Input device including a wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions
US7463239B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0485
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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 trackball device, or another type of computer input device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.