`United States Patent
`[19J
`
`West et al.
`
`[11]Patent Number:
`5,831,597
`[45]Date of Patent:
`Nov. 3, 1998
`
`I 1111111111111111 11111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII 1111111111 111111111111111111
`
`US005831597A
`
`[54]COMPUTER INPUT
`DEVICE FOR USE IN
`
`CONJUNCTION WITH A MOUSE INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`Primary Examiner-Steven J. Saras
`
`
`
`Assistant Examiner-Vincent Kovalick
`
`
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`
`
`
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 653,589
`
`
`
`[22]Filed:May 24, 1996
`
`[57]
`Michael Tex.; Jennifer[75]Inventors: S. West, Austin,
`
`
`
`A computer input device is used in conjunction with a mouse
`
`
`
`
`
`S. Nyland, North Vancouver; Mitchell
`
`
`
`input device. The computer input device of the invention
`
`
`G. Burton, Coquitlam, both of Canada
`
`
`
`comprises a body having a resilient layer covered by a
`
`
`
`surface layer textured throughout the entirety of the surface
`
`Tanisys Technology, Inc., Austin, Tex. [73]Assignee:
`
`
`
`
`for operation of the mouse. A printed circuit card is incor­
`
`
`
`porated in the body between the resilient layer and the upper
`
`
`
`surface layer and includes a plurality of capacitive touch
`
`
`
`
`sensor pads. The card further includes electronic circuitry
`
`
`
`
`for operating the touch sensor pads to detect when a capaci­
`[51]Int. Cl.6
`G09G 5/00
`
`
`
`
`tive object, such as a fingertip, is in the proximity of a sensor
`
`
`
`[52]U.S. Cl. ........................... 345/163; 345/174; 345/156
`
`pad. A touch need not apply force to register. The printed
`
`[58]Field of Search ..................................... 345/156-158,
`
`
`
`
`circuit card includes a guard ring pad surrounding the touch
`
`345/163-166, 173,174; 248/918
`
`
`pads which detects the presence of the mouse over the sensor
`
`
`
`
`pads and indicates that any detected outputs from the sensor
`
`
`
`pads are not valid, but instead are due to the presence of the
`
`
`
`mouse. The mouse can operate over the entirety of the
`
`
`
`surface of the device without interruption, including over the
`
`
`
`D. 352,278 11/1994 Sharpe, III et al. ................... D14/100
`
`
`
`capacitive sensor pads. The input device can be connected to
`
`
`4,799,054 1/1989 House ..................................... 340/710
`
`
`
`4,989,819 2/1991 Sigler ...................................... 248/476
`
`
`
`
`
`a personal computer through a mouse port, a keyboard port,
`
`
`5,022,170 6/1991 House ....................................... 40/358
`
`
`
`a universal serial bus or any other available port of the
`
`
`5,217,781 6/1993 Kuipers ..................................... 428/85
`
`
`
`computer. Other computer system components, such as a
`
`
`5,231,380 7/1993 Logan ..................................... 340/706
`
`
`keyboard or mouse, can be connected directly or indirectly
`
`
`
`
`5,365,461 11/1994 Stein et al. .............................. 364/550
`
`
`through this input device.
`
`
`5,405,168 4/1995 Holt ............................................ 281/2
`
`
`
`5,414,420 5/1995 Puckette et al. .......................... 341/20
`
`27 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`5,463,388 10/1995 Bale et al. ................................ 341/33
`
`.......................................................
`
`[56]
`
`
`
`References Cited
`
`
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`�
`
`0
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`
`260
`
`I
`
`262
`264
`266
`268
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Nov. 3, 1998
`5,831,597
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`28
`30
`32
`34
`
`20
`
`2
`
`FIG. 1
`
`22
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`z • , • z , , , , • ,
`
`FIG. 2
`
`20
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`
`25
`
`FIG.
`3
`
`26
`
`58
`
`60
`
`62
`
`64
`
`80
`
`66
`
`68
`70 52
`
`72
`74
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 2
`
`

`

`d •
`r:JJ. • � � ...... �
`112 ,r�-;---=====,w�-r=======i---,,__,
`110 '--- � -
`184 '-- I I � 58
`180
`VCC
`11 '---"' -u
`� - 15 CLK
`) 182'--
`'-c:"
`..--:-�.!:!.,__ ___,.. w:===:::'.::==--..........,::,a/')1...-J..__j
`7 16 DATA
`4 122 116
`XT!
