Patent ID: 6198473
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An improved desktop operated computer control device of the type having a rotatable ball for pointing control, said control device further of the type including a housing, electronic circuitry within said housing and coupled to communication means for communicating control signals from said electronic circuitry to a computer, a plurality of finger depressible buttons exposed on said housing and interfacing with sensors electrically connected with said electronic circuitry for allowing user selection of control signals communicated to a computer; at least two of said sensors each capable of providing at least three readable states of varied conductance, at least two states of said at least three readable states dependant upon depressive pressure applied to the variable-conductance sensors through depression of an associated button;wherein the improvement comprises:said electronic circuitry including means for reading said at least three readable states and for producing a distinct control signal for each state of said at least two states, the distinct control signals arescreen scrolling control signals used to determine scrolling speed rates, whereby a pointer controlled by said control device is not required to be located on a scrolling elevator showing on a monitor.