WO2010105631A2 - Computer input system, method, and device - Google Patents

Computer input system, method, and device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010105631A2
WO2010105631A2 PCT/EG2009/000010 EG2009000010W WO2010105631A2 WO 2010105631 A2 WO2010105631 A2 WO 2010105631A2 EG 2009000010 W EG2009000010 W EG 2009000010W WO 2010105631 A2 WO2010105631 A2 WO 2010105631A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
computer
axis
way ball
user
input device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EG2009/000010
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010105631A3 (en
Inventor
Cherif Atia Al Greatly
Original Assignee
Cherif Atia Al Greatly
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 Cherif Atia Al Greatly filed Critical Cherif Atia Al Greatly
Priority to PCT/EG2009/000010 priority Critical patent/WO2010105631A2/en
Publication of WO2010105631A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010105631A2/en
Publication of WO2010105631A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010105631A3/en

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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
    • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks

Definitions

  • the present invention introduces a computer mouse that enables the user to interact with various computer applications in a simpler and faster manner that leads to increasing the user's productivity in achieving different tasks.
  • the user can press on one button of the present mouse, using one finger, without moving the mouse on surfaces to open menus, provide keyboard shortcuts, or move objects in three- dimensions on the computer display.
  • the present invention can be used with various IT, engineering, industrial, or gaming applications saving the user's time and effort, and replacing the use of the traditional computer mouse and the three- dimensional computer input devices.
  • the present invention introduces a unique and intuitive input method for different computer systems.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse which is comprised of a 5 -way ball 1 10 that can be moved to the "right”, “left”, “up”, or “down”, in addition to it can be pressed down, an opening 120 that enables the 5-way ball to be moved freely, a left mouse button 130, a right mouse button 140, and a chassis 150 that contains an optical or laser sensor in its base to detect the movement of the mouse on surfaces.
  • FIGS. 2 to 5 illustrate moving the 5-way ball, respectively, to the
  • FIG. 6 illustrates pressing down on the 5-way ball, where the diagonal lines in this figure are an indication for pressing down on the 5-way ball.
  • the 5-way ball can be moved and/or pressed down by the index finger where it returns to its default position once the finger is released.
  • Each “right”, “left”, “up”, or “down” movement of the 5-way ball provides an input to the computer system representing the movement direction, and the distance of this movement relative to the default position of the 5-way ball.
  • a momentary contact occurs to a pushbutton that generates "ON” signal, and when the finger is released the pushbutton generates "OFF” signal.
  • FIGS. 8 to 13 illustrates, respectively, selecting the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth mode of the custom menu of FIG. 7 by moving the 5-way ball "up” or “down” to highlight the selected mode 190.
  • this mode becomes an active mode, and the custom menu disappears from the computer display.
  • the user needs to select a new mode from the custom menu s/he presses down on the 5-way ball to display the custom menu on the computer display where pressing down again on the 5-way ball while the new mode is selected activates this new mode.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an example for a custom menu 200 that can be used with Microsoft PowerPoint, where this custom menu is comprised of a "size/zoom” mode, and an “alignment” mode. Selecting the "size/zoom” mode as previously described enables the user to gradually increase the font size of the PowerPoint text when the 5-way ball is moved 'up", and to gradually decrease the font size of the PowerPoint text when the 5-way ball is moved “down”. Also in the "size/zoom” mode the user can gradually zoom in PowerPoint slides by moving the 5- way ball to the "right", or gradually zoom out the PowerPoint slides by moving the 5-way ball to the "left".
  • FIG. 15 illustrates another example for a custom menu that can be used with a flight gaming application.
  • this custom menu is comprised of a "plane' mode, a "camera” mode, and a “zoom” mode. Selecting the "plane” mode enables the user to rotate the plane, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about its y-axis on the computer display when the 5-way ball is, respectively, moved to the "right” or to the "left”. Also in the "plane” mode the user can rotate the plane, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about its x-axis on the computer display when the 5-way ball is, respectively, moved “up” or “down”.
  • Selecting the "camera” mode enables the user to rotate the virtual camera horizontally, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by moving the 5- way ball, respectively, to the “right” or to the “left". Also in the “camera” mode the user can rotate the virtual camera vertically, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by moving the 5-way ball, respectively, “up” or “down”.
  • Selecting the "zoom” mode enables the user to "zoom in” or “zoom out” by moving the 5-way ball, respectively, “up” or “down”.
  • each selected mode of the custom menu will make the computer system translate the movement of the 5-way ball into different inputs or actions.
  • the custom menu can be customized by the user according to his/her needs or preference, and the applications that s/he uses.
  • the three applications of Microsoft PowerPoint, Autodesk flight game, and Internet explorer require having three separate custom menus.
  • the custom menu of the opened or active application appears on the computer display.
