Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
  • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • G06F3/03549—Trackballs
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
  • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
  • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
  • G06F2203/0334—Ergonomic shaped mouse for vertical grip, whereby the hand controlling the mouse is resting or gripping it with an attitude almost vertical with respect of the working surface

Definitions

• the present invention relates to manually operated computer tracking device which will make it possible for the computer user to work with the hand, arm and shoulder in a natural position.
• Documents US 5 648 798 shows an ergonomic computer mouse/steerball with a base and a top portion which can be rotated.
• the upper portion is arranged at a right angle to the base which gives a twisting and outward rotation of the underarm from its natural position.
• the idea is to make it possible for the hand to be placed in a neutral position, rest on the support base while using the fingers in a natural manner.
• Document WO 98/06025 shows a type of mouse which consists of a base section with an upright handle. The idea is that the hand should work in a natural position without static straining of the fingers because the wrist and arm are not being twisted into an unnatural position.
• the object of the present invention is to minimise the before mentioned problems and to make it possible for the hand, over and underarm as well as the shoulder to work nearer their natural position.
• the invention makes it also possible for the entire hand and wrist to be supported.
• the underlying idea behind the invention is that the user can work with a grip of the hand where the five fingers in their whole length have complete support and are relaxed. If the tracking device is equipped with function control means they are placed in a favourable position for the fingers and thumb. This makes it possible for the user to press the function keys with very small movements, known as micromovements.
• the tracking device When a conventional computer mouse is moved there are significant movements required by the hand and wrist.
• the tracking device according to the invention has a ball in the base and functions as a computer mouse, the majority of the movements appear in the elbow and shoulder whereby the hand and wrist are relieved.
• the invention allows that the rotation of the underarm is neutral, this makes it easier for the shoulder to assume its natural inwardly rotated position. The idea is to place the computor mouse within the width of the shoulders and work with the arm and hand in natural positions.
• the object of the computer tracking devices of said type is then the need of a device which makes it possible for the hand, underarm and overarm as well as the shoulder to work from a more natural position.
• This need means that the device shall provide support for the wrist as well as the entire hand.
• the device shall ensure that the wrist, the entire palm and the five fingers in their entire length, are supported in a relaxed position. Further, the device will assure that the underarm rotation is neutral, making it easier for the shoulder to place itself in its naturally inwardly rotated position. Further the device makes it possible for the hand to locate the proper working position quickly and maintain this position during the work period.
• the computer tracking device shows a base portion provided with a fixed and at an angle upward directed handgrip portion.
• the object of the invention is to make a computer tracking device which makes it possible for the hand, under- and overarm, including the shoulder to work in a natural position.
• the solution according to the invention is characterized by the base and the upwards directed handgrip portion defined in claim 1.
• the base is provided so that it is a form fitted support for the wrist and the entire hand.
• the upward directed handgrip portion is provided so that it is support for the wrist, palm and the five fingers in their entire length.
• the handgrip portion is angled in relation to the base and has a positioning support which fixes the hand in position so that the rotation of the underarm is neutral and the shoulder places itself in its natural inwardly rotated position.
• Fig. 1 shows a computer tracking device, as seen from the backside which is turned toward the users arm.
• Fig. 2 shows a computer tracking device from the front, i.e. the side on which the fingers rest.
• Fig. 3 shows a computer tracking device in a lateral view.
• Fig. 4 shows a computer tracking device in a lateral view opposite the view shown in Fig. 3.
• Fig. 5 shows a computer tracking device as seen diagonally from above.
• Fig. 6 shows a computer tracking device as seen diagonally from behind.
• Fig. 7 shows a computer tracking device with a operating control in the form of a ball, as seen from above.
• Fig. 8 shows how the users hand is gripping a computer tracking device; seen from one side.
• Fig. 9 shows how the users hand is gripping a computer tracking device; seen from the opposite side shown in Fig. 8.
• Fig. 10 shows a computer tracking device according to fig 9 with a second ball arranged at the bottom of the base.
• FIGS 1- 10 show an ergonomic manually operated computer tracking device in different views.
• the input device 1 includes a base 2 and a handgrip portion 3.
• the handgrip portion 3 is arranged fixed to the base 2.
• the base 2 is ergonomically designed and provides, when the hand is in working position, support for the ulnar side of the hand together with the little finger, by being equipped with a form fitted support 2a, which has a to the hand complementary form.
• An indentation 2b is provided in the base portion 2, at its backside, in order to relieve pressure from the pisiformal- and triquetrum bones.
• the handgrip portion 3 is ergonomically designed and gives with the hand in working position support for the wrist, palm and all five fingers. This is accomplished by the handgrip portion 3 beeing provided upward directed from the base 2 like a club formed outgrowth 3 a.
• the circumference of the handgrip portion 3 increases with increasing distance from the base 2 and is all over larger than the grip of the hand.
• the handgrip portion 3 is ended at the top by a rounded part. The hand grabs hold of handgrip portion 3 with all five fingers so that the wrist the palm and the fingers rest against the club like protrusion 3 a.
• To achieve the ideal position where the arm and hand are in a natural position the handgrip portion 3 is angled in relation to base 2.
• the longitudinal axis A of the handgrip portion 3 makes an angle ⁇ to the perpendicular of a plane C through the base part (see Fig. 4), where ⁇ is less than 90°.
• the handgrip portion 3 is provided with a positioning support 4.
• the positioning support 4 is preferably designed as an protrusion 4a which is running like an linear ridge extending longitudinally on the mantle area of the handgrip portion. This ensures that there is no risk that the hand looses its orientation in relation to the tracking device while working.
• the protrusion 4a is designed in a manner so that it has a bulge formed support, the configuration and location of which fits the fingers proximal interphalanx joints when the hand grips the handgrip portion 3.
• the tracking device can be arranged in two fundamentally different manners. Firstly the tracking device can be firmly built in in a larger part of the computer such as the keyboard. Secondly the tracking device can be independently moveable and function principally like a computer mouse. In the first case the tracking device is fixed. On the handgrip portion there may be arranged a ball, wheel, keys, pointer or a combination thereof. In the second case the tracking device functions as a computer mouse and has at least a ball or pointer; whether in the base or handgrip portion. When arranged with a ball in the base portion the tracking device is designed so that friction against the underlying surface is minimal.
• the computer tracking device includes a function control means in the form of at least one of each of the following; ball, roll, wheel, keys, pointer or a combination of the afore mentioned.
• a function control means in the form of at least one of each of the following; ball, roll, wheel, keys, pointer or a combination of the afore mentioned.
• the functions keys can be accomplished by notching flaps in the base material where the flaps are flexible when touched. The flaps return to their initial position when the touch is finished.
• the tracking device may even include conventional function key, roll, wheel or ball.
• Fig. 9 shows the tracking device provided with flaps 5, 6 and 7 and ball 8.
• the function control means also includes a second ball 8a arranged at the bottom of the base 2.
• the tracking device has a thickness of material in the area of the flaps so selected, that these flaps yield as might be desired, when depressed.
• the tracking device can be made in different sizes to accommodate different size of hands. It is of importance to be able to offer the tracking device according to the invention to children of varying ages.
• the tracking device may even be produced in a mirror image variant for left handed persons.
• the tracking device may suitably be manufactured homogeneous with a continuous bridge between the base and the handgrip portion and being produced from a material that feels cool and nice to the skin, preferably plastic.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=20412894

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Cited By (6)

Citations (5)

• 1998
  • 1998-10-09 SE SE9803449A patent/SE513298C2/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 1999
  • 1999-10-11 EP EP99956452A patent/EP1127333A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-10-11 WO PCT/SE1999/001832 patent/WO2000025258A1/en active Application Filing
  • 1999-10-11 AU AU13060/00A patent/AU1306000A/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (5)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events