The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 12, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 11, 2001
Florian Max Kehlstadt, Aclens, CH;
Baptiste Merminod, Vevey, CH;
Laurent Plancherel, Lausanne, CH;
Emmanuel Dubois, Gex, FR;
Florian Max Kehlstadt, Aclens, CH;
Baptiste Merminod, Vevey, CH;
Laurent Plancherel, Lausanne, CH;
Emmanuel Dubois, Gex, FR;
Logitech Europe, S.A., Romanel-sur-Morges, CH;
Abstract
An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a pressure sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the pressure sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the pressure sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensing resistor used is a folded-over metal-coated plastic film which is responsive to very low activation forces, such as forces less than 50 grams.