WO2010114385A1

WO2010114385A1 - Foot operated control apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010114385A1
Application number: PCT/NO2010/000117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Wiese
Original assignee: Trementor Jan Wiese
Priority date: 2009-04-01
Filing date: 2010-03-29
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: NO20091350L; NO329473B1

Abstract

A foot operated controller for controlling an electronic or electrical device. The controller comprises a base panel having thereon a top panel separated from the base panel by a space. The top panel has a foot shaped recess with a foot shaped periphery. A plurality of motion registration sensors are arranged in said space on said foot shaped periphery, and are attached to at least one of said base panel and top panel.

Description

FOOT OPERATED CONTROL APPARATUS THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention relates to a foot operated control apparatus for a user interface for a computer or other electrical or electronic device, such as game a console, a midi player, a surgical instrument, equipment for disabled, and the like, and which comprises sensors connected programmatically or by way of electronic circuits to the device to be controlled. Advantageously, it comprises a plurality of switches or sensor elements that are adapted to register combinations of functionally independent, advantageously single and multiple vertical and/or horizontal movements of a foot.

KNOWN SOLUTIONS.

Pedal controlled switches and user interfaces connectable to a computer, are commonly available. However, a number of these require vertical movements of the foot for their operation, and are constructed to be used with one foot or with both feet simultaneously. An exception is the WIWI balance board.

The pedal apparatus disclosed in German publication DE 4336153 comprises a base panel placed on the floor, which is provided with a second panel movable horizontally along a guide rail provided in the base panel. The second panel is further provided with a vertically oriented guide rail, along which a pedal is moving. A cursor operation is accomplished by manipulating the pedal by a combination of lateral and vertical movements of one foot resting on the pedal.

Various types of foot operated, pedal devices are described in the International patent application WO 97/35277, and in the European patent publication EP 0480709.

Us publication 5334997 discloses a controller to be operated by two feet, comprising a control ball under both feet, which may be operated by the sole of the foot. Each foot is further provide with lateral controllable switches by the side of the foot and with forward switches controllable by the toes.

PROBLEMS WITH THE KNOWN SOLUTIONS

The known solutions disclosed in publications US5334997 and DE 4336153, include switches that are activated horizontally and operated while having one foot on the device, and have the disadvantages that a): the number of switches that are simultaneously operable with one foot is typically limited to two, and b): a large part of body weight of an operator - typically more than approximately thirty percent - must be taken off the foot to allow the operator to be able to interact with the sensors.

The influence of these disadvantages varies according to a standing or seated position of the operator, or according to the amount of physical support provided for supporting the body weight of the operator.

BACKGROUND

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a user interface which is ergonomical, structurally simple, operatively reliable and portable. It is functionally versatile and will allow the individual user to map how switches will produce alternative combinations of registrations. The apparatus of the invention can be used for supplementing or replacing currently available foot control devices.

It is an object of an apparatus of the invention to improve the ergonomy and maneuverability when combining the use of hands and feet in controlling a computer or similar equipment. Combination of independent movements by the feet can be coded by software in order to multiply the total number of registrations and thus parameters to be controlled. An operator be standing upright and freely without physical body- support. In this situation only one foot can be moved vertically at a time, leaving the possibility of only a very limited number of simultaneous registrations. Registrations typically requires a sequence of several smaller movements. Initially in this sequence the weight of the operators body will have to be shifted to one foot, the other foot has to be lifted, then moved horizontally to the position of the sensor and finally pushed downwards on to the sensor. Since the foot normally also will be moved back to the initial position and a shifting of body weight normally would follow, the total number of possible smaller movements in this scale reaches eight. The total sum of energy and time needed to produce one registration is equally large. This way of making pedal registrations is in other words not very economical in terms of effort and energy. The shifting of body weight in order to be able to lift one foot represents a problem in that it affects the ability to work precisely with upper body, arms, hands and fingers. The work of surgeons, instrumentalists, future game players and others, requires an optimal stability of the body. Vertically oriented pedal control interfaces do not meet a general stability requirement of operators who need to work in a free and stable upright standing position and at the same time make several simultaneous registrations.

