WO2006043806A1 - Device for controlling a computer - Google Patents

Device for controlling a computer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006043806A1
WO2006043806A1 PCT/NL2005/000748 NL2005000748W WO2006043806A1 WO 2006043806 A1 WO2006043806 A1 WO 2006043806A1 NL 2005000748 W NL2005000748 W NL 2005000748W WO 2006043806 A1 WO2006043806 A1 WO 2006043806A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
operating member
sensors
computer
operating
record
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2005/000748
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Paul Niellissen
Luc Franciscus Antonius Knaapen
Original Assignee
De Commanditaire Vennootschap Bin 2004
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 De Commanditaire Vennootschap Bin 2004 filed Critical De Commanditaire Vennootschap Bin 2004
Publication of WO2006043806A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006043806A1/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
    • G06F3/03549—Trackballs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1006—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals having additional degrees of freedom
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1056—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals involving pressure sensitive buttons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for controlling a computer, said device comprising an essentially spherical operating member which is movably arranged, a housing which is adapted to partially accommodate the operating member, and first sensors to record the movement of the operating member.
  • the term "computer” is understood to include all electronic processing units for processing electronic signals.
  • RSI Repetitive Strain Injury
  • This known device is controlled by means of physical movements which are associated with the fine motor system of the user.
  • the detrimental effects of the frequent use of fine motor actions are widely known.
  • RSI Repetitive Strain Injury
  • One object of the invention is to control a computer by means of physical movements of the gross motor system.
  • This object is achieved with a device according to the invention, which is characterized in that the operating member comprises a sitting area.
  • the size of the device is such that the user can sit on this sitting area and can make the operating member move in relation to the environment with gross motor actions, whereby a computer is controlled.
  • the effect thereby achieved is that the user will use the device in a manner in which gross motor actions are used, if not entirely then at least predominantly.
  • a further favourable effect is that the device according to the invention can be used to stimulate the development of the gross motor system of the user. This is favourable above all for children and for convalescing adults.
  • the operating member comprises at least one hand grip.
  • the at least one hand grip helps the user to operate the operating member, and can act as a grip when the user, for example, sits on the sitting area.
  • the device may comprise a projection which projects from the surface of the operating member.
  • the diameter of the operating member is greater than 30 cm. The user can thereby sit in a stable manner on the sitting area, whereby said sitting area may be a flexible sitting area.
  • the operating member comprises a flexible wall.
  • the operating member can be filled with gas, thereby creating a skippyball effect.
  • the operating member may comprise means which cover the space created by use between the flexible operating member and the housing so that no dirt accumulates in this space, or items of clothing become caught up between the operating member and the housing.
  • the movement described above may comprise a rotation and/or translation.
  • the device may comprise second sensors for recording a pressure force acting on the operating member. It is also possible for the first sensors to be optical sensors.
  • the device housing may comprise operating means and third sensors for recording a pressure force acting on the operating means.
  • the user can control the computer by exerting a pressure force on the operating means. The user can do this, for example, while sitting on the sitting area or while standing next to the device, using either his hands or feet.
  • the operating member can be supported in a rotatable manner by a support device.
  • the device may comprise bearing means for bearing-based support of the operating member or the support device. If the device is designed with an operating member with a flexible wall, this offers the advantage that the support device has bearing-based support.
  • the device may comprise transmission means for the transmission of information obtained by the first, second and third sensors. This enables a wireless connection to be established with the computer which is to be controlled.
  • Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1
  • Fig. 3 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, provided with a user.
  • Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • the spherical operating member 2 is partially accommodated by the housing 1 and can rotate in relation to the housing 1.
  • the operating member 2 comprises two projections or hand grips 9, which project from the wall 10 of the operating member 2. It will be understood that a single hand grip 9 can also be used.
  • This is in principle a substantially elongated part which is fixedly connected to the sphere 2.
  • the part of the wall 10 of the operating member 2 which above the horizontal area through the points where the projections 9 are connected to the operating member 2 forms the sitting area 8.
  • the arrows alongside the operating member 2 indicate the directions of rotation of the operating member 2.
  • a computer can be controlled by rotating the operating member 2.
  • Operating means 3 are located on the surface of the housing 1. A pressure force can be exerted on these operating means 3 in the direction of the associated arrows, whereby a computer can be controlled.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.
  • the part of the housing 1 which is located above the horizontal area through the points where the projections 9 are connected to the wall 10 ensures that the user sitting on the sitting area 8 is cushioned if he falls in the direction of that part of the housing 1.
  • the support unit 4 supports the operating member 2 and is mounted by means of the bearing means 11.
  • the first sensors 5 record the rotation of the operating member 2 in the different directions indicated by the associated arrows shown in Fig. 1.
  • the second sensors 6 record the pressure force acting on the operating member 2 and the third sensors 7 record the pressure force on the operating means 3.
  • the device further comprises transmission means 12 for transmitting the information from the first, second and third sensor means (5, 6 and 7).
  • the device may comprise, for example, foot supports. With the aid of these foot supports, smaller persons whose feet cannot reach the ground when these persons sit on the sitting area 8 can use the device more easily.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A device for controlling a computer, said device comprising an essentially spherical operating member which is rotatably arranged, a housing which is adapted to partially accommodate the operating member which can rotate therein, and first sensors to record the rotation of the operating member, whereby the operating member comprises a sitting area. The size of the device is such that the user can sit on this sitting area and can make the operating member rotate with gross motor actions, by means of which a computer can be controlled.

