and reciprocally
`mounted in bracket 62. Functionally, scroll member 52
`rotates relative to brackets 60 and 62, and reciprocates with
`bracket 60 relative to bracket 62.
`A sensor 78 is mounted on bracket 62 adjacent scroll
`member 52. A frequency Signal can be generated in response
`to a sensed rotation of Scroll member 52 relative to sensor
`78. Alternately, a second sensor 80 can be mounted on
`bracket 62 opposite sensor 78, a plurality of openings 82
`may be provided in Scroll member 52, and an aligned
`opening 83 may be provided in bracket 60, thus permitting
`a frequency Signal to be generated in response to a Sensed
`rotation of Scroll member 52.
`In another embodiment, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, a Scroll member
`152 includes a first scroll wheel 152a rotatably mounted on
`a first axle 164a and a second scroll wheel 152b rotatably
`mounted on a second axle 164b. The first axle 164a rotatably
`supports first scroll wheel 152a in an opening 166 formed in
`a first mounting bracket 160. The second axle 164b rotatably
`supports the second scroll wheel 152b in an opening 167
`formed in a second mounting bracket 162. The first axle
`164a is also reciprocally mounted in a slot 168 formed in the
`bracket 162. Second axle 164b includes a plurality of teeth
`170 formed thereon for engagement with a tactile probe 172
`which is Supported on mounting bracket 162.
`A compression Spring 174 is mounted on bracket 162 and
`is engaged with bracket 160 for urging bracket 160 away
`from bracket 162. A Switch 176, mounted on bracket 162,
`engages bracket 160 when bracket 160 is depressed to
`compress spring 174. In this manner, bracket 160 is resil
`iently and reciprocally mounted in bracket 162.
`Functionally, scroll wheels 152a, 152b rotate relative to
`brackets 160, 162, and scroll wheel 152a reciprocates with
`bracket 160 relative to bracket 162.
`A first sensor 178 is mounted on bracket 162 and a second
`sensor 180 is mounted on bracket 162 opposite sensor 178.
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`US 6,724,365 B1
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`4
`A plurality of openings 182 are provided between a plurality
`of spaced apart tabs 183 in a drive belt 185. Tabs 183 engage
`a plurality of mated slots 187 in each of the scroll wheels
`152a, 152b so that the scroll wheels 152a, 152b rotate
`Simultaneously. A frequency Signal is generated in response
`to a sensed movement of tabs 183 and openings 182 relative
`to sensors 178 and 180.
`AS a result, one embodiment provides a computer com
`prising a base including an exterior Surface, a keyboard
`mounted on the exterior Surface, a palmrest area on the
`exterior Surface adjacent the keyboard and a Scroll member
`mounted in the exterior Surface adjacent the palmrest area,
`the Scroll member including a first portion protruding from
`the exterior Surface, and a Second portion extending through
`the exterior Surface and recessed into the base, the Scroll
`member being bi-directionally rotatable relative to the exte
`rior Surface and resiliently depressible into the base.
`Another embodiment provides a computer System com
`prising a base including an exterior Surface, a palmrest area
`on the exterior Surface adjacent the keyboard, a micropro
`ceSSor mounted in the base, a Storage coupled to the
`microprocessor, a Video controller coupled to the
`microprocessor, a memory coupled to provide Storage to
`facilitate execution of computer programs by the micropro
`cessor and an input coupled to provide input to the
`microprocessor, the input including a Scroll member
`mounted in the exterior Surface adjacent the palmrest area,
`the Scroll member including a first portion protruding from
`the exterior Surface, and a Second portion extending through
`the exterior Surface and recessed into the base, the Scroll
`member being bi-directionally rotatable relative to the exte
`rior Surface and resiliently depressible into the base.
`A further embodiment provides a method of providing
`input into a portable computer including providing a base
`having an exterior Surface, mounting a keyboard on the
`exterior Surface, forming a palmrest area on the exterior
`Surface adjacent the keyboard, mounting a Scroll member in
`the exterior Surface adjacent the palmrest area, So that a first
`portion of the scroll member extends from the exterior
`Surface and a Second portion of the Scroll member extends
`into the base, bi-directionally rotating the Scroll member
`relative to the exterior Surface and resiliently depressing the
`Scroll member into the base.
