Detachable convertible mouse-trackball pointing device for use w

Details Detachable convertible mouse-trackball pointing device for use w Detachable convertible mouse-trackball pointing device for use w

1996-07-26

1998-03-10

Saras, Steven

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Cursor mark position control device

345163, 36470901, G09G 508, G06F 3033

Patent

active

057266840

ABSTRACT:
A laptop computer includes a cavity into which a mouse/trackball pointer unit may be releasably mounted. The pointer unit is electrically coupled to the laptop computer by a retractable wire or by infrared or radio frequency wireless techniques, and is used as a trackball when disposed within the keyboard cavity. User-operable switches are accessible from the trackball surface of the unit. However, when work space permits, the pointer unit may be removed from the laptop cavity, inverted and used as a mouse. Additional user-operable switches are also accessible from the mouse upper-surface of the pointer unit. The pointer unit housing has a single opening through which the rotatable ball protrudes in each mode. A sense switch automatically ascertains which mode is to be used from the relative orientation of the pointer unit housing. In mouse mode, a sense switch decouples the trackball surface accessible user-operable switches to prevent their inadvertently signaling as the pointer unit is moved about. A pressure cap mechanism urges the trackball toward an opening in the trackball surface of the unit. A differential urging force may be applied to the trackball depending upon whether mouse mode or trackball mode operation is presently being used.

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