WO2019166568A1 - Computer mouse comprising at least one actuator between the base and the case - Google Patents

Computer mouse comprising at least one actuator between the base and the case Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019166568A1
WO2019166568A1 PCT/EP2019/055021 EP2019055021W WO2019166568A1 WO 2019166568 A1 WO2019166568 A1 WO 2019166568A1 EP 2019055021 W EP2019055021 W EP 2019055021W WO 2019166568 A1 WO2019166568 A1 WO 2019166568A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mouse
housing
sole
jack
computer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/055021
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lionel Chataignier
Geoffrey Chataignier
Léo Giorgis
Hugo Loi
Original Assignee
Ark
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ark filed Critical Ark
Publication of WO2019166568A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019166568A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks

Definitions

  • Computer mouse comprising at least one cylinder between the sole and the housing
  • the invention relates to an improved mouse for a computer comprising at least four degrees of freedom.
  • the invention also relates to a computer system comprising such a mouse.
  • the invention relates to a method of using such a mouse.
  • an advanced mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom (in other words four axes)
  • Such a mouse comprises a sole bearing a housing to form a movable assembly in translation in a plane along two perpendicular horizontal axes, as standard so-called two-dimensional mice.
  • the housing of such a mouse is movable relative to the sole, so as to be inclined by turning about a horizontal longitudinal axis, and rotating about a horizontal transverse axis, which constitutes two additional axes.
  • the mouse can emit four information signals for each of its degrees of freedom, which offers control possibilities for software or particularly advanced video games.
  • Such a mouse is advantageous in that it allows more varied uses than a simple two-dimensional traditional mouse.
  • the manufacturers seek to increase the diversity of instructions that the user can transmit to a computer and, reciprocally, the diversity of information that the computer can transmit to its user.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a computer mouse and a method of using such a mouse overcomes the above drawbacks and improving the mice and methods of use known from the prior art.
  • the invention relates to a mouse for a computer comprising a sole and a mobile housing relative to the sole, the mouse comprising at least one jack whose one end is fixed to the sole and a second end is fixed. to the housing, so that a displacement of the housing relative to the sole causes compression or extension of said cylinder.
  • the mouse may comprise means for detecting a movement of the housing relative to the soleplate, in particular in that it comprises a first accelerometer integral with the housing, a second accelerometer secured to the soleplate, and a computing unit able to cooperate with the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer to detect a movement of the housing relative to the sole.
  • the mouse may comprise four jacks each having a first end attached to the sole and a second end attached to the housing.
  • the four cylinders can each extend along an axis, the four axes being parallel to each other.
  • the four cylinders can be arranged at the four corners of a square of the sole or the housing.
  • the at least one jack may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring.
  • the at least one actuator may comprise an electrical connection able to transmit to said actuator a command for modifying a height of the actuator and / or modifying a stiffness of the actuator and / or modifying a compression amplitude or extension of the cylinder.
  • the at least one jack may comprise an electrical connector adapted to transmit from said jack a compression height information of said jack.
  • the mouse may comprise a microcontroller electrically connected to said at least one jack.
  • the invention also relates to a computer system comprising a computer, a screen and a mouse as defined above.
  • the invention also relates to a method of using a mouse as defined above, the method comprising a step of inclining the housing relative to the sole and / or a step of moving the housing, in particular depression of the housing, perpendicular to a plane according to which the mouse is able to be moved.
  • the invention also relates to a method of using a mouse as defined above, the method comprising a step of controlling modification of a height of the jack and / or modification of a stiffness of the jack and / or modifying an amplitude of compression or extension of the cylinder, following an event produced by a software of a computer.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead it to implement a method of use as defined above.
  • the invention also relates to a computer-readable or mouse-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a mouse, lead the computer or mouse to implement a method of use as defined above.
  • a computer-readable or mouse-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a mouse, lead the computer or mouse to implement a method of use as defined above.
  • Figure 1 is a symbolic view of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view from above of a six-axis mouse according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view from below of the mouse.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a sole of the mouse provided with four cylinders.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view of a cylinder.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system 100 comprising a computer 101, a mouse 1 and a screen 102, the screen and the mouse being connected to the computer 101.
  • the computer 101 comprises a memory 104 and a microprocessor 105, in particular able to process information signals transmitted by the mouse 1.
  • the screen is capable of projecting an image comprising a pointer (in other words, a cursor) that the you can move on the screen by pressing the mouse.
  • the mouse 1 comprises a sole 2 carrying a top casing 3 which has a generally convex shape favoring the grip by the user.
  • the sole 2 has a lower face
  • the mouse 1 is thus mobile in translation on this horizontal plane along the two horizontal axes perpendicular x and y. It is also mobile in rotation about an axis normal to this plane, namely the yaw axis z.
  • the housing 3 can itself be inclined in a rolling motion with respect to the sole by pivoting about the horizontal transverse axis x, and it can be inclined in a pitching motion by pivoting about the horizontal longitudinal axis y. .
  • the housing 3 can also be moved relative to the sole perpendicular to the plane on which it is supported.
  • the housing can be moved vertically.
  • the user can exert a support with his hand to push, in other words push, the housing towards the support plane.
  • the user releases the pressure exerted on the housing, it goes back to its original position thanks to an elastic return.
  • the housing 3 comprises a housing body 5 supporting a set of actuators and a printed circuit said upper, which is rigidly secured to the housing body.
  • the casing body 5 comprises a left lateral flank 7, on which the thumb of a user gripping the mouse bears.
  • This left lateral flank 7 comprises a handle 8, located in front and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the x axis, so as to be manipulated by the thumb of the user.
  • the handle 8 is rotatable about the vertical axis z and about the transverse axis y.
  • the casing body 5 also comprises a convex upper face 11, which delimits together with the left lateral flank 7 a blunt edge 12 carrying two push buttons 13 and 14 situated substantially at mid-length of the left lateral flank 7, and which are also actuable by the user's thumb.
  • the upper front part of the casing body carries, on the one hand, a rotary wheel 16 that can be manipulated by the middle finger or index finger of the user having the mouse in the hand, as well as an additional push button 17 located above the wheel 16, and that the user can also operate with his middle finger or his index finger.
  • the mouse could include more or less buttons or actuators and / or these buttons could be positioned differently on the mouse.
  • a mouse similar to the one we describe could be obtained by symmetry so that it is suitable for left-handed people.
  • the convex upper face 1 1 of the housing body 5 is covered by an additional curved and flexible plate 18, whose front portion has two branches 19 and 21 located on either side of the wheel 16 and the push button 17.
  • These two branches 19 and 21 respectively constitute a so-called left-click key and a so-called right-click key operable respectively by the index and the middle finger of a right-handed user having the mouse in hand.
  • the two branches 19 and 21 are spaced from the front end of the housing body 5, which is here embodied in particular by a front edge 23 having a curved shape oriented transversely. The edge 23 is thus separated longitudinally from each of these keys 21 and 22 respectively by two bearing zones marked by 24 and 26 these bearing zones forming an integral part of the front of the casing body 5.
  • buttons of the left and right clicks are separated from the front end of the housing 3 by two support zones 24 and 26 allows the user to tilt the casing 3 in roll by exerting direct efforts on these bearing zones 24 and 26, that is to say without risk of clicking unexpectedly.
  • the mouse may include any number of buttons that the user can solicit with any finger of the hand. It may also not include a wheel 16 or a knob 8 as described above.
  • the shape of the housing can be any from the moment it can be grasped by a hand of a user.
  • the sole 2 it also includes a sole body 25 supporting a so-called lower printed circuit and various components. As visible in particular in Figure 3, the lower face 4 of the sole body is equipped with a set of pads 27 facilitating its sliding.
