U.S. patent application number 09/899277 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for computer mouse on a glove.
Invention is credited to Bajramovic, Mark B..
Application Number | 20030006962 09/899277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25410716 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030006962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bajramovic, Mark B. |
January 9, 2003 |
Computer mouse on a glove
Abstract
A computer input device on a glove includes fittings for a
user's fingers and adjustable straps for fastening to a user's
wrist. A tracking device for controlling cursor movement on a video
display is affixed to the glove for positioning next to the end of
one of the user's fingers. Pressure plates for controlling the
various right and left mouse "clicking" functions are affixed to
the glove for positioning next to the ends of the other of the
user's fingers. Scrolling/paging buttons are located on the side of
the fitting fitted to the index finger for pressing by the thumb. A
transmitter is affixed to the glove for receiving signals from the
tracking device, the pressure plates and the scrolling/paging
buttons, and transmitting those signals to a computer for
controlling cursor movement in the x-y plane on a video display and
for controlling the various mouse "clicking" controls, which
implement the "select" function, the "drag" function, the "scroll"
function, the "page" function, and so forth.
Inventors: |
Bajramovic, Mark B.;
(Ottawa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILES & STOCKBRIDGE, P.C.
Edward J. Kondracki
Suite 500
1751 Pinnacle Drive
McLean
VA
22102-3833
US
|
Family ID: |
25410716 |
Appl. No.: |
09/899277 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/158 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1.A computer input device, comprising: a glove-like apparel; a
tracking device attached to said glove to generate a movement
signal in accordance with movement of said tracking device across a
surface; a first pressure plate attached to said glove to provide
first switching signals; and a transmitter means attached to said
glove to transmit said movement signals from said tracking device
and said first switching signals from said first pressure plate to
a computer, wherein said movement signals from said tracking device
are used to control the movement of a cursor in a video display of
said computer, and said first switching signals are used to control
mouse clicking functions.
2. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said glove has
fittings for at least two fingers and wherein said tracking device
is attached to a first one of said finger fittings and said first
pressure plate is attached to a second one of said finger
fittings.
3. The computer input device of claim 2, wherein said glove
includes a third finger fitting having a second pressure plate
attached thereto to provide second switching signals, and wherein
said transmitter means also transmits said second switching signals
from said second pressure plate to said computer for controlling
mouse clicking functions.
4. The computer input device of claim 1, further including
scroll/page buttons on said glove for generating scroll/page
signals, wherein said transmitter means also transmits said
scroll/page signals to said computer for controlling up and down
scrolling and paging functions.
5. The computer input device of claim 4, wherein said scroll/page
buttons comprise: a scroll/page switch button for switching between
said scrolling and paging functions; a scroll/page up button; and a
scroll/page down button.
6. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said tracking
device is an optical tracking device.
7. The computer input device of claim 1, including on/off switch
means for automatically disengaging said tracking device and said
first pressure plate whenever said tracking device is not in
contact with said surface and for automatically engaging said
tracking device and said first pressure plate whenever said
tracking device is in contact with said surface.
8. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said tracking
device is a micro roller-ball.
9. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said tracking
device includes a base plate, which provides for smooth and
consistent motion of said tracking device over said surface, and
maintains a consistent distance and an even contact between said
tracking device and said surface.
10. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said transmitter
is a radio frequency transmitter.
11. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said transmitter
is an infrared transmitter.
12. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said transmitter
includes a rechargeable power supply.
13. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said glove-like
apparel is adjustable to the size of a users hand.
14. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said glove-like
apparel includes a padded palm to minimize user strain and to
maximize user performance and comfort.
15. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said glove has an
exterior surface, and wherein portions of said exterior surface of
said glove are comprised of a low-friction material permitting said
glove to slide easily over said surface.
16. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said glove has an
interior surface, and wherein portions of said interior surface of
said glove are comprised of a high-friction material for generating
friction between said glove and a user's hand for permitting
accurate positioning of said tracking device and said pressure
plate and to prevent said tracking device and said pressure plate
from shifting during use.
17. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein said tracking
device and said pressure plate are positioned so as to permit a
user to type with all fingers on a keyboard when said glove is worn
on the user's hand.
18. A computer input device, comprising: a glove-like apparel
having fittings for at least three fingers to be worn on a user's
hand; a tracking device attached to a first one of said finger
fittings to generate a movement signal in accordance with movement
of said tracking device along a surface; a first pressure plate
switch attached to a second one of said finger fittings to provide
first switching signals; a second pressure plate switch attached to
a third one of said finger fittings to provide second switching
signals; a transmitter means to transmit said movement signals from
said tracking device and said first and second switching signals
from said pressure plates to a computer, wherein said movement
signals from said tracking device are used to control the movement
of a cursor in a video display of said computer, and said first and
second switching signals are used to control mouse clicking
functions.
19. A computer input device, comprising: a glove-like apparel
having fittings for at least three fingers to be worn on a user's
hand; an optical tracking device enclosed in a base plate attached
to a first one of said finger fittings, said tracking device
generating movement signals in accordance with movement of said
tracking device along a surface; a first pressure switch plate
attached to a second one of said finger fittings to provide first
switching signals; a second pressure switch plate attached to a
second one of said finger fittings to provide second switching
signals; an on/off switch means to automatically disengage said
tracking device and said pressure switch plates whenever said
tracking device is not in contact with said surface and to
automatically engage said tracking device and said pressure switch
plates when ever said tracking device is not in contact with said
surface; and a transmitter means to transmit said movement signals
from said tracking device and said switching signals from said
first and second pressure plates to a computer, wherein said
tracking device and said pressure plates are positioned on said
glove so as to permit said user to type with all fingers on a
keyboard when said glove is worn on said user's hand, and wherein
said movement signals from said tracking device are used to control
the movement of a cursor in a video display of said computer, and
said first and second switching signals are used to control mouse
clicking functions.
Description
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of peripheral
computer input devices, and more particularly to a computer mouse
of the type which controls cursor movement on a video display and
the various "click" controls, which implement the "select"
function, the "drag" function, the "scroll" function, the "page"
function, and so forth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A mouse is used as a computer input device to control the
location of a cursor on a video display connected to the computer.
Typically, cursor location is controlled by movement of the mouse
across a surface. The mouse includes a tracking device for
measuring the movement of the mouse across the surface. This
movement is relayed to the computer where it is translated into a
corresponding movement of the cursor on the display. Several
different tracking devices are known and used.
[0003] In addition, there are typically two or three buttons on the
mouse for controlling switching functions. These switching
functions are typically used to activate a function or command
identified by the cursor location, or they can be set to control
certain software features, such as highlighting in a word
processor. Other mouse buttons may also be included and used to
provide control for other software features such as scrolling or
paging.
[0004] Many attempts have been made to design an easy to use
computer mouse, which is ergonomically synchronized with the human
form. Those attempts have generally been unsuccessful because the
human hand comes in many shapes and sizes. Therefore, one size of
computer mouse certainly does not fit all hand sizes. The result
has been increasing incidents of carpel tunnel syndrome amongst
mouse users as they struggle to conform their hands to the
currently available designs.
[0005] In addition to hand and arm strain, one major disadvantage
of the conventional mouse design is that users often must spend
valuable time searching their desktops to locate the mouse before
using it. This disrupts the creative process and hinders both user
performance and productivity.
[0006] Some attempts have been made to solve these problems by
locating a tracking device, such as a track ball or a sensor pad,
right on the computer keyboard, but some find these devices awkward
to use and difficult to master. Moreover, such devices still
require the user to remove his or her eyes from the display to find
the exact location of the tracking device. This process can
interrupt work flow and reduce productivity.
