WO2011037560A1

WO2011037560A1 - Far infrared ray input device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2011037560A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/057935
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kiran B. S; Mittal Gaurang
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2009-09-23
Filing date: 2009-09-23
Publication date: 2011-03-31

Abstract

An input device (22, 122, 222, 322) and method utilize at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330) that is actuated by at least one finger for transmitting input signals. A far infrared ray (FIR) emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) directs FIR energy towards a person's anatomy proximate the at least one finger during actuation of the at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330).

Description

FAR INFRARED RAY INPUT DEVICE AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] Many input devices, such as keyboards, may involve prolonged periods of usage. During such prolonged periods, repetitive stress injuries to a person's hands, wrists and other anatomy may result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100021 Figure 1 is a schematically illustrates an electronic system 20 having a manual input device according to an example embodiment.

[0003] Figure 2 is a top plan view schematically illustrating another embodiment of the manual input device of Figure 1 according to an example embodiment.

[0004] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the input device of Figure 2 according to an example embodiment.

[0005] Figure 4 is a sectional view schematically illustrating another embodiment of the input device of Figure 1 according to an example embodiment.

[0006] Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the input device of Figure 1 according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electronic system 20 having a manual input device 22 for providing input to and controlling a controlled device 24. As will be described hereafter, input device 22 selectively utilizes far infrared ( FIR) energy to heal portions of a person's hand or hands while the person is using input device 22 to reduce the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries which might otherwise result a ter prolonged use of input device 22.

[0008] Controlled device 24 comprises any one of a multitude of different devices which are controlled at least in part based upon manual input. Examples of controlled devices include, but are not limited to, laptop or notebook computers, desktop computers, cell phones, personal data assistants, digital music players and the like. In one embodiment, the controlled device may be a device independent of the input device, wherein the input device 22 is connected to or communicates with the controlled device in a wired or wireless fashion. In other embodiments, the controlled device may integrated as part of a single unitary body or unit with input device 22. Example of such an integrated device include laptop and notebook computers, cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs) in which the input device is integrated as a single unit with a controlled device.

[0009] As shown by Figure 1 , controlled device 24 includes a controller 26. Controller 26 comprises one or more processing units and configured to receive input signals from input device 22 and to generate control signals based upon the received input signals. The control signals generated by controller 26 direct or control one or more components of the controlled device 24. For purposes of this application, the term "processing unit" shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execut ion by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 26 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.

[0010] Input device 22 comprises a manual input device for generating or transmitting control signals to controller 26th of controlled device 24. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "manual input" means any input which is a result of use of a person's hand such as movement of an input device by the person's hand or manipulation of input device by a person's thumb or fingers. Examples of input device 22 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, the keypad, a touch screen input device, a touchpad. a mouse and the like.

[0011] Input device 22 includes input locations 30 (schematically represented by boxes), FIR energy emitters 34 (schematically represented by circles) and controller 36. Input locations 30 comprise distinct and spaced locations at or along input device 22 that are configured to be actuated by at least one finger of a person's hand. In one

embodiment, input locations 30 are permanently located at predefined or preset positions along input device 22. For example, in one embodiment, input locations 30 may comprise distinct input keys or touch sensitive surfaces at predefined locations. In another embodiment, input locations 30 may have variable positions and locations. For example, in one embodiment, input locations 30 may comprise generated graphic icons at selected and controlled locations along the touch sensitive screen. In one embodiment, each of locations 30 may be actuated through the application of force or pressure by a person's finger or group of fingers to the input location. For example, actuation of such input locations may involve depressment of a resiliently supported input key. In other embodiments, each of input locations 30 may be actuated in response to being touched by a person's finger or groups of fingers as with a touch screen or touchpad. In another embodiment, an input location may comprise a location along a surface configured to sense sliding movement of a person's finger or may include a location configured to be rolled, such as a rolling input dial on a computer mouse.

[0012] FIR energy emitters 34 comprise individual devices configured to be emit FIR energy towards a person's anatomy proximate the at least one finger actuating the input location during actuation of the at least one input l ocation. For example, FIR energy emitters 34 may be configured to emit FIR energy towards a person's fingers, palm or wrist during actuation of at least one of the input locations. In the example illustrated, each o emitters 34 is associated with one of input locations 30. In the example illustrated, each emitter 34 is located beneath and underlies an associated input location 30. [0013] For purposes of this disclosure, FIR energy refers to energy having wavelengths of between 1 5 and 1000 micrometers. Although not visible. FIR energy is part of the natural light spectrum of sunlight, but without skin damaging ultraviolet rays. FIR energy has the ability to penetrate, refract, radiate and reflect. FIR energy that impinges a person's anatomy has a thermal effect within deep layers of tissues, energizing cells and causing blood vessels in capillaries to dilate, promoting better blood circulation.

