WO2005117439A2

WO2005117439A2 - Method and device for providing input to a computer system

Info

Publication number: WO2005117439A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/018609
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre Bonnat; Parameswaran Venkatraman
Original assignee: Inputive Corporation
Priority date: 2004-05-25
Filing date: 2005-05-25
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: WO2005117439A3

Abstract

A device (10) used to facilitate a user interface of a computer system (12) by utilizing a fluid flow through the device. The device includes at least a body defining a fluid channel having an inner wall and at least a member anchored to the inner wall and the member moveable within the body to generate a deflection in response to a fluid current flowing through the fluid channel and a sensor sensing and translating the deflection into an electrical signal.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING INPUT TO A COMPUTER SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The application is related to and hereby claims the priority benefit of

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/574,397, filed on May 25, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention concerns the technical field of providing input to a computer or electronic system.

BACKGROUND

[002] A variety of functional control devices are known and widely used for entering commands into a computer or electronic system. These devices have taken several forms, such as keyboards, joysticks, mice, light pens, touch-sensitive screens and graphics tablets. In general, in post-PC devices, embedded, hand operated, side-or-centre-mounted pointing devices have become almost universal.

[003] However, much of the software is today based on Graphical User Interfaces, often complex ones, and with the convergence of technologies, many computer and electronic applications are increasingly sophisticated. Frequently, a user is required to perform multiple tasks at any one time, which might require multimodal input. For example, in daily mobile situations, a user may need to provide input to a handheld converged device or in-vehicle telematics platform while his hands are cluttered and busy. Frequently, several input devices, such as stylus, joy-pad or thumbwheel, are used. Therefore, hands- free pointing and navigation tools, such as speech-recognition devices, offer means for the user to provide multiple inputs to the system. In addition, hands-free pointing and navigation tools are able to provide an additional dimension of user experience, especially in the field of mobile services, multimedia and electronic gaming. [004] Hands-free pointing and navigation tools are also especially useful for controlling a computer or electronic system when the user is unable to use the hands. In some environments, hands-free pointing and navigation tools offer a productive, safe and easy way for providing input to the system. For example, many vehicles include applications with complex GUIs, such as the GPS system. So far, touch screens, trackballs, rocker switchers have proved to be unsuitable for safety reasons. In addition, mobile professionals use portable computers in contexts where touch pads prove to be awkward and where hands are more productive when allocated to text input (keyboard) or other demanding tasks such as probing electronic circuit boards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method of use and a device to provide input to a computer system are provided. The device includes at least a body defining a fluid channel having an inner wall and an inlet, at least a member anchored to the inner wall via an attachment device, the member being movable within the body to generate a deflection in response to a fluid current flowing through the fluid channel, and a sensor sensing and translating the deflection into an electrical signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[007] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of the input device connected to and able to provide input to a computer system; [008] Figure 2A shows a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the input device comprising a flexible member;

[009] Figure 2B shows a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the flexible member;

[010] Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises four segments;

[Oil] Figure 3B illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 3 A while in response to a fluid flow;

[012] Figure 3C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the segment is designed to correspond to the X-Y axis;

[013] Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises three segments;

[014] Figure 4B illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 4A while in response to a fluid flow;

[015] Figure 4C illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises three segments with attachment at the sides;

[016] Figure 4D illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 4C while in response to a fluid flow;

[017] Figure 5A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises of a single segment;

[018] Figure 5B illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 5A while in response to a fluid flow;

[019] Figure 5C illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises a single segment with attachment at the sides;

[020] Figure 5D illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 5C while in response to a fluid flow;

[021] Figure 6A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member wherein the flexible member comprises a lower segment and an upper segment with holes of different sizes; [022] Figure 6B illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 6A while in response to a fluid flow;

[023] Figure 6C illustrates another embodiment of the flexible member shown in

Figure 6A to control cursor movement in the X-Y-Z plane.

