Microsoft Corporation
WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED INPUT DEVICE

Abstract:

Embodiments of present disclosure relates to a wheel assembly that can be used with mouse or other input device. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, a magnet for generating a magnetic field, and at least three magnetic sensors for sensing an absolute angular position of the wheel. The magnet coupled to the wheel and operable to rotate with a rotation of the wheel. The at least three magnetic sensors are arranged within a plane that is located in a predetermined distance from the magnet and substantially parallel to a main direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. Compared to the conventional sensors that measure the relative position of the wheel, such multiple magnetic sensors based wheel assembly enables a direct absolute angular position measurement.