[0007] One solution to these problems is to integrate the functions
of a computer mouse with the individual user's hand. A recent
attempts to do this are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,444,462, and
6,097,369 issued to Wambach on Aug. 22, 1995 and Aug. 1, 2000,
respectively. Wambach describes a glove to be worn on a user's hand
wherein the glove includes micro-switches mounted next to a joint
of the index finger and on opposite sides of the wrist. The
switches translate up and down movement of the index finger and
side to side movement of the wrist into vertical and horizontal
movements, respectively, of a cursor on a computer display. Buttons
are provided on the other fingers to provide mouse clicking
functions and to turn the glove on and off. These buttons are
activated by the thumb. Although the device described by Wambach
does not require a surface over which a tracking device must be
moved, it does require a great deal of skill and considerable
practice for the user to be able to control a cursor on a video
display with any degree of accuracy. Further, the device must be
manually activated prior to use and manually deactivated after use
so that hand movements are not inadvertently translated into cursor
movements on the screen while the user is typing.
[0008] Another recent attempt at a solution is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,154,199 issued to Butler on Nov. 28, 2000. Butler
describes a hand positioned mouse which includes a glove having a
tracking ball supported in a housing attached to the side of the
index finger so that the tracking ball can be operated by the
thumb. Mouse buttons are positioned on the palm of the glove for
activating mouse "click" functions. Transmission means are
contemplated for sending signals corresponding to tracking ball
movement to the computer. However, Butler makes no provision for
using a tracking device that includes an optical sensor or for
using a tracking device in contact with a surface. Moreover,
Butler's tracking device and mouse "click" buttons do not
automatically turn "off" when not in use to permit typing, and do
not automatically turn "on" again when required for moving the
cursor and performing mouse "clicking" functions. Butler's device
also does not include "scrolling" or "paging" functions.
[0009] From the above, it is clear that there is a need for a more
ergonomically efficient mouse design to reduce or prevent injury
and to improve productivity and performance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly summarized, the main object of the present invention
is to overcome the above shortcomings by providing a computer mouse
on a glove to be worn by a user, which includes a tracking device
for controlling cursor movement on a video display and one or more
switches for controlling mouse "click" functions.
[0011] A further object of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a computer mouse on a glove to be worn by a
user, which will permit the user to type on a keyboard with all
fingers while wearing the glove.
[0012] Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a computer mouse on a glove to be worn by a
user, which will automatically activate when the tracking device is
in contact with a surface and the user desires to move the cursor
or use the mouse "click" functions, and will automatically
deactivate when the user wishes to resume typing.
[0013] Yet another object of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a computer mouse on a glove, which is
adjustable to the size of a user's hand and includes padding to
minimize user strain and maximize performance.
[0014] Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a computer mouse on a glove, which includes
buttons to permit a user to control up and down scrolling and
paging functions without having to remove the user's hands from the
computer keyboard.
[0015] Several advantageous features of the preferred embodiments
of the present invention are as follows:
[0016] (a) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
is the ultimate in ergonomic design since it conforms directly to
the user's hand and does not require the user to conform his or her
hand to the mouse. This reduces strain on the user's hand, prevents
injury (such as Carpel tunnel Syndrome), and increases
productivity;
[0017] (b) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
will permit a user to type on a keyboard with all fingers while
wearing the glove;
[0018] (c) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
will automatically activate when the tracking device is placed in
contact with a surface allowing the user to move the cursor or use
the mouse "click" functions and will automatically deactivate when
a user desires to resume typing.
[0019] (d) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
can be manufactured in accordance with different hand sizes, and
the use of a stretch fabric and an adjustable wrist strap permits
easy accommodation of a wide range of hand and finger sizes;
[0020] (e) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
includes padding in the palm area of the glove, which will help to
minimize user strain and maximize performance;
[0021] (f) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
will eliminate the need for a user to search for the computer mouse
on a desktop before use; and
[0022] (g) the computer mouse on a glove of the present invention
will permit a user to control up and down scrolling and paging
functions without having to remove the user's hands from the
computer keyboard.
