WO2003023547A2 - Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement - Google Patents

Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003023547A2
WO2003023547A2 PCT/SE2002/001597 SE0201597W WO03023547A2 WO 2003023547 A2 WO2003023547 A2 WO 2003023547A2 SE 0201597 W SE0201597 W SE 0201597W WO 03023547 A2 WO03023547 A2 WO 03023547A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
keys
function
pointing surface
force
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2002/001597
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2003023547A3 (en
Inventor
Rolf STRÖMBERG
Original Assignee
Stroemberg Rolf
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stroemberg Rolf filed Critical Stroemberg Rolf
Priority to AU2002330357A priority Critical patent/AU2002330357A1/en
Priority to EP02765746A priority patent/EP1436691A2/en
Publication of WO2003023547A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003023547A2/en
Publication of WO2003023547A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003023547A3/en

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
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • 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
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/021—Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
    • G06F3/0213—Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick
    • 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 present invention relates to a device for controlling a marker or the like on a screen and/or a function in a computer connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer with at least one key for a clicking function.
  • the same clicking function can be achieved by applying a force on the key both in a substantially vertical direction and in one or more substantially horizontal directions.
  • the raised key that can be manoeuvred both by applying, a force on the key substantially in the vertical and horizontal directions to achieve a clicking function, while a lower lying key is preferably manoeuvred in a conventional manner, that is, only by applying a substantially vertical force to the key.
  • Identification of the different keys is made easier without the user having to glance away from the screen by arranging keys next to each other with different relative heights.
  • the key's having different heights in the vertical direction is also a prerequisite for the user to easily be able to reach and apply a force to the key in the horizontal direction.
  • at least four keys are arranged in pairs with the keys arranged side by side in respective pairs while the respective pairs are arranged separately.
  • the outside key in the respective pairs is raised relative to the inside key.
  • the clicking function with the raised keys can be achieved both by applying a force to the respective key in a substantially vertical direction downwards and in a substantially horizontal direction out from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface (20) while the clicking function for the inner, lower keys (31, 31b) is achieved by substantially vertical, downward application of force on the respective key (31, 31b).
  • the device is integrated in a keyboard.
  • the present invention also concerns a method of controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer with at least one key for a clicking function.
  • the key can be manoeuvred in more than one way whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by a force applied to the key in different directions depending on a user's individual preferences.
  • Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3 shows an example assembly of the keys.
  • the device according to the present invention has a pointer 10 including a pointing surface 20 and at least one, preferably more than one, key for clicking functions such as primary and secondary clicking, scrolling and page turning.
  • the device is equipped with four keys 30, 30b, 31, 31b that are arranged in pairs on their respective sides of the pointing surface 20 at the back part of the pointing surface 20 as shown in fig. 1.
  • Two keys 30, 31 arranged next to each other have different heights in the vertical direction as is most clearly shown in fig. 2 where the outer keys 30, 30b are raised relative to the inner ones 31, 31b.
  • the clicking function can be achieved either by applying a force with the thumb on the respective key in a sideways direction horizontally away from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface 20 or for example by applying a substantially vertical force with the index finger on the respective key.
  • This possibility of double manoeuvring the keys 30, 30b can be achieved for example by arranging the respective keys 30, 30b to be rotatable on an axle 35, 35b as shown in fig.
  • Each of the keys 30, 30b has extensions 38, 38b arranged against microswitches 37, 37b whereby the keys after being moved are returned to their resting positions by a spring arrangement (not shown).

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer (10) with at least one key (30, 30b, 31, 31b) for a clicking function. At least one key (30) is manoeuvrble in more than one way whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by applying force to the key in different directions depending on the individual preferences of the user.

