U.S. patent application number 09/314312 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for finger controlled computer mouse.
Invention is credited to CHAN, KWAN-HO.
Application Number | 20010043149 09/314312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22196756 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010043149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAN, KWAN-HO |
November 22, 2001 |
FINGER CONTROLLED COMPUTER MOUSE
Abstract
An electronic mouse controlled substantially by finger movement.
The translation of the mouse can be controlled by the index finger
placed over a primary selection button. Means for facilitating
translation of the mouse are provided for in the primary selection
button. Means for facilitating translation include, but are not
limited to, concave depressions, protrusions and surface texture
with a high coefficient of friction.
Inventors: |
CHAN, KWAN-HO; (LUBBOCK,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANDISCIO & PANDISCIO
470 TOTTEN POND ROAD
WALTHAM
MA
024511914
|
Family ID: |
22196756 |
Appl. No.: |
09/314312 |
Filed: |
May 19, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60086170 |
May 20, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
341/20 ;
345/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/039 20130101;
G06F 3/03543 20130101; G06F 2203/0335 20130101; G06F 2203/0333
20130101; G06F 3/03548 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/20 ;
345/156 |
International
Class: |
H03M 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pointing device comprising a first button adapted to be
engaged by a finger for positioning said pointing device.
2. A pointing device according to claim 1, said pointing device
including side walls having a concave surface.
3. A pointing device according to claim 1, said pointing device
having a generally frusto-conical shape.
4. A pointing device according to claim 1, said pointing device
having a plan view defining a generally circular shape.
5. A pointing device according to claim 1, said first button being
responsive to an activation force for activating a first
switch.
6. A pointing device according to claim 5 wherein said first button
is responsive to the activation force exerted in an activation
direction, said first button being unresponsive to forces exerted
in a direction other than said activation direction.
7. A pointing device according to claim 5 wherein said first button
is responsive to an activation force exerted in a generally
downward direction, said first button being unresponsive to forces
exerted in other than a downward direction.
8. A pointing device according to claim 1, said first button being
positioned centrally on said pointing device.
9. A pointing device according claim 1, said first button including
a protrusion extending therefrom.
10. A pointing device according to claim 1, said first button
having a depression therein.
11. A pointing device according to claim 10, wherein said
depression is complementary to the shape of the finger.
12. A pointing device according to claim 10, including a protrusion
extending out of said depression.
13. A pointing device according to claim 1, including a second
button responsive to a second activation force for activating a
second switch.
14. A pointing device according to claim 13, said second button
being located in front of said first button.
15. A pointing device according to claim 13, said second button
being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.
16. A pointing device according to claim 13, including a third
button responsive to a third activation force for activating a
third switch.
17. A pointing device according to claim 16, said third button
being located in front of said first button.
18. A pointing device according to claim 16, said third button
being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.
19. A pointing device according to claim 16, said first button
being proximal to said second and third buttons.
20. A pointing device according to claim 16, said first button
being interposed between said second button and said third
button.
21. A pointing device according to claim 1, including scrolling
means for scrolling a computer display to unobserved portions of
the computer display.
22. A pointing device according to claim 21, said scrolling means
being positioned on a forward portion of said pointing device.
23. A pointing device according to claim 21, said scrolling means
being positioned forward of said first button.
24. A method for manipulating a cursor in a computer display
comprising: engaging a button of a pointing device with a finger,
wherein said button is adapted to be responsive to an activation
force for activating a switch; and exerting a force against the
button in a direction that does not activate the switch in an
amount sufficient to translate the position of the pointing
device.
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the button is responsive
to the activation force exerted in an activation direction, with
the button being unresponsive to forces exerted in directions other
than an activation direction.
26. A method according to claim 24 wherein the button is responsive
to the activation force exerted in a generally downward direction,
the button being unresponsive to forces exerted in other than a
downward direction.
27. A method according to claim 24 wherein: said manipulating
includes positioning an object in the computer display; and further
wherein said method includes: translating the pointing device so
that the cursor is associated with a desired target; and exerting
force on the button in an activation direction, thereby activating
the switch.
28. A method according to claim 27, including exerting a force
against the button in other than the activation direction in an
amount sufficient to translate the position of the pointing
device.
