Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A pen-type computer input device comprising: a shank having a tip end; a ball rotatably supported on said tip end, said ball having a plurality of identifiable regions on an outer peripheral surface thereof; and means including a sensor unit for detecting said identifiable regions in response to rotation of said ball, and for detecting the directions in which said ball rotates and the distances by which said ball moves in two perpendicular directions in a plane, and producing an output signal representative of said directions and distances.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A pen-type computer input device comprising: a shank having a tip end; a ball rotatably supported on said tip end, said ball having a plurality of identifiable regions on an outer peripheral surface thereof; and means including a sensor unit for detecting said identifiable regions in response to rotation of said ball, and for detecting the directions in which said ball rotates and the distances by which said ball moves in two perpendicular directions in a plane, and producing an output signal representative of said directions and distances.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
A pen-type computer input device according to claim 1, wherein said identifiable regions comprise alternately arranged light-reflecting lands and light-absorbing recesses, said sensor unit comprising a plurality of photosensors each comprising a light-emitting element for applying light to said lands and recesses and a light-detecting element for detecting light reflected by said lands.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A pen-type computer input device according to claim 1, wherein said ball is made of a magnetic material, said identifiable regions comprising alternatively arranged lands and recesses, said sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensors each comprising a magnetic reluctance element for detecting magnetic reluctances of said lands and recesses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A pen-type computer input device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor unit comprises a plurality of electrodes, said means comprising a high-frequency feedback oscillator circuit composed of said electrodes and said ball, for detecting electrostatic capacitances between said electrodes and said lands and recesses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
A pen-type computer input device according to claim 1, wherein said ball is made of an electrically conductive material, said identifiable regions comprise alternately arranged insulating bodies and electrically conductive regions, said insulating bodies being embedded in the outer peripheral surface of said ball, said sensor unit comprising a plurality of brushes held in sliding contact with said said insulating bodies and said electrically conductive regions, for detecting electric currents flowing between said ball and said brushes.