[0023] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description and the appended
drawings, wherein preferred embodiments of the invention are
clearly described and shown.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention will be further understood from the
following description with reference to the drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention worn on a user's left hand.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1,
looking towards the palm.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1,
worn on a user's right hand, looking down at the back of the
hand.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1,
worn on a user's left hand, showing the tracking device in the "on"
position in contact with a surface.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective, view of the device shown in FIG. 1,
worn on a user's right hand, showing the tracking device in the
"off" position not in contact with a surface.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a close-up, partially sectional perspective view
of the device shown in FIG. 1, showing a pressure plate attached to
the fitting for the middle finger.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a close-up, partially sectional perspective view
of the device shown in FIG. 1, showing a tracking device attached
to the fitting for the index finger.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a
receiver of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a
USB port connector cable of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a close-up perspective view of one possible
embodiment of a transmitter of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 1.
REFERENCE NUMERALS SHOWN IN DRAWINGS
[0035] 10 computer input device
[0036] 12 user's hand
[0037] 14 glove-like apparel
[0038] 16 adjustable straps
[0039] 18 index finger
[0040] 20 middle finger
[0041] 22 ring finger
[0042] 24 tracking device
[0043] 26 pressure plate on middle finger
[0044] 27 pressure plate on ring finger
[0045] 30 transmitter
[0046] 31 charging port
[0047] 32 scroll/page switch button
[0048] 33 scroll/page up/down button
[0049] 34 scroll/page up/down button
[0050] 36 high friction fabric
[0051] 40 base plate
[0052] 41 low battery indicator
[0053] 42 optical sensor
[0054] 43 bright light emitting diode
[0055] 44 oval shaped opening in base plate
[0056] 46 wires
[0057] 50 surface
[0058] 60 receiver
[0059] 62 cable
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0060] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one preferred
embodiment of the computer input device 10 of the present invention
fitted on a user's left hand 12. The computer input device 10
includes a glove-like apparel 14 secured to the wrist with
adjustable straps 16. Glove 14 includes fittings for an index
finger 18, a middle finger 20 and a ring finger 22. A tracking
device 24 is shown attached to the fitting for index finger 18 of
glove 14 and pressure plates 26, 27 are shown attached to the
fittings for middle finger 20 and ring finger 22, respectively. A
transmitter 30 is attached to the top of glove 14 for positioning
on the back of hand 12, and scroll/page buttons 32, 33, 34 are
shown attached to the side of the fitting for index finger 18 where
they can be easily accessed by the thumb of the user's hand 12.
[0061] It will be appreciated by the reader that the particular
configuration of input device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 is for
illustrative purposes only. Depending on user preference, tracking
device 24 and pressure plates 26, 27 may be interchangeably
attached to the fittings for either of index finger 18, middle
finger 20, or ring finger 22. For example, some users may prefer to
attach tracking device 24 to the fitting for the more dominant
middle finger 20 and attach pressure plates 26, 27 to the fittings
for index finger 18 and ring finger 22, respectively.
[0062] Glove 14 can be made in various sizes, such as small, medium
and large, to fit various sized hands, either left or right. Glove
14 is composed of a lightweight durable fabric having the ability
to conform to the user's hand. Any suitable fabric can be used so
long as it is lightweight, durable and will stretch to accommodate
various sized hands. Preferably, the exterior of glove 14 will be
constructed to include areas of low-friction fabric located to
facilitate movement of glove 14 over surface 50. Examples of
suitable fabrics include composite fabrics such as:
[0063] 1) 79% nylon and 21% Lycra.TM. spandex;
[0064] 2) 78% polyamide and 22% spandex; or
[0065] 3) 5% cotton, 36% polyester, and 59% Lycra.TM..
