GB2406156A

GB2406156A - Malleable pointing device

Info

Publication number: GB2406156A
Application number: GB0321667A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Stovin-Bradford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-16
Filing date: 2003-09-16
Publication date: 2005-03-23
Also published as: GB0321667D0

Abstract

A computer input device comprising two domes, a large dome 'b' forming a base and a smaller dome 'a' crowning it, either of the domes may be manipulated directionally to move the cursor and pushed to allow selections or rotated to allow scrolling, there is also provided an idle mode in which the user may manipulate the device to relieve stress without moving the cursor. The device may be configured such that only one of the domes 'a', 'b' is used to manipulate the cursor. Buttons may be provided to enable the user to make selections. The large dome 'b' may be made of a latex material, housing a silicon interior. Navigation of the cursor using the large dome 'b' may be through two relational plates 1,2, plate 1 being mobile and plate 2 being fixed, the movement of plate 1 in relation to plate 2 being transferred into cursor movements.

Description

Malleable Pointing Device The invention relates to a computer pointing

device of the type that includes methods of navigating a cursor around the user interface, as well as being able to make selections, and to scroll through lists of options.

Such pointing devices are well-known, but suffer from the disadvantage that they have a single mode of use, which can lead to RSI, CPS and other problems. Also, traditional pointing devices, being unsealed units, are prone to becoming clogged and frustrating the user.

The object of this invention is to provide a pointing device with different modes of operation, not simply restricted to use by the hand, thus preventing the limbs of the operator from carrying out the same type of repetitive movements, and enabling users with hand disabilities to utilize it. The unit will be sealed, in order to remove the need for cleaning. The unit will also provide the user with something to manipulate in order to relieve physical and mental stress.

Accordingly, this invention provides a pointing device including two domes, a large dome forming the base, and a smaller dome crowning it. Both of these can be manipulated directionally to move the cursor, and be pushed or compressed to allow selections, or be rotated to allow scrolling. There will also be an idle mode where the user can manipulate the object to relieve stress, without fear of making selections. It is intended that the pointing device is able to be operated not just by hand, but using a variety of limbs.

Preferably the large dome is made of a latex material, housing a silicone interior, inside which will rest the electronic components.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of the pointing device; Figure 2 shows an aerial view of the pointing device; Figure 3 shows the workings of the pointing device; l Figures 1 and 2 show the relation between the small dome (a) and large dome (b).

Figure 3 shows the workings of the pointing device. It is detailed below: The two relational plates 1 and 2 will allow rough navigation using dome b.

Plate 1 is mobile, plate 2 is fixed. The movement of plate 1 in relation to plate 2 will be transferred into cursor movements at the user interface.

The depressing of dome b will cause contact between 1 and 2, which could be translated as a selection.

The directional stick 3 is connected into two cradles 4. These cradles are arranged in a + formation, in order to translate x axis and y axis movement in an analogue manner.

The contact plate 5 sits under the directional stick 3, so that if the stick is depressed, a contact is made which could also be translated as a selection.

It will be possible to rotate the directional stick 3 in order to scroll between options.

The two parallel contact plates 6 allow selection by squeezing dome a, thus pushing the two plates together.

In order to break contacts for selections once they have been made, it will be necessary to place springs between 1 and 2, 3 and 5, and the two contact plates 6.

Claims

1. This invention provides a pointing device including two domes, a large dome forming the base, and a smaller dome crowning it, which may both be manipulated directionally to move the cursor, and be pushed or compressed to allow selections, or be rotated to allow scrolling. There will also be an idle mode where the user can manipulate the object to relieve stress, without fear of making selections.

2. A pointing device, as in claim 1, where only the small dome is manipulated to move the cursor.

3. A pointing device, as in claim 1, where only the large dome is used to manipulate the cursor.

4. A pointing device, as in claims 1,2 or 3, where buttons are used to make the selections.

5. A pointing device, as in claims 1,2 or 3, where a vector of motion is used to make the scroll.

6. A pointing device, as claimed in any preceding claim, that has an outer shell made from any material other than latex, and an internal material other than silicone.

7. A pointing device substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.