WO2004097619A1

WO2004097619A1 - An ergomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device

Info

Publication number: WO2004097619A1
Application number: PCT/IN2003/000174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vineet Shankar
Original assignee: Vineet Shankar
Priority date: 2003-05-02
Filing date: 2003-05-02
Publication date: 2004-11-11
Also published as: AU2003242986A1; TW200513946A

Abstract

An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device, comprising a grip-rod / erect structure (1), base foundation / wrist support (3), said structure with one or more function buttons on it, capable of being held / gripped by one or more fingers in thumb-up position, the holding and use of the said structure being adaptable according to the manner people are used to writing, the said base/support is provided with a sensor used as the tracking means which detects the movements or pressure difference of the base of the hand to determine movement/ placement/ position of the cursor and another sensor is provided in the erect structure (or in its base) which detects the movements of the finger(s) and/or the thumb in mainly horizontal direction (left/right/forwards/backwards), thereby achieving very accurate pointing and writing functions in combination with the sensor in the base mentioned before.

Description

AN ERGONOMIC VERTICAL ORIENTED OPERATING SUPPORT CUM POINTING CUM WRITING DEVICE USED IN COMPUTER OR OTHER COMPUTING INPUT DEVICE

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a pointing and writing device conventionally referred to as a mouse shaped like a joystick used in computer and other computing input device. Particularly, this invention relates to improvement in the position in which a mouse is held or moved. Thus the present invention is an ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device having a pre-designed hand base, which allows for the users' hand to be more comfortable and to minimize hand muscle fatigue even during a protracted period of continuous use.

2. Description of Prior Art

The basic conventional mouse poses several problems for its users. Firstly, the mouse requires that the user place his/her hand on top of the mouse in order to hold it or function it for signal generation and transmission and it has resulted in different degree of disorders rising from mental and physical stress. The computer overuse disorders or repetitive strain injury is a worldwide problem. This causes several pain and fatigue issues, namely a long duration or regular complains of neck, shoulders, elbow, arm and specifically for the user's hand and wrist. This is due in part because of the awkward, unnatural position in which the hand is used with the mouse. Secondly it is either provided with pointing function or writing function. Thirdly there is hardly any provision of support while working with input devices. Even in cases where a support is provided, the hand is working in a stressed condition and it can avail the support only when it has already been removed from the stress condition. Thus it may be seen that there is an immediate and urgent need to develop the design of a computer input device by which computer use disorders are minimized if not completely eradicated so as to ensure a healthier work environment thereby improve duration of use and productivity and an unique combination of pointing function and writing function and support could be provided in one device. An important thing is that the support is provided while the working condition. Actually not even that, the hand works in a supported/ rested condition itself so that already no stress is built up.

As noted that the Medical issues concerning strain and imposed stress on the hands and wrist are increasing more and more today. This is because there are no devices yet available that eliminate the stress buildup and that computer work is increasing day by day. With an increase of these concerns, thereafter, inventors created several types of mice to combat these problems but the combination of pointing function and writing function and support in one device was not thought of.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,715 (1999) to Garrett. This mouse is basically the conventional mouse in a slightly different shape. The pyramid shape of this mouse does nothing to relieve the pain from overuse. The functional buttons on this mouse are not in a convenient location for the user as the fingers must be hyper-extended in order to function it correctly

U.S. Pat. No 5,576,73 (1996) to Lo, disclose a mouse wherein the button functions are in a position requiring the user to tilt the hand to click the buttons. The position required of the user to operate the buttons would increase stress and strain over a period of continuous use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,244 discloses a manually movable computer mouse with a special mouse movement sensing system. This is enabled by means of a one- user finger operable control switch provided on the mouse body and it is shaped in a fionrrmm Λ of a α

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,404 to Hesly, for facilitating multiple fields of motion in using a computer-pointing device wherein the user moves the computer pointing device and the hand support device in unison with the arm and shoulder when making course movement thus employing two field of motion to control the pointing device. This model has a good design but more cumbersome.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,245 to Park, the computer mouse includes an angled grip- rod, which allows the hand to hold the mouse as if in a writing position performing the pointing function.

