Abstract: A three-dimensional data input device for a computer having a display screen includes a ball rotatably provided in a device body, and sensors for detecting rotation magnitudes of the ball along two axes on a plane and outputting displacement signals indicative of the detected rotation magnitudes, respectively. The device further includes a gyro for detecting an angular velocity of the device body about an axis extending at a given angle relative to the foregoing plane and outputting an angular velocity signal indicative of the detected angular velocity. The device further includes switches for outputting a selection signal in response to operation of at least one of selection buttons. The device derives displacement data based on the foregoing displacement signals and angular data based on the foregoing angular velocity signal and outputs the displacement data, the angular data and the selection signal to the computer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional data input device for a computer having a display screen includes a ball rotatably provided in a device body, and sensors for detecting rotation magnitudes of the ball along two axes on a plane and outputting displacement signals indicative of the detected rotation magnitudes, respectively. The device further includes a gyro for detecting an angular velocity of the device body about an axis extending at a given angle relative to the foregoing plane and outputting an angular velocity signal indicative of the detected angular velocity. The device further includes switches for outputting a selection signal in response to operation of at least one of selection buttons. The device derives displacement data based on the foregoing displacement signals and angular data based on the foregoing angular velocity signal and outputs the displacement data, the angular data and the selection signal to the computer.