According to one embodiment, the FIR energy emitted by the emitters of the present disclosure has a wavelength of between 5 pm and 20 pm.

[0014] In other embodiments, emitters 34 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array, a grid or matrix of individual emitters 34, wherein some of emitters 34 underly at least some of input locations 30 and wherein some of emitters 30 are at locations not underlying an input location 30. In embodiments where the input locations 30 vary or change, such as generated icons on a touch sensitive screen, particular FIR energy emitters underlying the instant input locations being manually actuated may emit FIR energy. Those FIR energy emitters of the array, grid or matrix of emitters not underlying the instant input locations that are being actuated may not emit FIR energy. In still other embodiments, a FIR energy emitter completely separate from or spaced from an input location may emit FIR energy during actuation of the separate input location.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each FIR energy emitter 34 is configured to initiate the emission of FIR energy upon actuation of its associated input location and to continue to emit FIR energy while the associated input location is being actuated. The time during which each emitter 34 emits FIR energy may be the same as the time during which the associated input location is being actuated or may be longer or shorter in duration. The initiation of FIR energy emission by the particular FIR energy emitter 34 is automatic without receiving any additional control signals from a controller, such as controller 36. For example, actuation of an input location may complete an electric circuit which causes an input signal to be transmitted. In one embodiment, the same actuation of the input location that causes the input signal to be transmitted may also enable or turn-on the associated FIR energy emitter that the emission of FIR energy is initiated. For example, completion of the electric circuit upon actuation of the input location may also cause electric current to be supplied to the FIR energy emitter, turning on the FIR energy emitter. In one embodiment, the time during which the associated FIR energy emitter emits FIR energy is restricted to the time it receives electrical energy whi le the circuit is completed as a result of actuation of the input location. In another embodiment, the associated emitter may include a battery, capacitor or other storage device, allowing the emitter 30 to emit FIR energy even after the circuit is broken and the associated input location 30 is no longer being actuated. In yet other embodiments, the associated emitter may emit FIR energy after a pre-determined or predefined delay following actuation of the associated input location.

[0016] In some embodiments, one of more of emitters 34 may continuously emit FIR energy at some non-zero level. In such embodiments, one or more of emitters 34 may also be configured to emit a different level of FIR energy upon one or more of the input locations 30 being actuated. For example, in one embodiment, one or more emitters 34 may automatically emit FIR energy at a relatively low-level (a low-level, a greater frequency or a greater intensity) prior to actuation of an associated input location 30 or after a predetermined lapse of time following the last actuation of the associated input location 30. Immediately following or during actuation of the associated input location 30 and during the predetermined time after such actuation, the emitter 34 associated with the actuated input location 30 may emit FIR energy at a higher level, greater frequency or greater intensity.

[0017] In other embodiments, one or more of FIR energy emitters 34 may alternatively be configured to be turned on so as to begin emitting FIR energy in response to predetermined combinations of multiple input locations being actuated. For example, a particular FIR energy emitter 34 may only receive electrical power upon actuation of two or more input locations 30, either concurrently or within a predetermined window of time. In yet other embodiments, FIR energy emitters 34 may be configured to emit FIR energy in response to receiving control signals from a controller, such as controller 36. For example, in one embodiment, the transmission of an input signal resulting from the actuation of an input location may cause controller 36 to generate control signals causing the particular FIR energy emitter associated with the actuated input location 30 to emit FIR energy.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each of emitters 34 emits FIR energy in an equivalent manner. In other embodiments, one or more of emitters 34 may emit FIR energy in dissimilar fashions. For example, selected one of FIR energy emitters may emit FIR energy at a different frequency as compared to other FIR energy emitters. Selected one of FIR energy emitters may emit FIR energy for different periods of time or at different intensities as compared to other FIR energy emitters. Selected one of FIR energy emitters may emit FIR energy with a different dispersion or range.

