Patent ID: 6195082
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer pointing device, comprising:a printed wiring board defining an electrical interconnection network;the printed wiring board including first and second sets of printed wiring pads disposed around a common center on one surface of the board;each set of printed wiring pads defining a receiving space for accepting and making electrical connection with a finger-tip manipulable strain gauge;the first set of printed wiring pads being disposed for compatible mating with a strain gauge of a first size and sensitivity;the second set of printed wiring pads being disposed for compatible mating with a strain gauge of a second size and sensitivity;a strain gauge having a finger-tip manipulable lever, the strain gauge providing two-dimensional strain gauge output signals having signal levels proportional to a force applied to the lever; anda micro-controller and comparitor circuits connected via the printed wiring board for receiving the two-dimensional strain gauge output signals and for converting the signals to a standard P/S-2 pointing device output signal.