VARIABLE SPEED COMPUTER INPUT APPARATUS

Abstract: A hand manipulable computer input device (10) including a displacement sensing element (160) operative to provide an output indication of displacement, and variable scaling apparatus (23, 24, 25, 27) receiving the output indication of displacement and operative to provide a scaled indication of displacement (140).

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to computer input devices in general and specifically to hand manipulable computer input devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is a well known necessity in graphical drawing programs to accurately position the cursor on the screen. This goal is achieved today by use of a positioning device known as a 'mouse'. When the 'mouse' is moved on a flat surface its movement is electronically translated by a mechanical or optical mechanism and is reflected on the computer screen. In some cases it is desirable that the user have a fine positioning ability in one of the device's directions (e.g., the up-down direction) and a coarse positioning ability in the other direction (e.g. , the left-right direction) . The type of positioning devices used today do not enable changing the speed sensitivity of the device in each of the axes separately and in real time. The solution for this need is therefore provided by software, so that the user defines the behavior of the positioning device by using setup procedures provided by the computer program' manufacturer. The disadvantage of this solution is that it requires the user to stop the graphical work and enter the setup procedure. This may be a time consuming operation and distracts the user from the main objective of the work. Hand manipulable computer input devices are described in published European Patent Application 474,234 of Nakaji a et al. and in U.S. Patent 5,191,641 to Fujimara et al. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an auxiliary positioning device which may enable a user to position a computer program's cursor on the screen while manually controlling the speed of the cursor's movement both in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction. Such a device may be used in conjunction with a computer graphic program for easy control of the cursor's positioning on the screen. The object of the present invention is to provide a positioning device whose speed may be varied separately in each coordinate, in a user friendly fashion and in real time, so that the user does not need to stop working in order to change the speed sensitivity of the device. The above object is achieved by the present invention by providing a positioning device whose speed may be varied by setting two control knobs which are part of the device and are located on it. The device has two such control knobs, one for setting the speed sensitivity in each of the device's coordinates. The user can change the speed sensitivity of the device while working on the computer program, using the same hand activating the device, and without being forced to stop working. This is done by changing the position of each of the control knobs on the device. The said device comprises of a rotating ball which is in contact with a flat surface, as done in some well known existing positioning devices, known as a 'mouse'. When the device is moved against the surface, the rotating ball turns two axles, one positioned in the X-coordinate and one in the Y-coordinate. To achieve the variable speed capability, the structure of the device is changed. According to one preferred embodiment of the device, the following mechanism is added to the existing 'mouse' mechanism: a variable transmission gear is added to each of the two axles (see figure #2) . The gear is constructed of a conical transmission element, mounted coaxially on the axle. The conical element touches another transmission wheel, which is coaxially mounted on a flexible shaft. The relative position of the transmission wheel and the conical wheel can be changed by the user by changing the position of the external control knob. When the position of the transmission wheel is changed, the transmission ratio is also changed, thus changing the speed sensitivity of the device. The flexible shaft is connected to an electronic or optical device (as done in today's 'mouse' devices) which produces signals that are transferred to the computer and are then translated by it to the cursor position on the computer screen. The present invention seeks to provide an improved hand manipulable computer input device. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a positioning device for use with computer programs, whose speed sensitivity may be varied separately in each axis by the user by changing the position of two control knobs positioned on the device. The said device comprises of a rotating ball which is in contact with a flat surface. When the device is moved against the surface the rotating ball turns two axles, one positioned in the X-coordinate and one in the Y-coordinate. A variable transmission gear is located on each of the axles. The gear is constructed of a conical transmission element, mounted coaxially on the axle. The conical element touches another transmission wheel, which is coaxially mounted on a flexible shaft. The relative position of the transmission wheel and the conical wheel can be changed by the user by changing the position of the external control knob. When the position of the transmission wheel is changed, the transmission ratio is also changed changing the speed sensitivity of the device. The flexible shaft is connected to an electronic or optical device which produces signals that are transferred to the computer and are then translated by it to the cursor position on the computer screen. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the speed sensitivity of the device is changed by an electronic circuit and not by a mechanical transmission. The electronic circuit for doing this includes a potentiometer added to the electronics or optics that produces the electronic signal in response to the rotation of the axis. The position of this potentiometer changes the strength of the electronic signal produced in response to the rotation of the axis. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the speed sensitivity of the device is changed by a single mechanism for both axes together. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a positioning device for use in conjunction with a computer program in which the speed sensitivity of the device can be changed separately for each of the devices axes. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a hand manipulable computer input device including a displacement sensing element operative to provide an output indication of displacement, and variable scaling apparatus receiving the output indication of displacement and operative to provide a scaled indication of displacement. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the variable scaling apparatus includes electronic scaling apparatus. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the variable scaling apparatus includes mechanical scaling apparatus. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the mechanical scaling apparatus includes a variable transmission coupling. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the variable transmission coupling includes a largely conical transmission element. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device also includes an axle, the largely conical transmission element being operatively associated with the axle. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the largely conical transmission element is fixedly mounted on the axle. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the largely conical transmission element has an apex and a base, the apex being pivotally attached to the axle and the base being freely supported by the axle. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device also includes a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device also includes driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a variable transmission coupling including an axle, and a largely conical transmission element having an apex and a base, the apex being pivotally attached to the axle and the base being freely supported by the axle. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the largely conical transmission element is fixedly mounted on the axle. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the largely conical transmission element has an apex and a base, the apex being pivotally attached to the axle and the base being freely supported by the axle. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the variable transmission coupling also includes a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the variable transmission coupling also includes driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one axle is mounted on a first movable carriage. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device includes a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device also includes driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact by moving the movable carriage. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the hand manipulable computer input device also includes a second movable carriage, wherein the at least one axle includes a first axle and a second axle, and wherein the second axle is mounted on the second movable carriage. Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first axle and the second axle are disposed largely at right angles to each other. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic scaling apparatus includes a mouse controller. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic scaling apparatus includes a speed control. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for computer input using a hand manipulable computer input device, the method including providing a displacement sensing element operative to provide an output indication of displacement, and receiving the output indication of displacement and providing a scaled indication of displacement. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for variable transmission of power, the method including providing an axle, and providing a largely conical transmission element operatively associated with the axle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a simplified side view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2 taken along the lines III-III; Fig. 4 is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2 taken along the lines IV-IV; Fig. 5 is a simplified side view of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 5 taken along the lines VI-VI; Fig. 7 is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 5 taken along the lines VII-VII; Fig. 8 is a simplified side view of the device of Fig. 5 shown in a second position of operation; Fig. 9 is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 8 taken along the lines IX-IX; Fig. 10 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11A is a simplified top view of the apparatus of Fig. 10; Fig. 11B is a simplified pictorial illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10; Figs. 12A - 12D are simplified top views of the apparatus of Fig. 10 in first, second, third, and fourth positions of operation, respectively; Fig. 13 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 14 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which is a perspective view of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device of Fig. 1 comprises a mouse 10. It is appreciated that the device of Fig. 1 may be any other suitable hand manipulable computer input device. The mouse 10 comprises two levers 15. Alternatively, there may be a single actuator controlling the two levers 15 together, or any type of actuator in operative engagement with the two levers 15. The mouse 10 also comprises driving apparatus 21, preferably largely spherical in shape. Preferably, the surface of the driving apparatus 21 is formed of a substance with a high coefficient of friction as, for example, rubber or synthetic rubber. Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which is a simplified side view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. l. Reference is additionally made to Fig. 3, which is sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2 taken along the lines III-III, and to Fig. 4, which is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2 taken along the lines IV-IV. Fig. 2 is a side view of the mechanical variable transmission according to one possible embodiment of the device. Fig. 2 depicts a possible embodiment of the variable speed positioning device. Parts 21, 22 and 26 exist in today's well known 'mouse' devices. Parts 23, 24, 25 and 27 are added to the device in order to enable the variable speed sensitivity. Part 21 in the drawing is a rotating ball which is in contact with a flat surface. When the device is moved against the surface, the rotating ball turns two axles positioned in the X-coordinate and one in the Y- coordinate. One of these axles can be seen in the figure (part 22) . To achieve the variable speed capability, the structure of the device is changed. According to one preferred embodiment of the change, the following mechanism is added to the existing 'mouse' mechanism: a variable transmission gear is added to each of the two axles. This transmission can be seen as parts 23, 24 and 25 in the figure. The gear is constructed of a conical transmission element (part 23 in Figure 2) , mounted coaxial on the axle. The conical element touches another transmission wheel (part 24 in Figure 2) , which is coaxial mounted on a flexible shaft (part 25 in Figure 2) The relative position of the transmission wheel and the conical wheel can be changed by the user by changing the position of the external control knob (part 27 in Figure 2) . The external control knob 27 is operatively associated with the lever 15 of Fig. 1 (not shown in Fig. 2) . When the position of the transmission wheel is changed, the transmission ratio is also changed, thus changing the speed sensitivity of the device. The flexible shaft is connected to an electronic or optical device (part 26 in Figure 2) , as done in today's 'mouse' devices, which produces electronic signals that are transferred to the computer and are then translated by it to the cursor position on the computer screen. Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified side view of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the hand manipulable computer input device of Fig. 1 comprises two devices such as that of Fig. 5, typically mounted at approximately right angles to each other. The device of Fig. 5 comprises an axle 100. The axle 100 is formed at a first end with a notch 105, adapted to receive one of the levers 15 at a first end of the lever 15. It is appreciated that the axle 100 may be adapted to receive the lever 15 in another appropriate manner. The lever 15 is rotatably attached to a fulcrum 115. Preferably, the lever 15 is equipped near a second end with apparatus such as ratchet 120, operative to hold the lever 15 in a selected position. The lever 15, fulcrum 115, and axle 100 are construction in such a way that rotating the lever 15 about the fulcrum 115 causes the axle 100 to be inserted or removed from the device of Fig. 5. It is appreciated that in place of the lever 15 another apparatus may alternatively be employed, in operative engagement with the axle 100 and operative to insert and remove the axle 100 from the device of Fig. 5. The axle 100 is formed at a second end with a key 125. The cross section of key 125 is shown as square; it is appreciated that the key 125 may have any other appropriate shape. The apparatus of Fig. 5 also comprises a rotational displacement indicating apparatus 130. Indicating apparatus 130 comprises a shaft 135 and a disk 140. The shaft 135 is formed with a keyway 142 operative to receive the key 125. Reference is now additionally made to Fig. 6, which is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 5 taken along the lines VI-VI. The disk 140 is formed with notches 145. The apparatus of Fig. 5 also comprises electro- optic encoding apparatus 150, as is well known in existing hand manipulated computer input devices. The encoding apparatus 150 comprises an emitter 155 and a sensor 160. The electro-optic encoding apparatus 150 is operative to encode the displacement of the disk 140 by sensing the passage of the notches 145 between the emitter 155 and the sensor 160. The emitter 155 and the sensor 160 may be any appropriate emitter and sensor, such as an infrared emitter and sensor. Alternatively, electro-optic encoding apparatus 150 may be replaced with any appropriate encoding apparatus which is operative to sense the rotational displacement of the indicating apparatus 130. The apparatus of Fig. 5 also comprises a largely conical transmission element 170 in operative engagement with the driving apparatus 21. The surface of the transmission element 170 may be formed of a substance such as, for example, rubber or synthetic rubber. Preferably, the surface of the transmission element 170 is coated with a substance have a very low coefficient of friction such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethene (Teflon) . The largely conical transmission element 170 has a base 180 and an apex 185. The apex 185 is pivotally attached to the axle 100, preferably by means of suitable bearings, not shown in Fig. 5. The base 180 is freely supported by the axle 100. In Fig. 5 the base 180 is shown as being mounted towards the end of the axle 100 having the notch 105. Alternatively, the apex 185 may be mounted towards the end of the axle 100 having the notch 105. In the alternative case, the change in operation of the apparatus of Fig. 5 upon insertion and removal of the axle 100, as described below with reference to Figs. 5 and 8, would be reversed. The largely conical transmission element 170 is typically largely hollow to allow free movement of the base 180 at its point of free support by the axle 100. The pressure of the driving apparatus 21 against the transmission element 170 maintains the inner surface of the transmission element 170 generally in contact with the axle 100. The operation of