  • the user can delete a mode or add a mode to the custom menu, in addition to, s/he can change the name of the modes according to his/her preference.
  • the custom menu automatically changes according to the active or opened application on the computer display, and also changes according to the user's screen name if there are more than one user for the same computer, or according to the time of the day, the date of the year, or the like if the user needs so.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates the template of the "alignment” mode of the custom menu of FIG. 14.
  • an action or an automated input is provided to the computer system representing the shortcut "Alt” plus “O", then "A”.
  • pressing simultaneously on the "Alt” button and the "O” button of the computer keyboard opens the “Format” menu, then pressing on the "A” button of the computer keyboard while the "Format” menu is opened activates the alignment option.
  • mapping the keyboard to the movement of the 5-way ball is a unique function that replaces the user's need to simultaneously press on two buttons of the computer keyboard to provide keyboard shortcuts as usually done in many software applications.
  • the manner of operating the present invention enables moving the 5-way ball while moving the present mouse on surfaces which is a great tool for various gaming applications to replace the need of moving the traditional computer mouse on surface to rotate the virtual camera while simultaneously pressing on one of the four arrow buttons of the computer keyboard to move a virtual character on the computer display.
  • the 5-way ball can be moved in four different directions to provide four different inputs for each mode of the custom menu. To increase the number of inputs for each mode the user can press down on the 5-way ball while it is moved to provide four additional inputs than the original four inputs or movements of the 5-way ball without pressing down on it.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse using two 5-way balls.
  • the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, to the "right” or “left”.
  • the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, “up” or “down”, or moves the second 5- way ball, respectively, “forward” or “backward”.
  • the user moves the second 5-way ball, respectively, "up” or "down”.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse using three 5-way balls.
  • the first 5-way ball is incorporated onto the top of the mouse to be operated by the index finger and moved to the "right", “left”, “up”, or “down”.
  • the second 5-way ball is incorporated onto the top of the mouse to be operated by the thumb finger and moved to the "right", “left”, “up”, or “down”.
  • the third 5-way ball is incorporated onto the left side of the mouse near the second 5-way ball to be operated by the thumb finger and moved "forward”, “backward”, “up”, or “down”.
  • a first partial scroll wheel 280, a second partial scroll wheel 290, and a third partial scroll wheel 300 are respectively attached to the top of the first, second, and third 5-way ball as shown in the figure.
  • the first partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the x-axis
  • the second partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the y-axis
  • the third partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the z-axis.
  • Using the three 5 -way balls enables the user to move/rotate objects in 3D on the computer display in an intuitive manner. For example, to move an object along the positive or negative x-axis on the computer display the user tilts the first partial scroll wheel, respectively, to the "right” or “left”. To move an object along the positive or negative y-axis on the computer display the user tilts the second partial scroll wheel, respectively, “up” or “down”. To move an object along the positive or negative z-axis on the computer display the user tilts the third partial scroll wheel, respectively, "up” or "down”.
  • using more than one 5-way ball enables the user to provide six degrees-of- freedom to the computer system to move/rotate objects in three dimensions on the computer display in an intuitive manner, serving various engineering, industrial, and gaming applications.
  • the components of the present invention are simple and straightforward and can utilize a number of existing technologies to easily and inexpensively achieve the disclosed design.
  • Moving the 5-way ball provides an input to the computer system representing the direction of the movement, and the rotational angle of the miniature joystick.
  • the value of the rotation angle can be utilized to represent the speed of moving or rotating objects on the computer display, for example, a small rotational angle represents a slow speed, and a greater rotational angle represents a faster speed.
  • the 5-way ball As long as the 5-way ball is moved and positioned at a specific point or a rotational angle it keeps generating the same signal for a period of time where the computer system keeps the object moving or rotating on the computer display for the same period of time. When the user's finger is released the 5-way ball returns to its default position and the generated signal stops to stop moving or rotating the object on the computer display.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates the chassis of the present mouse 150 including a first cross-slot 310, which is a hole, on the top of the chassis, and a second cross-slot 320, which is a hole, on the left side of the chassis.
  • the first and second cross-slot enable attaching one or more half scroll wheel to the top of the joysticks that are positioned inside the chassis.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 330 to the top of the mouse to be perpendicular to the x-axis.
  • FIG. 23 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 340 to the top of the mouse to be perpendicular to the y-axis.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates attaching a half 350 scroll wheel to the left side of the mouse to be perpendicular to the z- axis.
  • FIG. 25 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 360 to the side of the mouse to be perpendicular to the y-axis.
  • capacitive sensor similar to the touchpad of the laptop instead of using the 5-way ball or joystick.
  • the capacitive sensor will detect the movement of the user's finger when it is moved to the "right", “left”, “up”, and “down”, in addition to, it will detect the pressing of the user's finger on it to provide an input to the computer system similar to the input of pressing down on the 5-way ball.
