CZ285599A3 - Input device for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

The input device is intended to place the cursor on the screen a computer of a motion ball (2) whose rotating movements are electronic signals. Ball Angle Rotation (2) it can be detected by the detection device (11), used essentially coherent light so that the rotation of the ball is converted to data values with respect to x and y, with said axes they are preferably perpendicular to each other. This makes it compact a detection device suitable for computer construction mouse in the shape of a ballpoint pen.

Description

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an input device for positioning the cursor on a computer screen by moving the ball relative to the substrate and transmitting these rotational ball movements to corresponding electronic signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly known input devices, such as a computer mouse, intended to operate a computer have some drawbacks. With a computer mouse, the user must be able to reach a certain area. Further, the mouse pad needs to be solid, straight, and substantially horizontal to allow the user to orient the projection to a certain extent over the entire computer screen. Sometimes it may be difficult or even impossible to place your computer so that the space required to operate the mouse is always available. In addition, known types of computer mice cause pain in the fingers and wrists when used intensively.

Several attempts have been made to overcome these drawbacks, including, among others, the design of a ballpoint pen computer mouse. Such a computer pen will be extremely comfortable, will be easy and more accurate to operate, taking advantage of the fact that the fine motor of the fingers is significantly better developed than the motor of the arm. In addition, there are no strict requirements for the mouse pad.

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A computer mouse designed as a ballpoint pen will also help to develop the general use of computers.

It is therefore possible that future use of computers will include, inter alia, bold letters or electronic messages. It will therefore be possible to apply the user's personal touch to the computer and thus completely or partially reduce the use of the keyboard.

However, it has been found that a lot of space is needed to traditionally perform the installation needed to record and transmit ball movements to electronic signals, especially around the ball, which is a limitation in terms of minimizing the size of a pen-shaped computer mouse. The known computer pen structures have in common that the outer dimensions of the pen and the ball itself are larger, therefore the computer pen is not as comfortable to hand as a conventional ball pen.

German Application No. DE 39 00622 A1 discloses a pen-shaped computer mouse in which the movement of the ball is recorded so that two rollers are in constant contact with the ball. Turn the ball as a result of rotating the ball! and rollers. A sensor unit detecting the rotation of the roller is connected to each of the rollers. Both rollers are installed so that ball movements can be recorded in two directions relative to the x and y coordinate axes. This solution, requiring! large space, reminiscent of the normal recording of ball rotation in a standard box-shaped computer mouse, but with the difference that in the ball pen structure there is space only behind the ball. Thus, the tubular computer mouse of DE 39 00622 A1 cannot be manufactured with a very small cross-sectional diameter, since the tube directly behind the ball must adapt to the space requirements of the overall recording arrangement.

In addition, another embodiment of a pen-shaped computer mouse structure is known from US-A-5,434,594. Here, the installation for recording and hanging the ball is performed in the same manner as a conventional box-shaped mouse. The result is a computer mouse with a structure providing only the limited benefits expected of a ballpoint pen mouse.

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-3-E-0 413 606 discloses a combination ball pen and a computer mouse. It works by directing a flow meter directly above the ball, said flow meter measuring the direction in which the ink moves due to the movement of the ball. However, this solution does not seem too reliable and only works when there is ink in the pen.

US-A-5 288 993 discloses a ball actuator in which a ball with randomly spaced dot areas is in contrasting colors and a photosensitive sensor device so that movement of the ball can be detected. This detection idea requires a sufficient amount of space under the ball and behind the ball, and is therefore not suitable for use in pen-shaped solutions. In addition, a ball of at least 5 mm diameter is required in this apparatus.

Another optical solution is known from WO94 / 22071. The device comprises an optoelectronic transfer member which is capable of detecting the movement of a golf ball type provided with concave reflectors. This device also requires a sufficient amount of space around the ball and is suitable for a large diameter, and is therefore unsuitable for the adequate solution of pen-shaped objects. A similar solution is also known from the Xerox Disclosure Journal, Volume 10, No. 3, May / June 1985, pages 123-125, which describes a ballpoint pen having contrasting dots. Angular rotation of the ball is detected using LEDs or light sources. This description also mentions a "golf ball" type ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a computer input device with a recording installation that requires considerably less space than known solutions, thereby allowing a pen-shaped computer mouse to be constructed in dimensions corresponding to a ballpoint pen or similar writing device.

