Abstract: A method and system for interactive interfacing with a computer gaming system is provided. The method includes providing an input device, where the input device is configured to convey mutlti-channel mixed input data that is to be interpreted by the computer gaming system. The method includes identifying an action to be performed by the computer gaming system, and the action is mapped to the mutlti-channel mixed input data provided by the input device. Then, a gearing is applied between the action to be performed by the computer gaming system and the mutlti-channel mixed input data received from the input device. The gearing scales an adjustment to impact the action to be performed by the computer gaming system. The gearing can be set dynamically by the game, by the user, or can be preset by software or user configured in accordance with a gearing algorithm.

Abstract: A mechanical wheel instruction apparatus to replace the conventional wheel structure that uses a grating switch to output signal. The invention has a mechanical conductive terminal set to output instruction signals when become conductive. The apparatus of the invention has a wheel which has a rotation side with convex sections located on the perimeter in an equally spaced manner. Every two neighboring convex sections are interposed by a concave section. A base board is provided to electrically connect to a contact leg assembly which has a forward contact leg and a reverse contact leg located on the convex sections and a common contact leg located on the concave section. When the wheel is subject to a force and rotates, the convex section pushes the forward contact leg and the reverse contact leg to contact the common contact leg to output a forward rotation instruction and a reverse rotation instruction. The invention may be fabricated at a lower cost than the grating switch and save installation space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using a general purpose input-output (GPIO) interface to test a user input device such as a wireless keyboard or mouse. Operation of key-scan logic can be tested by the GPIO interface by temporarily disconnecting the outputs of the various rows and columns and substituting signals generated by a test algorithm into the input terminals of the key-scan logic. The test signal is processed by the key scan circuitry and a key-scan output signal is generated. This key-scan output signal is then compared to a known reference output signal to determine if the key-scan logic and associated circuitry is operating properly. Other embodiments of the GPIO testing system can be used to test other user devices such as a computer mouse/scrolling device.

Abstract: An ergonomic computer mouse has an arcuate top surface, a front end, a rear end, and left and right sidewalls. The top surface has a circular side view profile that extends from the front end to the rear end and is contiguous with finger buttons on the mouse. The surface of the left or thumb sidewall is uniquely contoured for the left side of the user's hand and thumb. A large thumb ball support protrudes from the rear half of the left sidewall at an incline. The thumb ball support and rear end have a circular shape when viewed from above. The left sidewall also has a concave thumb channel for the thumb of the user. An elongated thumb button is located above the thumb channel in order to avoid accidental thumb button actuations. The mouse also has a pair of finger buttons and a scroll tab at the front of its top surface. Each of these features on the mouse are ergonomically designed to conform to the natural shapes and positions of the user's hand during use.

Abstract: A smart bed apparatus adapted to retain a patient and a smart bed system are disclosed herein. The smart bed apparatus includes a smart bed computer, and a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the patient. The smart bed system includes a server coupled with the smart bed computer. The server is configured to store any patient data pertaining to the patient. The patient data can be selectively transferred from the server to the smart bed computer such that the patient data is accessible directly from the smart bed.

Abstract: A laser locus ball apparatus for a wireless keyboard includes a base, a laser source generator, a locus ball, a light sensing element and a key cover. The base provides a lateral plate with a locating hole to locate the laser source generator and has another two opposite lateral plates with an engaging wedge at the bottom edge thereof to engage with the key cover. The top plate of the base has a supporting bore to receive the locus ball. A containing space is formed in the base to accommodate the optical sensing element. The laser source generator emits laser to the lower surface of the locus ball. The locus ball is movably received in and supported with the supporting bore such that the lower surface thereof extending downward from the supporting bore to reflect interference stripe figure during the lower surface of the locus ball receiving the laser. The light sensing element senses the laser interference stripe figure within every preset unit time.

Abstract: A hand-held control device which fits interchangeably into a user's right or left hand. An ergonomically correct housing allows the device to fit snuggly into the grasp of the users hand and be used without creating user fatigue. The operative element in the control device may be a trackball, joystick, touch pad, or other device that can be manipulated by the user's thumb and, in conjunction with one or more switches actuated by phalangeal regions of the fingers, provides functional equivalence to a standard computer mouse or trackball. An optional band or strap may be provided to secure the control device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without setting the control device down. The control device may communicate with a computer or similar apparatus by a wired cable or a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.

Abstract: A device for inputting characters or numbers in a mobile terminal having a touch screen, the device including a display screen for displaying characters or numbers at a display area and a wheel for selecting a desired character or number at another display area in a text input mode; and a control unit for controlling the display screen to display the characters or numbers and the wheel for selecting a desired character or number at the display areas, placing a cursor on a character or number corresponding to rotation of the wheel, and controlling the display screen to display a character or number selected by placing the cursor.

Abstract: A portable terminal displays data received from the exterior or internally generated on its screen in an upright direction. The portable terminal includes a video processor, a display with the screen, a sensor, and a controller. The video processor converts data into a displayable format according to characteristics and size of the screen so the data can be displayed on the screen. The data displayed on the screen is converted according to the characteristics and size of the screen. The sensor has a sensing device for sensing rotation of the screen, and generates a sensing signal according to a rotating direction of the screen. The controller determines a rotating direction of the screen according to the sensing signal, and controls the video processor to convert a format of the data in an opposite direction of the determined rotating direction in order to display the data in an upright direction.

Abstract: Described is a tactile input arrangement for a computing device. A portable computing device comprises a housing, a first input arrangement forming at least a portion of a first external surface of the housing and receiving input data from a user and a second input arrangement forming at least a portion of a second external surface of the housing and receiving further input data from the user, the second external surface facing in a direction substantially opposite to the first external surface.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: In a computer system, a touch sensitive input device having touch sensitive auxiliary controls can be used to provide a user with information regarding the functionality of an auxiliary control. When a user's hand approaches a touch sensitive input device, feedback can be displayed on a display screen. A user can receive feedback without activating the input device by touching or being extremely proximate to an auxiliary control. The feedback may take the form of a tool tip related to the auxiliary control or a combination of auxiliary controls simultaneously touched. When the hand of a user is moved away from the touch sensitive input device, the feedback brought on by sensing the user's hand may disappear.

Abstract: An optical tracking assembly for an optical mouse includes a light source, an optical sensor chip, and an integral optics assembly. The integral optics assembly includes lenses and alignment features receiving the light source. The alignment features center the light source to the lenses and control a distance the light source is placed away from a navigation surface that reflects light onto the optical sensor chip. The lenses may include (1) collimating lenses for collimating light from the light source along a first optical axis to the navigation surface, and (2) imaging lenses for imaging reflected light from the navigation surface along a second optical axis to the optical sensor chip.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interactive interfacing with a computer gaming system are provided. A method includes providing an input device, where the input device is configured to convey inertial data that is to be interpreted by the computer gaming system. The method then identifies an action to be performed by the computer gaming system, where the action is mapped to the inertial data provided by the input device. Then, the method applies a gearing between the action to be performed by the computer gaming system and the inertial data received from the input device. The gearing scales an adjustment to impact the action to be performed by the computer gaming system. The gearing can be set dynamically by the game, by the user, or can be preset by software or user configured in accordance with a gearing algorithm.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling dynamic user interactivity between user actions and actions to be performed by a computer program is provided. The system includes a computing system and an acoustic detection analyzer that is coupled to or executed by the computing system. The system also includes an input device for interfacing with the computer program that is to be executed by the computing system. The input device has a gearing control for establishing a scaling between acoustic data produced at the input device and actions to be applied by the computer program as analyzed by the acoustic detection analyzer. The gearing can be set dynamically by the game, by the user, or can be preset by software or user configured in accordance with a gearing algorithm.

Abstract: A user input subassembly and method of constructing a user input subassembly for accommodating a navigational tool and keypad assembly. The user input subassembly can be integrated into a handheld wireless communication device. The user input subassembly includes a lightguide panel and trackball navigation tool. The lightguide panel is constructed so that the trackball navigational tool can be fixed to the lightguide panel through at least one releasing securement feature. This securement feature is likewise implemented on either the trackball navigational tool and/or a locking ring that at least partially surrounds the trackball navigational tool.

Abstract: An image controller structured for allowing inputs to be converted or translated into electrical outputs, one preferred controller structured with at least a sufficient number of sensors to aid in controlling three-dimensional objects and navigating a three-dimensional viewpoint shown by a display. An active tactile feedback vibrator is mounted as a component of the controller for providing vibration to be felt by a user. Some preferred embodiments also incorporate proportional sensors allowing user variable inputs to cause imagery to be variably controlled.

Abstract: A mouse has sufficient width to support the distal phalanges of a user's ring finger and little finger while the user's middle finger is positioned over a secondary button of the mouse. The mouse also provides at least one side button positioned so that it is not contacted by the user's thumb during “pinching” of the mouse but is easily accessible by the user's thumb. In addition, the mouse provides a wheel with a large number of ribs that increase friction between the user's finger and the wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to haptic devices for use with a variety of computer/video interface devices. Such haptic devices can work in conjunction with and thereby provide “haptic augmentations” to otherwise conventional user-interface devices, including a variety of computer mice known in the art, irrespective of their types and manufactures. Such haptic devices can also be used to convey information to a user by way of haptic sensations.

Abstract: Input devices and methods of operating the same are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing, a display screen, a main input device, a wireless receiver, a carrier bay, and an auxiliary input device. The main input device translates user manipulations of the main input device into control signals. The auxiliary input device is sized and arranged to be carried in and attached to the carrier bay in a docked state and detached from the carrier bay in an undocked state. In the undocked state, the auxiliary input device translates user manipulations of the auxiliary input device into control signals and wirelessly transmits the control signals for reception by the wireless receiver. In the docked state, the auxiliary input device is unresponsive to user manipulations of the auxiliary input device.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device (20) comprising an actuation ball (30, FIG. 13), a casing (22) that surrounds the ball, elements (56) for guiding the ball in rotation, a first detection light source (LS1) for emitting at least one detection beam (EL1), and a detection sensor (126) to capture at least the light (RL1) originating from the lit zone of the ball (30), characterized in that the first light source (LS1) emits an invisible light (EL1), and in that the device comprises a second light source (LS2), distinct from the first light source (LS1) for illuminating the ball (30) that emits a visible illumination light (EL2) towards the ball (30).

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved optical device for optical mouse, being installed inside the case body of the optical mouse, comprising: a LED, a lens mount, a sensor and a digital signal processor. That is, instead of using the LED, the LED assembly clip, the positioning holes and the lens mount, which are separated from and independent to one another, for fixing the LED inside the optical mouse, the present invention uses a combined device featuring fool-proof, and positioning-insetting-all-in-one concept can place the LED precisely at the first lens of the lens mount and is capable of installing the LED accurately onto the lens mount and the same time rapidly and effectively adjusting and fixing the relative angle and position as seen in FIG. 6 between the lens mount and the LED. Moreover, the combined device is easy to positioned such that the forgoing shortcomings of high manufacturing cost and difficult to mass-produced are avoided.

Abstract: The cursor-controlling mechanism includes a beam splitter, a light source, an image sensor and a mouse ball. The light source is positioned beside one side of the beam splitter, and the image sensor is positioned above the beam splitter. The mouse ball is rotatably positioned beside the other side of the beam splitter. The light source emits light beam at the beam splitter, and the light beam is divided into two sub-beams by the beam splitter. One sub-beam maintains original optical path toward the mouse ball and hits the mouse ball. The other sub-beam is directed downwardly to hit a worktable. The image sensor detects surface beneath the cursor-controlling mechanism and obtains image. By position of the mouse ball and surface beneath the cursor-controlling mechanism, the cursor-controlling mechanism has the functionality of mouse and trackball.

Abstract: The inventive device for controlling a computer mouse-type cursor relates to computer engineering and consists of a unit for reading out an identifier coding data, a mouse controller and control keys connected to the first and second outputs thereof. Said read out unit is provided with a channel for a multicoordinate identifier. The device is provided with a control key for code reading connected to the third output of the mouse controller and to an additional controller which is connected to the read out unit and to the thirst and second controller outputs and comprises a serially connected sequential code-to-signal converter, storage unit, code readout unit and a decoder. The control input of the code readout unit is connected to the third output of the mouse controller and the control output thereof is connected to the control input of the storage unit, all said keys being connected to a power source.

Abstract: A three-dimensional computer cursor is controlled by a 3D mouse using the spherical coordinate system, where the computer cursor can move in lines, curves, or geometrical grids in 2D or 3D. The 3D mouse enables the user to interact with the computer games physically by moving the user's hand as in real games where the 3D mouse provides the computer system with the details of the hand movement's rotation. The 3D mouse can be in the shape of a ring where the user can put it on his/her finger to operate the computer. A 3D trackball is also presented to enable the user to move, navigate, or edit in 3D. The invention enables the user to move the computer cursor using the spherical, polar, cylindrical, or Cartesian coordinate system to facilitate using many applications such as the Microsoft Windows Vista, Google Earth, and CAD/CAM/CAE software.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for navigating through a plurality of graphical elements with a trackball. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: detecting a substantially vertical motion on the trackball when a first element is selected; and responsively selecting either (a) a second element which is closest vertically to the first element or (b) a third element in the same horizontal line as the first element if a leftmost horizontal coordinate of the third element is closer to a leftmost horizontal coordinate of the first element than then leftmost horizontal coordinate of the second element.

Abstract: An input device having an extendible body or housing suitable for a hand-held operation. The input device includes a housing assembly including a palm-rest section and a base section opposite to the palm-rest section, a switch mechanism accommodated in the housing assembly and including an operating section arranged adjacent to the palm-rest section, and a motion detecting mechanism accommodated in the housing assembly and including a detecting section arranged adjacent to the base section. The housing assembly includes a plurality of cover members configured by dividing the palm-rest section and the base section into plural parts while keeping a condition where the palm-rest section and the base section are integrally associated with each other. The housing assembly also includes an inner casing at least partially enclosed within the plurality of cover members, and a link arrangement for linking the plurality of cover members with the inner casing.

Abstract: A computer cursor control which includes a base having two side ends, a bottom surface and a top surface is disclosed. The bottom surface of the base has a concave side-to-side cross section. This concave cross section is ergonomically shaped to conform to and engagingly rest upon the thigh of a user in a variety of sitting positions with the two side ends extending downward below the top of the thigh-engaging contour. The top surface carries a palmer dome upon which the user's hand rests in its most natural condition and the cursor control and other controls are positioned around and upon surfaces of the palmer dome in locations which enable the most used controls to be accessed by the most dexterous digits.

Abstract: A multi-way operation switch of the present invention includes an operation unit that is horizontally movable and rotatable; a plurality of first switch contacts for turning on and off the electrical coupling by horizontally moving the operation unit; and a second switch contact for turning on and off the electrical coupling by rotating the operation unit. This configuration allows the user to hold a single operation unit and operate multiple electronic apparatuses and setting modes by simply horizontally moving and rotating the operation unit. Accordingly, a smaller multi-way operation switch that is less prone to erroneous operation and which is easier to operate is achievable.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a tactile feedback system and method for a handheld electronic device having a trackball. As the user uses the trackball to move a navigation tool over the display, a tactile feedback is provided to the user as an indication of the objects over which the navigation tool has rolled over.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to the creation of an ink font. Based on characteristics of handwritten characters, the collection of characters may be scaled so as to adjust the size of the font to match predefined size values or relationships.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus disclosed facilitates the replacement of an input device. In the electronic apparatus equipped with the input device allowing various input operations, the input device including first signal generators is positioned by being placed in an opening of a housing from the outside. A cover can be detached from the housing and fixes the input device when installed in the opening of the housing. Second signal generators are provided inside the housing and function in combination with the respective first signal generators. Just mounting the cover to the housing fixes the input device. This facilitates the replacement of the input device, eliminating the need to open the housing and to remove a wiring board mounted with the second signal generators in replacement of the input device.

Abstract: A manipulandum includes a sensor and an actuator. The sensor is configured to output a position signal when the manipulandum is moved from the first position to the second position. Additionally, the actuator is configured to output haptic feedback having a position-based component and a predetermined time-based component.

Abstract: A mouse scroll wheel module includes a retention part, a holding part sitting on the retention part to swing from front to back and from left to right, a revolving part installed on the holding part, a mechanical revolving encoder to receive output of encoded electronic signals as the revolving part rotates, and a circuit board for controlling a middle switch and right and left switches, fixed between the retention part and the holding part. The holding part comprises a swing base and a holder that supports the swing base. With the support of the holding part, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and swing laterally, making the currently selected window on the screen to scroll in four directions: up, down, left or right.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a hierarchical method for generating force feedback effects. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first force contribution associated with a first (e.g., previous) position of a manipulandum; determining a second force contribution associated with a second (e.g., current) position of the manipulandum; and outputting a force signal to an actuator coupled to the manipulandum, such that the actuator renders a feedback force having a sum of the first and second force contributions. The method may further include classifying force effects according to a predetermined “hierarchy” (or “priority”) scheme, whereby the second force contribution is related to “high” priority force effects associated with the second position, and the first force contribution is related to “low” priority force effects associated with the first position.

Abstract: A latch structure disposed in a casing having a first opening and a second opening includes a pressing member, an elastic member, a hook member and a guiding member. The pressing member is disposed in the first opening. The elastic member has one side connected with the casing and the other side connected with the pressing member. The hook member pivoted with the pressing member has a hook portion and a protrusion. The guiding member has a multi-route circle groove, which has a first route, a second route, a third route, and a fourth route in turn. A step exists between two adjacent routes. The moved pressing member moves the protrusion along the first route, the second route, the third route and the fourth route such that the hook portion passes through the second opening to be exposed from the casing or be hidden inside the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a cursor (10) on an electronic viewing screen (102) connected to a computer (104) without using hands. The apparatus comprises a detecting unit (108), intended to be carried by a user (106). The detecting unit (108) is provided with at least one ultrasonic device (110), which emits ultrasonic signals mainly in a direction towards the user's (106) mouth cavity and registers reflected ultrasonic signals. The apparatus further comprises a processing unit (116) for transforming the reflected ultrasonic signals into control signals intended to control the cursor (100). Thereby, the control signals create movement or activation of the cursor on the viewing screen such that different conditions in the mouth cavity are associated with specific cursor commands.

Abstract: Method an arrangement for facilitating the use of a trackball on a wireless handheld communication device as a navigation tool and a selection tool of designated information presented on a display screen of the device. A wireless handheld communication device is provided that has at a front face thereof a display screen located above a keyboard suitable for accommodating textual input. A depressible trackball functions as a navigation tool for moving a cursor about on the display screen when rolled and as a selection tool when sufficiently depressed. Cursor movement is affected by digitally engaging the trackball and maintaining the trackball in a navigation zone depth within the device. Selection of designated information is affected by depressing the trackball a predefined amount. The wireless handheld communication device is configured so that no cursor movement is affected by rolling movement of the trackball when in the selection zone.

