WO1999042919A1

WO1999042919A1 - Cursor control device with control stick and hand support

Info

Publication number: WO1999042919A1
Application number: PCT/NO1999/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steinar Pedersen
Original assignee: Steinar Pedersen
Priority date: 1998-02-19
Filing date: 1999-02-19
Publication date: 1999-08-26
Also published as: NO980689L; AU3060399A; NO980689D0

Abstract

The described invention represents a device intended for positioning and control of computer cursors and other objects utilising a control member (13) that can be gripped or moved by one or more fingers, where the device is equipped with a hand support (5) that aligns the hand and fingers in a position that is suitable for handling the control member according to a writing or drawing motion.

Description

Cursor Control Device with Control Stick and Hand Support

The described invention comprises a cursor control device incorporating a control stick or a control member that can be gripped or moved by one or more fingers, and a special hand support that serves a dual purpose; to align the hand and fingers in an optimal manner relative to the control stick and to provide support and relaxation for the hand and fingers during operation.

The most popular devices used for positioning and control of cursors and other graphical symbols and objects on the computer screen are mice, trackballs, trackpoints, joysticks and touch pads. Mice and trackballs are operated by hand and thumb, respectively, of which none are especially trained for precise motion control. Different varieties of the mouse are described in U.S. Pats. 3,541,541; 3,892,963; 3,541,521 and 4,464,652. The trackball may be compared to an inverted mouse, utilising the same sensor system as the mouse (U.S. Pats. 5,122,654; 5,008,528).

Many attempts have been made to change the physical form of the mouse in order to improve its ergonomic properties. One example is described in U.S. Pat. 4,862,165, where the surface of the mouse is essentially complementary to the palm of the hand when it is resting upon the mouse with the index finger and thumb extended and the other fingers bent inwards. The right and the left mouse buttons are localised under the thumb and index finger, respectively. Although the device may provide excellent support for the hand, it has two serious drawbacks. Since the hand of the user will not touch the working surface during operation, movements that cause injuries during conventional mouse operation (sideways movements and bending of wrist and arm; movements back and forth of the arm, etc.) will be amplified when using this -2-

device. Lack of contact with the working surface prevents the user from employing this contact for exact positioning of the mouse .

Other systems that utilise finger or hand control are described in U.S. Pats. 4,736,191; 4,680,577; 4,719,455; 4,935,728; PCT/US89/05662 ; EP A3 0,295,368; EP Al 0,640,937; PCT/JP89/01148; PCT/CA90/00022; and EP A3 0,556,936.

Most control devices are intended for positioning and control in two dimensions. Increased use of computers for representation and manipulation of three-dimensional geometric figures and objects has lead to the development of 3D control devices. Examples of such devices are described in U.S. Pats. 4,766,423; 4,812,829; 4,835,528; 4,787,051; 5,181,181 and GB A 2,247,938.

This inventor has developed control devices that are described in e.g. PCT/NO94/00113, PCT/NO96/00077 , PCT/NO98/00233, PCT/NO98/00242 and PCT/NO98/00267 where the control module incorporates a member that is gripped by fingers or hand (control stick) , this member being attached to a plate (guide plate) . Devices based upon the stick-and- plate configuration are handled according to writing or drawing motion and utilise the precise steering capabilities of hand, thumb and index finger in combination. The stick- and-plate concept is also very well suited for 3D control, because the stick, in addition to enabling motion control along three orthogonal axes (X-, Y- and Z-axis) , may also be used to control rotation around the same axes.

As stated above, the stick is supposed to be handled according to writing or drawing motion, but practical experience with stick-and-plate devices have shown that different users operate the device differently, and sometimes -3-

awkwardly. Even though stick-and-plate devices are dissimilar to other control devices (mice, trackballs, etc.), some users will instinctively employ a similar steering technique that is used with mice or trackballs. Thus, the ergonomic advantages and the possibilities for precise control inherent in these devices are lost.

This inventor has surprisingly discovered that these weaknesses may be eliminated if the device is equipped with a hand support that will align the hand and fingers in a defined position relative to the control stick. If the hand support is given a form that is similar to an ordinary mouse, a recognition effect is achieved. The mouse form is also well suited to provide rest and relaxation for hand and fingers.

The hand support is tilted compared to a conventional mouse in a normal operating position. The resulting inclination forces the hand to rotate sideways, thus causing the hand to attain a natural starting position for a writing or drawing motion. At the same time the hand support wholly or partially supports the palm, providing rest for hand and fingers during operation.

