CA2144405C - Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard - Google Patents

Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2144405C
CA2144405C CA002144405A CA2144405A CA2144405C CA 2144405 C CA2144405 C CA 2144405C CA 002144405 A CA002144405 A CA 002144405A CA 2144405 A CA2144405 A CA 2144405A CA 2144405 C CA2144405 C CA 2144405C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
patterns
strain sensitive
strain
base
force
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002144405A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2144405A1 (en
Inventor
Matthew F. Cali
Jerome J. Cuomo
Donald J. Mikalsen
Joseph D. Rutledge
Edwin J. Selker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Business Machines Corp
Original Assignee
International Business Machines Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Business Machines Corp filed Critical International Business Machines Corp
Publication of CA2144405A1 publication Critical patent/CA2144405A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2144405C publication Critical patent/CA2144405C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01LMEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/22Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
    • G01L5/223Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers to joystick controls
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05GCONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0338Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks

Abstract

A strain sensitive columnar transducer for a data entry keyboard contains a column upstanding from the keyboard. Strain sensitive orthogonally oriented patterns are formed on a single flexible planar sheet which is sliced to place each of the patterns on a separate tab. The planar sheet is forced over the column so that the patterns lie up against the sides of the column to measure force exerted on the column.

Description

21~05 FORCE SENSITIVE ~RANSDUCER FOR USE IN A COMPUTER KEYBOARD

Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to the field of analog input devices for entering information into a computer and more particularly to a force sensitive device for entering analog information into a computer through its keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved analog input device to be used in conJunction with the keys of the keyboard of a computer to enter data into the computer. The most common type of analog pointing device is a mouse, which sit~s on a surface immediately adjacent to the computer keyboard. As the mouse is moved on the adjacent surface the computer responds by 15 moving a cursor around a computer screen.

Since the mouse is not on the keyboard, the operator is required to move his/her hand back and forth between the keyboard and the mouse with resulting delay and distraction.

20 In order to reduce the time involved in the back and forth motion of an operator's hand between the typing keyboard and the analog pointing device, various approaches for combining the typin~
keyboard and a pointing device have been proposed. One such approach involves the use of a force sensitive transducer positioned between two keys in a data input keyboard.
25 Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a new structure and method of fabricating a columnar sensor of the type described above. Instead of imprinting the patterns onto a ceramic columnar sensor during its fabrication or adhering separate discrete strain gauges to a plastic or metal column, 21~05 the stress sensitive patterns are all formed on a singlc flcxiblc sheet of plastic and an x shaped slice is made in the sheet to place each of the pattcrns on a separate triangular tab of the sheet.
The sheet is placed over the column so that the tabs with the patterns on them are bent out of the plane of the sheet and form a collar around thc column with each tab abutted against a S different side of the rectangular column.

Therefore one object of the invcntion is to proviclc an improved force scnsor for use in computer keyboards.

It is another object of thc invention to providc a ncw method of fabricating a force scnsor for use in computer keyboards.

Brief Des~ )lion of thc Drawing~

IS These and other objects of the invention can best be understood by the following description of the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure I is a plan vlew of the flexible plastic sheet imprinted with the strain sensitive resistance patterns;
Figures 2 and 3 are three dimensional views showing the assembly of the pointing stick;
Figure 4 is a three dimensional vicw of thc assembled pointing stick;
Figure S is a three dimensional view of the pointing stick in position between the B, G
H keys;
Figure 6 is an electrical schematic of a bridge circuit incorporating the strain sensitive elements; and Figure 7 is a schematic plan view for an alternative wiring scheme for the stress sensitive patterns; and Figure 8 is a schematic plan view for a second alternative wiring scheme for the stress sensitive patterns.

21~4a~0~

Detailed D~lip~ion of the Invcntion Referring now to Figure 1, serpentine patterns 102 to 1()8 of strain sensitive conductive material are formed on a flexible plastic sheet 11() which has a substantially rectangular portion 112. The opposite ends of each of the strain sensitive patterns 102 to 10~ are connected to leads. The leads 116 to 126 are substantially wider than the conductive lines in the strain sensitive patterns 102 through 108. This is to make most of the circuits resistance reside in the patterns to thereby increase their sensitivity to strain. The patterns are arranged in sets. One set made up of patterns 102 and 106 is orthogonally orienled from lhe other set made up of patterns 104 and 108. The rectangular portion 112 of the flexible sheet is sliced in a x shaped pattern 128 so that each of the patterns 102 through 108 is on a separa~e triangular tab. The patterns 102 to 108 are triangular to make best use of the ~pace on the tabs.

