Force-sensitive input device

摘要

An input device for computing devices that include touch screens. The input device includes an outer housing having an inner surface and an inner shaft. The inner shaft is at least partially received within the outer housing. A nib is operatively coupled to the inner shaft. Providing a first force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface of the outer housing at a first contact point along the outer housing, and providing a second force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface of the outer housing at a second contact point along the outer housing.

主权项

1. An input device for computing devices comprising:
an outer housing having an inner surface that provides a variable resistance; an inner shaft at least partially received within the outer housing; a nib operatively coupled to the inner shaft; wherein providing a first force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface at a first contact point along the outer housing; providing a second force to the nib causes the inner shaft to contact the inner surface of the outer housing at a second contact point along the outer housing, wherein the first and second contact points are at different locations along a length of the outer housing, and wherein the input device generates a first electrical signal in response to the inner shaft contacting the inner surface of the outer housing at the first contact point and generates a second electrical signal in response to the inner shaft contacting the inner surface of the outer housing at the second contact point, and a circuit that measures the first and second forces provided to the nib by measuring capacitance discharges across the variable resistance of the inner surface when the inner shaft contacts the inner surface at the first and second contact points.