The invention includes an input device of the kind mentioned in the introduction, wherein the input device comprises an optical detection device for detecting angular

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rotating the ball, preferably in two mutually perpendicular directions, said optical detection device comprising at least one source of substantially coherent electromagnetic radiation, at least one lens and one or more detectors.

This results in an installation for recording for an input device containing only a small amount of bulky components, which is therefore advantageous for spatial reasons. Thus, the optical detection device can be mounted on the back wall of the ball and takes up little space. This principle is suitable for the design of a computer pen as it can be manufactured with a relatively small cross-sectional diameter, since the detection device may have an elongated shape.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the optical detection device is adapted to detect the movement of a dot pattern generated by electromagnetic radiation that scatters on a granular surface of the ball surface, such as a natural surface.

This is a particularly simple method of performing the detection since the detection device according to the embodiment of the invention does not impose any particular demands on the surface of the ball.

Dots arise when coherent light is scattered across a surface and when it passes into free space constructive or destructive interference occurs. At some distance from the illuminated surface, high intensity modulation is observed, which is usually called a dot pattern. The coherent light source is a laser, preferably of the VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) type, the advantage of which is very low power consumption and low beam divergence.

The ball of the computer input device according to this first embodiment of the invention can be designed with a relatively very small diameter, since no particular surface structure is required. A method for determining the angular rotation of a cylindrical object by illuminating a point on the surface of the object with coherent light is generally known from EP-B1-Q 671 007.

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In a first preferred embodiment, the optical detection device comprises a first and a second set of detectors and a common laser source, each set of detectors adapted to detect the angular rotation in the first and second directions. In addition, each detector set comprises two detectors that are installed such that a dot pattern emanating gradually from the surface of the ball is detected by the first detector and then by the second detector based on the angular rotation of the ball. Also, the transmission time between detected spot regions can be determined electronically. Therefore, a reliable measurement of the angular rotation of the ball in two directions can be performed. Otherwise, the detectors should be arranged in a quadruple or similar array of detectors.

In another embodiment, the surface of the ball is formed by optically detectable markers intended for optical motion detection. Reflection of electromagnetic radiation or laser beam (s) from the surface is detected by detectors and / or CCD cameras, and then these signals are transferred to an electronic signal processor indicating the direction in which the ball rotates. Marking is also performed in an optical system that essentially resembles optical systems known from compact disc technology and other forms of optical measuring devices.

The detectors of this embodiment could also be arranged in a quadruple or detector array.

Advantageously, the optically detectable markings are embedded in the information layer either directly on the surface of the ball or on two shafts which are preferably perpendicular to each other and to which the rotation of the ball is converted, said mark layer being located on these shafts. In order to protect the information layer, a translucent film may finally be preferably placed on the information layer, as is known, for example, for compact discs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is designed as a computer pen comprising a tubular housing, at one end of which a rotating ball is installed. Furthermore, the computer pen on the other end can be connected to • ♦ φφφ »

-6 · · φ · · φ · φ · · · · · Φ · Φ · ♦ · φ · φφ · · · * · · φ · • φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ počítači počítači počítači počítači počítači počítači počítači počítači počítači buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď buď In this embodiment, the pen will be equipped with a transmitter and source, eg a conventional storage battery. On the side of the essentially tubular housing, keys may be installed to generate additional control signals for the connected computer. These keys, even the basically tubular housing, have a shape and arrangement that conforms to ergonomically correct construction.

In this embodiment, it is further possible to divide the laser beam emanating from the laser into two or more beams. In addition to the detectors or replacement of one or more detectors, the detection device may further comprise one or more CCD cameras.

The electronic signal processor may be an integral part of the pen, otherwise the optical signals in the pen are only partially processed. Then, the electronic signal processor, which may be part of a transceiver or be connected to a computer, performs the final signal processing.

