Importance

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Abstract

A computer input device has a housing and position sensors in the housing which combine a two dimensional translation sensor, such as a rollerball, with a rotatable circular member, such as a rotatable ring. An encoder measures rotation of the ring relative to the housing and provides a third dimensional input to a host computer. The third dimensional input may be used by a host computer together with a two-dimensional input from the two dimensional position sensor to allow the simultaneous three dimensional direct manipulation of graphical objects on a computer display. Preferably the two dimensional translation sensor is located in the center of the ring. Preferably the two dimensional translation sensor can be disabled by tilting the housing to lift the two dimensional translation sensor out of contact with a surface while maintaining the ring in contact with the surface to provide a 1-D control. This device permits smooth intuitive switching between 1-D, 2-D and 3-D control modes.

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First Claim