Computer mouse having rotatable detection

Abstract

A computer mouse having rotational detectability is disclosed. The mouse has an outer housing adapted for directional movement on a horizontal plane. The mouse includes the conventional left and right buttons and scroll wheel. Additionally, the mouse includes an extendable plunger which, when extended, prohibits movement of the mouse in x-y directions yet permits rotational movement about the plunger. A sensor is included proximate the plunger for measuring rotational movement of the mouse about the plunger in the horizontal plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B are side views of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in different operational modes;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A-5B are schematics of the bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating positioning of the sensors and the rotation plunger;

FIGS. 6A-6B are schematics of an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating combined rotational and directional movement.

Claims

1. A user-operated input device comprising: a housing adapted for directional movement in a base plane; anda plunger supported within the housing and capable of permitting rotational movement of said housing in said base plane about said plunger.

2. The input device of claim 1 wherein said plunger is supported within said housing and oriented substantially normal to said base plane.

3. The input device of claim 2 wherein said plunger having an upper and lower end, advances from a retracted position within said housing permitting said directional movement in said base plane to an extended position, wherein said lower end extends to said base plane preventing directional movement of said housing in said base plane yet permitting said rotational movement.

4. The input device of claim 1 further comprising: a control switch supported within said housing; andmeans for engaging said control switch supported at the outer surface of said housing,wherein the user may initiate a control action, via the control switch, following commencement of said rotational movement of said housing.

5. The input device of claim 3 further comprising: means for sensing the amount of rotational movement of said housing about said plunger.

6. The input device of claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises: at least one sensor positioned a pre-determined distance from said plunger for sensing angular displacement of said at least one sensor of said housing within said base plane.

7. The input device of claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises: at least two sensors, each positioned a pre-determined distance from said plunger so as to measure the angular displacement of said housing relative to said base plane during said rotational movement.

8. A computer mouse comprising: a housing moveable by user and having a base adapted for directional movement in a first plane; andan extendable plunger passing through, and supported by, said housing, said plunger being oriented along an axis substantially normal to said first plane, said plunger having an upper and lower end being adapted to extend from a retracted position to an extended position wherein said lower end of said plunger extends to said first plane permitting rotational movement of the mouse about said axis by the user in the extended position.

9. A computer mouse of claim 8 further comprising: means for sensing the amount of rotational movement of said mouse about said axis.

10. A computer mouse of claim 9 wherein the sensing means comprises: at least one sensor positioned a pre-determined distance from said axis so as to measure the angular displacement of said mouse about said axis within said first plane.

11. A computer mouse of claim 9 wherein said sensing means comprises: two sensors positioned within said housing approximate said base and each such sensor positioned a pre-determined distance from said axis so as to measure the angular displacement of said mouse about said axis within said first plane.