Advantageously, the optically detectable markings are embedded in the information layer either directly on the surface of the ball or on two shafts, which are preferably perpendicular to each other and to which the rotation of the ball is converted, said mark layer may be located on these shafts. To protect the information layer, the information layer can ultimately be preferably covered with a translucent film, as is known, for example, for compact discs.

The input device should further comprise a battery and a connected battery capacity measuring device which is capable of generating signals indicating the remaining capacity and transmitting these signals to the computer. This means that the user will be able to monitor the status of the input device during operation.

The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a representation of a computer pen in a preferred embodiment of the input device of the invention.

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Figure 2 is a detail of the base of a ball according to an embodiment with markings on the surface.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an optical detection device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows the internal structure of a computer pen in a preferred embodiment of the input device of the invention.

Figure 5 is a detailed illustration of the optical detection device of the computer pen of Figure 1.

Figures 6a and 6b are a basic illustration of a detection device for detecting the angular rotation of a natural surface ball.

Figure 7 is a detailed illustration of an optical detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the detectors in relation to the ball.

Fig. 9 is a digital processing scheme for determining the degree of angular rotation of a detection device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is another part of a processing scheme for determining the degree of angular rotation of a detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an input device according to the invention constructed as a computer pen 1, comprising a ball 2 mounted at the lower end of a substantially tubular pen main body 3 and a transmitter device 5 at the opposite end for transmitting signals from the pen 1 to the computer (not shown). At the bottom of the main part 3 there is a keypad 4 consisting of two buttons mounted on the pen so as to be in line with the two fingers holding the pen L

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In the embodiment shown, the main part 3 is formed of a substantially circular cross-section, but of course, the mft can be any cross-section depending on the desired structure.

As shown in Figure 4, an optical detection device 11 is installed above the ball 2 inside the main part 3 to record the rotation of the ball in two directions, by which the movements of the pen in the X and Y directions can be converted. device 5 into the computer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ball is constructed with an information layer comprising optically readable markings that are sensed by the optical detection device 11 and converted into electronic position / position change signals. The detection device comprises a light source, preferably a laser, one or more reflectors, lenses and detectors.

As shown in Figure 2, the ball 2 comprises a core 7. On the surface of the core is an information layer 8 containing a core. signs. An optical reflective layer 9 is applied to the surface of the information layer. The reflective layer 9 has in its upper part a protective layer 10, which may be of translucent plastic or of rubber material.

The optical detecting device 11 for recording the rotation of the ball and transmitting these electronic signals operates in a preferred embodiment using laser light as shown in Figure 3. The laser 12 emits light through a system of lenses 14 and detectors 15 and reflectors, including a polarizing beam splitter 13 and preferably quarter wavelength. The laser light is reflected by the reflective layer 9 on the ball 2 at different depths depending on how it hits the reflective layer 9 relative to the markings on the information layer 8. The lenses 14 and the collimation opening 24 detect the correct focusing light relative to the surface of the ball. The detectors 15 communicate with an electronic signal processor that processes the detected signals, which are then forwarded to a computer.

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The device for transmitting electronic signals from the computer pen to the computer may be a wire 5, or may be a wireless connection, with the receiver in the computer and the transmitter in the pen, as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

Figure 1 shows a computer pen constructed as a ballpoint pen. As shown in Figure 1, the ball 2 is inserted into the housing 3 when the switch 19 interrupts the transmission of the pen signal to the connected computer. The pen is equipped with a clip 21 so that if the user does not work with it, it can be conveniently stored in a pocket etc.

Figure 4 shows the structure of the pen. The upper portion of the optical detection device is in contact with a pressure sensitivity meter 20 at one or both ends. Therefore, pressure can be detected! on the pen and the amount of pressure on the ball. The pen can then be used as a graphical input to the computer, depending on the software application installed. This allows the use of a kiikan pen by pressing on the pad or by pointing to an icon directly on the screen, so that the pressure sensitivity meter 20 can serve as an alternative to or complement to the keys 4 to be clicked. Thus, the pen can also be used to create graphics where it is possible to convert pressure on the ball into a signal to determine the line thickness in the drawing. Thus, a computer pen according to this embodiment of the invention can be used to generate handwritten electronic messages and similar formations, as well as other forms of drawings. The computer pen according to this embodiment can therefore be used in conjunction with computer-processed tasks, as they are today carried out on paper.

