U.S. patent application number 15/625231 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for hand-controllable signal-generating devices and systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Solid Art Labs, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Eric J. Charlton, William Wheeler. Invention is credited to Eric J. Charlton, William Wheeler.
Application Number | 20170293369 15/625231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53679003 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170293369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Charlton; Eric J. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2017 |
Hand-Controllable Signal-Generating Devices and Systems
Abstract
Apparatus including: hand-controllable signal-generating device
that includes body having top side, and bottom side spaced apart
from and facing away from top side, bottom side being configured
for facilitating displacements of body over working surface in
two-dimensional directions, body having biaxial-displacement
detector configured for generating biaxial displacement signals
representative of displacements of body in two-dimensional
directions; and signal transmitter configured for communicating
biaxial displacement signals to external electronic processor. Body
has palm rest on top side; palm rest includes palm contact surface
having contour for receiving portion of palm of person's hand into
contact at position on palm contact surface. Contour of palm
contact surface is configured for facilitating control by portion
of palm of person's hand, being in contact at position on palm
contact surface, of displacements of body in two-dimensional
directions over working surface. System including
digit-controllable signal generating device and hand-controllable
signal generating device. Related processes.
Inventors: |
Charlton; Eric J.; (Acton,
MA) ; Wheeler; William; (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Charlton; Eric J.
Wheeler; William |
Acton
Ft. Lauderdale |
MA
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Solid Art Labs, Inc.
Acton
MA
|
Family ID: |
53679003 |
Appl. No.: |
15/625231 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14166439 |
Jan 28, 2014 |
9715286 |
|
|
15625231 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0354 20130101;
G06F 3/03543 20130101; G06F 3/0219 20130101; G06F 2203/0332
20130101; G06F 3/0338 20130101; G06F 3/0202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0354 20060101
G06F003/0354; G06F 3/0338 20060101 G06F003/0338; G06F 3/02 20060101
G06F003/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a hand-controllable signal-generating
device, including: a body having a top side, and having a bottom
side spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from the top
side, the bottom side being configured for facilitating
displacements of the body over a working surface in two-dimensional
directions with the bottom side facing the working surface, the
body having a biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for
generating biaxial displacement signals that are representative of
detected displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface; and a signal transmitter
configured for communicating the biaxial displacement signals to an
external electronic processor; wherein the body has a palm rest on
the top side, the palm rest including a palm contact surface, the
palm contact surface having a contour for receiving a portion of a
palm of a person's hand into contact at a position on the palm
contact surface, the hand having one digit or a plurality of
digits; and wherein the contour of the palm contact surface of the
palm rest is configured for facilitating control by the portion of
the palm of the person's hand, being in contact at the position on
the palm contact surface, of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface without the one
digit or any of the plurality of the digits being in contact with
the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
2. (canceled)
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the palm
contact surface of the palm rest is configured for guiding the one
digit or the plurality of the digits of the person's hand away from
the palm contact surface simultaneously while receiving the portion
of the palm of the person's hand into contact at the position on
the palm contact surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the palm
contact surface of the palm rest is configured for positioning the
one digit or the plurality of the digits of the person's hand as
being substantially unencumbered by the palm contact surface when
the portion of the palm of the person's hand is in contact at the
position on the palm contact surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contour of the palm
contact surface of the palm rest is configured for receiving the
portion of the palm of the person's hand into contact at a
substantially-fixed position on the palm contact surface.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the palm contact surface of
the palm rest includes a mound having a peak and downwardly-sloping
sides; and wherein the portion of the palm of the person's hand
includes a first part of the palm that is nearest to a wrist of the
person; and wherein the first part of the palm is received into
contact on a first portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the
mound when the portion of the palm is at the position on the palm
contact surface; and wherein the first portion of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound has an attached
upwardly-sloping lip.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the one digit or the
plurality of the digits of the person's hand includes a thumb
digit, and includes one non-thumb digit or a plurality of non-thumb
digits; and wherein the portion of the palm of the person's hand
includes a second part of the palm that is farthest from the
person's thumb digit; and wherein the second part of the palm is
received into contact on a second portion of the downwardly-sloping
sides of the mound when the portion of the palm is at the position
on the palm contact surface; and wherein the second portion of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound has another attached
upwardly-sloping lip.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the palm of the person's hand
includes another portion being nearest to the person's thumb digit,
and wherein the palm contact surface is shaped for guiding the
another portion of the palm away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the palm of the person's hand
includes an additional portion being nearest to the one non-thumb
digit or to the plurality of the non-thumb digits of the person's
hand, and wherein the palm contact surface is shaped for guiding
the additional portion of the palm away from the palm contact
surface simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of
the person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
10. A system, comprising: a digit-controllable signal-generating
device for generating digit signals; and a hand-controllable
signal-generating device, including a body having a top side, and
having a bottom side spaced apart by a distance from and facing
away from the top side, the bottom side being configured for
facilitating displacements of the body over a working surface in
two-dimensional directions with the bottom side facing the working
surface, the body having a biaxial-displacement detector that is
configured for generating biaxial displacement signals that are
representative of detected displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface; and a signal
transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial displacement
signals and the digit signals to an external electronic processor;
wherein the body has a palm rest on the top side, the palm rest
including a palm contact surface, the palm contact surface having a
contour for receiving a portion of a palm of a person's hand into
contact at a position on the palm contact surface, the hand having
one digit or a plurality of digits; and wherein the contour of the
palm contact surface of the palm rest is configured for
facilitating control of the digit-controllable signal-generating
device for generating digit signals by the person's hand
simultaneously with facilitating control by the portion of the palm
of the person's hand, being in contact at the position on the palm
contact surface, of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface without the one
digit or any of the plurality of the digits being in contact with
the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the digit-controllable
signal-generating device includes a keyboard having a plurality of
digit-controllable keys.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of the
digit-controllable keys are arranged in a plurality of rows; and
wherein the plurality of the rows of the digit-controllable keys
are arranged in a concave arc configured for placing each one of
the plurality of the digit-controllable keys in a position suitable
for being controlled by the one digit or by a one of the plurality
of the digits of the person's hand simultaneously with the portion
of the palm of the person's hand being in contact at the position
on the palm contact surface.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the digit-controllable
signal-generating device includes a thumb-controllable
joystick.
14. (canceled)
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the contour of the palm contact
surface of the palm rest is configured for guiding the one digit or
the plurality of the digits of the person's hand away from the palm
contact surface simultaneously while receiving the portion of the
palm of the person's hand into contact at the position on the palm
contact surface.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the contour of the palm contact
surface of the palm rest is configured for positioning the one
digit or the plurality of the digits of the person's hand as being
substantially unencumbered by the palm contact surface when the
portion of the palm of the person's hand is in contact at the
position on the palm contact surface.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the contour of the palm contact
surface of the palm rest is configured for receiving the portion of
the palm of the person's hand into contact at a substantially-fixed
position on the palm contact surface.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein: the palm contact surface of
the palm rest includes a mound having a peak and downwardly-sloping
sides; and the portion of the palm of the person's hand includes a
first part of the palm that is nearest to a wrist of the person;
and the first part of the palm is received into contact on a first
portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound when the
portion of the palm is at the position on the palm contact surface;
and the first portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound
has an attached upwardly-sloping lip.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein: the one digit or the plurality
of the digits of the person's hand includes a thumb digit, and
includes one non-thumb digit or a plurality of non-thumb digits;
and wherein the portion of the palm of the person's hand includes a
second part of the palm that is farthest from the person's thumb
digit; and wherein the second part of the palm is received into
contact on a second portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the
mound when the portion of the palm is at the position on the palm
contact surface; and wherein the second portion of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound has another attached
upwardly-sloping lip.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the palm of the person's hand
includes another portion being nearest to the person's thumb digit,
and wherein the palm contact surface is shaped for guiding the
another portion of the palm away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the palm of the person's hand
includes an additional portion being nearest to the one non-thumb
digit or to the plurality of the non-thumb digits of the person's
hand, and wherein the palm contact surface is shaped for guiding
the additional portion of the palm away from the palm contact
surface simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of
the person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
22. A process, comprising: providing a hand-controllable
signal-generating device including a body having a top side, a palm
rest being on the top side, the palm rest including a palm contact
surface, the palm contact surface having a contour for receiving a
portion of a palm of a person's hand into contact at a position on
the palm contact surface, the hand having one digit or a plurality
of digits, the body having a bottom side spaced apart by a distance
from and facing away from the top side, the bottom side being
configured for facilitating displacements of the body over a
working surface in two-dimensional directions with the bottom side
facing the working surface, the body having a biaxial-displacement
detector that is configured for generating biaxial displacement
signals that are representative of detected displacements of the
body in the two-dimensional directions over the working surface;
and providing a signal transmitter configured for communicating the
biaxial displacement signals to an external electronic processor;
and facilitating the generation, by a portion of a palm of a
person's hand being in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface, of biaxial displacement signals for communication to the
external electronic processor, by facilitating control by the
portion of the palm of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface without the one
digit or any of the plurality of the digits being in contact with
the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
23. A process, comprising: providing a digit-controllable
signal-generating device for generating digit signals; and
providing a hand-controllable signal-generating device including a
body having a top side, a palm rest being on the top side, the palm
rest including a palm contact surface, the palm contact surface
having a contour for receiving a portion of a palm of a person's
hand into contact at a position on the palm contact surface, the
hand having one digit or a plurality of digits, the body having a
bottom side spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from
the top side, the bottom side being configured for facilitating
displacements of the body over a working surface in two-dimensional
directions with the bottom side facing the working surface, the
body having a biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for
generating biaxial displacement signals that are representative of
detected displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface; and providing a signal
transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial displacement
signals and the digit signals to an external electronic processor;
and facilitating the generation, by a portion of a palm of a
person's hand being in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface, of biaxial displacement signals for communication to the
external electronic processor, by facilitating control by the
portion of the palm of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface without the one
digit or any of the plurality of the digits being in contact with
the hand-controllable signal-generating device; and facilitating
the generation of digit signals by control of the
digit-controllable signal-generating device by the person's
hand.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a
rotational-displacement detector being configured for generating
rotational displacement signals that are representative of detected
rotational displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface, wherein the signal transmitter
is configured for communicating the rotational displacement signals
to the external electronic processor.
25. The system of claim 10, further including a
rotational-displacement detector being configured for generating
rotational displacement signals that are representative of detected
rotational displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface, wherein the signal transmitter
is configured for communicating the rotational displacement signals
to the external electronic processor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of
hand-controllable signal-generating devices and systems, and
processes related to such devices and systems.
2. Background of the Invention
[0002] Numerous hand-controllable signal-generating devices, and
systems including such devices, have been developed. As examples,
such hand-controllable signal-generating devices include various
"mouse" devices that may be utilized for controlling a cursor on a
graphical user interface. Despite the existence of these and other
devices, further improvements are still needed in hand-controllable
signal-generating devices and systems; and in processes related to
these devices and systems.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an example of an implementation, an apparatus is provided
that includes a hand-controllable signal-generating device. In this
example of an apparatus, the hand-controllable signal-generating
device includes: a body having a top side, and having a bottom side
spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from the top side,
the bottom side being configured for facilitating displacements of
the body over a working surface in two-dimensional directions with
the bottom side facing the working surface, the body having a
biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for generating
biaxial displacement signals that are representative of detected
displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions over
the working surface. Also in this example of an apparatus, the
hand-controllable signal-generating device further includes a
signal transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial
displacement signals to an external electronic processor. Further
in this example of an apparatus, the body has a palm rest on the
top side, the palm rest including a palm contact surface, the palm
contact surface having a contour for receiving a portion of a palm
of a person's hand into contact at a position on the palm contact
surface. Additionally in this example of an apparatus, the contour
of the palm contact surface is configured for facilitating control
by the portion of the palm of the person's hand, being in contact
at the position on the palm contact surface, of the displacements
of the body in the two-dimensional directions over the working
surface.
[0004] In some examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
external electronic processor may include a microprocessor.
[0005] In further examples of implementations of the apparatus: the
person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for facilitating control by the portion of the palm of
the person's hand of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface from the
position on the palm contact surface, without the one digit or any
of the plurality of the digits of the person's hand being in
contact with the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
[0006] In additional examples of implementations of the apparatus:
the person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and
the contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for guiding the one digit or the plurality of the digits
of the person's hand away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0007] In other examples of implementations of the apparatus: the
person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for positioning the one digit or the plurality of the
digits of the person's hand as being substantially unencumbered by
the palm contact surface when the portion of the palm of the
person's hand is in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0008] In some examples of implementations of the apparatus: the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for receiving the portion of the palm of the person's
hand into contact at a substantially-fixed position on the palm
contact surface. In further examples of implementations of the
apparatus: the contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest
may be configured for repeatedly receiving the portion of the palm
of the person's hand into contact at the substantially-fixed
position on the palm contact surface.
[0009] In additional examples of implementations of the apparatus,
the biaxial-displacement detector may be located at the bottom side
of the body.
[0010] In other examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be configured for generating the
biaxial displacement signals as being cursor control signals.
[0011] In some examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be configured for generating the
biaxial displacement signals as being keyboard control signals or
joystick control signals.
[0012] In further examples of implementations of the apparatus: the
palm contact surface of the palm rest may include a mound having a
peak and downwardly-sloping sides; and the portion of the palm of
the person's hand may include a first part of the palm that is
nearest to a wrist of the person; and the first part of the palm
may be received into contact on a first portion of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound when the portion of the palm
is at the position on the palm contact surface; and the first
portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound may have an
attached upwardly-sloping lip. In additional examples of
implementations of the apparatus: the person's hand may have one
digit or a plurality of digits; and the one digit or the plurality
of the digits of the person's hand may include a thumb digit, and
may include one non-thumb digit or a plurality of non-thumb digits;
and the portion of the palm of the person's hand may include a
second part of the palm that is farthest from the person's thumb
digit; and the second part of the palm may be received into contact
on a second portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound
when the portion of the palm is at the position on the palm contact
surface; and the second portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of
the mound may have another attached upwardly-sloping lip. In other
examples of implementations of the apparatus: the palm of the
person's hand may include another portion being nearest to the
person's thumb digit; and the palm contact surface may be shaped
for guiding the another portion of the palm away from the palm
contact surface simultaneously while receiving the portion of the
palm of the person's hand into contact at the position on the palm
contact surface. In some examples of implementations of the
apparatus: the palm of the person's hand may include an additional
portion being nearest to the one non-thumb digit or to the
plurality of the non-thumb digits of the person's hand; and the
palm contact surface may be shaped for guiding the additional
portion of the palm away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0013] In some examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
palm contact surface of the palm rest may have a perimeter, and the
position may be defined by the perimeter of the palm contact
surface.
[0014] In further examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
palm rest may be adjustably mounted on the top side of the
body.
[0015] In additional examples of implementations of the apparatus,
the palm rest may be pivotally mounted over the top side of the
body. In other examples of implementations, the apparatus may
include a joystick on the top side of the body, and the palm rest
may be mounted on the joystick. In some examples of implementations
of the apparatus: the joystick may include an angular-displacement
detector; and the angular-displacement detector may be configured
for generating angular-displacement signals that are representative
of detected angular displacements of the palm rest over the top
side of the body; and the signal transmitter may be configured for
communicating the angular-displacement signals to the external
electronic processor. In further examples of implementations of the
apparatus: the joystick may include a compressive force detector;
and the compressive force detector may be configured for generating
compressive force signals that are representative of detected
compressive forces applied by the palm of the person's hand to the
palm rest towards the top side of the body; and the signal
transmitter may be configured for communicating the compressive
force signals to the external electronic processor.
[0016] In additional examples of implementations, the apparatus may
include a rotational-displacement detector being configured for
generating rotational displacement signals that are representative
of detected rotational displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface, and the signal
transmitter may be configured for communicating the rotational
displacement signals to the external electronic processor. In other
examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
rotational-displacement detector may include a gyroscope,
accelerometer, or compass.
[0017] In some examples of implementations of the apparatus, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be located at the bottom side of
the body, and the apparatus may further include a
rotational-displacement detector being configured for generating
rotational displacement signals that are representative of detected
rotational displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface, and the signal transmitter may
be configured for communicating the rotational displacement signals
to the external electronic processor. In further examples of
implementations of the apparatus, the rotational-displacement
detector may include an additional biaxial-displacement detector
that may be spaced apart from the biaxial-displacement
detector.
[0018] In an example of another implementation, a system is
provided that includes: a digit-controllable signal-generating
device for generating digit signals; and a hand-controllable
signal-generating device. The hand-controllable signal-generating
device includes a body having a top side, and has a bottom side
spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from the top side,
the bottom side being configured for facilitating displacements of
the body over a working surface in two-dimensional directions with
the bottom side facing the working surface, the body having a
biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for generating
biaxial displacement signals that are representative of detected
displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions over
the working surface. The system further includes a signal
transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial displacement
signals and the digit signals to an external electronic processor.
In the hand-controllable signal-generating device, the body has a
palm rest on the top side, the palm rest including a palm contact
surface, the palm contact surface having a contour for receiving a
portion of a palm of a person's hand into contact at a position on
the palm contact surface. Additionally, the contour of the palm
contact surface is configured for facilitating control of the
digit-controllable signal-generating device for generating digit
signals by the person's hand simultaneously with control of
displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions by the
portion of the palm being at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0019] In some examples of implementations of the system, the
external electronic processor may include a microprocessor.
[0020] In further examples of implementations of the system, the
digit-controllable signal-generating device may include a keyboard
having a plurality of digit-controllable keys. In additional
examples of implementations of the system, the plurality of the
digit-controllable keys may be arranged in a plurality of rows. In
other examples of implementations of the system, the plurality of
the rows of the digit-controllable keys may be arranged in a
concave arc configured for placing each one of the plurality of the
digit-controllable keys in a position suitable for being controlled
by the one digit or by a one of the plurality of the digits of the
person's hand simultaneously with the portion of the palm of the
person's hand being in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0021] In some examples of implementations of the system, the
digit-controllable signal-generating device may include a
thumb-controllable joystick. In further examples of implementations
of the system, the digit-controllable signal-generating device may
include a digit-controllable key located adjacent to the
thumb-controllable joystick.
[0022] In additional examples of implementations, the system may
include an integral housing for the digit-controllable
signal-generating device and the hand-controllable
signal-generating device.
[0023] In other examples of implementations of the system, the palm
rest may be adjustably mounted on the top side of the body of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device.
[0024] In some examples of implementations of the system: the
person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for facilitating control by the portion of the palm of
the person's hand of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface from the
position on the palm contact surface without the one digit or any
of the plurality of the digits of the person's hand being in
contact with the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
[0025] In further examples of implementations of the system: the
person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for guiding the one digit or the plurality of the digits
of the person's hand away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0026] In additional examples of implementations of the system: the
person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of digits; and the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for positioning the one digit or the plurality of the
digits of the person's hand as being substantially unencumbered by
the palm contact surface when the portion of the palm of the
person's hand is in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface.
[0027] In other examples of implementations of the system, the
contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for receiving the portion of the palm of the person's
hand into contact at a substantially-fixed position on the palm
contact surface. In some examples of implementations of the system,
the contour of the palm contact surface of the palm rest may be
configured for repeatedly receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the substantially-fixed position on
the palm contact surface.
[0028] In further examples of implementations of the system, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be located at the bottom side of
the body.
[0029] In additional examples of implementations of the system, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be configured for generating the
biaxial displacement signals as being cursor control signals.
[0030] In other examples of implementations of the system, the
biaxial-displacement detector may be configured for generating the
biaxial displacement signals as being keyboard control signals or
joystick control signals.
[0031] In some examples of implementations of the system: the palm
contact surface of the palm rest may include a mound having a peak
and downwardly-sloping sides; and the portion of the palm of the
person's hand may include a first part of the palm that is nearest
to a wrist of the person; and the first part of the palm may be
received into contact on a first portion of the downwardly-sloping
sides of the mound when the portion of the palm is at the position
on the palm contact surface; and the first portion of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound may have an attached
upwardly-sloping lip. In further examples of implementations of the
system: the person's hand may have one digit or a plurality of
digits; and the one digit or the plurality of the digits of the
person's hand may include a thumb digit, and may include one
non-thumb digit or a plurality of non-thumb digits; and the portion
of the palm of the person's hand may include a second part of the
palm that is farthest from the person's thumb digit; and the second
part of the palm may be received into contact on a second portion
of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound when the portion of
the palm is at the position on the palm contact surface; and the
second portion of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound may
have another attached upwardly-sloping lip. In additional examples
of implementations of the system: the palm of the person's hand may
include another portion being nearest to the person's thumb digit,
and the palm contact surface may be shaped for guiding the another
portion of the palm away from the palm contact surface
simultaneously while receiving the portion of the palm of the
person's hand into contact at the position on the palm contact
surface. In other examples of implementations of the system: the
palm of the person's hand may include an additional portion being
nearest to the one non-thumb digit or to the plurality of the
non-thumb digits of the person's hand, and the palm contact surface
may be shaped for guiding the additional portion of the palm away
from the palm contact surface simultaneously while receiving the
portion of the palm of the person's hand into contact at the
position on the palm contact surface.
[0032] In some examples of implementations of the system, the palm
contact surface of the palm rest may have a perimeter, and the
position may be defined by the perimeter of the palm contact
surface.
[0033] In some examples of implementations of the system, the palm
rest may be adjustably mounted on the top side of the body of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device.
[0034] In further examples of implementations of the system, the
palm rest may be pivotally mounted over the top side of the body.
In additional examples of implementations of the system: the
hand-controllable signal-generating device may include a joystick
on the top side of the body; and the palm rest may be mounted on
the joystick. In other examples of implementations of the system:
the joystick may include an angular-displacement detector; the
angular-displacement detector may be configured for generating
angular-displacement signals that are representative of detected
angular displacements of the palm rest over the top side of the
body; and the signal transmitter may be configured for
communicating the angular-displacement signals to the external
electronic processor. In some examples of implementations of the
system: the joystick may include a compressive force detector; and
the compressive force detector may be configured for generating
compressive force signals that are representative of detected
compressive forces applied by the palm of the person's hand to the
palm rest towards the top side of the body; and the signal
transmitter may be configured for communicating the compressive
force signals to the external electronic processor.
[0035] In further examples of implementations, the system may
include a rotational-displacement detector being configured for
generating rotational-displacement signals that are representative
of detected rotational displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface, and the signal
transmitter may be configured for communicating the
rotational-displacement signals to the external electronic
processor. In additional examples of implementations of the system,
the rotational-displacement detector may include a gyroscope,
accelerometer, or compass.
[0036] In other examples of implementations of the system: the
biaxial-displacement detector may be located at the bottom side of
the body; and the system may include a rotational-displacement
detector being configured for generating rotational-displacement
signals that are representative of detected rotational
displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions over
the working surface; and the signal transmitter may be configured
for communicating the rotational-displacement signals to the
external electronic processor. In some examples of implementations
of the system: the rotational-displacement detector may include an
additional biaxial-displacement detector that may be spaced apart
from the biaxial-displacement detector.
[0037] In further examples of implementations, the system may
include another digit-controllable signal-generating device for
generating additional digit signals; and another hand-controllable
signal-generating device. The another hand-controllable
signal-generating device may include: another body having another
top side, and having another bottom side spaced apart by another
distance from and facing away from the another top side, the
another bottom side being configured for facilitating displacements
of the another body over the working surface in two-dimensional
directions with the another bottom side facing the working surface,
the another body having another biaxial-displacement detector that
may be configured for generating additional biaxial displacement
signals that are representative of detected displacements of the
another body in the two-dimensional directions over the working
surface. The system may further include another signal transmitter
configured for communicating the additional biaxial displacement
signals and the additional digit signals to the external electronic
processor. Further, the another body may have another palm rest on
the another top side, and the another palm rest may include another
palm contact surface, the another palm contact surface having
another contour for receiving a further portion of another palm of
a person's another hand into contact at another position on the
another palm contact surface. In addition, the contour of the
another palm contact surface may be configured for facilitating
control of the another digit-controllable signal-generating device
for generating digit signals by the person's another hand
simultaneously with control of displacements of the another body in
the two-dimensional directions by the further portion of the
another palm being at the another position on the another palm
contact surface.
[0038] In additional examples of implementations of the system, the
another digit-controllable signal-generating device may include
another keyboard having another plurality of digit-controllable
keys.
[0039] In other examples of implementations of the system, the
another digit-controllable signal-generating device may include
another thumb-controllable joystick.
[0040] In some examples of implementations, the system may include
a sensitivity modulator for the biaxial-displacement detector.
[0041] In an example of an additional implementation, a process is
provided that includes providing a hand-controllable
signal-generating device including a body having a top side, a palm
rest being on the top side, the palm rest including a palm contact
surface, the palm contact surface having a contour for receiving a
portion of a palm of a person's hand into contact at a position on
the palm contact surface, the body having a bottom side spaced
apart by a distance from and facing away from the top side, the
bottom side being configured for facilitating displacements of the
body over a working surface in two-dimensional directions, the body
having a biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for
generating biaxial displacement signals that are representative of
detected displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface; and providing a signal
transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial displacement
signals to an external electronic processor. This example of a
process further includes facilitating the generation, by a portion
of a palm of a person's hand being in contact at the position on
the palm contact surface, of biaxial displacement signals for
communication to the external electronic processor, by facilitating
control by the portion of the palm of the displacements of the body
in the two-dimensional directions over the working surface.
[0042] In some examples of implementations, this process may
further include: placing the portion of the palm of the person's
hand in contact at the position on the palm contact surface;
causing the portion of the palm to generate biaxial displacement
signals by controlling displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions; and causing the signal transmitter to
communicate the biaxial displacement signals to the external
electronic processor.
[0043] In further examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation of the biaxial displacement signals may
include facilitating control by the portion of the palm of the
displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions from
the position on the palm contact surface without a one digit or any
of a plurality of digits of the person's hand being in contact with
the hand-controllable signal-generating device.
[0044] In additional examples of implementations of this process,
the facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for guiding a one digit or a plurality of digits of
the person's hand away from the palm contact surface simultaneously
while receiving the portion of the palm into contact at the
position on the palm contact surface.
[0045] In further examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for positioning a one digit or a plurality of
digits of the person's hand as being substantially unencumbered by
the palm contact surface when the portion of the palm is in contact
at the position on the palm contact surface.
[0046] In other examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for receiving the portion of the palm into contact
at a substantially-fixed position on the palm contact surface.
[0047] In some examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include facilitating generation of
the biaxial-displacement signals as being cursor control
signals.
[0048] In further examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include facilitating generation of
the biaxial-displacement signals as being keyboard control signals
or joystick control signals.
[0049] In additional examples of implementations: the providing the
hand-controllable signal-generating device may include providing
the palm rest as being mounted on a joystick that may include an
angular-displacement detector; and the process may include
facilitating the generation, by the portion of the palm being in
contact at the position on the palm contact surface for
communication to the external electronic processor, of angular
displacement signals that are representative of detected angular
displacements of the palm rest over the top side of the body.
[0050] In other examples of implementations of this process: the
providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing the joystick as including a compressive force
detector; and the process may include facilitating the generation,
by the portion of the palm being in contact at the position on the
palm contact surface for communication to the external electronic
processor, of compressive force signals that are representative of
detected compressive forces applied by the palm to the palm rest
towards the top side of the body.
[0051] In some examples of implementations of this process: the
providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing a rotational-displacement detector; and the
process may include facilitating the generation, by the portion of
the palm being in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface for communication to the external electronic processor, of
rotational displacement signals that are representative of detected
rotational displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface.
[0052] In an example of a further implementation, a process is
provided that includes: providing a digit-controllable
signal-generating device for generating digit signals; and
providing a hand-controllable signal-generating device. In this
example of a process, providing the hand-controllable
signal-generating device includes providing: a body having a top
side, a palm rest being on the top side, the palm rest including a
palm contact surface, the palm contact surface having a contour for
receiving a portion of a palm of a person's hand into contact at a
position on the palm contact surface, the body having a bottom side
spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from the top side,
the bottom side being configured for facilitating displacements of
the body over a working surface in two-dimensional directions, the
body having a biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for
generating biaxial displacement signals that are representative of
detected displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions over the working surface. This example of a process
additionally includes providing a signal transmitter configured for
communicating the biaxial displacement signals and the digit
signals to an external electronic processor. This example of a
process further includes facilitating the generation, by a portion
of a palm of a person's hand being in contact at the position on
the palm contact surface, of biaxial displacement signals for
communication to the external electronic processor, by facilitating
control by the portion of the palm of the displacements of the body
in the two-dimensional directions over the working surface; and
facilitating the generation of digit signals by control of the
digit-controllable signal-generating device by the person's
hand.
[0053] In some examples of implementations, this process may
further include: placing the portion of the palm of the person's
hand in contact at the position on the palm contact surface;
causing the portion of the palm to generate biaxial displacement
signals by controlling displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions, and causing the person's hand to
generate digit signals by control of the digit-controllable
signal-generating device; and causing the signal transmitter to
communicate the biaxial displacement signals and the digit signals
to the external electronic processor.
[0054] In further examples of implementations of this process: the
providing the digit-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing a keyboard having a plurality of
digit-controllable keys; and the facilitating the generation of the
biaxial displacement signals and of the digit signals may include
facilitating the simultaneous generation of the biaxial
displacement signals by the portion of the palm, and of the digit
signals by the person's hand.
[0055] In additional examples of implementations of this process:
the providing the digit-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing a thumb-controllable joystick; and the
facilitating the generation of the biaxial displacement signals and
of the digit signals may include facilitating the simultaneous
generation of the biaxial displacement signals by the portion of
the palm, and of the digit signals by the person's hand.
[0056] In other examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include facilitating control by
the portion of the palm of the displacements of the body in the
two-dimensional directions from the position on the palm contact
surface, without a one digit or any of a plurality of digits of the
person's hand being in contact with the hand-controllable
signal-generating device.
[0057] In some examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for guiding a one digit or a plurality of digits of
the person's hand away from the palm contact surface simultaneously
while receiving the portion of the palm into contact at the
position on the palm contact surface.
[0058] In additional examples of implementations of this process,
the facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for positioning a one digit or a plurality of
digits of the person's hand as being substantially unencumbered by
the palm contact surface when the portion of the palm is in contact
at the position on the palm contact surface.
[0059] In other examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include configuring the palm
contact surface for receiving the portion of the palm into contact
at a substantially-fixed position on the palm contact surface.
[0060] In some examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include facilitating the
generation of the biaxial-displacement signals as being cursor
control signals.
[0061] In further examples of implementations of this process, the
facilitating the generation by the portion of the palm of the
biaxial displacement signals may include facilitating the
generation of the biaxial-displacement signals as being keyboard
control signals or joystick control signals.
[0062] In additional examples of implementations of this process:
the providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing the palm rest as being mounted on a joystick that
may include an angular-displacement detector; and the process may
include facilitating the generation, by the portion of the palm
being in contact at the position on the palm contact surface for
communication to the external electronic processor, of angular
displacement signals that are representative of detected angular
displacements of the palm rest over the top side of the body. In
other examples of implementations of this process: the providing
the hand-controllable signal-generating device may include
providing the joystick as including a compressive force detector;
and the process may include facilitating the generation, by the
portion of the palm being in contact at the position on the palm
contact surface for communication to the external electronic
processor, of compressive force signals that are representative of
detected compressive forces applied by the palm to the palm rest
towards the top side of the body.
[0063] In other examples of implementations of this process: the
providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device may
include providing a rotational-displacement detector; and the
process may include facilitating the generation, by the portion of
the palm being in contact at the position on the palm contact
surface for communication to the external electronic processor, of
rotational displacement signals that are representative of detected
rotational displacements of the body in the two-dimensional
directions.
[0064] In some examples of implementations, this process may
include: providing another digit-controllable signal-generating
device for generating additional digit signals; and providing
another hand-controllable signal-generating device. In these
example of the process, providing the another hand-controllable
signal-generating device may include providing another body having
another top side, another palm rest being on the another top side,
the another palm rest including another palm contact surface, the
another palm contact surface having another contour for receiving a
further portion of another palm of a person's another hand into
contact at another position on the another palm contact surface,
the another body having another bottom side spaced apart by another
distance from and facing away from the another top side, the
another bottom side being configured for facilitating additional
displacements of the another body over the working surface in the
two-dimensional directions, the another body having another
biaxial-displacement detector that is configured for generating
additional biaxial displacement signals that are representative of
detected additional displacements of the another body in the
two-dimensional directions over the working surface. In these
examples, the process may further include providing another signal
transmitter configured for communicating the additional biaxial
displacement signals and the additional digit signals to the
external electronic processor. These examples of the process may
additionally include: facilitating the generation, by the further
portion of another palm of a person's another hand being in contact
at the another position on the another palm contact surface, of
additional biaxial displacement signals for communication to the
external electronic processor, by facilitating control by the
further portion of the another palm of the additional displacements
of the another body in the two-dimensional directions over the
working surface; and facilitating the generation of additional
digit signals by control of the another digit-controllable
signal-generating device by the person's another hand.
[0065] Other devices, systems, processes, features and advantages
of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill
in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional devices,
systems, processes, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0066] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following figures. The components in the figures are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective back side view showing an example of
an implementation of an apparatus.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a left side view, taken in the direction of line
2, of the example of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a right side view, taken in the direction of line
3, of the example of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a front side view, taken in the direction of line
4 as shown in FIG. 2, of the example of the apparatus as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 5 is a bottom side view of the example of the apparatus
as shown in FIG. 1 taken in the direction of line 5, further
showing a person's hand together with the example of the
apparatus.
[0072] FIG. 6 is view of the person's hand as shown in FIG. 5,
together with a bottom side and a hand rest of the example of the
apparatus.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a top side view, taken in the direction of line 7,
of the example of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.
[0074] FIG. 8 is another top side view of the example of the
apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 taken in the direction of line 7,
further showing a person's hand together with the example of the
apparatus.
[0075] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view showing an example of an
implementation of a system including a hand-controllable
signal-generating device.
[0076] FIG. 10 is a left side view, taken in the direction of line
10, of the example of the system as shown in FIG. 9.
[0077] FIG. 11 is a right side view, taken in the direction of line
11, of the example of the system as shown in FIG. 9.
[0078] FIG. 12 is a front side view, taken in the direction of line
12, of the example of the system as shown in FIG. 9.
[0079] FIG. 13 is a back side view, taken in the direction of line
13, of the example of the system as shown in FIG. 9.
[0080] FIG. 14 is a bottom side view, taken in the direction of
line 14 shown in FIG. 10, of the example of the system as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0081] FIG. 15 is another bottom side view, taken in the direction
of line 14, showing a person's hand together with the example of
the system as shown in FIG. 9.
[0082] FIG. 16 is a view of the person's hand as shown in FIG. 15,
together with a bottom side and a hand rest of the example of the
system.
[0083] FIG. 17 is a top side view, taken in the direction of line
17 as shown in FIG. 9, of the example of the system as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0084] FIG. 18 is another top side view of the example of the
system as shown in FIG. 9 taken in the direction of line 17,
further showing a person's hand together with the example of the
system.
[0085] FIG. 19 is a top side view of another example of the system
shown in FIG. 17, together with another hand-controllable
signal-generating device.
[0086] FIG. 20 is another top side view of the another example of
the system as shown in FIG. 19, further showing two hands in
contact with the another example of the system.
[0087] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of an
implementation of a process.
[0088] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of an
implementation of another process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] Various hand-controllable signal-generating devices have
been designed. Many such devices exist that are capable of being
controlled by a person's hand to generate a signal for use, e.g.,
in controlling the movement of an external object or image.
However, there are numerous end-use applications in which
facilitating control by the same hand of device(s) for generating
multiple signals would be useful. As an example, a person may need
to enter textual data or other commands simultaneously while
controlling such movement of an external object or image. As
another example, a person may need to generate signals for
simultaneously controlling the movements of multiple objects or
images. Further, for example, a person may need to simultaneously
generate signals for controlling multiple degrees of movement of an
external object or image, e.g., six degrees of three-dimensional
motion. As another example, a person may need to generate signals
for controlling the movements of such an object or image, while
simultaneously controlling other aspects of the object or images,
or while simultaneously controlling other aspects of devices or
systems in communication with the object or with a device
displaying the image. As an example, a person playing an electronic
game may need to simultaneously generate such multiple types of
signals. As the complexity of the multiple signals to be generated
by a person's hand increases, generally so does the difficulty of
facilitating retention of the person's hand in a suitable position
for operating the device. Many of the existing hand-controllable
signal-generating devices demonstrably fail to facilitate their
accurate control by a person's hand throughout the generation of
such multiple signals. For example, many existing hand-controllable
signal-generating devices need to be held by a person's fingers for
movement through two-dimensional directions over a working surface
such as a table top or desk. In that case, the person's fingers are
not free for simultaneously generating other signals, e.g. textual
input signals.
[0090] Apparatus accordingly is provided herein, including a
hand-controllable signal-generating device that includes: a body
having a top side, and a bottom side spaced apart by a distance
from and facing away from the top side, the bottom side being
configured for facilitating displacements of the body over a
working surface in two-dimensional directions with the bottom side
facing the working surface, the body having a biaxial-displacement
detector that is configured for generating biaxial displacement
signals that are representative of detected displacements of the
body in the two-dimensional directions over the working surface.
The hand-controllable signal-generating device further includes a
signal transmitter configured for communicating the biaxial
displacement signals to an external electronic processor. The body
has a palm rest on the top side, the palm rest including a palm
contact surface having a contour for receiving a portion of a palm
of a person's hand into contact at a position on the palm contact
surface. The contour of the palm contact surface is configured for
facilitating control by the portion of the palm of the person's
hand, being in contact at the position on the palm contact surface,
of the displacements of the body in the two-dimensional directions
over the working surface. Systems are also provided, including a
hand-controllable signal-generating device, and a
digit-controllable signal-generating device for generating digit
signals. In these systems, the contour of the palm contact surface
is configured for facilitating control of the digit-controllable
signal-generating device for generating digit signals by the
person's hand simultaneously with control of displacements of the
body in the two-dimensional directions by the portion of the palm
being at the position on the palm contact surface.
[0091] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "hand" [H] means a human hand. Throughout this specification,
it is understood that the term "digit" [D] means a thumb digit [TD]
or another finger of a person's hand [H]. As examples, a "digit"
[D] includes a thumb digit [TD], or a non-thumb digit [NTD]: an
index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, or a pinkie finger.
For example, a person's hand [H] may have the foregoing five digits
[D]. Further, for example, a person's hand [H] may have no digits,
only one digit [D], or a plurality of digits [D]; and the one digit
[D] or the plurality of the digits [D] of the person's hand [H] may
include a thumb digit [TD], and may include one non-thumb digit
[NTD] or a plurality of non-thumb digits [NTD]. It is also
understood throughout this specification that a person's hand [H]
may have more than five digits [D] or less than five digits [D],
and may have or not have a thumb digit [TD]. Throughout this
specification, it is understood that the term "palm" [P] means that
portion of a person's hand [H] excluding the one digit [D] or all
of the plurality of the digits [D].
[0092] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "signal" means an electronic signal or an electromagnetic
radiation signal. Examples of electromagnetic radiation include
visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. Devices,
systems and processes that utilize visible light are also
respectively referred to as optical devices, systems and processes.
Examples of electromagnetic radiation signals include: visible
light signals; ultraviolet light signals; and infrared light
signals. Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "signal-generating device" means a device that is configured
for the generation of electronic signals or electromagnetic
radiation signals.
[0093] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "electronic circuit" means a circuit capable of conducting an
electronic signal. Throughout this specification, it is understood
that the term "electronic processor" means an electronic circuit
capable of processing an electronic signal. As examples, an
"electronic processor" may include an integrated circuit, or a
microprocessor. Throughout this specification, it is understood
that the term "microprocessor" means a multipurpose, programmable
device that accepts digital data as input, and processes the
digital data according to instructions stored in the programmable
device's memory, and provides results as output.
[0094] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "signal transmitter" means a transmitter configured for
communicating an electronic signal or an electromagnetic radiation
signal. For example, a transmitter configured for communicating an
electronic signal may include an electronic circuit. As examples, a
transmitter configured for communicating an electromagnetic
radiation signal may include a visible-, ultraviolet-, or
infrared-light emitter.
[0095] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "hand-controllable signal-generating device" means a
signal-generating device that can be operated by designated
portions of a person's hand [H].
[0096] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "digit-controllable signal-generating device" means a
signal-generating device that can be operated by a designated digit
[D] or designated digits [D] of a person's hand [H], for generating
digit signals [DS].
[0097] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "working surface" [W] means a surface on which a digit- or
hand-controllable signal-generating device may be supported, and
over which such a device may be moved by a person's hand [H]. As
examples, a working surface [W] may include: a table top, a desk
top, a ledge, or a tray.
[0098] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "biaxial-displacement" means a movement of a digit- or
hand-controllable signal-generating device in two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over a working surface [W]. Throughout this
specification, it is understood that the term "biaxial-displacement
detector" means a sensor capable of generating electronic- or
electromagnetic radiation-signals that are representative of
biaxial displacements of a digit- or hand-controllable
signal-generating device over a working surface [W]. As an example,
a biaxial-displacement detector may include a visible-,
ultraviolet- or infrared-light emitter and a corresponding light
detector, wherein the light emitter may include, as examples, a
laser light emitter or a light-emitting diode ("LED"). In further
examples, a biaxial-displacement detector may include an optical or
mechanical-track-ball, -scroll-wheel, or -scroll-ball.
