A computer input device includes a magnetized fluid and an inertial body
within the magnetized fluid. A signal converter provides angular
acceleration information based on behavior of the inertial body. The
computer input device can be attached to a Virtual Reality Suit, or can
be used to control computer-generated graphical objects. The inertial
body can be non-magnetic. The body can be solid or hollow. Electromagnets
and/or permanent magnets can be used for magnetizing the fluid. Magnetic
coils sense the changes in the magnetic flux lines. Signals from the
magnetic coils are used by the signal converter to calculate the angular
acceleration. A housing encloses the magnetized fluid and the inertial
body.