  • Using a capacitive sensor that can detect the value of the applied force of the finger during its movement can help translating the value of this force to represent the speed of moving or rotating objects on the computer display.
  • a 5-way button can also used instead of the 5-way ball, where the 5-way button can utilize an analog sensor or a digital sensor to detect the direction of moving the user's finger to the "right", “left”, “up”, or “down”.
  • the 5-way button can utilize a force sensor to detect the applied force of the finger during its touch to the 5-way button to control the speed of moving/rotating objects on the computer display as previously described.
  • the movement of the 5-way ball can be replaced by a finger movement on a touchpad or a touch-screen, or a movement on a digital template.
  • Assigning five buttons of the computer keyboard such as the W, A, S, D, and X buttons can also replace the movement of the 5- way ball.
  • the custom menu will function as described previously without using the present computer input device or mouse.
  • the custom menu can be customized by the user using the previous described template.
  • the development company of the software application provides the user with the possibility of directly selecting the main menu, the main menu item, the sub-item, the sub-sub-item, or the like of the graphics user interface to be automatically included in the custom menu. This can be done by in many ways such as double clicking on the right mouse button while the computer cursor is positioned on the aforementioned selection of the graphical user interface.
  • FIG. 7 is an example for a custom menu including six modes classified into three groups separated form each other by lines.
  • FIGS. 8 to 13 are, respectively, selecting the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and six mode of the custom menu.
  • FIG. 14 is an example for a custom menu for Microsoft PowerPoint including two modes.
  • FIG. 15 is an example for a custom menu for a flight gaming application including three modes.
  • FIG. 16 is the template of the custom menu before filling it out by the user according to his/her needs or preference.
  • FIG. 17 is the template of the custom menu after filling it out to enable the user to move a plane or a virtual camera of a game on the computer display.
  • FIG. 18 is the template of the custom menu after filling it out to enable the user to align a text in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • FIG. 19 is the present invention of the computer input device utilizing two 5 -way balls to provide six degrees-of- freedom to the computer system.
  • FIG. 20 is the present invention of the computer input device utilizing three 5 -way balls to provide six degrees-of-freedom to the computer system.
  • FIG. 21 is the present invention of the computer input device with a cross-slot on the top and left side of the mouse.
  • FIG. 22 is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the top of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the x-axis.
  • FIG. 24 is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the left side of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the z-axis.
  • FIG. 25 is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the left side of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the y-axis.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention enables the user to interact with 2D/3D computer applications in a simpler and faster manner using a menu that can be customized by the user to present different menu items or modes where each mode maps the input of a computer input device into different keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, macros, or the like. Said computer keyboard can be a computer mouse, a touchpad, a touch¬ screen, a keyboard, or the like.

Description

Computer Input System, Method, and Device
Technical Field:
The present invention relates to the fields of computer input devices, electronic devices, and input methods for computer systems.
Background Art:
The present invention introduces a computer mouse that enables the user to interact with various computer applications in a simpler and faster manner that leads to increasing the user's productivity in achieving different tasks. For example, the user can press on one button of the present mouse, using one finger, without moving the mouse on surfaces to open menus, provide keyboard shortcuts, or move objects in three- dimensions on the computer display.
The present invention can be used with various IT, engineering, industrial, or gaming applications saving the user's time and effort, and replacing the use of the traditional computer mouse and the three- dimensional computer input devices. In addition to, the present invention introduces a unique and intuitive input method for different computer systems.
Description of Invention:
FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse which is comprised of a 5 -way ball 1 10 that can be moved to the "right", "left", "up", or "down", in addition to it can be pressed down, an opening 120 that enables the 5-way ball to be moved freely, a left mouse button 130, a right mouse button 140, and a chassis 150 that contains an optical or laser sensor in its base to detect the movement of the mouse on surfaces. FIGS. 2 to 5 illustrate moving the 5-way ball, respectively, to the
"right", "left", "up", and down, while FIG. 6 illustrates pressing down on the 5-way ball, where the diagonal lines in this figure are an indication for pressing down on the 5-way ball. The 5-way ball can be moved and/or pressed down by the index finger where it returns to its default position once the finger is released.
Each "right", "left", "up", or "down" movement of the 5-way ball provides an input to the computer system representing the movement direction, and the distance of this movement relative to the default position of the 5-way ball. When the finger presses down on the 5-way ball a momentary contact occurs to a pushbutton that generates "ON" signal, and when the finger is released the pushbutton generates "OFF" signal.
FIG. 7 illustrates a custom menu 160 that appears on the computer display once the user presses down on the 5-way ball. The custom menu is comprised of a plurality of modes classified into a number of groups 180 that are separated form each other by lines 190. In this example, the custom menu is comprised of six modes classified into three groups. Generally, moving the 5-way ball "up" or "down" while the custom menu is presented on the computer display enables the user to select a specific mode from the custom menu.
