Patent ID: 6056458
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer keyboard with integral mouse and scrolling functions, comprising:a case supporting a plurality of keyboard keys;a control circuit having a first input coupled to said keyboard keys;a multidirectional switch coupled to a second input of said control circuit and formed by (a) a plurality of carbon film switch elements arranged in angularly spaced relationship, and (b) a pressing unit overlaying said plurality of switch elements for activating a respective one of said switch elements to provide a cursor movement signal for a direction corresponding to an angular position of said respective switch element; and,a pair of rotatably operated scrolling devices coupled to said second input of said control circuit, a first of said pair of scrolling devices providing page up and page down scrolling functions, a second of said pair of scrolling devices providing page left and page right scrolling functions, each of said scrolling devices including a rotatable element rotatable in each of two opposing directions to initiate a respective scrolling function.