[0066] The overall thickness of the fabric will preferably be
between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm to maximize both durability and
flexibility while minimizing weight. Straps 16 secure glove 14 to
the user's wrist and can be any suitable adjustable fastening
device such as Velcro.TM. straps, hooks and eyelets, or a
button/clasp mechanism. All of these features permit the computer
input device 10 of the present invention to be comfortably fit to
an almost limitless range of hand sizes.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, which are close-up,
partially sectional views of the fittings for the ring finger 20
and index finger 18, respectively. The interior surface of the
fittings for fingers 18, 20 and 22, can include areas of
high-friction fabric 36, such as a rubber polymer, designed to
create a mild friction between glove 14 and the user's hand. The
areas of high-friction fabric 36 prevent glove 14 from shifting on
the user's hand during prolonged use and permit more accurate
positioning of tracking device 24, pressure plates 26, 27,
scroll/page buttons 32, 33, 34, and transmitter 30 with respect to
the user's hand.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, glove 14 includes a palm area 15 that
preferably is padded to assist in ergonomically positioning the
user's hand during operation of the present invention so as to
minimize strain and maximize performance and comfort. The padding
located in palm 15 may be composed of any suitable material
including elastic polymer gel, sponge polymer, or double stitched
glove fabric.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a close up, partially sectional view of the
fitting for index finger 18 fitted on a user's hand, showing, in
this case, tracking device 24 attached near the end. As noted
above, tracking device 24 may also be attached to the fittings for
either middle finger 20 or ring finger 22, depending on user
preference. In the illustrated case, tracking device 24 is an
optical tracking device which includes a base plate 40 for housing
an optical sensor 42. Base plate 40 allows for smooth consistent
motion of tracking device 24 over a surface 50 and ensures that a
consistent distance and an even surface contact is maintained
between optical sensor 42 and surface 50. Optical sensor 42 can be
any suitable optical sensor, which is capable of accurately
tracking movement of tracking device 24 over surface 50 and
generating an electrical movement signal corresponding thereto. The
movement signal generated by optical sensor 42 is sent along wires
46, which are laid into the fabric of glove 14, to transmitter 30
for relaying to a computer for controlling a cursor on a video
display. Those skilled in the art will be well aware of the various
types of optical sensors that could be used in the present
invention. Traditional optical sensors used for tracking movement
have required use of a special mouse pad to enable the sensor to
accurately detect and measure movement. Newly designed optical
sensors no longer require a special mouse pad and can function on
virtually any surface, including a desktop or a user's pants. In
this latter design, a bright light emitting diode 43 illuminates an
area of surface 50 through a small angular oval shaped opening 44
in the bottom of base plate 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) immediately
below a tiny camera (not shown) which detects reflections off the
surface. The steep angle of lighting maximizes detection of surface
irregularities permitting the camera to detect and measure movement
across the surface. One advantage of using an optical tracking
device is that, unlike conventional roller-ball tracking devices,
an optical device does not collect dust and does not require any
significant cleaning.
[0070] In the alternative, the reader will appreciate that a micro
roller-ball could be used in place of optical sensor 42 for
measuring movement of tracking device 24 over surface 50 and for
generating an electrical movement signal corresponding to that
movement. A micro roller-ball would operate in a manner similar to
the roller-ball systems used in the traditional desktop computer
mouse. Rotation of the roller-ball, resulting from contact with
surface 50, is picked up by sensors within the tracking device,
which produce an electrical movement signal or pulse corresponding
to the rotation.
[0071] Tracking device 24 is preferably designed so that it
automatically turns "on" when placed in contact with surface 50 and
automatically turns "off" when contact with surface 50 is
interrupted. This can be accomplished using a small micro-switch
(not shown) located on the bottom of base plate 40 or internally,
or by optical sensor 42, which can be configured to turn tracking
device 24 on/off when moved a certain predetermined distance from
surface 50. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows
tracking device 24 in the "on" position in contact with surface 50
and FIG. 5 shows tracking device 24 in the "off" position wherein
contact with surface 50 has been interrupted. When tracking device
24 is in the "on" position, pressure plates 26, 27 are also in the
"on" position. When tracking device 24 is raised from surface 50
and is in the "off" position, pressure plates 26, 27 are also
turned "off". This is advantageous since it permits the user to
type on a keyboard with all fingers and perform other activities
without fear of engaging the device or sending unwanted input to
the computer. When the user needs to move a cursor on a video
screen or perform mouse "click" functions, no additional movements
are required to turn on the device. All the user has to do is place
tracking device 24 in contact with a surface and the device will
automatically turn "on". Similarly, these functions will
automatically turn "off" when contact with the surface and tracking
device 24 is broken.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a close up, partially sectional view of the
fitting for middle finger 20 fitted on a user's hand, showing, in
this case, pressure plate 26 attached near the end. FIG. 6 could
equally represent the same view of the fitting for ring finger 22
or index finger 18, or be illustrative of pressure plate 27.