Description

Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement.
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a device for controlling a marker or the like on a screen and/or a function in a computer connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer with at least one key for a clicking function.
State of the art
The most common pointer for computers is the well-known mouse that is used to move a so-called marker on the screen of a computer. However, the main disadvantage of the mouse is that the user must move one hand away from the keyboard when using it, which is time consuming and which can also introduce certain medical problems. As a consequence, different variants of pointers designed to make a more effective work and an ergpnomically more advantageous work position possible have been introduced on the market, for example touchpad and trackball. In connection with such pointers there are usually keys for a clicking function corresponding to the one on a normal mouse. The click function means that some activity is initiated in the computer. Using keys according to known technology the click function can be achieved in only one way, usually by pressing down the key. This is a disadvantage since different users have individual preferences concerning how the keys should be manoeuvred to achieve optimal effectiveness and the best work position, for example depending on whether the user uses the correct finger positioning or types with only his index fingers. Different sorts of computer work imply separate wishes concerning how the clicking keys should be manoeuvred in the simplest possible way. A flexible clicking instrument that can be manoeuvred in different ways is therefore desirable. Furthermore, the keys according to the known technology are often placed at a distance from the other keys on a keyboard, for which reason the user must lift his hand to achieve a clicking function.
Summary of the invention
The present invention aims at solving the problems that are connected with the present state of the art. The invention thus aims at achieving a device that has keys that can be used flexibly depending on the user's preferences and the type of work being performed. In particular, the invention concerns a device for controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device. The device comprises a pointer with at least one key for a clicking function. The key can be manoeuvred in more than one way whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by a force being applied to the key in different directions depending on the user's individual preferences. Thus a flexible clicking instrument is achieved that can be manoeuvred according to the user's wishes.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the same clicking function can be achieved by applying a force on the key both in a substantially vertical direction and in one or more substantially horizontal directions.
The pointer according to the invention preferably contains a pointing surface with a plane, substantially horizontal orientation. The part of the pointing surface that for normal use is nearest the user is defined here as the front part of the pointing surface. Analogous to this reasoning, the part of the pointing surface that is nearest the screen for normal use is the back part of the pointing surface. In order that the clicking key should be easily reached independent of whether the user's hands are on the keys of a keyboard or on the pointer the clicking key is preferentially placed in connection to the backside area of the pointing surface.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the pointing surface has a rectangular form whereby the key is placed at one of the back corners of the pointing surface. In one embodiment the device contains at least two keys placed on both sides of the pointing surface. The same clicking function can be achieved on each of the keys both by pressing down the respective key in a substantially vertical direction and by applying a force on the respective key in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction from the back centre point of the pointing surface. Furthermore, two or more keys with different clicking functions can be arranged next to each other whereby they have different respective heights in the vertical direction. Preferably it is only the raised key that can be manoeuvred both by applying, a force on the key substantially in the vertical and horizontal directions to achieve a clicking function, while a lower lying key is preferably manoeuvred in a conventional manner, that is, only by applying a substantially vertical force to the key. Identification of the different keys is made easier without the user having to glance away from the screen by arranging keys next to each other with different relative heights. The key's having different heights in the vertical direction is also a prerequisite for the user to easily be able to reach and apply a force to the key in the horizontal direction. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention at least four keys are arranged in pairs with the keys arranged side by side in respective pairs while the respective pairs are arranged separately. The outside key in the respective pairs is raised relative to the inside key. The clicking function with the raised keys can be achieved both by applying a force to the respective key in a substantially vertical direction downwards and in a substantially horizontal direction out from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface (20) while the clicking function for the inner, lower keys (31, 31b) is achieved by substantially vertical, downward application of force on the respective key (31, 31b).
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the device constitutes a complement to a keyboard and comprises wrist support for the user.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the device is integrated in a keyboard.
The present invention also concerns a method of controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer with at least one key for a clicking function. The key can be manoeuvred in more than one way whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by a force applied to the key in different directions depending on a user's individual preferences.
Short description of the drawings
In the following embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the attached drawings without thereby limiting the scope of the protection. A person skilled in the art will find a number of embodiments within the frame of the invention according to the patent claims.
Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a detail of the device according to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows an example assembly of the keys.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
According to a preferred embodiment the device according to the present invention has a pointer 10 including a pointing surface 20 and at least one, preferably more than one, key for clicking functions such as primary and secondary clicking, scrolling and page turning. In a preferred embodiment the device is equipped with four keys 30, 30b, 31, 31b that are arranged in pairs on their respective sides of the pointing surface 20 at the back part of the pointing surface 20 as shown in fig. 1.
The pointing surface 20 shown in figs. 1 and 2 has a rectangular form. Such a pointing surface can naturally also have another form, for example elliptical or semicircular.
Two keys 30, 31 arranged next to each other have different heights in the vertical direction as is most clearly shown in fig. 2 where the outer keys 30, 30b are raised relative to the inner ones 31, 31b. With the raised keys 30, 30b, the clicking function can be achieved either by applying a force with the thumb on the respective key in a sideways direction horizontally away from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface 20 or for example by applying a substantially vertical force with the index finger on the respective key. This possibility of double manoeuvring the keys 30, 30b can be achieved for example by arranging the respective keys 30, 30b to be rotatable on an axle 35, 35b as shown in fig. 3 where both a vertical downward pressure and a sideways motion of the respective key results in the key's being moved along a segment of a circular periphery as shown by the arrow A, thus affecting a switch for activating the key's function. Since this involves very small movements the user appreciates only the motion in the direction of the activation of the key and not the motion along the circular arc.
Each of the keys 30, 30b has extensions 38, 38b arranged against microswitches 37, 37b whereby the keys after being moved are returned to their resting positions by a spring arrangement (not shown).
With the inner, lower lying keys 31, 31b a clinking function is achieved solely by pressing down the respective key.
A practised user working with the correct finger position for typewriting can advantageously use his thumbs to move the keys 30, 30b sideways outwardly and thus achieve the desired clicking function while a user writing with one or two fingers probably prefers to click by pressing down the appropriate key.
The above-described manoeuvring directions have shown to be comfortable for the user and are therefore appropriate from an ergonomic point of view. According to alternative embodiments of the invention the keys 30, 30b can naturally be manoeuvred by displacement in other directions than those described above, for example in a direction away from the user in normal use.
The pointer 10 according to the present invention can also consist of other variants such as a trackball, guide-pin etc. The device can preferably constitute a complement to a keyboard (not shown) and be mounted along the side of the keyboard that in normal use is oriented toward the user. As shown in fig. 1, the device can be equipped with parts for coupling the device to the keyboard, for example in the form of flanges 40 on which a keyboard is intended to be placed. Alternatively the device and be arranged without connecting parts and be positioned independently in front of the keyboard. An ergonomic advantage for the user is achieved by the device having a wrist support 50.
In an additional alternative embodiment of the invention the pointer according to the invention is integrated into a keyboard.

