초록 ▼

A trackball enables entering 3D coordinates into a data processing system through both rotation of the ball and vertical translation of the ball relative to its casing. Software controlled tactile feedback means provides 3D tactile cues to the user when manipulating the ball. The trackball enhances

A trackball enables entering 3D coordinates into a data processing system through both rotation of the ball and vertical translation of the ball relative to its casing. Software controlled tactile feedback means provides 3D tactile cues to the user when manipulating the ball. The trackball enhances interactivity in a multi-media enviroment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A data processing system comprising:an apparatus for processing data;an input device coupled to the apparatus and operative to enable a user to enter the data into the apparatus, the device comprising:a support structure;a member that is capable of undergoing a rotation around an ax

[ I claim:] [1.] A data processing system comprising:an apparatus for processing data;an input device coupled to the apparatus and operative to enable a user to enter the data into the apparatus, the device comprising:a support structure;a member that is capable of undergoing a rotation around an axis with respect to the support structure in order to enter the data, the member and the support structure being capable of undergoing a translation relative to one another; rein:the device comprises a data generator operative to generate respective further ones of the data in response to the translation;the system is capable of running a multiple-window software application; andthe system enables a user to interact tactilely with the system by enabling the user to experience a resistive force exerted by the input device in a direction of the translation and to be overcome by the user when making a transition between successively overlapping windows.