`102 I
`-, I 120
`o/ 100
`17 COL3
`1)8
`186',M l � l --------:-,
`18 COL4
`XT2 6
`106 J -�
`- 60
`= ......
`VCC \ -
`REF 10 1 COL5
`-
`62
`1
`-
`l ( -l... ...,./ 104
`130 188� I . . I
`80 2 COL6
`-:-108 J J KB CLK 9 - 3 COL7
`.__�\�-��-r====== =+-_,,.....,
`v
`,;,Z:...,...__
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`4 COLB
`1 36
`t-13=--=..:CO..::....:L9�-UJ �--L...-----i----L._=-=-=-=-=-=-::::l-_.,...., 64
`190 _.,. J
`n VCC 5 11 SEL
`/
`H
`f ---,, --
`�.:....:...J 14 11 CHARGE
`112 192'-- I l-66
`118 -4-
`.·.,
`\
`vv'---"'
`'---"'
`/ 15!!_,,_ 144 15�_ 146
`112
`f
`�
`CLK 12,--------
`.
`148
`214 DATA 1 14 PC CLK
`1 94 I
`I -•.68
`/
`�
`)
`KB CLK \ KB CLK 1 J
`� KB DATA KB DATA 1 15 PC DATA
`196'-- , I
`160
`r�
`TO
`5 4
`70
`D
`3 82 -i
`I
`166 ~ l 6[!_, 162 1 10 164
`l216
`KEYBOARD
`"' '---"' . '---"'
`0 ....,
`198--' � f •J �
`D l-=-
`S GND \
`"
`f l 6
`H_
`/
`224 SEL 11 16 VCC-u
`22
`� "
`7 4
`1 ____ ,,_, 72
`200'-- I
`10 8
`9 .._____,177 ,-...,.____ 226
`'-,. )
`-_. _ PC DATA \
`-PC CLK
`� �
`114 l
`-
`KEYBOARD
`D S GND \
`f'---t
`•-1, 222
`PORT OF
`r,
`COMPUTER
`
`rF.J.=­� � ....
`
`TO
`
`D-----=--=----0
`
`FIG. 4
`
`172
`
`'V'---"'
`
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`
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`z0 � ��
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`\0
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`N
`
`O'I
`
`Ul.... 00 � �.... Ul \0 .....:a
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Nov. 3, 1998
`Sheet 3 of 6 5,831,597
`
`CHARGE ( 180)
`5
`
`0 c:::::�---+-====i= =-- --+---+----+-----t---
`
`COL1 /CLK ( 112)
`5
`
`oL__j_ __ L=::::=t====i---¢==:;====;---
`
`DETECT (110)
`5
`
`1.2 1------'
`
`COL2/DATA ( 118)
`
`
`5
`
`TIME-+
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`5,831,597
`Nov. 3, 1998
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`�
`0 _,.,.--,,..... ,,.... __
`
`260
`
`286
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Nov. 3, 1998
`Sheet 5 of 6 5,831,597
`
`324
`
`320
`
`322
`
`FIG. 8
`
`364
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Nov. 3, 1998
`Sheet 6 of 6 5,831,597
`
`FIG. 10
`
`I
`i
`
`400
`',
`
`�
`
`410A
`
`4108
`
`412A
`
`4128
`
`414A
`
`4148
`
`416A
`
`4168
`
`402A
`
`404A
`
`4048
`
`406A
`
`406
`
`408A
`
`408
`
`462
`
`440
`
`FIG. 11
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 7
`
`

`

`5,831,597
`
`2
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1
`
`COMPUTER INPUT DEVICE FOR USE IN
`
`
`CONJUNCTION WITH A MOUSE INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tion and the advantages thereof reference is now made to the
`
`
`
`
`following description taken in conjunction with the accom­
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`
`panying drawings in which:
`
`
`The present invention pertains in general to input devices
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer input device
`
`
`
`
`
`
`for personal computers, and in particular to such a device
`
`
`
`
`having a mouse pad surface and capacitive touch switches in
`
`
`
`which concurrently serves as a pad for supporting a mouse
`
`
`accordance with the present invention,
`input device.
