WO2018002734A1

WO2018002734A1 - Computer mouse

Info

Publication number: WO2018002734A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/052417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele AMPOLLINI
Original assignee: Ampollini Michele
Priority date: 2016-06-27
Filing date: 2017-04-26
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

A mouse comprising: - a detecting sensor for detecting a movement of the mouse (1) on an external plane on which the mouse (1) rests; - a first and a second key (31, 32) having respectively a first and a second geometric centre of gravity (41, 42) that follow one another along a first straight line (34). Let an imaginary rectangular parallelepiped of minimum volume be defined that contains the mouse and has a first corner (51) parallel to the first straight line (34) and a second corner (52) parallel to a second straight line (35) that is orthogonal to the first straight line (34) and is in turn parallel to the external plane on which the mouse (1) rests. The first corner (51) of this parallelepiped has a length that is greater than the second corner (52); the mouse (1) is thus devoid of a rest for the palm of a hand that has at least a couple of fingers resting on the first and on the second key (31, 32).

Description

DESCRIPTION COMPUTER MOUSE

Technical fie!d

This invention relates to a mouse. This constitutes a command hardware component of computers or electronic systems. In particular, it defines a system for pointing to or selecting commands on display means such as, for example, a monitor.

Background art

Mouses are known comprising a body that is slidable on a plane below (outside the mouse, for example a desk). A movement of the body is matched by a movement of the pointer on the display. This enables the pointer (cursor) on the monitor to be moved so as to superimpose the pointer onto icons or strings that it is wished to select each time.

The mouse also comprises two keys that are conventionally known as left key and right key. They enable different types of input to be given, such as for example selecting a folder or opening a pull-down menu.

Then a third key is also often present, which if pressed once can be assigned a specific function such as for example the "double click".

The mouse adopts an elongated shape with the two or three keys that are alongside in a front portion of the mouse, behind which a receiving zone extends that is intended to support the palm of the hand.

One drawback of this constructional solution is linked to the fact that prolonged use of the mouse by an operator can cause fatigue of the wrist and to the tendon. In order to overcome this drawback, supports are known on which the wrist can be rested that grasps the mouse so as to reduce flexure of the wrist.

This nevertheless requires the use of an additional component that is not always available and which can be annoying for some.

Disclosure of the invention

In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to propose a mouse that obviates the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

!n particular the object of this invention is to provide a mouse that is able to improve the ergonomics and ease of use.

In particular, the object of this invention is to limit the movement of the forearm and at the same time increase the sensitivity with which the user is able to send commands.

A further object of this invention is to propose a mouse with compact dimensions so as to facilitate transport thereof.

The defined technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a mouse comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims,

scriptson of dr«

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

-figure 1 shows a plan view of a mouse according to this invention;

-figure 2 shows an embodiment of the mouse of figure 1 ;

-figure 3 shows a further constructional solution of a mouse according to this invention;

-figure 4 shows an additional constructional solution of a mouse according to this invention;

-figure 5 shows an embodiment of the mouse of figure 4;

-figure 6 shows a further constructional solution of a mouse according to this invention.

scription of preferred embodiments

In the appended figures, with reference number 1 a mouse has been indicated.

The mouse 1 comprises a detecting sensor for detecting a movement. The sensor detects the movement of the mouse 1 on an external plane on which the mouse 1 rests. The detecting sensor for detecting a movement can be of various types, for example mechanical or preferably optical (for example LED or laser). This sensor, being able to be of known type, will not be disclosed further.

The mouse 1 further comprises a first and a second key 31 , 32. The first and the second key 31 , 32 have respectively a first and a second geometric centre of gravity 41 , 42 that follow one another along a first straight line 34. The first straight line 34 is an imaginary straight line that connects the two points indicated above.

Let an imaginary rectangular paralieipipedon of minimum volume be defined that includes the mouse and has:

- a first corner 51 parallel to the first straight line 34;

- a second corner 52 parallel to a second straight line 35, which is orthogonal to the first straight line 34 and parallel to the external plane on which the mouse 1 rests.

The first corner 51 of this paralieipipedon has a length that is greater than the second corner 52.

Similarly, the maximum length defined by the intersection of the mouse with a first plane parallel to the first straight line 34 is greater than the maximum length defined by the intersection of the mouse 1 with a second plane parallel to the second straight line 35. The first and the second plane are orthogonal to an external resting plane of the mouse 1 .

In figure 1 , the second key 32 is in a central position, but also the key that is furthest to the right could be considered as a second key. Thus two keys alongside one another or two end keys can be considered to be the first and second key.

