US 5,313,230 A · Three degree of freedom graphic object controller

Abstract

A three degrees of freedom interactive display controller device is disclosed, comprising a hand manipulable housing unit having an opening for the passage of a mouse ball, two motion detectors for detecting the movement of the mouse ball and converting that motion to output signals controlling the translational movement of an object on the display of a computer and at least one finger operated wheel or roller for controlling the translational motion of the object with respect to a third translational axis. All translation controls are operable to be physically moved in a direction which corresponds to the desired simulated direction of movement of the object on the display. The physical motion of each control is unbounded and the actual physical position of the housing unit is independent of the simulated position of the object on the display.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A device for providing signals indicative of an object's location on a display, comprising:

a housing operative to be manipulated by a user;
a first translation position indicating means affixed to said housing for producing a first signal indicative of a first position of said object on said display with respect to a first translational axis;
a second translation position indicating means affixed to said housing for producing a second signal indicative of a second position of said object on said display with respect to a second translational axis;
and
a third translation position indicating means affixed to said housing, said third translation position indicating means comprising at least two separately operable rotatably coupled bidirectional finger wheels, for producing a third signal indicative of a third position of said object on said display with respect to a third translational axis;
whereby a movement of said device over a surface results in said first and second positions of said object being defined on said display, and whereby a movement of said finger wheels results in said third position of said object being defined on said display.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Three degree of freedom graphic object controller

Life of this patent

Three degree of freedom graphic object controller

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13