WO2004049244A1

WO2004049244A1 - Dual-mode pointing device and detachable casing

Info

Publication number: WO2004049244A1
Application number: PCT/SE2003/001725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus Schnürer; Tomas ÖQUIST; Jonas BÄCKMAN
Original assignee: Perific AB
Current assignee: Perific AB
Priority date: 2002-11-22
Filing date: 2003-11-07
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2005-05-22
Also published as: SE0203461D0; AU2003276797A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual-mode pointing device (100) for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit. The device (100) includes a .wearable command registering unit (300) and a casing unit (200). The registering unit (300) is adapted to, in a first working position, be attached to a hand of a user of and be retained in a predetermined manner on the hand, such that the user may enter control signals by means of input members on the registering unit (300) without having access to a flat surface. The casing unit (200) is removably attached to the registering unit (300) and designed to provide a comfortable resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device (100) in a second working position, wherein the device (100) is arranged on a substantially flat surface, such that also position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device (100) in relation to the substantially flat surface.

Description

Dual-Mode Pointing Device and Detachable Casing

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to input members of wearable devices, which communicate with units that are physically separated from the device. More particularly the invention relates to a dual-mode pointing device according to claim 1 and a casing unit according to claim 9.

The trend in both telecommunication and data processing is towards mobility, decreased device sizes and application specific interfaces. Moreover, our manners of interacting with computers and various communication tools is becoming less orthodox. For example, it cannot be presupposed that the user predominantly sits at a desk when operating his/her computer. Together, these circumstances place an increased demand for user-friendly and flexible data input arrangements.

One way of accomplishing an arrangement that meets these demands is to provide a wearable command registering unit for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, where the registering unit is attachable to a user's hand and communicates with the peripheral unit, either by wire or wirelessly. The user is thereby free to move in relation the peripheral unit, such as a computer, while at the same time, he/she maintains the ability to interact with this unit. Moreover, such an arrangement increases the user's chances of finding a comfortable and ergonomically appropriate working posture. A command registering unit of this kind preferably includes a holding member, which is designed to be attached to a hand of a user of the device so as to retain the device in a predetermined manner on the hand. The holding member may thereby include a recess in the form of U-shaped portion that has two elongated portions and a curved portion connecting these portions. Alternative holding member designs are, of course, also envisaged.

However, certain applications and work tasks may be less suited for interaction via a portable pointing device. For instance, in situations where a relatively high positioning accuracy is demanded, the user may prefer to rest his/her lower arm against a steady support and perhaps make use of a comparatively large area and/or range of movement to generate the position commands. Hand held devices, such as the above-mentioned pointing device, generally allow only a rather short range of movement (or input area). Typically, they also provide a relatively low degree of physical support for the user's arms, hands and fingers.

Therefore, although a non-desktop working posture is generally preferable for interaction with most types of applications, a user equipped with a portable pointing device should not be restricted from employing the pointing device in an alternative or complementary working position in situations where this is required by the circumstances. In fact, the variation itself of the working posture is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view, even if the standard working posture already is ergonomically correct. Varying the working posture namely reduces the static exertion on the body and stimulates an adequate blood flow through the body.

However, due to the design of the above-described wearable command registering unit for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, which is operable also in a more conventional working position on a substantially flat surface may, when operated in this position, at least by some users, be perceived as somewhat less comfortable than a traditional computer mouse. The patent U.S. 6,031 ,522 describes an ergonomic computer mouse, whose size may be adapted to different users' different hand-sizes by adding or removing an outer shell to a base pointing unit in the form of a conventional tabletop mouse. Although, this solution provides adjustment possibilities, the described pointer can exclusively be used on a substantially flat surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to alleviate the above problems and provide a versatile solution for hand attachable devices for generating input control signals to a peripheral unit, which is attractive from an ergonomic and user- friendliness point-of-view over a widest possible range of application. It is also an object of the invention to offer the user the look, feel and function of a conventional tabletop mouse without compromising the flexibility and the chances of finding a comfortable and ergonomically appropriate working posture.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the objects are achieved by a dual-mode pointing device for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit. The device includes a wearable command registering unit and a casing unit. The registering unit is adapted to, in a first working position, be attached to a hand of a user, so as to retain this unit in a predetermined manner on the hand. The casing unit is removably attached to the registering unit and designed to provide a resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device in a second working position, wherein the device is arranged on a substantially flat surface, such that position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device in relation to the substantially flat surface.

The proposed device is desirable because thereby all the advan- tages offered by a wearable device that is attachable to the hand of a user may be accomplished. At the same time, all the benefits of a conventional computer mouse may be preserved as well as its look and feel.

