Cursor control device with integrated scroll ring

摘要

A scrolling device is provided to scroll display content on a display device. The scrolling device includes a scroll ring with a sensor mechanically coupled to the scroll ring and adapted to generate an input signal for controlling the display device as a function of an angular displacement of the scroll ring. A portion of the scroll ring is circumscribed by a ring gear that is engaged by a pinion gear attached to the sensor. As the scrolling device is rotated, the ring gear rotates, which rotates the pinion gear to drive the sensor, which can be a potentiometer. A controller is adapted to receive the input signal from the sensor and select between predetermined segments in the display content or select between a plurality of pages of display content.

主权项

1. A scrolling device for use with a display device to scroll a display content on the display device, the scrolling device comprising:
a trackball assembly having a trackball for controlling the display device; a scroll ring surrounding a portion of the trackball for rotating with respect to the trackball and moving independently of the trackball; a ring gear circumscribing a portion of the scroll ring; a sensor mechanically coupled to the scroll ring and adapted to generate an input signal for controlling the display device as a function of an angular displacement of the scroll ring; a pinion gear engaging the ring gear such that rotation of the ring gear causes rotation of the pinion gear; a pinion shaft extending from the pinion gear; and a universal joint attaching the pinion shaft to the sensor for driving the sensor and to angle the sensor away from the pinion shaft.