FIGS. 8 to 13 illustrates, respectively, selecting the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth mode of the custom menu of FIG. 7 by moving the 5-way ball "up" or "down" to highlight the selected mode 190. When the user presses down again on the 5-way ball while a mode is selected this mode becomes an active mode, and the custom menu disappears from the computer display. When the user needs to select a new mode from the custom menu s/he presses down on the 5-way ball to display the custom menu on the computer display where pressing down again on the 5-way ball while the new mode is selected activates this new mode.
FIG. 14 illustrates an example for a custom menu 200 that can be used with Microsoft PowerPoint, where this custom menu is comprised of a "size/zoom" mode, and an "alignment" mode. Selecting the "size/zoom" mode as previously described enables the user to gradually increase the font size of the PowerPoint text when the 5-way ball is moved 'up", and to gradually decrease the font size of the PowerPoint text when the 5-way ball is moved "down". Also in the "size/zoom" mode the user can gradually zoom in PowerPoint slides by moving the 5- way ball to the "right", or gradually zoom out the PowerPoint slides by moving the 5-way ball to the "left".
Selecting the "alignment" mode enables the user to align the PowerPoint text to the right, left, center, or justify it by moving the 5-way ball, respectively, to the "right", "left", "up", or "down". In other words, in this PowerPoint application each selected mode of the custom menu will make the computer system translate the movement of the 5-way ball into different inputs or actions.
FIG. 15 illustrates another example for a custom menu that can be used with a flight gaming application. As shown in the figure, this custom menu is comprised of a "plane' mode, a "camera" mode, and a "zoom" mode. Selecting the "plane" mode enables the user to rotate the plane, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about its y-axis on the computer display when the 5-way ball is, respectively, moved to the "right" or to the "left". Also in the "plane" mode the user can rotate the plane, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about its x-axis on the computer display when the 5-way ball is, respectively, moved "up" or "down".
Selecting the "camera" mode enables the user to rotate the virtual camera horizontally, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by moving the 5- way ball, respectively, to the "right" or to the "left". Also in the "camera" mode the user can rotate the virtual camera vertically, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by moving the 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down".
Selecting the "zoom" mode enables the user to "zoom in" or "zoom out" by moving the 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down". In other words, in this flight gaming application each selected mode of the custom menu will make the computer system translate the movement of the 5-way ball into different inputs or actions.
Generally, the custom menu can be customized by the user according to his/her needs or preference, and the applications that s/he uses. For example, the three applications of Microsoft PowerPoint, Autodesk flight game, and Internet explorer require having three separate custom menus. When the user opens any of these three applications on the computer display and presses down on the 5-wy ball the custom menu of the opened or active application appears on the computer display.
The user can delete a mode or add a mode to the custom menu, in addition to, s/he can change the name of the modes according to his/her preference. As mentioned previously, the custom menu automatically changes according to the active or opened application on the computer display, and also changes according to the user's screen name if there are more than one user for the same computer, or according to the time of the day, the date of the year, or the like if the user needs so.
FIG. 16 illustrates the template that the user fills out to program the custom menu. As shown in this figure the template includes the mode number and name, where the mode name is the name that appears in the custom menu on the computer display when the user presses down on the 5-way ball. The template also includes the mode action which represents the input that automatically provided to the computer system when selecting a mode from the custom menu as will be described Subsequently.
FIG. 17 illustrates the template after filling it out by the user to create the custom menu of the flight gaming application of FIG. 15. As shown in this figure, there are a "plane" mode, a "camera" mode, and a "zoom" mode where there is no actions for these three modes as indicated in the template by the symbol "N/A", since once the game is opened on the computer display the keystrokes of the computer keyboard interact directly with the game. In the "plane" mode the "right", "left", "up", and "down" movement of the 5 -way ball are, respectively, assigned or mapped to the right arrow, left arrow, up arrow, and down arrow of the computer keyboard. In the "camera" mode the "right", "left", "up", and "down" movement of the 5 -way ball are, respectively, assigned or mapped simultaneously to the "Control button" and the right arrow, left arrow, up arrow, or down arrow of the computer keyboard.
In the "zoom" mode the "up" and "down" movement of the 5 -way ball are, respectively, assigned or mapped simultaneously to the "Shift" button and the up arrow, or the down arrow of the computer keyboard. However, it is assumed that in this gaming application, pressing on the four arrow buttons of the computer keyboard rotates the plane, while pressing on the "Control" button with one of the four arrow buttons of the computer keyboard rotates the virtual camera, and pressing on the "Shift" button with the up arrow key or the down arrow key of the computer keyboard enables the user to "zoom in" or "zoom out". In this gaming application the keystrokes of the computer keyboard are assumed to interact directly with the game when it is opened on the computer display. However, in some other cases, the application may not interact directly with the keystrokes of the computer keyboard until the user provides the template with an "action" such as a keyboard shortcut for each mode of the custom menu.