The pressure sensitivity meter 20 is preferably made of a conductive rubber material. On one side of this rubber disc there is a constant electrical contact, while the electrical contact on the other side is connected when pressure is applied to the ball. The rubber disc is shaped so that when the pressure on the ball is increased, the contact surface increases. Otherwise, the pressure sensitivity meter 20 could be piezoelectric or a strain gauge.

The tongue structure further comprises a processor 18 which is a pen component in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the processor 18 may be embedded in a transmitter / receiver or computer in which the signals are detected from the optical

The transducer 11 and the pressure sensing transducer 20, if installed, are converted into electronic signals which are transmitted wirelessly to a computer via an infrared or radio transmitter. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless connection will be based on radio frequency transmission. A replaceable and / or accumulator battery 17, e.g. a lithium battery, is installed in conjunction with the processor 18 as a power supply for the electronic units H, 18, 22.

Figure 5 shows the structure of the optical detection device H. Its structure has already been explained above in relation to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the detection device 11 comprises a housing 23 housing a light source 12, a lens system, e.g. an optical double prism 13, a lens 14, such as a reflector, and a ball 2 covered with an information layer installed in the housing 23.

In addition, two or more accelerometers can be built into the pen. The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the pen in one, two or three dimensions. By combining other possible pen functions, the performance of this writing function will be fully comparable to a conventional ballpoint pen, etc., as far as the writing function is concerned.

As the ball head of the pen moves relative to the pad, thereby writing to the computer, the pressure sensitivity meter 20 will always have a certain pressure. When the pen ball head is lifted from the pad, for example, when the pen is lifted to start typing a new word, letter, draw a drawing, etc., it is normally desirable for the cursor to move to a new starting position without line (in the document) appeared.

The pen acceleration measurement is transferred to the electronic signal processor, and the movement of the pen relative to the x-axis and y-axis can be detected.

The pen can then be used in a writing and drawing software program such that when the ball head is activated with respect to the mat in the form of movement, this movement is converted to record the movement of the cursor relative to the x-axis and y-axis. The pressure sensitivity meter will simultaneously record the corresponding teat on the ball head. Combining both of these movements causes, for example, a movement that will be recorded as a line, letter, or other electronic written character. When the pen

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9 9 9 9 • 9 9 99 99 99 lifted from the pad to move the cursor to a new starting position to count a new line, letter, or other electronic writing character, the pressure sensitivity gauge drops to zero. When the pressure drops to zero, the accelerometer or actionierometers will detect the movement of the pen relative to the x and y axes and the cursor will then move accordingly relative to the x and y axes. In relation to the motion given by the rotation of the ball, the motion based on the detection by the accelerometer (actionierometry) does not show any electronic written sign on the screen (line, character, etc.).

Figures 6a, 6b and 7-10 show various details of a detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the detection device is adapted to detect the angular rotation without placing special marks on its surface.

In the figure, the spherical wave 100 of coherent light diverges from a point laser source 12 located in the Fourier plane 110 of the focal lens 114 with a focal length f. The spherical guilt 100 is collimated to the plane of the wave 101 that advances towards the surface 102 of the ball. aptly in the Fourier plane 130 of the lens 114.

Plane wave 101 and surface element 104 in position A (Figure 6b) generate a spherical scattered reflection 105 with a normal at an angle Φ of the plane wave normal 101. This occurs when the surface element 104 is oriented such that the incidence angle is equal to angle of reflection. After the ball 2 has been rotated by an angle Φ, the same surface element 104, which is now in the position B relative to the plane wave, will give a new reflection at the angle + Φ. In total, when the ball is rotated by an angle Φ, the reflection is rotated by an angle of 2Φ. Figure 6b further shows reflections at spatial angles from detectors 151 and 152 located in the plane of the detector 150 outside the Fourier plane 110.