[0099] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "angular-displacement detector" means a sensor capable of
generating electronic- or electromagnetic radiation-signals that
are representative of angular displacements of a hand-operated
joystick. As an example, an angular-displacement detector may have
two axes of movement, such that moving the joystick to the left or
right signals movement along the x axis, and moving the joystick
forward or backwards signals movement along the y axis. As another
example, an angular-displacement detector may have three axes of
movement, wherein twisting the joystick to the left
(counter-clockwise) or right (clockwise) signals movement along the
z axis. In the another example, the three axes--x, y and z--may
respectively be analogous to an aircraft's roll, pitch, and yaw. An
angular-displacement detector may include an analog or digital
joystick. An analog joystick, for example, may generate a signal
indicating an angle measure of the joystick movement in any
direction on the [x, y] axes, e.g, using potentiometers. A digital
joystick may, for example, generate only an on-off signal for each
of four different directions on the [x, y] axes.
[0100] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "compressive-force detector" means a sensor capable of
generating electronic- or electromagnetic radiation-signals that
are representative of compressive forces applied to a joystick. As
examples, displacement joysticks with compression-sensitive sensors
that may be utilized in the devices, systems and processes
discussed herein are disclosed in the Armstrong U.S. Pat. No.
6,285,356 B1 issued on Sep. 4, 2001 and entitled "Displacement
Joystick with Compression-Sensitive Sensors," the entirety of which
hereby is incorporated herein by reference.
[0101] Throughout this specification, it is understood that the
term "rotational-displacement detector" means a sensor capable of
generating electronic- or electromagnetic radiation-signals that
are representative of rotational displacements of a
hand-controllable signal-generating device over a working surface
[W]. As examples, rotational-displacement detectors for detecting
rotational movements of an object over a working surface that may
be utilized in the devices, systems and processes discussed herein
are disclosed in the Gillick U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,481 issued on Aug.
29, 1995 and entitled "Multidimensional Hybrid Mouse for
Computers," the entirety of which hereby is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0102] FIG. 1 is a perspective back side view showing an example of
an implementation of an apparatus [100]. FIG. 2 is a left side
view, taken in the direction of line 2, of the example of the
apparatus [100] as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a right side view,
taken in the direction of line 3, of the example of the apparatus
[100] as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front side view, taken in the
direction of line 4 as shown in FIG. 2, of the example of the
apparatus [100] as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a bottom side view of
the example of the apparatus [100] as shown in FIG. 1 taken in the
direction of line 5, further showing a person's hand together with
the example of the apparatus [100]. FIG. 6 is view of the person's
hand as shown in FIG. 5, together with a bottom side and a hand
rest of the example of the apparatus [100]. FIG. 7 is a top side
view, taken in the direction of line 7, of the example of the
apparatus [100] as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is another top side view
of the example of the apparatus [100] as shown in FIG. 1 taken in
the direction of line 7, further showing a person's hand together
with the example of the apparatus [100]. Examples of
implementations of systems [900] will be subsequently discussed in
connection with FIGS. 9-20. Examples of implementations of
processes [2100], [2200] will also be subsequently discussed in
connection with FIGS. 21-22. It is understood throughout this
specification that the examples of implementations of the apparatus
[100] may be modified as including any of the features or
combinations of features that are disclosed in connection with the
systems [900] or any of the features or combinations of features
that are disclosed in connection with either of the processes
[2100], [2200]. Accordingly, FIGS. 9-22 and the entireties of the
subsequent discussions of the systems [900] and of the processes
[2100], [2200] are hereby incorporated into the following
discussion of the examples of the apparatus [100].
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, an example of an apparatus [100]
including a hand-controllable signal-generating device [101] is
shown, including a body [105] having a top side [110], and having a
bottom side [115] spaced apart by a distance from and facing away
from the top side [110]. The bottom side [115] is configured for
facilitating displacements of the body [105] over a working surface
[W] in two-dimensional directions [x, y] with the bottom side [115]
facing the working surface [W]. The body [105] has a
biaxial-displacement detector [120] that is configured for
generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that are
representative of detected displacements of the body [105] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. The
example of an apparatus [100] further includes a signal transmitter
[125] configured for communicating the biaxial displacement signals
[BDS], as represented by an arrow [127], to an external electronic
processor [EP]. The body [105] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101] has a palm rest [130] on the top
side [110]. The palm rest [130] includes a palm contact surface
[135] having a contour for receiving a portion [P1] of a palm [P]
of a person's hand [H] into contact at a position [140] on the palm
contact surface [135]. As further examples, the "contact" by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] at the position [140] may be
"substantial contact," wherein "substantial contact" means that the
palm contact surface [135] may be contoured for receiving the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact
with at least about 75% of the surface area of the palm contact
surface [135]. As another example, the position [140] may be
defined by the perimeter of the palm contact surface [135]. The
contour of the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] is
configured for facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H], being in contact at the position
[140] on the palm contact surface [135], of the displacements of
the body [105] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]. Throughout
this specification, it is understood that displacement in
"two-dimensional directions [x, y]" means displacements over a
working surface [W] at least in four mutually-orthogonal
directions, as shown by the examples of four mutually-orthogonal
directions indicated by the arrows [141], [142], [143] and [144]
shown in FIG. 1.
[0104] FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 further show a person's hand [H] in contact
at the position [140] on the palm contact surface [135] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101]. As an example,
the position [140] may be defined by the perimeter of the palm
contact surface [135]. In an example, the person's hand [H] may
have five digits [D], including a thumb digit [TD] and four
non-thumb digits [NTD]. The palm contact surface [135] of the palm
rest [130] is shaped for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the person's hand [H] into contact at the position [140] on the
palm contact surface [135]. In examples, the contour of the palm
contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may be configured for
facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
person's hand [H] of the displacements of the body [105] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W] from
the position [140] without any of the five digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] being in contact with the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101]. As additional examples, the contour
of the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may be
configured for guiding the one digit [D] or all of the plurality of
the digits [D] of the person's hand [H] away from the palm contact
surface [135] simultaneously while receiving the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact at the position
[140] on the palm contact surface [135]. In further examples, the
contour of the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130]
may be configured for positioning the one digit [D] or all of the
plurality of the digits [D] of the person's hand [H] as being
substantially unencumbered by the palm contact surface [135] when
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] is in
contact at the position [140] on the palm contact surface [135]. It
is understood that the term "substantially unencumbered" means that
the one digit [D] or all of the plurality of the digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] can collectively operate the digit-controllable
signal-generating devices schematically represented as shown in
FIG. 5 by the boxes [505], [510], to generate digit signals [DS],
simultaneously while the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
person's hand [H] is in contact at the position [140] on the palm
contact surface [135].
[0105] In an example of operation, a person may place the apparatus
[100] including the hand-controllable signal-generating device
[101] on a working surface [W] with the bottom side [115] of the
body [105] facing the working surface [W]. For example, the working
surface [W] may be a desk top. The person may then place a portion
[P1] of a palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact with the
palm contact surface [135] at the position [140]. Using only the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H], the person
may then displace the body [105] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101] over the working surface [W] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y], including the example directions
represented by the arrows [141], [142], [143] and [144]. For
example, the person may displace the body [105] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101] over the working
surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] without any of
the digits [D] of the person's hand [H] making any contact with or
applying any force to the hand-controllable signal-generating
device [101]. The contour of the palm contact surface [135] of the
palm rest [130] is configured for facilitating accurate control by
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H], being in
contact at the position [140] on the palm contact surface [135], of
the displacements of the body [105] in the two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. The
biaxial-displacement detector [120] detects the displacements of
the body [105] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the
working surface [W], and generates biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] that are representative of the detected biaxial
displacements. As examples, the signal transmitter [125] may be
integral with or otherwise in signal communication with the
biaxial-displacement detector [120], as represented by the arrow
[126]. The signal transmitter [125] of the apparatus [100]
communicates the biaxial displacement signals [BDS], as represented
by the arrow [127], to the external electronic processor [EP]. As
an example, the signal transmitter [125] may be integral with the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101]. As another
example, the electronic processor [EP] may include a
microprocessor. Further, for example, the signal transmitter [125]
may be in wired, wireless, optical, or another form of
electromagnetic radiation-based communication with the external
electronic processor [EP]. As another example, the external
electronic processor [EP] may be in communication with a graphical
user interface [128], as represented by an arrow [129]. Further,
for example, the graphical user interface [128] may display a
cursor [CU]. In that example, the biaxial-displacement detector
[120] may be configured for generating the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] as being cursor control signals.
[0106] In examples, the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest
[130] may be shaped for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the person's hand [H] into contact at a position [140] on the
palm contact surface [135], wherein the position [140] may be a
substantially-fixed position relative to the person's hand [H]. It
is understood that the term "substantially-fixed position" means a
position [140] on the palm contact surface [135] relative to a
person's hand [H] that varies, through a series of ten or more
iterations of placing a portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the hand
[H] on the palm rest [130], by an average of about one centimeter
or less in any two-dimensional direction [x, y]. As a further
example, the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may
be shaped for repeatedly receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the person's hand [H] into contact at such a substantially-fixed
position [140] on the palm contact surface [135].
[0107] In an example, the body [105] may have an overall box-like
shape. The body [105] may, for example, have side walls [145],
[150], [205] and [305], being sized for spacing apart the top side
[110] at a suitable distance away from the bottom side [115]. In an
alternative example, the body [105] may instead have a frame (not
shown) being sized for spacing apart the top side [110] at a
suitable distance away from the bottom side [115]. As examples, the
top side [110] may be spaced apart from the bottom side [115] by a
distance being within a range of between about two centimeters and
about ten centimeters. In additional examples, the top side [110]
may be generally flat, as facilitating the mounting of the palm
rest [130] on the top side [110] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101]. As a further example (not shown),
the top side [110] may integrally form the palm rest [130]. In
further examples (not shown), the side walls [145], [150], [205]
and [305] may be integrally constructed as a unitary rectangular,
square, round, or elliptical side wall. Additionally, as examples,
the top side [110] and the bottom side [115] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101] may each
independently have a perimeter being rectangular, square, round,
elliptical, or having another shape. Further, for example, the
bottom side [115] may be generally flat, as facilitating
displacements of the body [105] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101] over the working surface [W] in
two-dimensional directions [x, y].
[0108] In examples of the apparatus [100] including the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101], the
biaxial-displacement detector [120] may be located at the bottom
side [115] of the body [105]. As an example, the
biaxial-displacement detector [120] may include a visible-,
ultraviolet-, or infrared-light emitter/detector. Alternatively, as
examples (not shown), the biaxial-displacement detector [120] may
include a light-detecting or mechanical-track-ball, scroll-wheel,
or scroll-ball. Further, for example, the biaxial-displacement
detector [120] may be configured for generating the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] as being cursor control signals. In that
example, the apparatus [100] including the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101] may function as a computer mouse for
controlling displacements of a cursor [CU] in two-dimensional
directions [x, y] on the graphical user interface [128]. As
examples, a graphical user interface [128] may include a display
screen of a desktop-, laptop-, or tablet computer, or a
smart-phone, or the like. In further examples, the
biaxial-displacement detector [120] may be configured for
generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] as being keyboard
control signals or joystick control signals. In additional
examples, the biaxial-displacement detector [120] may be configured
for generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] as being
control signals for additionally or instead causing the movement of
non-cursor images on the graphical user interface [128].
[0109] In an example, the palm rest [130] may be adjustably mounted
on the top side [110] of the body [105]. As another example of the
apparatus [100] including the hand-controllable signal-generating
device [101], the palm rest [130] may be mounted on a post [155]
over the top side [110] of the body [105]. Further, for example,
the palm rest [130] may be adjustably mounted on the post [155]
over the top side [110] of the body [105]. For example, a length of
the post [155] may be adjustable, so that an elevation as
represented by the arrow [405], of the palm rest [130] above the
bottom side [115] at a point of attachment [410], may accordingly
be changed. As further examples, a location of the palm rest [130]
over the top side [110] may be adjustable relative to the
two-dimensional directions [x, y]. In additional examples, the palm
rest [130] may be mounted on the top side [110] of the body [105]
with the palm rest [130] being adjustable: side-to-side; or as to
tilt angles relative to the top side [110] including as examples,
pitch, yaw and roll.
[0110] In examples, and referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the palm
contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] of the apparatus [100]
including the hand-controllable signal-generating device [101] may
include a mound [705] having a peak [706] surrounded by
downwardly-sloping sides represented by a series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 7, the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound
[705] including: a first portion [710]; a second portion [715]; a
third portion [720]; and a fourth portion [725]. The mound [705]
may, for example, have a convex shape culminating at the peak [706]
as shown in FIG. 7; and may have overall dimensions being suitable
for being received into a concave palm [P] of a person's hand [H].
Further, for example, the mound [705] may have a convex contour as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0111] In these examples, the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
person's hand [H] may include a first part [P1A] that is nearest to
a wrist [WR] of the person; and the first part [P1A] of the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] may be received into contact on the first
portion [710] of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [705]
when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the position [140] on
the palm contact surface [135]; and the first portion [710] of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [705] may have a first
attached upwardly-sloping lip [210].
[0112] In additional examples, and referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8,
the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may likewise
include the mound [705] having the peak [706] surrounded by the
downwardly-sloping sides represented by the series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 7, including the first portion [710], the
second portion [715], the third portion [720], and the fourth
portion [725], and in addition: the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] may include a second part [P1B] that is
farthest from the person's thumb digit [TD]; and the second part
[P1B] of the portion [P1] of the palm [P] may be received into
contact on the second portion [715] of the downwardly-sloping sides
of the mound [705] when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the
position [140] on the palm contact surface [135]; and the second
portion [715] of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [705]
may have a second attached upwardly-sloping lip [160].
[0113] In further examples, and referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the
palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may likewise
include the mound [705] having the peak [706] surrounded by the
downwardly-sloping sides represented by the series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 7, including the first portion [710], the
second portion [715], the third portion [720], and the fourth
portion [725], and in addition: the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] may include another portion [P2] being nearest to the thumb
digit [TD] of the person's hand [H], and the palm contact surface
[135], including for example the third portion [720] of the mound
[705], may be shaped for guiding the another portion [P2] of the
palm [P] away from the palm contact surface [135] simultaneously
while receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's
hand [H] into contact at the position [140] on the palm contact
surface [135].