[0019] The different characteristics of the FIR energy emitted by different emitters 34 may be based upon the relative position of the di fferent associated input locations 30, the particular linger which is typically used to actuate the particular input location 30. the frequency at which the ticker input location 30 is actuated during use or the likelihood of stress-related injur to the particular anatomy most proximate the particular emitter 34. In one embodiment, the different characteristics of the different FIR energy emitter 34 may be fixed and established at the time of manufacture of input device 22. Because different emitters 34 may differently emit FIR energy, input device 34 may be customized to more effectively apply FIR energy to those portions of a person's hand which are more likely to be injured from repetitive stresses.

[0020] In the embodiment illustrated, each of emitters 34 is selectively controllable. Controller 36 comprises one or more processing units configured to generate control signals controlling one or more of the individual emitters 34. Controller 36 generates the control signals controlling the one or more individual emitters 34 based upon input received from a user using input device 22 or based upon obtaining data regarding the actual use of input locations 30. For example, controller 36 may generate control signals adjusting or changing the frequency, intensity or dispersion of the FIR energy emitted by one or more of the individual emitters 34. The dispersion of a FIR energy emitter is the range or area of coverage of the FIR energy (i.e. a narrow beam to an enlarged cone), examples of which are shown in Figure 4. Different emitters 34 may have different emission characteristics. The different characteristics may be the result of user selections using the input device 22 or another input device or may be automatic changes by a controller in response to analyzed data regarding usage of input locations 30.

[0021 ] Controller 36 may also generate control signals adjusting or controlling the timing at which one or more of emitters 30 for emit FIR energy. For example, controller 36 may generate control signals controlling the duration that FIR energy emitter 34 emits FIR energy after checking actuation of an input location, whether associated with the particular emitter 34 or not associated with the particular emitter 34. Controller 36 may also generate control signals controlling when the one or more emitters 34 emits FIR energy. For example, controller 34 may generate control signals such that particular emitters 34 or all of emitters 34 do not emit FIR energy upon the start of use of input device 22. Instead, controller 34 may generate control signals such that particular emitters 34 or all of emitter 34 began emitting FIR energy after lapse of a predetermined period of time following the first actuation of a particular input location. In this way, the initiation of FIR energy emission occurs after prolonged periods of use where stress injuries may be more likely to occur.

[0022] In one embodiment, controller 36 may be configured to adjust the characteristics of the FIR energy emitted by emitters 34 over time or during use o f i nput device 22. For example, the frequency, intensity or dispersion of FIR energy may gradual ly increase or decrease during continued use of input device 22. This adjustment may be made uniformly to all of emitters 34. Alternatively, different adjustments may be made to different emitters based upon lapsed time since the initial use of input device 22 during a particular session.

[0023] Alternatively, the adjustment of the characteristics of the FIR energy emitted by individual emitters may be based upon the number of actuations of the associated input location during a particular time window. For example, after a predetermined number of actuations o an associated input location 30, controller 34 may generate control signals changing the characteristics of the FIR energy emitted by the associated emitter 34. Different adjustments may be made by controller 36 in response to different actuation thresholds being exceeded during a session or during a predetermined period of time of use of input device 22. Controller 36 may also generate control signals causing emitters 34 to emit FIR energy during certain hours of the day or certain days of the week.

[0024] In some embodiments, controller 36 may adjust or control the characteristic of FIR energy emitted by emitters 34 based upon the particular individual or person using input device 22. For example, the controlled device 24 may request a person to login or identify himself or herself. Based upon this identification, controller 36 may consult a memory and adjust emitters 34 to predetermined, customized or default FIR energy emission settings stored in the memory. As a result, different individuals or persons using input device 22 may be given different FIR energy treatments suited for their individual preferences, needs or characteristics.

[0025] Instead of controller 36 adjusting or setting FIR energy emissions based upon the person or individual using input device 22, controller 36 may alternatively or additionally establish or adjust FIR energy emissions by individual emitters 34 or by all of emitters 34 based upon the particular mode of operation or application being performed or run by the controlled device 24. For example, two different applications run by the controlled device 24 may experience different manual manipulations of input device 22 which may differently impact or differently stress portions of the person's hand or wrist. In response to receiving a signal indicating the application being run by controlled device 24 and for which input through input device 22 is being received, controller 36 may generate control signals such that individual emitters 34 or all of the emitters 34 emits FIR energy in a first manner during use of the first application and in a second different manner during use of the second application to accommodate the different manual manipulations, more effectively treating or preventing stress or injury.

