WO2001001335A1 - Cursor control device with enhanced y-axis movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The described invention constitutes a device (1) for positioning and control of PC cursors and other objects, where the device has a surface structure (3) forming a first barrier (2) that fingers may be pushed against when stretched, resulting in a forward movement of the device in a direction away from the operator; the device furthermore having a second barrier that fingers are pushed against when curled or bent inwards, resulting in a backward movement of the device in a direction towards the operator.

Description

Cursor control device with enhanced Y-axis movement

The invention represents a device used for positioning and control of cursors and other objects on a computer screen, incorporating a surface structure that facilitates movements of the device along the Y-axis.

The most popular devices used for control of cursors and other graphic symbols and objects on the computer screen are mice, track-balls, joysticks and touch pads. Different varieties of the mouse are described in U.S. Pat. 3,541,541; U.S. Pat. 3,892,963; U.S. Pat. 3,541,521 and U.S. Pat.

4,464,652. The track-ball may be compared with an inverted mouse, utilising a similar signal generating system (U.S. Pat. 5,122,654; U.S. Pat. 5,008,528).

Many attempts have been made to change the shape of the mouse in order to improve its ergonomic properties. Examples are indentations on the sides and patches of rubber-like material on the surface. Such modifications provide a better grip and facilitate horizontal movements.

Another example is the so-called "vertical mouse" (Animax International ASA) , where the mouse incorporates a vertical (or slightly inclined) shaft on its back. Although this configuration may put the hand in an ergonomically advantageous position during operation, the mouse has two serious drawbacks. The steering mode implies that the fingers of the operator are not in contact with the working surface during operation, reducing the possibility of exact positioning. Furthermore, forward and backward movements (Y- axis movements) involve arm and shoulder to a greater extent than traditional mouse operations and may create stress injuries . Other systems employ index finger control or incorporate control sticks that are seized by fingers or hand, as e.g. described in U.S. Pat. 4,736,191; U.S. Pat. 4,680,577; PCT/US89/05662; EP A3 0,295,368; EP Al 0,640,937; U.S. Pat. 4,719,455; PCT/JP89/01148 ; PCT/CA90/00022 ; U.S. Pat. 4,935,728; EP A3 0,556,936.

This inventor has developed control devices that are described in PCT/NO96/00077 , PCT/NO98/00233 , PCT/N098/242 , PCT/NO98/00267 and PCT/NO99/00054. The devices' control module constitutes a finger- or handgrip (control stick) that is vertically mounted on a plate (guide plate) that can be moved within a delimited area of the horizontal plane. The control stick is usually seized between thumb and index finger and operated according to writing or drawing motion. This steering mode puts some restrictions on the motility of the control module, particularly along the Y-axis.

This inventor has surprisingly discovered that weaknesses related to Y-axis movements of the classical mouse, the vertical mouse and devices based on the stick-and-plate concept may be eliminated if the devices are designed in a way that exploit movements of the finger tips when fingers are curled and stretched during the steering operation. This fingertip movement can be exploited if the mouse or control module is equipped with a barrier or ridge at the front end ("push barrier"), which outer finger segments or fingertips are pushed against when fingers are stretched. Thus, muscles on the upper side of the hand are used to push the device forward. In addition, a second barrier or ridge behind the fingertips ("pull barrier") allows the mouse or control module to be pulled backwards when fingers are curled, utilising muscles on the palm side of the hand. When operated, forward and backward movements of the device cause limited muscular strain, particularly because such movements do not necessitate a firm grip of the device. The described steering operation involves different muscle groups in an alternating manner, thus preventing RSI (repetitive stress injury) .

According to the invention, a control device is described that is equipped with surface structures that constitute barriers in front of, and behind the finger tips. Such barriers may take the shape of a "well" or indentation at the top surface (front end) of the classical mouse, and by a ridge or vertical bar in front of the steering shaft of the "vertical mouse" . These barriers facilitate forward and backward movements of the device due to such movements being executed by stretching and curling the fingers during operation.

Preferred embodiments will now be described by means of examples with reference to accompanying figures, where:

Fig. 1 illustrates a control device shaped as a mouse, with a front "well" providing push and pull barriers according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows the device illustrated in Fig. 1, as seen from a different angle.