[0114] In other examples, and referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the
palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may likewise
include the mound [705] having the peak [706] surrounded by the
downwardly-sloping sides represented by the series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 7, including the first portion [710], the
second portion [715], the third portion [720], and the fourth
portion [725], and in addition: the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] may include an additional portion [P3] being nearest to the one
non-thumb digit [NTD] or to the plurality of the non-thumb digits
[NTD] of the person's hand [H], and the palm contact surface [135],
including for example the fourth portion [725] of the mound [705],
may be shaped for guiding the additional portion [P3] of the palm
[P] away from the palm contact surface [135] simultaneously while
receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H]
into contact at the position [140] on the palm contact surface
[135].
[0115] As a further example, the palm contact surface [135] of the
palm rest [130] may likewise include the mound [705] having the
peak [706] surrounded by the downwardly-sloping sides represented
by the series of concentric circles shown in FIG. 7, including the
first portion [710], the second portion [715], the third portion
[720], and the fourth portion [725], and in addition: the first
portion [710] of the mound [705] may have the first attached
upwardly-sloping lip [210]; and the second portion [715] of the
mound [705] may have the second attached upwardly-sloping lip
[160]; and the palm contact surface [135], including for example
the third and fourth portions [720], [725] of the mound [705], may
be shaped for guiding the another portion [P2] and the additional
portion [P3] of the palm [P] away from the palm contact surface
[135] simultaneously while receiving the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H] into contact at the position [140] on
the palm contact surface [135]. Further in this example, the first
upwardly-sloping lip [210] and the first portion [710] of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [705] may collectively define
a first concave trough schematically indicated by a dashed line
[730]. Additionally in this example, the second upwardly-sloping
lip [160] and the second portion [715] of the downwardly-sloping
sides of the mound [705] may together define a second concave
trough schematically indicated by a dashed line [735]. In an
example, the concave contour of the first trough [730] may be
shaped for receiving the first part [P1A] of the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] when the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] is at the position [140] on the palm contact surface
[135]. Further, for example, the concave contour of the second
trough [735] may be shaped for receiving the second part [P1B] of
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] when the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the position [140] on the palm
contact surface [135]. As a further example, the contour of the
palm contact surface [135] may, by receiving the first part [P1A]
of the palm [P] in the first trough [730] and by receiving the
second part [P1B] of the palm [P] in the second trough [735],
facilitate control of rotations of the body [105] over the working
surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] by the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H].
[0116] In further examples, the position [140] may be defined by
the perimeter of the palm contact surface [135]; and the palm
contact surface [135] may be contoured for receiving the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact at the
perimeter [140] of the palm contact surface [135]. The contour of
the palm contact surface [135] of the palm rest [130] may be
configured for facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H], being in contact at the perimeter
[140] of the palm contact surface [135], of the displacements of
the body [105] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]. In
additional examples, the position [140], as being defined by the
perimeter [140] of the palm contact surface [135], may be a
substantially-fixed position relative to the portion [P1] of a palm
[P] of a hand [H]. As further examples, the "contact" by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] at the perimeter [140] may be
"substantial contact," wherein "substantial contact" means that the
palm contact surface [135] may be contoured for receiving the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact
with at least about 75% of the length of the perimeter [140].
[0117] As another example, the palm rest [130] of the apparatus
[100] including the hand-controllable signal-generating device
[101] may be pivotally mounted over the top side [110] of the body
[105]. For example, the post [155] may be a joystick being mounted
on the top side [110] of the body [105], on which the palm rest
[130] may be mounted. Further, for example, the joystick [155] may
include an angular-displacement detector [215]. As examples, the
angular-displacement detector [215] may be configured for
generating angular-displacement signals [AS] that are
representative of detected angular displacements of the palm rest
[130] over the top side [110] of the body [105]; and the signal
transmitter [125] may be configured for communicating, as
represented by the arrow [127], the angular-displacement signals
[AS] to the external electronic processor [EP]. As examples, the
angular-displacement signals [AS] may differentiate between angular
displacements of the joystick [155] as being pitch-, yaw-, or
roll-movements relative to the body [105], or as being twisting
movements of the joystick [155] around the top side [110]. In
additional examples, the joystick [155] may include a compressive
force detector [415]. As examples, the compressive force detector
[415] may be configured for generating compressive force signals
[FS] that are representative of detected compressive forces applied
by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] to the
palm rest [130] in the direction of the downward portion of the
arrow [405] towards the top side [110] of the body [105]; and the
signal transmitter [125] may be configured for communicating, as
represented by the arrow [127], the compressive force signals [FS]
to the external electronic processor [EP].
[0118] In a further example, the apparatus [100] including the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101] may have a
rotational-displacement detector [515] being configured for
generating rotational displacement signals [RS] that are
representative of detected rotational displacements of the body
[105] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working
surface [W]; and the signal transmitter [125] may be configured for
communicating, as represented by the arrow [127], the rotational
displacement signals [RS] to the external electronic processor
[EP]. In examples, the rotational-displacement detector [515] may
include a gyroscope, accelerometer, or compass. As an additional
example, the biaxial-displacement detector [120] may be located at
the bottom side [115] of the body [105]; and the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101] may include an additional
biaxial-displacement detector [520] that is located at the bottom
side [115] of the body [105]. In that additional example, the
additional biaxial-displacement detector [520] may be spaced apart
from the biaxial-displacement detector [120] by a distance being
suitable for facilitating the functioning of the
biaxial-displacement detectors [120], [520] together as a
rotational-displacement detector. It is understood throughout this
specification that the signal transmitter [125] may be further
configured for communicating, in any combination or sequence to the
external electronic processor [EP] as represented by the arrow
[127]: the biaxial displacement signals [BDS]; and the
angular-displacement signals [AS]; and the compressive force
signals [FS]; and the rotational displacement signals [RS]. It is
further understood throughout this specification that each of the
signals [BDS], [AS], [FS] and [RS] that may be generated by
hand-controlled operation of the system [100] may be utilized for
controlling an external display such as a cursor [CU] or for
controlling an object, which may be, as an example, a motorized
moveable object such as a vehicle.
[0119] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view showing an example of an
implementation of a system [900] including a hand-controllable
signal-generating device. FIG. 10 is a left side view, taken in the
direction of line 10, of the example of the system [900] as shown
in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a right side view, taken in the direction of
line 11, of the example of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a front side view, taken in the direction of line 12, of
the example of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a
back side view, taken in the direction of line 13, of the example
of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a bottom side
view, taken in the direction of line 14 shown in FIG. 10, of the
example of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 15 is another
bottom side view, taken in the direction of line 14, showing a
person's hand together with the example of the system [900] as
shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 16 is a view of the person's hand as shown in
FIG. 15, together with a bottom side and a hand rest of the example
of the system [900]. FIG. 17 is a top side view, taken in the
direction of line 17 as shown in FIG. 9, of the example of the
system [900] as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 18 is another top side view
of the example of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 9 taken in the
direction of line 17, further showing a person's hand together with
the example of the system [900]. FIG. 19 is a top side view of
another example of the system [900] shown in FIG. 17, together with
another hand-controllable signal-generating device. FIG. 20 is
another top side view of the another example of the system [900] as
shown in FIG. 19, further showing two hands [H] in contact with the
another example of the system [900]. Examples of implementations of
apparatus [100] were previously discussed in connection with FIGS.
1-8. Examples of implementations of processes [2100], [2200] are
subsequently discussed in connection with FIGS. 21-22. It is
understood throughout this specification that the examples of
implementations of the systems [900] may be modified as including
any of the features or combinations of features that are disclosed
in connection with the apparatus [100], or any of the features or
combinations of features that are disclosed in connection with
either of the processes [2100], [2200]. Accordingly, FIGS. 1-8 and
21-22, and the entirety of the earlier discussion of the apparatus
[100], and the entireties of the subsequent discussions of the
processes [2100], [2200], are hereby incorporated into the
following discussion of the examples of the system [900].
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 9-18, an example of a system [900] is
shown. The system [900] includes a hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901]. The example of a system [900]
further has a digit-controllable signal-generating device for
generating digit signals [DS], which may include, as examples: a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902]; or a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [903]; or both of the
digit-controllable signal-generating devices [902] and [903]. In
the example of a system [900], the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901] includes a body [905] having a top
side [910], and having a bottom side [1005] spaced apart by a
distance from and facing away from the top side [910]. The bottom
side [1005] is configured for facilitating displacements of the
body [905] of the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]
over a working surface [W] in two-dimensional directions [x, y]
with the bottom side [1005] facing the working surface [W]. The
body [905] has a biaxial-displacement detector [1010] that is
configured for generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that
are representative of detected displacements of the body [905] of
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. The
example of a system [900] further includes a signal transmitter
[1015] configured for communicating the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] and the digit signals [DS], as represented by an
arrow [1020], to an external electronic processor [EP]. As an
example, the signal transmitter [1015] may be integral with the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]. The body [905] of
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] has a palm
rest [930] on the top side [910]. The palm rest [930] includes a
palm contact surface [935] having a contour for receiving a portion
[P1] of a palm [P] of a person's hand [H] into contact at a
position [940] on the palm contact surface [935]. As further
examples, the "contact" by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] at the
position [940] may be "substantial contact," wherein "substantial
contact" means that the palm contact surface [935] may be contoured
for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] into contact with at least about 75% of the surface area of the
palm contact surface [935]. As another example, the position [940]
may be defined by the perimeter of the palm contact surface [935].
The contour of the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest
[930] is configured for facilitating control of the examples of the
digit-controllable signal-generating device(s) [902], [903] for
generating the digit signals [DS] by the person's hand [H]
simultaneously with control of displacements of the body [905] in
the two-dimensional directions [x, y] by the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] of the person's hand [H] being in contact at the position
[940] on the palm contact surface [935]. As examples, the contour
of the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may be
configured for facilitating simultaneous control: (a) by the
person's hand [H] of the examples of the digit-controllable
signal-generating device(s) [902], [903] and (b) by the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] of displacements of
the body [905] over the working surface [W], in the examples of
four mutually orthogonal directions indicated by the arrows [941],
[942], [943] and [944].
[0121] In an example, the system [900] may include a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902] that includes a
keyboard [945] having a plurality of digit-controllable keys [946]
for generating keyboard control signals. Further, as example, the
plurality of the digit-controllable keys [946] may be arranged in a
plurality of rows, such as the rows that are schematically
indicated by arrows [947], [948]. As examples, the
digit-controllable keys [946] may have functions that are
pre-programmed or are user-programmable; and may collectively form
part or all of a standard keyboard array, such as a QWERTY or
DVORAK keyboard. As an additional example, the plurality of the
rows [947], [948] of the digit-controllable keys [946] may be
arranged in a concave arc as represented by an arrow [1105]. The
arrangement of the rows [947], [948] of the digit-controllable keys
[946] in the concave arc [1105] may be configured, for example, as
placing each one of the plurality of the digit-controllable keys
[946] in a position suitable for being controlled by the one digit
[D] or by a one of the plurality of the digits [D] of the person's
hand [H] simultaneously with the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] being in contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935]. In another example, the system [900]
may have another digit-controllable signal-generating device [903]
that includes a thumb-controllable joystick [950] for generating
joystick control signals. Further, for example, the system [900]
may include, as digit-controllable signal-generating device(s), one
or a plurality of digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954], [956] for
generating key control signals, which may be located adjacent to
the thumb-controllable joystick [950]. In an additional example,
the system [900] may include, in combination: a digit-controllable
signal-generating device [902] that includes a keyboard [945]
having a plurality of digit-controllable keys [946]; and also a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [903] that includes a
thumb-controllable joystick [950]; and also one or a plurality of
digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954], [956], which may for
example be located adjacent to the thumb-controllable joystick
[950]. It is understood throughout this specification that the
system [900] may include one or a plurality of digit-controllable
signal-generating devices, of which each of the digit-controllable
signal-generating devices [902], [903], [952], [954], and [956]
shown in FIGS. 9-20 is an example. Further, the one or plurality of
the digit-controllable signal-generating devices as included in the
system [900] may each independently be selected as having, for
example: a keyboard [945] including a plurality of
digit-controllable keys [946]; a thumb-controllable joystick [950];
a digit-controllable key [952], [954], [956]; or (not shown),
another type of digit-controllable signal-generating device,
examples of which include a touch-screen, a track ball, a
scroll-wheel, or a scroll-ball. In other examples (not shown), the
system [900] may include one or a plurality of digit-controllable
signal-generating device(s) [902], [903], [952], [954], and [956],
each of which independently may be located at a position in the
system [900] relative to the palm rest [930] being different than
its relative position in the example of a system [900] as shown in
FIGS. 9-20. In such other examples of the system [900], each of
these different positions may be configured as being suitable for
facilitating simultaneous control: (a) by the person's hand [H] of
the digit-controllable signal-generating device(s) [902], [903],
[952], [954], and [956]; and (b) by the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H], in contact at the position [940] on
the palm contact surface [935], of displacements of the body [905]
in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface
[W].
[0122] FIGS. 15, 16, 18 and 20 further show a person's hand [H] in
contact at the position [940] on the palm contact surface [935] of
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] of the example
of a system [900]. As an example, the position [940] may be defined
by the perimeter of the palm contact surface [935]. In an example,
the person's hand [H] may have five digits [D], including a thumb
digit [TD] and four non-thumb digits [NTD]. In examples, the
contour of the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930]
may be configured for facilitating control by the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] of the displacements of the
system [900] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the
working surface [W] from the position [940], without the one digit
[D] or any of the plurality of the digits [D] of the person's hand
[H] being in contact with the hand-controllable signal-generating
device [901]. As additional examples, the contour of the palm
contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may be configured for
guiding the one digit [D] or all of the plurality of the digits [D]
of the person's hand [H] away from the palm contact surface [935]
simultaneously while receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] into contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935]. In a further example as earlier
discussed, the system [900] may include, as shown in FIGS. 9-20:
the digit-controllable signal-generating device [902] that includes
the keyboard [945] having the plurality of digit-controllable keys
[946]; and the digit-controllable signal-generating device [903]
that includes the thumb-controllable joystick [950] and that
further may include the plurality of digit-controllable key(s)
[952], [954] [956] being located adjacent to the thumb-controllable
joystick [950]. In that further example, the contour of the palm
contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may be configured for
positioning the one digit [D] or all of the plurality of the digits
[D] of the person's hand [H] as being substantially unencumbered by
the palm contact surface [935] when the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H] is in contact at the position [940] on
the palm contact surface [935]. As earlier discussed, the term
"substantially unencumbered" means that the one digit [D] or all of
the plurality of the digits [D] of the person's hand [H], for
example five digits [D], can collectively operate the
digit-controllable signal-generating devices [902], [903], [952],
[954] [956] simultaneously while the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the person's hand [H] is in contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935].