In Figure 6b, showing a cross-section of a preferred embodiment, the planar wave 101 is reflected and deflected from the rotating surface 102. Thus, a reflected composite wave pattern 105 is formed, consisting of 10 ' of elements generating through constructive and destructive interference between scattered · 0 · · · 0 · · · · · 0 0 · · · ·

-12 * 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 . The reflected composite wave pattern 105 is transformed by a Fourier transform by a coupled lens 114, forming a subjective point pattern 107, which linearly moves in the plane of the detector 150, to the composite transformed wave pattern 106. The subjective point pattern 107 is first detected by the first detector 151 and the second detector 152. The first detector 151 has a spatial angle Δ Φ and is located in the plane of the detector 150 at an angular distance - Φ relative to the optical axis 103. The second detector 152, preferably similar to the first detector 151, is positioned at + +, also in the plane of the detector 150. signals from both detectors 151 and 152 are correlated electronically by methods known in the art. By observing the time delay that creates the maximum correlation between the signals from both detectors, the transmission time of the subjective point pattern is obtained, which is converted to measure the rotation speed of the ball 2.

Figure 7 is an illustration of the optical utilization of a detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the detection of the ball rotation. As shown in Figure 7, a beam deviated from laser source 12 preferably with a wavelength in the range 680 nm to 860 nm is captured by the lens 114 and transferred to a collimated or focused beam illuminating the surface of the ball 2. The dot pattern is formed approximately 20 mm from the ball wherein a lens 114 and detectors 151 are installed. 152,: 151 in, 152 _y . This dot pattern will represent a shift in the x- and y- direction of rotation of the ball. The displacement of the points is directly proportional to the angular rotation of the ball 2.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main profile illustrating the installation of detectors 151, 152 and lens 114 relative to the ball 2. In a preferred embodiment, the focus on the ball surface, unlike the illustration in Figure 8, is offset from the center of the ball so that the optical detection axis 103 is offset from the pen of the computer pen. This suits the preparation of a computer pen with coarse tilt compensation when used as a normal stationery. This tilt would otherwise cause some errors in the detection direction.

When the ball rotates in a given direction, the dot pattern will be transmitted from one detector to another in the respective detector group 151.152. The determination of the direction in which the dot pattern corresponding to the direction of rotation of the ball moves is based on monitoring the signal value from one detector while the signal level from the other detector 152 increases. Great value of the detection signal in the first detector 151 while increasing! the signal strength in the second detector 152 is due to movement from the first detector 151 to the second detector 152.

Figure 9 is a process diagram for deriving offset and direction of a dot pattern. In this embodiment, the amount of ball rotation could be limited by calculating the number of zero passes for a signal from one of the detectors processed by the RF filter. The digital processing scheme of Figure 9 is used to roughly determine not only the direction of movement but also the actual displacement of the dot pattern. The digital processor shown in Figure 10 is designed for one direction. The signals from the detectors were called AaB. As seen in Figure 10 above, the logic AND (AND) and logic OR (OR) of Y and X signals from the A and B signals. The four flip-flops at input D are coupled to generate a number of breaks at output A3 and output B ₃ number of runs. Each of the four flip-flops on input D will transmit a state on input D when the input is labeled t. The output will exist until a refresh pulse is received (input R drops to zero) or until a new input is transferred to D entry marked «.

The analog signal from all four detectors is amplified and processed by a high frequency filter and then digitized by a threshold flip-flop (Schmitt). This circuit is characterized by a low degree of hysteresis, which makes it possible to avoid false detection of zero crossing.

Figure 10 is another part of the process diagram shown in Figure 9. The signal from the detector 15 is amplified and rectified to a fixed value in the unit 200.

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-14V In the ejection unit 202, the signal rise will result in a voltage at capacitors C2 that is greater than at capacitors C1. The upper trigger level of the comparator 203 and the fact that the output on the comparator increases will allow the AND1 to be performed for laser synchronization. C1 will then follow the diode D1 to change the voltage on C2 upwards with a certain voltage difference. When the signal coasts down, C1 remains at its highest voltage level until C2 approaches this voltage value. If this happens, the lower trigger level of the comparator 203 and its output value will drop. This will allow the voltage change C2 to be monitored down by the AND2 and C1 elements through the diode D2 with a certain voltage difference. The result of this signal processing is to convert the rising voltage signal to the upper signal level and to convert the decreasing voltage signal to the lower signal level. This ensures immunity to noise in signals having a low signal to noise ratio.

