Importance

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Abstract

A cursor control device (20) suitable for use with a computer-controlled display (66) is disclosed. The cursor control device (20) includes a touch-pad controller (24) and interface electronics (22) that produce cursor control output signals (40) suitable for controlling the location of a cursor on the computer-controlled display (66). The touch-pad controller (24) includes a housing (28) having: (i) a base (39); (ii) a surface (41) that slopes upwardly from the base (39); and a pair of side walls (43) that extend from the base (39) to the sloped surface (41). The slope angle is greater than 10.degree., and preferably is greater than 20.degree.. A touch sensitive pad (26) mounted in the sloped surface (41) senses the location of an object, such as a finger pressing against the touch sensitive pad (26). Further, a thumb switch (30) is mounted in one side wall (43) of the housing (28). The interface electronics (28) are coupled to the touch sensitive pad (26) and to the thumb switch (30) and determine the location and movement (distance and direction) of an object pressing against the touch sensitive pad (26) and the status of the thumb switch (30), The previously mentioned cursor control output signals (40) are produced by the interface electronics (22) based on the object location and movement determinations.

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First Claim