[0123] In an example of operation, a person may place the system
[900] on a working surface [W] with the bottom side [1005] of the
body [905] of the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]
facing the working surface [W]. For example, the working surface
[W] may be a desk top. The person may then place a portion [P1] of
a palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact with the palm
contact surface [935] at the position [940]. Using only the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H], the person may then
displace the system [900] over the working surface [W] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y], including the examples of such
directions represented by the arrows [941], [942], [943], and
[944]. In addition, for example, the digit-controllable
signal-generating device(s) [902], [903] may be positioned relative
to the palm rest [930] so that the digit-controllable
signal-generating device(s) [902], [903] may be controlled by the
one digit [D] or by a one of the plurality of the digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] for generating digit signals [DS] simultaneously
with generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] by the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] being in contact at
the position [940] on the palm contact surface [935]. The contour
of the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] is
configured for facilitating accurate control by the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the person's hand [H], being in contact at the
position [940] on the palm contact surface [935], of the
displacements of the system [900] in the two-dimensional directions
[x, y] over the working surface [W]. In an example, the shape of
the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may
facilitate displacement of the system [900] over the working
surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] without the
one digit [D] or any of the plurality of the digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] making any contact with or applying any force to
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]. Further, for
example, the shape of the palm contact surface [935] of the palm
rest [930] may facilitate displacement of the system [900] by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] over the
working surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]
without the one digit [D] or any of the plurality of the digits [D]
of the person's hand [H] making any contact with or applying any
force to the system [900]. The biaxial-displacement detector [1010]
detects the displacements of the system [900] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W], and
generates biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that are
representative of the detected biaxial displacements. The signal
transmitter [1015] of the hand-controllable signal-generating
device [901] is in communication with the biaxial-displacement
detector [1010] in the same manner as earlier discussed regarding
the biaxial-displacement detector [120] and the signal transmitter
[125] in the example of a device [100]. The signal transmitter
[1015] communicates, as represented by the arrow [1020], the
biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and the digit signals [DS] to an
external electronic processor [EP]. As an example, the electronic
processor [EP] may include a microprocessor. For example, the
signal transmitter [1015] may be integral with or otherwise in
signal communication with the biaxial-displacement detector [1010].
Further, for example, the signal transmitter [1015] may be in
wired, wireless, optical, or another form of electromagnetic
radiation-based communication with the external electronic
processor [EP]. As another example, the external electronic
processor [EP] may include or be in communication with a graphical
user interface [1025]. Further, for example, the graphical user
interface [1025] may display a cursor [CU]. In that example, the
biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may be configured for
generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] as being cursor
control signals.
[0124] In examples, the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest
[930] may be shaped for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the person's hand [H] into contact at a position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935], wherein the position [940] may be a
substantially-fixed position relative to the person's hand [H].
Likewise as earlier discussed, it is understood that the term
"substantially-fixed position" means a position [940] on the palm
contact surface [935] relative to a person's hand [H] that varies,
through a series of ten or more iterations of placing a portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the hand [H] on the palm rest [930], by an
average of about one centimeter or less in any two-dimensional
direction [x, y]. As a further example, the palm contact surface
[935] of the palm rest [930] may be shaped for repeatedly receiving
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into
contact at such a substantially-fixed position [940] on the palm
contact surface [935].
[0125] In an example, the system [900] may include the
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902] as having a body
[957] that includes the keyboard [945] having the plurality of
digit-controllable keys [946]. The body [957] may, for example,
have side walls [958], [960] being sized for defining the concave
arc [1105] in which the rows [947], [948] of the digit-controllable
keys [946] may be arranged. Further, for example, the body [905] of
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may have side
walls [964], [966], [968] being sized for positioning the palm rest
[930] relative to the keyboard [945]. For example, the side walls
[964], [966], [968] may be suitably sized for positioning the palm
rest [930] relative to the keyboard [945] so that each one of the
plurality of the digit-controllable keys [946] can be controlled by
the one digit [D] or by a one of the plurality of the digits [D] of
the person's hand [H] simultaneously with the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] of the person's hand [H] being in contact at the position
[940] on the palm contact surface [935]. In an alternative example,
the body [957] may instead have a frame (not shown) being sized for
defining the concave arc [1105] in which the rows [947], [948] of
the digit-controllable keys [946] may be arranged. As a further
alternative example, the body [905] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901] may instead have a frame (not shown)
being sized for positioning the palm rest [930] relative to the
keyboard [945]. For example, the frame of the body [905] may be
suitably sized for positioning the palm rest [930] relative to the
keyboard [945] so that each one of the plurality of the
digit-controllable keys [946] can be controlled by the one digit
[D] or by a one of the plurality of the digits [D] of the person's
hand [H] simultaneously with the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] being in contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935]. In these examples of the system [900],
the top side [910] may be spaced apart from the bottom side [1005]
by a distance, for example, within a range of between about four
centimeters and about ten centimeters. In additional examples, the
top side [910] may be generally flat, as facilitating the mounting
of the palm rest [930] on the top side [910] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]. As a further
example (not shown), the top side [910] and the palm rest [930] may
be integrally constructed. Additionally, for example, the body
[957] may have a bottom side [1125] being configured for
facilitating displacements of the body [957] over the working
surface [W] in two-dimensional directions [x, y] with the bottom
side [1005] facing the working surface [W]. For example, the bottom
side [1125] may be generally flat. Further, for example, the body
[957] may be constructed integrally with the body [905].
Additionally, for example, the bottom side [1005] may be
constructed integrally with the bottom side [1125].
[0126] In an example, the system [900] may include the
digit-controllable signal-generating device [903] as having a body
[970] that includes the thumb-controllable joystick [950] and the
plurality of digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954], [956], [1017].
The body [970] may, for example, have side walls [972], [974] being
sized for defining a concave arc [1040] in which the
thumb-controllable joystick [950] and the plurality of
digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954], [956], [1017] may be
arranged. Further, for example, the body [905] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may have the side
walls [964], [966], [968] being sized for positioning the palm rest
[930] in the example of a system [900] relative to the
thumb-controllable joystick [950]. For example, the side walls
[964], [966], [968] may be suitably sized for positioning the palm
rest [930] so that the thumb-controllable joystick [950] and each
one of the plurality of digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954],
[956] can be controlled by the thumb digit [TD] of the person's
hand [H] simultaneously with the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] being in contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935]. In an alternative example, the body
[970] may instead have a frame (not shown) being sized for defining
the concave arc [1040] in which the thumb-controllable joystick
[950] and the plurality of digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954],
[956], [1017] may be arranged. As a further alternative example,
the body [905] of the hand-controllable signal-generating device
[901] may instead have a frame (not shown) being sized for
positioning the palm rest [930] relative to the thumb-controllable
joystick [950]. For example, the frame of the body [905] may be
suitably sized for positioning the palm rest [930] so that the
thumb-controllable joystick [950] and each one of the plurality of
digit-controllable key(s) [952], [954], [956] can be controlled by
the thumb digit [TD] of the person's hand [H] simultaneously with
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] being in
contact at the position [940] on the palm contact surface [935]. In
these examples of the system [900], the top side [910] may be
spaced apart from the bottom side [1005] by a distance, for
example, being within a range of between about four centimeters and
about ten centimeters. Additionally, for example, the body [970]
may have a bottom side [1055] being configured for facilitating
displacements of the body [970] over the working surface [W] in
two-dimensional directions [x, y] with the bottom side [1005]
facing the working surface [W]. For example, the bottom side [1055]
may be generally flat. Further, for example, the body [970] may be
constructed integrally with the body [905]. Further, for example,
the bottom side [1005] may be constructed integrally with the
bottom side [1055].
[0127] In a further example where the system [900] may include the
digit-controllable signal-generating devices [902] and [903], the
body [957] of the digit-controllable signal-generating device [902]
and the body [970] of the digit-controllable signal-generating
device [903] may both be constructed as having an integral housing
together with the body [905] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901]. Further, for example, the bottom
side [1125] and the bottom side [1055] may be constructed
integrally together with the bottom side [1005].
[0128] In examples of the system [900], the biaxial-displacement
detector [1010] may be located at the bottom side [1005] of the
body [905] of the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901].
As an example, the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may include
a visible-, ultraviolet-, or infrared-light emitter/detector.
Alternatively, as examples (not shown), the biaxial-displacement
detector [1010] may include a light-detecting or
mechanical-track-ball, scroll-wheel, or scroll-ball. Further, for
example, the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may be configured
for generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] as being
cursor control signals. In that example, the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901] may function as a computer mouse for
controlling displacements of a cursor [CU] in two-dimensional
directions [x, y] on a graphical user interface [1025]. As
examples, the graphical user interface [1025] may include a display
screen of a computer, tablet, smart-phone, or the like. In further
examples, the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may be
configured for generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] as
being keyboard control signals or joystick control signals. In
additional examples, the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may
be configured for generating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS]
as being control signals for additionally or instead causing the
movement of non-cursor images on the graphical user interface
[1025].
[0129] In an example, the palm rest [930] may be adjustably mounted
on the top side [910] of the body [905] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901]. As another example of the system
[900], the palm rest [930] may be mounted on a post [1045] over the
top side [910] of the body [905]. Further, for example, the palm
rest [930] may be adjustably mounted on the post [1045] over the
top side [910] of the body [905] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901]. For example, a length of the post
[1045] may be adjustable, so that an elevation, as represented by
the arrow [1110], of the palm rest [930] above the bottom side
[1005] at a point of attachment [1115], may accordingly be changed.
As further examples, a location of the palm rest [930] over the top
side [910] of the body [905] may be adjustable relative to the
two-dimensional directions [x, y]. In these further examples, the
location in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] of the palm rest
[930] relative to the keyboard [945] or relative to the
thumb-controllable joystick [950] may be adjusted for the hand [H]
of a particular person. In additional examples, the palm rest [930]
may be mounted on the top side [910] of the body [905] with the
palm rest [930] being adjustable: side-to-side; or as to tilt
angles relative to the top side [910] including, as examples,
pitch, yaw and roll.
[0130] In examples of the system [900], and referring to FIGS. 16,
17 and 18, the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] of
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may include a
mound [1705] having a peak [1706] surrounded by downwardly-sloping
sides represented by a series of concentric circles shown in FIG.
17, the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [1705] including: a
first portion [1710]; a second portion [1715]; a third portion
[1720]; and a fourth portion [1725]. The mound [1705] may, for
example, have a convex shape culminating at the peak [1706] as
shown in FIG. 17; and may have overall dimensions being suitable
for being received into a concave palm [P] of a person's hand [H].
Further, for example, the mound [1705] may have a convex contour as
shown in FIG. 17.
[0131] In these examples, the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
person's hand [H] may include a first part [P1A] that is nearest to
a wrist [WR] of the person; and the first part [P1A] of the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] may be received into contact on the first
portion [1710] of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [1705]
when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the position [940] on
the palm contact surface [935]; and the first portion [1710] of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [1705] may have a first
attached upwardly-sloping lip [1730].
[0132] In additional examples, and referring to FIGS. 16, 17 and
18, the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may
likewise include the mound [1705] having the peak [1706] surrounded
by the downwardly-sloping sides represented by a series of
concentric circles shown in FIG. 17, including the first portion
[1710], the second portion [1715], the third portion [1720], and
the fourth portion [1725], and in addition: the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] of the person's hand [H] may include a second part [P1B]
that is farthest from the person's thumb digit [TD]; and the second
part [P1B] of the portion [P1] of the palm [P] may be received into
contact on the second portion [1715] of the downwardly-sloping
sides of the mound [1705] when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is
at the position [940] on the palm contact surface [935]; and the
second portion [1715] of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound
[1705] may have a second attached upwardly-sloping lip [1735].
[0133] In further examples, and referring to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18,
the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may likewise
include the mound [1705] having the peak [1706] surrounded by the
downwardly-sloping sides represented by a series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 17 including the first portion [1710], the
second portion [1715], the third portion [1720], and the fourth
portion [1725], and in addition: the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] may include another portion [P2] being nearest to the thumb
digit [TD] of the person's hand [H], and the palm contact surface
[935], including for example the third portion [1720] of the mound
[1705], may be shaped for guiding the another portion [P2] of the
palm [P] away from the palm contact surface [935] simultaneously
while receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's
hand [H] into contact at the position [940] on the palm contact
surface [935].
[0134] In other examples, and referring to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, the
palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may likewise
include the mound [1705] having the peak [1706] surrounded by the
downwardly-sloping sides represented by a series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 17, including the first portion [1710], the
second portion [1715], the third portion [1720], and the fourth
portion [1725], and in addition: the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] may include an additional portion [P3] being nearest to the one
non-thumb digit [NTD] or to the plurality of the non-thumb digits
[NTD] of the person's hand [H], and the palm contact surface [935],
including for example the fourth portion [1725] of the mound
[1705], may be shaped for guiding the additional portion [P3] of
the palm [P] away from the palm contact surface [935]
simultaneously while receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the person's hand [H] into contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935].