Description

PCT Device for controlling a computer
The invention relates to a device for controlling a computer, said device comprising an essentially spherical operating member which is movably arranged, a housing which is adapted to partially accommodate the operating member, and first sensors to record the movement of the operating member. The term "computer" is understood to include all electronic processing units for processing electronic signals.
A device of this type is known from the prior art. This known device is controlled by means of physical movements which are associated with the fine motor system of the user. The detrimental effects of the frequent use of fine motor actions are widely known. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is the most common disorder affecting computer users. Due to the widespread use of computers, RSI disorders occur at an increasingly younger age. As well as being an economic problem, given that the use of a computer is indispensable to many economic operations, it is also a social problem, given that the use of computers will only increase in everyday activities.
One object of the invention is to control a computer by means of physical movements of the gross motor system. This object is achieved with a device according to the invention, which is characterized in that the operating member comprises a sitting area. The size of the device is such that the user can sit on this sitting area and can make the operating member move in relation to the environment with gross motor actions, whereby a computer is controlled. The effect thereby achieved is that the user will use the device in a manner in which gross motor actions are used, if not entirely then at least predominantly. A further favourable effect is that the device according to the invention can be used to stimulate the development of the gross motor system of the user. This is favourable above all for children and for convalescing adults.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the operating member comprises at least one hand grip. The at least one hand grip helps the user to operate the operating member, and can act as a grip when the user, for example, sits on the sitting area. Furthermore, the device may comprise a projection which projects from the surface of the operating member.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the diameter of the operating member is greater than 30 cm. The user can thereby sit in a stable manner on the sitting area, whereby said sitting area may be a flexible sitting area.
In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the operating member comprises a flexible wall. The operating member can be filled with gas, thereby creating a skippyball effect. It is advantageous for the operating member to comprise means which cover the space created by use between the flexible operating member and the housing so that no dirt accumulates in this space, or items of clothing become caught up between the operating member and the housing. The movement described above may comprise a rotation and/or translation. hi one embodiment, the device may comprise second sensors for recording a pressure force acting on the operating member. It is also possible for the first sensors to be optical sensors.
In one embodiment, the device housing may comprise operating means and third sensors for recording a pressure force acting on the operating means. The user can control the computer by exerting a pressure force on the operating means. The user can do this, for example, while sitting on the sitting area or while standing next to the device, using either his hands or feet.
Moreover, the operating member can be supported in a rotatable manner by a support device. Furthermore, the device may comprise bearing means for bearing-based support of the operating member or the support device. If the device is designed with an operating member with a flexible wall, this offers the advantage that the support device has bearing-based support.
Furthermore, the device may comprise transmission means for the transmission of information obtained by the first, second and third sensors. This enables a wireless connection to be established with the computer which is to be controlled. The invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, provided with a user.
Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention. The spherical operating member 2 is partially accommodated by the housing 1 and can rotate in relation to the housing 1. The operating member 2 comprises two projections or hand grips 9, which project from the wall 10 of the operating member 2. It will be understood that a single hand grip 9 can also be used. This is in principle a substantially elongated part which is fixedly connected to the sphere 2. The part of the wall 10 of the operating member 2 which above the horizontal area through the points where the projections 9 are connected to the operating member 2 forms the sitting area 8. The arrows alongside the operating member 2 indicate the directions of rotation of the operating member 2. A computer can be controlled by rotating the operating member 2. This can also be done by exerting a pressure force on the sitting area 8 in the direction of the associated arrow. Operating means 3 are located on the surface of the housing 1. A pressure force can be exerted on these operating means 3 in the direction of the associated arrows, whereby a computer can be controlled.
Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The part of the housing 1 which is located above the horizontal area through the points where the projections 9 are connected to the wall 10 ensures that the user sitting on the sitting area 8 is cushioned if he falls in the direction of that part of the housing 1. The support unit 4 supports the operating member 2 and is mounted by means of the bearing means 11. The first sensors 5 record the rotation of the operating member 2 in the different directions indicated by the associated arrows shown in Fig. 1. The second sensors 6 record the pressure force acting on the operating member 2 and the third sensors 7 record the pressure force on the operating means 3. The device further comprises transmission means 12 for transmitting the information from the first, second and third sensor means (5, 6 and 7).
It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that further variants are conceivable within the scope of the protection defined by the claims. Thus, the device may comprise, for example, foot supports. With the aid of these foot supports, smaller persons whose feet cannot reach the ground when these persons sit on the sitting area 8 can use the device more easily.

