Patent ID: 6104383
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer pointing-input device for generating pointing-input and switch-state control signals for communication to a computer responsive to slidable translation of the device on a flat surface and switch actuation by a user, the computer pointing-input device comprising:(a) a housing having a generally flat bottom surface for slidable contact with the flat surface on which in operation the computer pointing-input device is slidably translated, and a curved upper palm-rest surface shaped to conform generally to the shape of a human palm when the human hand is partially opened, said housing having a first lateral end positioned to align with the thumb of a hand of the user in operation, and a second lateral end positioned to align in operation with an outer side of the palm of the user's hand at a position generally opposite to the thumb;(b) a first switch mounted in said curved upper palm-rest surface at said first lateral end, the first switch being positioned to align in facing contact with the lower side of the user's thumb when the user's hand is grasping said computer pointing-input device, said switch being operable by a generally downward vertical movement of the user's thumb; and(c) a second switch mounted in said curved upper palm-rest surface at said second lateral end, the second switch being positioned to align in facing contact with the outer side of the palm of the user's hand generally opposite to the thumb, said second switch being operable by a generally downward vertical movement of the outer side of the user's palm.