An improvement of stability of the body for an operator can be obtained by leaning on a chair or high stool, while in a half standing, half sitting position. This position will in many circumstances improve economy of movements and precision of upper body activities, but not always. Musicians and surgeons will normally need a larger overall maneuverability than this fixed but supported position will allow. The half standing, half sitting position does normally produce disadvantages like fatigue and muscular stress in legs and ankle.

For a fully seated operator the disadvantages that are mentioned here, may not apply to the same extent as for a standing person. However, repetition of vertical movements can be strainful for feet and legs and sometimes produce pain in the heal. When using a pedal in a sitting position the legs will normally be stretched forward. The upper body will lean forward in order to obtain balance and stability, which can produce muscular stress and tensions in the upper and lower back, shoulders and arms.

Vertical pedal movements are used without problems in some situations, for example when driving or operating other kinds of heavy machinery. Compared to surgery, musical performance, or some computer games, the precision of pedal movements need not be very high in these situations. One can also argue that the complexity of registrations needed to operate cars or heavy machinery are inferior to those needed in the working areas mention above.

The apparatus of the invention is an improvement in most of the aspects mentioned above. The number of simultaneous registrations is larger than other pedal devices, the muscular strain is lower than for vertically operated pedals and the physical balance and body stability of the operator is improved.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a user interface which is structurally simple, operatively reliable and portable. It is functionally versatile and will allow the individual user to map how the sensors will produce alternative combinations of registrations. The apparatus of the invention can be used for supplementing or replacing currently available devices.

It is an object of the invention to increase the number of registrations that may be made simultaneously, and to overcome such capability limitations of other devices.

It is an object of the invention to increase the operable efficiency, by reducing the duration and muscular effort of registrations made by the foot.

Vertical push button switches, which are the most commonly used in known foot control devices, requires the operator to move the whole foot or part of the foot - - referred to herein as the body part - in two continuous movements following curved paths- referred to as curve 10 and curve 20, respectively. Curve 10 consist of following movement elements: lift the body part - referred to herein as movement 1 1, move the body part sideways or forward to a position well over the switch - referred to herein as movement 12, press the switch downwards - referred to herein as movement 13, lift the body part upwards - referred to herein as movement 21, move the body part sideways back to a position over the starting point — referred to herein as movement 22, and lower the body part on to the starting point — referred to herein as movement 23.

Well known solutions of foot control devices are designed with switches that require movements that correspond to movements identified as movements 11 , 12,13, 21, 22, and 23.

Given that the spatial sensory nervous system of the human foot does not comply with a degree of the necessary horizontal precision for operating these devices, of less than lo-15 mm (ref?) - the total lengths of curves 10 and 20 will consist of a set of vertical components numbered as indicated above and having respective minimum lengths as follows: movement component l l>10mm, movement component 12>15mm, movement component 13>5mm, movement component 21> 15mm, movement component 22>15mm, and movement component 23>10 , added to a total >65 mm for one registration^*). Furthermore, given an equal speed for vertical and horizontal movements of the body part, the time to do a registration with sensors that are operated horizontally will be reduced. Lengths of movements 11 and 12 can be shorter, and movements 12 and 22 eliminated. The registration can therefore be done more rapidly.

Moving a body part over a longer distance requires more energy than moving the body part over a shorter distance. Changing the moving direction of a body part, takes energy and involves muscular tension. Use of push button switches requires, therefore, more muscular effort than horizontal switches. With vertical switches, the foot will travel minimum sixty-five millimetres and change of moving direction six times: up, sideways, down, up, sideways and down. With devices for horizontal registrations, a shorter distance is needed, and two of the directional changes from movements 12 to 13 are eliminated, thus reducing muscular efforts. When compared to known solutions for foot control devices, the present invention will require less total distance of movement per registration. The horizontal movements (compare movements 13 and 23) will be less since the side of the foot is the part that is affecting the switch. In addition, two of the vertical movements that were previously required, are not necessary (compare movements 13 and 21), and the other two movements (compare movements 13 and 23) can be reduced to only 3-5 mm, giving a total minimum of obligatory travelling distance of about 40 mm. Since the travelling distance corrolates with time, obviously this way of doing registrations is faster and takes less effort to operate than what is required by the known devices referred to above.