Fig. 3 illustrates a finger grip used in connection with stick-and-plate based devices, with a "well" providing push and pull barriers according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows the finger grip illustrated in Fig. 3, as seen from a different angle.

Fig. 5 shows the finger grip illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 incorporated in a control device with hand support . Fig. 6 illustrates a vertical mouse with a push barrier (bar) according to the invention.

Fig. 7 shows the device illustrated in Fig. 6, as seen from behind.

Fig. 8 illustrates a control device shaped as a mouse with a "well" representing push and pull barriers according to the invention, equipped with a scrolling wheel and extra mouse buttons .

Fig. 9 shows the device illustrated in Fig. 8, as seen from a different angle.

Fig. 10 illustrates a device similar to the mouse shown in Fig. 8, with a horizontal scrolling wheel on its left side.

Fig. 11 shows a vertical mouse, with a push barrier in front.

A more detailed description of the different parts of the devices and their function are provided below:

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a control device 1 shaped as a mouse that is equipped with a well 3 and a narrow plateau 2 in front. The tips of two fingers may be located in the well, or alternatively, rest on the plateau 2. The mouse is equipped with an indentation 4 on the left side, providing a good grip and simultaneously forming a plateau, which the thumb may rest against. The device has a bi-functional mouse button 5 on the top ridge and a button 6 constituting part of the plateau on the left side. The size of the mouse may vary, with a length between 80 and 120 mm and a width between 60 and 80 mm. The dimension of the well is typically 40 - 50 mm x 15 - 20 mm, with a depth (at its deepest) of 20 to 30 mm. The long axis of the well typically forms an angle of between -30° and -60° with the X-axis. The mouse may be equipped with a classical mouse sensor (ball and rollers) or with more modern opto-electronic sensors. During operations, the thumb is placed in the indentation 4 on the left side of the mouse, the index finger along the push-button 5 on the top ridge, the third and fourth fingers in the well 3 and the fifth finger along the right side, in touch with the working surface. This provides an exceptionally good grip, allowing the mouse to be moved extensively in the horizontal plane without any muscular effort. This particular mouse shape permits the user to employ several different steering modes, avoiding RSI .

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a finger-grip 7 that may be used as control module in association with stick-and plate based devices . The finger-grip is equipped with well 9 and a plateau 8 in front, constituting push and pull barriers that fingertips are stemming against when fingers are stretched and curled. The third finger will typically be located in the well 9 during steering operations, while the second (index) finger will rest against the mouse button 10 on the top surface. The button 10 may be mono- or bi-functional. Attachment of the finger grip to the guide plate is indicated by a short shaft 11, which also provides connection to the sensor system. The finger grip will typically have a diameter of 30-50 mm and a height of 20-40 mm. The dimension of the well 9 is typically 20-30 mm x 15-20 mm, with a depth (at its deepest) of between 10 and 20 mm. The long axis of the well will typically form an angle of between -30° and -60° with the X-axis.

In Fig. 5, the finger grip 7 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is incorporated in a control device equipped with hand support 17.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show an ergonomically improved version of the vertical mouse. The steering shaft 12 has an inclined plateau 14 with a bi-functional button 15 that is operated by the thumb. The bar 13 represents the push barrier. The steering shaft 12 and bar 13 are mounted on a base plate 16, incorporating weighing elements to improve stability. Contrary to the original vertical mouse, the base plate is not extended beyond the right side base of the shaft 12, allowing the ridge of the hand to be in contact with the working surface during operation. The device may be equipped with a classical mouse sensor (ball and rollers) or with newer, opto-electronic sensors. When in use, three or four fingers are seizing the steering shaft 12, with fingertips located between the shaft 12 and bar 13. The thumb rests on the plateau 14. The device is moved forwards and backwards along the Y-axis by stretching and curling the fingers. The shaft 12 will typically have a height of 100-140 mm, a diameter of 30-50 mm and form an angle of between 60° and 90° with the X-Y plane. The bar 13 will typically have a diameter of 5-20 mm, mounted at a distance of between 10 and 30 mm to the shaft 12. The base plate has typically a diameter of between 50 and 100 mm and a height of 5-15 mm.