For example, FIG. 18 illustrates the template of the "alignment" mode of the custom menu of FIG. 14. As show in this figure, when the user selects the alignment mode an action or an automated input is provided to the computer system representing the shortcut "Alt" plus "O", then "A". Where as known in Microsoft PowerPoint, pressing simultaneously on the "Alt" button and the "O" button of the computer keyboard opens the "Format" menu, then pressing on the "A" button of the computer keyboard while the "Format" menu is opened activates the alignment option. At this moment, as shown in the figure, moving the 5- way ball to the "right", "left", "up", or "down" will, respectively, provide the computer system with the keystrokes "R", "L', "C", and "J" that represent the shortcuts for the right, left, center, and justify alignment according to Microsoft PowerPoint.
It is important to note that most modern software provide the user with a variety of keyboard shortcuts, or give the user a tool to customize his/her unique keyboard shortcuts, where this function is utilized to map the 5 -way ball movements to the computer keyboard.
However, there are many advantages of using the custom menu and the 5 -way ball of the present invention. For example mapping the keyboard to the movement of the 5-way ball is a unique function that replaces the user's need to simultaneously press on two buttons of the computer keyboard to provide keyboard shortcuts as usually done in many software applications.
Also the manner of operating the present invention enables moving the 5-way ball while moving the present mouse on surfaces which is a great tool for various gaming applications to replace the need of moving the traditional computer mouse on surface to rotate the virtual camera while simultaneously pressing on one of the four arrow buttons of the computer keyboard to move a virtual character on the computer display. Generally, the 5-way ball can be moved in four different directions to provide four different inputs for each mode of the custom menu. To increase the number of inputs for each mode the user can press down on the 5-way ball while it is moved to provide four additional inputs than the original four inputs or movements of the 5-way ball without pressing down on it.
Another option to increase the input alternatives of each mode of the custom menu is to use a 9-way ball instead of using the 5-way ball, where the 9-way ball can be moved in eight different directions with an angle equals to 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, or 315 relative to its default center or position, in addition to, the 9-way ball can be pressed down by the user's finger. One more option is to incorporate one or more pushbuttons on the top or side of the mouse to be pressed by the user's finger during the movement of the 5-way ball to increase the input alternative of said movement, It is also possible to use more than one 5-way ball to interact with complex applications. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse using two 5-way balls. The first 5-way ball 110 is incorporated onto the top of the mouse to be operated by the index finger and moved to the "right", "left", "up", or "down". The second 5-way ball is incorporated onto the left side of the mouse to be operated by the thumb finger and moved "forward", "backward", "up", or "down". Using two 5-way balls enables the user to move or rotate objects in 3D on the computer system in an intuitive manner.
For example to move an object along the positive or negative x- axis on the computer display, the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, to the "right" or "left". To move an object along the positive or negative y-axis on the computer display, the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down", or moves the second 5- way ball, respectively, "forward" or "backward". To move an object along the positive or negative z-axis on the computer display, the user moves the second 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down".
To rotate an object, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about the x- axis on the computer display the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down" while pressing down on it. To rotate an object, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about the y-axis on the computer the user moves the first 5-way ball, respectively, to the "right" or "left" while pressing down on it, or moves the second 5-way ball, respectively, "up" or "down" while pressing on it. To rotate an object, clockwise or counter-clockwise, about the z-axis on the computer display the user moves the second 5-way ball, respectively, "forward" or "backward" while pressing down on it.
It is important to note that this manner of operating the present invention to move/rotate objects in 3D on the computer display matches the human nature in sensing the three-dimensional directions which leads to spending a minimal time to get used to mastering the use of the present invention.
FIG. 20 illustrates the present invention of the computer input device or mouse using three 5-way balls. The first 5-way ball is incorporated onto the top of the mouse to be operated by the index finger and moved to the "right", "left", "up", or "down". The second 5-way ball is incorporated onto the top of the mouse to be operated by the thumb finger and moved to the "right", "left", "up", or "down". The third 5-way ball is incorporated onto the left side of the mouse near the second 5-way ball to be operated by the thumb finger and moved "forward", "backward", "up", or "down".
A first partial scroll wheel 280, a second partial scroll wheel 290, and a third partial scroll wheel 300 are respectively attached to the top of the first, second, and third 5-way ball as shown in the figure. The first partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the x-axis, the second partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the y-axis, and the third partial scroll wheel is positioned to be perpendicular to the z-axis.