[0026] In the example illustrated, controller 36 is incorporated as part of input device 22 and is in communication with emitters 34 and input locations 30 in a wired or wireless fashion. In other embodiments, controller 36 may alternatively or additionally be in communication with controller 26th of controlled device 24. In still other embodiments. controller 36 may be incorporated into the body or housing of the controlled device 24 along with controller 26. In still other embodiments, the circuitry or software programming of control ler 36 may be incorporated into control !er 26 of the controlled device 24.

[0027] Overall, input device 22 uses input locations 30 to sense or to detect movement or positioning of a person's hand or portions of the person's hand and further uses this information to control and direct the emission of FIR energy towards the selected discrete person's portions of a person's anatomy proximate the person's hand (including portions of the person's hand), such as a person's fingers, palm or wrist. The FIR energy facilitates improved blood flow and healing in the targeted anatomy. The improved blood flow and healing serves to reduce or prevent injuries that might otherwise result from prolonged periods of stress during use of the person's hand when providing input to a controlled device 24.

[0028] Figures 2 and 3 illustrates input device 122, an example embodiment of input device 22 shown in Figure 1. Input device 122 is configured to provide input signals to controlled device 24 (shown in Figure 1). In the example illustrated, input device 122 is shown as a computer mouse which generates positional input to move a cursor based upon a position locator 123 (schematically shown in Figure 3). Position locator 123 may facilitate position input through the use of optics or based upon a rolling ball. Input device 122 additionally includes palm support 124, input locations 130A, 130B, 130C (collectively referred to as input locations 130), FIR energy emitters 134A, 134B and 134C (collectively referred to as FIR energy emitters 134) and controller 136.

[0029] Palm support 124 comprises one or more structures serving as a body for input device 122. Palm support has a bulbous or convex shape so as to fit wi thin a palm of a person using input device 122. Palm support 124 supports the palm of a user as he or she moves input device 122 against a mouse pad or other surface.

[0030] Input locations 130 comprise locations configured to be manipulated or otherwise actuated by a person's fingers. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "fingers" includes a person's thumb. Input locations 130A and 130B comprise right and left pushbuttons. Input location 130C comprises a rolling dial or rotating disc. In some embodiments, input location 130C may also concurrently serve as a third pushbutton. Each of input locations 13 OA and 13 OB transmits one or more electrical input signals in response to being depressed. Input location 130 transmits electrical input signals in response to being rotated or in response to being depressed.

[0031 ] FIR energy emitters 134 are similar to FIR energy emitters 34 shown and described above with respect to Figure 1. FIR energy emitters 134 emit or discharge FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 130. The time during which emitters 134 emit FIR energy may be the same, longer or shorter than the time during which the one or more input locations 130 are being actuated. In one embodiment, emitter 134 A emits FIR energy in response to depressment (actuation) of input location 13 OA, emitter 134B emits FIR energy in response to depressment (actuation) of input location 130B and emitter 134C in its FIR energy in response to depressment or rotation (actuation) of input location 130C. In another embodiment, one or more of emitters 130 may emit FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 130, but not in response to actuation of the one more input locations 130. For example, the initial or first actuation of one of input locations 130 during a period of time may turn on one or more of emitters 134, wherein emitters 134 continue to emit FIR energy in a continuous fashion for a predefined period of time or at a predefined frequency thereafter for a predefined period of time. In other embodiments, some of emitters 134 may emit FIR energy in a continuous fashion for a period of time while none of input locations 130 are being actuated and other of emitters 134 may emit FIR energy in response to actuation o f one or more of input locations 130.

[0032] As shown by Figure 3, emitter 134B emits FIR energy 135 towards input location 130B. Emitter 134A similarly emits FIR energy towards input location 130A (shown in Figure 2). Emitter 134C emits FIR energy 135 towards palm support 124. The FIR energy 135 emitted by input locations 130A and 13 OB energizes the cells of the person's fingers. The FIR energy emitted by input location 130C energizes the cells or deep tissues of the person's palm and wrist to promote healing and improve blood circulation.