Also the second straight line 35 is imaginary. During normal use, this second straight line is horizontal.

The mouse 1 is devoid of a rest for the palm of a hand having at least a couple of fingers resting on the first and on the second key 31 , 32. The palm of the hand is defined as the underside of the hand, opposite the back, interposed between the carpus and the phalanxes. The user can thus move the mouse just by dragging the mouse with his or her fingers. The wrist can accordingly be rested on a plane on which the mouse rests. The keys in fact enable pressure input commands to be given, but also enable the mouse to be dragged.

In one particular constructional solution, the first corner 51 is greater than 8 centimetres, whereas the second corner 52 is less than 6 centimetres. The height of this paralieipipedon is 2 centimetres. This height is orthogonal to the first and to the second corner 51 , 52.

A reduced extent of the mouse along the second straight line 35 thus enables resting of the wrist of the operator on the mouse to be avoided. A sufficient width of the mouse is such as to enable at least two fingers to be rested. Preferably, this width should be such as to rest at least the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger so as not to have to bend one of these fingers. This in fact permits greater convenience for the operator. Preferably, but not necessarily, the mouse defines a concavity 74 that:

- extends parallel to the external plane on which the mouse 1 rests; and

- is intended to face a user.

Advantageously, the mouse comprises a third key 33. The second key 32 can, for example, be intermediate between the first and the third key 31 , 33. !n this case the first key 31 is intended for positioning the index finger, the second key 32 is intended for positioning the middle finger and the third key 33 is intended for positioning the ring finger. Opportunely, the mouse 1 comprises fewer than five keys, preferably it comprises fewer than four.

Opportunely, the first and/or the second and/or the third key 31 , 32, 33 face an opposite direction to an external plane on which the mouse 1 can be rested,

A first segment 61 that connects the geometric centre of gravity 41 of the first key 31 to a geometric centre of gravity 42 of the second key 32 forms with a second segment 62 that connects the geometric centres of gravity of the second and of the third key 32, 33 an angle comprised between 120° and 170°. This facilities ergonomics, the middle finger usually being longer than the index finger and the ring finger.

The first and/or the second key and/or the third key 31 , 32, 33 are pressure keys.

Thus the word "key" does not necessarily imply the presence of a button but assumes more in general a pressure sensor, although the presence of an element that yields under the action of pressure remains the preferred solution.

Opportunely, the mouse 1 comprises a first arm 63 that is intermediate between the first and the second key 31 , 32. The first arm 63 is stiff. The mouse 1 also comprises a second arm 64 that is intermediate between the second and the third key 32, 33. Also the second arm 64 is stiff.

As exemplified in figure 1 , the mouse 1 comprises a first, a second and a third lobe 36, 37, 38 housing respectively the first, the second and the third key 31 , 32, 33.

Opportunely, the first arm 63 connects the first and the second lobe 36, 37. The second arm 64 connects the second and the third lobe 37, 38. The distance between the first and the second key 31 , 32 is fixed (ignoring possible movement of the key caused by temporary pressing of the key during an input command). Also the distance between the first key 31 and the possible third key 33 is fixed. Similarly, the distance between the first key 32 and the possible third key 33 is fixed.

Preferably, the first and/or the second and/or the third key 31 , 32, 33 define corresponding dips that facilitate positioning of the fingers and dragging of the mouse 1 . Opportunely, the first and/or the second and/or the third key 31 , 32, 33 have corresponding geometric references (in this manner the user is facilitated in understanding where to position his/her fingers).

Preferably, the mouse 1 is symmetrical with respect to at least one plane that is orthogonal to the resting plane.

In a preferred solution the mouse 1 comprises: - a first face 71 that during use faces an external plane on which the mouse 1 rests (advantageously, the detecting sensor for detecting a movement is obtained in this face);

~a second face 72 opposite said first face 71 and on which the first and the second key 31 , 32 are obtained.

The mouse 1 extends in thickness between the first and the second face 71 , 72. The maximum thickness of the mouse is less than 2 centimetres. Advantageously, the mouse 1 comprises a scrolling sensor 73 or an input wheel of a command signal. The scrolling sensor/input wheel is advantageously located along the thickness of the mouse 1 .

As exemplified in figure 4, the first, the second and the third key 31 , 32, 33 occupy over 70% of said second face 72.

Preferably, the first, the second and the third key 31 , 32, 33 occupy more than 90% of said second face 72, In particular, the first, the second and the third key 31 , 32, 33 occupy the entire second face 72.

This invention brings important advantages.

