An apparatus is disclosed for supplying input signals to a computer. A sensor
having the form of a sphere has a touch sensitive surface for generating position
data for touch events. The sensor includes orientation sensors that determine rotation
with respect to the earth's magnetic and gravitational fields. Orientation data
may be combined with position data to interpret the orientation of touch events
on the surface with respect to the computer's display. Cursor movement or text
may be generated from touch events. Preferably the sphere has a roughened surface
that generates sound when touched. Position data is generated by processing signals
from microphones under the sphere's surface.