Using the three 5 -way balls enables the user to move/rotate objects in 3D on the computer display in an intuitive manner. For example, to move an object along the positive or negative x-axis on the computer display the user tilts the first partial scroll wheel, respectively, to the "right" or "left". To move an object along the positive or negative y-axis on the computer display the user tilts the second partial scroll wheel, respectively, "up" or "down". To move an object along the positive or negative z-axis on the computer display the user tilts the third partial scroll wheel, respectively, "up" or "down".
To rotate an object, clockwise or counter clock- wise, about the x- axis on the computer display the user rotates the first partial scroll wheel, respectively, "up" or "down". To rotate an object, clockwise or counter clock-wise, about the y-axis on the computer display the user rotates the second partial scroll wheel, respectively, to the "right" or "left". To rotate an object, clockwise or counter clock- wise, about the z-axis on the computer display the user rotates the third partial scroll wheel, respectively, "forward" or "backward".
Generally, using more than one 5-way ball enables the user to provide six degrees-of- freedom to the computer system to move/rotate objects in three dimensions on the computer display in an intuitive manner, serving various engineering, industrial, and gaming applications.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention:
The components of the present invention are simple and straightforward and can utilize a number of existing technologies to easily and inexpensively achieve the disclosed design.
For example, the 5-way ball can be a miniature joystick that has two axes and a pushbutton. Each axis, up/down and left/right, has a potentiometer with a center value of approximately 500, when the user moves the joystick from its center position the value will increase or decrease depending on the movement relative to this center position. Pressing down on the 5-way ball or the miniature joystick will make a momentary contact to a pushbutton.
Moving the 5-way ball provides an input to the computer system representing the direction of the movement, and the rotational angle of the miniature joystick. The value of the rotation angle can be utilized to represent the speed of moving or rotating objects on the computer display, for example, a small rotational angle represents a slow speed, and a greater rotational angle represents a faster speed.
As long as the 5-way ball is moved and positioned at a specific point or a rotational angle it keeps generating the same signal for a period of time where the computer system keeps the object moving or rotating on the computer display for the same period of time. When the user's finger is released the 5-way ball returns to its default position and the generated signal stops to stop moving or rotating the object on the computer display.
Using the miniature joystick gives a great flexibility for the design of the present mouse, for example, FIG. 21 illustrates the chassis of the present mouse 150 including a first cross-slot 310, which is a hole, on the top of the chassis, and a second cross-slot 320, which is a hole, on the left side of the chassis. The first and second cross-slot enable attaching one or more half scroll wheel to the top of the joysticks that are positioned inside the chassis. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 330 to the top of the mouse to be perpendicular to the x-axis. FIG. 23 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 340 to the top of the mouse to be perpendicular to the y-axis. FIG. 24 illustrates attaching a half 350 scroll wheel to the left side of the mouse to be perpendicular to the z- axis. FIG. 25 illustrates attaching a half scroll wheel 360 to the side of the mouse to be perpendicular to the y-axis.
In such cases, the top of the joystick will include a hole that enables the half of the scroll wheel to be partially inserted in it to be firmly attached. However, the half of the scroll wheel can take different sizes according to the user's needs or preference without any change to the design of the mouse or the miniature joystick. It is also possible to use a button, a ball, or the like to be attached to the top of the joystick instead of the half of the scroll wheel. However, this concept of attaching the half of the scroll wheel, the buttons, the balls, or the like gives a great flexibility to the users and the manufacture of the present invention.
It is also possible to use a capacitive sensor similar to the touchpad of the laptop instead of using the 5-way ball or joystick. In this case the capacitive sensor will detect the movement of the user's finger when it is moved to the "right", "left", "up", and "down", in addition to, it will detect the pressing of the user's finger on it to provide an input to the computer system similar to the input of pressing down on the 5-way ball. Using a capacitive sensor that can detect the value of the applied force of the finger during its movement can help translating the value of this force to represent the speed of moving or rotating objects on the computer display. It is also possible to use a tilt scroll wheel instead of the 5-way ball, where said tilt scroll wheel can be rotated in two directions, and tilted in other two directions, in addition to, it can be pressed down. The tilt scroll wheel is suitable for the three dimensional applications where rotating the tilt scroll wheel gives the user a tactile feedback for rotating objects in 3D on the computer display.
A 5-way button can also used instead of the 5-way ball, where the 5-way button can utilize an analog sensor or a digital sensor to detect the direction of moving the user's finger to the "right", "left", "up", or "down". The 5-way button can utilize a force sensor to detect the applied force of the finger during its touch to the 5-way button to control the speed of moving/rotating objects on the computer display as previously described.
