INPUT DEVICE INCLUDING A WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR SCROLLING AN IMAGE IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS
First Claim
1. A method of scrolling an image relative to a display screen using an input device having a housing and a member that is rotatable and pivotal relative to the housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- receiving input for pivotally moving the rotatable member relative to a plane in which said member is rotatable;
sensing relative changes in lateral pressure applied to the member; and
controlling a rate of scrolling of an image on the display screen responsive the step of sensing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer input device having a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable about an axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The rotatable member is laterally movable relative to the housing. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing lateral movement of the rotatable member. In response to sensed lateral movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The scrolling speed can be affected relative to the amount of displacement of the rotatable member and/or the amount of time that the rotatable member is displaced a predetermined amount. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackbal device, or another type of computer input device.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of scrolling an image relative to a display screen using an input device having a housing and a member that is rotatable and pivotal relative to the housing, said method comprising the steps of:
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receiving input for pivotally moving the rotatable member relative to a plane in which said member is rotatable; sensing relative changes in lateral pressure applied to the member; and controlling a rate of scrolling of an image on the display screen responsive the step of sensing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An electronic input device configured for scrolling of an image relative to a display screen in first and second perpendicular scrolling directions comprising:
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a housing; a scroll wheel being rotatable relative to the housing about an axis to cause scrolling of the image in the first direction, and said scrolling wheel being pivotally displaceable relative to the housing to cause scrolling of the image in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A peripheral electronic input device for scrolling an image across a display screen in perpendicular directions, said device comprising:
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a housing; a scroll wheel assembly, said scroll wheel assembly including a rotatable member that is laterally movable relative to said housing, and a sensor positioned within said housing for sensing lateral movement of the rotatable member;
the sensor including at least one linear extendable member which is engageable with the rotatable member so as to provide a rate of change of said lateral movement; anda sensing system coupled to said sensor, said sensing system being configured to generate a signal to scroll the image across the display screen. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification