POINTING DEVICE AND GRAPHIC DISPLAY SYSTEM

PURPOSE: To input rotational parameters as the device itself is rotated by providing a movement control means which detects the vertical rotational component and horizontal rotational component of a ball and determines the movement direction and movement quantity of a graphic image on a display means. CONSTITUTION: The mouse has a main body 1 and the ball 2 arranged on the reverse surface of the main body, rolls 3 and 5 for detecting the the (x)- and (y)-directional movement quantities of the mouse on a plane, i.e., the (x)- and (y)-directional vertical rotational components of the ball are brought into contact with the ball 2, and rotary encoders 4 and 6 connected to the rolls 3 and 5 outputs signals indicating the (x)- and (y)-directional movement quantities. Further, a roll 11 is made to abut against the ball 2 and the axis of rotation of the roll 1 is set almost at right angles to the axes of rotation of the rolls 3 and 5. The roll 11 rotates corresponding to the horizontal rotation of the ball and a rotary encoder 12 outputs a signal indicating the rotational quantity (angle of rotation) of the graphic image on the display means.