Generally, the movement of the 5-way ball can be replaced by a finger movement on a touchpad or a touch-screen, or a movement on a digital template. Assigning five buttons of the computer keyboard such as the W, A, S, D, and X buttons can also replace the movement of the 5- way ball. In such cases the custom menu will function as described previously without using the present computer input device or mouse. The custom menu can be customized by the user using the previous described template. It is also possible that the development company of the software application provides the user with the possibility of directly selecting the main menu, the main menu item, the sub-item, the sub-sub-item, or the like of the graphics user interface to be automatically included in the custom menu. This can be done by in many ways such as double clicking on the right mouse button while the computer cursor is positioned on the aforementioned selection of the graphical user interface.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
FIG. 1 : is the present invention of the computer input device comprised of a 5-way ball incorporated onto the top of a computer mouse. FIGS. 2 to 6 : are, respectively, moving the 5-way ball to the
"right", "left", "up", and "down", and pressing down on it.
FIG. 7: is an example for a custom menu including six modes classified into three groups separated form each other by lines. FIGS. 8 to 13: are, respectively, selecting the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and six mode of the custom menu.
FIG. 14 :is an example for a custom menu for Microsoft PowerPoint including two modes.
FIG. 15 :is an example for a custom menu for a flight gaming application including three modes.
FIG. 16:is the template of the custom menu before filling it out by the user according to his/her needs or preference.
FIG. 17: is the template of the custom menu after filling it out to enable the user to move a plane or a virtual camera of a game on the computer display.
FIG. 18: is the template of the custom menu after filling it out to enable the user to align a text in Microsoft PowerPoint.
FIG. 19: is the present invention of the computer input device utilizing two 5 -way balls to provide six degrees-of- freedom to the computer system.
FIG. 20 :is the present invention of the computer input device utilizing three 5 -way balls to provide six degrees-of-freedom to the computer system.
FIG. 21: is the present invention of the computer input device with a cross-slot on the top and left side of the mouse.
FIG. 22 :is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the top of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the x-axis.
FIG. 23: is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the top of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the y-axis.
FIG. 24 :is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the left side of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the z-axis.
FIG. 25: is attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the left side of the present computer input device to be perpendicular to the y-axis.

Claims

Claims
1. A computer input system that enables the user to interact with two and/or three-dimensional computer applications in a simpler manner wherein said computer input system is comprised of; a) a computer input device comprised of a 5-way ball incorporated onto the top of a computer mouse whereas said 5-way ball can be moved to the "right", "left", "up", and "down", and pressed down by the user's finger to provide an input to the computer system representing the direction of its movement, and the distance of said movement relative to its default center or position. b) a custom menu that appears on the computer display when the user presses down on said 5-way ball whereas said custom menu presents a plurality of alternatives or modes that the user can select one of them to map the movement of said 5-way ball to the computer keyboard in a specific fashion.
2. A method that enables the user to customize a unique menu for a graphical user interface wherein said unique menu presents a plurality of alternatives or modes that enable the user to select one of them whereas each one of said plurality of modes provides an input to the computer system representing mapping an input of a computer input device to specific actions such as. keystrokes, keyboard shortcuts, macros, or the like.
3. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said computer input device is comprised of a first 5-way ball incorporated onto the top of said computer mouse, and a second 5-way ball incorporated onto the side of said computer mouse.
4. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said computer input device is comprised of a first 5-way ball incorporated onto the top of said computer mouse, a second 5-way ball incorporated onto the top of said computer mouse, and a third 5-way ball incorporated onto the side of said computer mouse.
5. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said 5-way ball is a 9-way ball that can be moved in eight different directions, in addition to, it can be pressed down.
6. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said 5 -way ball is a joystick that can be moved along two axes, up/down and left/right, or
5 pressed down, whereas said joystick utilizes a potentiometer with a center value to measure the rotational angle of said joystick when it is moved along one of said two axes.
7. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said 5-way ball is a0 capacitive sensor that detects the movement direction of the user's finger on its surface, and the distance of said movement.
8. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said 5-way ball is a tilt scroll wheel that can be rotated in two directions, or tilted in other two5 directions, in addition to, it can be pressed down.
9. The computer input system of claim 1 wherein said 5-way ball is a 5-way button that can be pressed down along two axes, up/down and left/right, or pressed down. 0
10. The computer input system of claim 1 further said computer input device is comprised of one or more pushbuttons incorporated onto the top or side of said computer mouse to be pressed by the user's finger during moving said 5-way ball. 5
11. The method of claim 2 wherein said unique menu is customized by allowing the user to automatically select said modes by double-clicking on the right button of said computer mouse while the computer cursor is positioned on a main menu, a main menu item, a sub-item, or a sub-sub0 item, or the like of said graphical user interface.
