EP1561182A1

EP1561182A1 - Portable device with multifunction input member

Info

Publication number: EP1561182A1
Application number: EP03811568A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fredrik Madsen; Kurt Högnelid; Jonas BÄCKMAN
Original assignee: Perific AB
Current assignee: Perific AB
Priority date: 2002-11-15
Filing date: 2003-11-12
Publication date: 2005-08-10
Also published as: SE0203379D0; AU2003276804A1; WO2004047012A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit. The device includes a holding member designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device, so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand. The device contains at least one input member, which covers a substantial portion of a surface (110') of the device that faces away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand. Thereby, notwithstanding any variations between different users in repsect of the size and shape of their hands, each user may still conveniently reach and manipulate the input member(s). In order to provide a plurality of functions via each input member, the member includes an actuating surface (182) of which multidimensional movements (A/B, C/D; E) may be registered in response to an external force produced by the user. The input member also includes at least one resilient member (269), which is arranged to return the actuating surface (182) to a neutral position after that this force has ceased to influence the surface (182). Thus, the proposed device provides a flexible solution which allows users to effortlessly generate and enter many different types of commands and instructions to the peripheral unit.

Description

Portable Device with Multifunction Input Member

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to input members of wearable devices, which communicate with units that are physically separated from the device. More particularly the invention relates to a portable device according to claim 1 .

The trend in both telecommunication and data processing is towards mobility, decreased device sizes and application specific interfaces. Moreover, our manners of interacting with computers and various communication tools are becoming less orthodox. For example, it cannot be presupposed that the user predominantly sits at a desk when operating his/her computer. Together, these circumstances place an increased demand for user-friendly and flexible data input arrangements.

One way of accomplishing such an arrangement is to provide a portable device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, where the portable device is attachable to a user's hand and communicates with the peripheral unit, either by wire or wire- lessly. The user is thereby free to move in relation the peripheral unit, such as a computer, while at the same time, he/she maintains the ability to interact with this unit. Moreover, such an arrangement increases the user's chances of finding ' a comfortable and ergonomically appropriate working posture. A portable device of this kind preferably includes a holding member, which is designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand. The holding member may thereby include a U- shaped portion that has two elongated portions and a curved portion connecting these portions. Alternative holding member designs are, of course, also envisaged.

In any case, people's hands vary significantly with respect to size and shape. This, in turn, results in that a particular portable device, having certain shape and dimensions, that is adapted to be attached to a user's hand may be positioned (or fitted) onto different parts of the hand depending on the characteristics of the hand in question. Additionally, when the device is attached to a user's hand, various input members (such as buttons and pointing controls) on the device may be more or less easy to reach, either by the hand onto which the device is attached or the user's opposite hand, depending on the characteristics of the hand in relation to the particular design of the portable device. Furthermore, even though two users may have very similar hands with respect to shape and size their preferences as to what represents a comfortable and workable access to the input members on the portable device may show large variations. One way of handling the above discrepancies would be to have the portable device tailor-made for each user, or at least to produce many alternative designs of the device. However, this is barely realistic due to the design and manufacture costs associated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to alleviate the above problems and provide a versatile solution for hand attachable devices for generating input control signals to a peripheral unit, which is attractive both from an ergonomic and a commercial point-of-view.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a portable device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, where the device includes a holding member designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device, so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand. The device contains at least one input member which covers a substantial portion of a surface of the device that faces away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand. Each input member includes an actuating surface which is associated with a set of sensors adapted to register multidimensional movements of the actuating surface in response to an external force produced by the user. Each input member also includes at least one resilient member arranged to return the actuating surface to a neutral position after that this force has ceased to influence the actuating surface.

The proposed device is advantageous because thereby, regardless of any variations between different users in respect of the size and shape of their hands, each user may still conveniently reach and manipulate the input members. Namely, the large actuating surfaces allow many different users to effortlessly reach the input members and thus generate and enter a wide variety of commands and instructions. Moreover, each input member may accomplish many different commands (or control signals). Hence, the invention provides a potent interaction with the peripheral device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the combined area of the at least one input member represents at least 10 percent of the total area of the surface of the device that faces away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand. Hence, by occupying such a large fraction of the device's outer portion, the input members are certain to be easily accessible for manipulation. Naturally, this vouches for a convenient and effortless user interaction.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding member comprises a U-shaped portion having first and second elongated portions and a curved portion connecting the first and second elongated portions. Preferably, each of the elongated portions includes at least one input member. Namely, this design provides an efficient and comfortable attachment of the device to the user's hand and is therefore desirable.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the input member's actuating surface is arranged to be moved in at least two mutually independent directions. For instance the actuating surface are adapted to be shifted along two or more linear directions which are perpendicular to each other. This design allows many different commands to be generated, and is therefore advantageous.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating surface is arranged to be rotated around at least one axis, either as an alternative or as a complement to the above independent directions. Consequently, additional commands may be generated by one and the same input member.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one resilient member comprises a spring member. This results in a reliable and efficient return of the actuating surface to the neutral position in at least one dimension per spring member.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one resilient member, either instead of or as a complement to the above spring member, comprises an elastic member which is deformable in more than one dimension. Such an elastic member is advantageous because it may return the actuating surface to the neutral position in many dimensions. Thus, a relatively cost efficient and fail proof mechanism may be attained. Preferably, the elastic member contains a rubber body or a flexible container, which is either filled with a gas at or above the atmospheric pressure level, or a foam material, gel or liquid with suitable mechanical characteristics.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more sensors in the set of sensors is adapted to register movements of the actuating surface in more than one direction. Hence, an even more cost efficient and reliable device may be obtained, which of course is desirable.

Thus, the invention provides a flexible solution which allows many different users to effortlessly generate and enter a wide variety of commands and instructions to a peripheral unit via a general portable device, i.e. a device which does not require any tailoring or specific fitting for each user.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 depicts a first perspective view of a portable device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 depicts a second perspective view of the portable device according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in figure shown 1 ,

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a portable device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 4 shows a cross-section view of an input member according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 5 shows a top view of the input member of figure 4,

Figure 6 shows a top-view of an input member according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 7 shows a cross-section view of an input member according to a third embodiment of the invention,

Figure 8 shows a top-view of the input member of figure 7,

Figure 9 shows a top-view of an input member according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a portable device including a pair of resilient members adapted to support a respective actuating surface according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 depict two different perspective views of a portable device 100 for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 100 includes a holding member which is designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand. The holding member may thus incorporate a U-shaped portion having first and second elongated portions 1 10 and 120 respectively that are intended to be positioned in parallel with the user's palm and the backside of the hand, such that the holding member grasps his/her hand. A curved portion 130 interconnect the first elongated portion 1 10 and second elongated portion 120 so that the holding member obtains a general U-shape.

According to alternative embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the holding member may instead include a portion which is C-shaped, ring-shaped or P-shaped. In case the holding member includes a C-shaped portion, it has one relatively long elongated portion, first and second relatively short elongated portions and first and second curved portions, which connect a respective relatively short elongated portion to the relatively long elongated portion. Additionally, a strap may interconnect the relatively short elongated portions to accomplish a closed holding element around the user's hand, and thus provide for a secure attachment of the portable device to the hand. In case the holding member includes a ring-shaped portion, it has rigid elongated and curved portions which completely enfold the user's hand similar to what the combination of the C- shape and the strap above accomplishes. Finally, if the holding member includes a P-shaped portion, it has an elongated portion and a ring-shaped portion connected to the elongated portion, such that the holding member is adapted to be fitted onto a user's hand with the curved portion around his/her thumb and the elongated portion inside the palm.

Regardless of the particular shape of the holding member it includes at least one input member which covers a substantial portion of the total surface the device 100 that faces away from the user's hand when the device 100 is attached to the hand. Figure 1 denotes this outer surface of the first elongated portion 1 10 with the reference numeral 1 10'. Figure 2 illustrates a corresponding surface 120' of the second elongated portion 120. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and the second elongated portions 1 10 and 120 includes at least one input member having a respective actuating surface 182 and 183.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the combined area of the input members is equivalent to at least 10 percent of the total area of the surface of the device facing away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand. Naturally, if the design of the device 100 allows, the input members may cover an even larger area, say 30% or preferably 60% to 70%, of the total outer surface area. Generally, the largest possible such active area is desirable. It is also preferable if the actuating surfaces 182 and 183 are relatively rough, and/or are provided with grooves, so that the friction between them and the users fingers and/or palm becomes sufficiently high to enable a convenient user manipulation of the surfaces 182 and 183 in a plurality of dimensions.

Each input member, in turn, includes an actuating surface 182 (in figure 1 ), 183 (in figure 2) and at least one resilient member. The actuating surface is associated with a set of sensors which are adapted to register multidimensional movements the actuating surface in response to an external force produced by the user. The one or more resilient members are arranged to return the actuating surface to a neutral position after that the external force has ceased to influence it. Further details pertaining to the actuating surface and the resilient members will be discussed below with reference to the figures 4 - 9.

In addition to said input members 182 and 183, the portable device preferably includes a mouse ball 181 , or a corresponding member (such as a touch pad or a micro joystick), to enter positioning commands to control a cursor or similar on a computer screen.

A perspective view of a portable device according to a second embodiment of the invention is depicted in figure 3. The general shape of the portable device 100 is basically the same as in the embodiment described above with reference to the figures 1 and 2. Thus, the holding member includes a U-shaped portion having first and second elongated members 1 10; 120 and a curved portion 130 interconnecting the elongated members 1 10; 120. Here, however, a first and a second actuating surface 182 and 183 are located on one and the same elongated member 1 10. The design is thereby adapted for a dual operation the device 100, so that it may also be operated on a substantially flat surface, for instance as a table-mouse. Another actuating surface (not shown) may then be moved as a result of an external force exerted on this surface, which is indirectly generated by the user by means of moving the device 100 in relation to a supporting surface. In this embodiment, it is preferable if the actuating surface protrudes from the device 100 to enable an engagement with the adjoining flat surface. When operating as a table- mouse, the actuating surfaces 182 and 183 are preferably used as conventional mouse buttons, however with the proposed multidimensional functionality. A pointer member 181 may also be included which, at least in the table-mouse mode, preferably is manipulated by the user's thumb. Typically, this embodiment requires that some or all of the functions associated with the movements of the actuating surfaces must be redefined (e.g. inverted). Moreover, one or more functions may have to be inhibited, such as those associated with an inward pressing of an actuating surface that faces towards the supporting surface, since these functions may otherwise be continuously activated due to the mere weight of the device 100 against this surface.

Finally, any one of the above-described embodiments may be combined with a so-called docking station by means of which any batteries in the portable device 100 may be charged.

Preferably, the portable device 100 is also provided with an interface towards the docking station through which it may exchange control signals, such that the device may be operated via this interface also when being in a docked mode.

Alternatively, the device 100 may operate over its own interface also when being docked. Moreover, the functions associated with the different actuating surfaces may depend on whether the device 100 is operated in a stand-alone mode or if it is attached to a docking station.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section view of an input member according to a first embodiment of the invention, which due to illustrative purposes here is depicted as being included in the outer surface 1 10' of the first elongated portion 1 10 of the device 100 of figures 1 and 2. Figure 5 shows a corresponding top view of the input member in figure 4. Naturally, according to the invention, the input member may equally well be included in any suitable alternative surface of a portable device that faces away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand. The input member includes an actuating surface 182 which is movable within an opening 1 1 1 in the surface 1 10'. A set of sensors 210a, 210b, 210c and 210d is associated with the actuating surface 182, such that movements of the surface 182 may be detected in a multitude of dimensions A/B, C/D and E. Thus, a movement of the actuating surface 182 in a particular dimension activates one or more of a first sensor 210a, a second sensor 210b, a third sensor 210c and a fourth sensor 210d.

The actuating surface 182 may be moved as a result of being subjected to a an external force. Typically (and preferably) the user produces this force by manipulating the actuating surface 182 with his/her fingers or palm, either by the hand onto which the device 100 is mounted or the opposite hand.

A support frame 240 connects the surface 182 to an axis 250. The axis 250 is. in turn movable along a first track 220 and a second track 230, which is perpendicular to the first track 220. Hence, the actuating surface 182 may be tilted around the axis 250 (i.e. in the dimension A/B), be shifted along the first track 220 (i.e. in the dimension C/D) and be pressed inwards along the track 230 (i.e. in the dimension E). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second track 230 is linked to the axis 250, such that the second track 230 follows any movements of the surface 182 along the first track 220. Thereby, movements in all the mentioned dimensions may be combined arbitrarily. For example, the actuating surface 182 may be tilted in the direction A to activate the first sensor 210a, and at the same time, be shifted in the direction C to activate the third sensor 210c. A multitude of alternative combinations are, of course likewise possible, such as an operation by which the actuating surface 182 is both pressed inwards along the direction E to activate the first and the second sensor 210a and 210b respectively, and shifted in the direction D to activate the fourth sensor 210d.

Naturally, the functions associated with the particular move- ments of the actuating surface 182 are arbitrary and defined by the software running in the peripheral device. However, only to mention some possible examples, an exclusive activation of the first sensor 210a may represent a left-mouse button click, an exclusive activation of the second sensor 210b may represent a right-mouse button click, an exclusive activation of the third sensor 210c may represent scroll down and an exclusive activation of the fourth sensor 210d may represent scroll up.

According to this embodiment of the invention, resilient members in the form of spring members (e.g. coil springs or flexible bushings) 261 - 264 adjoin the actuating surface 182 (and/or the support frame 240), and exert such forces thereon that the surface 182 is returned to a neutral position after that any external force has ceased to influence the surface 182. Depending on the configuration of the software associated with the device 100, either one control signal (or command) is generated upon a first activation of a sensor 210a - 210d, or a series of repeated control signals is generated as long as the respective sensor is activated.

The dimensions A/B, C/D and E represent mutually independent directions. Thus preferably, the dimensions A/B, C/D and E are at least substantially perpendicular to each other. The embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 4 enables a linear movement of the actuating surface 182 along the direction C/D as well as along the direction E, which is perpendicular thereto. Moreover, the actuating surface 182 may be rotated around the axis 250, which is perpendicular to both the directions C/D and E.

Figure 6 shows a top view of an input member according to a second embodiment of the invention, where the actuating surface 182 may be moved within an opening 1 1 1 in the surface 110' in a still larger number of independent directions. More specifically, the surface 182 may be tilted around two axes, 251 and 252 in directions A/B (compare with figure 4) and F/G respectively, be shifted in two directions (compare with C/D in figure 4) and H/l respectively, and be pressed inwards (compare with direction E in figure 4). A support frame 242 connects the surface 182 to the axes 251 and 252. The axis 251 and the axis 252 are in turn jointly movable along two slide tracks (not shown) which are perpendicular to each other, as well as along a third track (not shown, compare with 230 in figure 4) which is perpendicular to both the slide tracks.

Thereby, the actuating surface 182 may be moved separately in each of the dimensions A/B, C/D, E, F/G and H/l as well as in different combinations A/B, C/D; A/B, E; A/B, H/l; F/G, C/D; F/G, E; F/G, H/l and A/B, H/l of two of the dimensions A/B, C/D, E, F/G and H/l. Such movements of the actuating surface 182 will cause one or more of in a particular dimension one or more of a first sensor 210a, a second sensor 210b, a third sensor 210c, a fourth sensor 21 Od, a fifth sensor 21 Of, a sixth sensor 21 Og, a seventh sensor 210h and an eighth sensor 210i associated with the surface 182 to be activated.

In similarity with the first embodiment of the invention shown in figure 4 and 5, the input member according to this embodiment includes a set of resilient members in the form of spring members 261 - 264 which adjoin the actuating surface 182 (and/or the support frame 242), and exert such forces thereon that the surface 182 is returned to a neutral position after that any external force has ceased to influence the surface 182.

Figure 7 shows a cross-section view of an input member according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a corresponding top view of this input member. The actuating surface 182 is also here movable in multiple dimen- sions within an opening 1 1 1 in the surface 1 10'. However, instead of a set of spring members, a single resilient member in the form of an elastic member 269 here accomplishes the return of the surface 182 to a neutral position after that any external force has ceased to influence the surface 182. The elastic member 269 is attached to the frame 600 of the device 100 along a central area 650 below the actuating surface 182, and the elastic member 269 is deformable in many (preferably all) dimensions, such that it may return the surface 182 to the neutral position irrespective of the direction of any external force that may temporarily influence the surface 182.

In similarity with the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 1 , a set of sensors 610a, 610b, 610c and 610d is associated with the actuating surface 182, such that movements of the surface 182 may be detected in a multitude of dimensions A/B, C/D and E. The figures 7 and 8 show first and second support members 671 and 672 respectively which transfer movements of the surface 182 along a tilting direction A/B (around an imaginary axis Ω-i) as well as along a linear direction E towards the frame 600, such that one or both of a first sensor 610a and a second sensor 610b are activated. According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the actuating surface 182 may instead act directly upon these sensors 610a; 610b.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic member 269 consists of a rubber body 651 a, which fills a substantial portion of a volume delimited by an inner surface equivalent to the surface 182, the support members 671 ; 672 and the frame 600. Alternatively, the elastic member 269 may instead fill a substantial portion of the entire volume 651 b between the inner surface equivalent to the surface 182 and the frame 600. According to other preferred embodiments of the invention the elastic member 269 contains a flexible container

651a or 651 b, which is either filled with a gas at or above the atmospheric pressure level, or is filled with a foam material, gel or liquid with suitable mechanical properties.

Figure 9 shows a top view of an input member according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, where in comparison to the third embodiment described above, the set of sensors includes additional sensors in the form of a fifth sensor 610f, a sixth sensor 610g, a seventh sensor 610h and an eighth sensor 61 Oi.

This embodiment allows the actuating surface 182 to be moved within an opening 1 1 1 in the surface 1 10' in yet two independent directions. Thus, that the surface 182 may be tilted around two imaginary axes Ω-i and Ω₂ in directions A/B and F/G respectively, be shifted in two directions (compare with C/D in figure 6) and H/l respectively, and be pressed inwards (compare with direction E in figure 6).

Again, support members 671 - 674 transfer tilting and pressing movements of the surface 182 to the sensors 610a, 610b, 61 Of and 61 Og respectively. However, depending on the design of the actuating surface 182 and the location of the sensors in relation to this surface, the surface may equally well act directly upon the sensors 610a, 610b, 610f; 610g, for instance via edges pointing towards the frame 600.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a portable device 100 including a pair of resilient members in the form of torsion bars 1010 and 1020, which each is adapted to support an actuating surface according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. For reasons of a clear presentation, the actuating surfaces are not shown here. However they may very well be represented by the surfaces 183 and 183 in figure 3.

The torsion bars 1010 and 1020 are provided with a respective suspension point 101 1 and 1021 for carrying the actuating surface, with a relatively small area of contact between the torsion bar and the relevant actuating surface. This suspension arrangement, in combination with the design of the torsion bars, e.g. 1010, result in that when the actuating surface is depressed immediately above the torsion bar 1010, the bar operates essentially as conventional spring (i.e. it flexes substantially in the direction of the applied pressure). If, however, the actuating surface is depressed at an other location, the torsion bar 1010 pivots around a line A-A through the suspension point 101 1. Hence, a resilient member is accomplished, which is very compact, robust, and also provides a desirable tactile feedback to the user.

Regardless of the number of directions in which the actuating surface is movable and the type of resilient member used to return it to the neutral position, it is preferable if at least one sensor in the set of sensors is adapted to register movements of the surface in more than one direction. Namely, this both reduces the cost of the device and increases its reliability.

The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable device (100) for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit including a holding member designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand, comprising at least one input member which covers a substantial portion of a surface (1 10'; 120') of the device facing away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand, wherein each input member includes: an actuating surface (182, 183) associated with a set of sensors (210a - 21 Oi; 610a - 61 Oi) adapted to register multidimensional movements (A/B, C/D, E, F/G, H/l) of the actuating surface (182) in response to an external force, and at least one resilient member (261 - 269) arranged to return the actuating surface (182) to a neutral position after that the external force has ceased to influence the actuating surface (182).

2. A portable device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the combined area of the at least one input member is equivalent to at least 10 percent of the total area of the surface of the device facing away from the user's hand when the device is attached to the hand.

3. A portable device (100) according to any one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding member comprises a U-shaped portion having first and second elongated portions (1 10; 120) and a curved portion (130) connecting the first and second elongated portions.

4. A portable device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the first and the second elongated portions (110; 120) includes at least one respective input member.

5. A portable device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating surface (182) is arranged to be moved in at least two mutually independent directions (A/B, C/D, E, F/G, H/l).

6. A portable device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating surface (182) is arranged to be rotated around at least one axis (250, 251 , 253, Q^ Ω₂).

7. A portable device (100) according to any one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the actuating surface (182) is arranged to be shifted along at least one linear direction (C/D, E, H/l).

8. A portable device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating surface ( 182) is arranged to be shifted along at least two linear directions (C/D, E, H/l) which are mutually perpendicular.

9. A portable device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one resilient member comprises a spring member (261 - 268).

10. A portable device (100) according to claim 9, charac- terized in that the spring member (261 - 268) is arranged between the actuating surface (182) and a body member of the device (100), such that the spring member (261 - 268) is entirely and exclusively covered by the actuating surface (182).

11 . A portable device (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one resilient member comprises an elastic member (269) which is deformable in more than one dimension.

12. A portable device (100) according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the elastic member (269) contains a rubber body (651 a; 651 b).

13. A portable device (100) according to claim 1 1 , charac- terized in that the elastic member (269) contains a flexible container (651 a; 651 b) filled with a gas at or above the atmospheric pressure level.

14. A portable device (100) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the elastic member (269) contains a flexible container (651 a; 651 b) filled with a foam material.

15. A portable device (100) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the_. elastic member (269) contains a flexible container (651 a; 651 b) filled with a gel.

16. A portable device (100) according to claim 11 , charac- terized in that the elastic member (269) contains a flexible container (651 a; 651 b) filled with a liquid.

17. A portable device (100) according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the elastic member contains a torsion bar (1010; 1020) deformable in more than one dimension.

18. A portable device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (210a, 210b, 210f, 210g, 610a, 610b, 610f, 610g) in the set of sensors is adapted to register movements of the actuating surface (182) in more than one direction (A/B, F/G; E).