Pressure plates 26, 27 each include a micro-switch (not shown) that
is activated by a predetermined amount of pressure contact with
surface 50. Pressing down on pressure plates 26, 27 with a
predetermined amount of force will generate a switching signal
which is sent along wires 46 to transmitter 30. Switching signals
generated by pressure plates 26, 27 correspond to traditional right
and left mouse "clicking" functions that are typically used to
activate a function or command identified by the cursor location,
on a computer video display, or they can be set to control certain
software features, such as highlighting in a word processor. As
described above, pressure plates 26, 27 are activated when tracking
device 24 is placed in contact with surface 50 and deactivated when
contact between surface 50 and tracking device 24 is broken. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that both pressure plates 26, 27
are not required and that the computer input device 10 of the
present invention could function with only one such pressure plate,
however, two are preferable.
[0073] It can be seen from FIGS. 1-7, that tracking device 24 and
pressure plates 26, 27 are located sufficiently back from the tips
of fingers 18, 20, 22, and the finger tips are sufficiently exposed
to permit typing on a keyboard with all of the user's fingers while
glove 14 is fitted on the hand of a user. As shown, the tips of the
fittings for fingers 18, 20, 22 may be removed to expose the user's
finger tips, thereby providing the user with added control and
sensitivity when performing delicate tasks.
[0074] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 show scroll/page buttons 32, 33,
34 located on the outside of the fitting for index finger 18 of
glove 14 where they can be easy activated by the thumb of a user
when glove 14 is fitted on a user's hand. Scroll/page buttons 32,
33, 34 each include a micro-switch that can be pressed to generate
scroll/page signals, which are sent to transmitter 30 along wires
46. Typically, scroll/page signals generated by scroll/page buttons
32, 33, 34 are used for controlling up and down scrolling and
paging functions available in many software applications. Scrolling
is defined as the action of moving a computer display either
forward or backward through data one line at a time. Paging is
defined as either moving a computer display forward or backward
through data one page at a time, or, in an Internet browser
application, paging forward or backward through web pages.
[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, central
scroll/page button 32 is used as a switch to alternate the function
of scroll/page buttons 32, 34 between scrolling and paging.
Scroll/page buttons 33, 34 control up and down scrolling and paging
functions, respectively, depending on software and the position of
scroll/page switch 32. One advantage of scroll/page buttons 32, 33,
34 in the present invention is that a user does not have to remove
his/her hands from the keyboard to activate and control the
scrolling or paging features, nor does the user have to make
contact with any surface to engage the scrolling features.
Depending on user preference, the functions of scroll/page buttons
32, 33,34 are completely interchangable so that either button may
act as the switch button while the other two buttons function as
scroll/page up/down buttons.
[0076] FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5 show transmitter 30, which is typically
affixed to the back side of glove 14. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged
view of transmitter 30 disconnected from glove 14. Transmitter 30
is preferably either a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, or an
infrared (IR) transmitter, but may be any other suitable device
capable of wirelessly transmitting signals received along wires 46
from tracking device 24, pressure plates 26, 27 and scroll/page
buttons 32, 33, 34, between glove 14 and a computer. In the
alternative, transmitter 30 may communicate to a computer via a
connector cord (not shown), but this method of transmitting signals
would reduce the mobility and functionality of the present
invention and is not recommended by the applicant. Transmitter 30
is typically powered by lightweight, on-board, rechargeable
batteries, such as nickel-cadmium batteries, which have a long life
and can be easily re-charged through charging port 31. Glove 14 can
be used while the batteries are being charged, but the power cord
that would be used to connect to charging port 31 would be somewhat
obtrusive. Transmitter 30 also includes a low battery indicator
light 41. To save power, transmitter 30 can be designed to
automatically turn off after a certain period of non-use.
Activating tracking device 24, or pressing any of scroll/page
buttons 32, 33, 34 would automatically re-engage transmitter
30.