[0135] As a further example, the palm contact surface [935] of the
palm rest [930] may likewise include the mound [1705] having the
peak [1706] surrounded by the downwardly-sloping sides represented
by a series of concentric circles shown in FIG. 17, including the
first portion [1710], the second portion [1715], the third portion
[1720], and the fourth portion [1725], and in addition: the first
portion [1710] of the mound [1705] may have the first attached
upwardly-sloping lip [1730]; and the second portion [1715] of the
mound [1705] may have the second attached upwardly-sloping lip
[1735]; and the palm contact surface [935], including for example
the third and fourth portions [1720], [1725] of the mound [1705],
may be shaped for guiding the another portion [P2] and the
additional portion [P3] of the palm [P] away from the palm contact
surface [935] simultaneously while receiving the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact at the position
[940] on the palm contact surface [935]. Further in this example,
the first upwardly-sloping lip [1730] and the first portion [1710]
of the downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [1705] may together
define a first concave trough schematically indicated by a dashed
line [1740]. Additionally in this example, the second
upwardly-sloping lip [1735] and the second portion [1715] of the
downwardly-sloping sides of the mound [1705] may together define a
second concave trough schematically indicated by a dashed line
[1745]. In an example, the concave contour of the first trough
[1740] may be shaped for receiving the first part [P1A] of the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] when the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the position [940] on the palm
contact surface [935]. Further, for example, the concave contour of
the second trough [1745] may be shaped for receiving the second
part [P1B] of the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand
[H] when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is at the position [940]
on the palm contact surface [935]. As a further example, the
contour of the palm contact surface [935] may, by receiving the
first part [P1A] of the palm [P] in the first trough [1740] and by
receiving the second part [P1B] of the palm [P] in the second
trough [1745], facilitate control of rotations of the body [905]
over the working surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x,
y] by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H]. As
an additional example, the contour of the palm contact surface
[935] may, by receiving the first part [P1A] of the palm [P] in the
first trough [1740] and by receiving the second part [P1B] of the
palm [P] in the second trough [1745], facilitate control by the
portion [P1] of the person's hand [H] of forces generated by
operation of the digit-controllable signal generating devices
[902], [903] that may otherwise tend to cause rotation of the body
[905] over the working surface [W] in the two-dimensional
directions [x, y].
[0136] In further examples, the position [940] may be defined by
the perimeter of the palm contact surface [935]; and the palm
contact surface [935] may be contoured for receiving the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact at the
perimeter [940] of the palm contact surface [935]. The contour of
the palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] may be
configured for facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] of the person's hand [H], being in contact at the perimeter
[940] on the palm contact surface [935], of the displacements of
the body [905] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]. In
additional examples, the position [940], as being defined by the
perimeter [940] of the palm contact surface [935], may be a
substantially-fixed position relative to the portion [P1] of a palm
[P] of a hand [H]. As further examples, the "contact" by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] at the perimeter [940] may be
"substantial contact," wherein "substantial contact" means that the
palm contact surface [935] may be contoured for receiving the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] into contact
with at least about 75% of the length of the perimeter [940].
[0137] As another example of the system [900], the palm rest [930]
of the hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may be
pivotally mounted over the top side [910] of the body [905]. For
example, the post [1045] may be a joystick that is mounted on the
top side [910] of the body [905], on which the palm rest [930] may
be mounted. Further, for example, the joystick [1045] may include
an angular-displacement detector [1050]. As examples, the
angular-displacement detector [1050] may be configured for
generating angular-displacement signals [AS] that are
representative of detected angular displacements of the palm rest
[930] over the top side [910] of the body [905] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]; and the signal
transmitter [1015] may be configured for communicating, as
represented by the arrow [1020], the angular-displacement signals
[AS] to the external electronic processor [EP]. As examples, the
angular-displacement signals [AS] may differentiate between angular
displacements of the joystick [1045] as being pitch-, yaw-, or
roll-movements relative to the body [905], or as being twisting
movements of the joystick [1045] around the top side [910]. In
additional examples, the joystick [1045] may include a compressive
force detector [1120]. As examples, the compressive force detector
[1120] may be configured for generating compressive force signals
[FS] that are representative of detected compressive forces applied
by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] to the
palm rest [930] in the direction of the downward portion of the
arrow [1110] towards the top side [910] of the body [905]; and the
signal transmitter [1015] may be configured for communicating, as
represented by the arrow [1020], the compressive force signals [FS]
to the external electronic processor [EP].
[0138] In a further example of the system [900], the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may include a
rotational-displacement detector [1405] being configured for
generating rotational displacement signals [RS] that are
representative of detected rotational displacements of the body
[905] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working
surface [W]; and the signal transmitter [1015] may be configured
for communicating, as represented by the arrow [1020], the
rotational displacement signals [RS] to the external electronic
processor [EP]. In examples, the rotational-displacement detector
[1405] may include a gyroscope, accelerometer, or compass. As an
additional example, the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] may be
located at the bottom side [1005] of the body [905] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]; and the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901] may include an
additional biaxial-displacement detector [1410] that is located at
the bottom side [1005] of the body [905] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [901]. In that additional example, the
additional biaxial-displacement detector [1410] may be spaced apart
from the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] by a distance being
suitable for facilitating the functioning of the
biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1410] together as a
rotational-displacement detector. In further examples (not shown),
the biaxial-displacement detector [1010] and the additional
biaxial-displacement detector [1410] may each independently be
located in the body [905], [957], or [970]; and may each
independently be located at the bottom side [1005], [1125], or
[1055]. It is understood throughout this specification that the
signal transmitter [1010] may be further configured for
communicating, in any combination or sequence to the external
electronic processor [EP] as represented by the arrow [1020]: the
digit signals [DS]; and the biaxial displacement signals [BDS]; and
the angular-displacement signals [AS]; and the compressive force
signals [FS]; and the rotational displacement signals [RS]. It is
further understood throughout this specification that each of the
signals [DS], [BDS], [AS], [FS] and [RS] that may be generated by
hand-controlled operation of the system [900] may be utilized for
controlling an external display such as a cursor [CU] or for
controlling an object, which may be, as an example, a motorized
moveable object such as a vehicle.
[0139] FIG. 19 is a top side view of another example of the system
[900] shown in FIG. 17, including another hand-controllable
signal-generating device [1901]. FIG. 20 is another top side view
of the another example of the system [900] as shown in FIG. 19,
further showing two hands in contact with the another example of
the system [900]. Referring to FIG. 19, the another example of the
system [900] may include another hand-controllable
signal-generating device [1901] being integral with: a further
digit-controllable signal-generating device [1902] for generating
digit signals [DS]; and an additional digit-controllable
signal-generating device [1903] for generating digit signals [DS].
In examples, the further digit-controllable signal-generating
device [1902] may include another keyboard [1904] having another
plurality of digit-controllable keys [1905]; and the additional
digit-controllable signal-generating device [1903] may include
another thumb-operable joystick [1906].
[0140] The another hand-controllable signal-generating device
[1901] may include a body [1909] being analogous to the body [905],
the body [1909] having a top side [1910], and having a bottom side
(not shown) being analogous to the bottom side [1005] and being
spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from the top side
[1910]. The bottom side of the another hand-controllable
signal-generating device [1901] is configured for facilitating
displacements of the body [1909] over the working surface [W] in
two-dimensional directions [x, y] with the bottom side facing the
working surface [W]. The body [1909] has a biaxial-displacement
detector [1912] that is configured for generating biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] that are representative of detected
displacements of the body [1909] of the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [1901] in the two-dimensional directions
[x, y] over the working surface [W]. The hand-controllable
signal-generating device [1901] is further integral with a signal
transmitter [1913] configured for communicating, as indicated by an
arrow [1914], the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and the digit
signals [DS] to the external electronic processor [EP]. In another
example, the signal transmitter [1015] may be configured for
communicating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and digit signals
[DS] to the external electronic processor [EP]; and the signal
transmitter [1913] may be configured for communicating biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] and digit signals [DS] to another
external electronic processor (not shown). The body [1909] of the
another hand-controllable signal-generating device [1901] has a
palm rest [1915] on the top side [1910]. The palm rest [1915]
includes a palm contact surface [1916] having a contour for
receiving a portion [P1] of a palm [P] of a person's hand [H] into
contact at a position [1917] on the palm contact surface [1916], in
a manner analogous to that discussed regarding the palm rest [930]
in connection with FIGS. 15-18. The contour of the palm contact
surface [1916] of the palm rest [1915] is configured for
facilitating control of the digit-controllable signal-generating
devices [1902] and [1903] for generating digit signals [DS] by the
person's hand [H], simultaneously with control of displacements of
the body [1909] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the
working surface [W] by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
person's hand [H] in contact at the position [1917] on the palm
contact surface [1916]. In examples of the system [900], the palm
contact surface [1916] of the palm rest [1915] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [1901] may include a
mound [1919], being analogous to the mound [1705] as discussed in
connection with FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, having a peak surrounded by
downwardly-sloping sides represented by a series of concentric
circles shown in FIG. 19.
[0141] It is understood throughout this specification that each of
the hand-controllable signal-generating devices [901] and [1901]
may include one or a plurality of digit-controllable
signal-generating devices, of which each of the digit-controllable
signal-generating devices [902], [903], [1902], and [1903] shown in
FIGS. 9-20 is an example. Further, each of the examples [902],
[903], [1902], and [1903] of digit-controllable signal-generating
devices as are included in the examples of the system [900] may
independently be selected as having, for example: a keyboard [945],
[1904] including a plurality of digit-controllable keys [946],
[1905]; a thumb-controllable joystick [950], [1906]; or (not
shown), another type of digit-controllable signal-generating
device, examples of which include a digit-controllable key, a
touch-screen, a track ball, a scroll-wheel, or a scroll-ball. As
examples, the digit-controllable keys [946], [1905] may have
functions that are pre-programmed or are user-programmable; and may
collectively form part or all of a standard keyboard array, such as
a QWERTY or DVORAK keyboard. In other examples (not shown), each of
the hand-controllable signal-generating devices [901] and [1901]
may include any one or any combination of the further examples of
variations of the features as were earlier discussed regarding the
digit-controllable signal-generating device(s) [902], [903].
[0142] Referring to FIG. 20, the another example of the system
[900] of FIG. 19 is shown, with a right hand [RH] and a left hand
[LH] respectively being in contact with the hand-controllable
signal-generating devices [901] and [1901]. FIG. 20 further shows a
person's right hand [RH] in contact at the position [940] on the
palm contact surface [935] of the palm rest [930] on the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]. Further, FIG. 20
shows a person's left hand [LH] in contact at the another position
[1917] on the palm contact surface [1916] of the another palm rest
[1915] of the another hand-controllable signal-generating device
[1901]. As examples, the digit-controllable keys [946], [1905] may
collectively form part or all of a standard keyboard array, such as
a QWERTY or DVORAK keyboard. In an example of operation, a person
may place the another example of the system [900] on a working
surface [W] with the bottom side [1005] of the body [905] of the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901], and the analogous
bottom side (not shown) of the body [1909] of the another
hand-controllable signal-generating device [1901], both facing the
working surface [W]. For example, the working surface [W] may be a
desk top. The person may then, as an example: place a portion [P1]
of a palm [P] of the person's right hand [RH] into contact with the
palm rest [930] at the position [940] on the palm contact surface
[935] as was discussed in connection with FIGS. 15-18; and may
analogously place another portion [P1] of another palm [P] of the
person's left hand [LH] into contact with the palm contact surface
[1916] at the position [1917] on the palm rest [1915]. Using only
the portions [P1] of the palms [P] of the person's hands [LH],
[RH], the person may then displace each of the hand-controllable
signal-generating devices [901] and [1901] independently over the
working surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]. The
contours of the palm contact surfaces [935], [1916] of the palm
rests [930], [1915] are configured for facilitating accurate
control by the portions [P1] of the palms [P] of the person's hands
[LH], [RH], being in contact at the positions [940], [1917] on the
palm contact surfaces [935], [1916], of the displacements of each
of the hand-controllable signal-generating devices [901], [1901] of
the another example of the system [900] in the two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. In further examples
(not shown) the another example of the system [900] may include
sensitivity modulator(s) for either or both of the
biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1912]. In those further
examples, the sensitivity modulator(s) may be utilized to vary the
relative sensitivities of the biaxial-displacement detectors
[1010], [1912] to the displacements of the respective
hand-controllable signal-generating devices [901], [1901] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. As
examples, the sensitivity modulator(s) may be utilized by: causing
the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] from one of the
biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1912] to over-ride or be
averaged together with the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] from
another of the biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1912]; or to
de-activate either or both of the biaxial-displacement detectors
[1010], [1912].
[0143] In another example, two different persons may each place a
portion [P1] of a palm [P] of one of their hands [H], one being a
right hand [RH] and the other being a left hand [LH], in contact
respectively on the palm rests [930], [1915] at the corresponding
positions [940], [1917] on the palm contact surfaces [935], [1916].
The biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1912] respectively
detect the displacements of the first and second hand-controllable
signal-generating devices [901], [1901] in the two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]; and generate
biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that are representative of the
detected biaxial displacements. The signal transmitters [1015],
[1913] may communicate the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] to
the same external electronic processor [EP], or may each
communicate such respective signals to separate external electronic
processors (not shown). As an example, the electronic processor(s)
[EP] may include a microprocessor. For example, the signal
transmitters [1015], [1913] may be integral with or otherwise in
signal communication with the respective biaxial-displacement
detectors [1010], [1912]. Further, for example, the signal
transmitters [1015], [1913] may be in wired, wireless, optical, or
another form of electromagnetic radiation-based communication with
the external electronic processor(s) [EP]. As another example, the
external electronic processor(s) [EP] may include graphical user
interface(s) [GUI] for displaying, as an example, cursor(s) [CU].
In that example, the biaxial-displacement detectors [1010], [1912]
may be configured for generating the biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] as being cursor control signals.
[0144] The apparatus [100] and the systems [900] may generally be
utilized in end-use applications for hand-controllable
signal-generating devices and systems. For example, the apparatus
[100] and the systems [900] may be broadly utilized in end-use
applications for generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] by
causing a person's hand [H] to displace the devices [100] and
systems [900] in two-dimensional directions [x, y] over a working
surface [W]. The biaxial displacement signals [BDS] may be
utilized, for example, as controlling two-axis [x, y] movement of
an object or an image. As an example, the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] may be utilized as controlling two-axis [x, y]
movement of an image displayed on a graphical user interface [128],
[1025], such as a cursor [CU]. The digit-controllable
signal-generating devices [902], [903], [1902], [1903] that are
included in the systems [900] may facilitate utilization of the
systems [900] in end-use applications where the generation of
additional signals together with such biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] may be needed. For example, a system [900] having a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [1902] that
includes a keyboard [945], [1904] may be utilized for concurrently
generating keyboard control signals and such biaxial displacement
signals [BDS]. As another example, a system [900] having a
digit-controllable signal-generating device [903], [1903] that
includes a thumb joystick [950], [1906] may be utilized for
concurrently generating two different biaxial displacement signals:
one biaxial displacement signal [BDS] being generated by causing a
person's hand [H] to displace the system [900] in two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]; and another biaxial
displacement signal being generated by causing the thumb [TD] of
the person's hand [H] to control the thumb joystick [950],
[1906].