The appearance and function of control modules may vary from one stick-and-plate device to another. Some are operated by means of one or two fingers, while others are seized by thumb, index finger and middle finger. The shape of the hand support is therefore adapted to comply with the different operation modes. The major differences are shown in the shape of the convex surface, its inclination and in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

In all embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the hand support is directed towards, or tangentially to the control module or its mobility range. The angle between said longitudinal axis -4 -

and the control module's "X-axis" is typically 90° +/- 30°. (Moving or pushing the control module along the control module's "X-axis" will cause a cursor to move parallel to the X-axis on a connected computer screen) .

The similarity between the hand support and a traditional mouse may be enhanced and the functionality improved by localising a right and a left mouse button in its front, in addition to other switches that modern mouse varieties may be equipped with. Alternatively, a "left" and/or a "right" mouse button may be incorporated in the control stick or on other parts of the control device.

It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that the hand support as described above and below may be employed together with all control devices that utilise a control stick or any arbitrarily formed control member that is gripped or manipulated by one or several fingers. The control member may be immobile (as when used for isometric motion control in conjunction with stress-sensors) , it may be bent sideways (joystick operation) , moved laterally (stick-and- plate operation) , or its total spatial configuration may be manipulated during control operations (particularly for 3D applications) .

Devices utilising the invention may incorporate optoelectronic sensors, stress-sensors, variable resistors, position determining capacitors and inductors, magneto- electronic conversion elements, etc. The use and construction of such sensors will be known to people skilled in the art. The following discussion of embodiments is therefore limited to a superficial, technical description of control devices that may advantageously incorporate the hand support. This merely to indicate the scope of the invention without excluding other options that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

According to the invention, a cursor control device is described that comprises a control stick or control member that may be gripped or moved by one or more fingers, and a special hand support that serves a dual purpose; to align the hand and fingers in an optimal manner relative to the control member and to provide support and relaxation for the hand and fingers. The control member may be vertically mounted on a horizontal, movable plate (guide plate) , or mounted in a fixed position on the device. The control member may be allowed to be bent sideways in all directions (joystick operation) , or it may be immobile, either attached to stress sensors for isometric control, or serve as a grip for moving a sensor-containing part of the device. The stick or control member may be shaped as a cylinder, or it may have another, arbitrary form. The control member is preferentially sculptured for comfortable operation, and parts of it may be covered by a rubber-like material. The dimensions may vary, depending upon its intended function, but it will preferably have a diameter in the 5-50 mm range, and a height of 5-80 mm.

The hand support has a shape and orientation that will permit hand and fingers to approach the control member in a way that is natural for writing or drawing operations. At the same time, its shape and position will provide maximum rest for hand and fingers. According to a preferred embodiment, the hand support has a shape similar to the conventional mouse. Its length is in the range of 50-150 mm, its width 30-80 mm and its height 20-70 mm. The hand support has a convex surface, having a general shape that is similar to the palm of the hand when placed on a horizontal surface with fingers slightly bent. (The bottom of this hollow space is termed the -6-

"virtual base" of the hand support) . This virtual base will generally be tilted away from the control member, with the result that the hand support has its highest point (apex) near the control member. The inclination of the virtual base will generally be 0° - 45° relative to the working surface, preferably between 10° and 35°. The hand support may be equipped with one or more push buttons or switches, preferably positioned and sculptured in a similar manner as conventional mouse buttons.

Preferred embodiments will now be described by means of examples, with reference to accompanying figures, where:

Fig. 1 shows in perspective a control stick that is vertically mounted on a guide plate, the two members constituting a control module.

Fig. 2 shows in perspective the control module according to Fig. 1 incorporated in a control device with a square chassis.

Fig. 3 shows the control module incorporated in a control device with a circular chassis, as seen from one side.

Fig. 4 shows in perspective the control device illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows in perspective a control device with a circular chassis, equipped with a hand support.

Fig. 6 shows a separate hand support, as seen from above.

Fig. 7 shows the hand support illustrated in Fig. 6, as seen from the front. -7-

Fig. 8 shows the hand support illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, with one side elevated to make the virtual base attain an angle of approx. 30° with the working surface, as seen from above;

Fig. 9 shows the hand support according to Fig. 8, as seen from the front .

Fig. 10 shows a control device with hand support and circular chassis; the virtual base of the hand support attaining an angle of approx. 30° relative to the working surface, as seen from above

Fig. 11 shows the control device according to Fig. 10, as seen from the front.

Fig. 12 shows a 3D control device with hand support and circular chassis, with a control stick that incorporates a rotation body, as seen from the front;

Fig. 13 shows a control device with hand support and rectangular chassis, as seen from above.

Fig. 14 shows the control device according to Fig. 13, as seen from the front.

Fig. 15 shows a control device with hand support and square chassis, with a control stick that can be manipulated by one single finger, as seen from the front.

Fig. 16 shows a control device with hand support and square chassis, with a control stick that functions as a joystick, as seen from above. Fig. 17 shows the control device according to Fig. 16, as seen from the front.

Fig. 18 shows a control device similar to the device illustrated in Fig. 12, equipped with a soft mat that supports the side and rear part of the hand, as seen from above .

Fig. 19 shows a control device where the hand support has an integrated plateau to support the rear part of the hand, in addition to a finger support in front, as seen from above.

Fig. 20 shows a device similar to the devices illustrated in Fig. 12 and Fig. 18, where the 3D control module and its sensor system are integrated in the hand support, as seen from above .

Fig. 21 shows the device according to Fig. 20, as seen from the front .

Fig. 22 shows a device where a joystick is integrated in the hand support, as seen from above.

Fig. 23 shows the device according to Fig. 22, as seen from the front.

Fig. 24 shows a device with a mouse sensor, where the hand support can be moved in the horizontal plane by means of the control stick, as seen from above.

Fig. 25 shows the device according to Fig. 24, as seen from the front. -9-

Fig. 26 shows an device with a mouse sensor, where the hand support can be moved in the horizontal plane by means of the control stick, as seen from above.

Fig. 27 shows the device according to Fig. 26, as seen from the front .

Fig. 28 shows a device with joystick as control module, with push buttons localised on each side of the stick, as seen from above.

Fig. 29 shows the device according to Fig. 28, as seen from the front .

A more detailed description of the different parts of the device and their functions are presented below:

Fig. 1 illustrates a control module according to the stick- and-plate concept, here comprising a cylinder-formed control stick 1 and a circular guide plate 2. In Fig. 2 this control module is integrated in a square chassis 3. The guide plate 2 can be moved freely in all directions in the horizontal plane by means of the control stick. The chassis incorporates a sensor that is used to determine the position or movement of the control module in the X-Y plane, generating signals that are used to control computer cursors or other objects.

In Figs. 3 and 4 the chassis 4 has an alternative, circular shape. In Fig. 5 the hand support 5 is localised adjacent to the chassis, having the same general form as a conventional mouse. The hand support is equipped with buttons 6, 7 and a vertical wheel that may be used (e.g. for scrolling or zooming) in connection with certain applications. The hand support will align hand and fingers in a suitable position to handle the stick 1 according to writing or drawing motion. -10-

Figs . 6 and 7 show the hand support according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The surface of the hand support 5 is convex and has a form that is essentially complementary to the palm of the hand when the fingers are slightly bent. Here, the hand support is placed on a flat surface (the working surface) . The "virtual base" of the hand support coincides with the working surface. This base will not necessarily be exposed as a tangible surface when the hand support is incorporated in a control device, but should rather be considered as a theoretical plane that may be used to describe the spatial orientation of the hand support.

In Figs. 8 and 9 the hand support is tilted, attaining a position that it will normally take when incorporated in a control device. In this position, the virtual base will be raised at an angle α relative to the working surface. This angle is generally between 0° and 45° and preferably between 10° and 35°.

Figs. 10 and 11 show how the hand support 5 is positioned relative to a circular chassis 4 with a control stick 1 and a guide plate 2 according to the stick-and-plate configuration. The hand support is positioned adjacent to the mobility range of the control stick 1. The longitudinal axis of the hand support forms an angle of 90° +/- 30° relative to the X-axis of the control device (corresponding to the direction the control stick is moved in order to generate a cursor or object movement along the X-axis on the screen).

Fig. 12 shows the hand support 5 when used together with a circular chassis 4, where the control stick incorporates a rotation body 9. This model is intended for 3D applications. When the control stick is used, the rotation body 9 is held between thumb and index finger, or between thumb, index -11-

finger and middle finger. This allows the control stick to be moved simultaneously along the X-, Y- and Z-axes, and at the same time the rotation body may be rotated in any direction. The middle, ring and/or little finger may be used to depress the buttons 6 and 7.

Figs. 13 and 14 show the hand support 5 when used together with a rectangular chassis 10 that has essentially the same proportions as the guide plate and the mobility range, which again have essentially the same proportions as the computer screen. This shape is also used for the device as shown in Fig. 15, where the control stick 11 is moved by means of one finger, e.g. the index finger that may be put on the top of the stick.

In Figs. 16 and 17 the hand support is used with a device that incorporates a fixed-position control stick 13. Positioning and control is exerted by bending the control stick sideways (joystick operation) , or applying force to the stick (isometric operation) .

In Fig. 18 the device is equipped with a soft mat 14 that is made from a polymer foam or another suitable material. The mat provides a soft and comfortable support for the rear part and the edge of the hand. The mat 14 is attached to a rigid plate (not shown) that also supports the rest of the device. Good stability is particularly important with 3D devices, where the control stick 9 is lifted and rotated.

A similar stabilising effect is achieved by means of the plateau 15 in Fig. 19. The rear part of the hand will rest against 15, while the middle and ring finger are extended across the finger support 16. Thus, an unintentional activation of the mouse buttons 6, 7 is avoided during movements of the control stick 1. -12-

Figs. 20 and 21 show an embodiment of the invention where the 3D module 9 and the sensor system are partially integrated in the hand support 5. This device is also equipped with a plateau 15 that supports the rear part of the hand during control operations.

In Figs. 22 and 23, the control module 13 and the sensor system are totally integrated in the hand support 5. Here, the control member functions as a joystick. The mouse buttons 6, 7 are localised in a slanted position on the side of the device .

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25, the control stick 17 is used to move the entire hand support across the working surface. This is possible because the device is rather small (typically 7-9 cm x 5-7 cm) , causing the rear part and the side of the hand to rest against the working surface during operation. This allows for a certain movement of the device beneath the palm of the hand. The device is equipped with a traditional mouse sensor that will detect movements in the X-Y plane. In addition to the mouse buttons 6, 7, the device's control stick may be equipped with switch functions or stress sensors.

Figs. 26 and 27 show a device with the same functionality as the device illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25. Here, the hand will be positioned in a similar way as with traditional mouse operations .

Figs. 28 and 29 illustrate an embodiment of the invention that uses the same control module 13 and sensor system as the device illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23. Here, the buttons 18 and 19 are activated by the middle/ring finger and the thumb, respectively.

Claims

-13-Patent claims

1. Device for positioning and control of computer cursors and other objects, where the device incorporates a control member that can be gripped or moved by one or more fingers; the control member being mounted on a guide plate that is moveable in all directions within a defined area of the X-Y plane (the mobility range) ; the position or movement of the control member being detected by a suitable sensor system, generating signals that are used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other properties of said computer cursor or object; characterised in that the device is equipped with a hand support for positioning the hand at a certain distance and at a certain angle relative to the control member and its mobility range.

2. Device for positioning and control of computer cursors and other objects, where the device incorporates a control member that can be gripped or moved by one or more fingers; the position or movement of the control member, or the force applied to same member being detected by a suitable sensor system, generating signals that are used to control position, orientation, direction of movement, speed and other properties of said computer cursor or object; characterised in that the device is equipped with a hand support for positioning the hand at a certain distance and at a certain angle relative to the control member.

3. A control device according to claim 1 or 2; characterised in that the hand support will align the hand in a position suitable for writing or drawing.

4. A control device according to claim 1 or 2; characterised in that the hand support will align the hand in a position -14-

suitable for handling the control member according to a writing or drawing motion.

5. A control device according to claims 1-4; characterised in that the surface of the hand support is convex with a shape that is essentially complementary to the palm of the hand when the fingers are slightly bent.

6. A control device according to claims 1-4; characterised in that the hand support has a shape that is wholly or partially similar to the space being formed when the hand, with slightly bent fingers is put on top of a plane surface with the rear of the hand, the side of the thumb and one or more fingertips touching the surface; the virtual base of the hand support thus coinciding with said plane surface.

7. A control device according to claim 6; characterised in that the virtual base of the hand support attains an angle of between 10┬░ and 35┬░ with the working surface.

8. A cursor control device according to claims 1-7; characterised in that the hand support is localised adjacent to, or tangentially to the control member or its mobility range, with the longitudinal axis of the hand support forming an angle of between 60┬░ and 120┬░ with the "X-axis" of the control member.

9. A control device according to claims 1-8; characterised in that the hand support has essentially the same shape as a conventional mouse.

10. A control device according to claims 1-9; characterised in that the hand support incorporates one or more switch functions .