[0033] Controller 136 is substantially identical to controller 36 of input device 22. As noted above, in some embodiments, emitters 134 may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to input locations 130 so as to automatically initiate the transmission of FIR energy in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 30, independent of a controller, such as controller 136. In one embodiment, emitters 134 may alternatively or additionally be in communication with controller 136, wherein controller 136 may also control emission of FIR energy by emitters 134. Controller 136 may generate control signals not only directing the initiation and duration of FIR energy being emitted by emitters 134, but also characteristics of the FIR energy being emitted such as its wavelength, intensity, frequency and dispersion. Controller 136 may be integrated as part of the body forming input device 122 or may be incorporated into the body of the controlled the device 24 (shown in Figure 1). In other embodiments, controller 136 may be omitted where emitters 1 4, by means of mechanical or electrical connection to their associated input locations 130 (such as with mechanical or electrical switches), automatically emit FIR energy in response to actuation of one of more of input locations 130.

[0034] Figure 4 schematically illustrates input device 222, another embodiment of input device 22 shown in Figure 1. Input device 222 is configured to provide input signals to controlled device 24 (shown in Figure 1). In the example illustrated, input device 222 comprises a touch screen input device having a two-dimensional touch sensitive display screen 224 configured to display visible graphics or images while also facilitating input by a person through the touching or contacting of portions of screen 224. Input device 222 additionally includes input locations 230A, 230B, 230C and 230D (collectively referred to as input locations 230), FIR energy emitters 234A, 23413, 234C, 234D, 234E, 234F and 234G (collectively referred to as FIR energy emitters 234) and controller 236.

[0035] Input locations 230 comprise images or icons formed along display screen 224 by controller 236 or by controller 26 of the controlled device 24. Input locations 230 may be presented at any of various positions or locations along display screen 224. For example, input location 230 may be at first locations during presenting of a first image or frame on display screen 224 and may have different locations during presenting of a second different image or frame on display screen 224. Input locations 230 are further configured to be touched or contacted by a person's finger or fingers, wherein such touching causes an electric input signal to be transmitted to controller 26 of the controlled device 24. In one embodiment, display screen 224 may include a grid of touch sensitive sensors beneath the input locations 30 on display screen 224, wherein the touch sensitive sensors generate the electrical signal when an overlying input location 230 is touched or actuated. Although, input device 222 is illustrated as presenting four input locations 230A-230D, in other embodiments input device 222 may present a greater or fewer of such input locations at different locations along display screen 224 and at different times during use of input device 222.

[0036] FIR energy emitters 234 are similar to FIR energy emitters 34 shown and described above with respect to Figure 1. FIR energy emitters 234 emit or discharge FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 230. The time during which emitters 234 emit FIR energy may be the same, longer or shorter than the time during which the one or more input locations 230 are being actuated. In one embodiment, one or more of emitters 230 may emit FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 230, but not in response to actuation of the one more input locations 230. For example, the initial or first actuation of one of input locations 230 during a period of time may turn on one or more of emitters 234, wherein emitters 234 continue to emit FIR energy in a continuous fashion for a predefined period of time or at a predefined frequency thereafter for a predefined period of time. In other embodiments, some of emitters 234 may emit FIR energy in a continuous fashion for a period o f time while none of input locations 230 are being actuated and other of emitters 234 may emit FIR energy in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 230.

[0037] As shown by Figure 4, emitters 234 are arranged in a matrix, grid or two- dimensional array of individual emitters below display screen 224. Because emitters 234 are in a matrix, grid or two-dimensional array substantially underlying the entire two- dimensional area of display screen 224, emitters 234 may emit FIR energy more directly towards an input location 230 regardless of where the input location 230 is being presented along the area of display screen 224. Those emitters 234 underlying an actuated input location 230 may emit FIR energy while those emitters 234 not underlying any input location 230 may be disabled or at rest. However, the next image or frame presented on display screen 224 may locate an input location 230 (icon) over different individual emitters 234, such as over one or more of emitters 234B, 234D or 234F which are presently at rest in Figure 4. In some embodiments, emitters 234 not underlying an actuated input location 230 or any input location 230 may also emit FIR energy during or in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 230.

[0038] Figure 4 further illustrates different dispersions of FIR energy by emitters 234. In one embodiment, controller 236 may control or adjust the dispersion of individual emitters 234. In the example illustrated, emitter 234A is emitting FIR energy towards input location 230A in a cone that has an area at input location 23 OA that is less than the area of input location 230A. Emitter 234C is illustrated as emitting FIR energy towards input location 230C in a cone that has an area at input location 230C that is substantially equal to the area of input location 230C. Emitter 234E is illustrated as emitting FIR energy towards input location 230E in a beam. Finally, emitter 234G is illustrated as emitting FIR energy towards implication 230G in a cone that has an area at input location 23 OA that is larger than the area of input location 230AG.

[0039] Controller 236 is substantially identical to controller 36 of input device 22. As noted above, in some embodiments, emitters 234 may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to input locations 230 so as to automatically initiate the transmission of FIR energy in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 230, independent of a controller, such as controller 236. In one embodiment, emitters 234 may alternatively or additionally be in communication with controller 136, wherein controller 236 may also control emission of FIR energy by emitters 234. Controller 236 may generate control signals not only directing the initiation and duration of FIR energy being emitted by emitters 234, but also characteristics of the FIR energy being emitted such as its wavelength, intensity, frequency and dispersion. Controller 236 may be integrated as part o the body forming input device 222 or maybe incorporated into the body of the controlled the device 24 (shown in Figure 1 ). In other embodiments, controller 236 may be omitted where emitters 234, by means of mechanical or electrical connection to their associated input locations 230 (such as with mechanical or electrical switches), automatically emit FIR energy in response to actuation of one of more of input locations 230.

[0040] Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of input device 322, another embodiment of input device 22. Input device 322 is configured to provide input signals to controlled device 24 (shown in Figure 1). In the example illustrated, input device 322 is shown as a keyboard including input locations 330, FIR energy emitters 334 and controller 336. Input locations 330 comprise distinct and spaced locations at or along input device 322 that are configured to be actuated by at least one finger of a person's hand so as to cause an electronic input signal to be transmitted to controller 26 of controlled device 24 (shown in Figure 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, input locations 330 are permanently located at predefined or preset positions along input device 322.

[0041] Input locations 330 each comprise circuit ends 400. 402, a contact support 404, contact 406 and key 408. Circuit ends 400, 402 comprise spaced electrically conductive ends, lines or traces which are provided on a circuit board, circuit chip or flexible circuit 410, wherein upon electrical connection of ends 400, 402 to one another by contact 406 completes an electrical circuit such that electrical input signals are transmitted. Contact support 404 comprise one or more structures configured to resiliently support contact 406 opposite to ends 400, 402 such that contact 406 may resiliently move between an end contacting or bridging position in which the electrical circuit is completed for the transmission of an electrical signal (shown in Figure 5) and a withdrawn position in which contact 406 is out of contact with at least one of ends 400, 402 (shown in Figure 5). In the example illustrated, contact support 404 comprises an elastomeric dome formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber. Contact support 404 facilitates depressment of the dome to move contact 406 to the bridging position. Upon application of a lesser amount of force to support 404 or release of support 404, contact support 404 resiliently returns contact 406 to the withdrawn position.

[0042] Contact 406 comprises an electrically conductive material supported by contact support 404. In one embodiment, contact 406 comprises a pad of electrically conductive material such as an electrically conductive metal. Contact 406 cooperate with contact support 404 and ends 400, 402 to form an electrical switch which upon being actuated transmits electrical input signals. In other embodiments, each of input locations 330 may employ other switch configurations.

[0043] Input keys 408 comprise structures in contact or coupled to each of contact supports 404. Input keys 408 have upper surfaces 412 configured to be touched and to receive force from a person's finger. In the example illustrated, upper surface 412 further including indicia 414 identifying input signals that are transmitted upon actuation of the particular input location 330. In the example illustrated, input device 322 comprises a keyboard having input locations 330 corresponding to the 26 letters of the English alphabet and numbers 0-9 as well as other inputs such as various symbols, "shift", "enter", "tab", "delete", "insert", "control", "escape" and various function keys or jump/shortcut keys. In other embodiments, input device 322 may comprise a numerical keyboard or other more or less extensive keyboards.

[0044] FIR energy emitters 334 are similar to FIR energy emitters 34 shown and described above with respect to Figure 1. FIR energy emitters 334 emit or discharge FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 130. The time during which emitters 334 emit FIR energy may be the same, longer or shorter than the time during which the one or more input locations 330 are being actuated. In one embodiment, emitter 334 A emits FIR energy in response to depressment (actuation) of input keys 412 of input locations 330. In another embodiment, one or more of emitters 330 may emit FIR energy during actuation of one or more of input locations 330, but not in response to actuation of the one more input locations 330. For example, the initial or first actuation of one of input locations 330 during a period of time may turn on one or more of emitters 334, wherein emitters 334 continue to emit FIR energy and a continuous fashion for a predefined period of time or at a predefined frequency thereafter for a predefined period of time. In other embodiments, some of emitters 334 may emit FIR energy in a continuous fashion for a period of time while none of input locations 330 are being actuated and other of emitters 334 may emit FIR energy in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 130. The FIR energy emitted at one or more of input locations 330 energizes the cells of the person's fingers. The emitted FIR energy energizes the cells or deep tissues of the person's palm and wrist to promote healing and impro ve blood circulation.