In particular, it improves ergonomics by reducing stress to the wrist of a user. Further, a mouse can be made that is easily movable by a user only with the fingers. The forearm, resting on the table, can remain immobile longer during use, essentially for two reasons:

- the movement of the mouse along the direction of extent of the forearm is easier since it is controlled simply by flexing the phalanx and ungual (with a traditional mouse, with the forearm immobilised the wrist has to be flexed, but this is unnatural and tiring);

- as the operator has greater sensitivity with the fingers, the sensitivity of the mouse can be increased accordingly; with small movements it is thus possible to cover greater distances.

In addition, the limited overall dimensions (due to the absence of the mouse in a rest zone of the palm of a hand) enables the transport thereof to be facilitated.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept characterising the invention. Further, all the details can be replaced with other technically-equivalent elements. In practice, ail the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to requirements.

Claims

1 . A mouse comprising:

- a detecting sensor for detecting a movement of the mouse (1 ) on an external plane on which the mouse (1 ) rests;

- a first and a second key (31 , 32) having respectively a first and a second geometric centre of gravity (41 , 42) that follow one another along a first straight line (34); let an imaginary rectangular parallelpipedon of minimum volume be defined that contains the mouse and has a first corner (51 ) that is parallel to the first straight line (34) and a second corner (52) that is parallel to a second straight line (35), said second straight line (35) being orthogonal to the first straight line (34) and parallel to the external plane on which the mouse (1 ) rests;

characterised in that the first corner (51 ) of the parallelepiped has a length that is greater than the second corner (52);

said mouse (1 ) being devoid of a rest for the palm of a hand that has at least one pair of fingers resting on the first and on the second key (31 , 32).

2. The mouse according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first corner (51 ) has a length greater than 6 centimetres and the second corner (52) has a length that is less than 8 centimetres.

3. The mouse according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the maximum length defined by the intersection of the mouse (1 ) with a first plane is greater than the maximum length defined by the intersection of the mouse (1 ) with a second plane;

the first plane being any plane parallel to the first straight line (34) and orthogonal to an external plane on which the mouse rests; the second plane being any plane that is parallel to the second straight line (35) and orthogonal to an external plane on which the mouse rests.

4. The mouse according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a third key (33).

5. The mouse according to claim 4, characterised in that the second key

(32) is intermediate between the first and the third key (31 , 33); the first key (31 ) being intended for positioning the index finger, the second key (32) being intended for positioning the middle finger and the third key (33) being intended for positioning the ring finger.

6. The mouse according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a first segment (61 ) that connects the geometric centre of gravity (41 ) of the first key (31 ) to a geometric centre of gravity (42) of the second key (32) forms with a second segment (62) that connects the geometric centres of gravity of the second and of the third key (32, 33) an angle comprised between 120° and 170°.

7. The mouse according to claim 4 or 5 or 6, characterised in that it comprises a first intermediate stiff arm (63) between the first and the second key (31 , 32) and a second intermediate stiff arm (64) between the second and the third key (32, 33).

8. The mouse according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that it comprises a first, a second and a third lobe (36, 37, 38) housing respectively the first, the second and the third key (31 , 32, 33).

9. The mouse according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, characterised in that the first arm (63) connects the first and the second lobe (36, 37); the second arm (64) connecting the second and the third lobe (37, 38).

10. The mouse according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distance between the first and the second key (31 , 32) is fixed.

1 1 . The mouse according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises:

- a first face (71 ) that during use faces an external plane on which the mouse (1 ) rests;

- a second face (72) opposite said first face (71 ) and on which the first and the second key (31 , 32) are obtained; the mouse (1 ) extending in depth between the first and the second face (71 , 72).

12. The mouse according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the maximum thickness of the mouse is less than 2 centimetres.

13. The mouse according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterised in that it comprises a scrolling sensor (73) or an input wheel of a command signal placed along the thickness of the mouse (1 ).

14. The mouse according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13 as when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4, characterised in that the first, the second and the third key (31 , 32, 33) occupy more than 70% of said second face (72).

15. The mouse according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4, characterised in that the first, the second and the third key (31 , 32, 33) occupy more than 90% of said second face (72).

16. The mouse according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4, characterised in that the first, the second and the third key (31 , 32, 33) occupy ail the second face (72).

17. The mouse according to any one of the preceding claim, characterised in that it defines a concavity (74) that extends parallel to the external plane on which the mouse rests and is intended for facing a user.

18. The mouse according to any one of the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises fewer than five keys.

19. The mouse according to any one of the preceding claim, characterised in that the first and the second key (31 , 32) define corresponding dips that facilitate positioning of the fingers and dragging of the mouse (1 ).