[024] Figure 7A illustrates the use of magnets in conjunction with a stopper to control the deflection of a flexible member, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[025] Figure 7B illustrates the deflection of the flexible member using the magnets in conjunction with the stopper, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[026] Figure 8A illustrates the use of a magnet on each side of a flexible member to control the deflection of the flexible member, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[027] Figure 8B illustrates the deflection of the flexible member using each magnet, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[028] Figure 9A illustrates an unobstructed path of a radiation source to a radiation sensor corresponding to zero deflection;

[029] Figure 9B illustrates a partial deflection of a flexible member in response to a fluid flow; and

[030] Figure 9C illustrates a full deflection of a flexible member in response to a fluid flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[031] A method of manufacturing, a method of use and a device for providing input to a computer system are described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Input Device Architecture

[032] Figure 1 illustrates an input device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as it may be used in connection with a computer system 12. In this embodiment, a connector 14 connects the input device 10 to an interface box 18. In various embodiments, the connector 14 may be a link such as a networking cable or wireless connection such as BLUETOOTH, radio frequency, or infrared, and hardware and software required by the interface box 18 and the input device 10 to communicate via the link.

[033] The interface box 18 contains a processor 20 to process the electrical signal arriving from a sensor 22 embedded within the input device 10. A sensor is an I O device that converts energy in one form to energy in the same or another form for the purpose of transmitting information (e.g., data, status). For example, sensor 22 may be of a type that converts mechanical displacement or motion into electrical signals that may be processed by computing devices, such as a magnetic field sensor, ultra sonic, optical, and piezoelectric sensors. The details of an exemplary sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention will be discussed below.

[034] The interface box 18 is connected to a computer system 12 via a connector 16. The connector 16 may be a link such as a networking cable or a wireless connection such as BLUETOOTH, radio frequency, or infrared, and any hardware and software required by the box 18 and the computer system 12 to communicate via the link. Alternatively, the input device 10 may be designed such that the box 18 and its components are embedded in the input device.

[035] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, a user may provide input to interact with and control the computer system 12 via the input device 10.

[036] Figure 2 A shows a cut-out view of one embodiment of the input device 10. In this embodiment, a body 30, in the exemplary form of a tube, defines a fluid channel 29 with a cross member 25 at inlet 31, and a support shaft 27 extending to an outlet 32.

Figure 2A also shows a flexible member 33 which may be comprised of segments (not shown) displaceable within body 30.

[037] The flexible member 33, according to one embodiment, is attached to the body 30 via an attachment device 34 to support shaft 27. The portions of flexible member 33 corresponding to segments may be capable of motion in response to fluid flow through the fluid channel 29. In one embodiment, the flexible member 33 may be attached to the body 30 at a point close to the inlet 31 such that only a small amount of fluid flow is required to efficiently deflect all or portions of the flexible member 33. Exhausts may be positioned along body 30, in addition to or in place of outlet 32. The diameter of inlet

31, exhaust 32 and size of flexible member 33 and attachment device 34 is a design choice and may be optimised based upon the application of use and the type of construction materials. For example, an input device 10 configured to fit within a helmet may have a smaller inlet 31 and exhaust 32 (e.g., 10mm) and may require the flexible member 33 to be made from a more pliable material or materials.

[038] Figure 2B Illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the flexible member 33, wherein the flexible member 33 is attached to the inside portion of body 30 via attachment devices 34. Similarly, portions of the flexible member 33 are capable of motion in response to fluid flow through the fluid channel 29. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any portion or portions of the flexible member 33 may be the attachment point to the body 30. Additionally, the number of attachment devices 34 used to attach flexible member 33 to the body 30 is only limited by the physical dimensions of flexible member 33. The attachments device 34 may be any means to fasten the flexible member 33 to any portion of body 30. For example, the attachment device 34 may be a chemical fastener such as a glue, silicon and epoxy, or a mechanical fastener such as elastomer strap, a hook type fastener, or a press fit.