Abstract: Method and arrangement that provides a power-saving mode for a handheld electronic device. The power-saving mode is enabled through disabling a sensor that detects motion of a ball of the trackball navigation tool and disabling the display screen of the handheld electronic device. The power-saving mode may be exited before disablement of the sensor when the display screen is disabled first.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device useful for wireless communication has a keyboard including a plurality of externally accessible keys. The keys can be disabled (i.e. the keyboard can be locked) to prevent accidental actuation thereof by using the navigation tool which has a depressible rolling member. Thus, for example, depression of the rolling member twice in succession or pressing and holding the rolling member down temporarily enables the keyboard lock. The lock can be disabled simply by depressing the rolling member and at least one other key.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting sensitivity in the horizontal and/or vertical directions for the motion of a cursor on the display of a handheld electronic device having a full alphabetic keyboard. The sensitivity can be user defined, program defined or a combination of the two. The sensitivity adjustment allows for special properties associated with the device's display dimensions and navigation device.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting sensitivity in the horizontal and/or vertical directions for the motion of a cursor on the display of a wireless handheld electronic device. The sensitivity can be user defined, program defined or a combination of the two. The sensitivity adjustment allows for special properties associated with the device's display dimensions and navigation device.

Abstract: Method and arrangement that provides a power-saving mode for a handheld electronic device having a reduced alphabetic keyboard. The power-saving mode is enabled through disabling a sensor that detects motion of a ball of the trackball navigation tool and disabling the display screen of the handheld electronic device. The power-saving mode may be exited before disablement of the sensor when the display screen is disabled first.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device useful for wireless communication has a keyboard including a plurality of externally accessible keys. The keys can be disabled (i.e. the keyboard can be locked) to prevent accidental actuation thereof by using the navigation tool which has a depressible rolling member. Thus, for example, depression of the rolling member twice in succession or pressing and holding the rolling member down temporarily enables the keyboard lock. The lock can be disabled simply by depressing the rolling member and at least one other key.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting sensitivity in the horizontal and/or vertical directions for the motion of a cursor on the display of a handheld electronic device having a reduced keyboard. The sensitivity can be user defined, program defined or a combination of the two. The sensitivity adjustment allows for special properties associated with the device's display dimensions and navigation device.

Abstract: A stick lever unit is provided that is capable of eliminating uncomfortable feeling during manipulation of the stick, as well as, minimizing breaking of a wiring conductor of the variable resistor. The stick lever unit includes a fixing member, a first variable resistor attached to the fixing member, a first rotational member rotatably journalled to the fixing member for rotationally controlling the first variable resistor, a second variable resistor attached to the first rotational member, and a second rotational member having a stick lever and being rotationally journalled to the first rotational member to rotationally control the second variable resistor. The wiring conductors of the second variable resistor are derived out from the lead-out hole in the rotational shaft of the first rotational member, which is attached to the second variable resistor.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and method for a three-dimensional graphical user interface are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit that has a plurality of trackballs, in a space containing a certain plane and an-axis crossing the plane at a right angle, for navigation in a direction of the plane and the-axis, a detecting unit that detects a combination of the plurality of trackball movements and generates an input signal, a mapping table that defines the relationship between the input signal and the command for the navigation, and a graphics object control unit that performs the navigation corresponding to the input signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trackball and an in-vehicle device controller using the trackball. The trackball provides a stable operational feel and is easy to operate even in an environment in a vehicle where vibration and movement are present. The trackball includes a ball made of a non-magnetic material and having embedded therein bar members made of a magnetic material and arranged on three axes orthogonal to one another, a case enclosing the ball such that at least an upper portion of the ball is exposed, magnetic members fixed to the case on two axes penetrating through the center of the ball and orthogonal to each other so as to allow magnetic coupling to ends of the bar members, and another magnetic member fixed to the case on an axis penetrating through the center of the ball and orthogonal to the two axes so as to allow magnetic coupling to an end of one of the bar members.