`
`
`
`
`10 FIG. 2 is a section view of the input device shown in FIG.
`
`1 taken along the lines 2 -2,
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away view of the computer input
`
`
`The most widely used input device for personal
`
`
`
`
`
`device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the position of a printed
`
`
`
`computers, other than a keyboard, is a mouse. This is a
`
`
`circuit card with capacitive touch sensors and a cable,
`
`
`
`
`
`device that is translated laterally on a planar surface by the 15
`
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`
`
`FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit for
`
`
`
`
`
`user to produce distance and direction inputs for computer
`
`
`
`operation of the capacitive touch sensors shown in FIGS.
`
`
`
`programs. Principally, the mouse inputs are used for direct­
`1-3,
`
`
`
`
`ing a cursor to a particular location on a screen. The user
`
`
`
`then presses a key on the mouse to indicate execution at the
`FIG. 5 is a set of waveforms illustrating the capacitive
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`
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`
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`located point. The most commonly used mouse input 20
`
`
`
`
`sensing operation of the present invention.
`
`
`
`
`devices have a roller ball that rotates when the mouse is
`
`
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illustration of the
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`
`
`moved laterally. For proper operation of the mouse, it is
`
`
`
`
`
`present invention utilizing an infrared communications link
`important that the roller ball be placed on an appropriate
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`
`
`
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`between the computer input device and a computer,
`surface having proper texture to provide rolling friction for
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`
`
`FIG. 7 is an illustration of a computer system having a
`the roller ball. It is difficult to properly use a mouse when
`
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`25 computer input device in accordance with the present inven­
`
`
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`placed on a glass or hard surface. Thus, most mouse input
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`tion wherein the input device is connected through a cable
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`
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`devices are operated on what is termed a mouse pad. The
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`to the mouse port of the computer and the mouse input
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`mouse pad has a carefully textured upper surface and a
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`device is connected to the computer input device of the
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`resilient body to obtain maximum traction for the roller ball
`
`present invention,
`
`
`and thereby provide the most accurate input by the user to 30
`FIG. 8 is an illustration of a computer system having a
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`the program.
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`computer input device in accordance with the present inven­
`There is a recurring need in the usage of personal com­
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`tion wherein the computer input device of the present
`puters for easier and simpler techniques for providing user
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`invention is connected to the keyboard port of the computer
`input into the computer. One such method is to provide
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`and the keyboard of the computer system is connected as an
`programmable key inputs through a touch sensor connected
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`35 extension of the input device of the present invention,
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`to the keyboard input of the computer. Such a system is
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`FIG. 9 is an illustration of a computer system having a
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`described in PCT application 9423356 to Blair, et al. The use
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`computer input device in accordance with the present inven­
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`of additional input devices to a personal computer, however
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`tion wherein the input device of the present invention is
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`desirable, is severely restricted by the availability of input
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`connected to a universal serial bus and both the keyboard
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`ports to the computer and the availability of desk top space
`40
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`and mouse input devices are connected to the input device
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`for placing the additional input devices. The combination of
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`of the present invention,
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`a keyboard, mouse pad and other related devices usually
`FIG. 10 is a partial illustration of engraved configurations
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`leaves little remaining work space available for additional
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`in the form of small indentations in the upper surface of the
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`input devices. Thus, there exists a need for an apparatus
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`computer input device for allowing tactile detection of the
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`which can provide more user programmable inputs to a
`45
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`location for a sensor which is immediately below the
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`computer without requiring additional input ports to the
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`engraved surface, and
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`computer or using additional desk space.
`FIG. 11 is a further illustration of an aspect of the present
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`
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`
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`invention wherein a sleeve is positioned over the capacitive
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`a printed sheet having symbols 50 touch sensors for receiving
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`A selected embodiment of the present invention is a
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`or icons positioned above each capacitive touch sensor for
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`computer input device which is used in conjunction with a
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`defining a function or operation associated with each sensor.
