Patent ID: 7168047
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A mouse for controlling movements on a display screen, the mouse comprising: a housing that is gripped by a user during manipulation of the mouse; a positional movement detection mechanism for detecting movement of the mouse relative to a surface upon which it is supported, and producing position signals that relate mouse movements relative to the surface upon which it is supported to cursor or scrolling/panning movements on the display screen, the position signals only controlling cursor movements on the display screen when the mouse is in a cursor control mode, the position signals only controlling scrolling/panning movements on the display screen when the mouse is in a pan/scroll control mode; and a sensor configured to detect the presence of an object located outside of and in close proximity to a predetermined portion of the side of the housing, the sensor providing a means for switching between the pan/scroll control mode and a cursor control mode of the mouse, the cursor control mode being implemented when and as long as, an object is detected at the predetermined portion of the housing such that mouse movements relative to the surface upon which it is supported move the cursor on the display screen, the pan/scroll control mode being implemented when an object is not detected at the predetermined portion of the housing such that mouse movements relative to the surface upon which it is supported produce panning/scrolling functions on the display screen, wherein both modes cannot be implemented simultaneously, and wherein the sensor is not configured to detect movements of the object.