For the invention, as an alternative to the above-described computer pen, the scope of the invention defined in the claims can also be applied in connection with the construction of other types of input devices, such as ball controls or traditional computer mice.

Claims (20)

PATENT CLAIMS An input device, such as a computer pen (1), for positioning the cursor on a computer screen by moving the ball (2) relative to the substrate, the rotating movements of the ball (2) being converted into electronic signals, and the input device comprising optical detection a device (11) for detecting angular rotation of the ball (2), preferably in two mutually perpendicular directions, characterized in that said optical detection device (11) comprises at least one source (12) of substantially coherent electromagnetic radiation (100, 101) for communicating with one or more detectors (15, 151, 152) via at least one lens (13,14,114). An input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical detection device (11) is adapted to detect the movement of a dot pattern (105, 106) generated by electromagnetic radiation that scatters on the granular structure of the surface (102,104) of the ball (2). is, for example, a natural surface. The input device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical detection device (11) comprises a first and a second set of detectors (151, 152) and a common laser source (12), each set of detectors (151, 152) being adapted to detect angular rotation (Φ) in the first and second directions. An input device according to claim 3, characterized in that each set of detectors (151, 152) comprises two detectors (151 _x , 152 _y ; 151 _x , 152 _y ) which are installed such that the dot pattern emanates from the detector. successively from the surface (102) of the ball (2) is detected by a first detector (151) and then a second detector (152) based on the angular rotation (Φ) of the ball (2). • • • • • • • • • • • • • In w -fy 49 99 · 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 49 99 'AMENDED USP An input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transition time between the detected point areas (107) is determined by an electronic device. Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball (2) is provided on the surface with marks (8, 9) which are optically detectable by the electronic device (11). Input device according to claim 6, characterized in that the area on the surface of the ball (2) illuminated by coherent light (100, 101) is substantially the same size as the detectable marks (8, 9) on the surface. The input device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the detection device comprises a laser source (12), a diffractive optical element (13) and (or) a lens system (14,114)) including one or more collimating lenses (114) and preferably also circulating lenses, a polarizing beam splitter (13), a quarter-wave plate (25), and one or more detectors (15, 151, 152). Input device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the ball (2) comprises a core (7) which is covered with a marking layer (8) comprising marks, a reflective layer (9) and a protective layer (10). The input device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the marks on the ball (2) are detectable by a CCD camera of the detection device (10). The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detectors (15, 151, 152) are arranged in a configuration, eg in a quadratic "modified sheet", designed to detect relative directional movement and the distance of the mark on the surface of the ball relative to the detection device. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one beam of the electromagnetic radiation source (12) is divided into two or more beams. Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball (2) is made of steel. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is equipped with a pressure sensitivity meter (20) for recording the pressure on the ball. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is equipped with an accelerometer capable of measuring the acceleration of the device in one, two or three dimensions. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed as a computer pen (1) comprising a substantially tubular housing (3) in which a rotatable ball (2) is installed at only one end. An input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device further comprises an electronic signal processor ( 18) to convert signals from the optical detection device (11) into signals corresponding to the direction or directions in which the ball rotates. PVWK-T • · v ·> ·· --IN H '·· ··· · · 4> tata «·· · ·· < '7 LIST ·· -1618. The input device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the focus of the optical detection device (11) is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the surface of the ball (2). An input device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the rotational movements of the ball (2) are converted into two shafts which are preferably perpendicular to each other and the angular rotation (Φ) of each of the shafts is detected by an optical detection device. (11). An input device according to any preceding claim, wherein the input device further comprises a battery (17) and a battery capacity measuring device capable of generating signals indicating the remaining battery capacity of the input device and transmitting the signals to a computer. W 93 93/25247