WO2010064987A1

WO2010064987A1 - Device for transferring mouse and keyboard commands

Info

Publication number: WO2010064987A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/051371
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomas Brusell
Original assignee: Brusell Dental As
Priority date: 2008-12-03
Filing date: 2009-12-03
Publication date: 2010-06-10
Also published as: SE534126C2; SE0850114A1

Abstract

A device for transferring mouse and keyboard commands from a user (100) to an electronic apparatus (110) having a viewing screen (110a). The device comprises an arm (102) configured as a headset, which is provided with a mouse ball (106) rotatably fitted in a ball holder (104) located on the arm outside the user's mouth. The ball and a plurality of signal transmitters (200a-h) arranged on the ball holder respond to application of the user's tongue or lips, such that corresponding electric signals are emitted to a signal unit (108) which feeds corresponding mouse and keyboard commands to the electronic apparatus. Thereby, the ball and the signal transmitters can be manipulated without requiring the use of hands.

Description

DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING MOUSE AND KEYBOARD COMMANDS

Technical field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a device for transferring inputs such as mouse functions and keyboard commands from a user to an electronic apparatus comprising a viewing screen.

Background

[0002] A keyboard and mouse are generally used for making various inputs to computers and other electronic apparatuses that comprise a viewing screen. In this description, the term "input" should be seen as representing any types of inputs and commands that normally can be made, using traditional keyboards and mouse, to electronic apparatuses having a viewing screen, e.g. computers, telephones, TV sets, audio systems, medical equipment, engineering tools, instruments, etc.

[0003] Typically, such inputs of mouse and keyboard commands are made as the user pushes keys using the fingers and manipulates a mouse using the hand, e.g. to write text, activate computer functions, and to control a mouse cursor on the screen, which in some situations, however, is not possible or suitable. Thus, there is a need to enable such inputs without requiring the use of hands, e.g. for disabled persons not being capable of making the hand operations required, or when both hands are occupied with other activities, such as when driving a car and when manipulating different tools and instruments. For example, a doctor, dentist or nurse may need to input data to a computer or control an instrument when examining or treating a patient which requires the use of hands.

[0004] In the past, various solutions have been proposed where the user is able to control a computer cursor by means of movements of the tongue and/or other parts of the mouth cavity or face. The previously known solutions thereof typically involve some manipulating means corresponding to the mouse that is installed inside the mouth cavity, e.g. a ball or the like applied at a row of teeth or inside the palate, see e.g. DE 195 12 595 Al . However, it may be perceived as disturbing for the user to have a foreign object in the mouth, especially from a hygienic point of view. Further, the environment inside the mouth cavity, e.g. including enzymes of the saliva, results in fairly rapid braking down of sensitive electronic components in the equipment. The control means must also be applied properly in the mouth cavity and further be cleaned and maintained, resulting in further efforts.

[0005] WO 02/075515 discloses a solution for controlling a cursor on a computer screen by registration of ultrasound signals reflected at the user's tongue and/or mouth cavity, which does not require any equipment in the mouth.

[0006] US 20050195155 Al discloses that control signals for a computer are generated as a fluid is set in motion when the user bites, blows or sucks a mouthpiece, i.e. an altogether mechanical solution. Thus, this requires the user to apply a certain force and that the mouthpiece is held in the mouth, which naturally can be disturbing and deters the user from talking.

[0007] JP 2006139327 A discloses a solution for the input of signals to a computer, where a mouse ball in a ball holder standing on a fixed base, can be manipulated by the user's mouth/face. The user can also press electric switches or buttons on the holder to generate input signals. The electric switches are thus located in fixed positions and being on/off type buttons, requiring that a certain force is applied in this case as well, and further that the user's head is applied in front thereof.

[0008] Solutions are also available for disabled persons which are based on registration of eye movements. However, this technique is relatively expensive and difficult to realise with sufficient accuracy, also requiring much training of the user. Furthermore, the user is in that case not able to focus his/her eye on other things. Summary

[0009] The invention provides a relatively simple solution for transferring a plurality of keyboard commands and mouse functions in a rapid, flexible and relaxed manner, to computers and other electronic apparatuses that comprise a viewing screen, e.g. in order to write characters and also to control a cursor or mouse pointer on the screen.

[00010] It is an object of the present invention to avoid or at least reduce the above-mentioned problems, and to obtain a relatively simple and sturdy solution allowing for the input of mouse and keyboard commands to an electronic apparatus having a viewing screen, without requiring the use of hands.

[0001 1 ] These objects and others can be achieved by a device for transferring inputs from the user to an electronic apparatus, according to claim 1 . The device comprises an arm intended to be carried as a headset, a ball holder arranged on the arm in a position next to the user's mouth, and a mouse ball rotatably fitted in the ball holder. The ball holder includes rotation sensors configured to register rotation movements of the mouse ball and to emit corresponding electric signals.

[00012] The device further comprises a plurality of signal transmitters arranged on the ball holder and configured to respond to application of the user's tongue or lips by emitting corresponding electric signals. At least one of the signal transmitters is of the type capacitive sensor, inductive sensor or magnetic switch, configured to respond to application of the tongue or lips by the change of an electrical or magnetic field such that said electric signals are generated.

[00013] The device also comprises a signal unit arranged on the arm and configured to register and convert electric signals emitted from the rotation sensors and signal transmitters, into corresponding mouse and keyboard commands that are fed to the electronic apparatus. [00014] The user can very easily operate the device and produce electric signals without having to hold his/her head in any particular position or having any object inside the mouth, and he/she is thereby easily able to focus on other things at the same time when needed. Furthermore, a change of an electrical or magnetic field does not require that the user applies any force whatsoever, who will therefore not become tired and can use the device for a long time in a very flexible way without limitation of movability. This may be particularly helpful for users such as, e.g., doctors, dentists or nurses during ongoing work with patients. Different movements of the user can also be used to produce a multitude of different inputs by different changes of the sensor's electrical or magnetic field, in contrast to an electric switch with just on and off.

[00015] Different feasible embodiments and further benefits will become apparent from the detailed description below.

Brief description of drawings

[00016] The present invention will be described in more detail below by means of different exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings:

[00017] Fig. 1 is a schematic overview of a device for transferring mouse and keyboard commands from a user to an electronic apparatus, according to one possible embodiment.

[0001 8] Fig. 2 is a fundamental outline illustrating how the device of Fig. 1 can be configured in more detail, according to different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

[00019] In Fig. 1 , an exemplary device is shown, for transferring inputs such as mouse and keyboard commands from a user 100 to an electronic apparatus, the device being intended to be carried on the user's head as a so-called "headset". The device comprises an arm 102 having a ball holder 104 arranged at the bottom end of the arm 102, and in which a mouse ball is rotatably fitted in a position, when used, essentially next to the user's mouth. The term "mouse ball" is to be understood as representing a ball that can be rotated in its fitting in order to provide functions normally obtained as a traditional computer mouse is moved over a base, or corresponding functions of a rotatably fitted ball typically occurring in portable computers.

[00020] The mouse ball 106 can thus be freely rotated in the ball holder 104 by the user applying his/her tongue or lips on the surface of the ball, the rotation movements being registered by rotation sensors (not shown in this figure) located in the ball holder 104 in order to emit corresponding electric signals to a signal unit 108. This signal unit is in turn configured to send mouse commands "MK" corresponding to the rotation movements being detected, to an electronic apparatus 1 10 having a viewing screen 1 10a, in this case a computer, such that the rotation movements results in inputs to the computer 1 10, e.g. in order to control a mouse pointer or other mouse-controlled applications on the screen 1 10a.

[00021 ] In the shown example, the signal unit 108 is placed at a top position on the arm 102, although other positions are possible within the scope of the invention, e.g. further down on the arm 102 or on an additional branch or holder connected to the arm. In addition, a similar arm, shown by dashed lines, can further be arranged also on the other side of the ball holder 104 with the ball 106, in order to provide increased stability of the structure when used. The ball holder 104 is preferably provided with a partly spherical surface at its inside facing the ball 106, in order to allow for free rotation of the ball without falling out.

[00022] Fig. 2 illustrates the ball holder 104 with the ball 106 in more detail. A suitable number of rotation sensors 202 that register the rotation of the ball are thus arranged within or on the ball holder 104, and on the outside of the same are also arranged a plurality of signal transmitters 200a-h which can be activated by means of the user's tongue or lips. The signal transmitters 200a-h are thus arranged to transmit an electric signal when touched by the user's tongue or lips. Electric signals from the rotation sensors 202 and the signal transmitters 200a-h are transported through a schematically illustrated cable system 204 within the arm to the signal unit 108, in which they are converted into corresponding mouse or keyboard commands that are sent to the computer 1 10, in Fig. 1 indicated as "TK".

[00023] In use, the signal transmitters 200a-h are thus located in positions that can easily be reached by the user's tongue and/or lips, e.g. distributed along the outer periphery of the ball holder 104. The number and type of signal transmitters can be freely selected depending on which function is desired. For example, the signal transmitters 200a-h may be of the type capacitive sensor (i.e. dielectric detector) configured to respond to the presence of biological mass in a limited measuring area adjacent to each respective sensor, such that when the user places his/her tongue or lip next to one of those sensors, i.e. within its measuring area, an electric signal or impulse will be emitted from the sensor. The capacitive sensors can be calibrated for suitable sensibility in order to be easily activated by the tongue or lips, whereupon a voltage is generated at the output of the sensor.

[00024] The signal transmitters 200a-h may also be of the type microswitch, inductive sensor, or magnetic switch, configured to respond to the touch of the tongue or lips by generating a signal or impulse. In that case, the signal or impulse may be generated e.g. by the change of an electrical or magnetic field, or by contact between two metal plates or the like, depending on the type of transmitter.

[00025] For example, a transmitter of the type inductive sensor or magnetic switch may further be configured to respond to the tongue or lip pressing against a plate metal which is then moved towards an inductive or magnetic sensor or a connector which is thus activated and emits a signal. The signal transmitters 200a-h may also be calibrated to respond only after the tongue or lip has remained in contact therewith for a certain duration, e.g. one second.

[00026] The signal unit 108 is configured to convert signals from the transmitters 200a-h and the rotation sensors 202 in the ball holder 104 into corresponding mouse or keyboard commands that are then fed to the electronic apparatus 1 10. For example, each transmitter 200a-h may correspond to a number of specific characters. The signal unit 108 may also be programmed to produce a plurality of commands, e.g. different characters and functions, by registering different combinations of signals from the transmitters. For example, the signal unit 108 may convert a combination of a signal from transmitter 200a immediately followed by a signal from transmitter 200b, into a keyboard command that activates a certain program or function in the computer 1 10. Furthermore, the signal unit 108 may be programmed to produce different mouse and keyboard commands depending on the duration of time the tongue or lip has been applied. For example, different activation durations for a certain transmitter may correspond to different characters or functions, e.g. 1 second - A, 2 seconds - B, and so forth.

[00027] Mouse and keyboard commands created in this manner may be transferred from the signal unit 108 to the computer 1 10 through a cable (not shown) or wirelessly. Thus, a transmitter may be connected to the signal unit 108 to transfer the signals wirelessly to a receiver at the computer 1 10, e.g. by means of IR light or Bluetooth radio. Hence, the invention is generally not limited to any particular communication technique for transferring the signals between the signal unit and the electronic apparatus.

