WO2004001577A2

WO2004001577A2 - Input device for a computer

Info

Publication number: WO2004001577A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/002298
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ratko Grab
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2002-06-21
Filing date: 2003-05-26
Publication date: 2003-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 2004-12-21
Also published as: WO2004001577A3; AU2003240184A1; AU2003240184A8

Abstract

An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) provided in a housing (5) for inputting input information (EI) is equipped with input means (9), which can be manually shifted essentially along a housing surface (O), at least in two directions (X, Y) running transversely to each other, in order to input the input information (EI).

Description

Input device for a computer

The invention relates to an input device for inputting input information, with a housing equipped with an opening in one surface of the housing, and with input means, which are provided in the opening of the housing surface and which can be moved manually by a user for inputting the input information, and with detection means for detecting the movement of the input means and for delivering the input information.

An input device of this kind is known from document EP 0 633 520, and is formed by a hand-held dictation microphone with input means. The dictation microphone can be connected to a computer and is designed for inputting input information in order to control a cursor shown on a monitor of the computer. The input means are formed by a track ball, which is provided in an opening of the housing of the dictation microphone.

In the housing of the dictation microphone are provided two wheels, which are arranged perpendicular to each other and pressed onto the track ball, wherein their rotation is detected by detection means of the dictation microphone. The detection means deliver the established input information, which corresponds to the movement of the track ball by the user, to the computer, which activates the monitor accordingly for positioning of the cursor. With the known input means, the disadvantage has arisen that the user has to place the track ball into a rotary motion, as a result of which a precise inputting of the input information is impeded. The additional disadvantage has arisen that, if he wishes to move the cursor shown on the computer screen over a lengthy distance - transversely across the screen, for instance - the user must several times lift his thumb from the track ball, reach back and replace it on the track ball, as a result of which the inputting of the input information is significantly impeded. It is an object of the invention to create an input device in accordance with the generic type mentioned in the first paragraph, in which the disadvantages mentioned above are avoided. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in an input device of this kind the input means can be manually shifted essentially along the housing surface, at least in two directions running transversely to each other.

By virtue of the features in accordance with the invention, it is achieved that a user can achieve an input information - e.g. for controlling the movement of a cursor shown on the monitor of a computer - by manually shifting the input means along at least two directions running transversely to each other. This gives rise to the advantage that the user can shift the input means in a linear, uniform movement, and an extremely user-friendly, precise inputting of the input information is thereby enabled. It may be mentioned that linear shift potentiometers that can be moved along one direction to set a resistance value are known. However, it is not possible to input an item of input information for controlling a cursor at an arbitrary point of the image shown on the monitor with a shift potentiometer of this kind. Even by combining two shift potentiometers arranged transversely to each other, the advantages in accordance with the invention would not be obtained, and a constant reaching from one shift potentiometer to the other would be necessary.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 2, the advantage is obtained that the provision of an optical sensor in the detection means enables an especially precise detection of the movement of the input means. In addition, the advantage is obtained that, owing to the contactless detection, no wear on the detection means occurs and the input means can be shifted in an essentially friction-free manner.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 3, a cost-effective, easily realized version of the detection means is obtained.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 4, the advantage is obtained that the user can move the input device freely in a specific area, and thereby a user-friendly input facility is obtained.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 5, the advantage is obtained that the inputting of input information is possible in an especially user-friendly manner.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 6, the advantage is obtained that the user can move the input means well without the risk of his finger slipping from the input means. In addition, pressure points on the fingertip and consequently tiredness of the finger when working for a lengthy period are prevented. In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 7, the advantage is obtained that the input means can also be shifted obliquely, and thereby every point to be activated can be reached especially easily.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 8, the advantage is obtained that the input device is not part of the data-processing device, but can be attached to this and detached from it.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 9, the advantage is obtained that, during the inputting of the input information, the user can essentially move freely, and the input information is transmitted to the data-processing device using the Bluetooth Standard, for example.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 10, the advantage is obtained the cursor control can be set very sensitively in a local area, and thereby the cursor can be positioned very easily and precisely to a position on the monitor. If the position on the monitor at which the cursor is to be positioned lies outside the local area of the current cursor position, the local area can be shifted by the user, for which purpose the input means are shifted in the required direction until the end-position detector is actuated.

