WO2001082049A1 - Fingertip controlled computer mouse - Google Patents

Fingertip controlled computer mouse Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001082049A1
WO2001082049A1 PCT/NO2001/000172 NO0100172W WO0182049A1 WO 2001082049 A1 WO2001082049 A1 WO 2001082049A1 NO 0100172 W NO0100172 W NO 0100172W WO 0182049 A1 WO0182049 A1 WO 0182049A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fingers
mouse
computer mouse
washers
controlled computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2001/000172
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sverre Egil Larsen
Original Assignee
Sverre Egil Larsen
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sverre Egil Larsen filed Critical Sverre Egil Larsen
Priority to AU2001252778A priority Critical patent/AU2001252778A1/en
Priority to EP01926246A priority patent/EP1299793A1/en
Publication of WO2001082049A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001082049A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03548—Sliders, in which the moving part moves in a plane
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
    • G06F2203/0335—Finger operated miniaturized mouse

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a fingertip controlled computer mouse, for use in communication with and controlling a computer or other technical device that are controllable by means of electro magnetic signals.
  • mice pointer or mouse Today, we use a device called a mouse pointer or mouse in order to point out wanted symbols and points on a computer screen.
  • This mouse consists of a plastic object that a user, by using the hand, can displace in all horizontal directions on a table or other surface .
  • the mouse has a rounded shape adjusted to a human hand, and contains a ball that partly protrudes through a hole at the bottom side of the mouse.
  • On the top side of the mouse there are one or more switches that can be activated by the fingers.
  • the mouse When the mouse is moved parallel with the surface, the ball rotates. The movement of the ball is transferred by electronic signals to the computer and an arrow or another marker is moving on the screen, synchronous with the movements of the mouse.
  • This type of mouse has its weaknesses. In order to use the mouse, one is dependent of a surface plate that must be approximately horizontal and that uses relatively large part of the work area. This type of mouse causes also the so-called RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) , which is caused by both arm and fingers being held constantly in more or less the same position, in some sort of stand-by position. This often causes muscle tension leading to pain and discomfort.
  • RSI Repetitive Strain Injuries
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer mouse that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages by leading to less muscle tension in the user, and which does not demand much work space on a desk.
  • the invention is a fingertip controlled computer mouse that consists of two washers that are held between the thumb and the index finger.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the inventive computer mouse in use .
  • Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention with push switches .
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention.
  • a fingertip-controlled mouse consists of two or more small washers of plastic and/or metal, which is kept between the fingers and provides electro magnetic signals to a computer, or another controlling unit, for vehicles, industrial processes etc. via cable or wireless.
  • the fingertip controlled computer mouse can i.e. consist of two plane plastic washers that have electro magnetic signal giving elements embedded or mounted.
  • the washers are single-levelled towards each other, and are kept in place between the thumb and index finger/middle finger on the same hand, as shown in fig. 1.
  • the washers can have different designs like plane, arched, bulbous, etc. depending on what is considered the most appropriate .
  • Embedded or mounted on the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention are pressure sensitive areas or small electronic switches, which are activated by slight pressure from the fingers and gives electric signals for selection from menus on the computer screen, etc.
  • This is shown in fig.2.
  • the figure shows a possible design of the invention, where the washers 1,2 are of different sizes. On the smallest washer, 1, two push switches are assembled.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention.
  • the washers 1,2 of different sizes.
  • the washers 1,2 are embedded in a rubber capsule 4.
  • This capsule 4 must be so elastic that the washers 1,2 can be displaced in relation to each other between the thumb and the index finger.
  • the capsule 4 can be dust- /watertight and have a resilient effect, so that the wash- ers 1,2 returns to the starting position when the fingers are not exercising any pressure on them.
  • One of the washers 1 can be slightly smaller than the other 2 so that only the capsule's upper side must be elastic/resilient.
  • Push switches for ""clicking 11 the mouse can be mounted on one or both washers in such a way that the fingertips can feel them and actuate them through the rubber capsule .
  • the washers can have a lubricant or be fully or partly im- merged in a liquid 5 in the sealed capsule 4, so that they move freely and evenly.
  • the liquid 5 in the sealed, elas- tic rubber capsule 4 can also affect push switchers or pressure sensitive areas by increasing the hydraulic pressure when urging the capsule together with the fingers .
  • the fingertip-controlled mouse is applicable for many different controlling functions. For instance, steering ships, machinery, vehicles and industrial processes. By moving the washers in a set x-direction, one can e.g. accelerate the velocity of a vehicle or a process while reaching brake capacity by moving the washers reverse 180 degrees. In addition to velocity/brake control in the x-direction, a controlling function can be obtained by moving the same washers in the y-direction. Where, by safety reasons, or other reasons double signalling is wanted, one can e.g. serve a mouse in each hand. One can e.g.
  • a fingertip controlled computer mouse can be employed just about everywhere where coordinated, synchronous signal and on/off signals are needed. The handicapped with able fingers will with to the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention get a new appliance for use with computers, steering of motorized wheel chairs and many other appliances.
  • the washers can also be mounted into one unit within an elastic frame of rubber or a spring system instead of a sealed capsule (not shown) .

