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Input device including a wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions

  • US 7,205,977 B2
  • Filed: 03/31/2005
  • Issued: 04/17/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An input device for scrolling an image relative to an image display screen, said device comprising:

  • a housing having at least one opening; and

    a finger-engagable control member provided within said housing and having a portion extending through said opening permitting user manipulation thereof, said finger-engagable control member having;

    a first portion rotatable about an axis extending within the housing, the first portion having a first annular surface comprising a radial inner surface; and

    a second portion comprising a second annular surface comprising a radial outer peripheral surface, the radial inner surface of the first annular surface overlapping the radial outer peripheral surface of the second annular surface to form interfacing annular surfaces, the first portion being rotatable with respect to the second portion;

    said finger-engagable control member being tiltable relative to said housing, said finger-engagable control member including a centrally disposed ring raised from the interfacing annular surfaces; and

    a tilt sensing system that determines when said control member, including its first and second portions, is pivoted relative to the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

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