[00028] By using the above-described arrangement, the user is able to input any optional mouse and keyboard commands to the electronic apparatus by applying his/her tongue or lip at the ball and at different signal transmitters, such that the device operates as a mouse and a keyboard where the signal transmitters provide "keys" and the ball provides a mouse, which can be manipulated exclusively by the tongue and/or lips, that is, not by means of the hands. It is further possible to configure the device to produce a multitude of different inputs and functions by activation of different combinations of signal transmitters. This device can be implemented by means of simple components and it is fairly easy for the user to learn how to operate it.

[00029] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the arm of the device, the ball holder with its ball, as well as the positioning of signal transmitters on the ball holder, can be configured in several different ways within the scope of the invention, depending on the field of use and on the implementation. For example, the arm with the signal transmitters may be branched off in any number of sub- branches of any direction, length and mutual spacing. Any optional number of signal transmitters may also be arranged in optional positions on the ball holder in order to produce desired functions. As mentioned above, the device is configured as a headset intended to be carried on the user's head, e.g. as applied at one ear, or as an arch over the head, or by means of a resilient strap around the head. The invention is not limited to any particular configuration for wearing the device as a headset.

[00030] Using signal transmitters for registration of the presence of the tongue in the manner described above may result in the following advantages. Signal transmitters of the type capacitive sensor, microswitch, inductive sensor, or magnetic switch are generally simple, well-tried, stable and sturdy components of low weight. They can bear dirt and moisture, be washed and can also endure relatively high temperatures. Furthermore, their functionality is independent of temperature and the activation sensibility can be calibrated in different ways. As the ball and the signal transmitters are located outside the mouth cavity during use, the equipment can be deemed hygienic and can easily be kept clean, e.g. simply by applying a cleanser by means of spray, as compared to solutions when the user has parts inside the mouth.

[00031 ] The invented device is not limited to any particular field of usage and can be used for controlling any functions displayed on the viewing screen of, e.g., a computer, telephone, TV set, audio system, medical or engineering equipment and instruments.

[00032] Different combinations of the above-described configurations are of course feasible within the scope of the invention, which is not limited to the shown embodiments. For example, different types of transmitters can be used simultaneously in an application, such that capacitive sensors are provided to be activated by the lips while microswitches or magnetic switches are activated by the tongue. The invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1 . A device for transferring mouse and keyboard commands from a user to an electronic apparatus (1 10) having a viewing screen (1 10a), the device comprising:

- an arm (102) intended to be carried by the user as a headset upon the user's head,

- a ball holder (104) arranged on the arm in a position in use essentially next to and outside the user's mouth,

- a mouse ball (106) rotatably fitted in the ball holder, wherein the ball holder includes rotation sensors (202) configured to register rotation movements of the mouse ball and to emit corresponding electric signals,

- a plurality of signal transmitters (200a-h) arranged on the ball holder and configured to respond to application of the user's tongue or lips by emitting corresponding electric signals, wherein at least one of the signal transmitters (200a- h) is of the type capacitive sensor, inductive sensor or magnetic switch, configured to respond to application of the tongue or lips by the change of an electrical or magnetic field such that said electric signals are generated, and

- a signal unit (108) arranged on the arm and configured to register and convert electric signals emitted from the rotation sensors and signal transmitters, into corresponding mouse and keyboard commands that are fed to said electronic apparatus.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal transmitters (200a-h) are distributed along the outer periphery of the ball holder (104).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each signal transmitter (200a-h) corresponds to at least one specific command.

4. A device according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the signal unit (108) is programmed to produce different mouse and keyboard commands from different combinations of signals from the signal transmitters (200a-h).

5. A device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein different activation durations for a certain signal transmitter (200a-h) correspond to different mouse and keyboard commands.

6. A device according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the signal transmitters (200a-h) are calibrated to respond only after the tongue or lip has been applied for a certain duration.

7. A device according to any of claims 1 -6, wherein the signal unit (108) is programmed to produce different mouse and keyboard commands depending on the duration of time the tongue or lip has been applied.

8. A device according to any of claims 1 -7, configured to control any of the following types of electronic apparatuses: computer, telephone, TV set, audio system, medical or engineering equipment and instruments.