Flexible Members

[039] Figures 3 A and 3B is a diagrammatic view of the flexible member 33, according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the flexible member 33 comprises four segments 50, 51, 52 and 53, which may deflect in response to a fluid flow 01, as illustrated with respect to Figure 3B. The flexible member 33 may be of any flexible material, such as a metal, a silicon, an elastomer, and a composite material. The flexible materials may be in various physical configurations and combinations. For example, the segments of flexible member 33 may be an elastomer laminated onto metal strip, and a portion of the member may include a silicon strip to provide a spring like action when the member is flexed. In another embodiment, each segment 50, 51, 52, and 53 may be of varying flexible materials and configurations. [040] The deflection of each segment may correspond to movements in an X-Y plane, such as the movement of a cursor on a display or other computer-controlled device. It will be appreciated that deflections of each segment may also correspond to movements in the X-Y-Z plane or correspond to other functions capable of being performed by a computer that may be translated into physical actions, such as movement of computer controlled apparatus, etc.

[041] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, this portion of the specification will discuss the X-Y translations in relation to changing relative positions of a cursor on a display. Table 1 below summarizes the cursor movement associated with the deflection of each segment. For example, when a user wishes to control cursor movement in X-Y+ direction, segment 50 is deflected. Table 1 : Cursor movements associated with the deflection of each segment.

[042] In one embodiment, the flexible member 33 is designed such that it is intuitive to associate the segments with the X-Y axis. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3C, segment 51 is aligned in the direction of X+Y+. Therefore, exerting a fluid flow on segment 51 will cause the cursor to move in the X+Y+ direction. Similarly, exerting a fluid flow on segment 53 moves a cursor in the X-Y- direction. [043] The signal for controlling the cursor movement is generated based on the deflection angle of each segment. In various embodiments, sensing the deflection angle may be in pre-defined increments (e.g., no signal until 10°, 20°, etc.). In another embodiment, the number of angles detected may be contiguous and only limited by the resolution of the sensor. [044] The sensor is designed to sense and process the deflection of all segments. This may include the capability of differentiating a deflection signal based on larger signal values corresponding to a large deflection angle and smaller signal values corresponding to a smaller deflection angle relative to the larger deflection angle. In other words, although all the segments may be deflected, the deflection of one of the segments is relatively more significant than that of the other segments. This enables unintentional deflection which is caused by ambient wind or speech to be filtered. Consequently, this enables the signal processors to pick up the correct deflection to control accurately control cursor movement. In other embodiments, the capability of differentiating the signal may be based on intensity, surface area or duration of the deflection. Additionally, an interpretation of the signal may be based on intensity, surface area, or duration of the deflection. For example, a deflection of a segment lasting a first time period may correspond to a left mouse click, while a second time period correspond to a right mouse click

[045] Turning to Figure 4A, another exemplary embodiment of a flexible member 33 is illustrated. The flexible member 33 comprises segments 61, 62 and 63. Figure 4B illustrates segment 62 being deflected by fluid flow 01. In addition to detecting the deflection of each segment 61, 62 and 63, the present invention is able to detect transitional and/or concurrent deflections. For example, detecting a deflection of segments 61 and 62, or a transitional deflection from 61 to 62. The increased number of unique signals may increase the number of functions available to a user through the input device. These signals, for example, may be allocated to cursor movement and/or other functions, such as scroll, zoom, save, open, delete, etc.

[046] Figures 4C and 4D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a flexible member 33, wherein the segments 61, 62 and 63 are attached to the sides of body 30. One benefit of such a design is a user may require fewer shifts in the focus of their breath to stress several segments at a time, for example, to shift the pointing trajectory of a cursor. [047] Figure 5A illustrates the flexible member 33 comprising a single segment 71 anchored to the body 30 at the center via the attachment device 34, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B illustrates the deflection of the segment 71 deflects in response to fluid flow 01. In one example, the signal for controlling the cursor movement is based on the intensity, duration and area of the deflection of the segment 71. For example, a fluid flow 01 exerted on the top area of segment 71 for a period of time causes the cursor to move in the X+ direction for that corresponding period of time.

[048] Figure 5C illustrates the flexible member 33, wherein the single segment 71 is anchored to the body 30 via two attachment devices 34, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The segment 71 deflects in response to fluid flow 01 as illustrated in Figure 5D. The intensity, duration and area of the deflection generate signals that correspond to various movements of a cursor on a display.