It is an object of the invention to reduce muscular efforts and improve operable efficiency further, by making it possible to maintain the basic position of the feet while using the apparatus.

Many of the known controllers operable by foot require one foot to be moved vertically and horizontally over a distance much longer than the minimum indications mentioned herein. The known devices disclosed in US5334997 and DE 4336153, will, for example, be very difficult to operate without the operator having at all times one foot positioned on the floor or on a separate fully stable base, and while the other foot being moved to the device. Nearly half of the total transferred body weight must be shifted over to the stable foot in order to free the other foot so that it can be lifted up moved to the surface of the controller. In addition to the long movements and durations, the weight transferral will demand an extra muscular effort from the operator.

It is an object of the invention to be operated when standing freely without body support, for example a chair or stool.

Good stability of the body for an operator of a foot operated controller can be obtained by leaning on a high chair or stool, the operator being in a sitting position, or in a half standing, half sitting position. These positions will in many circumstances improve efficiency of movements and precision of upper body activities, but not always. Musicians and surgeons will normally need a larger body maneuverability than this supported position will allow. In addition, the half standing, half sitting position does normally produce disadvantages like fatigue and muscular stress in legs and ankle of the operator. For a fully seated operator, the disadvantages that are mentioned here may not apply to the same extent as for a standing person. However, repetition of vertical movements can be strainful for feet and legs and sometimes produce pain in the heel. When using a pedal in a sitting position the legs will normally be stretched forward. The upper body will lean forward in order to obtain balance and stability, which can produce muscular stress and tensions in the upper and lower back, and in shoulders and arms.

It is an object of the invention to obtain a good overall body balance, thus increasing the potential working precision over time in other body parts when simultaneously or sequentially making registrations

As described above, it is necessary for the operator to make a transferral of body weight in order to make registrations in a foot control device with vertically operated switches. The operator will have to shift the weight of the body, laterally and away from the active foot. The amount of bodyweight that has to be shifted to make a registration corrolates with the vertical and horizontal distance of foot- movement. More body weight will have to be shifted when long and extensive movements are necessary.

The bodyweight can be shifted a) totally, b) partially much, or c) partially little. In the case of "a) totally shifted", only foot is carrying the total bodyweight, thus making it possible for the other foot to be lifted up from the floor. (Corresponds to movement 10.) Switches can then be operated by using the free-moving foot. (Corresponds to movement 20.) In the case of "b) partially much shifted", little remaining weight of the body will lean on the active foot. This active foot will on all known solutions rest the remaining weight on the heel. By lifting the front of the sole of the foot and rotating it laterally inwards or outwards with the heel position unchanged, the sole of the front part of the foot can press down a pushbutton which is positioned laterally to the original position of the foot. The amount of bodyweight that have to be shifted to make a registration corrolates with the vertical and horizontal distance of foot movement. More body weight will have to be shifted when long and extensive movements are necessary. It is therefore an object of the invention to avoid transferral of body weight. An operator who is standing on one foot, will not be able to maintain an stable upright position for more than approximately sixty seconds. Sixty seconds is the estimated time that a person can 1): balance the total body weight on one foot without touching the floor with the other foot, or 2): operate the device while maintaining a partial shift of more than 50% of the total body balance. The registrations with the known devices apparently require a total or more than 50% partial shift of body balance .

It is well known that when standing, the shifting of body weight affects the stability of the upper body. A reduced stability of the upper body will affect the operative precision in arms and hands. To surgeons, musical instrumentalists and future game players this is a problem.

It is an object of the apparatus of the invention to avoid longer movements of the foot, preferably less than 20mm in one direction.

It is an object of the invention to reduce visually detectable movements of the body.

With an improved stability of the body and shorter movements of the feet of the operator, there will be less bodily movements for spectators to observe. The advantage being particularly evident in performances of electronic music or other types of theatrical shows, or for future "one-man film" crew or in surgery.

It is an object of the invention to attach the switches, such as illustrated by examples in the accompanying figures 1,2, and3, details that may be identified by reference numerals 110,120,130,140,150 and 110\120\130\140\150\ such as illustrated by the lever arms in figures 1,2, and 3, details that may be identified by reference numerals 410,420,430,440,450 and 410\420\430\440\450\ and as illustrated by the top panel of figure 1, detail identified by reference numeral 600, in such a way that they can be adjusted horizontally and vertically according to different sizes of operators feet.

It is an object of the invention to give tactile sensory information to the operator in order for the operator to navigate the feet without looking at the device. The lowered oval sections, as illustrated in figures 1,2,3, and 4, details identified by reference numerals 200, 200^Λ in the base panel have this function.

It is an object of the invention to comply with a shoe which is specifically designed to be used with the apparatus. The shoe will advantageously have one sole of synthetic material, which is removable and protective for the inner sole and sides of the shoe. The inner sole and vertical sides will be made of thin and flexible leather. This design will give improved tactile sensitivity on to the sole of the foot, thus to the foot in its contact with the base panel, and with switches.

General description of the invention.

The present invention provides a foot operated controller for controlling an electronic or electrical device, characterized by the features recited in the accompanying independent patent claim 1.

Further advantageous features of the foot operated controller of the present invention are recited in the accompanying dependent patent claims 2 - 14.

The invention comprises a at least base panel, preferably designed to be placed horizontally on the floor, equipped with switches or with sensors providing the switch functions. Switches or sensors are fixed, advantageously on the base panel, or alternatively to the top panel, or in a combination a mixture of the aforementioned ways of fixing a switch device in the apparatus of the invention, in a position relative to a defined foot rest area, and in such a way that an operator is allowed to interact with and operate each of the switches or sensors singularly, or in pairs, or in other combinations, by foot movements that are substantially horizontally forward, substantially horizontally backwards or substantially horizontally sideways on the panel, relative to the foot rest area and, hence, relative to the switches or sensors of the foot control apparatus of the invention. In a controller device connected to the foot control apparatus of the invention, these actions will produce registrations and consequently (that by electronic connections and a/d conversion will) be used to control equipment such as surgical instruments, instruments for disabled, cameras, home entertainment and software of various kinds.

Detailed description of the invention.

In the following, the invention will be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying wherein

fig 1. is a schematic top view illustration of a first embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention, the figure 1 also including two sectional views of sections taken in planes indicated by broken lines and marked A- A and B-B, respectively, the first embodiment exhibiting a base panel with switches and lowered oval for identification of feet position when not making registrations;

fig 2. is a schematic top view illustration of a second embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention, the figure 1 also including two sectional views of sections taken in planes indicated by broken lines and marked A- A and B-B, respectively, the second embodiment exhibiting a base panel with switches and lowered oval for identification of foot rest area for feet positioning when not making registrations, and in addition flexible or pivotal levers or listings around each foot rest area;

fig 3. is an artists impression top view illustration of the second embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 2, having a top panel with openings, for protecting switches and levers and to improve the overall appearance of the apparatus, the figure 3 also including two sectional views of sections taken in planes indicated by broken lines and marked A-A and B-B, respectively;

fig 4. is an artists impression top view illustration of a third embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 3, push buttons and pedals attached to the top panel, the figure 4 also including two sectional views of sections taken in planes indicated by broken lines and marked A-A and B-B, respectively,

fig 5. is an artists impression perspective view illustration of the second embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 2, and fig 6. is an artists impression perspective view illustration of the third embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 4,

fig 7 is an artists impression top view illustration of a forth embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 3, with optical sensors attached to the top panel, the figure 4 also including two sectional views of sections taken in planes indicated by broken lines and marked E-E and F-F, respectively,

fig 8. is an artists impression perspective view illustration of the fourth embodiment of a foot operated control apparatus illustrated in figure 7,

fig 9. is a photographic top view illustration of a variant of the first embodiment having the top plate removed to show the interior of a foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention,

fig 10. is a first photographic perspective view illustration of the variant of the first embodiment having the top plate removed to show the interior of the foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention shown in figure 9, and

fig 11. is a second photographic perspective view illustration of the variant of the first embodiment having the top plate removed to show the interior of the foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention shown in figure 9.

As shown in figure 1, of a foot operated control apparatus according to the invention which is adapted for use by both feet of a human operator, includes a base panel 300, to which a given number of switches or sensors 110, 120, 130,140,150,160, 110', 120', 130',140',150'and 160', are attached in a given figuration. The switches are electronically connected 111, 121,131,141,151,161, 111 ', 121 ', 131 ', 141 ', 151', 161 ', to an output unit 001 , that distributes the registrations to a machine or another type of programmable unit like a computer. The base panel have two, advantageously lowered or recessed oval or rectangular sections 200, 200', referred to as the foot rest areas.

A further, advantageous embodiment of the invention, illustrated in fig. 2, comprises eight flexible lever arms or horizontal pedals, from here on referred to as lever arms 410.420,430,440, 410',420',430',440', with a defined longitudinal stiffness of with a shape that give a horizontal spring action. The lever arms have attachments 411,421,431.441, 411 ',421 ',431 ', 441 ' to the base panel and are positioned around the two lowered sections of the base panel 200, 200' in two oval/rectangular figurations. The lever arms are specifically positioned in order to influence the switches when moved by the operators foot. The lever arms have a spring action back to stable position as shown.

The invention advantageously comprises a top panel 600, as seen in figure 3, that also covers the vertical outer side openings between the two panels. The top panel has two oval or rectangular openings 500, 500', advantageously foot shaped, in a specified figuration and size.

In a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention (not illustrated) the position of the switches and lever arms are adjustable, allowing them to be adjusted to specified positions with attachment devices, to comply with various foot sizes.

In yet a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention (not illustrated) the top panel will be divided in overlapping sections in order to comply with the various positional adjustments of the lever arms and switches.

In a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figure 4, there are a predetermined number of push button switches 910,920, 910',920'attached to the top panel. There are also provisions made for two slots with standard vertical operating pedals 810, 820, each of which is connected to a switch or sensor 800, 800'.

In a further, advantageous embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figure 7, there are a predetermined number of optical sensors switches 950,960, 950', 960' attached to the top panel.

In the foot operated controller of the present invention, the lower face advantageously includes a means, such as an anti-skid surface treatment or surface layer, applied to or integrated with all or a part of the lower face, for keeping the controller in a stable position when positioned on the floor.

In an advantageous embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention, a top panel is arranged on, and separated from the base panel by a space, the top panel having an opening with a periphery shaped and coordinated with the shape of the foot rest area.

In an advantageous embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention which includes a top panel is arranged on, and separated from the base panel by a space, a motion registration sensor arranged in said space, along said periphery and adjacently to the heel part, and attached to at least one of said base panel and top panel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention, the switch or sensor device includes a lever being flexable or pivotable about a point located at a distance away from a free end of the lever, advantageously at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area. It is contemplated that the lever has a freely movable end, levelled approximately with a heel end of the heel part the foot rest area, and an electric switch or sensor arranged to be operated by the lever. That electric switch or sensor should be located at a point along the lever at a noticeable distance away from the freely movable end, advantageously at about one third of the lever length away from the free end. The lever is advantageously shaped to follow at least a part of a contour of the foot rest area.

In an embodiment of the invention which by experiment has shown excellent performance, the flexible or pivotable lever is provided by a section of a semi rigid rubber hose, attached to the base panel at about the point located at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area.

An enhanced embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention includes in a location forward of a toe end of a toe part of the foot rest area, a tilting pedal with an associated switch or sensor device. The tilting pedal is preferably adapted to be operated by a toe end of a foot positioned within said foot rest area.

An further enhanced embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention includes a tilting pedal with an associated electrical switch or sensor device, located adjacently and to a side of said foot rest area, advantageously at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area.

A further advantageous embodiment of the foot operated controller of the present invention comprises left and right ones of said foot rest area, positioned adjacently to each other, and according to a natural stance of a human being resting equal parts of body weight on each of two feet that are positioned to rest on respective ones of the left and right foot rest areas.

