A cursor control device electrically connected to a computer is used for controlling movements of an object within a three-dimensional image displayed over a screen of the computer. The computer comprises a computer program for controlling display of the three-dimensional image over the screen and for moving the object within the three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image comprises a first, a second and a third coordinates mutually perpendicular to each other. The cursor control device comprises a housing having a first panel and a second panel perpendicular to each other, a first cursor controller installed on the first panel for generating a first two-dimensional signal, and a second cursor controller installed on the second panel for generating a second two-dimensional signal. The computer program moves the object within a two-dimensional plane formed by the first and second coordinates within the three-dimensional image according to the first two-dimensional signal and moves the object within a two-dimensional plane formed by the second and third coordinates within the three-dimensional image according to the second two-dimensional signal.
A device for mounting a touch pad in an electronic system may be constructed using a touch pad supporting case that secures the touch pad to an inner surface of the housing that encloses the electronic system. The touch pad supporting case is made of a metallic material and is free from any plastics. This allows the touch pad unit to be thinner and lighter and avoids the need for performing a plating process on a plastic touch pad supporting case. This removes a safety hazard at manufacturing plants by avoiding exposing workers to the contaminants generated by the plating process.
A multiple switch assembly acts as an input device for computers. The switch assembly is comprised of a first input device which defines a circumference. A second input device is positioned within the circumference of the first input device. An interface is connected to the first input device and the second input device for producing output signals responsive to the first and second input devices. A portable computer utilizing such an input device is also disclosed.
A data processing apparatus includes a coordinate detecting device outputting coordinate data of a touch point generated by a touch on a coordinate input panel, a keyboard outputting key entry data and a processor executing predetermined processes corresponding to the coordinate data and the key entry data. The data processing device further includes a control element detecting false coordinate data generated by a false touch on the coordinate input panel during a key entry operation and for controlling key entry data other than the false coordinate data as valid data.
A control mechanism, such as for a portable computer, for controlling of a variable or parameter, such as the position of a cursor on a display screen, includes a housing, a frame, a circular bar, a slider, a first mark member, a second mark member, a detecting member and a system unit. The circular bar, coupled to the frame, is capable of rotational movement and movement linearly or longitudinally. The slider is supported by the bar to move linearly or longitudinally together with the bar. The first mark member is provided with the bar and indicates displacement of the bar during rotation of the bar. The second mark member is provided with the slider and indicates displacement of the slider during linear movement of the slider. The first mark member and the second mark member are respectively located within the housing. The rotational movements and linear or longitudinal movements of the handle member and the slider are sensed by the detecting member. The system unit, capable of analyzing the displacement sensed by the detecting member, controls a variable or a parameter, such as a position of a cursor on the display screen of a computer.
An auxiliary isometric computer pointing device for attachment to a P/S-2 mouse port connector along the right-hand side of the IBM ThinkPad laptop computer includes a TrackPoint IV pointing assembly, a mating electrical connector, a manually operated momentary switch, all enclosed in a compact, self-aligning enclosure. When provided with a suitable mouse driver, the laptop computer equipped with the auxiliary pointing device permits 3-D manipulation and alternative scrolling operations, independent of normal cursor positioning. The auxiliary pointing device derives operating power via the P/S-2 connector and provides a standard mouse output signal.