U.S. Pat. No 6,181,329 to Stork, for the method and apparatus for tracking a hand held writing instrument with multiple sensors that are calibrated by placing the writing instrument in predetermined positions with respect to the writing surface to define strokes made by the user.

Several prior art efforts that are of interest are those described in US Patent Nos. 5,894,303(1999) Barr-Computer mouse and shell therefore;

5,833,180(1998) Baranowski-Computer mouse operation pad and forearm;

5,296,871(1994) Paley-Three dimensional mouse with Tactile feedback;

5,175,534(1992) Thatcher—Computer input device using the movements of a user's fingers; 5,165,630(1992) Connor-Wrist protector, all describing the mouse devices intended specially for minimizing or eliminating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Thus, it may be seen that most of the work are on ergonomic pointing devices and writing device, which have taken place retaining the original concept of the conventional mouse device. Said attempts have not been tremendously successful in relieving the chronic computer user disorders and having pointing function and writing function in one device. It is therefore imperative to device a new ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device having a pre-designed hand base, which allows for the users' hand to be more comfortable and to minimize hand muscle fatigue even during a protracted period of continuous use.

3. Objects of the invention

Accordingly, the main object of the invention is to provide a new ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device.

It is another object of the invention to provide improvement in the position in which a mouse is held or moved.

It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic computer mouse that consists of a pre-designed hand base, which allows for the users' hand to be more comfortable and to minimize hand muscle fatigue even during a protracted period of continuous use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mouse whose user's fingers can easily handle and surely click the function button(s) for accurate pointing / clicking.

It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic support and pointing device, which enables easy use of computer peripherals while utilizing yogic principles thereby preventing, reducing or eliminating hand and wrist disorders associated with prolonged use and/ or wrong posture of the computer user.

It is yet another object of the invention, which serves as an advantage, is the mouse's grip-rod, which allows the hand to grip or hold the mouse in thumb-up position and said grip-rod is provided with scroll & click buttons.

It is another object of the invention is to significantly improve the working performance of a user. Since the hands and body are positioned in a natural position, the user can work more efficiently in term of speed. Since accumulation of fatigue and stress is very low, the user can work longer hours in a better mental and psychological shape thus enhancing the user's work performance.

It is another object of the invention is to provide a flexible grip-rod / erect structure extending at an angle from the flexible base foundation capable of being held / gripped by one or more fingers in thumb-up position, the holding and use of the said structure being adaptable according to the manner people are used to writing,

It is another object of the invention is to provide with a sensor used as the tracking means which detects the movements or pressure difference of the base of the hand/wrist to determine movement/ placement/ position of the cursor and another sensor in the erect structure (or in its base) which detect the movements of the fιnger(s) and/or the thumb in mainly horizontal direction

(left/right/forwards/backwards) for accurate placement of the cursor (pointing function) and writing function. It is another object of the invention is to provide the two sensors working in combination, however, one of the two sensors could be switched off by a suitable provision, as and when required, to distinct between mouse function and writing function.

4. Summary of the invention

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by an ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device, wherein findings from medical research on health of computer users are utilized together with certain natural physical principles of yoga such that the user hand and lower arm in use is facilitated to adopt a natural and untwisted posture thereby eliminating or minimizing stress and strain on the musculature of the user body. Accordingly, the present invention provides an ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device, comprising a grip-rod / erect structure extending at an angle from the flexible base foundation / wrist support being horizontal surface, said structure is placed at the front edge (away from the user) provided with one or more function button(s) capable of being held / gripped by one or more fingers in thumb-up position, the holding and use of the said structure being adaptable according to the manner people are used to writing, the said base foundation is designed for supporting the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb) and wrist), the said base/support is provided with a sensor used as the tracking means which detects the movements or pressure difference of the base of the hand to determine movement/ placement/ position of the cursor and another sensor is provided in the erect structure (or in its base) which detect the movements of the finger(s) and/or the thumb in mainly horizontal direction (left/right/forwards/backwards) for accurate placement of the cursor (pointing function) and writing function, thereby achieving very accurate pointing and writing functions in combination with the sensor in the base mentioned before.