In accordance with the measures claimed in claim 11, the advantage is obtained that, by loading the input means once or multiple times, the user can make a selection. This selection would correspond to the operation of a left-hand or right-hand mouse button of a computer mouse.

The invention will be further described with reference to examples of embodiments shown in the drawings, to which, however, the invention is not restricted. Fig. 1 shows an input device, a computer and a monitor, wherein the input device is designed to control a cursor shown on a monitor.

Fig. 2 shows a section through the housing of the input device, wherein a shift element is shown in detail.

Fig. 3 shows the shift element and the monitor, and the relationship between the movement of the shift element and the movement of the cursor shown on the monitor inside the local area.

Fig. 4 shows the shift element and the monitor, and the relationship between the movement of the shift element and the movement of the cursor shown on the monitor outside the local area. Fig. 1 shows in a schematic manner a dictation microphone 1, which is equipped with an input device for inputting an item of input information EL Dictation microphone 1 is connected to a computer 3 via a cable 2. Computer 3 is connected to a monitor 4 and display information Al can be delivered from computer 3 to monitor 4. On monitor 4 can be shown inter alia a cursor C, the position of which can be altered by the user by inputting the input information El with dictation microphone 1.

Dictation microphone 1 is equipped with a housing 5, the housing surface O of which is equipped with a first opening 6, second openings 7 and a third opening 8. Arranged in housing 5, behind first opening 6, is a microphone, from which an item of speech information SI can be delivered to computer 3 via cable 2. Arranged in housing 5, behind second openings 7 is a loudspeaker to which an item of loudspeaker information LI can be fed from computer 3. With the recording mode activated, a user of dictation microphone 1 can speak dictations into dictation microphone 1 , the speech information SI of which dictations is recorded with computer 3 in a known manner. With the replay mode activated, dictations that are already recorded may be replayed by computer 3 and acoustically replayed for the user with the loudspeaker of dictation microphone 1. Keys necessary for the activation and deactivation of the recording mode and replay mode may also be provided in dictation microphone 1 but are not shown in Fig. 1.

The third opening 8 has a length L and a width W, and in third opening 8 are provided input means which are formed by a shift element 9. In order to input input information El, shift element 9 can be manually shifted by the user essentially along housing surface O, at least along two directions X and Y, running transversely to each other. If the user shifts shift element 9 along direction X, for example, a corresponding item of input information El is delivered to computer 3, which alters display information Al to the effect that the position at which cursor C is shown is shifted along direction X.

In order to make it easier for the user to shift shift element 9, shift element 9 is equipped with an elevation 10, the surface 11 of which is matched to the fingertip of a person. This gives rise to the advantage that the user can readily move shift element 9 without the risk of his finger slipping from shift element 9. In addition, pressure points on the fingertip and consequently tiredness of the finger when working for a lengthy period are prevented. Fig. 2 shows a section A-A through housing 5 of dictation microphone 1. Detection means for detecting the movement of shift element 9 are formed by a light source 12, a surface 13 of shift element 9 that partially reflects the light L delivered by light source 12, and a light sensor 14. On surface 13, thin lines of a reflective material are applied along direction X and along direction Y, forming a rectangular pattern.

If shift element 9 is moved along directions X and Y, light and dark areas move over light sensor 14. An evaluation electronics system not shown in the Figures, to which an item of sensor information delivered by light sensor 14 is fed evaluates the sensor information and delivers input information EL Light sensors 14 of this kind and the associated evaluation electronics have been known for a long time and are therefore not described in greater detail.

