Patent ID: 6466831
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A three-dimensional data input device for a computer having a display screen, said three-dimensional data input device comprising:a ball rotatably provided in a device body; sensor means for detecting rotation magnitudes of said ball along first and second axes on a plane and outputting displacement signals indicative of said rotation magnitudes, respectively; an angular velocity sensor for detecting an angular velocity of said device about a third axis extending at a given angle relative to said plane and outputting an angular velocity signal indicative of said angular velocity; switching means for outputting a selection signal in response to operation of at least one of selection buttons; and data processing means for deriving displacement data based on said displacement signals and angular data based on said angular velocity signal and outputting said displacement data, said annular data and said selection signal to said computer, wherein said computer moves a corresponding object on the screen on a plane corresponding to said displacement data and rotates said corresponding object to said angular data about one of given axes selected by said selection signal.