Referring now to Figure 2, the sensor in the form Or column 130 with a rectangular cross section is part of a plastic piece with a base 132. The base has three curved cutouts 134, 136 and 138 therein so that the base will rlt between shields for the B, G & H keys on the computer keyboard without interfering with the functions of any keyboard keys. An arm is configured so that the base 132 will f~lt between the shields of the G ~c H keys while the cutout 134 permits the base to straddle the shield for the B key. While a separate base 132 is used here the column 130 could be integral with the keyboard base.

As shown in Figure 2 the plastic sheet 110 has a leg portion 140 which is irregularly shaped to f~lt between the keys of the keyboard. This Ieg portion 140 contains the six leads ! 16 to 126 to the strain gauges and ends up in a foot element with terminal 142 to make electrical connections to the stress sensitive patterns 102 to 10X. The stress SCIlSitiVC patterns 102 to 108 and the leads 116 to 126 are enclosed within two sheets of plastic to prevent damage and exposure to the elements. If only one plastic sheet is employed the exposed patterns should face upwardly in the assembled keyboard so that they do nol rub against the column 130 during assembly. The leg portion 140 can, as shown, be integrally formed with the base portion 112 or be a separate piece 21~q-~S

with the leads 116 to 126 bonded to thC ends of the Ieads of the stress sensitive patterns on the base portion l 12.

As shown, the flexible plastic sheet 110 is placed on top of the column 130 and forced downwardly with a tool 144. The tool 144 contains a aperture 146 which is slightly larger than the column 130 so that as the plastic sheet 110 is forced down on the column by the tool the tabs flex upwardly through the aperture 146 and glide down along the sides of the column. The lower portion of the column is coated with an adhesive 148 as is the base 132 surrounding the column.
As shown in figure 3, when the flexible sheet 110 reaches the base it is held against the base by the tool 144 with the tabs extending upwardly along the sides ortlle column 130. Tool 144 is held in place until the adhesive 148 sets. When the adllesive has set the guide is removed as shown in figure 4, leaving the plastic sheet adhered to the base 138 and the tabs adhered to the sides of the rectangular column 130 so thal the strain SCIISitiVC patterns 102 to 108 are each against a separate side of the column to sense bending strain in the column.
As shown in Figure S the column 130 sits between the B, (~ & H keys 145, 146 and 148 with the eutouts in the base 132 surrounding the shielcls for those keys. The leg portion 140 lies flat against the keyboard base 150 and is routed around other keys (not shown) so it does not interfere with the operation of the keys. A circular cap 156 is placed over the column 130 so that eontact ean be made by an operator to the sensor 130 by plaeing his finger on top of the eap. This eauses strain in the column which can be sensed by the strain sensitive gauges 102=
through 108.

As shown in Figure 6, the stra;n sensitive gauges 102 to 108 are eonnected in two half bridge cireuits so that the set made up Or strain sensitive patterns 102 and 106 measure strain exerted on the eolumn in the y direetion while the set made up of strain sensitive patterns 104 and 108 measure strain in the x direetion. The hridges are eonnected across a power supply, while the terminals X out and Y out go to separate amplifiers 160 and 162. These amplifiers are differential amplifiers with the other input to the dirîerential amplirler being a variable reference 2 1 ~ 5 circuit. Upon turning on the compuler and at various times during the operation of the computer, the reference voltages are acljusted to provide for zero outputs out of the amplifiers 160 and 162 when no force is exerted 011 the colu m n 130.