Detection means for detecting the movement of shift element 9 could also be realized by mechanically operating means. For example, a first wheel could be pressed onto the underside of shift element 9, which first wheel detects the movement of shift element 9 along direction X. A second wheel could detect the movement of shift element 9 along direction Y. Similarly, mechanically operating means of this kind could by formed by a track ball pressed onto the underside of shift element 9. By virtue of the provision of optically operating means as detection means, the advantage is obtained that an especially precise detection of the movement of shift element 9 is possible with the detection means. In addition, the advantage exists that, owing to the contactless detection, no wear to the detection means occurs and shift element 9 can be shifted in an essentially friction-free manner.

Shift element 9 is held by housing extensions V, and can be shifted in any direction parallel with housing surface O. Dictation microphone 1 contains four end-position detectors, which are formed by switches T. If shift element 9 is shifted from its central position by a distance A in one of directions X or Y, the corresponding switch T is actuated, and delivers an item of switch information as input infonnation El to computer 3. Through the provision of switch T, the user is enabled to move cursor C out of the local area, which is explained in greater detail by reference to Figs. 3 and 4 and the following embodiment example of dictation microphone 1.

For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 3 and 4 show only shift element 9 with the surface 11 as the receptacle for the finger in the third opening 8, and monitor 4 with cursor C. In accordance with the embodiment example, it is assumed that cursor C is to be moved from its current position PI into position P2, as shown in Fig. 3. It is further assumed that shift element 9 is located in its central position. With his finger, the user now moves shift element 9 in direction Rl, whereupon cursor C moves synchronously with this into position P2. Cursor C has hereby been shifted within the current local area Nl .

It is now assumed that cursor C is to be shifted from its current position P2 into a position P3, as shown in Fig. 4. Position P3 is located outside the current local area Nl . The user now shifts shift element 9 along direction X by a distance SI, which corresponds to distance S2 on monitor 4. Simultaneously, or previously or subsequently, the user also shifts shift element 9 along direction Y by a distance S3 and, as a result, actuates one of the two switches T assigned to direction Y. For as long as the user actuates switch T by shifting shift element 9 against the pressure of switch T, the local area will be shifted. At an instant at which the local area is positioned in local area position N2 and cursor C is positioned in position P3, the user yields to the pressure of switch T, whereupon both local area N2 and cursor C maintain their current positions. Shift element 9 has thereby been shifted along direction Y by a distance S3, and cursor C has been shifted along direction Y by a distance S4, as a result of which different directions R2 and R3 arise.

In the manner described above, the local area that is not visible to the user on monitor 4 may be shifted as desired, and cursor C may be positioned to any position on monitor 4 with shift element 9. The provision of the local area gives rise to the advantage that the user can alter the position of the cursor very sensitively and precisely within the local area. The provision of the shiftable local area means that any position on the monitor can be reached. An especially user-friendly, simple input facility for the precise positioning of a cursor C is thereby obtained with shift element 9.

Dictation microphone 1 is further equipped with selection detectors formed by four switches G. The housing extensions V are dimensioned in terms of their thickness in such a way that they have elastic properties. When the user presses on shift element 9, one or all of the four switches G is actuated, and selection information is transmitted to computer 3 as input information EL In this manner, the user can make a selection as would correspond to the actuation of the left-hand or right-hand mouse button of a computer mouse. This gives rise to the advantage that the user can alter the position of cursor C and make a selection without removing his finger from shift element 9, which is especially user-friendly.

It may be mentioned that, where appropriate, just one switch G may be used as the selection detector.

It may be mentioned that a further switch, which can be actuated with a different finger of the user, may be arranged on the underside of housing 5 in order that further selection information may be input. If the selection information of switch G were assigned to the function of the left-hand mouse button, the selection information that can be input with the switch arranged on the underside of the housing could be assigned to the right- hand mouse button. It may be mentioned that the input device could be provided in any appliances from the fields of consumer electronics or computers in order that input information El can be input. For example, the input device could be provided in a computer keyboard rather than the cursor keys of a normal computer keyboard. Likewise, the input device could be provided in a remote control for a DVD recorder or television set. It is, however, especially advantageous if the input device is provided in a housing that can be held in the hand of a user, since the user can move freely in a particular area as a result. It is further especially advantageous also to provide, in a housing of the input device that can be hand-held, communication means with which input information El can be transmitted in a contactless manner to the computer or to another appliance controlled with the input device. As a result, the user of the input device can move virtually completely freely. The input information El could hereby be transmitted with the communication means in accordance with the Bluetooth Standard or with other contactless communication standards.