When using the above identified embodiment of the invention having left and right ones of said foot rest area, the operator will place the two feet in respective ones of the oval or rectangular shaped openings in the top panel that is resting on the base panel. By moving the feet sideways, forward or backwards, or in combinations of such movements, the operator will affect one or more of the lever arms that in turn affect the switches or sensors. The foot rest areas may be shaped in a vertical direction, to provide a recess that is adapted to the shape of a foot, or the shape of a shoe, thus providing one or more lowered or recessed sections in the base panel, to give the operator non- visual positional guidance for movement of the foot. Thus, at moving the foot sideways , partly out of the oval, rectangular, foot shaped or shoe shaped lowered section in order to touch the lever arm, or a switch or sensor, the operator will feel the difference in height, and in this way obtain positional information about his foot and the distance to the lever arm or the switch.

The operator will also be able to use the sensors that are fixed on the top panel.

The total amount of registrations is achieved by interacting with a plurality of the sensors simultaneously, in various combinations.

The uniqueness of the invention is characterized by a combination of the design of the base-and top panel, the figuration and fixation of the give number of sensors between the two panels, the sections of flexible listings in combination with each sensor, and the electronic connection of each sensor that allow for combinations of registrations. The uniqueness of the invention is characterized by a combination of the design of the base-and top panel, the lowered section in the base panel and fixation of the give number of switches between the two panels, the sections of flexible lever arms in combination with each switches.

The overall height will be possible to regulate.

The lower sections of the base panel, illustrated in figures 1,2, and 3, by details assigned the reference numerals 20(T ,200, are adapted to be adjusted vertically by removing or adding a number of thinner disks onto the base of the sections.

The flexible lever arms and the switches are for this purpose attached to the top panel. The top panel is in turn advantageously attached to the base panel with vertically adjustable screws, while the lever arms are exchangeable to allow them to be exchanged with arms having a larger dimension in height. Additional cushions of a material with given softness, thickness and size can be attached onto the underside of the base panel is provided in the following.

The outer panels are advantageously made of shock resistant material, and the weight will be measured so that the invention is stable in most situations. A controlled friction effect coating of the foot rest areas in the base panel for each of the feet is provided, so as to provide a static friction that is optimal for the movements that are necessary to make registrations.

In an embodiment particularly suitable for use in a surgery, the foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention is made of materials that accept all normal methods of sterile disinfection, such as for example by way of a smooth and watertight coating. It is also contemplated that foot operated control apparatus according to the present invention is made from components that can withstand heating to a temperature which is known to be high enough to obtain an acceptable level of disinfection for use of the foot operated control apparatus of the invention in a surgery.

The invention comprises a panel to be placed horizontally on the floor with sensors. Sensors are fixed on the board in such a way that the operator is allowed to interact with the sensors or switches singularly or in pairs by moving his feet horizontally forward, backwards or sideways on the board. These actions will produce registrations, advantageously also including A/D conversion, and consequently adapted to be used to control equipment such as surgical instruments, instruments for disabled, cameras, home entertainment and software of various kinds.

Advantages and areas of application

The following examples illustrate four typical situations for applications to which the foot operated control of the present invention is adaptable and well suited, namely the invention adapted for and used in surgical applications, the disabled, broadcasting applications and in combination with musicals instruments.

In a large number of contemplated applications of the invention, it will be connected to an a-d converter, a software signal distributor and programming unit with a display. The programming unit will convey the registrations in digital form, further on to operative tools or devices that eventually are controlled by the novel foot operated control apparatus of the present invention.

In surgery the medical devices will be those which the surgeon throughout the surgery or in special shorter and demanding phases, manages directly and without simultaneous assistance of other personnel. Such operative units may be in the form of table automation, handling of display screens and cameras, lamps, pumps, arm and hand supports and various sensory units that may be placed on the patient. Since the surgeon may need a complex foot control only in short intervals, the apparatus will be light and easily removable. To obtain a high precision when doing registrations with the novel foot operated control apparatus of the present invention, a special shoe design to be by surgeons in conjunction with novel foot operated control apparatus of the invention is also contemplated. The particular advantage of the invention for surgery, is the potential of obtaining or providing a greater complexity of registrations and physical stability. Horizontal movements of the feet allows the surgeon to stand in a stable and flexible balance when executing surgery that requires extreme stability of arms and hands.