5. Brief description of the accompanying drawing

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an ergonomically shaped operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomically shaped operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device,

Figure 3 is a top elevation view of an ergonomically shaped operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device Reference numerals in the drawings; 1 grip-rod /erect structure, 2 top support,

3 base foundation / wrist support,

4 front edge / proximal end,

5 rear edge / distal end,

6 main click button, 7 second click button,

8 scroll button,

9 groove for supporting curve of small finger,

10 contour area groove for supporting base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb), 11 hole for power cord/optical device.

12 groove for supporting the wrist

6. Detailed description of the invention with a preferred embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device is illustrated in figure 1 to 3. The angled (flexible, more or less perpendicular), plastic grip-rod /erect structure (1) with a top support (2), from the base foundation / wrist support (3), allows the user to grip the mouse with the hand in a natural thumb-up position as holding a normal pen or computer input pen used for writing. The support is enlarged in such a way that not only the hand but also the wrist and even a part of the lower arm is supported. The said erect structure situated at the front edge (4) (away from the user) capable of being held/gripped by fingers in thumb-up position as holding a normal pen or computer input pen used for writing. However the holding and use of the said structure vary/change according to the manner people are to writing. It allows the hand to be placed at a naturally curved position for functioning the mouse/ device rather than to grip the device by placing the hand flatly on top of the mouse to maneuver it. (Gripping causes muscular tension. In a normal mouse or pen the user has to continuously grip) The said grip-rod /erect structure can be provided on the right side, where the user prefers to use his left hand for operating the device. The said base foundation is made of plastic or a rubber material that cradles the hand according to the natural curves of the human hand. The groove for supporting curve of small finger (9), contour area groove for supporting the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb) (10) and wrist (12) on the base foundation allows for the wrist to comfortably rest on the mouse at a convenient angle.

Also on the erect structure there are more than one groove, which cradle the fingers beside the thumb in a natural, comfortable fashion. The grooves enable the aforementioned fingers to fold under the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb) without discomfort. The thumb could be rested on the top support (2). The rubber material, of which the base foundation consists, also enables the hand to have a steady grip of the mouse without the hand slipping off the said base.

Two functioning click buttons, namely main click button (6) and Second click button (7) are located on the grip-rod and are operable by finger(s). The scroll button (8) is situated on the top support (2) and could be operated by the thumb to be moved left to right or forward backward. However the buttons scroll button could be provided at any suitable positions on the said structure, within the reach of the finger(s)/thumb.

The base/ support is provided with a sensor used as the tracking means which detects the movements or pressure difference of the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb)/wrist to determine the larger (less accurate) movement/ placement/ position of the cursor (pointing function) another sensor is provided in the structure (or in its base) which detect the movements (as in writing) of the fιnger(s) and the thumb in horizontal direction (left/right/forwards/backwards) and in vertical direction (mainly downwards) for accurate placement of the cursor (pointing function) and writing function thus in combination a very accurate pointing and writing functions are achieved. The said sensor in the erect structure may have isometric as well as isotonic function. The sensors in the erect structure can have isometric but also isotonic function.

There is a provision of a sensor of function button by which it can activate the writing function and thereby distinguish it from the pointing functioning. This can be done e.g. by pressing the erect structure downwards or by pressing a button on top of the erect structure or any other means. The said sensors are provided to facilitate activation/deactivation of a functionality or switch/change between functions. The two said sensors work in combination, however, one of the two sensors could be switched off by a suitable provision as and when required to distinct between mouse function and writing function.

The above said device has an electric connection through cable, wireless or infrared from a hole for power cord/optical device (11) located at the front edge (4) with the computer which is able to receive signals from the device through various means including infrared transmission of signals and/or additional software/programs and works on the intuitive action of the hand while writing, connected to a computer where inputs on the work of the hand/fingers or wrist go through this device in to the computer and computer executes the action. As said earlier tracking feature namely the buttons, sensors, which can be pressed to generate input to the computer. The signals can be used in many ways to direct the computer at least partially where the signal or position is used in such a way that pointing or writing is generated on the screen.