Abstract

Fingertip controlled computer mouse consisting of two or more washers made of e.g. plastic, with embedded electromagnetic elements that are held between two or more fingers and transmit signals via cable or wireless to a computer or another receiver, synchronous with how the washers are displaced in relation to each other by use of the fingers. This fingertip controlled computer mouse has additionally one or more electric switches or pressure sensitive areas that release electronic signals by slightly pressuring the fingers. By the fact that this mouse can be held between two or three fingers, one is not dependent on any surface, as tables, etc., and the mouse can be used independent of the position of the hand and arm. By holding the mouse between the thumb and the index finger, it can be utilized simultaneously with the other fingers of the hand when attending a keyboard.

Description

Fingertip controlled computer mouse
This invention relates to a fingertip controlled computer mouse, for use in communication with and controlling a computer or other technical device that are controllable by means of electro magnetic signals.
Today, we use a device called a mouse pointer or mouse in order to point out wanted symbols and points on a computer screen. This mouse consists of a plastic object that a user, by using the hand, can displace in all horizontal directions on a table or other surface . The mouse has a rounded shape adjusted to a human hand, and contains a ball that partly protrudes through a hole at the bottom side of the mouse. On the top side of the mouse, there are one or more switches that can be activated by the fingers. When the mouse is moved parallel with the surface, the ball rotates. The movement of the ball is transferred by electronic signals to the computer and an arrow or another marker is moving on the screen, synchronous with the movements of the mouse. When the marker has been placed on a wanted point on the screen, one of the switchers on the mouse is pressed in order to give the computer one ' s order . Both the ball and the switches on the mouse are usually connected to the computer via a cable transferring the signals .
This type of mouse has its weaknesses. In order to use the mouse, one is dependent of a surface plate that must be approximately horizontal and that uses relatively large part of the work area. This type of mouse causes also the so-called RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) , which is caused by both arm and fingers being held constantly in more or less the same position, in some sort of stand-by position. This often causes muscle tension leading to pain and discomfort. Brief summary of the invention
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer mouse that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages by leading to less muscle tension in the user, and which does not demand much work space on a desk.
The invention is a fingertip controlled computer mouse that consists of two washers that are held between the thumb and the index finger.
With a fingertip-controlled mouse according to the inven- tion, a lot of work area is not needed, because the mouse is small sized and can be held between two fingers. The position of the hand and the arm can feely be varied in order to avoid muscle tension. This mouse works just as well if you let the hand rest in the lap when sitting or for instance in the trouser pocket when standing upright . The work position can be varied by alternately holding the mouse between the fingers on the left and the right hand. If you hold the mouse between the thumb and the index finger, it can be used simultaneously with operating a key- board using the three other fingers of the hand.
The scope of the invention is precisely defined in the appended patent claims .
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings , where :
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the inventive computer mouse in use .
Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention with push switches . Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
A fingertip-controlled mouse according to the invention consists of two or more small washers of plastic and/or metal, which is kept between the fingers and provides electro magnetic signals to a computer, or another controlling unit, for vehicles, industrial processes etc. via cable or wireless.
The fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention can i.e. consist of two plane plastic washers that have electro magnetic signal giving elements embedded or mounted. The washers are single-levelled towards each other, and are kept in place between the thumb and index finger/middle finger on the same hand, as shown in fig. 1. When the washers are displaced by means of the fingers, they release signals that moves e.g. a cursor on a computer screen synchronous with the movements of the washer. The washers can have different designs like plane, arched, bulbous, etc. depending on what is considered the most appropriate .
