Patent ID: 7323959
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
1. A trackball device comprising: an operating ball; a plurality of rollers configured to rotate by contacting the ball while the ball is rotated; a plurality of multipole permanent magnets configured to co-rotate with each of the rollers, respectively, each of the permanent magnets having a ring shape; and a plurality of reed switches arranged in positions such that each of the reed switches turns on and off as a result of changes in magnetic flux caused by rotation of a respective one of the permanent magnets, wherein the reed switches are configured and arranged with respect to the permanent magnets such that an attractive force generated between one of the reed switches and a respective one of the permanent magnets affects a rotation state of a respective one of the rollers and transmits a tactile feedback via the ball while the ball is rotated, wherein each of the reed switches is disposed at a height equal to a height of a rotation axis of the respective one of the permanent magnets in a circumferential direction of the respective one of the permanent magnets, and wherein each of the reed switches is further configured and arranged with respect to the respective one of the permanent magnets such that the attractive force intensifies when the switch is turned on.