[0045] Controller 336 is substantially identical to controller 36 of input device 22. In some embodiments, emitters 334 may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to one or more of input locations 330 so as to automatically initiate the transmission of FIR energy in response to actuation of one or more of input locations 330, independent of a controller, such as controller 336. For example, upon contact 406 closing the circuit and interconnecting ends 400, 402, electrical current may be concurrently transmitted to the associated FIR energy emitter 334, causing emitter 334 to emit FIR energy.

10046] In one embodiment, emitters 334 may alternatively or additionally be in communication with controller 336. wherein controller 336 may also control emission of FIR energy by emitters 334. Controller 336 may generate control signals not only directing the initiation and duration of FIR energy being emitted by emitters 334, but also characteristics of the FIR energy being emitted such as its wavelength, intensity, frequency and dispersion. Controller 336 may be integrated as part of the body forming input device 322 or may be incorporated into the body of the controlled the device 24 (shown in Figure 1). In other embodiments, controller 336 may be omitted where emitters 334, by means of mechanical or electrical connection to their associated input locations 330 (such as with mechanical or electrical switches), automatically emit FIR energy in response to actuation of one of more o input locations 330.

[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated tha the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An input device (22, 122, 222, 322) comprising:

at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330) configured to be actuated by at least one linger for transmitting input signals; and

a far infrared ray (FIR) emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) that directs FIR energy towards a person's anatomy proximate the at least one finger during actuation of the at least one input location (30, 130. 230, 330).

2. The device of any one of claims 1 , wherein the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) differently emits FIR energy based at least in part upon a particular person using the input device (22, 122, 222, 322) or a particular application receiving input using the input device (22, 122, 222, 322).

3. The device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) changes between a first operational state and a second operational state in response to actuation of the at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330).

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first operational state is a FIR energy emitting state and the second operational state is a non-emitting state.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4 further comprising a controller (36, 136, 236, 336) in communication with the FIR energy emitter (34. 134, 234. 334). the controller (36, 136, 236, 336) configured to generate control signals based upon user input adjusting a frequency at which the FIR energy radiation is emitted during the actuation of the at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330).

6. The device of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein further comprising a controller (36, 136, 236, 336) in communication with the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234. 334), the controller (36, 136, 236, 336) configured to generate control signals based upon user input adjusting timing at which the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) emits radiation.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the controller (36, 136, 236, 336) is configured to generate control signals disabling the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234. 334) for a period of time following initial actuation of the at least one input location ( 30, 130. 230, 330) or enabling the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) after a period of time following initial actuation of the at least one input location (30, 130, 230. 330).

8. The device of any one of claims 1-7 further comprising a controller (36. 136, 236, 336) in communication with the FIR energy emitter (34, 134. 234, 334), the controller (36, 136, 236, 336) configured to generate control signals based upon user input adjusting an emission dispersion of the emitter (34, 134, 234, 334).

9. The device of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the at least one input location (30, 230) comprises a touch sensitive icon on a touch screen (224).

10. The device of any of claims 1-8, wherein the least one input location (30, 130) is part of a computer mouse (124).

11. The device of any one of claim 1-10, wherein the FIR energy emitter (34, 134, 234, 334) emits FIR energy after and before actuation of the least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330).

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one input location (30. 330) comprises a plurality of input keys (330), each of the plurality of input keys including a FIR (334), and wherein the FIR energy emitters (334) of multiple input keys concurrently emit FIR energy in response to actuation of a single one of the input keys.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one input location (30, 330) comprises a plurality of input keys (330), each of the plurality of input keys including a FIR emitter (334) that directs FIR energy towards a finger during actuation of the input key.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the FIR energy emitters (34, 134, 234, 334) of at least two of the plurality of input keys (30, 130, 230, 330) are configured to differently emit FIR energy.

15. A method comprising:

emitting FIR energy towards a location proximate a person's hand during actuation of at least one input location (30, 130, 230, 330) by the person's hand.