Embedded or mounted on the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention are pressure sensitive areas or small electronic switches, which are activated by slight pressure from the fingers and gives electric signals for selection from menus on the computer screen, etc. This is shown in fig.2. The figure shows a possible design of the invention, where the washers 1,2 are of different sizes. On the smallest washer, 1, two push switches are assembled.
Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention. Also here are the washers 1,2 of different sizes. The washers 1,2 are embedded in a rubber capsule 4. This capsule 4 must be so elastic that the washers 1,2 can be displaced in relation to each other between the thumb and the index finger. The capsule 4 can be dust- /watertight and have a resilient effect, so that the wash- ers 1,2 returns to the starting position when the fingers are not exercising any pressure on them. One of the washers 1 can be slightly smaller than the other 2 so that only the capsule's upper side must be elastic/resilient. Push switches for ""clicking11 the mouse can be mounted on one or both washers in such a way that the fingertips can feel them and actuate them through the rubber capsule . The washers can have a lubricant or be fully or partly im- merged in a liquid 5 in the sealed capsule 4, so that they move freely and evenly. The liquid 5 in the sealed, elas- tic rubber capsule 4 can also affect push switchers or pressure sensitive areas by increasing the hydraulic pressure when urging the capsule together with the fingers .
In addition to being applicable for use with ordinary computers, the fingertip-controlled mouse, either with a ca- ble or wireless connection, is applicable for many different controlling functions. For instance, steering ships, machinery, vehicles and industrial processes. By moving the washers in a set x-direction, one can e.g. accelerate the velocity of a vehicle or a process while reaching brake capacity by moving the washers reverse 180 degrees. In addition to velocity/brake control in the x-direction, a controlling function can be obtained by moving the same washers in the y-direction. Where, by safety reasons, or other reasons double signalling is wanted, one can e.g. serve a mouse in each hand. One can e.g. be used to select the correct symbol in a menu, and the other used to give order about the choice that is to be effectuated. A fingertip controlled computer mouse can be employed just about everywhere where coordinated, synchronous signal and on/off signals are needed. The handicapped with able fingers will with to the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention get a new appliance for use with computers, steering of motorized wheel chairs and many other appliances.
The washers can also be mounted into one unit within an elastic frame of rubber or a spring system instead of a sealed capsule (not shown) . One can also use 2 washers that lie freely on each other, only held together by an elastic rubber frame/capsule or one can use 3 washers, whereof the two outwards are moved in the x and y direction along tracks or rails in the centre washer.
In the industry, many solutions for detecting displacement/movement between two elements are known, both optical, electro magnetic, etc. Further, transmission of the signals can take place in a conventional manner, via cable or optical or wireless (Bluetooth-technology) . The choice of a method for detection of movement and the construction of the electronic elements in the washers is not a subject for the present invention and will therefore not be de- scribed further here.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s
1. Fingertip controlled computer mouse, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that two or more washers (1,2) with electro magnetic elements embedded are held towards each other between two or more fingers, that the electro magnetic elements, as a response to one of the fingers dislocating the washers in relation to each other, produce electronic signals that are utilized for controlling purposes, e.g. for moving a computer's marker to a wanted position.
2. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the washers (1,2) have embedded one or more switches (3) or pressure sensitive areas, which by slight pressure with one's fingers release electronic signals in the same manner as the mouse buttons of an ordinary computer mouse .
3. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic sig- nals are transferred via cable.
4. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic signals are transferred wireless.
5. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic signals are transferred optically.
6. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the washers are embedded in a rubber capsule 4.
7. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 6 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said capsule (4) contains a liquid.
PCT/NO2001/000172 2000-04-26 2001-04-25 Fingertip controlled computer mouse WO2001082049A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001252778A AU2001252778A1 (en) 2000-04-26 2001-04-25 Fingertip controlled computer mouse
EP01926246A EP1299793A1 (en) 2000-04-26 2001-04-25 Fingertip controlled computer mouse

