Patent ID: 6121954
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G05G,G06F

Abstract:
A device for controlling the movement of an object on a display screen, comprising:a) a base having an upper surface and a lower surface;b) a shaft integrally formed with and substantially perpendicular to the base;c) a cavity formed in the upper surface and located circumferentially around the shaft, the cavity allowing bending of the base;d) a film mounted on the lower surface;e) a plurality of strain sensitive resistors, mounted on the film and located below the cavity, for sensing strain on the base indicative of the direction that the shaft is being forced, the cavity allowing bending of the base and concentrating the bending onto the strain sensitive resistors, the bending of the base further providing a tactile feedback to a user; andf) a plurality of conductive traces, mounted to the film and electrically connected to the resistors.