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`hand-controlled mouse input device. The computer input
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`device is connected to an input port of a computer. The
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`device includes a multi-layer body having at least one layer
`comprising a resilient material. The device includes a planar The present invention provides an easy and convenient
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`55
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`upper surface layer which receives the mouse and permits method and apparatus for providing user inputs to a com­
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`the mouse to operate on the entire surface of the device. A puter. One of the most widely-used devices, other than a
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`plurality of capacitive touch sensors are positioned within keyboard, for providing user input to a computer is termed
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`the body of the device below the planar upper surface area. a "mouse." This is a computer input device that the user
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`An electronic circuit is located in the body of the device and 60 translates laterally over a surface termed a mouse pad to
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`connected to the capacitive touch sensors for detecting when provide distance and directional information into the user's
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`a capacitive body, such as a fingertip, comes into proximity programs. The mouse device further includes buttons which
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`to any one of the touch sensors. The electronic circuit then are pressed to provide signal inputs to the computer soft­
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`generates a touch signal corresponding to the touch sensor ware. The pad on which the mouse rides requires a slightly
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`being touched. The device further includes a communication textured surface to ensure that the mouse roller proportion­
`65
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`link for connecting the electronic circuit to a port of the ately rolls as the mouse device is moved about the pad.
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`computer for conveying the touch signals to the computer. Almost every user of a mouse device has a mouse pad at the
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 8
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`

`

`5,831,597
`
`4
`3
`user's desk or work station. The present invention provides
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`provide the electronic operations necessary for the capaci­
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`touch switches in a body that has a surface usable with a
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`tive sense touching of the sensor pads 58-74.
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`mouse input device thereby providing additional function­
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`The capacitive touch sensor pads 58-72 are positioned
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`ality to a user without requiring additional equipment space.
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`directly beneath the corresponding markers 28-42. For
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`Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a computer input 5
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`example, the marker 28 is located immediately above the
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`device 20 in accordance with the present invention. Device
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`sensor pad 58. Therefore, when a user touches the marker
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`20 has a body 22 which comprises a base layer 24 made of
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`28, which is a part of the surface layer 26, the user is then
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`a resilient material, such as neoprene. The base layer 24
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`bringing a fingertip in close proximity to the capacitive
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`provides both a resilient cushion as well as a non-skid
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`sensor 58. The capacitance of a fingertip alters the capaci­
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`bottom surface. Body 22 includes a middle layer 25 which 10
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`tance of a sensor pad. Each of the remaining markers
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`is a relatively stiff plastic sheet that is approximately the
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`likewise corresponds to a respective capacitive touch sensor
`
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`same thickness as that of a printed circuit card and compo­
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`on the printed circuit card 50. The user need not apply any
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`nents. The layer 25 provides limited rigidity to the body 22.
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`force to the marker to register a touch and therefore does not
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`The body 22 further includes an upper surface layer 26 over
`need to deform any member as would be required, for
`
`layer 25. Layer 26 comprises a thin planar layer of material 15
`
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`
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`example, with a membrane switch.
`such as vinyl which has an appropriate texture for ensuring
`A schematic diagram for the electronic circuit mounted on
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`the proper operation of a mouse input device as it is rolled
`
`the printed circuit card 50 is shown in FIG. 4. Two of the
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`across the surface of the body 22. Layer 26 can be a layer
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`components in this circuit include the microprocessor 80,
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`of cloth or a plastic layer imprinted with a finely-defined
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`which is preferably a Zilog model ZS, which is well known
`
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`texture to ensure proper rolling of the ball within the mouse. 20
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`in the industry, and a multiplexer 82, which preferably is a
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`Dimensions for a selected embodiment of the body 24 are,
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`model 4053. The operation of the microprocessor 80 in
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`for example, nine inches long by seven and a half inches
`
`
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`general is to charge all of the sensor pads 58-74 and then to
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`wide by one quarter inch thick. The majority of the thickness
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`sequentially discharge each pad to measure the time required
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`comprises the middle layer 25. The shape and size of the
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`for discharge. The time of discharge is compared to a
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`body 22 can be varied to meet a user's requirements.
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`25 previously stored time to determine whether a capacitive
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`The layers 24, 25 and 26 are glued together to provide
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`object, such as a fingertip, has been placed in proximity to
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`structural integrity for the device 20.
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`a sensor pad.
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`The device 20 has printed on the top surface of the layer
`The multiplexer 82 provides a connection between the
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`26 a set of eight markers in four rows and two columns. The
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`keyboard and the keyboard port of the user's computer as
`30
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`left column consists of markers 28, 30, 32 and 34 and the
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`well as a connection between the sensor circuit and the
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`right column consists of markers 36, 38, 40 and 42. These
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`keyboard port of the computer.
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`printed markers are positioned over corresponding capaci­
`Further referring to FIG. 4, a clock signal for the micro­
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`tive touch sensors, as described below. The markers 28-42
`
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`processor 80 is generated by the combination of a crystal
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`do not alter the texture of the upper surface of layer 26 so
`
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`100 and capacitors 102 and 104. These elements can be
`35
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`that the mouse device operates just as well over the markers
`
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`replaced by a resonator with built-in capacitors or by a
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`28--42 as at any other portion of the upper surface of body
`
`
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`precision RC circuit. A threshold voltage is produced at the
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`22.The markers can be of any shape, color or configuration.
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`junction of resistors 106 and 108 which are connected
`
`
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`Although an arrangement is shown with two columns and
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`between V ' which preferably is 5.0 volts, and ground. The
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`four rows of touch sensors on the left side of the body 22, 40
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`
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`selected threshold voltage is approximately 1.2 volts.
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`these may be any number or configuration of touch sensors
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`
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`A detection line 110 is connected to pin 8 of the micro­
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`at any location on the body 22.
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`
`
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`processor 80. This pin is connected to an internal voltage
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`FIG. 2 is a sectional view along lines 2 -2 of the
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`comparator which compares the voltage at this pin to the
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`computer input device 20 shown in FIG. 1. The middle layer
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`reference threshold voltage at pin 10.
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`25 is cut out to form an opening that receives a printed
`A line 112, which functions as a column line, is connected
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`45
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`
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`circuit card 50. A cable 52 is connected to the lower end of
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`to pin 15 of the microprocessor 80 as well as to the junction
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`the printed circuit card 50 and feeds through a cut-out
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`between resistors 114 and 116. The resistors 114 and 116 are
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`groove in the layer 25. The card 50 may be made of either
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`pad 58. Line 112 connected in series between Vee and sensor
`
`rigid or flexible material.
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`also serves as a clock line as described below.
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`
`
`Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a partial cut-away
`50
`
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`A line 118, which functions as a column line, is connected
`
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`view of the device 20. The layer 26 is cut away to show the
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`to pin 16 of microprocessor 80 as well as to the junction of
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`printed circuit card 50 and cable 52 which are positioned in
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`resistors 120 and 122. Line 118 also serves as a data line as
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`cut-outs of the layer 25. The upper (illustrated) surface of the
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`
`described below. Resistors 120 and 122 are connected
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`
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`printed circuit card 50 is etched to form a set of capacitive
`
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`pad 60. between Vee and sensor
`
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`touch sensor pads 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72. Each of
`55
`A column line 130 is connected to pin 17 of the micro­
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`these sensor pads comprises a discrete square of an etched
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`processor 80 and to the junction of resistors 132 and 134
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`copper layer over a dielectric substrate. There is further
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`which are connected between Vee and pad 62.
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`provided a guard ring pad 74 which is also a layer of copper.
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`A line 136 is connected to pin 18 of microprocessor 80 as
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`Pad 74 is formed in a shape to extend completely around all
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`well as to the junction of resistors 138 and 140 which are
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`of the sensors 58-72 as well as to have a narrow strip of 60
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`pad 64. connected in series between Vee and sensor
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`copper extending between the two columns and between all
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`of the rows of the sensors 58-72.
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`A line 142 is connected to pin 1 of microprocessor 80 and
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`Printed circuit card 50 has a series of tabs 78 formed at
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`to the junction of resistors 144 and 146 which are connected
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`one end thereof for connecting to six lines and a shield line
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`
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`148 is sensor pad 66. A line in series between Vee and the
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`
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`of the cable 52. Electronic components comprising a micro­
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`
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`65 connected to pin 2 of microprocessor 80 and to the junction
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`processor 80 and a multiplexer 82 are mounted on the
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`
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`of resistors 150 and 152 which are connected in series
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`
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`opposite (bottom) side of the printed circuit card 50 to
`
`pad 68. between Vee and the sensor
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`
`ee
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`Samsung EX1011 Page 9
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`

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`5,831,597
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`1
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`6
`5
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`All of the sensor pads 58-74 are charged to a high voltage
`
`
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`A line 160 is connected to terminal 3 of microprocessor 80
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`and to the junction of resistors 162 and 164 which are
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`
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`state during the time interval from tto t2, which is approxi­
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`
`connected in series between
`
`Vee and the sensor pad 70. A
`
`mately 1 microsecond. At time t2 the microprocessor
`80
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`line 166 is connected to pin 4 of microprocessor 80 and to
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`
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`lowers the voltage on lines 180 and 112. This permits the
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`the junction of resistors 168 and 170.
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`5 charge on pad 58 to discharge through resistor 114 which
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`A line 172 is connected between pin 13 of the micropro­
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`then lowers the voltage on line 110 as indicated. This is an
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`cessor 80 and a first terminal of a resistor 174, which has the
`
`
`exponential discharge. At time t2 the microprocessor
`80
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`second terminal thereof connected to sensor pad 74.
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`starts a counter and measures the time until the voltage on
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`A line 180 is connected to the charge pin 12 of micro­
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`line 110 reaches the threshold voltage, which is in this
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`
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`processor 80 and further connected to the anode terminal of
`10
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`
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`example is 1.2 volts. This occurs at time t3• This is a measure
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`a diode 182. The cathode terminal of diode 182 is connected
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`of the time required to discharge the sensor pad 58. If no
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`to the detector line 110. Diodes 184 and 186 are connected
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`capacitive object is in the vicinity of pad 58, there will be a
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`respectively from line 110 to sensor pads 58 and 60. Diodes
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`constant discharge time and this can be recorded during a
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`188 and 190 are connected between detector line 110 and
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`test or setup period as a reference time. If a capacitive object,
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`sensor pads 62 and 64, respectively. Diodes 192 and 194 are
`15
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`
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`such as a fingertip, is proximate the sensor pad 58, the time
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`connected respectively between line 110 and sensor pads 66
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`required for discharge will be longer and this longer time
`
`and 68. Diodes 196 and 198 are connected respectively
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`
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`will be measured. If the discharge time becomes greater than
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`
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`between line 110 and sensor pads 70 and 72. A diode 200 is
`
`the reference time, for example by 10%, then the micropro­
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`
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`connected between detector line 110 and sensor pad 74.
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`
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`cessor 80 deems that a touch has occurred for sensor pad 58.
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`Each of the resistors 114, 120, 132, 138, 144, 150, 162,
`
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`168 and 174 preferably has a resistance of lM ohms. Each 20
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`
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`The above-described operation is repeated sequentially
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`for each of the remaining sensor pads 60---74. As indicated in
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`
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`of the resistors 116, 122, 134, 140, 146, 152, 164 and 170
`
`
`FIG. 5, the microprocessor the voltages 80 at time t4 raises
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`preferably has a resistance of 2.2K ohms.
`
`
`on lines 112 and 180 while maintaining the high voltage on
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`
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`A set of terminals 212 are connected to a keyboard of a
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`line 118. At time ts, the charge line 180 is again lowered and
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`conventional personal computer. A keyboard clock line 214
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`the column line 118 is likewise lowered thereby producing
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`is connected to pin 9 of the microprocessor 80 as well as to 25
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`a discharge of sensor pad 60 which is indicated by the falling
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`the pin 13 of the multiplexer 82. A line 216 carries keyboard
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`voltage on detect line 110. The discharge time for pad 60 is
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`data and this line is connected to pin 1 of the multiplexer 82.
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`is then measured between time ts and t6• This process
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`The pads 212 further include a shield ground, a signal
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`repeated for the remainder of the sensor pads.
