Input device including a wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions
US7205977B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0485
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis may lie in a common plane or otherwise be close to one another to provide a large range of possible angular motion. A sensor is preferably positioned within the finger-engagable scrolling device for rotational movement of the rotational portion of the finger-engagable scrolling device. A pivot sensor may be provided on the second axis or laterally disposed from the scrolling device. A cover with an aperture may be provided over the scrolling device to help prevent dust and other contaminates from entering the housing through the opening for the scrolling device. The scrolling device may be contoured in a number of alternative ways to provide enhanced control and/or visual or tactile cues. In response to sensed pivotal movement of the scrolling device, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the directi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.