It may be mentioned that it is not just the position of a cursor C that can be controlled with the input information El that can be delivered by the input device in accordance with the invention. In the same way, menu items could be selected, or a letter provided for inputting could be selected from a field with letters shown on a monitor. A multiplicity of other selection possibilities that could be input with input information El suggest themselves to a person skilled in the art. It may be mentioned that the opening in the housing surface in which the input means are provided, and along which housing surface the input means can be shifted does not have to take the form shown in the Figures. The opening could equally be square, oval or circular. Likewise, the housing surface could be slightly or even severely curved. Likewise, the most varied designs of the input means are conceivable, which input means could also be equipped with, for instance, receptacles for several fingers or without a receptacle for a finger.

It may be mentioned that directions running transversely in relation to each other do not have to run at right angles to one another, but could enclose an angle of, for example, 70 degrees. It may be mentioned that the input means could also be formed by two carrier elements arranged transversely in relation to each other. The receptacle for the user's finger could be shiftable along a first direction on the first carrier element, and the first carrier element could be shiftable along a second direction on the second carrier element, wherein the second direction runs transversely in relation to the first direction. An item of input information could also be input with input means of this kind.

It may be mentioned that the evaluation of the sensor information of the light sensor and the evaluation of the keyboard information of switches T for shifting the local area can be undertaken in the input device itself or even in the appliance that is controlled with the aid of the input device.

It may be mentioned that no reflective lines need be applied to the surface 13. Likewise, the plastic from which shift element 9 has been produced could contain particles that exhibit different optical properties. Likewise, surface 13 could exhibit small elevations and small depressions which, when light L falls on them, give rise to lighter and darker areas on light sensor 14. A movement of shift element 9 thereby gives rise to a movement of the lighter and darker areas on the light sensor which can then be detected by the light sensor.

It may be mentioned that the opening in the housing surface in which the input means are provided may also be formed by a depression in the essentially closed housing of the input device. Likewise, the input means could be arranged on the housing surface equipped with no opening, and carried by means of the housing extensions V arranged on the housing surface.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) for inputting input information (El), with a housing (5) equipped with an opening (8) in one surface (O) of the housing, and with input means (9), which are provided in the opening (8) of the housing surface (O) and which can be moved manually by a user for inputting the input information (El), and with detection means (12, 13, 14, G, T) for detecting the movement of the input means (9) and for delivering the input information (El), characterized in that the input means (9) can be manually shifted essentially along the housing surface (O), at least in two directions (X, Y) running transversely to each other.

2. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the detection means (12, 13, 14, G, T) are equipped with an optical sensor (14).

3. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the detection means (12, 13, 14, G, T) are equipped with a light source (12) for delivering light (L) and a partially reflecting side (13) of the input means (9) facing the interior of the housing, and a light sensor (14).

4. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) can be held in the hand of the user.

5. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, characterized in that the input means (9) can be moved with one finger of the user.

6. An input device (9, 12,13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the input means (9) are equipped with a receptacle (11) matched to a fingertip.

7. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the input means (9) can be shifted in any direction, essentially along the housing surface (0).

8. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) can be connected to a data-processing device (3), and that the input information (El) can be input to control the data-processing device (3).

9. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) is equipped with communication means, with which the input information (El) can be communicated to a data-processing device (3) in a contactless manner.

10. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the detection means (12, 13, 14, G, T) are equipped with end-position detectors (T), which are designed to deliver, in the event that a further shifting of input means (9) in one of directions (X, Y) within opening (8) of housing (5) is no longer possible, an item of input information (El) corresponding to this direction (X, Y).

11. An input device (9, 12, 13, 14, G, T) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the detection means (12, 13, 14, G, T) are equipped with selection detectors (G), which are designed to detect a loading of input means (9) essentially transversely in relation to the housing surface (O).