29. A method according to claim 27, including scrolling a computer
display to unobserved portions of the computer display.
30. A method according to claim 27, including rotating scrolling
means with a thumb or finger to display unobserved portions of the
computer display.
31. A pointing device according to claim 1, further including a
rear extension adapted to be attached to said mouse.
32. A pointing device according to claim 31, wherein said pointing
device comprises a peripheral groove, and further wherein said rear
extension comprises a pair of arms adapted to be snapped into said
groove so as to attach said rear extension to said pointing
device.
33. A pointing device comprising at least one button, wherein said
button is adapted to sense the magnitude of a force applied to said
button.
Description
REFERENCE TO EARLIER APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/086,170, filed May 20,
1998 by Kwan-Ho Chan for FINGER CONTROLLED COMPUTER MOUSE, which
document is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to pointing devices for
controlling cursors on displays for personal computers and
workstations and laptop computers and the like, and more
particularly to devices and methods for translating the position of
a computer mouse by finger movements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The most common form of pointing devices for personal
computers and workstations is the electronic mouse.
[0004] Touch pads and pointer sticks, because of their compact
nature, are the most commonly integrated pointing devices for
laptop computers. Most laptop computers also permit an external
mouse to be used with the laptop.
[0005] The most common form of electronic mouse uses a rubberized
ball on the underside of the mouse. Translation of the mouse causes
the rubberized ball to roll. The rubberized ball is in contact with
a pair of encoder shafts. Rolling motion of the rubberized ball in
turn causes the encoder shafts to rotate. The rotation of the
encoder shafts, and wheels associated therewith, generates a
quadrature signal by the use of two pairs of LED's and
photodetectors. This electronic signal is representative of the
translation of the position of the mouse.
[0006] In operation, the mouse is grasped with the hand, and
movement of the mouse is effected by wrist motion and/or arm
motion. The index and middle fingers are poised over actuator
buttons, which can vary from one to three buttons and are generally
located over the upper distal surface of the mouse.
[0007] Prolonged use of the typical electronic mouse necessarily
requires prolonged activation of muscles controlling the wrist and
arm. It is well known that such prolonged use of the arm and wrist
can result in a repetitive stress injury such as carpal tunnel
syndrome.
[0008] The electronic mouse is preferably used on a mouse pad which
is essentially an 8.5 inch by 8.5 inch rubberized mat. The texture
on the upper surface of the mouse pad provides traction for the
rubberized ball. The size of the mouse pad accommodates the travel
of the electronic mouse such that, in moving the cursor from one
edge of the display screen to the opposite edge, the rubberized
ball of the electronic mouse does not move beyond the edges of the
mouse pad.
[0009] Many users, particularly users of laptops who choose to use
an electronic mouse instead of the integrated pointing device
(e.g., touch pad and/or pointer stick) on the laptop, find the
mouse pad to be too large.
[0010] Many laptop computers now have computing power and display
screens comparable to desktop personal computers. More and more,
laptop computers are being used as desktop computer replacements.
The laptop computers generally have a smaller footprint than
desktop personal computers. Many users who use laptop computers as
desktop computer replacements prefer to use an externally attached
electronic mouse as a pointing device.
[0011] Many users find the use of an electronic mouse to be more
intuitive, and to provide better control of the cursor on the
display screen, than the laptop pointer stick. The pointer stick
requires an external button to activate a selection after
positioning the cursor at a desired location on the display screen.
To click the selection button, the user either has to re-position
their digit (usually the index finger) over the selection button or
use another digit (such as the thumb) to click the selection
button. Many users find this secondary maneuver to be
cumbersome.
[0012] The touch pad also suffers from similar disadvantages when
making a selection. More particularly, with the touch pad, movement
of the cursor is controlled by movement of the tip of a finger over
the surface of the touch pad. When a desired location of the cursor
is reached, to make a selection, the user has to make a distinct
tap on the surface of the touch pad, i.e., by lifting the finger
off the surface of the touch pad and then hitting the surface of
the touch pad with the tip of the finger. Because there is no
distinct mechanical clicking associated with the act of selection,
the user is not provided with an immediate sensory feedback to
signal a successful selection. Touch pads are also typically
provided with external selection buttons, but these are associated
with the same disadvantages previously described for the pointer
stick.
[0013] Unfortunately, however, a typical electronic mouse, because
of its size and long cable, does not allow for easy storage, e.g.,
with a mobile laptop computer.
[0014] To minimize the risk of repetitive stress injury and to
improve the ease of use of the electronic mouse, there is a need
for a novel electronic mouse that integrates the pointing and
selection functions. There is also a need for a smaller electronic
mouse that can operate on a mouse pad with a smaller footprint.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention substantially overcomes the foregoing
limitations of typical prior art electronic pointing devices by
providing an electronic mouse in which the pointing and selection
functions can be controlled by a single finger. Thus, the risk of
repetitive stress injury is minimized by avoiding the constant
wrist and arm movements used to control the movements of a
conventional mouse. The present invention can be implemented with a
optomechanical mouse or with an optical mouse.
[0016] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a pointing device controlled substantially by finger
movement.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
pointing device in which the movement of the pointing device and
the selection button are operated by the same finger.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic mouse that can operate over a mouse pad with a small
footprint.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an electronic mouse that allows for easy storage and
deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention substantially overcomes the foregoing
limitations of typical prior art electronic pointing devices by
providing an electronic mouse controlled substantially by finger
movement. The translation of the mouse can be controlled by the
index finger placed over the primary selection button. Means for
facilitating translation of the position of the mouse are provided
for in the primary selection button. Means for facilitating
translation of the position of the mouse include, but are not
limited to, concave depressions, protrusions, and surface texture
having a high coefficient of friction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention is described in detail below with reference to
the following drawings, throughout which similar reference
characters denote similar features, and further wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mouse of FIG. 1
being manipulated by the hand of a user;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mouse shown in FIGS. 1 and
2 being manipulated by the hand of a user;
[0025] FIG. 4 is another top plan view of the mouse shown in FIG.
1, but with the mouse being controlled by a single finger of the
user;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a rear extension which
may be attached to the mouse of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the rear extension shown in
FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing the rear extension
of FIG. 6 attached to the mouse of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing the rear extension of FIG.
6 being attached to the mouse of FIG. 1; and
[0031] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of still another form of mouse
formed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 1. More particularly, there is shown an electronic mouse 100
which comprises a housing 105 for containing the mechanical and
electronic components (not shown) of the mouse, which mechanical
and electronic components are of the sort well known in the art.
Housing 105 can be circular or oval in shape, or any other shape
that is considered to be ergonomically suitable. The side walls 110
of mouse 100 are inclined inwards, from the bottom 115 to the top
120, so as to define a circumferential groove 122 which is adapted
to accommodate the thumb and fingers of a user.
[0033] A primary button 125 is centrally located on the upper
surface of the mouse. This primary button 125 is preferably
substantially equivalent to the "left" button of a typical
electronic mouse.
[0034] One construction of this embodiment of mouse may include a
rubberized ball (not shown) located on the bottom 115 of the mouse,
directly below the primary button 125. An alternate embodiment may
employ an electrical pickup (not shown), which detects movement of
the mouse relative to an accompanying pad. Another embodiment may
employ an optical motion detector component which detects movement
of the mouse relative to any visually-discernible surface.
[0035] A second button 130 and a third button 135 are preferably
disposed in the periphery of housing 105, preferably at the distal
end (i.e., the forward end) 140 of housing 105, to the right and
left of the primary button 125, respectively. The second and third
buttons 130, 135, function similar to the "right" and "middle"
buttons of a typical three-button electronic mouse. A scrolling
wheel 145, for activating scrolling, is preferably located between
the second and third buttons, 130, 135, distally (i.e., forwardly)
of the primary button 125.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a small mouse pad 150,
measuring about 4 inches by 4 inches, may also be provided. Mouse
pad 150 may be made of materials well known in the art so as to
provide traction for a rubberized ball.
[0037] Still looking now at FIGS. 2 and 3, typical operation of the
present mouse involves clasping the mouse 100 between the user's
thumb T and middle finger M of the user's right hand H. Although
this embodiment is described in terms of right-handed operations,
it is also possible to accommodate left-handed operations as well.