The unique feature is that the device has well-designed support incorporated that supports as well as facilitates the function of the said ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device in a relaxed manner. The device only facilitates the user to hold and work with his hand in a position, which is relaxed and natural for the body, unlike in other devices where the user has to adopt his posture according to the device. Those having skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will now, as a result of the applicant's disclosure herein, perceive various modifications and additions, which may be made to the invention. By way of example, the precise shapes shown and described herein may be readily altered in varying degrees while achieving the essential objects of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications and additions are deemed to be within the scope of the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

I claim:

1. An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device, comprising a grip-rod / erect structure (1) extending at an angle from the flexible base foundation / wrist support (3) being horizontal surface, said structure is placed at the front edge (4) (away from the user) with one or more function buttons on it, capable of being held / gripped by one or more fingers in thumb-up position, the holding and use of the said structure being adaptable according to the manner people are used to writing, the said base foundation is designed for supporting the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb) (12),the said base/support is provided with a sensor used as the tracking means which detects the movements or pressure difference of the base of the hand to determine movement/ placement/ position of the cursor and another sensor is provided in the erect structure (or in its base) which detects the movements of the fιnger(s) and/or the thumb in mainly horizontal direction (left/right/forwards/backwards) for accurate placement of the cursor (pointing function) and writing function, thereby achieving very accurate pointing and writing functions in combination with the sensor in the base mentioned before.

2) An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support is enlarged in such a way that not only the hand but also the wrist and even a part of the lower arm is supported.

3) An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein there is a provision of a sensor of function button by which it can activate the writing function and thereby distinguish it from the pointing functioning. This can be done e.g. by pressing the erect structure downwards or by pressing a button on top of the erect structure or any other means.

4). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein said sensors are provided to facilitate activation/deactivation of a functionality or switch/change between functions.

5) An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the pointing function and writing function could be obtained through the said erect structure and pointing function could be obtained through the said base foundation / wrist support (3).

6). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the two said sensors work in combination, however, one of the two sensors could be switched off by a suitable provision as and when required to distinct between mouse function and writing function.

7). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the said sensor in the erect structure may have isometric as well as isotonic function.

8) An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein more then one functional buttons are on the side and/or at the top of the erect structure as to provide for click as well as scroll or other functions.

9). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding clai s, wherein on the erect structure there are more than one groove, which cradle the fingers beside the thumb in a natural, comfortable fashion. The grooves enable the aforementioned fingers to fold under the base/side of the hand (the opposite side of the thumb) of the hand without discomfort. The thumb could be rested on the top support (2).

10). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the rubber material, of which the base foundation is made of, also enables the hand to have a steady grip of the mouse without the hand slipping off the said base.

11). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein two functioning click buttons, namely main click button (6) and Second click button (7) are located on the grip-rod and are operable by fιnger(s), the scroll button (8) is situated on the top support (2) and could be operated by the thumb to be moved left to right or forward backward.

12). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein it is provided with an electric connection through cable, wireless or infrared from a hole for power cord/optical device (11) located at the front edge (4) with the computer which is able to receive signals from the device through various means including infrared transmission of signals and/or additional software/programs and works on the intuitive action of the hand while writing, connected to a computer where inputs on the work of the hand/fingers or wrist go through this device in to the computer and computer executes the action.

13). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the tracking feature namely the buttons, sensors, which can be pressed to generate input to the computer, the signals can be used in many ways to direct the computer at least partially where the signal or position is used in such a way that pointing or writing is generated on the screen.

14). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the said buttons scroll button could be provided at any suitable positions on the said structure within the reach of the finger(s)/thumb.

15). An ergonomic vertical oriented operating support cum pointing cum writing device used in computer or other computing input device substantially as described herein before and with reference to the accompanying drawings.