Coordinate entry device for data processing systems

摘要

The device has an input ball (3) in frictional contact with a control ball (7) whose dia. is smaller. Two control shafts (8,9) in contact with the control ball convert the movements of the control ball into electrical signals. The control shafts cross each other and the input ball has a rubber-coated surface. The control ball is made of hard plastic. Rotary motions of the control shafts are converted into electrical signals by optical sensors. The housing (1) is gripped in the user's hand and the input ball and function button (5) are operated by the user's thumb.