The thumb T and middle finger M fit into the conforming groove 122
in the wall 110 of the housing 105. The groove 122 also prevents
the mouse 100 from slipping off thumb T and middle finger M when
the mouse is picked up. The tip P of the index finger F is
positioned in the depression 155 of primary button 125.
[0038] The invention provides two ways to control the movement of
mouse 100, and thus the movement of an associated cursor (not
shown) on a computer display screen (also not shown).
[0039] In one method, mouse movement is controlled with the user's
thumb T and middle finger M, in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Movement of mouse 100 in the y direction (i.e., distally and
proximally) is controlled by flexing and extending thumb T and
middle finger M simultaneously while grasping mouse 100. Flexing
thumb T and middle finger M pulls mouse 100 toward the user,
translating mouse 100 in the negative y direction (i.e.,
proximally) and causing corresponding cursor movement. Extending
thumb T and middle finger M pushes the mouse away from the user,
translating the position of mouse 100 in the positive y direction
(i.e., distally) and causing corresponding cursor movement.
[0040] To move mouse 100 in the positive x direction (i.e.,
laterally to the right) so as to cause corresponding cursor
movement, mouse 100 is pushed to the right with thumb T. To move
mouse 100 in the negative x direction (i.e., laterally to the left)
so as to cause corresponding cursor movement, mouse 100 is pushed
to the left with the middle finger M.
[0041] Alternatively, to move mouse 100 in the x direction so as to
cause corresponding cursor movement, the user may bend the user's
wrist W to the right and left while holding onto mouse 100 with
thumb T and middle finger M.
[0042] Where large movement of the cursor is desired, such as
moving the cursor from one edge of the display screen to the
opposite edge, mouse 100 is moved with a sweeping motion while
holding the mouse with thumb T and middle finger M. For example, to
move the cursor from the bottom of the display screen to the top of
the display screen, first, the user fully extends the user's thumb
T and middle finger M, translating the mouse 100 distally, which in
turn causes the cursor to move part way up the display screen.
Next, the user lifts mouse 100 up off mouse pad 150 and flexes
their thumb T and middle finger M, while mouse 100 is off the mouse
pad 150, so as to bring mouse 100 back to its initial position on
mouse pad 150. With the mouse 100 sitting on the mouse pad 150, the
user then extends their thumb T and middle finger M for additional
translation of mouse 100, and hence corresponding cursor movement
This sweeping motion is repeated until the cursor is close to the
desired position.
[0043] The user may employ a similar sweeping maneuver to effect
large cursor travel in the x direction.
[0044] By grasping mouse 100 with thumb T and middle finger M, the
mouse can be moved about as needed, with index finger F being used
to activate buttons 125, 130 and 135 as appropriate. Alternatively,
mouse 100 can be grasped with thumb T and ring finger R, leaving
index finger F and middle finger M to activate buttons 125, 130 and
135 as appropriate.
[0045] Another method of controlling cursor movement with mouse 100
is by dragging mouse 100 with index finger F positioned on the
primary button 125, in the manner shown in FIG. 4. Mouse 100 can be
dragged via the primary button 125, without actuating the primary
button 125, by selecting a primary button microswitch (not shown)
having a sufficiently stiff spring. Alternatively, the tip P of the
index finger F may engage the sides of the depression 155 in the
primary button 125 such that mouse 100 may be pushed frontwards
and/or backwards and/or sideways without generation of sufficient
vertical force to activate primary button 125.
[0046] Depression 155 also may include a small protrusion 160, best
seen in FIG. 1, in primary button 125 that engages the inserted
finger tip P. Traction between finger tip P and primary button 125
may also be increased with a material having a high coefficient of
friction. Such materials are well known in the art.
[0047] Small and fine cursor movements are best obtained by using
index finger F to engage primary button 125 for mouse movement.
Vertical cursor movement is preferably controlled by flexing and
extending index finger F against the wall of depression 155,
causing mouse 100 to move in the y direction. Horizontal cursor
movement is preferably controlled by sideways movement of index
finger F against the wall of depression 155, causing the mouse 100
to move in the x direction.
[0048] Once the cursor has reached a desired location, the user may
make a selection by "clicking", or depressing, primary button 125
with the same index finger F.
[0049] The foregoing operation of controlling cursor position, and
making selections, is intuitive to the user and is carried out
without hesitation or requiring additional motions of the user's
index finger F.