the apparatus of Fig. 5 is now briefly described. The driving apparatus 21, as in any conventional computer mouse, is rubbed along an external surface as the mouse is displaced. The driving apparatus 21 is thus rotated and transmits to the transmission element 170, and thus to the axle 100 through the apex 185, the component of the rotation of the driving apparatus 21 which is perpendicular to the long axis of the axle 100. As explained above, the apparatus of Fig. 1 typically comprises two devices such as that of Fig. 5 mounted at right angles to each other. Thus, two perpendicular components of displacement of the mouse, sufficient to describe the displacement of the mouse in two dimensions, may be transmitted to the two devices such as that of Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the lever 15, held in place by the ratchet 120, is in a position such that the axle 100 is partially removed from the apparatus; that is, the key 125 is partially removed from the keyway 142. Thus, the area of contact between the driving apparatus 21 and the transmission element 170 is towards the apex 185 of the transmission element 170. Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 5 taken along the lines VII-VII. It will be seen from Fig. 7 that the outer diameter of the driving apparatus 21 at its area of contact with the transmission element 170 is relatively large compared to the outer diameter of the transmission element 170 at said area of contact. Therefore, a given rotation of the driving apparatus 21 will cause, a relatively large rotation of the transmission element 170 and hence of the axle 100, according to the ratio between the outer diameter of the transmission element 170 at its area of contact with the driving apparatus 21 and the outer diameter of the driving apparatus 21. Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a simplified side view of the device of Fig. 5 shown in a second position of operation. In Fig. 8, the lever 15, held in place by the ratchet 120, is in a position such that the axle 100 is fully or nearly fully inserted into the apparatus, that is, the key 125 is fully or nearly fully inserted into the keyway 142. Thus, the area of contact between the driving apparatus 21 and the transmission element 170 is towards the base 180 of the transmission element 170. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a sectional illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 8 taken along the lines IX-IX. It will be seen from Fig. 9 that the outer diameter of the driving apparatus 21 at its area of contact with the transmission element 170 is relatively small compared to the outer diameter of the transmission element 170 at said point of contact. Therefore, a given rotation of the driving apparatus 21 will cause a relatively small rotation of the transmission element 170 and hence of the axle 100, according to the ratio between the outer diameter of the transmission element 170 at its area of contact with the driving element 21 and the outer diameter of the driving element 21. It is thus seen that the user of the apparatus 10 may insert and remove the lever 15, held by the ratchet 120, and thus may insert and remove the axle 100 to any of a multiplicity of positions. For any given position there will be a corresponding area of contact between the driving apparatus 21 and the transmission element 170, at which there will be a corresponding outer diameter of the transmission element 170. The degree of rotation of the transmission element 170, and hence of the axle 10, driven by the driving apparatus 21, will be determined according to the ratio between the outer diameter of the transmission element 170 at its area of contact with the axle 100 and the outer diameter of the driving apparatus 21. The rotational displacement encoded by the encoding apparatus 150 will therefore vary accordingly. Thus, the user may independently vary the encoded displacement, and hence speed of the mouse 10, independently along its two perpendicular axes of displacement. Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus of Fig. 10 comprises axles 200. Each axle 200 is formed with a largely conical transmission element 210. The apparatus of Fig. 10 also comprises a driving element 21, which is similar to the driving element 21 described above, particularly with reference to Fig. 5. Reference is now additionally made to Fig. 11A, which is a simplified top view of the apparatus of Fig. 10. Each of the two axles 200 is mounted on a carriage 230, such that each axle 200 is free to rotate about the long axis thereof. Reference is now additionally made to Fig. 11B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 10. The apparatus of Fig. 11B comprises one of the carriages 230 with one of the axles 200 mounted thereupon. The axles 200 are positioned such that the conical transmission element 210 of each axle 200 is in operative contact with the driving element 21. Furthermore, the axles 200 are positioned substantially at right angles to each other, that is, as seen especially in Fig. 11A, such that the contact surfaces 235, the surfaces of the two conical transmission elements 210 which may be in operative contact with the driving element 21, are at right angles to each other. In other words, the two planes of tangency to the driving element 21, one at the point of contact thereof with each contact surface 235, are at right angles to each other. Each carriage 230 is mounted in a carriage retaining slot 240 formed in a base 245, the slots 240 and carriages 230 being substantially at right angles to each other. The slots 240 and carriages 230 are positioned such that each carriage 230 may move within the associated slot 240 along the direction of the contact surface 235, such that the contact surface 235 remains in contact with the driving element 21 regardless of the position of each carriage 230 within the respective slot 240, and so that, as described above, the two planes of tangency to the driving element 21, one at the point of contact thereof with each contact surface 235, are at right angles to each other regardless of the position