[049] Figure 6A shows a flexible member 33. In this embodiment, the flexible member 33 comprises a lower segment 81 and an upper segment 82. The upper segment 82 includes holes 83 of various sizes. Among varying embodiments, the holes may be various shapes and the upper and lower segments may have varying compositions and dimensions.

[050] Figure 6B illustrates a deflection of the lower segment 81 in response to fluid flow 01 applied to the surface of the upper segment 82. The hole size and the intensity and duration of the fluid flow 01 may determine the degree of deflection of segment 81. For example, at a constant fluid pressure, a larger hole size may result in a larger deflection of segment 81 and a smaller hole size a smaller deflection. Where the upper segment 82 and lower segment 81 are attached via attachment 34 is pivot point 85. The relative location of holes 83 to pivot point 85 may also affect the degree of deflection. For example, applying a constant fluid flow 01 to a hole closer to the pivot point 85 may result in a smaller degree of deflection compared to another similarly sized hole located further from the pivot point 85. One skilled in the art will appreciate there are many ways of arranging holes 83 on the upper segment 82 to achieve a multitude of deflection angles and corresponding signals.

[051] Figure 6C illustrates another embodiment of a deflection of the lower segment 81 in response to fluid flow 01 applied to the surface of the upper segment 82. In this example, the deflection corresponds to a X-Y-Z plane. The upper segment 82 consists of 5 holes, whereby applying fluid at holes, 83 A, 83B, 83C and 83D causes deflection of the lower segment 81 which corresponds to a cursor movement in the X-Y plane. The movement in Z-plane is achieved by applying fluid at hole, 83E, which causes the lower member 81 to deflect at the centre.

Signal Generation

[052] There are numerous ways to increase the number of signals generated by the various embodiments of the flexible member 33. In one example, the input device comprises multiple bodies (e.g., body 30). By providing a fluid flow in the different bodies, various combinations of deflections are achievable. Consequently, these unique combinations of deflections generate corresponding signals on varying types of sensors that may be used by computer system 12.

[053] The type of sensor used depends on the designed effect of a deflection. As detailed below in exemplary embodiments, the deflection angle may cause changes in a magnetic field that may be sensed by sensors such as a giant magnetoresistence (GMR) sensor. In other embodiments, the deflection changes the amount of ambient radiation or intensity of a radiation source (natural or created) that reaches an radiation sensor (e.g., a photodiode). It can be appreciated that many types of sensing systems may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [054] The fluid flow 01 may flow in multiple directions causing the flexible member 33 to deflect in any direction along its pivot point. The directions of the deflection may be associated with different signals. In another embodiment, the use of more than one flexible member 33 in the body 30 can increase the number of generated signals. [055] As previously discussed, the intensity, area and duration of the deflection may affect the signals generated by the flexible member 33. There are various ways to enable a signal processor to pick up a deflection. Figure 7 A illustrates the use of a magnetic device to stabilize the deflection of the flexible member 33, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A magnet 92 is anchored on one side of the flexible member 33 on the end opposite the attachment 34. A stopper 91 may be attached to the body 30 such that the flexible member 33 will rest upon the stopper 91 when the member 33 returns to a neutral position from a deflection movement.

[056] Figure 7B illustrates magnet 93 which may be attached to the body 30 such that magnet 92 will be within the magnetic field of magnet 93 as the flexible member 33 is deflected through a range of angles based upon the fluid flow 01. Because the magnets

92 and 93 have opposite polar orientation, the deflection may be confirmed as a signal as the flexible member 33 is deflected within the range of angles defined by the application of fluid flow 01 and flexible member 33. In this configuration, the tension created by the bending of flexible member 33 need be greater than the maximum attractive force based on proximity of magnets 92 and 93, such that flexible member 33 returns to the neutral position at stopper 91. As discussed above, the number of angles detected corresponding to signals that may be used by computer system 12 may only be limited by the resolution of the sensor and or control of fluid flow 01.

[057] The magnets 92 and 93 may be configured to have the same polar orientation so the flexible member 33 may be magnetically compelled back to the neutral position at stopper 91. Consequently, this bias towards the stopper 91 prevents the flexible member

33 from generating unwanted deflections. One skilled in the art will appreciate that using magnets alone may be sufficient to control the deflection of the flexible member

33.

