SG172488A1 - Computer mouse - Google Patents

Abstract

COMPUTER MOUSEA computer mouse 10 is provided with an extension 24 that is configured to be used as a stylusfor contacting a touch-sensitive surface (e.g. a touchscreen). The mouse 10 is operated as aconventional mouse where input via a mouse is preferred. Where input via a stylus is preferred,the mouse 10 is brought to the touch-sensitive surface and the extension 24 is used as a stylus.Figure 2A

Description

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COMPUTER MOUSE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer mouse and in particular but not exclusively to a computer mouse for use with a touch-sensitive surface such as a touchscreen display.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A computer mouse typically has a right-click button, a left-click button and a detector to detect motion of the mouse in two dimensions. Optionally, the computer mouse may include one or more scroll wheels or a track ball embedded on the upper surface of the mouse. As shown in

Figure 1A, in use, a computer mouse 10 is held under a user's hand and is manipulated on a fiat surface to move a pointer and interact with objects on a computer screen 12.

The use of a computer mouse was indispensible in the early stages of graphical user interface computing, but in recent times the computer mouse has been viewed as obsolete technology partly due to the popularity of laptops over desktops and the developments in laptop trackpad technology, and partly due to the increasing use of touchscreen displays on computers.

In terms of touchscreen computing, the industry has steadily moved away from using a mouse as an input tool for a graphical user interface, and has instead embraced technology that allows the on-screen pointer and other on-screen objects to be manipulated using either a stylus 14 as shown in Figure 1B or a user's finger 16 as shown in Figure 1C. This movement toward a more ‘direct’ manipulation of the user interface is seen by the industry as more user-friendly and intuitive than using a computer mouse, and is apparent from hardware developments in touchscreens that have reduced manufacturing costs, and software developments in operating systems that come preloaded with touchscreen compatibility or a touchscreen preference.

Despite the above advancements, manipulating a user interface using only a stylus or a user's finger can be tricky where the screen size is small or where the resolution of the screen results in features that are too small to activate easily or accurately. Touch operations can also be frustrating due to lack of tactile feedback. Solutions to these drawbacks to date have focussed on further improving the touchscreen itself (e.g. incorporating haptics technology, which is costly) or improving the usability of the touch interface (e.g. providing advance touch ‘gestures’ such as multi-touch technology, which are either incompatible with existing touchscreens, or provide an inconsistent and unpredictable operation, leading to further user frustration). 1 :

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined in the appended independent claim. Some optional features of the present invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

In one specific expression, the present invention relates to a computer mouse comprising an extension configured to be used as a stylus for contacting a touch-sensitive surface.

The term ‘stylus’ as used in the context of the invention denotes an extension that is suitably dimensioned to act as an input tool for a touch-sensitive surface and so is not limited to pen- shaped extensions. The term ‘touch-sensitive surface’ denotes any surface of an electronic device that can detect the presence and/or location of a touch within the area of the surface.

The term includes, but is not limited to, touchscreens (e.g. resistive touchscreens, surface capacitance touchscreens, projected capacitance touchscreens, infrared touchscreens, strain gauge touchscreens, optical imaging touchscreens and the like) and graphics tablets (e.g. resistive graphics tablets, capacitive graphics tablets and the like).

The provision of a stylus that forms part of the mouse itself is advantageous because a user benefits from both a computer mouse operation and a stylus operation without having to operate different tools that have, until now, been deemed to be mutually exclusive in operation.

A user may therefore change seamlessly from a mouse operation to a stylus operation and vice versa. This improves the ability of the user to manipulate the user interface of the computer in a manner that best suits the application being used or to suit the user's preference. For example, for users carrying out graphic design on a touchscreen, a conventional mouse operation would be relied upon on to open relevant programs, or to locate relevant files in an intuitive manner.