[0050] A common cursor function is to drag an object or selected
text by: (1) positioning the cursor on the desired object or text;
(2) imparting sustained force on an appropriate button, e.g., the
left button in a typical electronic mouse; (3) moving the mouse to
a desired position; and (4) releasing the force on the button,
thereby releasing the dragged object where the cursor is
repositioned.
[0051] The present invention simplifies this operation. The user
positions mouse 100 with index finger F such that the cursor is
moved to a desired position on the screen. Once the cursor is
proximate to a desired object on the display screen, the user
selects the object by clicking primary button 125. This is done by
imparting a sufficient force on primary button 125 with the tip P
of the user's index finger F. To drag the object, the user
maintains force on primary button 125 with index finger F while, at
the same time, moving mouse 100 with the same index finger F.
[0052] In one preferred manner of use, the cursor may be roughly
positioned with sweeping motions using thumb T and middle finger M
as previously described. When the cursor is close to the desired
location on the display screen, control of the cursor is effected
by movement of mouse 100 using index finger F to engage primary
button 125.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, a scrolling mechanism 145 is also
provided for. Scrolling mechanism 145 can be located in front of,
or behind, primary button 125. In general, primary button 125 is
located along a midline longitudinal axis.
[0054] When the mouse employs a roller ball for determining
movement of the mouse, the ball is preferably located directly
below primary button 125 so as to avoid any swiveling effect when
mouse 100 is moved. Primary button 125 is preferably located near
the center of the mouse's body.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, a modification of the present
embodiment provides a primary button 125 located in the forward end
140 of mouse 100. In this case, scrolling means 145 can be located
behind primary button 125.
[0056] Looking next at FIGS. 6-9, there is shown a rear extension
200 which may be attached to the rear of mouse 100. Rear extension
200 is provided for those users who prefer a mouse with a larger
bulk not unlike a conventional mouse. Rear extension 200 generally
comprises a body 205 and a pair of forwardly-extending arms 210.
Arms 210 are complementary to the mouse's circumferential groove
122, and extend beyond the equator of the mouse's housing 105, such
that arms 210 can snap into groove 122 and thereby lock rear
extension 200 to mouse 100. Rear extension 200 is preferably formed
out of a tough, durable, light-weight plastic.
[0057] If desired, rear extension 200 could be formed with a
relatively flat upper rear surface 215, with or without additional
input buttons (not shown) and/or an electronic input pad (also not
shown) to permit pen entry of a signature or sketch. Of course,
where rear extension 200 includes such buttons or electronic input
pad, rear extension 200 must also be electrically connected to
mouse 100 so that the signals from the buttons or electronic input
pad can be transferred to the mouse and hence to the computer. Such
an electrical connection can be achieved in ways well known in the
art, e.g., by using simple male-female plug-in electrical
connectors.
[0058] Looking next at FIG. 10, it is also possible to provide two
additional buttons 300, 305 to mouse 100. Buttons 300, 305 may be
configured to activate the "backward" and "forward" buttons of a
Web browser, so as to facilitate Web browsing actions using mouse
100.
[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
electromechanical activation switch of primary button 125 is
replaced by a pressure sensor wherein pressure on the primary
button 125 by the finger F causes an electronic signal to be sent
to the computer, and further wherein the amplitude of the
electronic signal is a function of the magnitude of the pressure
applied by the finger. This embodiment of the invention is
particularly useful in graphic software, where the level of the
digital pressure is translated as the thickness of a line drawn on
the computer screen. In other words, a thicker line may be drawn by
pressing harder on primary button 125, while moving mouse 100 at
the same time, and a thinner line may be drawn by reducing the
pressure on primary button 125. In this embodiment, the left button
130 and the right button 135 can be programmed to correspond to the
left and right buttons of a conventional electronic mouse.
[0060] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
scrolling wheel 145, instead of scrolling a computer display to
unobserved portions of the computer display, can be programmed to
move the cursor on the computer display in the third axis as may be
the case in three dimensional graphics representation. Yet another
use of the scrolling wheel 145 is to program it to act a continuous
zoom function either by itself or in combination with any one of
the control keys on the keyboard.
* * * * *