WO2002005062A2

WO2002005062A2 - Hand held computer interface controller

Info

Publication number: WO2002005062A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/021320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard C. Frey; Alfred J. Oliva
Original assignee: Frey Richard C; Oliva Alfred J
Priority date: 2000-07-07
Filing date: 2001-07-06
Publication date: 2002-01-17
Also published as: WO2002005062A9; AU2001273198A1; WO2002005062A8; WO2002005062A3

Abstract

Hand held computer interface controller for enabling interaction between a computer and a human being. When held the device enables full and ergonomic remote control, positioning, selection, and command operations suitable for use with a graphical user interface for operating computer sofware, with a single hand only. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a track ball type positioning controller having at least two degrees of freedom and operable through a digit such as a thumb, and other selection or command buttons which may be conveniently operated by a user's remaing digits.

Description

HAND HELD COMPUTER INTERFACE CONTROLLER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 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. In particular, 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, however, is difficult, and as a practical matter impossible, due to their size and construction. Typically 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. Thus 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. In the few instances in which hand-held operation is physically possible, it requires two hands and is generally clumsy. In many such devices the difficulty of hand-held use is rendered even more difficult by the lack of positive retention for the trackball. For example, 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.

Aside from the inconvenience of needing a flat, sufficiently stable, stationary, planar surface such as desktop, to use such devices, the position in which the user must place his arm, wrist, and hand to use them, together with the length of time in which the hand is left such position, without opportunity to move or shift position to ease stress or otherwise relax, is widely known to contribute to physical problems such as carpal-tunnel syndrome and other cumulative stress disorders. A practical, fully functional hand-held controller would permit the hand, wrist, and arm to move, and so to relieve stresses and other discomforts, and thus reduce the danger of such disorders.

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. However, 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. Moreover, and even more importantly, 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.

Yet there exist applications for which the use of a fully-functional interface control device, operable while being held by a single hand, would be highly advantageous. For example, in many business applications one is presented with data on a screen located at a distance from the user. In many commodity and securities trading operations, for example, traders stand together on a large floor before large computer screens or data boards. The boards or screens present data relating to securities or other commodities, for the purchase or sale of which the traders wish to compete. In such situations the ability manipulate a cursor and enter selections and other commands available on a remote computer screen ~ in other words, to effectively control a computer from a remote location — would be highly advantageous. Similarly, 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.

Moreover, it would be highly advantageous in such situations - and in many others as well ~ for the user to be able to use one hand for something other than controlling the computer. For example, it is often advantageous for the user to be able to hold a paper, writing implement, or telephone in one hand while retaining the capability of controlling a remotely-located computer.

It is also advantageous in such circumstances to avoid hindering the user with a long and potentially cumbersome or dangerous control cable or wire. In conventional computer interface devices a direct connection is established between the controller and the computer being controlled, generally by means of a wire or cable. For remote control devices, however, such direct connections can be cumbersome, requiring constant effort and attention to control, and dangerous, posing significant tripping and snagging hazards, both for the user and for others alike. There is thus a need for a computer interface device capable of providing full and ergonomic functionality in full-screen positioning, selection, and command operations in operating computer software and the like, through the use of a single hand of a user only.

There is a further use for such devices which do not require direct connection means such as cables or wires. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a computer interface device capable of providing full and ergonomic functionality in full-screen positioning, selection, and command operations in operating computers, computer-resident software and the like, through the use of a single hand of a user. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a device which does not require direct connection means such as a cable or a wire.

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. 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.

In one aspect 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. A number of suitable devices are known, as for example trackballs, static "pointing stick" devices, and touchpads. However, 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.

By saying that 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.

The difference between full two-degree-of-freedom and other interface screens is that 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.

Many useful configurations for interface controllers according to the invention are contemplated. For example, embodiments in which the positioning device and selector(s) are each operated, in sequential fashion, by a single digit or set of digits working together, are contemplated. For most applications, however, it is contemplated that the greatest efficiency and effectiveness are to be achieved by those configurations in which the pointing device and selector(s) are operated by different digits. For example, in one preferred embodiment 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.

While direct "hard" connections to the computer system with which the interface controller of the invention is associated are satisfactory, and in many applications preferable, it is preferred in some applications, as for example where the interface controller is to be used in a crowded area, with many people walking about (including preferably the user) that the connection be established by wireless means. Many suitable means are known and widely used today, such as for example low power radio or microwave transmissions; any means which is sufficient to communicate all required inputs from the interface controller to the computer system will serve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

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; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a computer system comprising a hand held computer interface controller according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For purposes of this disclosure 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.

With reference to the Figures, Figure 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

103. 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

104, or wireless communication components (not shown).

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. By suitable revision, as for example by reversing the design, 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. Two such selectors are provided, in a manner analogous to selector buttons commonly provided on computer mice in contemporary use. 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. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 connection 104 comprises a hard wire or cable type connection.

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. 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. Many variations of 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,

Figure 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.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will be evident to those skilled in this art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the invention is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hand held computer interface controller for enabling computer-human interaction, the controller comprising: a carriage adapted to be held in a human hand; a positioning device permitting selective positioning of a position indicator in substantially any point of a two dimensional computer interface screen; and at least one selector; said positioning device is disposed within said carriage such that when said 10 carriage is held cradled within said human hand said positioning device is operable by a thumb of said hand; and each said selector is disposed on a portion of said carriage which is substantially opposite a base of said thumb when said carriage is held cradled within said human hand, such that each said selector is operable by at least one finger of said hand while said thumb operates said positioning device; whereby said interface controller may be held and operated by a user with a single hand for the designation and selection of a point or object on a computer interface screen.

2. A hand held computer interface controller for enabling computer-human interaction, the controller comprising: a carriage adapted to be held in a human hand; a positioning device permitting selective positioning of a position indicator in substantially any point of a two dimensional computer interface screen; and at least one selector; said positioning device and each said selector disposed on said carriage such that each may be operated by a digit of a single human hand while said carriage is held in said hand; whereby said interface controller may be held and operated by a user with a single hand for the designation and selection of a point or object on a computer interface screen.

3. The interface controller of Claim 2, wherein said positioning device is operable by a first digit of said hand and said selector is operable by a second digit of said hand, said first and second digits not the same.

4. The interface controller of Claim 2, wherein: said positioning device is disposed within said carriage such that when said carriage is held cradled within said human hand said positioning device is operable by a thumb of said hand; and each said selector is disposed on a portion of said carriage which is substantially opposite a base of said thumb when said carriage is held cradled within said human hand, such that each said selector is operable by at least one finger of said hand while said thumb operates said positioning device.

5. The interface controller of Claim 2, wherein transfer of control data from said controller to said computer interface screen by wireless means.

6. The interface controller of Claim 2, wherein said positioning device comprises a trackball.