`AS it can be seen, the principal advantages of these
`embodiments are that the Scroll wheel is located on the
`palmrest in Such a manner as to allow the user to quickly and
`easily Switch between keyboard and scroll wheel as well as
`allow the user to comfortably actuate the wheel. The wheel
`shape will allow the user to quickly feel for the device rather
`than having to visually acquire it, thus allowing for leSS
`troublesome use. The proposed Scroll wheel Solution rotates
`for Scrolling and depresses for middle button actuation. The
`wheel is coupled with Sensing devices for button actuation
`and for Speed, direction, and range of Scroll wheel rotation.
`These input signals will then be delivered to the notebook
`computer causing the displayed content to be manipulated
`accordingly.
`Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and
`described, a wide range of modification, change and Substi
`tution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in
`Some instances, Some features of the embodiment may be
`employed without a corresponding use of other features.
`Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be
`construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the Scope
`of the embodiments disclosed herein.
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 007
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`US 6,724,365 B1
`
`S
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A computer comprising:
`a base including an exterior Surface;
`a keyboard mounted on the exterior Surface;
`a palmrest area on the exterior Surface adjacent the
`keyboard;
`a Stationary mounting bracket mounted in the exterior
`Surface;
`a rotating-only Scroll wheel mounted in the Stationary
`mounting bracket;
`a reciprocably movable mounting bracket resiliently
`mounted in the Stationary mounting bracket;
`a rotating and reciprocating Scroll wheel mounted in the
`reciprocably movable mounting bracket;
`a belt rotatable engaged with the scroll wheels, the belt
`including a plurality of tabs Separated by Spaces
`between the tabs, and
`a pair of opposed Sensors mounted on opposite sides of
`the belt, whereby rotation of the belt moves the tabs and
`Spaces between the Sensors for generating a frequency
`Signal from the Sensors.
`2. The computer as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
`a Switch mounted between the mounting brackets.
`3. The computer as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
`a Switch mounted between the mounting brackets for
`actuation in response to the reciprocably movable
`mounting bracket being moved toward the Stationary
`mounting bracket.
`4. The computer as defined in claim 1 wherein each scroll
`wheel is mounted on a respective axle.
`5. The computer as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
`an axle Supporting the rotating-only Scroll wheel, the axle
`including a plurality of teeth; and
`a tactile probe mounted in the base and extending into
`engagement with the teeth providing a Sense of feel to
`a user in response to rotation of the belt.
`6. A computer System comprising:
`a base including an exterior Surface;
`a palmrest area on the exterior Surface adjacent the
`keyboard;
`a microprocessor mounted in the base;
`a storage coupled to the microprocessor,
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`a Stationary mounting bracket mounted in the exterior
`Surface;
`a rotating-only Scroll wheel mounted in the Stationary
`mounting bracket;
`a reciprocably movable mounting bracket resiliently
`mounted in the Stationary mounting bracket;
`a rotating and reciprocating Scroll wheel mounted in the
`reciprocably movable mounting bracket;
`a belt rotatably engaged with the scroll wheels, the belt
`including a plurality of tabs Separated by Spaces
`between the tabs, and
`a pair of opposed Sensors mounted on opposite Sides of
`the belt, whereby rotation of the belt moves the tabs and
`Spaces between the Sensors for generating a frequency
`Signal from the Sensors.
`7. The computer system as defined in claim 6 further
`comprising:
`a Switch mounted between the mounting brackets for
`actuation in response to the reciprocably movable
`mounting bracket being moved toward the Stationary
`mounting bracket.
`8. A method of providing input into a portable computer
`comprising:
`providing a base having an exterior Surface,
`mounting a keyboard on the exterior Surface;
`forming a palmrest area on the exterior Surface adjacent
`the keyboard;
`mounting a Stationary mounting bracket mounted in the
`exterior Surface;
`mounting a rotating-only Scroll wheel in the Stationary
`mounting bracket;
`resiliently mounting a reciprocably movable mounting
`bracket in the Stationary mounting bracket;
`mounting a rotating and reciprocating Scroll wheel in the
`reciprocably movable mounting bracket;
`rotatably engaging a belt with the Scroll wheels, the belt
`including a plurality of tabs Separated by Spaces
`between the tabs, and
`mounting a pair of opposed Sensors on opposite sides of
`the belt, whereby rotation of the belt moves the tabs and
`Spaces between the Sensors for generating a frequency
`Signal from the Sensors.
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`Lenovo EX-1007, Page 008
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