Patent ID: 6738043
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G05G,G06F,H01H

Abstract:
A coordinates input apparatus for designating a set of coordinates in three-dimensional space, the coordinates input apparatus comprising:a first magnet; a second magnet; and a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers disposed symmetrically in a plane and in a vicinity of, but outside a space between, respective, identical poles of the first and second magnets, wherein: the first magnet and second magnet are disposed so that respective lines of magnetic flux thereof are in opposing relationship; the second magnet is disposed so as to be tiltable relatively to the plane of the magneto-electric transducers in response to forces acting thereupon, said forces including a repulsive force arising between the first magnet and the second magnet and a pressing force exerted on the second magnet; and the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers are disposed symmetrically, relatively to the opposing lines of magnetic flux, opposite the second magnet and output voltages having values that vary according to tilting of the second magnet relatively to the plane of the magnetoelectric transducers, producing a corresponding change in a gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet, such that differential voltage values of the output voltages indicate a set of X, Y coordinates in two-dimensional space.