[058] Figure 8A illustrates flexible member 33 positioned between two magnets 101 and 102, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The flexible member 33 may be a magnetic conductor such that the magnetic field generated by magnets 101 and 102 influences the deflection and deflection rate of the flexible member 33.

[059] Figure 8B illustrates a deflection of the flexible member 33 by fluid flow 01, wherein the deflection may be enhanced by magnet 102. The magnetic field of magnet 102 may attract the flexible member 33 and may be further enhanced by a repulsive force from the magnet 101. In another embodiment, magnets of similar polarity but opposite to the flexible member 33 may be used to stabilize the deflection of the flexible member 33 to reduce or eliminate unwanted deflections.

[060] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned magnets in reference to Figures 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, may be earth magnets or electromagnets. In embodiments of the present invention including electromagnets, it will be appreciated that each magnet's polarity may be changed based upon a configurable polarity such that the flexible member 33 is influenced as discussed above.

[061] Figure 9A, B, and C illustrate deflections of a flexible member 33, fastened to attachment device 34, in response to fluid flow 01, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A illustrates an unobstructed path of a radiation source 110 to radiation sensor 112 corresponding to zero deflection in flexible member 33. In varying embodiments, the radiation sensor 112 and the attachment device 34 may be attached to body 30 either directly or by a support shaft and cross member as discussed with reference to Figure 2A.

[062] Figure 9B illustrates a partial deflection of flexible member 33 in response to fluid flow 01. As illustrated, flexible member 33 bends or is deflected along an upward arch along the portion closest to the radiation sensor 112 to create a partial obstruction at radiation sensor 112 of radiation source 110. Similarly to the magnetic sensor embodiments described above, the resulting intensity of radiation measured at radiation sensor 112 as a result of a deflection of flexible member 33 results in a unique signal that may be utilized by computer system 12. [063] Figure 9C illustrates a full deflection of flexible member 33 in response to fluid flow 01. The composition and orientation of flexible member 33 determines the type of deflection movement in response to fluid flow 01. As illustrated in comparison to Figure 9B, flexible member 33 no longer merely bends in an upward arch along the portion closest to the radiation sensor 112 but collapses about the middle such that the portion closest to the radiation sensor 112 begins to flatten against body 30 forming a downward arch with respect to the center of the flexible member 33. The result is the elimination or decrease in radiation to reach radiation sensor 112 generating a corresponding signal. [064] In another embodiment, the flexible member 33 is rigid or straight throughout the possible range of deflection. In other embodiments, the radiation sensor 112 detects scattered or partially focused radiation from an ambient radiation source. [065] Thus a method and device for providing input to a computer system have been described. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device to provide an input to a computer system, the device including: at least one body, the body defining a fluid channel having an inner wall and an inlet; at least a member, anchored to the inner wall via an attachment device, the member being movable within the body to generate a deflection in response to a fluid current flowing through the fluid channel; and a sensor sensing and translating the deflection into an electrical signal.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the member includes a plurality of segments.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the deflection of each of the plurality of segments corresponds to at least a cursor movement in a X-Y-Z plane or a control function of the computer system.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the member is anchored to the body with each of the plurality of segments being positioned to intuitively correspond to a X-Y plane.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the member includes four segments, each of the four segments is positioned to correspond to a X+Y+, X+Y-, X-Y- and X-Y+ axis of the X-Y plane respectively.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the member includes an upper segment and a lower segment, the upper segment and lower segment connected at a first end and attached to the body at the first end.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the lower segment is configured to deflect at a second end in response to the fluid current being applied to the upper segment, the upper segment includes a plurality of holes.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the deflection of the lower segment is determined by sizes of the plurality of holes.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the deflection of the lower segment is determined by relative locations of the plurality of holes to the first end.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the deflection of the lower segment is determined by an intensity or a duration of the fluid current being applied to the upper segment.

11. The device of claim 1, further including a magnetic element, the magnetic element is configured to stabilize the deflection of the member.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the member includes a first end and a second end, the first end is anchored to the inner wall of the body via the attachment device and the second end is movable.

