EP1299793A1

EP1299793A1 - Fingertip controlled computer mouse

Info

Publication number: EP1299793A1
Application number: EP01926246A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sverre Egil Larsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-26
Filing date: 2001-04-25
Publication date: 2003-04-09
Also published as: NO20002110D0; NO20002110L; AU2001252778A1; NO312384B1; WO2001082049A1

Abstract

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

Description

Fingertip controlled computer mouse

This invention relates to a fingertip controlled computer mouse, for use in communication with and controlling a computer or other technical device that are controllable by means of electro magnetic signals.

Today, we use a device called a mouse pointer or mouse in order to point out wanted symbols and points on a computer screen. This mouse consists of a plastic object that a user, by using the hand, can displace in all horizontal directions on a table or other surface . The mouse has a rounded shape adjusted to a human hand, and contains a ball that partly protrudes through a hole at the bottom side of the mouse. On the top side of the mouse, there are one or more switches that can be activated by the fingers. When the mouse is moved parallel with the surface, the ball rotates. The movement of the ball is transferred by electronic signals to the computer and an arrow or another marker is moving on the screen, synchronous with the movements of the mouse. When the marker has been placed on a wanted point on the screen, one of the switchers on the mouse is pressed in order to give the computer one ' s order . Both the ball and the switches on the mouse are usually connected to the computer via a cable transferring the signals .

This type of mouse has its weaknesses. In order to use the mouse, one is dependent of a surface plate that must be approximately horizontal and that uses relatively large part of the work area. This type of mouse causes also the so-called RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) , which is caused by both arm and fingers being held constantly in more or less the same position, in some sort of stand-by position. This often causes muscle tension leading to pain and discomfort. Brief summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer mouse that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages by leading to less muscle tension in the user, and which does not demand much work space on a desk.

The invention is a fingertip controlled computer mouse that consists of two washers that are held between the thumb and the index finger.

With a fingertip-controlled mouse according to the inven- tion, a lot of work area is not needed, because the mouse is small sized and can be held between two fingers. The position of the hand and the arm can feely be varied in order to avoid muscle tension. This mouse works just as well if you let the hand rest in the lap when sitting or for instance in the trouser pocket when standing upright . The work position can be varied by alternately holding the mouse between the fingers on the left and the right hand. If you hold the mouse between the thumb and the index finger, it can be used simultaneously with operating a key- board using the three other fingers of the hand.

The scope of the invention is precisely defined in the appended patent claims .

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings , where :

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the inventive computer mouse in use .

Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention with push switches . Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

A fingertip-controlled mouse according to the invention consists of two or more small washers of plastic and/or metal, which is kept between the fingers and provides electro magnetic signals to a computer, or another controlling unit, for vehicles, industrial processes etc. via cable or wireless.

The fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention can i.e. consist of two plane plastic washers that have electro magnetic signal giving elements embedded or mounted. The washers are single-levelled towards each other, and are kept in place between the thumb and index finger/middle finger on the same hand, as shown in fig. 1. When the washers are displaced by means of the fingers, they release signals that moves e.g. a cursor on a computer screen synchronous with the movements of the washer. The washers can have different designs like plane, arched, bulbous, etc. depending on what is considered the most appropriate .

Embedded or mounted on the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention are pressure sensitive areas or small electronic switches, which are activated by slight pressure from the fingers and gives electric signals for selection from menus on the computer screen, etc. This is shown in fig.2. The figure shows a possible design of the invention, where the washers 1,2 are of different sizes. On the smallest washer, 1, two push switches are assembled.

Fig. 3 illustrates a profile of one embodiment of the invention. Also here are the washers 1,2 of different sizes. The washers 1,2 are embedded in a rubber capsule 4. This capsule 4 must be so elastic that the washers 1,2 can be displaced in relation to each other between the thumb and the index finger. The capsule 4 can be dust- /watertight and have a resilient effect, so that the wash- ers 1,2 returns to the starting position when the fingers are not exercising any pressure on them. One of the washers 1 can be slightly smaller than the other 2 so that only the capsule's upper side must be elastic/resilient. Push switches for ""clicking¹¹ the mouse can be mounted on one or both washers in such a way that the fingertips can feel them and actuate them through the rubber capsule . The washers can have a lubricant or be fully or partly im- merged in a liquid 5 in the sealed capsule 4, so that they move freely and evenly. The liquid 5 in the sealed, elas- tic rubber capsule 4 can also affect push switchers or pressure sensitive areas by increasing the hydraulic pressure when urging the capsule together with the fingers .

In addition to being applicable for use with ordinary computers, the fingertip-controlled mouse, either with a ca- ble or wireless connection, is applicable for many different controlling functions. For instance, steering ships, machinery, vehicles and industrial processes. By moving the washers in a set x-direction, one can e.g. accelerate the velocity of a vehicle or a process while reaching brake capacity by moving the washers reverse 180 degrees. In addition to velocity/brake control in the x-direction, a controlling function can be obtained by moving the same washers in the y-direction. Where, by safety reasons, or other reasons double signalling is wanted, one can e.g. serve a mouse in each hand. One can e.g. be used to select the correct symbol in a menu, and the other used to give order about the choice that is to be effectuated. A fingertip controlled computer mouse can be employed just about everywhere where coordinated, synchronous signal and on/off signals are needed. The handicapped with able fingers will with to the fingertip controlled computer mouse according to the invention get a new appliance for use with computers, steering of motorized wheel chairs and many other appliances.

The washers can also be mounted into one unit within an elastic frame of rubber or a spring system instead of a sealed capsule (not shown) . One can also use 2 washers that lie freely on each other, only held together by an elastic rubber frame/capsule or one can use 3 washers, whereof the two outwards are moved in the x and y direction along tracks or rails in the centre washer.

In the industry, many solutions for detecting displacement/movement between two elements are known, both optical, electro magnetic, etc. Further, transmission of the signals can take place in a conventional manner, via cable or optical or wireless (Bluetooth-technology) . The choice of a method for detection of movement and the construction of the electronic elements in the washers is not a subject for the present invention and will therefore not be de- scribed further here.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1. Fingertip controlled computer mouse, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that two or more washers (1,2) with electro magnetic elements embedded are held towards each other between two or more fingers, that the electro magnetic elements, as a response to one of the fingers dislocating the washers in relation to each other, produce electronic signals that are utilized for controlling purposes, e.g. for moving a computer's marker to a wanted position.

2. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the washers (1,2) have embedded one or more switches (3) or pressure sensitive areas, which by slight pressure with one's fingers release electronic signals in the same manner as the mouse buttons of an ordinary computer mouse .

3. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic sig- nals are transferred via cable.

4. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic signals are transferred wireless.

5. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the electronic signals are transferred optically.

6. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the washers are embedded in a rubber capsule 4.

7. Fingertip controlled computer mouse according to claim 6 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said capsule (4) contains a liquid.