Rotational X-axis pointing device

Claim 2

A rotational pointing device comprising: a support arm having a first end and a second end, the support arm pivotally mounted for rotating about a fulcrum in a single dimension parallel to the support arm; actuating assemblies disposed proximate to both the first and second ends of the support arm; a control arm extending from the support arm at the fulcrum of the support arm to a distal end; a rotating member for rotating about an axis, the rotating member rotatably mounted at the distal end of the control arm such that the rotating member rotates in a single dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the dimension of the support arm rotation and is movable to cause rotation of the support arm and actuate the actuating assemblies when force is applied to the rotating member in a direction substantially parallel to the support arm; and a position sensor mounted on said control arm proximate to the rotating member, the position sensor for determining the amount of rotation of the rotating member.

Claim 3

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein the actuating assemblies have resilient members therein such that the pointing device is returned to an original position after the support arm is pivoted to actuate one of the actuating assemblies.

Claim 4

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 2, wherein the resilient members are coil springs mounted below the first and second ends of the support arm.

Claim 5

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotating member comprises a wheel component.

Claim 6

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein an outer perimeter edge surface of the rotating member comprises a slip resistant surface.

Claim 7

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 5, wherein the slip resistant surface of the outer perimeter edge surface comprises rubber material.

Claim 8

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 5, wherein the outer perimeter edge surface of the wheel component has a knurled surface.

Claim 9

The rotational pointing device as recited in claim 5, wherein the outer perimeter edge surface of the wheel component has a grooved surface.

Claim 10

The pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said pointing device is inserted in to a housing suitable to be manipulated with one hand, said pointing device positioned within the housing such that the rotating member extends out from said housing where the rotating member can be actuated with fingers of the same hand.

Claim 11

The pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said pointing device is coupled to a computer monitor, said pointing device positioned partially within the computer monitor such that the rotating member extends out from said computer monitor.

Claim 12

The pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said pointing device is coupled to a keyboard, said pointing device positioned partially within the keyboard such that the rotating member extends out from said keyboard.

Claim 13

The pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said position sensor comprises an LED mounted across from a photo diode with the rotating member therebetween, the rotating member having a plurality of holes therein for alternately transmitting and blocking light from the LED to the photo diode thereby detecting rotation of the rotating member.

Claim 14

The pointing device as recited in claim 1, wherein said pointing device is coupled to a portable computer, said pointing device positioned partially within the portable computer such that the rotating member extends out from said portable computer.

Claim 15

The pointing device as recited in claim 13, wherein the portable computer includes a trackball device disposed proximate to the pointing device.

Claim 16

A rotational pointing device comprising: a circuit board; a support arm pivotally connected with the circuit board; the support arm having a first end and a second end, the support arm pivotally mounted for rotating about a fulcrum in a single dimension parallel to the support arm; actuating members disposed on both first and second ends of the support arm; a control arm disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship to the support arm, the control arm extending from the fulcrum of the support arm to an end; a wheel component rotatably mounted for rotating about an axis, the wheel component disposed at an angle to the circuit board, the wheel component connected to the end of the control arm at the wheel component axis, such that the wheel component rotates in a single dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the dimension of the support arm rotation and is movable to cause rotation of the support arm and actuate the actuating members when force is applied to the wheel component in a direction substantially parallel to the support arm; a position sensor mounted on said control arm proximate to the wheel component, the position sensor for determining rotation of the wheel component and generating a rotation value therefrom; a switching mechanism disposed beneath each actuating member; and resilient members disposed between the support arm actuating member and the switching mechanisms.

Claim 17

A rotational pointing device comprising: a circuit board; a support arm pivotally connected with the circuit board; the support arm having a first end and a second end, the support arm pivotally mounted for rotating about a fulcrum in a single dimension parallel to the support arm; actuating members disposed on both first and second ends of the support arm; a control arm disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship to the support arm, the control arm extending from the fulcrum of the support arm to an end; a wheel component rotatably mounted for rotating about an axis, the wheel component disposed at an angle to the circuit board, the wheel component connected to the end of the control arm at the wheel component axis, such that the wheel component rotates in a single dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the dimension of the support arm rotation and is movable to cause rotation of the support arm and actuate the actuating members when force is applied to the wheel component in a direction substantially parallel to the support arm; a position sensor mounted on said control arm proximate to the wheel component, the position sensor for determining rotation of the wheel component and generating a rotation value therefrom; a switching mechanism disposed beneath each actuating member; and resilient members disposed between the support arm actuating member and the switching mechanisms.

Claim 18

The pointing device as recited in claim 15, wherein the switching mechanisms comprise micro switches.

Claim 19

A pointing device as recited in claim 15, wherein the resilient members are helical springs.

Claim 20

The pointing device as recited in claim 15, wherein said pointing device is inserted into a housing suitable to be manipulated with one hand, said pointing device positioned within the housing such that the rotating member extends out from said housing such that the rotating member can be actuated with fingers of the same hand.

Claim 21

The pointing device as recited in claim 15, wherein said control arm comprises a pronged portion at one end, the wheel component being mounted at the axis of the wheel component within the pronged portion.

Claim 22

The pointing device as recited in claim 15, wherein the resilient members are non-conductive.