12. The method of claim 2 wherein said modes of said unique menu automatically change according to the opened or active application on the computer display. 5
13. The method of claim 2 wherein the user can add a mode or more of said modes, delete a mode or more of said modes, or change the names of said modes. 0
14. The custom menu of claim 2 wherein said computer input device is a touchpad.
15. The custom menu of claim 2 wherein said computer input device is a touch-screen.
16. The custom menu of claim 2 wherein said computer input device is a digital template.
17. The custom menu of claim 2 wherein said computer input device is keyboard buttons.
18. The computer input device of claim 3 wherein said computer input device provides six degrees-of-freedom to the computer system using a method comprising the steps of; a) moving said first 5-way ball to the "right", "left", "up", or "down" to provide an input, respectively, representing a movement along the positive x-axis, the negative x-axis, the positive y-axis, or the negative y-axis. b) moving said second 5-way ball "forward", "backward", "up", or "down" to provide an input, respectively, representing a movement along the positive y-axis, the negative y-axis, the positive z-axis, or the negative z-axis. c) moving said first 5-way ball to the "right", "left", "up", or
"down" while pressing down on it to provide an input, respectively, representing a clockwise rotation about the y-axis, a counter-clockwise rotation about the y-axis, a clockwise rotation about the x-axis, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the x-axis. d) moving said second 5-way ball "forward", "backward", "up", or
"down" while pressing down on it to provide an input, respectively, representing a clockwise rotation about the z-axis, a counter-clockwise rotation about the z-axis, a clockwise rotation about the y-axis, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the y-axis.
19. The computer input device of claim 4 wherein a first partial scroll wheel perpendicular to the x-axis is attached to the top of said first 5-way ball, a second partial scroll wheel perpendicular to the y-axis is attached to the top of said second 5-way ball, and a third partial scroll wheel perpendicular to the z-axis is attached to the top of said third 5-way ball.
20. The computer input device of claim 6 wherein said computer mouse has a first cross-slot, which means a hole, on its top, and a second cross-slot, which is a hole, on its side whereas each one of said first cross-slot and said second cross-slot enables attaching a half of a scroll wheel to the top of said joystick to be positioned in different directions perpendicular to the x, y, or z-axis
21. The computer input system of claim 7 wherein said capacitive sensor detects the applied force of the user's finger during it movement on its surface to provide an input to the computer system representing the speed of moving or rotating objects on the computer display
22. The computer input device of claim 19 wherein said computer input device provides six degrees-of- freedom to the computer system using a method comprising the steps of; a) titling said first partial scroll wheel to the "right" or "left" to provide an input, respectively, representing a movement along the positive x-axis or the negative x-axis. b) tilting said second partial scroll wheel "forward" or "backward" to provide an input, respectively, representing a movement along the positive y-axis or the negative y-axis. c) tilting said third partial scroll wheel "up" or "down" to provide an input, respectively, representing a movement a long the positive z-axis or the negative z-axis. d) rotating said first partial scroll wheel clockwise or counterclockwise about the x-axis to provide an input, respectively, representing a clockwise rotation about the x-axis, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the x-axis. e) rotating said second partial scroll wheel clockwise or counter- clockwise about the y-axis to provide an input, respectively, representing a clockwise rotation about the y-axis, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the y-axis. e) rotating said third partial scroll wheel clockwise or counterclockwise about the z-axis to provide an input, respectively, representing a clockwise rotation about the z-axis, or a counter-clockwise rotation about the z-axis.
23. The computer input device of claim 20 wherein said j oystick has a hole on its top side to enable attaching said half of a scroll wheel to it.
24. The computer input device of claim 20 wherein said half of a scroll wheel is a button, or the like.
25. The computer input device of claim 20 wherein said half of a scroll wheel is a ball which means a sphere, or the like
PCT/EG2009/000010 2009-03-17 2009-03-17 Computer input system, method, and device WO2010105631A2 (en)

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Citations (5)

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US20060090022A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-04-27 Intergraph Hardware Technologies Company Input device for controlling movement in a three-dimensional virtual environment
CN2891075Y (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-04-18 惠州市正牌科电有限公司 Four-axle center wheel module of mouse
WO2007122549A2 (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-11-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Detection circuit for detecting movements of a movable object
CN101131614A (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-02-27 北京三星通信技术研究有限公司 Trackball mouse and its operating method and portable terminal with the same

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29918800U1 (en) * 1999-10-26 2000-04-20 Gribov Iourii Multifunctional mouse for a computer
US20060090022A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-04-27 Intergraph Hardware Technologies Company Input device for controlling movement in a three-dimensional virtual environment
CN2891075Y (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-04-18 惠州市正牌科电有限公司 Four-axle center wheel module of mouse
WO2007122549A2 (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-11-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Detection circuit for detecting movements of a movable object
CN101131614A (en) * 2006-08-25 2008-02-27 北京三星通信技术研究有限公司 Trackball mouse and its operating method and portable terminal with the same

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