of each carriage 230 within the respective slot 240. Each carriage 230 is respectively fixedly attached to one of two straps 250. The straps 250 are formed of a stiff, flexible material, preferably of nylon. Each strap 250 runs between two walls 260, preferably formed in the base 245, such that each strap 250 may move freely between the walls 260. One of the straps 250 preferably rests atop supporting elements (not shown) , typically pins formed from the inside surfaces of the walls 260, so that one of the straps 250 is above the other strap 250, and so that both straps 250 may move freely without undue friction between them. Each strap 250 is respectively fixedly attached to one of two strap controls 270. Preferably, the two strap controls 270 are each rotatably mounted to the base 245 one above the other, so that the two strap controls 270 each rotate about a common axis, and such that rotation of each one of the strap controls 270 causes the attached strap 250 to move. The upper of the two straps 250 which rests atop the support is preferably fixedly attached to the top one of the two strap controls 270, such that said strap 250 may move freely without coming into contact with the other strap 250, and such that each strap 250 may move independently of the movement of the other strap 250. It is appreciated that the rotatable strap controls 270 are shown by way of example only, and that a wide variety of other types of strap controls may be used, such as, for example, levers. The apparatus of Fig. 10 also comprises electro-optic encoding apparatus (not shown) , similar to that described above with reference to Fig. 5, or alternatively any appropriate encoding apparatus which is operative to sense the rotational displacement of each of the axles 200. The operation of the apparatus of Fig. 10 is now briefly described. It is appreciated that the principles of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 10 are generally similar to those of the apparatus of Fig. 5, as described above with reference to Figs. 5 - 9, and that the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 10 is generally self-explanatory with respect to said description, except as described below. Reference is now made to Figs. 12A - 12D which are simplified top views of the apparatus of Fig. 10 in first, second, third, and fourth positions of operation, respectively. Figs. 12A - 12D show four particular positions of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 10. It is appreciated that many other positions of operation are also possible. In each position of operation, each strap control 270 is positioned such that the associated conical transmission element 210 has a particular point of contact with the driving element 21. The user of the apparatus of Fig. 10 displaces the apparatus of Fig. 10, with the driving element 21 being in contact with a surface. As in a conventional hand-manipulated computer input device, the displacement of the apparatus of Fig. 10 moves the driving element 21. When the point of contact is near the apex of the conical transmission element 210, as seen for example in Fig. 12B for both conical transmission elements 210, a given displacement of the driving element 21 will cause a relatively large displacement of the axle 200 which comprises the conical transmission element 210. Thus, the apparatus of Fig. 10 will operate at high speed and register a relatively large displacement. When the point of contact is near the base of the conical transmission element 210, as seen for example in Fig. 12C for both conical transmission elements 210, a given displacement of the driving element 21 will cause a relatively small displacement of the axle 200 which comprises the conical transmission element 210. Thus, the apparatus of Fig. 10 will act at low speed and register a relatively small displacement. It is appreciated that, as described above, the two axles 200 move independently, so that many possible positions, including those shown in Figs. 12A - 12D are also possible, and that in each position the speed, that is, the scaling of displacement in each of two perpendicular directions measured by the apparatus of Fig. 10 will depend on the point of contact between each of the conical transmission elements 210 and the driving element 21. It is appreciated that, although the embodiments described hereinabove are mechanical embodiments of a variable speed transmission element for a hand manipulated computer input device, the variable speed transmission element may alternatively be implemented in computer hardware or in computer software. For example, a potentiometer may be added to the electronics or optics that produces the electronic signal in response to the rotation of the axis. The position of this potentiometer changes the strength of the electronic signal produced in response to the rotation of the axis. Reference is now made to Fig. 13, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a portion of a hand manipulable computer input device constructed and operative in accordance with yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus of Fig. 13 comprises electronic scaling apparatus in place of the mechanical apparatus discussed above with regard to other preferred embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus of Fig. 13 comprises elements similar to elements of conventional hand manipulable computer input devices, which elements are self- explanatory. The apparatus of Fig. 13 also comprises a mouse controller IC 300. The apparatus of Fig. 13 also comprises X and Y speed control switches 310. The mouse controller IC 300 comprises, in addition to conventional elements, a speed control 320. The speed control 320 is operative to receive signals from the X and Y speed control switches 310, indicating that the user wishes to increase or decrease the speed of the hand manipulable computer input device in the X direction, the Y direction, or both directions. In response to the received signals, the speed control 320 is operative to direct a controller 330 to vary the output of the mouse controller 300, indicating X and Y displacement, according to the requested speed, thus electronically scaling the output of the hand manipulable computer input device. Typically, the scaling is linear, being a linear function of the speed requested. Preferably, the speed control 320 and the controller 330 operate under software control. Optionally, the speed control 320 and the controller 330 may also operate in response to external control signals received from an external source (not shown) to vary the output in accordance with the external control signals. Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of a preferred method of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 13. The method of Fig. 14 is self-explanatory. It is appreciated that the software components of the present invention may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read-only memory) form. The software components may, generally, be implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques. It is appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow:

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A hand manipulable computer input device comprising: a displacement sensing element operative to provide an output indication of displacement; and variable scaling apparatus receiving the output indication of displacement and operative to provide a scaled indication of displacement. 2. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 1 wherein the variable scaling apparatus comprises electronic scaling apparatus. 3. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 1 wherein the variable scaling apparatus comprises mechanical scaling apparatus. 4. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 3 wherein the mechanical scaling apparatus comprises a variable transmission coupling. 5. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 4 wherein the variable transmission coupling comprises a largely conical transmission element. 6. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 5 and also comprising at least one axle, wherein the largely conical transmission element is operatively associated with the at least one axle. 7. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 6 wherein the largely conical transmission element is fixedly mounted on the at least one axle. 8. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 6 wherein the largely conical transmission element has an apex and a base, the apex being pivotally attached to the at least one axle and the base being freely supported by the at least one axle. 9. A hand manipulable computer input device according to any of claims 5 - 8 and also comprising a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. 10. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 9 and also comprising driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. 11. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 10 wherein the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. 12. A variable transmission coupling comprising: an axle; and a largely conical transmission element operatively associated with the axle. 13. A variable transmission coupling according to claim 12 wherein the largely conical transmission element is fixedly mounted on the axle. 14. A variable transmission coupling according to claim 12 wherein the largely conical transmission element has an apex and a base, the apex being pivotally attached to the axle and the base being freely supported by the axle . 15. A variable transmission coupling according to any of claims 12 - 14 and also comprising a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. 16. A variable transmission coupling according to claim 15 and also comprising driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. 17. A variable transmission gear according to claim 16 wherein the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. 18. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 7 wherein the at least one axle is mounted on a first movable carriage. 19. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 18 and also comprising a manipulator operative to vary the gear ratio of the variable transmission coupling. 20. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 19 and also comprising driving apparatus operative to drive the largely conical transmission element. 21. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 20 wherein the driving apparatus is in operative engagement with the largely conical transmission element at a position of contact, and the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact. 22. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 21 wherein the manipulator is operative to vary the position of contact by moving said movable carriage. 23. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 22 and also comprising a second movable carriage, wherein the at least one axle comprises a first axle and a second axle, and wherein the second axle is mounted on the second movable carriage. 24. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 23 wherein said first axle and said second axle are disposed largely at right angles to each other. 25. A hand manipulable computer input device according to claim 2 wherein the electronic scaling apparatus comprises a mouse controller. 26. A hand manipulable computer input device according to either of claim 2 or claim 25 wherein the electronic scaling apparatus comprises a speed control. 27. A method for computer input using a hand manipulable computer input device, the method comprising: providing a displacement sensing element operative to provide an output indication of displacement; and receiving the output indication of displacement and providing a scaled indication of displacement. 28. A method for variable transmission of power, the method comprising: providing an axle; and providing a largely conical transmission element operatively associated with the axle.

Inventors: EVEN DAN, EVEN, DAN
Applicants: EVEN DAN, FRIED MIKE, SIBAR RES & DEV LTD, EVEN, DAN, FRIED, MIKE, SIBAR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LTD.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G09G5
IPC codes: F16H15, G06F3