Input device with forward/backward control

Abstract

A mouse is provided with a movement sensor in a casing. The mouse includes three depressible top surfaces and two thumb button actuators.

1 . A mouse for a computer system comprising: 
 a movement sensor, capable of detecting movement of the mouse across a surface and of generating a signal based on the detected movement;    a casing, at least partially containing the movement sensor and providing a palm contact area;    three depressible top surfaces located along a top portion of the casing; and    at least two active thumb button actuators, at least partially contained by the casing and exposed along a side of the casing, each thumb button actuator capable of generating an electrical signal that exclusively indicates whether the actuator is being pressed.    
   
   
       2 . The mouse of  claim 1  wherein the two active thumb button actuators are at least partially aligned vertically in the mouse.  
   
   
       3 . The mouse of  claim 2  wherein the two active thumb button actuators are at least partially aligned horizontally in the mouse.  
   
   
       4 . The mouse of  claim 1  wherein the three depressible top surfaces comprise a primary button.  
   
   
       5 . The mouse of  claim 4  wherein the three depressible top surfaces further comprise a secondary button.  
   
   
       6 . The mouse of  claim 5  wherein the three depressible top surfaces further comprise a wheel capable of being rotated.  
   
   
       7 . The mouse of  claim 6  wherein the wheel is depressible and is capable of actuating a switch when depressed.  
   
   
       8 . The mouse of  claim 1  wherein the at least two thumb button actuators are positioned on a same side of the mouse.