EP2165245A1

EP2165245A1 - Portable device for controlling instruction execution by means of actuators placed on a rear surface

Info

Publication number: EP2165245A1
Application number: EP08831151A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrice Jolly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-09
Filing date: 2008-07-04
Publication date: 2010-03-24
Also published as: JP2010533327A; WO2009034242A1; FR2918774A1; FR2918774B1; US8514171B2; US20110163945A1; JP5266320B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (D) intended for controlling the execution of instructions, that comprises: i) a receptacle (RP) that can be held by a user in at least one hand and has a rear surface (FAR) provided with rear actuators (AC); ii) a storing means (MS) capable of storing, for at least one application, a table of correspondence between at least one operation mode and a set of selected instructions associated with icons of relative positions defined according to a selected arrangement; and ii) control means (MC) for, in case an application operation mode is selected, determining the table corresponding thereto and associating the instructions contained in said table to actuation types of the rear actuators (AC) selected on the basis of the relative positions of icons respectively associated with these instructions, at least some of said icons being displayed on at least one screen (EC1) according to their selected arrangement so as to identify the relative positions, on the rear surface (FAR), of the rear actuators (AC) and of the selected actuation types and, in case of manual actuation according to one type of actuation of a rear actuator (AC), commanding the execution of the instruction associated with the type of actuation of said rear actuator (AC).

Description

PORTABLE DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE EXECUTION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA ACTUATORS PLACED ON A REAR PANEL

The invention relates to electronic equipment that is intended to enable users to provide (or enter) instructions to be executed.

By "instruction" is meant here any type of command capable of inducing at least one modification at the level of image (s) and / or character (s) (or symbol (s)) alphanumeric (s) which is (are) displayed on at least one display screen, or to control the transmission of at least one sound, or to trigger a transmission or acquisition of data (or signals), possibly by wave (for example example in the case of an infrared remote control). Moreover, here "electronic equipment" is understood to mean any electronic (and possibly computer) equipment comprising at least actuators each associated with at least one instruction to be executed, and means for controlling the execution of the instructions activated by actuation of the actuators. . It may for example be a man / machine interface (such as a keyboard-like device), a game console, a remote control box of electronic equipment (s), a computer or a terminal (fixed or portable), possibly reinforced and / or waterproof, measuring equipment (s), a book or electronic dictionary, a reader of multimedia contents , or a digital personal assistant (PDA), or even a communication device, such as a mobile phone (or wireless) or a satellite navigation device.

In addition, the term "actuator" here refers to any element of a man / machine interface enabling a user, when activated with at least one of his fingers, to provide (or enter) an instruction to be executed ( and thus affecting at least one electronic and / or computer equipment). It may therefore be a touch or sensitive area (or touch), a push button, a zipper, a "mouse" (or one of its derivatives ("trackball" or "touchpad")), an "elevator", a wheel or a a lever (or "joystick"), for example.

Many compact devices, such as mobile phones or PDAs (and their derivatives), include a small keyboard that can only be used with thumbs (or possibly with indexes). Entering alphanumeric characters quickly becomes tedious. To avoid typing errors, the keys must be generally operated with greater force than in the case of a traditional keyboard, which is less pleasant for the user.

The keyboard can also be virtual (represented in a touch zone or by a list of characters) which greatly reduces the efficiency and comfort of typing, including in the presence of vibrating surfaces or sound indications.

The invention relates more particularly to electronic and / or computer equipment that has a receptacle that can be supported by at least one of the hands of a user and having a front face (possibly provided with at least one screen and / or or front actuators) and a rear face provided with rear actuators that can be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction to be executed, relating to at least one application.

Several devices of this type propose to make entries by means of keys located on the rear face of their receptacle in order to act on the display made by means of a screen situated on the front face of said receptacle. But, these devices require a significant learning time and great agility of the user and / or lack flexibility in the proposed instructions and / or use a help on the front that occupies too much space. Thus, US Pat. Nos. 6,297,752 and 1, CN 1356622 describe the positioning on the rear face of a receptacle of a keyboard with substantially the same number of keys as a standard keyboard but with a natural layout of the keys associated with the right and left hands. . In order to help the user to determine the back key to use and especially its location, it is possible to display on the screen of the front face the representation at the scale of the positions and actions (or instructions) respective keys rear. This representation is then displayed in overlay (or overlay) on the screen where the image of the application in use is displayed. The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that the user must quickly acquire sufficient agility and good coordination of finger movements on a large number of keys in a non-visible space, in order to overcome the display of the representation of the back keys.

The patent document WO 2006 067404 describes a gripping device by tactile zones and / or multi-position keys (or types of actuation) that can be actuated thanks to the movements of the fingers (extension and retraction). The presences and respective positions of the fingers in the vicinity of the rear areas where the keys are placed are detected in order to display on the screen before, superimposed, the possibilities that are offered by each finger position. The user can then select one of the displayed possibilities by exerting a stronger pressure or depression with the finger that is positioned on the desired choice. This requires great finger agility in that each finger can control up to eight positions (or types of operation) of the same back key between its maximum retraction and maximum extension positions. Although the device uses the front display to assist the user, this display is intended to overcome the complexity introduced by the number of choices available to each finger. But, it induces a search by trial and error to find the right instruction.

The patent document WO 2006 052 175 describes a device similar to the previous one. The rear keys are here equipped with a touch sensor and their representation and the positions of the fingers on them are displayed on the front screen. This improves the accuracy and agility of typing. But, the means used to detect the positions of the fingers can be expensive and superfluous if the back keys are in small numbers and that the tactile sense and the intuitive positioning of the fingers are sufficient to identify. As no known solution is entirely satisfactory, the object of the invention is therefore to improve the situation.

It proposes for this purpose a device dedicated to the control of the execution of instructions and comprising a receptacle that can be supported by at least one of the hands of a user and having a front face and a rear face provided with rear actuators each arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of operation associated with an instruction to be executed and relating to at least one application.

This control device is characterized in that it comprises: storage means responsible for storing for at least one application a correspondence table between at least one operating mode and a set of selected instructions associated with icons of relative positions defined by a chosen arrangement, and

control means charged, on the one hand, in the case of selection of an operating mode of an application, of determining in the storage means the table which corresponds to it, then of associating the instructions contained in this table determined to types of actuation of rear actuators chosen according to the relative positions of the icons respectively associated with these instructions, at least some of these icons being displayed on at least one screen according to their arrangement chosen so as to materialize (or image) the relative positions on the rear face of the rear actuators and the associated types of actuation, and secondly, in the case of manual actuation according to a type of actuation of a selected rear actuator, to order the execution of the instruction associated with the type of actuation of this rear actuator.

The control device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

the rear face may comprise a first group of at least one rear actuator dedicated to the fingers of the left hand of a user;

the rear actuators of the first group may for example be placed on the rear face one above the other in positions adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the hand left;

the rear face may comprise a second group of at least one rear actuator dedicated to the fingers of the right hand of a user;

the rear actuators of the second group may for example be placed on the rear face one above the other in positions adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the right hand;

the storage means can store at least one correspondence table transmitted by at least one local or remote application;

the front face may be provided with a first screen intended to display the icons;

the first screen may also be intended to display images and / or alphanumeric characters of the selected application; the front panel may also be provided with a second screen intended to display images and / or alphanumeric characters of the selected application as well as possibly icons in certain operating modes (for example in the "context" mode) ;

the front face may be provided with static inscriptions (for example serigraphed and possibly illuminated from behind) representing the instruction icons associated with a subset of rear actuators in at least one operating mode of at least an application ;

each rear actuator may be arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation chosen from at least a first type of actuation caused by a substantially vertical action of a finger, a second type of actuation caused by an extension of a finger, and a third type of actuation caused by a retraction of a finger;

at least some of the rear actuators may be provided with specific three-dimensional markings and / or a particular coating intended to differentiate them from each other and / or to facilitate the positioning of the fingers; at least some of the rear actuators may be associated with at least one type of actuation subdivided into at least two actuation sub-types associated with different instructions (for example a simple click, a double click or a long click) ; the front face may be provided with at least one front actuator arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction;

it may comprise a lateral face provided with at least one lateral actuator arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction;

at least one of the front actuators and lateral actuators can be responsible for controlling the movement of a pointer of a mouse or a cursor;

one of the rear actuators, front actuators and lateral actuators may, for example, allow the selection of an operating mode from among at least two operating modes chosen from a group comprising at least one so-called input mode (or "alpha") in which at least some of the instructions correspond to alphanumeric characters, a so-called "context" mode in which at least some of the instructions correspond to actions specific to an application, and an "advanced" mode in which at least some instructions are adapted to allow at least a temporary change of application and / or mode of operation and / or display mode;

one of the rear actuators, front actuators and / or lateral actuators may, for example, allow at least some of the types of actuation associated with at least some of the rear actuators to be associated with instructions derived from the last instruction executed. ;

it can constitute a device of electronic equipment (and / or computer). The invention also proposes electronic (and / or computer) equipment comprising a control device of the type of that presented above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in a review of the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 very schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a control device according to the invention, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the front face of a control device according to FIG. 'invention,

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the rear face of a control device according to the invention,

FIGS. 4A to 4D very schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a rear actuator for four different positions of the same finger,

FIGS. 5A to 5D very schematically illustrate a second embodiment of a rear actuator for four different positions of the same finger; FIGS. 6A to 6D very schematically illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a rear actuator for four different positions of the same finger,

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of arrangement on the rear face of two groups of rear actuators, as well as the references of the types of actuation associated with each of these rear actuators,

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary correspondence table adapted to an operating mode called "alpha",

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary correspondence table adapted to a use case of a dedicated instruction proposal function

"Cousins" (or derivatives) in the alpha mode of operation,

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary correspondence table adapted to an "advanced" mode of operation,

FIG. 11 illustrates three examples of sub-tables of correspondence corresponding respectively to three sub-modes of the advanced mode called "alphabetic", "numerical" (or Num) and "symbol" (or Sym), FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a first example of displaying icons representing the types of operation of two groups of four rear actuators on the entire display screen,

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a second example of displaying icons representing the types of actuation of two groups of four rear actuators within an application window,

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example of use of a front actuator called View,

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a first use of the invention for a photo sorting application in the context mode and in the case of a reliefless display,

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the first use of the invention in the case of a display with relief,

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a second use of the invention for an application for inputting and / or rapidly retrieving information (s) in the context mode, and

- Figure 18 schematically illustrates the second use of the invention in the presence of input fields.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 to show an exemplary embodiment of an instruction execution control device D according to the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, such a device D comprises at least one receptacle RP, storage means MS and a control module MC.

The RP receptacle is preferably of ergonomic type to facilitate its grip and its support by at least one of the hands of a user. It comprises a FAV front face (see Figure 2) and a rear face FAR (see Figure 3) provided with a GAC set of AC rear actuators. Each rear actuator AC is arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation which is associated with an instruction adapted to induce, when it is executed, a modification of at least one part images and / or alphanumeric characters which are displayed on at least one screen EC 1 and which relate to at least one application, or the emission of at least one sound, or the transmission or acquisition of data (or signals), possibly by waves (for example in the case of an infrared remote control).

The rear face FAR can comprise any type of actuator, that is to say any interface element man / machine allowing a user, when activated by one of his fingers, to provide (or seize ) an instruction (or command) to execute. It can therefore be a touch or sensitive area (or tactile), a push button, a zipper, a "mouse" (or one of its derivatives (trackball or touchpad)) , an elevator, a wheel or a lever (or joystick), for example.

The rear face FAR can, as shown in Figure 3, include CA folding blocks to allow to place it on a support without these AC rear actuators are in contact with the latter.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device D constitutes an "autonomous" electronic (and / or computer) equipment, that is to say having at least one display screen EC1, as for example a computer or terminal (fixed or portable), possibly reinforced and / or waterproof, or a personal digital assistant (or PDA), or a communication equipment, such as a mobile phone (or wireless ) or a satellite navigation device (eg GPS type). But, the invention is not limited to this type of electronic equipment (and / or computer). It concerns any electronic and / or computer equipment comprising at least rear actuators and a control module (for example part of an operating system (or OS)) responsible for controlling the execution. instructions activated when actuating the actuators. It may therefore also be a man / machine interface (such as a keyboard-type device, possibly intended to be coupled to a computer), a game console, a remote control equipment box electronic reader (s), a multimedia player, measuring equipment (s), or an electronic book or dictionary. It will therefore be understood that a device D according to the invention can be connected, wired or wired, to electronic and / or computer equipment to control (at least partially) what must be displayed on the screen (EC 1) of the latter when it executes an application. Given the autonomous nature of the illustrated device, it comprises on its front panel FAV at least one EC 1 screen responsible for displaying images and / or alphanumeric characters relating to at least one application (for example a game, an electronic organizer, an e-mail application, a telephony application, an Internet connection application, an Internet shopping application, or an application for selecting and / or processing photographs).

As illustrated, but although this is not mandatory, the front face FAV may also comprise a GAA assembly of at least one front actuator AA that can be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction (or action) to run. Moreover, the receptacle RP may optionally comprise on one lateral face at least one lateral actuator that can be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction (or action) to be performed.

The FAV front face and / or a side face may include any type of actuator (as defined above). It may therefore be a touch zone, a push button, a mouse (or one of its derivatives ("trackball" or "touchpad")), a zipper, a elevator, a wheel, a lever (or joystick), or a touch pad (or tactile) defined in a touch zone AND which has for example screen prints associated with keys and appearing thanks to a suitable lighting ( as in the case of a multi-mode "touchpad" of a laptop), for example.

As an illustrative example, at least one of the front actuators AA, AND and / or lateral actuators may be responsible for controlling the movement of a mouse pointer or cursor. The storage means MS are responsible for storing for at least one application a correspondence table between at least one operating mode and a set of selected instructions associated with relative position icons defined by a chosen arrangement. Here "icon" means an image (displayed or screen printed) and / or a text zone and / or a set of at least one alphabetic or numerical character and / or a syntactic symbol.

Note that in the presence of several correspondence tables, the latter may possibly together constitute a general correspondence table.

These storage means MS can be in any form and in particular in the form of a memory or a database. It will be noted that in certain operating modes (for example the "context" mode), certain correspondence tables may be defined by an application, possibly remote (for example accessible via a communication network (possibly the Internet)). In this case, the correspondence table is transmitted to the equipment which is coupled to (or which comprises or still constitutes) the device D, and the icons of this correspondence table are dynamically loaded on the screen under control. of the application.

It will also be noted, as is the case in the lower right portion of the nonlimiting example of FIG. 2, that the front face FAV may optionally be provided with static inscriptions (for example screen-printed and possibly backlit). and / or accompanied by an LED to signal the activation / inactivation) which represent the instruction icons which are associated with a subset of AC back actuators in at least one operating mode of at least one application.

It will also be noted that a rear actuator AC can be actuated according to a single type of actuation. But, in order to reduce the number on the rear face FAR, it is preferable that a rear actuator AC can be actuated according to at least two and possibly three types of actuation which are selected from at least a first type actuation caused by a substantially vertical action (a) of a finger, a second type of actuation caused by an extension (e) of a finger, and a third type of actuation caused by a retraction (r) d 'a finger. It should be noted, however, that it is possible to envisage using actuators that can be actuated according to more than three types of actuation. FIGS. 4 to 6 show three examples of AC actuators that can be actuated according to three different types of actuation. More specifically, the example of FIG. 4 illustrates an AC actuator in the form of a three-contact stick. When the DT finger does not act on the central actuating pad (see Figure 4A), nothing happens. When the finger DT exerts a substantially vertical pressure on the central actuating pad (see FIG. 4B), it actuates the contact of the bottom, which activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account the application and the mode of operation). selected operation). When the finger DT is extended forwards (see Figure 4C) it rotates the central actuating pad which actuates the rear contact and therefore activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account selected application and mode of operation). When the finger DT is retracted backward (see Figure 4D) it drives in rotation the central actuating pad which actuates the front contact and therefore activates the instruction associated with it (considering selected application and mode of operation).

The example of Figure 5 illustrates a AC actuator with three push buttons. When the finger DT does not act on a push button (see Figure 5A), nothing happens. When the finger DT exerts a substantially vertical pressure on the bottom push button (see FIG. 5B), this activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account the application and the operating mode selected). When the finger DT is extended forwards (see Figure 5C) it exerts pressure on the front push button, which activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account the application and the selected mode of operation). When the finger DT is retracted backwards (see Figure 5D) it exerts pressure on the rear push button, which activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account the application and the selected mode of operation). The example of Figure 6 illustrates an AC actuator with a push button and two touch zones. When the finger DT does not act on a push button or a touch zone (see Figure 6A), nothing happens. When the finger DT exerts a substantially vertical pressure on the push button bottom (see Figure 6B), this activates the instruction associated with it (given the application and mode of operation selected). When the DT finger is extended forward (see Figure 6C) it establishes a sliding contact and oriented with the front touch zone, which activates the instruction associated with it (taking into account the selected application and mode of operation). When the finger DT is retracted backward (see Figure 6D) it makes a sliding contact and oriented with the rear touch area, which activates the instruction associated with it (given the selected application and mode of operation). Of course, any other type of actuator can be used. Thus, at least some of the AC rear actuators can be subdivided into at least two sub-actuators each having only one type of actuation (for example contactors or pushbuttons). In this case, the sub-actuators of the same actuator may possibly have different shapes depending on their positions relative to the rear face FAR. By way of non-limiting example, each rear actuator AC may consist of three push-button sub-actuators.

The number of AC rear actuators and their type (s) depend on the applications for which they operate. For example, the rear face FAR may comprise a first group

GG of at least one AC rear actuator dedicated to the fingers of the left hand of a user. These rear actuators AC of the first group GG may for example be placed on the rear face FAR one above the other in positions that are adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the left hand.

Alternatively or additionally, the rear face FAR may comprise a second group GD of at least one rear actuator AC dedicated to the fingers of the right hand of a user. These rear actuators AC of the second group GD may for example be placed on the rear face FAR one above the other in positions that are adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the right hand.

Note that in the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, the device D comprises a first group GG of five actuators rear AC and a second GD group of five AC rear actuators. But, the number of groups can be equal to one and the number of rear actuators AC of each group must be at least equal to one and preferably less than eight. An advantageous implementation consists of using first GG and second GD groups each comprising four rear actuators, respectively for the index, the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger, the thumb then being dedicated to the gripping of the receptacle RP and to the actuation of any front AA and / or lateral actuators.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 7, the capital letters L and R respectively denote the AC rear actuators of the first GG and second GD groups, the capital letters A to E denote the five AC rear actuators of the same group GG. or GD, and the lower case letters a, e and r respectively denote the three types of actuation of each rear actuator AC (namely the support (a), the extension (e) and the retraction (r)). For example, the reference LDr designates the fourth rear actuator D of the first group GG when it is actuated according to the third type of actuation corresponding to the retraction (r) of the finger.

It is important to note that the AC rear actuators of the same GG or GD group may be of the same or different types depending on the application requirements. Similarly, the AC rear actuators of different groups may be of the same or different types depending on the application requirements.

It will also be appreciated that at least some of the AC back actuators may be provided with specific three-dimensional markings and / or a particular coating (eg a smooth coating and a rough coating, or a plastic or silicone coating and a leather covering) which are intended to differentiate them from each other and / or to facilitate the positioning of the fingers of the user.

FIG. 8 shows a first nonlimiting example of a correspondence table adapted to an operating mode called "alpha", dedicated to the input of alphanumeric characters, for a device D comprising first GG (L) and second GD (R) groups of five AC rear actuators (A to E) with three types of actuation (a, e and r), type of that illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7.

In the example of FIG. 8, for each type of actuation of each rear actuator AC, the main character emitted is bold and in first position, and in italic and second position the possible alternative character. When it is a letter it is for example emitted in lowercase (although marked in upper case in Figure 8), unless the caps instruction has been activated or is active, for example. The instruction may for example allow to modify the activated instruction by activating the associated alternative character. For example, the caps statement can be used to capitalize the next activated alphabetic character. The alt-lock instruction can, for example, make it possible to lock the alternative characters in main characters and vice versa.

FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting example of a correspondence table adapted to a case of using a dedicated function for proposing "cousin" (or derivative) instructions of certain instructions associated with certain rear actuators. of Figure 7 in the alpha operating mode. This dedicated function is for example proposed in case of actuation of the dedicated key TD FAV front panel.

This dedicated function makes it possible to make available to the user, who has just actuated a rear actuator AC according to a certain type of actuation in a given operating mode, a so-called cousin instruction relative to the instruction he just activated. A list of cousine (or derivative) instructions is therefore associated with a list of instructions of the operating mode in question and the actuation of the actuator before TD invokes the instruction which is the cousin of the one which has just been activated in the relevant correspondence table. The instruction corresponding to a neighboring instruction that could be obtained by another movement of the finger, or an associated instruction such as the capital letter in the case of a lowercase letter and vice versa, will typically be found as a cousin instruction. an accented letter "é", "è", "ê" or "ë" in the case of the activation of the letter "e", or else an instruction associated with the same operation in another mode or sub-mode Operating. For example, when the front actuator TD is actuated in the alpha mode, this can activate at each press an automatic backspace by deleting a character ("backspace") and activating the cousin instruction taken by order in the list, namely the alternative character then the special characters for the letters concerned (see Figure 9), then the character in upper case.

FIG. 10 shows another non-limiting example of a correspondence table adapted to a mode of operation known as

"Advanced" in which four rear actuators AC (B to E) with three types of actuation (a, e and r) belonging to a second group GD are used

(R).

For example, in the advanced mode, the actions on the AC rear actuators dedicated to the right hand can be used to specify a sub-mode that implements a specific instruction table for the AC back actuators dedicated to the left hand or else launching specific instructions and commands for the operating system.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the "GoTo" and "Tools" sub-modes correspond, for example, to instructions transmitted to the operating system, which is then able to change the current activity on the equipment concerned. (here the device D) by activating for example an application window or a desktop, possibly superimposed, and ordering the passage in the operating mode "context" to continue the choices within this new application via selection lists. For example, the "GoTo" instruction can offer the user a selection list for the left hand of the last applications launched and for the right hand a list of the last documents consulted.

For example, the "Tools" instruction can offer the user an application for fast entry of information as it would be done on a "post-it", but with a structuring of information indicating their nature via lists of choice activated by AC rear actuators.

For example, the "Cust-D" and "Cust-E" instructions can be used to customize a sub-mode of operation of AC back actuators in the left hand by defining characters or sequence of characters as instructions associated with them, or to customize the launch of a particular application. For example, character sequences are used as instructions for applications that require the writing of formatting tags as in HTML, Latex, Wiki, or Spip in plain text. Note that light emitting diodes (or LEDs) can be provided on the front face FAV so as to indicate the user an active sub-mode in advanced mode.

At the table illustrated in Figure 10 and dedicated to the right hand can be associated several "sub-tables" dedicated to the left hand and displayed on the screen EC2, for example in the advanced mode. Three examples of such sub-tables corresponding to three sub-modes called "alphabetic", "numerical" (or Num) and "symbol" (or Sym) are illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in FIG. 11. For example, the sub-modes table that is associated with the alphabetic sub-mode includes in each box (among the twelve in the example), associated with a type of actuation of a rear actuator AC, a main character in the upper left corner (activated by a simple for example), a secondary character in the lower right corner (activated by a double press on a short time interval, for example) and a cousin character obtained by the actuation of a rear actuator followed by the actuation of the dedicated TD actuator.

For example, these three advanced mode sub-modes are selected by the thumb by means of at least one prior actuator AA. It should be noted that the device D can possibly offer a predictive complement functionality of word input via a dictionary of common words. This functionality can for example be offered to the user as soon as the control module MC identifies a subset of several letters attached. The proposal can for example be done by means of a LED (or LED) located near the front actuator AA referenced "Loupe". For example, a short press on the front actuator "Loupe" causes the switchover into a sub-mode "Complement" which offers the user a list of words or pieces of words (number of elements). the list of 4, 8 or 12, optionally optionally configurable) from which it can make a selection by means of a rear actuator AC.

The context mode is for example intended to provide instructions that correspond to actions proposed by the active application

(possibly distant). In context mode the instructions (or actions) are those that are requested by the application or possibly the operating system of the equipment (here the device D) if no application is active. The actions are linked to images presented in the application window or overlaid transparently across the screen by an image replacing the desktop (for example). The use cases are very numerous, in particular according to the achievements defined by the application editors.

Note that any mode of operation associated with an application and intended to associate instructions (or actions) specific to types of actuator actuations, may be considered. Furthermore, it will be noted that the number of AC rear actuators used may vary from one operating mode to another. This is particularly the case in the example of Figure 10 which uses only four AC rear actuators (B to E) of the five in the alpha mode.

Operating mode failovers are software driven. They can be configured differently according to need by relying on front AA and / or rear AC actuators and / or information that comes from the application or the operating system and / or from a state memory previously activated modes.

The examples given above of correspondence between modes of operation, types of operation and instructions (including cousins) are given for purely illustrative purposes. They can be adapted according to application needs, or even local needs (notion of personalization). Furthermore, it will be understood that it is possible to invert the roles assigned to the hands and / or to limit the number of instructions according to the number of fingers used by the user and / or to recompose the disposition of the modes, sub- modes and actions. As in the case of a standard keyboard (104 keys) for which there are many variations depending on geographical regions and languages, there are many possible arrangements here.

Preferably, at least part of the associations ((sub) tables

5 of correspondence) can be modified by software so as to allow the user to create his own configuration possibly based on reference configurations depending on his language and geographical area.

The control module MC of the device D according to the invention has two main functions.

A first main function consists, when an operating mode of an application has been selected, to determine in the storage means MS the table that corresponds to it, then to associate the instructions that are contained in this determined table to types 15 actuating AC rear actuators which are chosen according to the relative positions of the icons which are respectively associated with these instructions.

The display of at least some of the icons of the selected operating mode is made on at least one EC1 and / or EC2 screen 20 according to their arrangement which is defined in their correspondence table, so as to make it possible to materialize (or to image ) the relative positions on the rear face FAR of the AC rear actuators and the types of actuation that are associated with these icons.

There is not necessarily a geometric relationship between

25 icons and AC rear actuators associated with them. In other words, the shapes and dimensions of the icons may be different from the shapes and dimensions of the parts of the AC rear actuators associated with them.

It will be understood that when certain icons are defined by

When the application is active, the instructions corresponding to these icons are managed by the control module MC, which is then responsible for associating them with rear AC actuators chosen according to the positions relating to the screen.

(usually in the application window) corresponding icons and in function of the relative real positions of said AC rear actuators. This case occurs for example in the context mode.

It will also be understood that the display of the icons can be done either on the "main" screen EC 1 of the device D and / or on at least one "auxiliary" screen EC2 dedicated for this purpose, if the device D includes one on its FAV front face, either on the screen of the electronic equipment and / or computer to which the device D is coupled. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIG. 3, the device D comprises on its front face FAV such an auxiliary screen EC2 (it is here dedicated to the AC rear actuators of the left and right hands, but it could be dedicated only to the rear actuators with the right hand or only with the back actuators of the left hand). One could also provide two auxiliary screens for each of the rear actuator groups GG and GD.

The second screen (EC2) may in particular be tactile and / or be part of a removable electronic subassembly functioning on the one hand independently and on the other hand operating coupled to the device D. The subassembly may be for example a mobile phone, a remote control or a media player. Such a removable electronic subassembly can then be housed in the device D to fulfill in particular the display functions icons.

It is important to note that the arrangement of the icons and the association of instructions to the AC rear actuators that is defined by the control module MC are intended to provide the user with an intuitive association between the relative spatial positions of the associated icons. to the AC rear actuators, displayed on the FAV front panel and the relative positions of the AC rear actuators which are located on the rear panel FAR. It will be understood that this representation of the actuators is neither necessarily to scale nor necessarily superimposed ("transparency" effect) above the AC rear actuators. The objective of this representation is to provide on the FAV front panel useful and sufficient information for the use of the AC rear actuators, without however occupy an important place on the FAV front face so as to leave a maximum of surface area. application display. FIG. 12 diagrammatically shows a first display example, for example on the entire main screen EC1, on the one hand, RAD icons representing the types of actuation of four rear actuators AC (B to E). the second group GD, and secondly, RAG icons representing the types of actuation of four rear actuators AC (B to E) of the first group GG. It will be understood that here the four rear actuators AC (B to E) of the second group GD can be actuated only according to one type of actuation (substantially vertical action of the finger (a)), whereas the four rear actuators AC ( B to E) of the first group GG can be actuated according to two types of actuation (substantially vertical action of the finger (a) and retraction of the finger (r)).

Schematically shown in Figure 13 a second example of display, for example within an application window FRA EC1 active main screen on top of another application window FAP ₁ one hand, RAD icons representing the types of actuation of four AC rear actuators (B to E) of the second group GD, and secondly, RAG icons representing the types of actuation of four AC rear actuators (B to E) of the first group GG. It will be understood that here the four rear actuators AC (B to E) of the first GG and the second GD groups can be actuated only according to a single type of actuation (substantially vertical action of the finger (a)).

A second main function of the control module MC consists, when a selected AC rear actuator has been manually selected according to a type of actuation, to order the execution of the instruction which is associated with the type of actuation of this actuator. rear AC.

The device D may optionally propose a so-called "View" actuator intended to superimpose or superimpose (or even to highlight) on the main screen EC 1 the icons which represent at a given moment the AC rear actuators (and their types). actuation) that can be used. This View actuator may for example be placed on the front face FAV RP receptacle, as shown in Figure 3 (where it is embodied by a hand).

FIG. 14 schematically shows a non-example limitation of use of the View actuator. In addition, the embossing mode can be optionally customized. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, a brief press makes it possible to switch from a relief display ("RELIEF ON" - that is to say with an overlay display) to a reliefless display ("RELIEF OFF"") and vice versa. A prolonged support, while the display is without relief, may for example cause the passage in a relief display for the duration of the support, then return to the featherless mode as soon as the view actuator is released. Note that the allocation may possibly vary depending on the selected operating mode. For example, in alpha or advanced mode, when the display relief is disabled, no icon representative of a rear AC actuator is displayed on the main screen EC1. LEDs and / or at least one auxiliary screen EC2 may provide information to the user.

For example, in context mode, when the display relief is disabled, the icons representing the AC rear actuators that can be used can be displayed in the application window with the distinguishing marks chosen by the application's editors.

For example, in alpha or advanced mode, when the allocation is requested by the user, depending on the configuration options, two modes of displaying actions can be found by reserving one or more zones on the main screen EC 1 or having a superimposed display with transparency effect. For advanced mode, a software option may optionally be used to modulate the display of the icons representing the AC rear actuators of the right region in order to avoid excessive use of the application visual space. The icons representing the AC rear actuators of the right region can then be displayed only when double clicking on the View actuator or when pressing for a long time (or long click), for example.

For example, in context mode, when the relief is requested by the user, the icons representing the AC rear actuators that can be used can be redrawn in order to be more clearly visible (livelier color (s) and / or different size (s)), while the rest of the display (application window and / or office) can be darkened with a possible effect of transparency. Two examples of using the device D in the context mode are described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18.

A first use, illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, relates to an application for sorting photos loaded in a directory. This application makes it possible, for example, to navigate among the photos by means of the direction arrows of actuators before AA, while performing actions by activation of instructions by means of AC rear actuators. For example, you can rate the photo and / or specify sharing and distribution characteristics and / or insert or not the photo into a website and / or name the photo and / or associate an event with the photo and / or assign a category to the photo. In the mode without relief illustrated in Figure 15, different attributes can be displayed in small in the form of list (s) of choice on either side of the photo. In the embossed mode illustrated in FIG. 16, the photo can be placed in the background while the attributes can be placed in the foreground (superimposed) (and optionally in transparency) and enlarged to facilitate the work of the user.

This example shows both lists of choices with exclusive elements highlighted by sustained display (case of the "Notation" section) or by radio button (case of the "Broadcasting" section). This example also shows elements that can switch between different states (the case of the "Web OfT / Web On" icon). This example also shows multiple-choice selection lists with checkboxes (the case of the "Category" section). Actions also make it possible to access other entries such as the "Name" and "Event" icons, which may for example cause the "Category" section to be replaced by another list of choices to respectively set a name and a number. event to attach to the photo. The action represented by the "Note" icon can for example open an input area with a passage in alpha mode to annotate the photo. Once this annotation is done, we can for example switch back to context mode.

In the case of a Relief On display, additional icons may be highlighted to indicate certain actions. For example, the navigation arrows in the section Category or the "Note" or "Event" actions can be added.

A second use, illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, relates to an application for inputting and / or rapidly retrieving information (s) in context mode. The "Tools" window illustrated in Figure 17 allows, thanks to contextual menus, to quickly label snippets of information for easy entry and consistency check. The "Notes" area provides access to screens that have an input form, and the "Info" area offers personalized links to information web pages on various topics (privileged access to favorites). The "Good Plan" window illustrated in Figure 18 shows an input form. For example, rear AC actuators dedicated to the right hand position the cursor in the input areas. This positioning action can, for example, automatically switch from the context mode to the alpha mode for a free input field or to the advanced / num mode for a date field. In cursor mode with text, pressing the context key can for example return to context mode, but this time not at the level of the global application but at the level of the input area, and propose for example logical input possibilities for example within a contact list for the "Pipe of" field. When entering information that requires the filling of several fields, the double use of the AC rear actuators to perform both pointing operations and character or symbol input operations facilitates the work and efficiency of the user. It has an ergonomic and comfortable way to enter alphanumeric characters without having to move his hands from the keyboard to a stylus or mouse to perform pointing operations.

Numerous other examples of applications can be envisaged, including applications for telephony, electronic mail, Internet connection or e-commerce. Within the application window of a web browser, choices (hypertext link, selection icon in an electronic cart, and the like) can be displayed and "clicked" (or selected) directly via the AC back actuators (without using a pen or a mouse pointer) depending on the position relating to the posting of these proposed choices.

Note that the receptacle RP may comprise a first opening arranged to facilitate its support by one of the hands of the user. In a variant, it may comprise first and second openings arranged so as to facilitate its support respectively by the right and left hands of the user. Each opening may for example be a shaped notch adapted to the passage of the portion of the hand which is located at the intersection between the thumb and the index finger.

Furthermore, the device D may optionally comprise detection means for detecting the presence of at least one of the hands of a user in an area enabling him to support the receptacle.

RP and to access at least some of the AC rear actuators, and to allow the control module MC to take into account an activated instruction in case of presence detection. In addition, the device D may for example have a center of gravity which is located in a lower part with respect to a horizontal virtual line defining the middle of its receptacle RP.

The control module MC, as well as possibly the storage means MS, can be implemented in the form of software modules (or computer software), electronic circuits (or hardware), or a combination of circuits and software.

The invention is not limited to embodiments of control device for executing instructions and electronic and / or computer equipment described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all variants that can consider those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

An instruction execution control device (D), comprising a receptacle (RP) arranged to be supported by at least one of the hands of a user, having a front face (FAV) and a face rear (FAR) provided with rear actuators (AC) each arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction to be executed and relating to at least one application, characterized in that it further comprises i) storage means (MS) adapted to store for at least one application a correspondence table between at least one operating mode and a set of selected instructions associated with relative position icons defined by a chosen arrangement, and ii) control means (MC) arranged, on the one hand, in the case of selection of an operating mode of an application, for determining in said storage means (MS) the corresponding table, and then to associate the instructions contained therein in said table determined to types of actuation of rear actuators (AC) chosen according to the relative positions of the icons respectively associated with said instructions, at least some of these icons being displayed on at least one screen (EC1, EC2) according to their arrangement chosen so as to materialize the relative positions on said rear face (FAR) of the rear actuators (AC) and the associated types of actuation, and secondly, in the case of manual actuation according to a type of actuation of a selected rear actuator (AC), to order the execution of the instruction associated with said type of actuation of this rear actuator (AC).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear face (FAR) comprises a first group of at least one rear actuator (AC) dedicated to the fingers of the left hand of a user.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said rear actuators (AC) of the first group are placed on said rear face

(FAR) one above the other in positions adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the left hand.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rear face (FAR) comprises a second group of at least one rear actuator (AC) dedicated to the fingers of the right hand of a user.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said rear actuators (AC) of the second group are placed on said rear face (FAR) one above the other in positions adapted to the average natural positions of the fingers of the right hand. .

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said storage means (MS) are arranged to store at least one correspondence table transmitted by at least one local or remote application.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said front face (FAV) is provided with a first screen (EC1) adapted to display said icons.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said first screen (EC1) is also able to display images and / or alphanumeric characters of the selected application.

9. Device according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said front face (FAV) is provided with at least a second screen (EC2) adapted to display images and / or alphanumeric characters of the application selected and possibly icons in certain operating modes.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said front face (FAV) is provided with static inscriptions representing instruction icons associated with a subset of rear actuators (AC) in the least one mode of operation of at least one application.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each rear actuator (AC) is arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation selected from at least a first type of actuation caused by an action. substantially vertical one finger, a second type of actuation caused by an extension of a finger, and a third type of actuation caused by a retraction of a finger.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least some of said rear actuators (AC) are provided with specific three-dimensional markings and / or a particular coating intended to differentiate them from one another and / or to facilitate the positioning of the fingers.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least some of said rear actuators (AC) are associated with at least one type of actuation subdivided into at least two actuating sub-types associated with different instructions.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said front face (FAV) is provided with at least one front actuator (AA) arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with a instruction.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a side face provided with at least one lateral actuator arranged to be actuated according to at least one type of actuation associated with an instruction.

16. Device according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that at least one of the front actuators (AA) and lateral actuators is adapted to control the movement of a mouse pointer and / or cursor .

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that one of the rear actuators (AC), front actuators (AA) and / or lateral actuators is adapted to allow the selection of a mode of operation among at least two modes of operation selected from a group comprising at least one so-called input mode in which at least some of the instructions correspond to alphanumeric characters, a mode called "context" in which at least some of the instructions correspond to actions specific to an application, and an "advanced" mode in which at least some of the instructions are adapted to allow at least a temporary change of application and / or operating mode and / or display mode.

18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that one of the rear actuators (AC), front actuators (AA) and / or lateral actuators is adapted to allow association with at least some types actuators associated with at least some of said actuators rear (AC), instructions derived from the last instruction executed.

19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it constitutes a device of an electronic equipment and / or computer.

20. Electronic and / or computer equipment, characterized in that it comprises an instruction execution control device (D) according to one of claims 1 to 18.