Abstract: An input device (10) comprises a panning mechanism (12). The panning mechanism comprises a sensor arrangement having first and second sensor components (46, 48), a movable carrier arrangement (40) for carrying the first sensor component and a fixed carrier arrangement (42) on which the second sensor component is mounted. The movable carrier arrangement is movable relative to the fixed carrier arrangement. The panning mechanism further includes constraining means (50) to constrain movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement in two directions. The movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement effects movement of the first sensor component relative to the second sensor component to create input signals such as input signals for a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: An input device (10) comprises a panning mechanism (12). The panning mechanism comprises a sensor arrangement having first and second sensor components (46, 48), a movable carrier arrangement (40) for carrying the first sensor component and a fixed carrier arrangement (42) on which the second sensor component is mounted. The movable carrier arrangement is movable relative to the fixed carrier arrangement. The panning mechanism further includes constraining means (50) to constrain movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement in two directions. The movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement effects movement of the first sensor component relative to the second sensor component to create input signals such as input signals for a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A computer input apparatus, comprising: a base provided with a socket; a ball segment located in the socket and rotatable in the socket, the ball segment being shaped to support a wrist of a user; a handle attached to and extending away from the ball segment and configured such that when the user's wrist is supported by the ball segment, the handle is adjacent to the user's hand and maybe held by the user.