The mouse illustrated in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is constructed according to the same basic principle as the mouse in Figs. 1 and 2, with the exception that this mouse is equipped with several optional mouse buttons and scrolling wheel (s). One vertical scrolling wheel 21 is located in the front part of the bi-functional mouse button 20, one mono- or bi-functional button 24 is located in the indentation on the left side, a horizontal button 23 constitutes part of the plateau 22 on the left side, while two mono- or bi-functional mouse buttons 25, 26 are located in the well 19.

The mouse illustrated in Fig. 10 has a horizontal scrolling wheel 33 instead of the mouse button employed in Fig. 8. This scrolling wheel may be used, e.g. in connection with 3D applications or dedicated for Internet use. Otherwise, this mouse is identical to the mouse illustrated in Fig. 8, being equipped with a well 28, a bi-functional mouse button 29, a vertical scrolling wheel 30 and an indentation 31 on the left side, incorporating a button 32 as part of the plateau.

The vertical mouse illustrated in Fig. 11 has a front ridge 36 substituting the vertical bar 13 used in Fig. 6, facilitating positioning of the hand around the shaft 34 during operation. The front ridge is sufficiently high to be used as push barrier for two or three fingers. In addition to device members already described, the mouse is equipped with a base plate 35, a handgrip 34 and a plateau 37 with a bi- functional button 38.

All devices described above are intended for right-handed users. It will be obvious that the shape has to be changed (i.e. mirror reflected) for left-handed users.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device for positioning and control of PC cursors and other objects where the device is operated by gripping it with hand or fingers; where the device incorporates a sensor system that detects movements or position of the device and generates signals that may be used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other characteristics of said PC cursors or objects; characterised in that the device is equipped with a barrier in the front part (distant to the operator) that fingers may be pushed against when stretched, resulting in a forward movement of the device in a direction away from the operator.

2. Device for positioning and control of PC cursors and other objects where the device is operated by gripping it with hand or fingers; where the device incorporates a sensor system that detects movements or position of the device and generates signals that may be used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other characteristics of said PC cursor or object; characterised in that the device is equipped with a first barrier in the front part (distant to the operator) that fingers may be pushed against when stretched, resulting in a forward movement of the device in a direction away from the operator; the device furthermore being equipped with a second barrier that fingers are pushed against when curled or bent inwards, resulting in the device being pulled backwards in a direction towards the operator.

3. Device according to claims 1-2; characterised in that the device has a shape of a computer mouse and where barriers constitute parts of a well or indentation located on the upper surface of the mouse.

4. Device according to claim 3; characterised in that the well has a width of between 20 and 60 mm and a depth of between 5 mm and 40 mm.

5. Device according to claims 3-4; characterised in that the long axis of the well forms an angle of between 0° and -60° with the X-axis .

6. Device according to claim 1; characterised in that the device has a shape of a "vertical mouse" with a steering shaft on its back and that the barrier represents a ridge or bar in front of the steering shaft.

7. Device according to claim 6; characterised in that the ridge or bar is located at a distance of 10 to 40 mm from the steering shaft.

8. Device for positioning and control of PC cursors and other objects where the device is operated by hand or fingers; where the device incorporates a control module that is attached to a sensor system that detects movements or position of the control module and generates signals that may be used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other characteristics of said PC cursor or object; characterised in that the control module is equipped with a barrier in the front part (distant to the operator) that fingers may be pushed against when stretched, resulting in a forward movement of the control module in a direction away from the operator.

9. Device for positioning and control of PC cursors and other objects where the device is operated by hand or fingers; where the device incorporates a control module that is attached to a sensor system that detects movements or position of the control module and generates signals that may -lo¬

be used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other characteristics of said PC cursor or object; characterised in that the control module is equipped with a first barrier in the front part (distant to the operator) that fingers may be pushed against when stretched, resulting in a forward movement of the control module in a direction away from the operator; the control module furthermore being equipped with a second barrier that fingers are pushed against when curled or bent inwards, resulting in the control module being pulled backwards in a direction towards the operator.

10. Device according to claims 8-9; characterised in that the barriers constitute parts of a well or indentation located on the upper surface of the control module.