S The material used in the flexible sheet I 10 and the material of the column must be compatible with the adhesive 148 used to fix the slleet to the piece also the guide must not adhere to the sheet or column during gluing. A combination that will meet these objectives is:
Part Material plastic piece 130-132 polycarbonale flexible sheet 110 polyalnide (Kaptan e.g.) adhesive 148 Eastmall 910 or epoxy cements used for strain gauges tool 144 teflon (TFE) Above we have described one embodiment of OUI present invention. A number of changes can be made in this embodimenl withoul dcpar~,ing from the invention. For instance as shown in figure 7, the number of leads needed to connect llle strain sensitive patterns 102 to 108 on a single surface to the power source an~l the sense amplirlers can be reduced to four by providing leads 164 and 166 between the cuts 128 in the squ a re segment 112 of the piece 110 and the stress sensitive patterns. Alternatively, the number of wires can be reduced by having separate.
rectangular and leg portions 112 and 140. The wiring on the rectangular and leg portions can then be placed on facing surfaces of the two pieces. As shown in Figure 8, contacts 170 face upwardly to mate and be bonded to downwardly facing terminals 172 on the leg portion.
Connections 174 and 176 join common connections to the same terminal. Leads to the contacts must be insulated from each other to prevenl short circuits at cross over points. Therefore it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the above-described embodiment but should be only limited by the spirit of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising:
a member upstanding from the keyboard; and orthogonally oriented strain sensitive patterns formed together on a flexible planar sheet surrounding the member and bent so that the portions of the base with strain sensitive patterns thereon rise up out of the plane of the base and are adhered against the sides of the member to sense force exerted on the member.
2. The force sensitive transducer of claim 1 wherein: there are two orthogonally oriented pairs of opposing serpentine patterns; said pairs connected to form electrical half bridge circuits with one opposing pair measuring force in the x direction and the other opposing pair measuring force in the y direction.
3. The force sensitive transducer of claim 2 wherein said planar base has an x shaped slice with one of said strain sensitive patterns in each of the V's formed by the slice and the member positioned in the juncture of the slice.
4. The force sensitive transducer of claim 3 wherein each strain sensitive pattern is connected to one power lead and one signal line, with the power lead and signal line for one of the patterns located between the x shaped slice and other of the patterns.
5. A method of assembling a force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising the steps of:
forming multiple strain sensitive patterns on a flat flexible insulating sheet;
providing interior slices in the sheet so that the strain sensitive patterns are on orthogonally oriented tabs;
placing an elongated member upstanding from a base through the slices so that the tabs bend and lie against the sides of the elongated member while the remainder of the flexible sheet lies against the base; and adhering the tabs to the sides of the elongated member.
6. The method of claim 5 including: electrically connecting the strain sensitive patterns in half-bridge circuits to provide electrical signals representative of strain in the upstanding member.
7. The method of claim 6 including: electrically connecting strain sensitive patterns positioned on opposite sides of the upstanding member in series across the terminals of an electrical power source and the common point of the serially connected patterns to a signal terminal.
8. The method of claim 7 including: forming facing connections between the strain sensitive patterns and the terminals on separate pieces of insulating material and bonding such pieces together.
9. The method of claim 7 including: making connections between the strain sensitive patterns and the terminals between the strain sensitive patterns and the slices.
10. A method of assembling a force sensitive transducer for a data entry keyboard comprising:
forming four triangular shaped strain sensitive patterns together with their connections on a flat flexible insulating sheet;

slicing the insulating sheet in an x shaped pattern so that cacti of the triangular shaped strain sensitive patterns is on a separate triangular tab;
placing a rectangular shaped elongated member upstanding from a base through the x shaped slices so that the tabs bend up out of the insulating sheet and lie against the four sides of the member while the remainder of the flexible sheet lies flat against the base;
adhering the tabs to the sides of the elongated member; and electrically connecting the electrical connections to the strain sensitive tabs in a circuit that senses changes in surface stresses of the upstanding member.
CA002144405A 1994-06-03 1995-03-10 Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard Expired - Fee Related CA2144405C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US253,655 1994-06-03
US08/253,655 US5489900A (en) 1994-06-03 1994-06-03 Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2144405A1 CA2144405A1 (en) 1995-12-04
CA2144405C true CA2144405C (en) 2000-11-14

Family

ID=22961165

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002144405A Expired - Fee Related CA2144405C (en) 1994-06-03 1995-03-10 Force sensitive transducer for use in a computer keyboard

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5489900A (en)
EP (1) EP0685817B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3197776B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100218609B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2144405C (en)
DE (1) DE69518040T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2148373T3 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR100218609B1 (en) 1999-09-01
ES2148373T3 (en) 2000-10-16
CA2144405A1 (en) 1995-12-04
DE69518040T2 (en) 2001-03-22
JP3197776B2 (en) 2001-08-13
EP0685817A1 (en) 1995-12-06
DE69518040D1 (en) 2000-08-24
KR960001962A (en) 1996-01-26
EP0685817B1 (en) 2000-07-19
US5489900A (en) 1996-02-06
JPH07334301A (en) 1995-12-22

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