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20002110 2000-04-26
NO20002110A NO312384B1 (en) 2000-04-26 2000-04-26 Finger-controlled computer mouse

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001082049A1 true WO2001082049A1 (en) 2001-11-01

Family

ID=19911052

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2001/000172 WO2001082049A1 (en) 2000-04-26 2001-04-25 Fingertip controlled computer mouse

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1299793A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001252778A1 (en)
NO (1) NO312384B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001082049A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1585017A2 (en) * 2004-03-25 2005-10-12 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and method
EP1594043A2 (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-09 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and information input method
EP1600849A3 (en) * 2004-05-26 2006-07-26 Pioneer Corporation Information input device
WO2008113542A1 (en) * 2007-03-17 2008-09-25 Preh Gmbh Control element for a motor vehicle
EP3211867A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-30 Deutsche Telekom AG Control element for controlling an electronic device
WO2017144199A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Deutsche Telekom Ag Control element for controlling an electronic device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4423286A (en) * 1982-07-21 1983-12-27 Talos Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for determining the position of a driven coil within a grid of spaced conductors
US4954817A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-09-04 Levine Neil A Finger worn graphic interface device
US5423227A (en) * 1991-10-30 1995-06-13 U.S. Philips Corporation Device for generating multi-directional commands
US5479191A (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-12-26 Hosiden Corporation Coordinate input device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4423286A (en) * 1982-07-21 1983-12-27 Talos Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for determining the position of a driven coil within a grid of spaced conductors
US4423286B1 (en) * 1982-07-21 1993-05-25 Calcomp Inc
US4954817A (en) * 1988-05-02 1990-09-04 Levine Neil A Finger worn graphic interface device
US5423227A (en) * 1991-10-30 1995-06-13 U.S. Philips Corporation Device for generating multi-directional commands
US5479191A (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-12-26 Hosiden Corporation Coordinate input device

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1585017A2 (en) * 2004-03-25 2005-10-12 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and method
EP1585017A3 (en) * 2004-03-25 2006-08-23 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and method
US7652659B2 (en) 2004-03-25 2010-01-26 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and method
EP1594043A2 (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-09 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and information input method
JP2005321996A (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-17 Pioneer Electronic Corp Information input device and method
EP1594043A3 (en) * 2004-05-07 2006-10-18 Pioneer Corporation Information input device and information input method
EP1600849A3 (en) * 2004-05-26 2006-07-26 Pioneer Corporation Information input device
WO2008113542A1 (en) * 2007-03-17 2008-09-25 Preh Gmbh Control element for a motor vehicle
EP3211867A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-30 Deutsche Telekom AG Control element for controlling an electronic device
WO2017144199A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Deutsche Telekom Ag Control element for controlling an electronic device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20002110L (en) 2001-10-29
EP1299793A1 (en) 2003-04-09
AU2001252778A1 (en) 2001-11-07
NO312384B1 (en) 2002-04-29
NO20002110D0 (en) 2000-04-26

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