13. _/ The device of claim 12, wherein the magnetic element includes: a first magnet anchored to a first surface of the second end of the member; a second magnet anchored to the inner wall of the body and positioned to face the first magnet; and a stopper anchored to the inner wall of the body and positioned to face a second surface of the second end of the member, the second end of the member rests upon the stopper when the member returns to a neutral position from a deflection movement.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are of opposite polar orientation and generate an attractive magnetic field.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the attractive magnetic field enhances an angle of deflection of the member

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are of same polar orientation and generate a repulsive magnetic field.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the repulsive magnetic field causes the member to be magnetically compelled back to the neutral position.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the magnetic element includes: the member positioned between a first magnet and a second magnet; and the first magnet and the second magnet anchored to the inner wall of the body, the first magnet and the second magnet positioned to faced the first surface and the second surface of the second end of the member respectively.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the member is a magnetic conductor.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the deflection of the member is determined by a magnetic field of the first magnet and the second magnet.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first magnet and the member are of same polar orientation, the second magnet and the member are of opposite polar orientation, and the magnetic field enhances the deflection of the member.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein the member is of opposite polar orientation from the first magnet and the second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are of same polar orientation, and the magnetic field reduces an undesired deflection of the member.

23. The device of claim 1 further including a radiation source, the radiation source is configured to provide a radiation path to the sensor.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the member is deflected to cause an interruption to the radiation path, the interruption is sensed by the sensor to generate the electrical signal.

25. An apparatus for providing an input to a computer system, the apparatus comprising: means for creating a fluid flow within a fluid channel of at least one body; means for deflecting a member, the member being anchored to an inner wall of the body; means for stabilizing the deflection of the member; means for detecting the deflection of the member; means for converting the deflection of the member into a signal; and means for processing the signal to correspond to the input to the computer system, wherein the member having a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments being positioned to intuitively correspond to a X-Y plane.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the member includes a lower segment and an upper segment with a plurality of holes, the lower segment and upper segment connected at a first end and attached to the body at the first end.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the means for stabilizing the deflection of the member includes: means for anchoring a first magnet to a first surface of the second end of the member; means for anchoring a second magnet to the body and facing the first magnet; and means for anchoring a stopper to the body and facing a second surface of the second end of the member, wherein the member rests upon the stopper when the member returns to a neutral position form a deflection movement.

28. A method for controlling movement of a cursor in a X-Y plane on a computer system, the method including: applying a fluid flow through a fluid channel of at least one body; deflecting a member with a plurality of segments, the member anchored to an inner wall of the body and being movable in response to the fluid current flow; converting the deflection of each of the plurality of segments into a signal; and processing the signal, so that the deflections of the plurality of segments correspond to at least a cursor movement or a control function of the system, wherein each of the plurality of segments being positioned to intuitively correspond to the X-Y plane.

29. The method of claim 28, further including stabilizing the deflection of the member with a magnetic device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the member includes a first end and a second end, the first end anchored to the inner wall of the body via the attachment device and the second end is movable.

31. The method of claim 30, further including: creating a magnetic field between a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet anchored to a first surface of the second end of the member, the second magnet anchored to the inner wall of the body and positioned to face the first magnet; and providing a stopper for the second end of the member to rest upon when the member returns to a neutral position from a deflection movement, the stopper anchored to the inner wall of the body and positioned to face a second surface of the second end of the member.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are of opposite polar orientation and generate an attractive magnetic field, the magnetic field enhances an angle of reflection of the member.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are of same polar orientation and generate a repulsive magnetic field, the repulsive magnetic field causes the member to be magnetically compelled back to the neutral position.

34. The method of claim 30, further including providing a magnetic influence on the member, the member positioned between a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet attached to the inner wall of the body, the first magnet and the second magnet positioned to face the first surface and the second surface of the second end of the member respectively.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the member is a magnetic conductor.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first magnet and the member are of same polar orientation, the second magnet and the member are of opposite polar orientation, and the magnetic field enhances the deflection of the member.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein the member is of opposite polar orientation from the first magnet and the second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are of same polar orientation, and the magnetic field reduces an undesired deflection of the member.