초록 ▼

An improved controller for use in adjusting certain electrical and other values, such as a pair of electrical signals which can be used to actuate a circuit for performing a specific function, such as moving the cursor of a CRT display of a computer. The mechanism includes a rotatable shaft having a

An improved controller for use in adjusting certain electrical and other values, such as a pair of electrical signals which can be used to actuate a circuit for performing a specific function, such as moving the cursor of a CRT display of a computer. The mechanism includes a rotatable shaft having a cylinder mounted thereon. The cylinder moves with the shaft as the shaft rotates, and the cylinder can move longitudinally of and relative to the shaft. A first encoder responsive to the rotation of the shaft is used to adjust a first electrical signal; and a second encoder responsive to the linear motion of the cylinder relative to the shaft is used to adjust a second electrical signal. When the first and second signals are applied to the mouse inputs of a computer, the cursor on the CRT display of the computer can be shifted around as a function of the rotation of the shaft and the linear motion of the cylinder. Other types of apparatus can be controlled by the mechanism.

대표청구항 ▼

A mechanism for controlling by hand the movement of a cursor or pointer of a computer display in conjunction with a keyboard comprising: a longitudinal rotatable shaft; a housing for supporting said rotatable shaft; a cylindrical member mounted coaxially around a portion of said shaft, said member b

A mechanism for controlling by hand the movement of a cursor or pointer of a computer display in conjunction with a keyboard comprising: a longitudinal rotatable shaft; a housing for supporting said rotatable shaft; a cylindrical member mounted coaxially around a portion of said shaft, said member being slidable axially along said shaft and rotatable about said shaft; first and second encoding means coupled to said shaft and cylindrical member respectively for sensing rotation of said shaft and linear movement of said cylindrical member along said shaft and for generating output signals representing the magnitudes and directions of such rotation and linear movement respectively, so that the motions of said shaft and said member enable the adjustment of said output signals with a resultant change in the position of said cursor or pointer.