  • this sole 2 comprises at its front portion a connector 29 of the mini-USB type, with which the mouse can be connected to a computer so as to transmit its information, and / or to recharge a battery built into this mouse to allow him to exchange information with the computer over a wireless link.
  • the so-called lower printed circuit is rigidly secured to the sole and itself carries various components including a so-called lower accelerometer rigidly attached to this printed circuit.
  • This lower printed circuit also carries components specific to the mini-USB connector, to the laser sensor 28, and to other constituents.
  • the printed circuit said upper, is rigidly secured to the housing body 5.
  • This upper printed circuit carries an accelerometer said upper, also rigidly secured to the printed circuit which carries it, and a set of components suitable for the wheel 16, the handle 8 and the push buttons 13, 14, 17.
  • These two printed circuits are electrically connected to one another by a connector, so that the information from the upper printed circuit, such as the depressed state of one or the other left and right clicks, the position of the wheel 16 or the position of the handle 8 are transmitted to the lower printed circuit.
  • the position (ie the inclination) of the handle 8 can be determined by a measuring means of an inclination known per se.
  • the two accelerometers are operated jointly by a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, equipping for example the lower printed circuit, to determine the inclination of the housing 3 with respect to the base 2.
  • a computing unit such as a microcontroller, equipping for example the lower printed circuit, to determine the inclination of the housing 3 with respect to the base 2.
  • the two accelerometers are advantageously identical electronic components so as to simplify the processing of the signals they deliver.
  • these are accelerometers in the form of MEMS electronic components of the LIS331 DLH type marketed under the ST® trademark.
  • Each accelerometer provides signals representative of the accelerations it undergoes along three orthogonal axes that are specific to it, and these signals are addressed to the microcontroller fitted to the lower printed circuit.
  • the signals from the accelerometers are processed by the microcontroller to determine the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the sole 2, on the one hand around the x axis, and on the other hand around the y axis.
  • the microcontroller retrieves at each moment the signals representative of the acceleration experienced by the upper accelerometer and the lower accelerometer along the x axis.
  • the accelerometers associated with the microcontroller of the mouse constitute a means of detecting a movement of the housing 3 with respect to the soleplate 2.
  • they constitute a means for measuring the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the Sole 2.
  • this detection or measurement means could be realized differently.
  • it could include one or more angle sensors, and / or one or more distance or position sensors.
  • it could include one or more contactors activated when the housing 3 reaches a displacement or inclination determined with respect to the sole 2.
  • the sole 2 is physically connected to the housing 3 via four cylinders 31, 32, 33, 34 shown in particular in Figure 4 which could also be called “pistons".
  • the term "jack” means a mechanical device whose height may vary.
  • Each cylinder 31, 32, 33, 34 has a first end 35 fixed to the sole 2 and a second end 36 fixed to the housing 3.
  • the four cylinders are preferably identical. They each extend along an axis parallel to the yaw axis z, this axis being vertical when the mouse rests on a horizontal plane. They are arranged at the four corners of a square of the sole 2.
  • the square considered has a length of side L of the order of 1, 5 to 2.0cm, in particular 1, 8cm.
  • the jack conventionally comprises an outer shell 37, an inner shell 38 able to slide inside the outer shell 37, and a spring 39, arranged between the outer shell 37 and the inner shell 38.
  • the height H of the cylinder is the distance separating the first end 35 of the second end 36 along the z axis. Compression or extension of the spring 39 thus makes it possible to vary the height H of the jack.
  • the spring is a helical spring.
  • the jack may have a generally cylindrical outer casing with a height H of the order of 2.0 cm (in the absence of any solicitation).
  • the base of the cylinder may have a circular shape or a square shape.
  • the diameter D or the side of this base may have a size of the order of 0.3 to 0.4 cm, in particular 0.36 cm.
  • the mouse could include only three jacks, including three cylinders distributed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of the sole 2.
  • the mouse could also include only two jacks, the housing would then be able to rotate by relative to the sole only in a rolling motion or in a pitching movement according to the position of these two cylinders or to be driven vertically towards the sole.
  • the mouse could also include a single jack so that the housing would only be able to be depressed vertically towards the sole.
  • the cylinders on the side to which the housing is inclined are compressed while the others extend or remain stationary.
  • a certain clearance in the cylinder and / or the interface between the cylinder and the housing and / or at the interface between the cylinder and the soleplate may be provided.
  • the first end 35 of the jack may be in sliding contact before the sole 2 and / or the second end 36 may be in sliding contact with the housing 3.
  • the attachment between the first end 35 of the jack and the sole 2 and / or the attachment between the second end 36 of the jack and the housing may allow a slight mobility between the cylinder and the sole or between the cylinder and the housing.
  • Each cylinder further comprises an actuator electrically connected to the microcontroller of the mouse via an electrical connector 40.
  • This actuator can change the height of the jack, that is to say impose a compression or extension of the cylinder against the effort exerted by the user on the housing.
  • the actuator can change the stiffness of the cylinder, ie the stiffness of the spring 39 of the cylinder. If the stiffness of the cylinder is increased, it will take a greater effort to compress it.
  • the actuator can modify the amplitude of compression and / or extension of the jack, that is to say, modify the maximum stroke of the jack in compression or extension.
  • each cylinder may also include means for measuring its height 6.
  • the measuring means is able to transmit to the microcontroller of the mouse this information via the electrical connector 40.
  • This information can be exploited by the microcontroller, in addition to the signals from the accelerometers to determine the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the sole 2 with greater accuracy or to measure the depression of the housing relative to the sole.
  • a first information signal comprises information relating to the translation displacement of the mouse parallel to the transverse axis x.
  • a second information signal comprises information relating to the movement in translation of the mouse parallel to the longitudinal axis y.
  • a third information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the housing 3 around the transverse axis x.
  • a fourth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the housing 3 around the axis longitudinal y.
  • a fifth information signal comprises information relating to the depression of the housing 3 parallel to the longitudinal axis y.
  • a sixth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the handle 8 around the vertical axis z.
  • a seventh information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the handle 8 around the longitudinal axis y.
  • the mouse may be used to control software for representing a three-dimensional object such as computer-aided design software or a video game.
  • the depression of the housing relative to the sole may be associated for example with a zoom control on the three-dimensional object.
  • the rotation of the upper housing 3 of the mouse relative to the sole 2 may be associated with a rotation control of the three-dimensional object displayed on the screen.
  • the user can rotate this object along two perpendicular axes to observe it from all angles. If during its rotation the three-dimensional object as represented on the computer screen encounters an obstacle that should disturb its rotation, an actuation of certain jacks of the mouse makes it possible to feel the contact of the obstacle against the three-dimensional object to the user. For example, to materialize a difficult rotation of the three-dimensional object to the right, one can send a control order to the two cylinders 32, 34 to increase the stiffness.
  • the shock can be materialized by an actuation of one or more cylinders depending on the origin of the shock.
  • the user thus perceives a haptic feedback, that is to say a slight vibration, which completes his visual experience.
  • the use of such a mouse thus allows the user to immerse himself more in the virtual space displayed on the screen of the computer. It can therefore more efficiently transmit control commands to the computer and reciprocally receive more information from the computer.
  • the stiffness of the jacks can be associated with a user profile.
  • each user of the mouse can adjust the resistance to pivoting of the housing relative to the sole according to his preferences and / or his dexterity. All the jacks of the mouse can also be blocked simultaneously so that temporarily disable the ability to rotate the housing relative to the soleplate.
  • the mouse can be temporarily transformed into a traditional mouse.

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a mouse (1) for a computer (101) comprising a base (2) and a case (3) which is mobile relative to the base (2), characterised in that it comprises at least one actuator (31, 32, 33, 34) of which a first end (35) is attached to the base (2) and a second end (36) is attached to the case (3), so that a movement of the case (3) relative to the base (2) results in a compression or an extension of said actuator (31, 32, 33, 34).

Description

Souris pour ordinateur comprenant au moins un vérin entre la semelle et le boîtier  Computer mouse comprising at least one cylinder between the sole and the housing
Domaine technique de l'invention Technical field of the invention
L'invention concerne une souris perfectionnée pour un ordinateur comprenant au moins quatre degrés de liberté. L’invention concerne également un système informatique comprenant une telle souris. Enfin l’invention concerne un procédé d’utilisation d’une telle souris.  The invention relates to an improved mouse for a computer comprising at least four degrees of freedom. The invention also relates to a computer system comprising such a mouse. Finally, the invention relates to a method of using such a mouse.
État de la technique State of the art
Pour utiliser certains logiciels tridimensionnels, tels que des logiciels de conception assistée par ordinateur ou bien pour jouer à certains jeux vidéo, on connaît l’utilisation d’une souris évoluée comprenant au moins quatre degrés de liberté (autrement dit quatre axes). Une telle souris comporte une semelle portant un boîtier pour constituer un ensemble mobile en translation dans un plan selon deux axes horizontaux perpendiculaires, comme les souris standard dites bidimensionnelles. Le boîtier d'une telle souris est mobile par rapport à la semelle, de manière à pouvoir s'incliner en tournant autour d'un axe longitudinal horizontal, et en tournant autour d'un axe transversal horizontal, ce qui constitue deux axes supplémentaires. La souris peut émettre quatre signaux d’information pour chacun de ses degrés de liberté ce qui offre des possibilités de commande des logiciels ou des jeux vidéo particulièrement évoluées.  To use certain three-dimensional software, such as computer-aided design software or to play certain video games, the use of an advanced mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom (in other words four axes) is known. Such a mouse comprises a sole bearing a housing to form a movable assembly in translation in a plane along two perpendicular horizontal axes, as standard so-called two-dimensional mice. The housing of such a mouse is movable relative to the sole, so as to be inclined by turning about a horizontal longitudinal axis, and rotating about a horizontal transverse axis, which constitutes two additional axes. The mouse can emit four information signals for each of its degrees of freedom, which offers control possibilities for software or particularly advanced video games.
Une telle souris est avantageuse en ce qu’elle permet des utilisations plus variées qu’une simple souris traditionnelle bidimensionnelle. Toutefois, il existe un besoin d’une meilleure interaction entre l’utilisateur et son ordinateur. Ainsi, les fabricants cherchent à augmenter la diversité d’instructions que l’utilisateur peut transmettre à un ordinateur et, réciproquement, la diversité d’information que l’ordinateur peut transmettre à son utilisateur. Such a mouse is advantageous in that it allows more varied uses than a simple two-dimensional traditional mouse. However, there is a need for better interaction between the user and his computer. Thus, the manufacturers seek to increase the diversity of instructions that the user can transmit to a computer and, reciprocally, the diversity of information that the computer can transmit to its user.
Objet de l'invention Object of the invention
Le but de l’invention est de fournir une souris pour ordinateur et un procédé d’utilisation d’une telle souris remédiant aux inconvénients ci- dessus et améliorant les souris et les procédés d’utilisation connus de l’art antérieur. A cet effet, l’invention se rapporte à une souris pour un ordinateur comprenant une semelle et un boîtier mobile par rapport à la semelle, la souris comprenant au moins un vérin dont une première extrémité est fixée à la semelle et une deuxième extrémité est fixée au boîtier, de sorte qu’un déplacement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle entraîne une compression ou une extension dudit vérin. The object of the invention is to provide a computer mouse and a method of using such a mouse overcomes the above drawbacks and improving the mice and methods of use known from the prior art. For this purpose, the invention relates to a mouse for a computer comprising a sole and a mobile housing relative to the sole, the mouse comprising at least one jack whose one end is fixed to the sole and a second end is fixed. to the housing, so that a displacement of the housing relative to the sole causes compression or extension of said cylinder.
La souris peut comprendre un moyen de détection d'un déplacement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle, notamment en ce qu'elle comprend un premier accéléromètre solidaire du boîtier, un deuxième accéléromètre solidaire de la semelle, et une unité de calcul apte à coopérer avec le premier accéléromètre et le deuxième accéléromètre pour détecter un déplacement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle. The mouse may comprise means for detecting a movement of the housing relative to the soleplate, in particular in that it comprises a first accelerometer integral with the housing, a second accelerometer secured to the soleplate, and a computing unit able to cooperate with the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer to detect a movement of the housing relative to the sole.
La souris peut comprendre quatre vérins ayant chacun une première extrémité fixée à la semelle et une deuxième extrémité fixée au boîtier. The mouse may comprise four jacks each having a first end attached to the sole and a second end attached to the housing.
Les quatre vérins peuvent s’étendre chacun selon un axe, les quatre axes étant parallèles entre eux. Les quatre vérins peuvent être agencés aux quatre coins d’un carré de la semelle ou du boîtier. L’au moins un vérin peut comprendre un ressort, notamment un ressort hélicoïdal. L’au moins un vérin peut comprendre une connexion électrique apte à transmettre audit vérin une commande de modification d’une hauteur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une raideur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une amplitude de compression ou d’extension du vérin. L’au moins un vérin peut comprendre un connecteur électrique apte à transmettre depuis ledit vérin une information de hauteur de compression dudit vérin. The four cylinders can each extend along an axis, the four axes being parallel to each other. The four cylinders can be arranged at the four corners of a square of the sole or the housing. The at least one jack may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring. The at least one actuator may comprise an electrical connection able to transmit to said actuator a command for modifying a height of the actuator and / or modifying a stiffness of the actuator and / or modifying a compression amplitude or extension of the cylinder. The at least one jack may comprise an electrical connector adapted to transmit from said jack a compression height information of said jack.
La souris peut comprendre un microcontrôleur connecté électriquement audit au moins un vérin. The mouse may comprise a microcontroller electrically connected to said at least one jack.
L’invention se rapporte également à un système informatique comprenant un ordinateur, un écran et une souris telle que définie précédemment. L’invention se rapporte également à un procédé d’utilisation d’une souris telle que définie précédemment, le procédé comprenant une étape d’inclinaison du boîtier par rapport à la semelle et/ou une étape de déplacement du boîtier, notamment d’enfoncement du boîtier, perpendiculairement à un plan selon lequel la souris est apte à être déplacée. The invention also relates to a computer system comprising a computer, a screen and a mouse as defined above. The invention also relates to a method of using a mouse as defined above, the method comprising a step of inclining the housing relative to the sole and / or a step of moving the housing, in particular depression of the housing, perpendicular to a plane according to which the mouse is able to be moved.
L’invention se rapporte également à un procédé d’utilisation d’une souris telle que définie précédemment, le procédé comprenant une étape de commande de modification d’une hauteur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une raideur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une amplitude de compression ou d’extension du vérin, consécutivement à un événement produit par un logiciel d’un ordinateur. The invention also relates to a method of using a mouse as defined above, the method comprising a step of controlling modification of a height of the jack and / or modification of a stiffness of the jack and / or modifying an amplitude of compression or extension of the cylinder, following an event produced by a software of a computer.
L’invention se rapporte également à un produit programme d'ordinateur comprenant des instructions qui, lorsque le programme est exécuté par un ordinateur, conduisent celui-ci à mettre en œuvre un procédé d’utilisation tel que défini précédemment. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead it to implement a method of use as defined above.
L’invention se rapporte également à un support d'enregistrement lisible par un ordinateur ou une souris comprenant des instructions qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par un ordinateur ou une souris, conduisent celui-ci ou celle-ci à mettre en œuvre un procédé d’utilisation tel que défini précédemment. Description sommaire des dessins The invention also relates to a computer-readable or mouse-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or a mouse, lead the computer or mouse to implement a method of use as defined above. Brief description of the drawings
Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention seront exposés en détail dans la description suivante d’un mode de réalisation particulier fait à titre non-limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles :  These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made in a non-limiting manner in relation to the appended figures among which:
La figure 1 est une vue symbolique d’un système informatique selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention. Figure 1 is a symbolic view of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.
La figure 2 est une vue tridimensionnelle de dessus d’une souris à six axes selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention. Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view from above of a six-axis mouse according to one embodiment of the invention.
La figure 3 est une vue tridimensionnelle de dessous de la souris. La figure 4 est une vue schématique de dessus d’une semelle de la souris pourvue de quatre vérins. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view from below of the mouse. Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a sole of the mouse provided with four cylinders.
La figure 5 est une vue schématique d’un vérin. Figure 5 is a schematic view of a cylinder.
Description d’un mode de réalisation Description of an embodiment
La figure 1 illustre un système informatique 100 comprenant un ordinateur 101 , une souris 1 et un écran 102, l’écran et la souris étant reliés à l’ordinateur 101. Par « relié », on comprend que ces éléments sont connectés entre eux de sorte à pouvoir échanger des informations. Bien que représenté par des traits de liaison 103 sur la figure 1 , ces liaisons peuvent être des liaisons sans fil. L’ordinateur 101 comprend une mémoire 104 et un microprocesseur 105, notamment apte à traiter des signaux d’information émis par la souris 1. L’écran est apte à projeter une image comprenant un pointeur (autrement dit, un curseur) que l’on peut déplacer sur l’écran en actionnant la souris. FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system 100 comprising a computer 101, a mouse 1 and a screen 102, the screen and the mouse being connected to the computer 101. By "connected", it is understood that these elements are connected to each other. so that you can exchange information. Although represented by links 103 in FIG. 1, these links can be wireless links. The computer 101 comprises a memory 104 and a microprocessor 105, in particular able to process information signals transmitted by the mouse 1. The screen is capable of projecting an image comprising a pointer (in other words, a cursor) that the you can move on the screen by pressing the mouse.
Comme visible sur les figures 2 et 3, la souris 1 comporte une semelle 2 portant un boîtier 3 supérieur qui a une forme générale bombée favorisant la prise en main par l'utilisateur. La semelle 2 comporte une face inférieureAs can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mouse 1 comprises a sole 2 carrying a top casing 3 which has a generally convex shape favoring the grip by the user. The sole 2 has a lower face
4 plane par laquelle elle est en appui sur un plan sensiblement horizontal, tel qu'une table ou un tapis de souris, repéré par les deux axes perpendiculaires horizontaux x et y. La souris 1 est donc mobile en translation sur ce plan horizontal selon les deux axes horizontaux perpendiculaires x et y. Elle est également mobile en rotation autour d'un axe normal à ce plan, à savoir l'axe de lacet z. Le boîtier 3 peut quant à lui être incliné selon un mouvement de roulis par rapport à la semelle en pivotant autour de l'axe transversal horizontal x, et il peut être incliné selon un mouvement de tangage en pivotant autour de l'axe longitudinal horizontal y. Le boîtier 3 peut également être déplacé par rapport à la semelle perpendiculairement au plan sur lequel elle est en appui. Si ce plan est horizontal, le boîtier peut donc être déplacé verticalement. L’utilisateur peut exercer un appui avec sa main pour enfoncer, autrement dit pousser, le boîtier vers le plan d’appui. Lorsque l’utilisateur relâche la pression exercée sur le boîtier, celui-ci remonte à sa position d’origine grâce à un rappel élastique. 4 plane by which it is supported on a substantially horizontal plane, such as a table or a mouse pad, identified by the two horizontal perpendicular axes x and y. The mouse 1 is thus mobile in translation on this horizontal plane along the two horizontal axes perpendicular x and y. It is also mobile in rotation about an axis normal to this plane, namely the yaw axis z. The housing 3 can itself be inclined in a rolling motion with respect to the sole by pivoting about the horizontal transverse axis x, and it can be inclined in a pitching motion by pivoting about the horizontal longitudinal axis y. . The housing 3 can also be moved relative to the sole perpendicular to the plane on which it is supported. If this plane is horizontal, the housing can be moved vertically. The user can exert a support with his hand to push, in other words push, the housing towards the support plane. When the user releases the pressure exerted on the housing, it goes back to its original position thanks to an elastic return.
D'une manière générale, le boîtier 3 comprend un corps de boîtier 5 supportant un ensemble d'actionneurs ainsi qu'un circuit imprimé dit supérieur, qui est rigidement solidarisée à ce corps de boîtier. Le corps de boîtier 5 comprend un flanc latéral gauche 7, sur lequel vient en appui le pouce d'un utilisateur saisissant la souris. Ce flanc latéral gauche 7 comprend une manette 8, située en partie avant et s'étendant selon une direction sensiblement parallèle à l'axe x, de manière à être manipulable par le pouce de l'utilisateur. La manette 8 est mobile en rotation autour de l’axe vertical z et autour de l’axe transversal y. Le corps de boîtier 5 comprend également une face supérieure bombée 11 , qui délimite conjointement avec le flanc latéral gauche 7 une arête émoussée 12 portant deux boutons poussoirs 13 et 14 situés sensiblement à mi- longueur du flanc latéral gauche 7, et qui sont également actionnables par le pouce de l'utilisateur. La partie supérieure avant du corps de boîtier porte d'une part une molette 16 rotative manipulable par le majeur ou l’index de l'utilisateur ayant la souris en main, ainsi qu'un bouton poussoir supplémentaire 17 situé au-dessus de la molette 16, et que l'utilisateur peut également actionner avec son majeur ou son index. En variante, la souris pourrait comprendre plus ou moins de boutons ou d’actionneurs et/ou ces boutons pourraient être positionnés différemment sur la souris. Par exemple, une souris analogue à celle que nous décrivons pourrait être obtenue par symétrie de sorte à ce qu’elle soit adaptée aux gauchers. In general, the housing 3 comprises a housing body 5 supporting a set of actuators and a printed circuit said upper, which is rigidly secured to the housing body. The casing body 5 comprises a left lateral flank 7, on which the thumb of a user gripping the mouse bears. This left lateral flank 7 comprises a handle 8, located in front and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the x axis, so as to be manipulated by the thumb of the user. The handle 8 is rotatable about the vertical axis z and about the transverse axis y. The casing body 5 also comprises a convex upper face 11, which delimits together with the left lateral flank 7 a blunt edge 12 carrying two push buttons 13 and 14 situated substantially at mid-length of the left lateral flank 7, and which are also actuable by the user's thumb. The upper front part of the casing body carries, on the one hand, a rotary wheel 16 that can be manipulated by the middle finger or index finger of the user having the mouse in the hand, as well as an additional push button 17 located above the wheel 16, and that the user can also operate with his middle finger or his index finger. Alternatively, the mouse could include more or less buttons or actuators and / or these buttons could be positioned differently on the mouse. For example, a mouse similar to the one we describe could be obtained by symmetry so that it is suitable for left-handed people.
La face supérieure bombée 1 1 du corps de boîtier 5 est recouverte par une plaque additionnelle 18 bombée et souple, dont la partie avant présente deux branches 19 et 21 situées de part et d'autre de la molette 16 et du bouton poussoir 17. Ces deux branches 19 et 21 constituent respectivement une touche dite de clic gauche et une touche dite de clic droit actionnables respectivement par l'index et par le majeur d'un utilisateur droitier ayant la souris en main. Comme visible sur la figure 2, les deux branches 19 et 21 sont espacées de l'extrémité avant du corps de boîtier 5, qui est ici matérialisée notamment par une arête avant 23 ayant une forme courbe orientée transversalement. L'arête 23 est ainsi séparée longitudinalement de chacune de ces touches 21 et 22 respectivement par deux zones d'appui repérées par 24 et 26 ces zones d'appui faisant partie intégrante de l'avant du corps de boîtier 5. Le fait que les touches des clics gauche et droit soient séparées de l'extrémité avant du boîtier 3 par deux zones d'appui 24 et 26 permet à l'utilisateur de d'incliner le boîtier 3 en roulis en exerçant directement des efforts sur ces zones d'appui 24 et 26, c'est-à-dire sans risque de cliquer de manière inopinée. En variante, la souris peut comprendre un nombre quelconque de bouton que l’utilisateur peut solliciter avec n’importe quel doigt de la main. Elle peut également ne pas comprendre un molette 16 ou une manette 8 telle que décrites précédemment. La forme du boîtier peut être quelconque à partir du moment où elle permet d’être saisie par une main d’un utilisateur. En ce qui concerne la semelle 2, elle comporte elle aussi un corps de semelle 25 supportant un circuit imprimé dit inférieur ainsi que différents composants. Comme visible notamment sur la figure 3, la face inférieure 4 de ce corps de semelle est équipée d'un ensemble de patins 27 facilitant son glissement. Elle est par ailleurs équipée d'un capteur de déplacement de type laser, repéré par 28, et grâce auquel les mouvements de translation le long des axes x et y par rapport au support sont mesurés. Par ailleurs, cette semelle 2 comprend au niveau de sa partie avant un connecteur 29 du type mini-USB, grâce auquel la souris peut être reliée à un ordinateur de manière à transmettre ses informations, et/ou pour recharger une batterie intégrée à cette souris pour lui permettre d'échanger des informations avec l'ordinateur par une liaison sans fil. Le circuit imprimé dit inférieur est rigidement solidarisé à la semelle et porte lui-même différents composants dont un accéléromètre dit inférieur rigidement solidarisé à ce circuit imprimé. Ce circuit imprimé inférieur porte également des composants propres au connecteur mini-USB, au capteur laser 28, et à d'autres constituants. De manière analogue, le circuit imprimé, dit supérieur, est rigidement solidaire du corps de boîtier 5. Ce circuit imprimé supérieur porte un accéléromètre dit supérieur, lui aussi rigidement solidaire du circuit imprimé qui le porte, ainsi qu'un ensemble de composants propres à la molette 16, à la manette 8 et aux boutons poussoir 13, 14, 17. Ces deux circuits imprimés sont électriquement reliés l'un à l'autre par un connecteur, de telle manière que les informations issues du circuit imprimé supérieur, tel que l'état enfoncé de l'un ou l'autre des clics gauche et droit, la position de la roue 16 ou encore la position de la manette 8 sont transmises au circuit imprimé inférieur. En remarque, la position (autrement dit l’inclinaison) de la manette 8 peut être déterminée par un moyen de mesure d’une inclinaison connu en soi. The convex upper face 1 1 of the housing body 5 is covered by an additional curved and flexible plate 18, whose front portion has two branches 19 and 21 located on either side of the wheel 16 and the push button 17. These two branches 19 and 21 respectively constitute a so-called left-click key and a so-called right-click key operable respectively by the index and the middle finger of a right-handed user having the mouse in hand. As shown in Figure 2, the two branches 19 and 21 are spaced from the front end of the housing body 5, which is here embodied in particular by a front edge 23 having a curved shape oriented transversely. The edge 23 is thus separated longitudinally from each of these keys 21 and 22 respectively by two bearing zones marked by 24 and 26 these bearing zones forming an integral part of the front of the casing body 5. The fact that the buttons of the left and right clicks are separated from the front end of the housing 3 by two support zones 24 and 26 allows the user to tilt the casing 3 in roll by exerting direct efforts on these bearing zones 24 and 26, that is to say without risk of clicking unexpectedly. Alternatively, the mouse may include any number of buttons that the user can solicit with any finger of the hand. It may also not include a wheel 16 or a knob 8 as described above. The shape of the housing can be any from the moment it can be grasped by a hand of a user. As regards the sole 2, it also includes a sole body 25 supporting a so-called lower printed circuit and various components. As visible in particular in Figure 3, the lower face 4 of the sole body is equipped with a set of pads 27 facilitating its sliding. It is also equipped with a laser-type displacement sensor, marked 28, and with which the translational movements along the x and y axes relative to the support are measured. Furthermore, this sole 2 comprises at its front portion a connector 29 of the mini-USB type, with which the mouse can be connected to a computer so as to transmit its information, and / or to recharge a battery built into this mouse to allow him to exchange information with the computer over a wireless link. The so-called lower printed circuit is rigidly secured to the sole and itself carries various components including a so-called lower accelerometer rigidly attached to this printed circuit. This lower printed circuit also carries components specific to the mini-USB connector, to the laser sensor 28, and to other constituents. In a similar way, the printed circuit, said upper, is rigidly secured to the housing body 5. This upper printed circuit carries an accelerometer said upper, also rigidly secured to the printed circuit which carries it, and a set of components suitable for the wheel 16, the handle 8 and the push buttons 13, 14, 17. These two printed circuits are electrically connected to one another by a connector, so that the information from the upper printed circuit, such as the depressed state of one or the other left and right clicks, the position of the wheel 16 or the position of the handle 8 are transmitted to the lower printed circuit. As a remark, the position (ie the inclination) of the handle 8 can be determined by a measuring means of an inclination known per se.
Les deux accéléromètres sont exploités conjointement par une unité de calcul, telle qu'un microcontrôleur, équipant par exemple le circuit imprimé inférieur, pour déterminer l'inclinaison du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2. The two accelerometers are operated jointly by a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, equipping for example the lower printed circuit, to determine the inclination of the housing 3 with respect to the base 2.
Les deux accéléromètres sont avantageusement des composants électroniques identiques de manière à simplifier le traitement des signaux qu'ils délivrent. Il s'agit avantageusement d'accéléromètres sous forme de composants électroniques MEMS de type LIS331 DLH commercialisés sous la marque ST®. Chaque accéléromètre fournit des signaux représentatifs des accélérations qu'il subit selon trois axes orthogonaux qui lui sont propres, et ces signaux sont adressés au microcontrôleur équipant le circuit imprimé inférieur. Les signaux issus des accéléromètres sont traités par le microcontrôleur pour déterminer l'inclinaison du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2, d'une part autour de l'axe x, et d'autre part autour de l'axe y. A cet effet, le microcontrôleur récupère à chaque instant les signaux représentatifs de l'accélération subie par l'accéléromètre supérieur et par l'accéléromètre inférieur selon l'axe x. On comprend donc que les accéléromètres associés au microcontrôleur de la souris constituent un moyen de détection d'un déplacement du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2. Notamment, ils constituent un moyen de mesure de l’inclinaison du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2. En variante ou en complément, ce moyen de détection ou de mesure pourrait être réalisé différemment. Par exemple, il pourrait comprendre un ou plusieurs capteurs d'angle, et/ou un ou plusieurs capteurs de distance ou de position. Par exemple, il pourrait comprendre un ou plusieurs contacteurs électriques activés lorsque le boîtier 3 atteint un déplacement ou une inclinaison déterminée par rapport à la semelle 2. The two accelerometers are advantageously identical electronic components so as to simplify the processing of the signals they deliver. Advantageously, these are accelerometers in the form of MEMS electronic components of the LIS331 DLH type marketed under the ST® trademark. Each accelerometer provides signals representative of the accelerations it undergoes along three orthogonal axes that are specific to it, and these signals are addressed to the microcontroller fitted to the lower printed circuit. The signals from the accelerometers are processed by the microcontroller to determine the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the sole 2, on the one hand around the x axis, and on the other hand around the y axis. For this purpose, the microcontroller retrieves at each moment the signals representative of the acceleration experienced by the upper accelerometer and the lower accelerometer along the x axis. It is thus clear that the accelerometers associated with the microcontroller of the mouse constitute a means of detecting a movement of the housing 3 with respect to the soleplate 2. In particular, they constitute a means for measuring the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the Sole 2. Alternatively or additionally, this detection or measurement means could be realized differently. For example, it could include one or more angle sensors, and / or one or more distance or position sensors. For example, it could include one or more contactors activated when the housing 3 reaches a displacement or inclination determined with respect to the sole 2.
La semelle 2 est reliée physiquement au boîtier 3 par l’intermédiaire de quatre vérins 31 , 32, 33, 34 illustrés notamment sur la figure 4 que l’on pourrait également dénommer « pistons ». On entend par « vérin » un dispositif mécanique dont la hauteur peut varier. Chaque vérin 31 , 32, 33, 34 a une première extrémité 35 fixée à la semelle 2 et une deuxième extrémité 36 fixée au boîtier 3. Les quatre vérins sont préférentiellement identiques. Il s’étendent chacun selon un axe parallèle à l’axe de lacet z, cet axe étant vertical lorsque la souris repose sur un plan horizontal. Ils sont agencés aux quatre coins d’un carré de la semelle 2. Ainsi, le poids de la main de l’utilisateur en appui sur ce boîtier est équitablement réparti entre les quatre vérins. Avantageusement, le carré considéré a une longueur de côté L de l’ordre de 1 ,5 à 2,0cm, notamment 1 ,8cm. The sole 2 is physically connected to the housing 3 via four cylinders 31, 32, 33, 34 shown in particular in Figure 4 which could also be called "pistons". The term "jack" means a mechanical device whose height may vary. Each cylinder 31, 32, 33, 34 has a first end 35 fixed to the sole 2 and a second end 36 fixed to the housing 3. The four cylinders are preferably identical. They each extend along an axis parallel to the yaw axis z, this axis being vertical when the mouse rests on a horizontal plane. They are arranged at the four corners of a square of the sole 2. Thus, the weight of the user's hand resting on this housing is equitably distributed between the four cylinders. Advantageously, the square considered has a length of side L of the order of 1, 5 to 2.0cm, in particular 1, 8cm.
Comme illustré sur la figure 5, le vérin comprend de manière classique une coque externe 37, une coque interne 38 apte à coulisser à l’intérieur de la coque externe 37, et un ressort 39, agencé entre la coque externe 37 et la coque interne 38. La hauteur H du vérin est la distance séparant la première extrémité 35 de la deuxième extrémité 36 suivant l’axe z. La compression ou l’extension du ressort 39 permet donc de faire varier la hauteur H du vérin. Préférentiellement, le ressort est un ressort hélicoïdal. Le vérin peut avoir une enveloppe extérieure globalement cylindrique avec une hauteur H de l’ordre de 2,0cm (en l’absence de toute sollicitation). La base du cylindre peut avoir une forme circulaire ou une forme carrée. Le diamètre D ou le coté de cette base peut avoir une dimension de l’ordre de 0,3 à 0,4cm, notamment 0,36cm. En variante, la souris pourrait ne comprendre que trois vérins, notamment trois vérins répartis aux sommets d’un triangle équilatéral de la semelle 2. Dans une version simplifiée, la souris pourrait également comprendre seulement deux vérins, le boîtier serait alors apte à pivoter par rapport à la semelle uniquement selon un mouvement de roulis ou selon un mouvement de tangage selon la position de ces deux vérins ou bien à être enfoncé verticalement vers la semelle. Enfin, la souris pourrait également comprendre un seul vérin de sorte que le boîtier serait apte uniquement à être enfoncé verticalement vers la semelle. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the jack conventionally comprises an outer shell 37, an inner shell 38 able to slide inside the outer shell 37, and a spring 39, arranged between the outer shell 37 and the inner shell 38. The height H of the cylinder is the distance separating the first end 35 of the second end 36 along the z axis. Compression or extension of the spring 39 thus makes it possible to vary the height H of the jack. Preferably, the spring is a helical spring. The jack may have a generally cylindrical outer casing with a height H of the order of 2.0 cm (in the absence of any solicitation). The base of the cylinder may have a circular shape or a square shape. The diameter D or the side of this base may have a size of the order of 0.3 to 0.4 cm, in particular 0.36 cm. Alternatively, the mouse could include only three jacks, including three cylinders distributed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of the sole 2. In a simplified version, the mouse could also include only two jacks, the housing would then be able to rotate by relative to the sole only in a rolling motion or in a pitching movement according to the position of these two cylinders or to be driven vertically towards the sole. Finally, the mouse could also include a single jack so that the housing would only be able to be depressed vertically towards the sole.
Lorsque l’utilisateur de la souris fait pivoter le boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2, les vérins du coté vers lequel le boîtier est incliné sont comprimés tandis que les autres s’étendent ou demeurent immobiles. Afin de permettre le pivotement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle, un certain jeu dans le vérin et/ou à l’interface entre le vérin et le boîtier et/ou à l’interface entre le vérin et la semelle peut être prévu. Par exemple, la première extrémité 35 du vérin peut être en contact glissant avant la semelle 2 et/ou la deuxième extrémité 36 peut être en contact glissant avec le boîtier 3. Ainsi, la fixation entre la première extrémité 35 du vérin et la semelle 2 et/ou la fixation entre la deuxième extrémité 36 du vérin et le boîtier peut autoriser une légère mobilité entre le vérin et la semelle ou entre le vérin et le boîtier. Lorsque l’utilisateur enfonce le boîtier 3 vers la semelle 2, les quatre vérins sont comprimés simultanément. Une rotation du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2 autour de l’axe de lacet z est logiquement impossible. When the user of the mouse rotates the housing 3 relative to the sole 2, the cylinders on the side to which the housing is inclined are compressed while the others extend or remain stationary. To allow the pivoting of the housing relative to the sole, a certain clearance in the cylinder and / or the interface between the cylinder and the housing and / or at the interface between the cylinder and the soleplate may be provided. For example, the first end 35 of the jack may be in sliding contact before the sole 2 and / or the second end 36 may be in sliding contact with the housing 3. Thus, the attachment between the first end 35 of the jack and the sole 2 and / or the attachment between the second end 36 of the jack and the housing may allow a slight mobility between the cylinder and the sole or between the cylinder and the housing. When the user drives the housing 3 to the sole 2, the four cylinders are compressed simultaneously. A rotation of the housing 3 relative to the sole 2 around the yaw axis z is logically impossible.
Chaque vérin comprend de plus un actionneur connecté électriquement au microcontrôleur de la souris par l’intermédiaire d’un connecteur électrique 40. Cet actionneur peut modifier la hauteur du vérin, c’est-à-dire imposer une compression ou une extension du vérin à l’encontre de l’effort exercé par l’utilisateur sur le boîtier. En variante ou en complément, l’actionneur peut modifier la raideur du vérin, autrement dit la raideur du ressort 39 du vérin. Si la raideur du vérin est augmentée, il faudra un effort plus important pour le comprimer. Enfin, en variante ou en complément, l’actionneur peut modifier l’amplitude de compression et/ou d’extension du vérin, c’est-à-dire modifier la course maximale du vérin en compression ou en extension. Optionnellement, chaque vérin peut également comprendre un moyen de mesure de sa hauteur 6. Dans ce cas, le moyen de mesure est apte à transmettre au microcontrôleur de la souris cette information par l’intermédiaire du connecteur électrique 40. Cette information peut être exploitée par le microcontrôleur, en complément des signaux issus des accéléromètres pour déterminer l'inclinaison du boîtier 3 par rapport à la semelle 2 avec une plus grande précision ou pour mesurer l’enfoncement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle. Each cylinder further comprises an actuator electrically connected to the microcontroller of the mouse via an electrical connector 40. This actuator can change the height of the jack, that is to say impose a compression or extension of the cylinder against the effort exerted by the user on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can change the stiffness of the cylinder, ie the stiffness of the spring 39 of the cylinder. If the stiffness of the cylinder is increased, it will take a greater effort to compress it. Finally, alternatively or in addition, the actuator can modify the amplitude of compression and / or extension of the jack, that is to say, modify the maximum stroke of the jack in compression or extension. Optionally, each cylinder may also include means for measuring its height 6. In this case, the measuring means is able to transmit to the microcontroller of the mouse this information via the electrical connector 40. This information can be exploited by the microcontroller, in addition to the signals from the accelerometers to determine the inclination of the housing 3 relative to the sole 2 with greater accuracy or to measure the depression of the housing relative to the sole.
Finalement, la souris est apte à transmettre sept signaux d’information à l’ordinateur 101 , correspondant chacun à un degré de liberté de la souris auxquels s’ajoutent des signaux d’information binaires pour chacun des boutons de la souris et pour la molette. Un premier signal d’information comprend une information relative au déplacement en translation de la souris parallèlement à l’axe transversal x. Un deuxième signal d’information comprend une information relative au déplacement en translation de la souris parallèlement à l’axe longitudinal y. Un troisième signal d’information comprend une information relative à la rotation du boîtier 3 autour de l’axe transversal x. Un quatrième signal d’information comprend une information relative à la rotation du boîtier 3 autour de l’axe longitudinal y. Un cinquième signal d’information comprend une information relative à l’enfoncement du boîtier 3 parallèlement à l’axe longitudinal y. Un sixième signal d’information comprend une information relative à la rotation de la manette 8 autour de l’axe vertical z. Un septième signal d’information comprend une information relative à la rotation de la manette 8 autour de l’axe longitudinal y. Finally, the mouse is able to transmit seven information signals to the computer 101, each corresponding to a degree of freedom of the mouse to which are added binary information signals for each of the mouse buttons and for the wheel . A first information signal comprises information relating to the translation displacement of the mouse parallel to the transverse axis x. A second information signal comprises information relating to the movement in translation of the mouse parallel to the longitudinal axis y. A third information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the housing 3 around the transverse axis x. A fourth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the housing 3 around the axis longitudinal y. A fifth information signal comprises information relating to the depression of the housing 3 parallel to the longitudinal axis y. A sixth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the handle 8 around the vertical axis z. A seventh information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the handle 8 around the longitudinal axis y.
La souris peut être utilisée 1 pour commander un logiciel permettant de représenter un objet tridimensionnel comme par exemple un logiciel de conception assistée par ordinateur ou un jeu vidéo. The mouse may be used to control software for representing a three-dimensional object such as computer-aided design software or a video game.
L’enfoncement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle peut être associé par exemple à une commande de zoom sur l’objet tridimensionnel. La rotation du boîtier 3 supérieur de la souris par rapport à la semelle 2 peut être associée à une commande de rotation de l’objet tridimensionnel affiché à l’écran. Ainsi, l’utilisateur peut faire pivoter cet objet selon deux axes perpendiculaires pour l’observer sous tous ses angles. Si au cours de sa rotation l’objet tridimensionnel tel que représenté sur l’écran de l’ordinateur rencontre un obstacle qui devrait perturber sa rotation, un actionnement de certains vérins de la souris permet de faire ressentir le contact de l’obstacle contre l’objet tridimensionnel à l’utilisateur. Par exemple, pour matérialiser une rotation difficile de l’objet tridimensionnel vers la droite, on peut envoyer un ordre de commande aux deux vérins 32, 34 pour en augmenter la raideur. Pour matérialiser une rotation impossible de l’objet tridimensionnel au-delà d’un certain angle vers la droite, on peut envoyer un ordre de commande aux deux vérins 32, 34 pour réduire la compression maximale de ces deux vérins (c’est-à-dire pour limiter la course en compression de ces deux vérins). Pour matérialiser une impossibilité de déplacer l’objet tridimensionnel, les quatre vérins pourraient être bloqués en position. The depression of the housing relative to the sole may be associated for example with a zoom control on the three-dimensional object. The rotation of the upper housing 3 of the mouse relative to the sole 2 may be associated with a rotation control of the three-dimensional object displayed on the screen. Thus, the user can rotate this object along two perpendicular axes to observe it from all angles. If during its rotation the three-dimensional object as represented on the computer screen encounters an obstacle that should disturb its rotation, an actuation of certain jacks of the mouse makes it possible to feel the contact of the obstacle against the three-dimensional object to the user. For example, to materialize a difficult rotation of the three-dimensional object to the right, one can send a control order to the two cylinders 32, 34 to increase the stiffness. To materialize an impossible rotation of the three-dimensional object beyond a certain angle to the right, it is possible to send a control command to the two jacks 32, 34 to reduce the maximum compression of these two jacks (ie ie to limit the compression stroke of these two cylinders). To materialize a unable to move the three-dimensional object, the four jacks could be locked in position.
Ces exemples peuvent bien sûr être transposés à un mouvement de rotation selon toute autre direction. De même, si la rotation du boîtier 3 est associée non pas à un mouvement de rotation de l’objet tridimensionnel mais à un mouvement de translation, les interactions décrites plus haut peuvent être adaptées pour matérialiser un déplacement en translation rendu plus difficile, voire même impossible, dans une ou plusieurs directions. These examples can of course be transposed to a rotational movement in any other direction. Similarly, if the rotation of the housing 3 is associated not with a rotational movement of the three-dimensional object but with a translational movement, the interactions described above can be adapted to materialize a displacement in translation made more difficult, or even impossible, in one or more directions.
Un autre exemple d’utilisation peut être réalisé lorsque l’objet tridimensionnel est percuté ou par un autre objet tridimensionnel. Dans ce cas, le choc peut être matérialisé par un actionnement de un ou plusieurs vérins en fonction de l’origine du choc. L’utilisateur perçoit donc un retour haptique, c’est-à-dire une légère vibration, qui complète son expérience visuelle. Another example of use can be realized when the three-dimensional object is hit or by another three-dimensional object. In this case, the shock can be materialized by an actuation of one or more cylinders depending on the origin of the shock. The user thus perceives a haptic feedback, that is to say a slight vibration, which completes his visual experience.
L’utilisation d’une telle souris permet donc à son utilisateur de s’immerger davantage dans l’espace virtuel affiché sur l’écran de l’ordinateur. Il peut donc transmettre plus efficacement des ordres de commande à l’ordinateur et, réciproquement recevoir d’avantage d’informations de la part de ce dernier. Selon un autre exemple d’utilisation de la souris, la raideur des vérins peut être associée à un profil d’utilisateur. Ainsi, chaque utilisateur de la souris peut ajuster la résistance au pivotement du boîtier par rapport à la semelle en fonction de ses préférences et/ou de sa dextérité. Tous les vérins de la souris peuvent également être bloqués simultanément de sorte à désactiver temporairement la possibilité de faire pivoter le boîtier par rapport à la semelle. Ainsi, la souris peut être transformée temporairement en une souris traditionnelle. The use of such a mouse thus allows the user to immerse himself more in the virtual space displayed on the screen of the computer. It can therefore more efficiently transmit control commands to the computer and reciprocally receive more information from the computer. According to another example of use of the mouse, the stiffness of the jacks can be associated with a user profile. Thus, each user of the mouse can adjust the resistance to pivoting of the housing relative to the sole according to his preferences and / or his dexterity. All the jacks of the mouse can also be blocked simultaneously so that temporarily disable the ability to rotate the housing relative to the soleplate. Thus, the mouse can be temporarily transformed into a traditional mouse.

Claims

Revendications claims
1. Souris (1 ) pour un ordinateur (101 ) comprenant une semelle (2) et un boîtier (3) mobile par rapport à la semelle (2), caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend au moins un vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34) dont une première extrémité (35) est fixée à la semelle (2) et une deuxième extrémité (36) est fixée au boîtier (3), de sorte qu’un déplacement du boîtier (3) par rapport à la semelle (2) entraîne une compression ou une extension dudit vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34). Mouse (1) for a computer (101) comprising a sole (2) and a housing (3) movable relative to the sole (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one jack (31, 32, 33, 34) of which a first end (35) is fixed to the sole (2) and a second end (36) is fixed to the housing (3), so that a displacement of the housing (3) relative to the sole (2) causes compression or extension of said ram (31, 32, 33, 34).
2. Souris (1 ) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un moyen de détection d'un déplacement du boîtier (3) par rapport à la semelle (2), notamment en ce qu'elle comprend un premier accéléromètre solidaire du boîtier (3), un deuxième accéléromètre solidaire de la semelle (2), et une unité de calcul apte à coopérer avec le premier accéléromètre et le deuxième accéléromètre pour détecter un déplacement du boîtier (3) par rapport à la semelle (2). 2. Mouse (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting a displacement of the housing (3) relative to the sole (2), in particular in that it comprises a first accelerometer secured to the housing (3), a second accelerometer secured to the sole (2), and a computing unit adapted to cooperate with the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer to detect a movement of the housing (3) relative to the sole (2 ).
3. Souris (1 ) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend quatre vérins (31 , 32, 33, 34) ayant chacun une première extrémité (35) fixée à la semelle (2) et une deuxième extrémité (36) fixée au boîtier (3). 3. Mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises four cylinders (31, 32, 33, 34) each having a first end (35) fixed to the sole (2) and a second end (36) attached to the housing (3).
4. Souris (1 ) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que les quatre vérins (31 , 32, 33, 34) s’étendent chacun selon un axe (z), les quatre axes (z) étant parallèles entre eux et/ou en ce que les quatre vérins (31 , 32, 33, 34) sont agencés aux quatre coins d’un carré de la semelle (2) ou du boîtier (3). 4. Mouse (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the four cylinders (31, 32, 33, 34) each extend along an axis (z), the four axes (z) being parallel to each other and / or in that the four cylinders (31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged at the four corners of a square of the sole (2) or the housing (3).
5. Souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l’au moins un vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34) comprend un ressort (39), notamment un ressort (39) hélicoïdal. 5. Mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one jack (31, 32, 33, 34) comprises a spring (39), in particular a spring (39) helical.
6. Souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l’au moins un vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34) comprend une connexion électrique (40) apte à transmettre audit vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34) une commande de modification d’une hauteur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une raideur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une amplitude de compression ou d’extension du vérin. 6. Mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one jack (31, 32, 33, 34) comprises an electrical connection (40) adapted to transmit to said jack (31, 32, 33, 34) a command for modifying a height of the jack and / or modifying a stiffness of the jack and / or modifying a compression or extension amplitude of the jack.
7. Souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que l’au moins un vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34) comprend un connecteur électrique (40) apte à transmettre depuis ledit vérin une information de hauteur de compression dudit vérin. 7. Mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one jack (31, 32, 33, 34) comprises an electrical connector (40) adapted to transmit from said cylinder information height compression of said cylinder.
8. Souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend un microcontrôleur connecté électriquement audit au moins un vérin (31 , 32, 33, 34). 8. Mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a microcontroller electrically connected to said at least one jack (31, 32, 33, 34).
9. Système informatique (100) comprenant un ordinateur (101 ), un écran (102) et une souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications précédentes. 9. Computer system (100) comprising a computer (101), a screen (102) and a mouse (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Procédé d’utilisation d’une souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé ce qu’il comprend une étape d’inclinaison du boîtier (3) par rapport à la semelle (2) et/ou une étape de déplacement du boîtier (3), notamment d’enfoncement du boîtier (3), perpendiculairement à un plan selon lequel la souris (1 ) est apte à être déplacée. 10. A method of using a mouse (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a step of tilting the housing (3) relative to the sole (2) and / or a step of moving the housing (3), in particular depression of the housing (3), perpendicular to a plane according to which the mouse (1) is able to be moved.
1 1 . Procédé d’utilisation d’une souris (1 ) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé ce qu’il comprend une étape de commande de modification d’une hauteur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une raideur du vérin et/ou de modification d’une amplitude de compression ou d’extension du vérin, consécutivement à un événement produit par un logiciel d’un ordinateur. 1 1. Method for using a mouse (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a step of controlling modification of a height of the jack and / or modification of a stiffness of the jack and / or modifying an amplitude of compression or extension of the jack, following an event produced by a software of a computer.
12. Produit programme d'ordinateur comprenant des instructions qui, lorsque le programme est exécuté par un ordinateur (101 ), conduisent celui-ci à mettre en oeuvre le procédé d’utilisation selon l’une des revendications 10 à 1 1 . 12. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (101), lead it to implement the method of use according to one of claims 10 to 11.
13. Support d'enregistrement lisible par un ordinateur (101 ) ou une souris (1 ) comprenant des instructions qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par un ordinateur (101 ) ou une souris (1 ), conduisent celui-ci ou celle-ci à mettre en oeuvre le procédé d’utilisation selon l’une des revendications 10 à 1 1 . A computer-readable recording medium (101) or mouse (1) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (101) or mouse (1), drive the same to implement the method of use according to one of claims 10 to 1 1.
PCT/EP2019/055021 2018-02-28 2019-02-28 Computer mouse comprising at least one actuator between the base and the case WO2019166568A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1851748 2018-02-28
FR1851748A FR3078421B1 (en) 2018-02-28 2018-02-28 COMPUTER MOUSE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE CYLINDER BETWEEN THE SOLE AND THE CASE

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WO2019166568A1 true WO2019166568A1 (en) 2019-09-06

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WO (1) WO2019166568A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20090020839A (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-27 장수현 Rolling mouse
US20160077589A1 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-03-17 E-Concept Multidimension vibrating mouse
US20170344135A1 (en) * 2015-01-12 2017-11-30 Tae Soo Kim Mouse for computer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20090020839A (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-27 장수현 Rolling mouse
US20160077589A1 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-03-17 E-Concept Multidimension vibrating mouse
US20170344135A1 (en) * 2015-01-12 2017-11-30 Tae Soo Kim Mouse for computer

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FR3078421B1 (en) 2020-10-23
FR3078421A1 (en) 2019-08-30

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