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`ground as well as a power terminal
`Vec-
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`The discharge time is also measured for the guard ring pad
`30
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`
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`A set of terminal pads 220 are connected to the conven-
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`74.This is done in sequence following pads 58-72. This
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`tional keyboard port of a personal computer. A personal
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`discharge time is likewise compared to a reference for this
`
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`computer clock line 222 is connected to pin 14 of multi­
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`pad to determine whether or not an object has affected the
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`
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`plexer 82. A personal computer data line 224 is connected to
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`capacitance of this pad. If the mouse device is present in the
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`
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`pin 15 of multiplexer 82. The terminals 220 further include
`35
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`
`
`vicinity of any of the sensor pads 58-72, then it will affect
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`
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`a shield cable ground, a signal ground and a power terminal
`
`
`the capacitance of the guard ring pad 74. If a detection is
`Vec-
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`
`indicated for the guard ring pad 74, then the measurements
`
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`The microprocessor 80 has a select pin 11 which is
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`
`made for the sensor pads 58-72 are ignored because any
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`connected through a line 226 to select pins 9, 10 and 11 of
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`
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`detection signals are very likely to have been generated by
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`
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`multiplexer 82. Signals on this line selectively connect
`40
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`
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`the presence of the mouse device. A finger touch on any of
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`
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`either the terminals 212 to the terminals 220 or transmit data
`
`
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`the sensor pads 58-72 generates very little capacitance for
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`
`from the microprocessor 80 via the line 118 to the multi­
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`the guard ring pad 74. Therefore, the use of the guard ring
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`
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`plexer 82 and further to the keyboard port of the computer
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`pad prevents the generation of erroneous touch indications
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`through terminals 220 while also transmitting the clock
`
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`for the sensor pads 58-72.
`
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`signals through line 112 to the multiplexer 82 and to the
`45
`
`In FIGS. 1-4, the sensor pads 58-72 with corresponding
`
`terminals 220.
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`
`
`markers 28-42 are described as selection switches.
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`
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`Operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 4 is now described
`
`
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`
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`However, these sensors can be combined to also function as
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`in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
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`
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`a touch slider input or x-y controls for a function such as
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`
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`The waveforms illustrated in FIG. 5 show signal ampli­
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`
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`cursor position, in effect, replacing the mouse.
`
`tude as a function of time. There will be a voltage drop
`
`50
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`
`
`A still further embodiment of the present invention is
`
`
`across each of the diodes of about 0.7 volt but for simplicity
`
`
`
`illustrated in FIG. 6. A computer input device 250 includes
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`
`
`this is not reflected in the FIG. 5 waveforms. The amplitude
`
`
`an input device 252 such as previously described in refer­
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`
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`is in the range of O to 5 volts. The voltage on line 180, the
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`ence to FIGS. 1-4. The device 252 is used in conjunction
`
`
`
`charge line, is held low until time t1. The microprocessor
`80,
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`254 which can 55 with a conventional mouse input device
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`on line 180 to a high the voltage beginning at time t1, raises
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`travel and operate over the entirety of the surface of the
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`level, which causes line 110 to follow to a high level. Line
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`device 252. The output of the device 252, which corresponds
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`
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`180 is charged rapidly and line 110 is charged more slowly.
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`
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`to the data transmitted through the terminals 220 shown in
`
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`All column lines, including lines 112 and 118, are main­
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`
`
`FIG. 4, is transferred through a cable 256 to an infrared
`
`
`tained at a high voltage level.
`
`
`60 transmitter/receiver unit 260. The unit 260 is provided with
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`The lines 112 and 118 serve dual functions. During the
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`
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`batteries and an infrared transmitter and receiver which are
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`
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`sensing of the capacitor sensor pads, they function as
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`
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`well known in the art. Personal computers can now be
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`
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`column lines just like the remainder of the lines for the other
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`
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`equipped with infrared communications. The implementa­
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`
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`sensor pads. In a second mode of operation when sensing is
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`
`
`tion and standards for this communication are well known in
`
`
`
`not being performed, these lines transfer clock and data
`65 the art.