According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit covers at least a holding member recess of the wearable command registering unit, such that in the second working position the palm is prevented from entering the recess. Naturally, this is advantageous because thereby both the device's appearance and form can be made very similar to that of a conventional computer mouse.

According to another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the pointing device consists exclusively of the casing unit and the wearable command registering unit. Preferably, the casing unit is a completely passive shell. This namely renders the design extremely uncomplicated and vouches for both cost effectiveness and high reliability.

According to a yet another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit includes at least one clamping member, which is adapted to retain the wearable command registering unit by means of a friction force engagement. This is desirable because such attachment renders both the design and the operation of the device exceptionally simple.

According to still another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit includes at least one actuator means, which is adapted to effect activation of at least one respective input member on the wearable command registering unit. For example, the at least one actuator means may contain a remote input member and a mechanical force transmission means configured to pass on manipulations of the remote input member to the input member on the registering unit. An advantage attained thereby is that an even larger flexibility is provided. Namely, the user may select a casing unit having a size and location of the remote input members which is optimal with respect to his/her particular hand size and personal preferences.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the objects are achieved by a casing unit that is configured to be attached to a wearable command registering unit, which in turn is adapted to, in a first working position, be attached to a hand of a user of the registering unit so as to retain this unit in a predetermined manner on the hand. The registering unit is presupposed to include at least one input member for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit. The casing unit is further adapted to be attached to the registering unit and thus form a dual-mode pointing device, which is adapted to, in a second working position, be arranged on a substantially flat surface such that position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device in relation to the substantially flat surface. Moreover, the casing unit is designed to provide a resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device in the second working position. The proposed casing unit is desirable because thereby, a wearable device being attachable to the hand of a user may be temporarily modified to attain the look, fee and function of a conventional computer mouse.

According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit is configured to cover at, least a holding member recess of the wearable command registering unit, such that in the second working position the palm is prevented from entering the recess. This is advantageous because thereby both the device's appearance and form can be made very similar to that of a conventional computer mouse.

According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit contains at least one clamping member, which is adapted to retain the wearable command registering unit by means of a friction force engagement. This is renders both the design and the operation of the device excep- tionally simple, and is therefore desirable.

According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit includes at least one actuator means which is adapted to effect activation of at least one respective input member on the wearable command registering unit when the casing unit is attached to this unit. Preferably, each of the at least one actuator means contains a remote input member and a mechanical force transmission means that is configured to pass on manipulations of the remote input member to the input member on the registering unit. An advantage attained thereby is that a large flexibility and personalization is provided. Namely, the user may select a casing unit having the remote input members at positions which are optimal with respect to his/her particular hand size and preferences.

According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the casing unit is also designed to provide a size- adaptation of the dual-mode pointing device in respect of at least one dimension in relation to the wearable command registering unit. Naturally, this enhances the personalization possibilities even more.

Hence, the invention provides a solution which offers a wide range of possibilities for the user of a computer, data- or telecommunication device to vary his/her working posture and thus find a means of interaction with the device, which is optimized both with respect to the work task and with respect to an ergonomic point of view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a dual-mode pointing device according to a first aspect of the invention,

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a casing unit according to a first embodiment of a second aspect of the invention which is adapted to be attached to a wearable command registering unit (see figure 3) and thus form the dual-mode pointing device shown in figure 1 ,

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a dual-mode pointing device which is adapted to cooperate with the casing unit shown in figure 2,

Figure 4 shows a casing unit according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 5 shows a casing unit according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a pointing device 100 according to a first aspect of the invention. The device 100 includes a casing unit 200 and a wearable command registering unit 300. The device 100 is here presumed to be in a working position where it is arranged on a surface which is . at least substantially flat. Thereby, in addition to any input members on the unit 300 (such as buttons, keys, mouse balls etc.), which are used to register control signals in a working position where the unit 300 is attached to a user's hand, movements of the device 100 in relation to the substantially flat surface may be registered and translated into position commands to the peripheral unit by means of a sensing member (not shown), such as a ball or an optical sensor, positioned on the side of the device 100 that faces towards this substantially flat surface. The wearable command registering unit 300 contains at least one additional input member for registering control signals to be transmitted to the peripheral unit. However, these input members will be described below with reference to the figure 3 and 5. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pointing device 100 consists exclusively of the casing unit 200 and the wearable command registering unit 300.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the casing 200 in figure 1. Figure 3 shows a corresponding view of a dual-mode pointing device 300, which is adapted to cooperate with the casing 200 to form the dual-mode pointing device 100 in figure 1 .

The wearable command registering unit 300 is adapted to be attached to a hand of a user such that the unit 300 is retained in a predetermined manner on the hand. This use-mode is defined as a first working position. Preferably, the casing unit 200 is detached from the wearable command registering unit 300 in the first working position. According to another embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the casing unit 200 may still be attached to the registering unit 300, however positioned (e.g. swung aside) such that a part of the user's hand is allowed to enter a holding member recess 330 and thereby enable the registering unit 300 to be attached in a predetermined manner on the hand.

The casing unit 200 is designed to be removably attached to the registering unit 300. When being attached, the casing unit 200 provides a comfortable resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device 100, and the device 100 may be used in a second working position. In this working position, the device 100 is presumed to be arranged on a substantially flat surface as described above with reference to figure 1. Of course, technically, the registering unit 300 may also be operated sepa- rately in the second working position, i.e. without having the casing unit 200 attached thereto. Nevertheless, in this case, the unit 300 is not recognized as conventional computer mouse, neither with respect to its appearance nor its feel in the hand of the user. The wearable command registering unit 300 contains a first elongated member 310, a second elongated member 320 and a curved portion connecting the elongated members 310 and 320, such that the holding member recess 330 is formed there between. This recess 330 has a configuration which renders it suitable for clasping around a part of a user's hand (e.g. an area between the thumb and the index finger), so as to retain registering unit 300 in a predetermined manner on the hand (i.e. in the first working position). According to an embodiment of the invention, the casing unit 200 is designed such that when it is attached to the wearable command registering unit 300, it covers at least the holding member recess 330, and thereby prevents the user's palm from entering into the recess 330. Consequently, in the second working position, the dual-mode pointing device 100 obtains an appearance which is similar to that of a conventional computer mouse.

As mentioned earlier, the wearable command registering unit 300 also includes input members 381 , 382 and 383 for entering control signals (i.e. commands) to a peripheral unit by other means than moving the unit in relation to a surface. For example, a mouse ball 381 , or a corresponding member (such as a touch pad or a micro joystick), may be included for entering positioning commands to control a cursor or similar on a computer screen. One or more click-buttons or keys 382 and 383 may also be included. Naturally, the wearable command registering unit 300 may equally well include a scroll wheel (not shown) and/or any other type finger-/hand operated input member.

Preferably, the casing unit 200 includes at least one clamping member 210 and 220, which in the second working position is adapted to retain the wearable command registering unit 300 by means of a friction force engagement. Of course, other types of attachment means (such as snap connections, locking slides, Velcros™ or screws) are also conceivable. Figure 4 shows a casing unit 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is configured to be attached to the wearable command registering unit 300 and thus form a dual-mode pointing device 100 being adapted to be operated in the second working position. Also in this case, the casing unit

200 is designed to provide a comfortable resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device 100 in the second working position (i.e. when the device 100 is arranged on a substantially flat surface, such that position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device

100 in relation to the substantially flat surface).

In this embodiment, however, the casing unit 200 is designed to provide a size-adaptation of the dual-mode pointing device 100 in respect of at least one dimension X, Y and/or Z in relation to the wearable command registering unit 300. Provided that the casing unit 200 shown in figure 2 represents a smallest version of a casing unit for the unit 300, the size-adaptation specifically means that the distance between the unit 300 and the casing unit's 200 outer surface is extended in at least one direction in relation to the situation illustrated in figure 2. For example, the width of a clamping member 410 adapted to be positioned outside the second elongated member 320 may be larger than a corresponding minimal sized clamping member 210. Additionally, a body member 430 may be extended in a first dimension Y along the substantially flat surface, or as a consequence of the enlargement of the member 410, also be extended in a second dimension X along this surface. Moreover, the thickness 440 of a surface configured to cover the holding member recess 330 may be increased (i.e. in a dimension Z being essentially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface). Hence, by an appropriate selection of the parameters 410, 430 and 440 a size-adaptation of the dual-mode pointing device 100 may be accomplished which results in the device being optimized with respect to the preferences of a particular user. Figure 5 shows a casing unit 200 according to a third embodl- ment of the invention. For illustrating purposes, the casing unit 200 is here slightly larger than the smallest version shown in figure 2. However, this embodiment is likewise applicable to a minimum sized casing unit 200. The casing unit 200 in figure 5 includes first and second actuator means 520-522 and 530-532, which each is adapted to effect activation of a particular input member 382 and 383 respectively on the wearable command registering unit 300 when the casing unit 200 is attached thereto. Each of the actuator means 520-522 and 530-532 contains a remote input member 520 and 530 respectively (e.g. a push button), which positioned (e.g. on the surface which covers the holding member recess 330) such that it may be conveniently manipulated by the user. Thus, although the size of the casing unit 200 may render it difficult for the user to reach the input members 382 and 383 on the registering unit 300, these members may still be operated comfortably via the remote input members 520 and 530. A respective mechanical force transmission means, for instance in the form of a push rod 521 ; 531 and a lever 522; 532 pass on manipulations of the remote input members 520 and 530 to the input members 382 and 383. Alternatively, mechanical force transmission means may be represented by a roller-wheel which acts against a roll able input member on the, such as the mouse ball 381. According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the actuator means 520-522; 530-532 may be electronic input members (e.g. switches, buttons or keys) through which an electronic control signal is produced. The electronic control signal is then transmitted to the wearable command registering unit 300 via an electronic interface. In this embodiment, the casing unit 200 may also include a battery unit to power any electronic circuitry therein. According an alternative embodiment of the invention, the battery unit in the casing unit 200 is also adapted to supply the wearable command registering unit 300 with power. The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dual-mode pointing device (100) for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, comprising a wearable command registering unit (300) adapted to, in a first working position, be attached to a hand of a user of the registering unit (300) so as to retain this unit (300) in a predetermined manner on the hand, and a casing unit (200) removably attached to the registering unit (300) and designed to provide a resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device (100) in a second working position wherein the device (100) is arranged on a substantially flat surface such that position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device (100) in relation to the substantially flat surface.

2. A pointing device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the casing unit (200) covers at least a holding member recess (330) of the wearable command registering unit (300) such that in the second working position the palm is prevented from entering the recess (330).

3. A pointing device (100) according to any one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the pointing device (100) consists exclusively of the casing unit (200) and the wearable cpmmand registering unit (300).

4. A pointing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing unit (200) comprises at least one clamping member (210; 410, 220) adapted to retain the wearable command registering unit (300) by means of a friction force engagement.

5. A pointing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing unit (200) comprises at least one actuator means (520-522, 530-532) adapted to effect activation of at least one respective input member (382; 383) on the wearable command registering unit (300).

6. A pointing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one actuator means (520-522, 530- 532) comprises a remote input member (520; 530), and a mechanical force transmission means (521 , 522; 531 , 532) configured to pass on manipulations of the remote input member (520; 530) to the input member (382; 383).

7. A pointing device ( 100) according to any one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one actuator means (520-522, 530-532) comprises a remote input member (520; 530), and an electronic transmission means configured to pass on manipulations of the remote input member (520; 530) to the wearable command registering unit (300) via an electronic interface.

8. A pointing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing unit (200) is adapted to be attached to the registering unit (300) also in the first working position.

9. A casing unit (200) configured to be attached to a wear- able command registering unit (300) which in turn is adapted to, in a first working position, be attached to a hand of a user of the registering unit (300) so as to retain this unit (300) in a predetermined manner on the hand, the registering unit (300) including at least one input member (381 , 382, 383) for inputting control signals to a peripheral unit, wherein the casing unit (200) is adapted to be attached to the registering unit (300) and thus form a dual-mode pointing device (100) which is adapted to, in a second working position, be arranged on a substantially flat surface such that position related control signals may be generated by means of movements of the device (100) in rela- tion to the substantially flat surface, and the casing unit (200) being designed to provide a resting surface for the palm of the hand of the user of the device (100) in the second working position.

10. A casing unit (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is configured to cover at least a holding member recess

(330) of the wearable command registering unit (300) such that in the second working position the palm is prevented from entering the recess (330).

1 1. A casing unit (200) according to any one of the claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamping member (210; 410, 220) adapted to retain the wearable command registering unit (300) by means of a friction force engagement.

12. A casing unit (200) according to any one of the claims 9 - 1 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one actuator means (520-522, 530-532) adapted to effect activation of at least one respective input member (382; 383) on the wearable command registering unit (300) when the casing unit (200) is attached thereto.

13. A casing unit (200) to claim 12, characterized in that each of the at least one actuator means (520-522, 530-532) comprises a remote input member (520; 530), and a mechanical force transmission means (521 , 522; 531 , 532) configured to pass on manipulations of the remote input member (520; 530) to input member (382; 383).

14. A casing unit (200) to any one of the claims 9 - 13, characterized in that it is designed to provide a size-adaptation (410, 430; 440) of the dual-mode pointing device (100) in respect of at least one dimension (X, Y; Z) in relation to the wearable command registering unit (300).