Claims

Claims
1. Device for controlling a computer, said device comprising an essentially spherical operating member (2) which is movably arranged, a housing (1) which is adapted to partially accommodate the operating member (2) which can be rotated therein, and first sensors (5) to record the movement of the operating member (2), characterised in that the operating member (2) comprises a sitting area (8).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first sensors are designed to record a rotation.
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the operating member (2) comprises at least one hand grip.
4. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the operating member (2) comprises at least one projection (9) which projects from the surface of the operating member (2).
5. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the diameter of the operating member (2) is greater than 30 cm.
6. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the operating member (2) comprises a flexible sitting area (8).
7. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the operating member (2) comprises a flexible wall (10).
8. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the operating member (2) is filled with gas.
9. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises second sensors (6) to record a pressure force acting on the operating member (2).
10. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (1) comprises operating means (9) and third sensors (7) for recording a pressure force acting on the operating means (9).
11. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises a support unit (4) for the rotatable support of the operating member (2).
12. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises bearing means (11) for the bearing-based support of the operating member (2) or the support unit (4).
13. Device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises transmission means (12) for transmitting information obtained from the sensors of the device.
14. Assembly comprising a computer and a device as claimed in the invention, in which the device controls the computer using the information obtained from the sensors of the device.
PCT/NL2005/000748 2004-10-18 2005-10-18 Device for controlling a computer WO2006043806A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1027286A NL1027286C2 (en) 2004-10-18 2004-10-18 Device for controlling a computer.
NL1027286 2004-10-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006043806A1 true WO2006043806A1 (en) 2006-04-27

Family

ID=34974612

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL2005/000748 WO2006043806A1 (en) 2004-10-18 2005-10-18 Device for controlling a computer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NL (1) NL1027286C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006043806A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2504972B (en) * 2012-08-15 2019-09-25 Priestnall Stephen Input device
GB2573468A (en) * 2012-08-15 2019-11-06 Priestnall Stephen Input device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0791941A (en) * 1993-09-24 1995-04-07 Nikon Corp Angle-of-rotation detector
WO1999030271A1 (en) * 1997-12-05 1999-06-17 LEGUÉ, Raymond, Pierre Computer control apparatus
US20030117373A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-26 Tai-Her Yang Foot controlled rolling ball signal generator

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0791941A (en) * 1993-09-24 1995-04-07 Nikon Corp Angle-of-rotation detector
WO1999030271A1 (en) * 1997-12-05 1999-06-17 LEGUÉ, Raymond, Pierre Computer control apparatus
US20030117373A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-26 Tai-Her Yang Foot controlled rolling ball signal generator

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 07 31 August 1995 (1995-08-31) *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2504972B (en) * 2012-08-15 2019-09-25 Priestnall Stephen Input device
GB2573468A (en) * 2012-08-15 2019-11-06 Priestnall Stephen Input device
GB2573468B (en) * 2012-08-15 2020-04-08 Priestnall Stephen Input device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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