Abstract: A mouse comprises a cover and a displacement pad which is displaced upon movement of the mouse over a surface. Displacement transducer means, e.g., strain gauges mounted in a parallel arm linkage, are used to ascertain direction of motion. Noise created by sliding motion is monitored by a microphone, the output of which is a function of velocity and therefore distance. The microphone may be mounted to the displacement pad, and the pad and microphone covered with a friction and vibration enhancing medium, such as felt. The displacement pad may also be suspending in a computer terminal and be "stroked" to achieve displacement and noise. Calculating means produce cursor dot control signals based on displacement and noise.

Abstract: Coordinate digitizers comprise a data tablet having perpendicular X and Y axes grids, which cross each other to define a data surface. Each grid has a plurality of parallel evenly-spaced-apart grid wires having their ends connected by end busses. An inductor connected to an alternating electrical input signal is movable on the data surface, and induces current flow in loops comprised of individual grid wires and end busses, with the strength of the current strongest in the grid wires near the inductor. Each grid has a receptor loop into which signals from the grid are induced, and the receptor loop is preferably deployed in a receptor area off the data surface. The receptor loops are configured such that signals induced therein correlate to inductor position on the data surface. The receptor loops are preferably composite loops providing complimentary signals to compensate for variations in the input signal or an induction-to-grid coupling.