Patent ID: 6320569
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A pointer device for a compact portable apparatus, the pointer device comprising:a spherical roller portion protruding from an opening in an upper surface of the pointer device for causing a pointer on a display screen to move;a pair of x and y encoders contacting the roller portion for converting a rolling motion of the roller portion into electrical signals for moving the pointer on the display screen;a resilient layer in direct contact with the roller portion for supporting the roller portion above a lower surface of the pointer device, whereby the roller portion does not require a separate surface for support; anda selector switch located on the lower surface of the pointer device and positioned beneath the roller portion, for selecting an object being pointed to by the pointer on the display screen,wherein when a user presses on the roller portion with a force exceeding a predetermined minimum force the resilient layer flexes to enable the roller portion to contact the selector switch to activate the selector switch.