Claims

Claims
1. Device for controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer (10) with at least one key (30, 30b, 31, 31b) for a clicking function, characterised in that at least one key (30) is manoeuvrable in more than one way, whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by applying a force to the key in different directions depending on the individual preferences of a user.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the same clicking function can be achieved through application of force on the key (30) both in a substantially vertical direction and in one or more substantially horizontal directions.
3. Device according to either of the previous claims, characterised in that the pointer (10) comprises a pointing surface (20) with a plane, substantially horizontal orientation and in that the key (30) is positioned in connection to the back side area of the pointing surface (20).
4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the pointing surface has a rectangular form and that the key (30, 30b) is positioned at one of the back corners of the pointing surface.
5. Device according to either of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the device comprises at least two keys (30, 30b) positioned on both sides of the pointing surface (20) whereby the same clicking function can be achieved for each and every key both through applying force to the respective keys (30, 30b) in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface (20).
6. Device according to any of claims 1-5, characterised in that two or more keys (30, 31) are arranged next to each other, whereby these have different heights with respect to each other in the vertical direction.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that at least four keys (30, 31, 30b, 31b) are arranged in pairs with the keys arranged side by side in the respective pairs while the said pairs are arranged separately, whereby the outer keys (30, 30b) in the respective pairs are raised relative to the inner keys (31, 31b) whereby for the raised keys (30, 30b) the clicking function can be achieved both by applying a force to the respective key (30, 30b) downward in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction out from the back centre point (20a) of the pointing surface (20) while for the inner lower keys (31, 31b) the clicking function is achieved through substantially vertical downward application of force on the respective key (31, 31b).
8. Device according to any of claims 1-7, characterised in that the device constitutes a complement to a keyboard and comprises wrist support (50) for a user.
9. Device according to any of claims 1-7, characterised in that the device is integrated in a keyboard.
10. Method for controlling a marker or the like on a screen, operatively connected to the device and/or a function in a computer operatively connected to the device where the device comprises a pointer (10) with at least one key for a clicking function, characterised by at least one key (30) can be manoeuvred in more than one way whereby the same clicking function can be achieved by applying force to the key in different directions depending on the individual preferences of a user.
PCT/SE2002/001597 2001-09-12 2002-09-06 Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement WO2003023547A2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002330357A AU2002330357A1 (en) 2001-09-12 2002-09-06 Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement
EP02765746A EP1436691A2 (en) 2001-09-12 2002-09-06 Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0103034-5 2001-09-12
SE0103034A SE519966C2 (en) 2001-09-12 2001-09-12 Device for simplified click function of a pointing device for computers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003023547A2 true WO2003023547A2 (en) 2003-03-20
WO2003023547A3 WO2003023547A3 (en) 2003-06-05

Family

ID=20285306

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2002/001597 WO2003023547A2 (en) 2001-09-12 2002-09-06 Device for simplified click function in a computer pointer arrangement

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1436691A2 (en)
AU (1) AU2002330357A1 (en)
SE (1) SE519966C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2003023547A2 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5473347A (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-12-05 Gateway 2000 Integrated pointing and signaling device
EP0905600A1 (en) * 1997-09-26 1999-03-31 CTS Corporation Pointing stick

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5473347A (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-12-05 Gateway 2000 Integrated pointing and signaling device
EP0905600A1 (en) * 1997-09-26 1999-03-31 CTS Corporation Pointing stick

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002330357A1 (en) 2003-03-24
SE0103034L (en) 2003-03-13
SE0103034D0 (en) 2001-09-12
EP1436691A2 (en) 2004-07-14
WO2003023547A3 (en) 2003-06-05
SE519966C2 (en) 2003-05-06

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