Disabled persons with malfunctions in hands and arms will use the invention to supplement or substitute hand and finger activites of a complex nature, like controlling a computer, control various kind of robots or drive vehicles. The disabled, when operating the invention in a seated position, will move the legs only from the knee and down. The knees and ankles will be in an 90 degrees angle. The operational effect is that registrations can be made with a high degree of ergonomic economy and little muscular effort, since on part, for example the heel, can rest on the base panel while an other parts, in this case the right or left side of the foot, can move sideways to make one or more registrations. When used by a disabled user, the invention will have devices for attachment to other kinds of equipment like wheelchairs or various kinds of supporting stands. To be used for the disabled the invention may benefit from incorporating a device for wireless connection to the programming unit. To obtain a high precision when doing registrations with the invention, a special shoe design adapted to a shape of the foot rest areas, and advantageously also to the position of sensors and switches, are contemplated , also to enhance operation of the invention for it to be advantageously applied by the disabled.

The overall advantage of the invention for the disabled, is its ability to provide complex registrations with ergonomic ease, and requiring only a minimum of muscular effort.

For use by musicians, as for its use by the disabled, the foot operated control apparatus of the invention may be adapted in a variety of ways by the operators since the application of software in recording and performance is taking many individual forms. Musical software normally have numerous programmable parameters, and supports many varieties of usage and individual adaptations. Musicians and recording personell will therefore program and map the registrations made by use of the foot operated control apparatus of the invention, according to personal needs and artistic preferences when using software. Sitting or standing while performing, the musician or studio technician will have each foot placed in the respective ovals on the base panel to rest the feet on the respective foot rest areas of the foot operated control apparatus. In particular, the ability introduced by the foot operated control apparatus of the present invention to acquire registrations of horizontal foot movements are desirable for instrumentalists who are standing upright when performing with electronics or in combination with a self operated computer, as horizontal foot movements make it easier to maintain a good body balance when standing upright while performing.

The musician may, however, prefer to use the foot operated control apparatus of the present invention in conjunction with typical, well known foot control switches or pedals. They will in some situations for short periods move one foot away from the foot rest area of foot operated control apparatus and away from the oval opening of the upper panel, and over to operate one or more push button switches or angled pedals that are incorporated on the top panel of the foot control apparatus.

Comparable to other musical instruments, the invention can be mastered on various levels of expertise. In combination with musical software the invention will normally have an incorporated unit for wireless connection to a computer.

It is contemplated that programming of a computer for use with the invention will be made via a plug in which is integrated in the actual computer operating with appropriately designed software. The top panel of foot operated control apparatus of the present invention may advantageously incorporate four push buttons or electromagnetic sensors, or one or more angled type expression or volume pedals. The materials and design should be of a heavier, sturdy and shock resistant type.

The overall advantage of the invention in musical applications, is characterized by the complexity of several simultaneous registrations, the potential for individual artistry and expression that performers on different level of expertise will develop, and improved stability of the musicians body.

The invention is also applicable as a controller for home entertainment or computer games. It may be used alone, in combination with a computer keyboard or with other types of controllers or consoles. For use with home entertainment or computer games, the design and materials of the foot operated control apparatus of the invention will be less solid and less heavier than the other descriptions of the invention. The visual design will have the character of equipment for home entertainment.

An overall advantage of the invention for computer games, is characterized by the complexity of several simultaneous registrations that may be made, and the potential for many executional and competitional operational levels. It is an advantage in the perspective of home entertainment that the invention is an alternative or a supplementary unit to other types of control devices. The invention can be applied as a tool in the production of film- and documentaries and news reports for TV or "PODCAST". When connected via a programmable unit to cameras, displays for monitoring, film editing software, to microphones, sound

5 mixers and lamps, the individual journalist or film producer can make film presentations without a supporting crew. The movements required to operate the invention is minimal which is an advantage in these situations. A news reporter can do a visual recording with herself in the picture frame and simultaneously operate different cameras, camera movements, zoom, and sound levels with almost invisible io controller movements.

