Hand-held input devices for personal computer systems

Abstract

Input devices for controlling a pointer or other visual indicator on a display of a computer system. In one embodiment, an input device includes a body configured to face a support structure (e.g., a base assembly of a portable computer, a desktop, a tabletop, etc.), a projecting member extending between the body and the support structure, and a position sensor operatively connected to the projecting member. The body may be a housing including a first section or bottom section configured to move over the support structure, and a second section or top section facing generally away from the support structure. The second section can have a contoured surface extending over the support structure such that the contoured surface is configured to engage a palm of a hand of a user. The body, for example, may be a full-sized mouse housing configured to be gripped by a user. The projecting member can have a first portion connected to either the body or the support structure, and the projecting member can have a second portion projecting from the first portion toward the other of the body or the support structure. The projecting member, for example, can be a rod having a first end pivotally connected to the body and a second end engaged with the support structure such that the second end is inhibited from moving with respect to the support structure. In this embodiment, the position sensor is attached to the body. As the body moves over the support structure, the projecting member moves with respect to the position sensor corresponding to the relative movement between the body and the support structure. The position sensor accordingly detects the relative displacement and velocity of the projecting member, and the position sensor sends signals to the computer to control the pointer on the display corresponding to the relative movement between the body and the support structure.