[0077] FIG. 8 shows a wireless receiver 60 for receiving wireless
signals from transmitter 30. As indicated above, receiver 60 may be
either an RF receiver or an IR receiver, depending on the
configuration of transmitter 30, or may be any suitable receiver
capable of receiving wireless signals from transmitter 30 for
communication between glove 14 and a computer. Receiver 60 is
connected to a computer through an input port such as a USB port,
using, for example, cable 62 shown in FIG. 9. Movement signals,
switching signals and scrolling/paging signals generated by
computer input device 10 are relayed by transmitter 30 to receiver
60 and further through cable 62 to the computer for controlling the
various mouse functions described, such as cursor movement,
"clicking" functions, and scrolling/paging functions. Depending on
the mode of wireless communication utilized, receiver 60 may need
to be placed on the desk top within the line of site of transmitter
30 (if IR transmission is used) or it may be possible to place it
out of the way, near the back of the computer (if RF transmission
is used). In the alternative, if the transmission of signals
between computer input device 10 and the computer is accomplished
over a connector cable, receiver 60 would not be required and
transmitter 30 could be connected directly to the computer with a
connector cable.
[0078] In operation, a user fits glove 14 of computer input device
10 on either the left or right hand, depending on the
configuration, and secures it to the wrist with straps 16. Tracking
device 24 and pressure plates 26, 27 are preferably positioned just
behind the finger tips of the index 18, middle 20 and ring 22
fingers. User preference will determine on which finger fittings
each of the pressure plates 26, 27 and tracking device 24 are
attached. Scroll/page buttons 32, 33, 34 are preferably located on
the side of the fitting for index finger 18, next to the thumb for
easy operation. Transmitter 30 is located on the back of the hand
and receiver 60 is plugged into a computer, unless a connector
cable is used, in which case, a connector cable directly connects
transmitter 30 to the computer. At this point, the device 10 is
"off" and the user is able to type on a keyboard with all fingers
and perform normal functions without activating any computer mouse
functions. To control a cursor on the computer screen, a user
places tracking device 24 in contact with surface 50 (see FIGS. 4
and 7). This activates sensor 42 and pressure plates 26, 27. Any
movement of tracking device 24 over surface 50 generates movement
signals which are transmitted by receiver 30 to receiver 60 and
then through cable 62 to the computer to effect corresponding
movement of a cursor on the computer screen. Mouse "clicking"
functions are controlled by pressing down on pressure plates 26, 27
to generate switching signals, which are also transmitted to the
computer. Once tracking device 24 is raised from surface 50 (see
FIG. 5) sensor 42 and pressure plates 26, 27 are deactivated and
typing can resume normally. To control scrolling or paging
functions, the user merely presses scroll/page up/down buttons 33,
34 to scroll or page backwards and forwards through screen data. If
transmitter 30 had disengaged following a period of non-use,
touching scroll/page buttons 32, 33, 34 would re-engage transmitter
30. Scroll/page switch button 32 is used to alternate between the
scrolling and paging functions. In an Internet browser application
the page function can be used to page forward or backward through
web pages. A main advantage of the present invention is that
scrolling/paging features can be controlled without moving the
user's hands from the keyboard.
[0079] The present computer input device 10 is supported by
software, which must be installed on the computer to which device
10 is attached. The software will permit full customization of all
features of the present invention. For example, sensitivity of
cursor movement could be adjusted in the software from fine to
course depending on user preference and needs. Mouse "right click"
and "left click" functions, controlled by pressure plates 26, 27,
could be interchanged depending upon user preference. In addition,
the functions of scroll/page buttons 32, 33, 34 could be selected
according to a user's needs or preference. Preferred settings
selected by different users could be saved to permit easy
interchange of the present invention between users.
[0080] The above is a detailed description of particular preferred
embodiments of the invention. Those with skill in the art should,
in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that obvious
modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All
of the embodiments disclosed and claimed herein can be made and
executed without undue experimentation in light of the present
disclosure. The full scope of the invention is set out in the
claims that follow and their equivalents. Accordingly, the claims
and specification should not be construed to unduly narrow the full
scope of protection to which the present invention is entitled.
* * * * *