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`
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`signals which are passed through the multiplexer to the
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`
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`keyboard port of the computer via terminals 220. The mode
`As shown in FIG. 6, the device 252 has markers 262,264,
`
`
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`
`
`corresponds to the voltage state of the selection line 226.
`
`
`266, 268, 270, 272, 274 and 276. These correspond to the
`
`Samsung EX1011 Page 10
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`

`

`5,831,597
`
`8
`7
`markers 28-42 shown in FIG. 1. With the device 250 shown 402A-416A. Each icon can represent a function or operation
`
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`
`
`in FIG. 5, a user can operate the mouse 254 and provide the
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`
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`that is carried out with a computer. The periphery of each
`usual mouse inputs to the user's computer system and can
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`
`
`marker is defined by a shallow engraved groove. These are
`
`concurrently provide a preselected input by touching any of
`
`
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`
`
`shown as grooves 402B-416B. Each of the grooves can be
`
`the markers 262-276. The commands and responses to these
`
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`
`
`5 felt by a user who moves his fingertip across the surface of
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`
`
`actions are transmitted through the infrared unit 260 to the
`
`
`the device 400. By feeling of the grooves, a user can
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`computer system.
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`
`
`determine the location of any one of the eight markers
`
`
`
`
`The present invention can be utilized in various system
`
`
`
`
`without looking at any of the markers or the device 400. The
`
`configurations as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. A system 280
`
`
`
`user can thus enter a command into the computer without
`
`
`
`
`shown in FIG. 7 includes a processor 282, keyboard 284 and 10
`
`
`
`changing his visual focus, such as looking at the computer
`
`
`
`a monitor 286. The processor 282 has a keyboard port 286
`
`
`monitor. The device 400 can require an input only when
`
`
`and a mouse port 288. It further includes a touch input
`
`there has been a double touch within a predetermined time
`
`
`
`
`device 290 in accordance with the present invention and as
`
`
`
`
`on any one of the markers thereby eliminating the possibility
`
`
`
`previously described. The device 290 has markers 292
`
`
`
`
`of an input being created merely by feeling of the surface of
`
`
`
`imprinted over corresponding touch sensor pads. The system
`
`
`the device 400 to locate the position of a marker.
`15
`
`
`
`
`280 includes a conventional mouse input device 294. The
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`
`
`
`A still further aspect of the present invention is illustrated
`
`
`
`cable for the mouse device 294 is connected to a mouse port
`
`in FIG. 11 which includes an input device 440, such as
`
`
`
`
`of the input device 290, and the device 290 itself has a cable
`
`
`
`device 20 described above in reference to FIG. 1. The body
`
`
`296 for connection to the mouse port 288 of the processor
`
`
`
`440 includes a set of eight markers 442, 446, 448, 450, 452,
`
`
`
`
`282.The device 290 includes a barrel connector for inter-
`20
`
`454, 456 and 458, such as described above for markers
`
`
`
`
`connecting the mouse device 294 cable, the device 290 and
`
`
`
`28-42 in FIG. 1. The body 440 further includes a sleeve 460
`
`the cable 296.
`
`which has a transparent cover 460A above the markers
`Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a system 320 which
`
`
`
`
`
`
`442-458. The sleeve 460 is open on the left side to permit
`
`
`
`
`includes a processor 322, monitor 324 and a keyboard 326.
`
`insertion of a sheet 462. The sheet 462 is printed with
`
`
`The processor 322 has a keyboard port 328 and a mouse port 25
`
`characters, descriptions or icons that are in positions that
`
`
`
`330.A conventional mouse device 332 is connected via its
`
`
`
`
`correspond to the markers 442-458. As illustrated in FIG.
`
`
`
`own cable to the mouse port 330 of the processor 322. A
`
`
`11, the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H are positioned,
`
`touch input device 334, in accordance with the present
`
`
`
`respectively, over the markers 442-458 which are in turn,
`
`
`
`
`invention, includes a set of markers 336 above correspond­
`
`
`
`
`respectively, positioned over a corresponding set of capaci­
`
`
`
`ing touch sensor pads. The touch input device 334 includes
`30
`
`
`tive sensor pads. With the sheet 462 inserted into the sleeve
`
`
`
`a cable 338 which is joined