Patent ID: 7535464

Claim:
A pointing device for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a wheel that is arranged to modulate a signal such rotation of the wheel about a longitudinal axis is determinable; a first switch disposed adjacent a first end of the wheel such that depressing the first end of the wheel results in the first switch modulating a signal; a second switch disposed adjacent a second end of the wheel such that depressing the second end of the wheel results in the second switch modulating a signal; a third switch disposed adjacent to the wheel between the first and second ends of the wheel and wherein the third switch is offset from the first and second switch; and a pivot pin that is arranged adjacent and offset to the wheel at a first point between the first and second ends of the wheel to: inhibit both the first and the second switches from modulating a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel; allow both the first and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the first end of the wheel; and allow both the second and third switches to modulate a signal in response to a single depression of the wheel at a point between the pivot pin and the second end of the wheel.