The design of the invention for this application will have a less visible shape and a solid, shock proof construction with light materials. For its application in news reporting, TV or film production, the foot operated control apparatus of the present invention need not be provided with sensors on the top panel.

I₅

The overall advantage of the invention in film making applications, is characterized by the complexity of several simultaneous registrations, the invisibility of the registrations, the ease of operation in the field and in the studio, and provides potential for individual artistry and expression that performers on different level of 2Q expertise will develop, and, eventually, the potential for a reduction of personnel costs.

Commercially available versions of the foot operated control apparatus of the present invention may be delivered in various sizes, with adjustable positions of 2₅ switches or sensors, or with supplementary switches and pedals on the top panel, or at the toe end or the heel end of the foot rest areas.

The claim comprises the figuration of the sensors on the base panel, the optional adjustment mechanisms for positioning the sensors, the flexible listings in sections 30 for transferring movements of feet to the sensoring units, and the overall combination of parts.

Claims

1.

A foot operated controller for controlling an electronic or electrical device, the foot operated controller 5 c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that it comprises a base panel, the base panel having an upper face with a foot rest area adapted to a shape of a human foot or a shoe for a human foot, and a lower face providing an interface to a floor, and a foot operated electrical switch device arranged on the upper face, adjacently to a io heel part of the foot rest area.

2.

The foot operated controller of claim 1, wherein the lower face includes a means for keeping the controller in a stable position when positioned on the floor.

I₅

3.

The foot operated controller of claim 1 or 2, comprising a top panel arranged on, and separated from the base panel by a space, the top panel having an opening with a periphery shaped and coordinated with the 20 shape of the foot rest area.

4.

The foot operated controller of claim 3, comprising a motion registration sensor arranged in said space, along said periphery and 25 adjacently to the heel part, and attached to at least one of said base panel and top panel.

5.

The foot operated controller of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the switch 30 device includes a lever being flexable or pivotable about a point located at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area.

6.

The foot operated controller of claim 5, wherein the lever has a freely movable end levelled approximately with a heel end of the heel part the foot rest area, and an electric switch arranged to be operated by the lever.

5

7.

The foot operated controller of claim 6, wherein the electric switch is located at a point along the lever at a distance of about one third of the lever length from the free end. 0

8.

The foot operated controller of any one of claims 5, 6, and 7, wherein the lever is shaped to follow at least a part of a contour of the foot rest area. 5

9.

The foot operated controller of any one of claims 5, 6, 7 and 8, wherein the flexible or pivotable lever is provided by a section of a semi rigid rubber hose attached to the base panel at about said point located at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area. 0

10.

The foot operated controller of any one of the previous claims, comprising in a location forward of a toe end of a toe part of the foot rest area a tilting pedal electrical switch or sensor device adapted to be operated by a toe end of a footS positioned in said foot rest area.

11.

The foot operated controller of any one of the previous claims, comprising a tilting pedal electrical switch or sensor device located adjacently and to a side of said foot0 rest area, at about a mid point between a toe part and the heel part of the foot rest area.

12.

The foot operated controller of any one of the previous claims, comprising left and right ones of said foot rest area positioned adjacently to each other and according to a natural stance of a human being when resting equal parts of body weight on each of two feet positioned to rest on respective ones of said left and right foot rest areas.

13.

The foot operated controller of any one of the previous claims, wherein said foot rest area includes one or more recessed sections having an oval like shape, a rectangular shape, a shape of a part of a human foot, or a shape of a shoe, whereby an operator at moving the foot partly in or out of the recessed section while at least partly resting the foot on the foot rest area will feel a difference in height within or at a rim of the foot rest area, and in this way obtain positional information about his foot and the distance to the lever arm or the switch.

14.

The foot operated controller of any one of the previous claims, including a predetermined number of optical sensors switches (950,960, 950', 960') attached to the top panel.