EP1673669A2

EP1673669A2 - Method for customizing a handgrip, a measuring form for use in the method and handgrip and constituent parts thereof manufactured with this method

Info

Publication number: EP1673669A2
Application number: EP04748611A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Huub Ehlhardt
Original assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Current assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Priority date: 2003-05-28
Filing date: 2004-05-27
Publication date: 2006-06-28
Also published as: NL1023561C2; WO2004107070A3; WO2004107070A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for customizing a hand supporting part or hand embracing part of a utensil, for instance a tool, sport equipment or computer control device. With the aid of, for instance, a copier of a scanner, an image is made of the hand of an intended user. On the basis of this image, with the aid of a suitable algorithm, a three dimensional model of the hand is defined. Alternatively, the hand can also directly be scanned in 3D. On the basis of this 3D-model, a contour fitting the hand or around the hand is determined of the hand supporting part or hand embracing part to be manufactured, which contour is then used for manufacturing said part, for instance with a rapid manufacturing technique. The invention further relates to a control device for a computer and the constituent parts thereof, while at least one hand supporting part or hand embracing part is manufactured with a method according to the invention.

Description

Title: Method for customizing a handgrip, a measuring form for use in the method and handgrip and constituent parts thereof manufactured with this method.

The invention relates to a method for customizing handgrip, at least a hand supporting part of a utensil such as for instance a tool, sport equipment, or control device for a computer such as, for instance, a mouse, trackball, joystick, keyboard or the like. With many objects which are intensively used by hand, it is of great importance that the hand fits the hand supporting part of this object well. Should this not be the case, the hand will be insufficiently supported during use which, in many cases, leads to a cramped, static posture. This in turn, can result in all sorts of physical complaints, of which RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) is one of the best known examples. This affliction typically occurs with computer users who intensively use manual control devices such as a mouse, trackball or joystick.

In order to have these control devices fit the hand of the user better and thus reduce the risk of RSI, many types of control devices have already been developed. These can differ, for instance, in size (small, medium, large) and/or shape. Further, separate control devices for right-handed and left- handed people are known. Also, operating elements provided on these control devices can differ as to nature, number and mutual location. There are, for instance, mice with one or more buttons, with turning wheels or a combination thereof.

Due to such a varied supply, the individual wishes and dimensions of the consumer can be better catered for, but in most cases, a perfect fit fails to occur, for the simple reason that no two people are the same and that despite the large supply, the number of different control devices remains limited. Moreover, such a varied supply leads to great stocks and associated complex logistic flows. Further, control devices are known which are built up from a number of parts which are slideable relative to each other so that, up to a certain point, the geometry of the hand supporting element is adjustable. With this, a better fit is possible with the hand of the user, but the adjustability usually only holds for a limited number of parameters, for instance one single linear or width-wise measurement. As a result, with these control devices too, no optimal fit can be achieved. Furthermore, the correct setting requires rather much expertise and skill and the control devices are relatively complex and vulnerable because of mutually moveable parts. The object of the invention is to provide a method for customising a control device of a computer, more in general, a hand supporting part of a utensil, wherein the drawbacks mentioned of the known hand supporting parts are at least partly obviated while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a method according to the invention is characterised by the features of claim 1.

With a method according to the invention, a hand supporting part of a utensil can be exactly customised on the basis of an image of the hand supplied by a user. To that end, the image is converted to a 3D-model with the aid of a suitable algorithm, for instance a CAD/CAM programme. Then, on the basis of this model, a 3-D contour can be determined which, in a specific position, can be comfortably embraced by the hand. Thereupon, this contour can be used for manufacturing the hand supporting part, for instance with a manufacturing process controlled by a computer.

The image of the hand can, for instance, be a 2D-image which can be made by the consumer himself in a simple manner with apparatus known per se, such as a copier or a scanner. The graduation required for the determination of a 3-D model can then be provided in a simple manner, by simultaneously copying or scanning a transparent measuring form on which a suitable graduation, for instance a grid or coordinate system, has been indicated. Alternatively, an object can be copied along having generally known sizes, such as a coin. Naturally, the graduation can also be indicated on the image later. Then, on the basis of such an image, with suitable, software, the actual dimensions of the hand can be reconstructed.

When converting the 2D-image to the 3-D model, preferably, use is made of existing ergonomic knowledge about the relation between the contour of the hand and/or the location of the joints therein and the relative position they can assume. This knowledge can be included, for instance, in the algorithm in the form of characteristic values. Once the configuration of the joints is determined therewith, the different positions that can be assumed by the hand too are unequivocally determined.

Alternatively, the hand can also be directly 3D-scanned. This offers the advantage that the conversion step from 2D to 3D-model can be omitted. However, 2D scanning or copying offers the advantage that the user can simply do this himself, at home, so that he can order a customized control device while sitting at his computer.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterised by the features of claim 10.

With such a "rapid manufacturing" technique, the hand supporting product is manufactured directly, layer by layer, from a liquid or powder- shaped starting material with the aid of, for instance, a laser beam or print jet technology. As, in such a manner of manufacture, no special tool needs first be manufactured, such as a mold, injection mold or the like, the method is relatively rapid and flexible. Furthermore, the method can proceed in an automated manner, at least for the greater part, with it, manufacture can take place relatively accurately and the method offers an enormous freedom in forms to be realised.

A suitable rapid manufacturing technique is, for instance, SLS (selective layer sintering), wherein the hand supporting part is formed by sintering powder-shaped starting material layer by layer, with the aid of a laser. An advantage of this technique is that no supporting structures are required, so that after manufacture, no superfluous parts need to be removed.

Moreover, SLS can be applied to stable materials such as, for instance, nylon. If desired, the end products can be finished with a special finishing coat in order to embellish the appearance and/or, for instance, give a certain tactile property. Such a finishing coat can comprise, for instance, a foil, or a coating which is poured over the product and which, when cured, forms, for instance, a smooth, dense layer.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 14. With it, in a manner described hereinabove, a hand supporting part is customised, which element is then combined, optionally with the aid of a suitable interface, with a basic part of a control device. As a result, the basic part, which preferably comprises all components important to the operation of the control device, can be manufactured in a standard manner, and held in stock, in a conventional manner, i.e. via mass production techniques.

Thus, in a relatively simple manner, a control device can be realized which always fits the hand of the user perfectly, due to the customised hand supporting part. As a result, during use, the hand will always be optimally supported so that the hand can assume a relaxed position, which can help reduce the risk of RSI developing. In particular compared with the known methods, the number of standard parts having to be held in stock will be considerably reduced.

Preferably, the user can choose from a number of standard types of basic parts, which can differ mutually, for instance as to control functions, the manner in which these functions are activated, their mutual position (layout) and/or the manner in which communication takes place with the computer, for instance optically, radiographically or via electricity wires.

The invention further relates to a control device and the constituent parts thereof, in particular a basic part and one or a series of hand supporting parts, which latter are customised from one piece or from several sub-parts, each separately customized on the basis of the geometry of the hand of the future users.

Preferably, insofar as the different operating functions allow it, the lay-out of each type of basic part is as standardized as possible so that the or each hand supporting part can easily be connected thereto, optionally through interposition of an interface. This simplifies designing the hand supporting part and increases the choice in design, because fewer variables are to be taken into account. A standardized interface furthermore increases the exchangeability of the hand supporting parts, so that it becomes possible, for instance, to combine one basic part with several different hand supporting parts. As a result, by exchanging the hand supporting parts, a control device can be adapted in a simple manner to different users, which is advantageous, for instance in family situations or in educational institutions, where, as a rule, several users use the same control device. In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a method according to the invention are described and auxiliary means to be used therewith and operating means to be realised therewith. In clarification, the method according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 schematically shows a disassembled view of a control device according to the invention, in particular a computer mouse, a hand supporting part of which has been customized with a method according to the invention; Fig. 2A schematically shows a first phase of a method according to the invention, wherein data of the user are gathered; Fig. 2B schematically shows a second phase of a method according to the invention, wherein the data are processed to form a digital model;

Fig. 2C schematically shows a third phase of a method according to the invention, wherein the model is used for controlling the manufacturing process; Fig. 3 shows an example of a measuring form, for use in a first phase of the method according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 shows a number of examples of different mice, built up from different types of basic parts, from which a user, during the first phase of the method, can select a type he prefers.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the description, the starting point is a method for customizing a computer mouse. However, it should be expressly noted that the method is not limited to such a specific use but is broadly usable in an advantageous manner for customizing all sorts of contact surfaces of utensils, which are embraced by a hand or embrace a hand themselves, at least partly, in particular there where a bad fit of this contact surface with the hand of a user can lead to health complaints for that user. For instance, handle bars for a bicycle, a golf club, a tennis racket, a bow, special assembly tools, surgical tools, a glove et cetera can be considered here. In addition, with the method according to the invention, hand supporting parts can be made having a therapeutic or rehabilitating function instead of a preventative function, while the hand supporting part is designed such that it corrects the position of the hand, preferably via a series of successive supporting parts, which gradually bring the hand into the desired position, comparable to the corrective action of a brace.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a control device for a computer, in particular a mouse, which can be manufactured with the method according to the invention. The mouse indicated with reference numeral 1 comprises a basic part 2 and a hand supporting part 3, which parts 2, 3 can be interconnected via suitable coupling means 9. The basic part 2 comprises a baseplate 5 on which the different operable components of the control device 1, all known per se, have been provided, such as a ball 6 reaching partly through the baseplate 5, and electromechanical converters 7 associated therewith which, in use, convert a rotating movement imposed by a user on a ball 6 into an electric or electromagnetic signal. Further, on the baseplate 5, suitable communication means 8 are provided, in order to transmit the generated signal to the computer, for instance optically, radiographically, or via a power cable.

The hand supporting part 3 comprises a curved cap 12, which is provided with at least one operating element 14, in the example shown a button with which, in a known manner, in cooperation with components provided in the basic part 2, commands can be transmitted to the computer. The design of the hand supporting part 3, in particular the shape and curvature of the cap 12, is completely tailored to the geometry of the hand of a user, in a manner to be further described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 2A-C. The location and the design of the operating element 14 is also based on the physique of the user, but further takes into account the restrictions imposed by the basic part, which stem from the fact that the operating element 14 itself must be able to cooperate with this basic part 2, if necessary via an interface which can be formed along, for instance, at the lower side of the button 14.

In Figs. 2A-C, schematically, in successive steps, a method according to the invention is shown with which the mouse 1 shown in Fig. 1 and in particular the hand supporting part 3 thereof can be customized. The method can roughly be divided into three phases. In a first phase, as shown in Fig. 2A, all user data required for customizing the mouse are gathered, such as the geometry of the hand of the user and its wishes as to the type of mouse.

Recording the geometry of the hand can be done by the user himself in a simple manner by making an image of his hand 10 with the aid of a copier or scanner 15. Preferably, use is then made of a transparent measuring form 20, of which four variants 20, 20', 20", 20'" are shown in Fig. 3. Such a measuring form 20 can, for instance, be sent to order by the manufacturer or be downloaded from the internet by the user. The measuring form 20 — 20'" is provided with a graduation, such as, for instance, a coordinate system 22, a grid 22', altitudes 22" or a ruler 22'". By, now, placing the hand on the measuring form 20 - 20'" when the image is made, the graduation is depicted as well and the manufacturer obtains all information on the basis of which, afterwards, he can derive the actual dimensions of the hand 10.

Further, in this first step, the user can choose a type of mouse he prefers from a selection supplied by the manufacturer. This choice can consist of, for instance, the manner in which the mouse communicates with the computer (per wire, or wireless, for instance optically or radiographically), the number of command keys, the location of these keys (left-handed or right- handed) the type of key (press key, tip key, turning wheel), et cetera. Different ergonomic basic shapes are possible too, of which in Fig. 4 schematically three examples have been given. The choice for a particular type of mouse is of importance for the basic part the manufacturer is to use as starting point in the further method. This choice and any further ordering data of importance such as, for instance, the address data of the consumer can, for instance, be indicated in a field represented on the measuring form 20 — 20'".

Naturally, recording the geometry of the hand can be done in many different manners. For instance, an imprint of the hand can be made in a deformable material such as clay, or the hand can be rubbed with a substance which leaves an impression when the hand is pressed on a suitable underground. Also, the circumference of the hand can be drawn, for instance by pen on paper, or with electronic means on a screen. In future, the screen itself may function as a scanner, for instance by means of pressure sensitive and/or light sensitive cells, which can detect which part of the screen is covered by a hand placed thereagainst and, on the basis thereof, construct a contour. Alternatively, medical imaging techniques can be used such a an X-ray photo or an MRI-scan. As an additional advantage, these images offer information relative to the mutual position of the joints, and the hardness of the different parts which can be taken into account in the design of the hand supporting, for instance by providing the hand supporting part with soft parts on specific locations (gel pad, soft touch). In a second phase, illustrated in Fig. 2B, the data gathered are entered into a calculating unit 24. To that end, if necessary, when furnished by the user as a copy or as imprint, the data can first be digitalized by scanning the 2D or 3D-copy. Thereupon, these data can be analyzed with suitable CAD- software while, while taking into account the selected type of mouse, the most optimal form of the supporting part 3 is determined, resulting in a (digital) 3D- model of this supporting part 3. Subsequently, on the basis of this model, in a third and final phase (Fig. 2C), a manufacturing device 26 can be operated by the calculating unit 24. This manufacturing device can, for instance, be a CNC device or a rapid manufacturing device.

In this description, "rapid manufacturing" is at least understood to include a manufacturing process wherein a product is built up layer by layer from a liquid or powder-shaped starting material, while operating a calculating unit on the basis of a 3D-model made in advance of the intended product with the aid of suitable CAD-software. Known rapid manufacturing techniques are, for instance, "stereolithography", with which a liquid polymer is cured layer by layer through local illumination by a laser beam, or "selective laser sintering" wherein powder-shaped starting material (metal or a thermoplastic) is locally sintered with a laser beam. Further, rapid manufacturing processes based on inkjet technology are known, such as "Polyjet", "MultiJet modelling", 3D modelling" and "Fused Deposition Modeling" wherein drops or thin threads of liquid material are injected onto each other with a sort of printer head and are then cured, for instance under the influence of UV-light or through a chemical reaction. It is noted that the rapid manufacturing technology is still in full development and that therefore, new processes which may be developed in the future are expressly understood to be included in this application, as applicable in a method according to the invention.

Due to the use of "rapid manufacturing" technology, no molds, injection molds or such auxiliary tools need to be manufactured, but on the basis of a programmed and/or measured 3D model, a product can directly be realized. As a result, production can be relatively rapid, at acceptable costs. Moreover, with this, a great variety of very diversely formed products can be realized. Therefore, this form of manufacturing is eminently suitable for a method according to the invention, the fact being that each user will require a slightly different supporting part.

It is noted that the method is not limited to rapid manufacturing processes. In principle, each known CAD/CAM technology is eligible.

After, in this manner, the supporting part 3 is customized, it can be attached to the basic part with suitable coupling means, whereupon the mouse 1 is ready for use. Optionally, per basic part 2, several customized supporting parts 3 can be supplied, which can be coupled to the basic part 2 in an exchangeable manner, so that the mouse 1 can be optimally adjustable for a group of users, for instance a family or educational institution. It is noted that the three phases mentioned of the method can all take place at one location, successively, for instance in a specialized computer shop or at a wholesalers'. However, the phases can also take place separately from each other, while the user himself can for instance make an image of his hand at home in the above-described manner, whereupon the data can be sent to the manufacturer by mail or electronically.

The invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplary embodiments represented in the description and the drawings. All combinations of exemplary embodiments shown and described in this application are also understood to fall within the inventive concept. Moreover, many variations are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for customizing a handgrip, at least a hand supporting and/or hand embracing part (3) of a utensil, such as, for instance, a tool, sport equipment or control device (1) for a computer, while an image is made of the hand (10) of an intended user, which image is entered into a calculating unit (24) provided with an algorithm, while on the basis of the image and with the aid of the algorithm, a 3D (three dimensional) model is determined of the hand (10) and a 3D-contour of the handgrip to be manufactured fitting therein and/or therearound, whereupon the handgrip, at least the hand supporting part or hand embracing part thereof is manufactured on the basis of the predetermined 3D-contour.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the handgrip, at least the hand supporting part or the hand embracing part (3) thereof is manufactured with a manufacturing technique controlled by the or a calculating unit (24), which technique is, for instance, a 3D-CAD or CAD/CAM technique.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the 3D-model of the hand (10) is also determined on the basis of further data entered into the calculating unit (24) concerning the handgrip to be manufactured, such as, for instance, geometrically and/or functionally defined preconditions.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image of the hand is a two dimensional (2D) image provided with a graduation

(22) on the basis of which the actual dimensions of the hand (10) can be derived.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the image is made by the user himself, with the aid of a copier or scanner (15) or a different 2D-imaging technique, such as, for instance, a circumference of the hand or a stamp imprint thereof.

6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the graduation (22) is provided on the image with the aid of a transparent measuring form (20), on which a graduation has been provided while, when the image is made, a user places his hand (10), at least partly, on the measuring form (20), in particular on the graduation provided thereon, the arrangement being such that the graduation is depicted along with the hand (10).

7. A method according to any one of claims 4 — 6, wherein, when converting the 2D-image into the 3D-model of the hand (10), the algorithm makes use of ergonomic knowledge about the relation between the contour of the hand and/or the location of the joints and the relative position they can assume with different positions of use of the hand.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the image of the hand is a 3D-image, made by means of a 3D-scan or a different 3D-imaging technique, such as, for instance, an MRI-scan, a 3D-imprint in a suitable material or a 3D-recording with the aid of pressure sensitive sensors.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image of the hand is supplied digitally, preferably via the internet.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip, at least the hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) thereof is manufactured by means of a "rapid manufacturing" technique.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the hand supporting part or hand embracing part is manufactured through SLS (selective layer sintering).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) is finished with a finishing layer, for instance a coating.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) is provided with softer parts, such as, for instance, gel pads which, in use, fit less hard parts of the hand to be supported, the location of which is derived from the 2D or 3D images and is determined on the basis of the ergonomic knowledge included in the algorithm.

14. A method for manufacturing a control device (1) for a computer, such as a mouse, trackball a keyboard or joystick, comprising a basic part (2) comprising substantially all functional parts and electronics, and a hand supporting part (3) which, in use, contacts at least a part of the hand (10) of a user and comprises at least one operating element (14) to be activated by this user, such as, for instance, a button, key, wheel or slide, while the basic part (2) is manufactured to be held in stock with the aid of a conventional mass production technique and the hand supporting part (3) is customized according to a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein a user, when supplying an image of his hand (10) also indicates a choice for a specific type of control device (1), in particular specific type of basic part (2).

16. A measuring form (20, 20', 20", 20'") for use in a method according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular for providing the image with a graduation (22), comprising a transparent sheet provided with a graduation (22), for instance a grid, altitudes, a coordinate system or a ruler.

17. A control device for a computer, for instance a mouse, trackball, keyboard or joystick, comprising a basic part (2) and a hand supporting part (3), which are mutually coupled via suitable coupling means and/or an interface, while the hand supporting part (3) is designed to support, during use, at least a part of a palm of a hand of a user and is customized on the basis of data supplied by the intended user relating to the geometry of his hand.

18. A hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) comprising the characteristics of a hand supporting part or embracing part (3) as defined in a method according to any one of claims 1 - 15, for use in a handgrip of a utensil, for instance of a tool, sport equipment or control device (1) according to claim 17.

19. A basic part (2) comprising the characteristics of a basic part as defined in a method according to claim 14 or 15, for use in a control device (1) according to claim 16 in combination with a hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) according to claim 18.

20. A set of at least one basic part according to claim 19 and a series of hand supporting or hand embracing parts (3) according to claim 18, wherein each hand supporting part or hand embracing part (3) is customized for a different user according to a method according to any one of claims 1 — 15, while each of the hand supporting parts (3) can be coupled, by means of a suitable interface, to the basic part (2) for forming a control device (1) according to claim 17.