초록 ▼

A computer input device uses a standard mouse design and includes at least one thumb wheel or roller to provide three-dimensional cursor positioning. Left and right rollers, for use by left- and right-handed users, protrude from left and right sides of a standard mouse. The left and right rollers ar

A computer input device uses a standard mouse design and includes at least one thumb wheel or roller to provide three-dimensional cursor positioning. Left and right rollers, for use by left- and right-handed users, protrude from left and right sides of a standard mouse. The left and right rollers are axially mounted on left and right drive shafts that extend axially through left and right encoder wheels, respectively. Each encoder wheel forms part of a transducer for producing signals indicating movement or rotation of the wheel. These signals can be used for calculating cursor movement or for various other purposes in computer software applications. Alternatively, the rollers are coupled to switches or a single roller protrudes from the top of the mouse.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A computer input device, comprising:a housing;a wheel rotatably mounted relative to the housing on a shaft, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being mounted to the housing such that depression of the wheel toward an interior of the housing pivo

[ We claim:] [1.] A computer input device, comprising:a housing;a wheel rotatably mounted relative to the housing on a shaft, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being mounted to the housing such that depression of the wheel toward an interior of the housing pivots the first end of the shaft generally inwardly about the second end of the shaft;a first transducer operably coupled to the wheel to provide a first signal based on rotation of the wheel;a second transducer operably coupled to the wheel and providing a second signal indicative of depression of the wheel; anda retaining member coupled to the housing and slidably retaining the first end of the shaft therein.