Patent ID: 7126582

Claim:
An absolute coordinate single control element device that enables user control of a computer cursor and emulation of mouse clicks in a computer, the device comprising: a single control element manipulable by a user of said device; a surface defining an x-y plane whereon said single control element is manipulable by said user; means for resolving user movement of said single control element relative to said x-y plane of said surface and for outputting a computer recognizable signal therefrom, said means including: a reflective element coupled for movement along an x-axis and a y-axis of said x-y plane responsive to movement of said single control element in said x-y plane; at least one stationary light transmitter disposed to direct light upon said reflective element; and at least one stationary light detector disposed to detect light from said at least one stationary light transmitter reflected by said reflective element; and means for recognizing user manipulation of said single control element in an axis normal to said x-y plane and for discerning therefrom at least one emulated mouse click, wherein a relative position of said single control element on said x-y plane of said surface provides said user with information as to a relative position of a cursor on a computer display controlled by said device.