[0145] FIGS. 21 and 22 are flow charts respectively showing
examples of implementations of processes [2100], [2200]. It is
understood throughout this specification that the examples of
implementations of the apparatus [100] and of the systems [900],
including any of the features or combinations of features that are
disclosed in connection with the apparatus [100] or the systems
[900], may be utilized in either of the processes [2100], [2200].
Accordingly, FIGS. 1-20 and the entireties of the earlier
discussions of the apparatus [100] and the systems [900] are hereby
incorporated into the following discussion of the examples of the
processes [2100], [2200].
[0146] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of an
implementation of a process [2100]. The process [2100] starts at
step [2110]. Step [2120] of the process [2100] includes: providing
a hand-controllable signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]
including a body [105], [905], [1909] having a top side [110],
[910], [1910], a palm rest [130], [930], [1915] being on the top
side [110], [910], [1910], the palm rest [130], [930], [1915]
including a palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] having a contour for receiving
a portion [P1] of a palm [P] of a person's hand [H] into contact at
a position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916], the body [105], [905], [1909] having a bottom side
[115], [1005] spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from
the top side [110], [910], [1910], the bottom side [115], [1005]
being configured for facilitating displacements of the body [105],
[905], [1909] over a working surface [W] in two-dimensional
directions [x, y], the body [105], [905], [1909] having a
biaxial-displacement detector [120], [1010], [1912] that is
configured for generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that
are representative of detected displacements of the body [105],
[905], [1909] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the
working surface [W]; and providing a signal transmitter [125],
[1015], [1913] configured for communicating the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] to an external electronic processor
[EP]. The process [2100] further includes, at step [2130]:
facilitating the generation, by a portion [P1] of a palm [P] of a
person's hand [H] being in contact at the position [140], [940],
[1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], of biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] for communication to the external
electronic processor [EP], by facilitating control by the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the displacements of the body [105], [905],
[1909] in the two-dimensional directions over the working surface
[W]. The process [2100] may then end at step [2140]. In examples,
the process [2100] may further include, at step [2135]: placing the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's hand [H] in contact at
the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface
[135], [935], [1916]; causing the portion [P1] of the palm [P] to
generate biaxial displacement signals [BDS] by controlling
displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y]; and causing the signal
transmitter [125], [1015], [1913] to communicate the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] to the external electronic processor
[EP].
[0147] In further examples of the process [2100], the facilitating
the generation of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step
[2130] may include: facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] of the displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909] in
the two-dimensional directions [x, y] from the position [140],
[940], [1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]
without a one digit [D] or any of a plurality of digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] being in contact with the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]. In additional
examples of the process [2100], the facilitating the generation by
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] at step [2130] may include: configuring the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] for guiding a one digit [D] or
a plurality of digits [D] of the person's hand [H] away from the
palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916] simultaneously while
receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] into contact at the
position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916]. In other examples of the process [2100], the
facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step [2130] may include:
configuring the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916] for
positioning a one digit [D] or a plurality of digits [D] of the
person's hand [H] as being substantially unencumbered by the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] when the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] is in contact at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the
palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]. In some examples of the
process [2100], the facilitating the generation by the portion [P1]
of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step
[2130] may include: configuring the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916] for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] into
contact at a substantially-fixed position [140], [940], [1917] on
the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]. In further examples
of the process [2100], the facilitating the generation by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] at step [2130] may include: facilitating generation of the
biaxial-displacement signals [BDS] as being cursor control signals.
In additional examples of the process [2100], the facilitating the
generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] at step [2130] may include: facilitating
generation of the biaxial-displacement signals [BDS] as being
keyboard control signals or joystick control signals. In other
examples of the process [2100]: the providing the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901] at step [2120] may
include providing the palm rest [130], [930], [1915] as being
mounted on a joystick [155], [1045] that includes an
angular-displacement detector [215], [1050]; and the facilitating
the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] at step [2130] may include facilitating
generation, by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] being in contact at
the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface
[135], [935], [1916] for communication to the external electronic
processor [EP], of angular displacement signals [AS] that are
representative of detected angular displacements of the palm rest
[130], [930], [1915] over the top side [110], [910], [1910] of the
body [105], [905], [1909]. In some examples of the process [2100]:
the providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device [101],
[901], [1901] at step [2120] may include providing the joystick
[155], [1045] as including a compressive force detector [415],
[1120]; and the facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of
the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step
[2130] may include facilitating the generation, by the portion [P1]
of the palm [P] being in contact at the position [140], [940],
[1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916] for
communication to the external electronic processor [EP], of
compressive force signals [FS] that are representative of detected
compressive forces applied by the palm [P] to the palm rest [130],
[930], [1915] towards the top side [110], [910], [1910] of the body
[105], [905], [1909]. In additional examples of the process [2100]:
the providing the hand-controllable signal-generating device [101],
[901], [1901] at step [2120] may include providing a
rotational-displacement detector [515], [1405]; and the
facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step [2130] may include
facilitating generation, by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] being
in contact at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact
surface [135], [935], [1916] for communication to the external
electronic processor [EP], of rotational displacement signals [RS]
that are representative of detected rotational displacements of the
body [105], [905], [1909] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y]
over the working surface [W].
[0148] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of an
implementation of another process [2200]. The process [2200] starts
at step [2210]. Step [2220] of the process [2200] includes
providing: a digit-controllable signal-generating device [902],
[903] for generating digit signals [DS]; a hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]; and a signal
transmitter [125], [1015]. Step [2220] further includes providing
the hand-controllable signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]
as including a body [105], [905], [1909] having a top side [110],
[910], [1910], a palm rest [130], [930], [1915] being on the top
side [110], [910], [1910], the palm rest [130], [930], [1915]
including a palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] having a contour for receiving
a portion [P1] of a palm [P] of a person's hand [H] into contact at
a position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916], the body [105], [905], [1909] having a bottom side
[115], [1005] spaced apart by a distance from and facing away from
the top side [110], [910], [1910], the bottom side [115], [1005]
being configured for facilitating displacements of the body [105],
[905], [1909] over a working surface [W] in two-dimensional
directions [x, y], the body [105], [905], [1909] having a
biaxial-displacement detector [120], [1010], [1912] that is
configured for generating biaxial displacement signals [BDS] that
are representative of detected displacements of the body [105],
[905], [1909] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the
working surface [W]. Step [2220] additionally includes providing
the signal transmitter [125], [1015] as being configured for
communicating the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and the digit
signals [DS] to an external electronic processor [EP]. The process
[2200] further includes, at step [2230]: facilitating the
generation, by a portion [P1] of a palm [P] of a person's hand [H]
being in contact at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916], of biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] for communication to the external electronic
processor [EP], by facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the
palm [P] of the displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909] in
the two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W];
and facilitating the generation of digit signals [DS] by control of
the digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [903] by the
person's hand [H]. The process [2200] may then end at step [2240].
In examples, the process [2200] may further include, at step
[2235]: placing the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the person's
hand [H] in contact at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the
palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]; causing the portion [P1]
of the palm [P] to generate biaxial displacement signals [BDS] by
controlling displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y], and causing the person's hand
[H] to generate digit signals [DS] by control of the
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [903]; and
causing the signal transmitter [125], [1015] to communicate the
biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and the digit signals [DS] to
the external electronic processor [EP].
[0149] In additional examples of the process [2200]: the providing
the digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [903] at
step [2220] may include providing a keyboard [945], [1904] having a
plurality of digit-controllable keys [946], [1905]; and the
facilitating the generation of the biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] and of the digit signals [DS] at step [2230] may include
facilitating the simultaneous generation of the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] and
of the digit signals [DS] by the person's hand [H]. In further
examples of the process [2200]: the providing the
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [903] at step
[2220] may include providing a thumb-controllable joystick [950],
[1903]; and the facilitating the generation of the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] and of the digit signals [DS] at step
[2230] may include facilitating the simultaneous generation of the
biaxial displacement signals [BDS] by the portion [P1] of the palm
[P] and of the digit signals [DS] by the person's hand [H].
[0150] In additional examples of the process [2200]: the
facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step [2230] may include
facilitating control by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the
displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] from the position [140], [940],
[1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], without a
one digit [D] or any of a plurality of digits [D] of the person's
hand [H] being in contact with the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]. In other examples of
the process [2200]: the facilitating the generation by the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at
step [2230] may include configuring the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916] for guiding a one digit [D] or a plurality of digits
[D] of the person's hand [H] away from the palm contact surface
[135], [935], [1916] simultaneously while receiving the portion
[P1] of the palm [P] into contact at the position [140], [940],
[1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]. In some
examples of the process [2200]: the facilitating the generation by
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] at step [2230] may include configuring the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] for positioning a one digit
[D] or a plurality of digits [D] of the person's hand [H] as being
substantially unencumbered by the palm contact surface [135],
[935], [1916] when the portion [P1] of the palm [P] is in contact
at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface
[135], [935], [1916]. In further examples of the process [2200]:
the facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step [2230] may
include configuring the palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916]
for receiving the portion [P1] of the palm [P] into contact at a
substantially-fixed position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916]. In additional examples of the
process [2200]: the facilitating the generation by the portion [P1]
of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step
[2230] may include facilitating the generation of the
biaxial-displacement signals [BDS] as being cursor control signals.
In other examples of the process [2200]: the facilitating the
generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial
displacement signals [BDS] at step [2230] may include facilitating
the generation of the biaxial-displacement signals [BDS] as being
keyboard control signals or joystick control signals.
[0151] In further examples of the process [2200]: the providing the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901] at
step [2220] may include providing the palm rest [130], [930],
[1915] as being mounted on a joystick [155], [1055] that includes
an angular-displacement detector [215], [1050]; and the
facilitating the generation by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of
the biaxial displacement signals [BDS] at step [2230] may include
facilitating the generation, by the portion [P1] of the palm [P]
being in contact at the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] for communication to the
external electronic processor [EP], of angular displacement signals
[AS] that are representative of detected angular displacements of
the palm rest [130], [930], [1915] over the top side [110], [910],
[1910] of the body [105], [905], [1909]. In the further examples of
the process [2200]: the providing the hand-controllable
signal-generating device [902], [903] at step [2220] may include
providing the joystick [155], [1055] as including a compressive
force detector [415], [1120]; and the facilitating the generation
by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement
signals [BDS] at step [2230] may include facilitating the
generation, by the portion [P1] of the palm [P] being in contact at
the position [140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface
[135], [935], [1916] for communication to the external electronic
processor [EP], of compressive force signals [FS] that are
representative of detected compressive forces applied by the palm
[P] to the palm rest [130], [930], [1915] towards the top side
[110], [910], [1910] of the body [105], [905], [1909].
[0152] In other examples of the process [2200]: the providing the
hand-controllable signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901] at
step [2220] may include providing a rotational-displacement
detector [515], [1405]; and the facilitating the generation by the
portion [P1] of the palm [P] of the biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] at step [2230] may include facilitating the generation, by
the portion [P1] of the palm [P] being in contact at the position
[140], [940], [1917] on the palm contact surface [135], [935],
[1916] for communication to the external electronic processor [EP],
of rotational displacement signals [RS] that are representative of
detected rotational displacements of the body [105], [905], [1909]
in the two-dimensional directions [x, y].
[0153] In some examples of the process [2200], step [2220] of the
process [2200] may further include providing: another
digit-controllable signal-generating device [902], [903] for
generating additional digit signals [DS]; another hand-controllable
signal-generating device [101], [901], [1901]; and another signal
transmitter [125], [1015]. In these examples of the process [2200],
step [2220] may include, as an example: providing a
hand-controllable signal-generating device [901]; and providing
another hand-controllable signal-generating device [1901]. In these
examples of the process [2200], step [2220] further includes
providing the additional hand-controllable signal-generating device
[101], [901], [1901] as including another body [105], [905], [1909]
having another top side [110], [910], [1910], another palm rest
[130], [930], [1915] being on the another top side [110], [910],
[1910], the another palm rest [130], [930], [1915] including
another palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], the another palm
contact surface [135], [935], [1916] having another contour for
receiving a further portion [P1] of another palm [P] of a person's
another hand [H] into contact at another position [140], [940],
[1917] on the another palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916],
the another body [105], [905], [1909] having another bottom side
[115], [1005] spaced apart by another distance from and facing away
from the another top side [110], [910], [1910], the another bottom
side [115], [1005] being configured for facilitating additional
displacements of the another body [105], [905], [1909] over the
working surface [W] in the two-dimensional directions [x, y], the
another body [105], [905], [1909] having another
biaxial-displacement detector [120], [1010], [1912] that is
configured for generating additional biaxial displacement signals
[BDS] that are representative of detected additional displacements
of the another body [105], [905], [1909] in the two-dimensional
directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]. In these examples
of the process [2200], step [2220] further includes providing the
another signal transmitter [125], [1015] as being configured for
communicating the additional biaxial displacement signals [BDS] and
the additional digit signals [DS] to the external electronic
processor [EP]. These examples of the process [2200] further
include, at step [2230]: facilitating the generation, by the
further portion [P1] of another palm [P] of a person's another hand
[H] being in contact at the another position [140], [940], [1917]
on the another palm contact surface [135], [935], [1916], of
additional biaxial displacement signals [BDS] for communication to
the external electronic processor [EP], by facilitating control by
the further portion [P1] of the another palm [P] of the additional
displacements of the another body [105], [905], [1909] in the
two-dimensional directions [x, y] over the working surface [W]; and
facilitating the generation of additional digit signals [DS] by
control of the another digit-controllable signal-generating device
[902], [903] by the person's another hand [H].
[0154] While the present invention has been disclosed in a
presently defined context, it will be recognized that the present
teachings may be adapted to a variety of contexts consistent with
this disclosure and the claims that follow. For example, the
apparatus, devices and processes shown in the figures and discussed
above can be adapted in the spirit of the many optional parameters
described.
* * * * *