Alvin D Reed

US Patent:

50953028, Mar 10, 1992

Filed:

Jun 19, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/368485

Inventors:

James G. McLean - Boyton Beach FL
Clifford A. Pickover - Yorktown Heights NY
Alvin R. Reed - Cary NC

Assignee:

International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY

International Classification:

G09G 302

US Classification:

340710

Abstract:

A cursor control/data input device for a computer display system which utilizes a conventional X-Y mouse provided with a third Z with axis data generating mechanism. The mouse may be used with any non-specific support surface and would have conventional X-Y data generating wheels or a rotating ball with appropriate pick-up elements to generate the X-Y coordinate data. Third, or Z, coordinate data is produced by a third instrumentality in the mouse body, preferably operable by the operator's thumb or index finger. Means comprising a pressure sensitive button mounted on the surface of the mouse, or alternatively means actuated by the insertion of the operator's finger into a hole provided in the mouse's body, generate said Z coordinate data. Movement of the finger in the hole is measurable by any of a number of different instrumentalities.