Despite conventional wisdom that touch operations are more user-friendly and intuitive, it has been found that most users prefer to use a mouse for the normal operations of a computer even if the computer has a touchscreen display. Touch operations are, however, preferred for tasks such as drawings, designing, or character entry (e.g. Chinese characters). In the present invention, where the user needs to enter a character, for example, the user simply picks up the mouse that is already in hand, and uses the extension on the mouse as a stylus to draw the relevant character on the touchscreen or a graphics tablet. A mouse operation can be seamlessly resumed by returning the mouse to the operative surface (e.g. table top, mouse pad). In addition to allowing easy changeability from one operation to another, the user benefits from improved productivity since there is little time wasted in switching from one operation to another, or in looking for the appropriate tool when required. These benefits are provided without complicating the mouse design, function or cost since the extension serves as a passive stylus, which requires no dedicated electronic circuitry in the mouse to function as a stylus.

In one embodiment, the extension includes an aperture. The aperture may be used as a sight to allow a user to see exactly where the extension is in relation to the touch-sensitive surface before the extension contacts the touch-sensitive surface. In this manner, the accuracy of the stylus operation is improved. In an alternative embodiment, the extension is transparent or translucent. This embodiment also improves the accuracy of the stylus operation since it removes any parallax error in locating the extension at a pinpoint location on a touch-sensitive surface. Where further improvements in accuracy are desired, both embodiments may be combined to produce an extension that is transparent or translucent, and that further includes an aperture.

Preferably the extension extends from one of: a front end, a rear end and side portions that define the periphery of the mouse. This arrangement is advantageous because the extension is in a position that is substantially out of the way of normal mouse operations.

In one embodiment, the extension extends from the front end of the mouse, with the mouse being connectable to a computer via a cable extending from a side portion or the rear end of the mouse. This is advantageous because it provides a simpler method of use for wired versions of the mouse. In particular, by locating the cable to the side or rear of the mouse, the front area is freed up to receive the extension. By having the extension at the front, the cabled mouse can be easily transitioned from a normal mouse operation to a stylus operation by a user simply gripping the mouse that is already in hand, and directing the stylus to the touch-sensitive surface. Since the stylus is at the front of the mouse, the user need not reorient the mouse before using the stylus, thus improving usability and productivity.

It is conceivable that extensions may be provided on the top surface or bottom surface of the mouse as well, or be provided with a dimension that may hinder normal mouse operations.

Preferably, therefore, the extension is retractable into the mouse. Retractability also allows the stylus to be stowed away when not required, thus reducing the likelihood of damage to the stylus.

Preferably the extension is visible during normal use of the mouse. This is advantageous because it allows the user to switch from a mouse operation to a stylus operation without having to check the location of the extension before it is used to contact the touch-sensitive surface.

The usability of the mouse and the user's productivity are thus improved.

Preferably the extension is substantially rigid. This is advantageous because the extension can be used more accurately (since flexing may lead to inaccurate placement or detection of the extension on a touch-sensitive surface) and also because the manufacture of the mouse is made simpler since the extension may be integrally formed with the rigid body of the mouse (i.e. . 5 integrally moulded using the same plastic used to mould the body of the mouse).

Preferably the extension is a planar extension. A planar extension is advantageous because it is more easily seen and tracked by a user in use (especially since the user would be holding a mouse in hand, which may obstruct the extension if a pen-like extension is provided), and additionally because it is less likely to break off as compared to a pen-like extension. For improved accuracy, the planar extension may be rounded off at its free end or may alternatively be sharpened or narrowed in some way so as to reduce the area of contact between the extension and the touch-sensitive surface when the extension is in use.

Preferably the extension extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the mouse. This arrangement provides a simple transition from a mouse orientation to a stylus orientation since a user will implicitly be aware of the orientation of the extension once the mouse is lifted from its operative surface (since both extension and operative surface are in parallel planes). It is of course conceivable that the extension may extend in another plane, angled with respect to the plane of the bottom surface of the mouse. This may be preferable for specific applications or specific mouse shapes to give a more natural grip for the user when using the extension as a stylus.

Preferably the extension extends at an angle of about 45° from the longitudinal axis of the mouse. Alternatively, the extension may extend from the front end or rear end of the mouse and along the longitudinal axis of the mouse. This alternative embodiment provides a more natural, pen-like usability to the extension. Also, where the extension is at the front of the mouse, the mouse can be easily transitioned from a normal mouse operation to a stylus operation by a user simply gripping the mouse that is already in hand, and directing the extension to the touch- sensitive surface. This avoids the need to reorient the mouse before using the stylus, thus improving productivity.

Preferably the computer mouse is a finger computer mouse comprising a body having a first end and a second end, a first switch at the first end and a second switch at the second end, the operation of the first switch being the equivalent of a right click and operation of the second switch being the equivalent of a left click.

Preferably the computer mouse further comprises a detachable component, the component being selected from the group consisting of: a laser pointer, a magnifying glass and a magnet.

Such detachable components may further increase the usability of the mouse in different situations.

As will be apparent from the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention allow an optimal use of both mouse operations and stylus operations to take advantage of the touch capabilities of touch-sensitive devices while allowing a seamless use of a mouse where desired. This and other related advantages will be apparent to skilled persons from the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the computer mouse will now be described by way of example with 16 reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic showing the prior art use of a mouse with a laptop,

Figure 1B is a schematic showing the prior art use of a stylus with a touchscreen laptop,

Figure 1C is a schematic showing the prior art use of a user’s finger with a touchscreen laptop,

Figures 2A to 2F are plan view schematics of different embodiments of the computer mouse having an extension for use as a stylus,

Figure 3 is a schematic showing a finger computer mouse having an extension for use as a stylus, and

Figures 4A to 4C are top perspective, bottom perspective and side view images respectively of another embodiment of a finger computer mouse having an extension for use as a stylus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 2A shows one embodiment of the computer mouse 10 of the invention. The mouse 10 includes two buttons 20 and 22 at a front end 10a, providing right click and left click functionalities respectively. The periphery of the mouse 10 is defined by the front end 10a, a rear end 10b and right and left side portions 10c and 10d. An extension 24 is provided on the right side portion 10c adjacent the rear end 10b (i.e. at a rear corner of the mouse 10).

The extension 24 in the preferred embodiment is a substantially rigid, planar tab that includes a through hole or aperture 26 adjacent the free end of the extension to allow a user to see the location of the extension relative to the touch-sensitive surface. The extension 24 is also arranged such that a user is able to see the extension during normal mouse use (i.e. during a mouse operation, where the mouse is moved on a relatively flat operative surface).

At one end, the extension 24 is attached to the mouse 10, while at the opposite free end the extension 24 is rounded off. The extension 24 extends in a plane that is paraliel to the bottom surface of the mouse 10, that is to say, the extension 24 is parallel to the surface on which the mouse 10 is moved during a mouse operation. In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the extension is located on the right side portion 10c of the mouse 10, angled at about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mouse 10, and extending away from the buttons 20 and 22. The mouse of this embodiment is best suited for right-handed users. Also, the positioning of the extension 24 allows the invention to be conveniently applied to existing wired mice having a cable at the front of the mouse.

Figure 2B shows an alternative embodiment where the extension 24 is located on the left side portion 10d of the mouse 10. The mouse of this embodiment is best suited for left-handed users.

Like the embodiment of Figure 2A, the positioning of the extension 24 allows the invention to be conveniently applied to existing wired mice having a cable at the front of the mouse.

Figure 2C shows a further alternative embodiment where the extension 24 is located on the right side portion 10c adjacent the front end 10a (i.e. at a front corner of the mouse 10). Like the embodiment of Figure 2B, this embodiment is best suited for left-handed users and allows the invention to be conveniently applied to existing wired mice having a cable at the front of the mouse.

Figure 2D shows a further embodiment where the extension 24 is located on the left side portion 10d adjacent the front end 10a. The placement of the extension 24 in this embodiment best suits right-handed users. Like the earlier embodiments, this embodiment is also suited for application to existing wired mice since the extension 24 does not obstruct the cable that is normally found at the front of the mouse.

Figure 2E shows yet another alternative embodiment where the extension 24 extends along the longitudinal axis of the mouse 10 from the front end 10a and is located substantially in the middle of the front end 10a of the mouse 10. This position of the extension 24 allows use by right-handed and left-handed users alike, and a more intuitive use of the extension 24 as a stylus, but requires more changes to be made to the existing plastic mould used to form the mouse. For wired mice, for instance, this position will necessitate moving the mouse wire from the front end to the side or the rear of the mouse 10.

Figure 2F shows yet another alternative embodiment where the extension 24 extends perpendicularly from the rear end 10b and is located substantially in the middle of the rear end 10a of the mouse 10. This position of the extension 24 obviates the need to relocate the cable of a wired mouse while still providing a mouse that is convenient for use by both right-handed and left-handed users.

In use, the mouse 10 of the embodiments described above is held under a user's palm in the same way as a conventional mouse. The user then slides the mouse 10 around an operative surface (e.g. a table top or a mouse pad) and clicks the relevant mouse button 20, 22 to manipulate an on-screen pointer or other on-screen objects. Where a touch operation is desired, for example if a user has to enter a Chinese character into a document, the user simply lifts the mouse 10, brings the free end of the extension 24 into contact with the relevant touch-sensitive surface, and uses the extension as a stylus to enter the touch input. Once done, the user simply returns the mouse to the operative surface to continue using the mouse in the conventional way.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment where the computer mouse is a finger computer mouse 30 as described in the applicant's own PCT Publications WO 2008/030189 and WO 2008/030190 (incorporated herein by reference), and the extension 24 is provided at the front end of the finger computer mouse 30. In essence, the finger computer mouse 30 comprises an elongate body 32 that contains all of the required electrical functionality of the mouse 30. The body 32 has a raised first end 32a and a lowered second end 32b. Extending over the body 32 from the raised first end 32a to the lowered second end 32b is a support strip 34. The support strip 34 is a spring support strip that is biased away from the body 32 and towards a ring 40 so that it can be depressed slightly when a user inserts its finger under the ring 40, such that there is a holding force between the ring 40 and the user's finger to prevent the mouse 30 from accidentally disengaging.

The finger computer mouse 30 of Figure 3 is used in the same way as described in the above

PCT publications, that is the motion of the mouse 30 is sensed optically and a pivoting movement about a pivot 42 at the base of the mouse 30 allows selective activation of a first switch 36 or a second switch 38 (equivalent to a right-click and left-click or vice versa). Where a touch operation is desired, for example if a user has to enter a Chinese character into a document, the user simply brings the free end of the extension 24 into contact with the relevant touch-sensitive surface, and uses the extension 24 as a stylus to enter the touch input. Once done, the user returns the mouse to an operative surface to continue using the mouse.

Figures 4A to 4C show another embodiment of a finger computer mouse. The mouse 40 in this embodiment does not include the support strip, ring or pivot of the embodiment of Figure 3. instead the switches 36 and 38 are selectively activated by pressing down at the respective ends of the mouse 40. Like Figure 3, however, the mouse 40 comprises an elongate body 42 that contains all of the required electrical functionality of the mouse 40. The body 42 has a raised first end 42a and a lowered second end 42b.

Figure 4B shows the extension 24 that is provided adjacent an edge of the bottom surface 44 of the mouse 40 at the raised first end 42a. The extension 24 is substantially planar and has a rounded free end and a substantially hemispherical projection 24a adjacent the rounded end.

The projection 24a extends downwardly and perpendicularly to the extension 24.

Figure 4C shows a side view of the extension 24. It is clear from this figure that the extension 24 is substantially planar and parallel to the bottom surface 44 of the mouse 40. Also shown in the figure is the switch 38 with a rubber foot 46. At the free end of the extension 24, a hemispherical projection 24a is provided. The projection 24a serves to provide a smaller area of contact between the extension 24 and a touch-sensitive surface for a higher accuracy stylus operation. in the preferred embodiment shown, the hemispherical projection 24a has a radius of about 0.8mm, the height distance h; between the switch 38 and the projection 24a is about 0.5mm, and the height distance h, between the switch 38 and the bottom surface 44 is about 1.45mm.

Skilled persons will appreciate that the provision of an extension on a computer mouse that serves as stylus is advantageous because a user is able to transition from a computer mouse operation to a stylus operation and vice versa quickly and seamlessly. By bringing together these operations, which have until now been deemed as separate, unrelated or exclusive ways in which to manipulate a graphical user interface, a user is able to choose the optimum input tool at the appropriate time without having to look for the tool or to compromise by choosing to have one over the other. This improves the ability of the user to manipulate the user interface of the computer in a manner that best suits the application being used or the user's preference.

For example, for users carrying out graphic design on a touchscreen, the conventional mouse operation would be relied upon on to open relevant programs, or to locate relevant files in an intuitive manner. Where the user needs to enter a character, for example, the user simply picks up the mouse that is already in hand, and uses the extension on the mouse as a stylus to draw the relevant character on the touchscreen or a graphics tablet. Once done, the user returns the mouse to the operative surface and seamlessly continues with a conventional mouse operation.

In addition to allowing easy changeability from one operation to another, the user benefits from improved productivity since there is little time wasted in switching from one operation to another.

The computer mouse of the invention also allows a convenient way in which a user can have access to both a mouse operation and a stylus operation in areas of limited space (e.g. on an aircraft, or a small table) without the risk of misplacing or losing a stylus.

The computer mouse of the invention further allows an improved way in which a touch-sensitive device may be calibrated. For example, where touch capabilities are provided on screens having different sizes/shapes, calibration is required to match the screen to the transparent touch-sensitive surface that is provided on the screen. Similarly, when the resolution of the screen is changed or scaled, re-calibration is required. A fairly accurate touch point is required during calibration or re-calibration (a user's finger is thus not suitable for calibration). Before calibration is performed, however, a conventional stylus will not accurately reflect the point of touch. In particular, before calibration, the stylus cannot be used because when a user points to an object using the stylus, the cursor will not be on the object but will instead be offset from the object. By providing a seamless and convenient way in which a mouse input can be provided for the initial calibration setup (i.e. before screen calibration), the computer mouse of the invention overcomes the difficulties of calibration while allowing the use of a stylus where needed. This improves the required operations every time a calibration is required, including during installation of an operating system.

The foregoing describes preferred embodiments, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may be subject to variations or modifications in design, construction or operation without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, although the extension is shown as a relatively short tab having a rounded end, this is not essential. The precise dimensions of the extension may be tailored for certain applications, such that a narrower profile extension or a longer extension may be provided instead of the preferred embodiment extension. Similarly, the aperture need not be circular as illustrated. Other shapes (e.g. square, triangular etc) may be used instead. Also, the extension need not extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouse (i.e. a horizontally-oriented extension). Where necessary or desired, the extension may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mouse (i.e. a vertically-oriented extension).

Skilled persons may also adapt the extension accordingly for use on wired and wireless computer mice. Also, where necessary or desired, the extension may serve as an active stylus.

An active stylus requires the stylus to have some electronic circuitry and be self-powered. This is desirable because an active stylus is generally more accurate and causes less abrasion on the touch-sensitive surface, but conventionally has the drawback of adding bulk to the stylus. In the present invention, however, because the stylus is part of the mouse, and the mouse is powered (e.g. 5V), it is possible to provide an extension that serves as an active stylus without much increase in weight and size of the device.

These variations, for instance, are intended to be covered by the scope of the claims.

Claims (14)

1. A computer mouse comprising an extension configured to be used as a stylus for contacting a touch-sensitive surface.

2. The computer mouse of claim 1, wherein the extension includes an aperture.

3. The computer mouse of claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension is transparent or translucent.

4. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension extends from one of: a front end, a rear end and side portions that define the periphery of the mouse.

5. The computer mouse of claim 4, wherein the extension extends from the front end of the mouse, and the mouse is connectable to a computer via a cable extending from a side portion or the rear end of the mouse.

6. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension is retractable into the mouse.

7. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension is visible during normal use of the mouse.

8. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension is substantially rigid.

9. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension is a planar extension.

10. The computer mouse of claim 9, wherein the extension extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the mouse.

11. The computer mouse of claim 10, wherein the extension extends at an angle of about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mouse.

12. The computer mouse of claim 10, wherein the extension extends from the front end or rear end, and along the longitudinal axis of the mouse.

13. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer mouse is a finger computer mouse comprising a body having a first end and a second end, a first switch at the first end and a second switch at the second end, the operation of the first switch being the equivalent of a right click and the operation of the second switch being the equivalent of a left click.

14. The computer mouse of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detachable component, the component being selected from the group consisting of. a laser pointer, a magnifying glass and a magnet.