Operator input device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An operator input device is configured to provide position information based on relative movement of the operator input device and surface.
The operator input device includes a pattern detector which is configured to detect a pattern on the surface and provide a pattern image signal corresponding to the pattern detected.
The surface has no predefined pattern thereon.
A controller is coupled to the pattern detector and is configured to receive the image signal and provide the position information based on a position of the pattern relative to the pattern detector.
In one preferred embodiment, the controller is coupled to the pattern detector and is configured to receive a primary image signal at an initial time and receive a secondary image a variable time later.
The controller computes and provides the position information based on a determination of the motion changes observed from the primary image to the secondary image.