Patent ID: 7277082
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A control device for a computer, the control device comprising: a) a fixed mounting; b) an upwardly-facing control platform engaged by and acted upon in x and y directions by at least two spaced-apart fingertips of one hand of a user, c) transducer means for generating a vector output signal in response to x and y forces applied on said control platform by the user, said control platform being coupled to said transducer means for transmitting said applied forces thereto; said control platform being mounted on said fixed mounting both for limited translation in x-y plane and for said x and y forces to be applied to said platform without requiring a tilt out of the x-y plane, and said control device having a profile which is sufficiently low to enable it to be accommodated in the thickness of a base portion of a clamshell design laptop computer.