Input device

摘要

An input device enabling a computer user to provide a range of inputs. The device comprises a body made up of a lower portion and an upper portion; an output interface; and a plurality of movement detectors arranged with the body to detect movements of the input device and based thereon to generate input signals for a computer or other device coupled to the output interface. The movement detectors are arranged to detect rotation about first and second axes defined by rotational movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, and movement of a actuatable element carried on one of the lower portion and the upper portion and actuatable independently of the other of the lower portion and the upper portion. The input device further comprises translational movement detectors, enabling a user to further provide three translational inputs.

主权项

1. An input device, comprising:
a body made up of a lower portion and an upper portion; an output interface; and a plurality of movement detectors arranged with the body to detect movements of the input device and based thereon to generate input signals for a device coupleable to the output interface, wherein the movement detectors are arranged to detect rotation about a first axis and a second axis, the first and second axes defined by rotational movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, and further arranged to detect movement of an actuatable element carried on one of the lower portion and the upper portion and moveable independently of the other of the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the plurality of movement detectors further comprises a movement detector arranged to detect movement of the lower portion across a surface, and wherein the input device further comprises biasing means which are arranged to bias the upper and lower portions toward a rest position, wherein the biasing means comprises a biasing arrangement which acts against pre-load stops and active-load stops such that the pre-load stops apply a degree of bias when no external force is applied to the input device so that a definite movement centre can be felt.