Input device featuring both trackball and mouse capability
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An input apparatus for use with a computer comprising:
- a housing having a top aperture and a bottom aperture;
a spherically shaped member supported for rotation within the housing, wherein the spherically shaped member has a radius which has been selected so that portions of the spherically shaped member protrude through the top and bottom apertures of the housing; and
encoding means supported within the housing and in contact with the spherically shaped member for transforming the rotation of the spherically shaped member into computer compatible signals,whereby positional information can be input into a computer by either positioning the input apparatus on a surface, so that the portion of spherically shaped member which protrudes from the bottom aperture contacts the surface, and moving the input apparatus with respect to the surface, or by supporting the input apparatus, so that the portion of the spherical member protruding from the bottom aperture is unobstructed, and supplying motive force to the portion of the spherically shaped member which protrdues from the top aperture.
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Abstract
An input apparatus for use with a computer, including a housing having a top aperture and a bottom aperture, a spherical member supported in the housing so that a portion thereof protrudes through the top and bottom apertures, and encoding means for transforming the motion of the ball into computer compatible signals, wherein the input apparatus can be moved over a surface, so as to function as a mouse, or can be supported by its housing, with motive force applied to the portion of the spherical member protruding from the top aperture, so as to function as a trackball.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. An input apparatus for use with a computer comprising:
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a housing having a top aperture and a bottom aperture; a spherically shaped member supported for rotation within the housing, wherein the spherically shaped member has a radius which has been selected so that portions of the spherically shaped member protrude through the top and bottom apertures of the housing; and encoding means supported within the housing and in contact with the spherically shaped member for transforming the rotation of the spherically shaped member into computer compatible signals, whereby positional information can be input into a computer by either positioning the input apparatus on a surface, so that the portion of spherically shaped member which protrudes from the bottom aperture contacts the surface, and moving the input apparatus with respect to the surface, or by supporting the input apparatus, so that the portion of the spherical member protruding from the bottom aperture is unobstructed, and supplying motive force to the portion of the spherically shaped member which protrdues from the top aperture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification