WO2002005062A2 - Hand held computer interface controller - Google Patents
Hand held computer interface controller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002005062A2 WO2002005062A2 PCT/US2001/021320 US0121320W WO0205062A2 WO 2002005062 A2 WO2002005062 A2 WO 2002005062A2 US 0121320 W US0121320 W US 0121320W WO 0205062 A2 WO0205062 A2 WO 0205062A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- hand
- held
- carriage
- computer
- positioning device
- Prior art date
Links
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
- G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
Definitions
- the invention disclosed herein relates generally to computer interface controllers. More particularly, the present invention relates to full-screen computer interface controllers adapted for fully functional operation when held by a single hand.
- Full-screen computer interface controllers are known.
- trackballs, mice, and other pointing devices have been developed for use on desktops or table tops in connection computers operating under full-screen graphics-mode operating systems such as Microsoft Windows.
- These devices provide for the precise positioning of a cursor or other position indicator at virtually any point on a two-dimensional screen.
- a number of such devices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents No. 5,252,970 to Baronowsky; 5,122,654 to Koh et al.; 5,021,771 to Lachman; and 4,952,919 to Nippoldt.
- the hand-held use of such devices is difficult, and as a practical matter impossible, due to their size and construction.
- the trackball or other pointing device is located on a generally upper surface of the device's housing, with buttons or other control switches located generally nearby on the same surface, so that the devices may be used by placing the hand, palm downward, over the device; the housing is typically large enough that it substantially fills the hand when the palm is cupped over it.
- the trackball or other pointer is left in position to be manipulated by one or more fingers, with the buttons being pushed by the fingers and in some instances by the thumb as well; the housing is sized and configured for this sort of use, with the hand cupped over the device and the controls manipulated by the fingertips. Most generally, some movement of the fingers is required in order to operate each of the buttons and the pointing device.
- the Expert Mouse available from Kensington Microware Ltd., of San Mateo, California, comprises a trackball held in place solely by gravity. To use the device in hand held fashion is to risk dropping the ball, with possible damage or loss.
- Hand-held controllers are known, particularly in the gaming industry.
- the popular Sony and Nintendo video game systems for example, comprise hand held controllers which include joystick-type positioning devices and a great many selector or command input devices.
- They typically do not permit full screen two-dimensional positioning of a cursor such as is available or required in graphics-oriented operating systems such as Windows, but rather a limited linear selection capability for menu choices and generally for two directional input for controlling virtual automobiles, spacecraft, and the like.
- the effective use of such devices requires two hands. No set of complete input options is available for single-hand use in such controllers, and generally one- handed operation while holding the controller is as a practical matter impossible.
- Remote controls and particularly wireless remote controls, do exist which provide 25 hand-held, single-handed operational control for devices having relatively simple input or command structures, such as televisions, videocassette recorders, and stereos. But such devices and controllers work from relatively simple menu selection structures which permit a user to page or step through and select menu items. They do not permit full-screen, detailed control comprising placement or positioning of a cursor at and selection of substantially any point of a computer data screen.
- presentations are commonly made by business persons in conference rooms, in which material is presented on a large computer screen (or a large representation of such a screen) set in front of a group of people.
- a speaker stands aside, at some distance remote from the computer generating the presentation images, and talks. It would be highly advantageous for such a speaker or his or her assistant to be able to control the computer remotely from a removed location.
- the invention provides a device which meets these objectives, and others such as will appear herein.
- the invention provides a hand-held computer interface controller for enabling interaction between a computer and a human being.
- the device When held, the device enables full, physically comfortable, ergonomic remote control, positioning, selection, and command operations suitable for use with a graphical user interface for operating a computer or computer software, through the use of a single hand only.
- the invention provides a hand held computer interface controller for enabling computer-human interaction.
- the controller comprises a carriage adapted to be held in a human hand, a positioning device, and at least one selector.
- the positioning device and each of the selectors is disposed on the carriage in such a way that each of them may be operated by a digit of a single human hand while the carriage is held in that hand. In this way the controller provides fully functional control to the user of an associated computer or software system.
- the carriage is adapted to provide structural support for the positioning device and the selectors, and to house any associated components such as switches, rollers, etc., and any required means for communicating command and positioning inputs to the computer system with which the device is being used, such as cable connections or wireless communications circuits.
- the positioning device is adapted to permit the placement of a cursor or other position indicator in substantially any position in a two-dimensional computer interface screen.
- suitable devices are known, as for example trackballs, static "pointing stick" devices, and touchpads.
- any device which is capable of providing full-screen positioning ability while being operated by one or more digits of a user's hand while allowing the user to hold the interface controller and operate any additional selectors or switches provided on the interface controller at the same time is suitable for use with this invention. Because of the ease of their use and maintenance, and the reliability and durability of their construction, trackballs are especially preferred for use with interface controllers according to the invention.
- the positioning device allows placement of the cursor or other position indicator in substantially any position in a two-dimensional computer interface screen it is acknowledged that virtually all computer interface screens have some one or more relatively small portions which are not used by the computer or accessible to the positioning device. For example, in a typical desktop personal computer display, there is typically a small amount of black space around the edge of the picture tube which is not used by the computer to provide input or output capabilities. That the positioning device permits two degrees of freedom in moving the cursor or other position indicator over the greater part of the useable screen, with a high degree of selectivity, is sufficient.
- a position indicator may be placed at virtually any point in a two-dimensional space. This may be appreciated by considering simple menu-selection devices such as are commonly found in setting up operating systems for television- videocassette recorder systems, in which one or more buttons are use to step through levels of printed menus, and various options may be selected through a relatively cumbersome linear progression of one- dimensional selections. This is far different from the degree of freedom for positioning a cursor permitted by graphics-based operating systems such as Microsof Windows.
- Preferred interface controllers according to the invention further provide at least one, and preferably more, selectors for issuing to the computer system commands based on the position of the position indicator on the interface screen following placement by the positioning device.
- Preferred selectors are provided in the form of buttons such as those commonly found on computer mice and trackball assemblies, and in conjunction with touchpads and pointing sticks. It is contemplated that at least initially interface, controllers according to the invention will comprise two selectors, in a manner analogous to the common computer mouse in contemporary use. Any type of button or switch which will serve the purposes described herein is suitable.
- a preferred process for using an interface controller according to the invention is to hold the device in one hand ⁇ preferably the user's "stronger,” or more coordinated, hand ⁇ with the computer on and in a state ready to receive input based upon the location of a position indicator (or cursor) and operation of the selectors, with the digits of the hand in which the controller is being held being disposed on the positioning device and the selector(s) so as to facilitate ready manipulation of the positioning device and the selectors; to manipulate the positioning device until the position indicator or cursor is in a desired location on the interface screen; and to actuate one or more of the selectors, thus providing the computer with an input determined by the position of the position indicator and the identity of the selector or selectors actuated, and the combination and order in which they are actuated.
- Such operation is analogous, for example, to manipulating a mouse or trackball of a conventional computer system to select and "open" or activate an item displayed on the screen, thus starting a program or enabling further input options.
- the positioning device is disposed within said carriage such that when the carriage is held, preferably by being cradled within the palm, within a user's hand, the positioning device is readily operable by the user's thumb and each of the selectors is disposed on a portion of the carriage substantially distal to or opposite the base of the user's thumb, so that each selector is easily operable by at least one finger of the user's hand while the user's thumb operates the positioning device.
- a particular benefit of the invention is that in virtually all embodiments it reduces or eliminates the threat of carpal-tunnel syndrome and other cumulative stress disorders for its users, by allowing the hand, wrist, and arm to rest in an entirely comfortable and natural position during operation.
- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention
- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention
- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of 10 a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention
- Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a computer system comprising a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention.
- a computer interface screen is any two- dimensional information display, including for example a computer cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal diode (LCD) display screen, or any display board such as that found on a commodities or securities trading floor, or any other display suitable wholly or partially by a logic circuit and suitable for accepting input and output from interface controllers of the type disclosed herein.
- a digit is any thumb or finger of a hand.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a computer interface controller according to the invention.
- Controller 100 comprises carriage 101, positioning device 102, and a plurality of selectors
- Carriage 101 houses and supports positioning device 102 and selectors 103, and their associated circuitry. Carriage 101 further houses means for communicating input and output signals from the controller to the computer with which it is used, as for example cable or wire
- Carriage 101 is of a size and shape suitable for being held in a single human hand while retaining positioning device 102 and all selectors 103 in positions suitable for operation by digits of the same hand.
- carriage 101 and controller 100 can be configured by use by either a right or a left hand of a user, or by both.
- Positioning device 102 is shown in the form of trackball 110 of the type permitting full positioning coverage of a two dimensional computer interface screen.
- Trackball 110 is disposed on carriage 101 in such manner that when the carriage is held within human hand 10, trackball 110 is fully operable by one or more digits 11 of hand 10, particularly thumb 12.
- Preferably trackball 110 is positively retained in a suitable operating position by a retainer such as ring 132, so that as the interface controller is moved about the trackball does not tend to fall out of the carriage.
- Selectors 103 are adapted for issuing to the computer system commands based on the position of the position indicator on the interface screen following placement by the positioning device. Selectors 103 are provided in the form of buttons such as those commonly found on computer mice and trackball assemblies.
- Selectors 103 are disposed in carriage 101 such that when carriage 101 is held within hand 10 each selector is conveniently operable by at least one digit 11 of hand 10, namely by one or more of fingers 13, and such that controller 100 may be simultaneously held and operated by a user with a single hand for the designation and selection of a point or object and entry of commands on a computer interface screen.
- a particular advantage offered by the invention is full functionality of the interface controller while the controller is held in one hand. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 this is accomplished by enabling the thumb to perform positioning control of a cursor or other position indicator by means of positioning device 102 while the fingers operate selectors 103.
- Interface controller 100 lies across palm 14 of hand 10, oriented generally so that the base 78 of thumb 12 is on one side 79 of the controller and the tips 80 of fingers 13 are on the other side 81.
- Positioning device 102 is disposed on the carriage such that it is easily operable by thumb 12 as thumb 12 is wrapped over the top of the controller, so that the ball of thumb 12 contacts positioning device 102.
- Selectors 103 are disposed on a portion 81 of the carriage which is substantially opposite the base of thumb 12, so that they are easily operable by tips 80 of fingers 13. In such a position carriage 101 and controller 100 are said to be cradled in hand 10.
- Interface controller 100 of Figure 1 further comprises connection 104 to the computer system (not shown) the controller serves.
- connection 104 comprises a hard wire or cable type connection.
- positioning device 102 and selectors 103 For many applications the operation of positioning device 102 and selectors 103 by 15 different digits is advantageous. In some applications, however, it is beneficial to provide for operation of both positioning device 102 and selectors 103 by the same digit.
- Such a configuration is shown in Figure 2.
- positioning device 102 and selectors 103 are all operable by thumb 12.
- Positioning device 102 is shown in the form of a static "pointing stick" or joystick 173, which provides positioning control by sidewise deflection of tip 174 of the stick from its rest position.
- controllers suitable for operation by a single hand either through the use of one or several digits of that hand, are possible and will occur to the designer of computer interface controllers once he or she has been made familiar with this disclosure.
- the configurations shown herein, while particularly advantageous, are merely representative.
- Controller 100 of Figure 2 is adapted for wireless communication and therefore lacks a visible connection 104 to the computer system.
- a particular advantage of the invention is that it provides for fully effective yet comfortable full-screen control of a computer by means of only a single hand. By eliminating the requirement for the controller to lie on a desktop or other surface the controller's design allows the user to hold and manipulate the controller in any position he or she feels is comfortable, and to shift arm, wrist, and hand positions as often as desired to eliminate pain, stress, etc. To this end the design of carriage 101 can be very important.
- Carriage 101 is of a suitable size and configuration to be held comfortably within the hand, and should provide convenient access to all controls 102, 103, by digits of the same hand.
- a particularly comfortable and easily-manipulated configuration of controller 100 is shown in Figure 3. Carriage 101 is slim enough to fit very conveniently within palm 14 of the user's hand, and small enough to be held and operated conveniently but with full control of positioning device 102 and selectors 103,
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a computer system comprising a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention.
- System 150 comprises computer or processing unit 17, interface screen 15, and interface controller 100.
- Interface controller 100 is attached to computer or processing unit 17 by means of connection 18, 104, which is direct- wire or wireless in form.
- Interface screen 15 is a full-screen two-dimensional interface, allowing presentation and selection of data, and positioning of cursor or other position indicator 16, substantially anywhere on its face, with substantially full control to select points anywhere in the space or plane defined by x -y axes 19.
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- 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)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2001273198A AU2001273198A1 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2001-07-06 | Hand held computer interface controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US61189800A | 2000-07-07 | 2000-07-07 | |
US09/611,898 | 2000-07-07 |
Publications (4)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002005062A2 true WO2002005062A2 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
WO2002005062A3 WO2002005062A3 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
WO2002005062A8 WO2002005062A8 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
WO2002005062A9 WO2002005062A9 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
Family
ID=24450827
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2001/021320 WO2002005062A2 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2001-07-06 | Hand held computer interface controller |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2001273198A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002005062A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003010648A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-06 | Horne, Desmond John | A pointing device |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5668574A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-09-16 | Chung-Chin Chen | Palm-top wireless trackball |
-
2001
- 2001-07-06 WO PCT/US2001/021320 patent/WO2002005062A2/en active Application Filing
- 2001-07-06 AU AU2001273198A patent/AU2001273198A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5668574A (en) * | 1995-06-26 | 1997-09-16 | Chung-Chin Chen | Palm-top wireless trackball |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003010648A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-06 | Horne, Desmond John | A pointing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2002005062A9 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
AU2001273198A1 (en) | 2002-01-21 |
WO2002005062A8 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
WO2002005062A3 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
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