Abstract:
A foot-operated controller is disclosed for controlling a display device. The device is manipulated by a user&#39;s feet in order to send commands to a display device. The foot-operated controller can communicate with a display device either wirelessly or through a cable. The foot-operated controller may use buttons, joy sticks, track balls, scroll rollers, infrared switches, or any other useful control mechanisms for sending commands to a display device.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority benefit of Chinese Application No. 200510102166.5 filed Dec. 13, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.  
       FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates to a device for providing user inputs to a computer or other display device by manipulation from a user&#39;s feet  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Computers, display devices, and display screens have become increasing important in today&#39;s society. They have become integral for many people in their daily work and entertainment. Typical computer systems include a hand-operated mouse, keyboard, and monitor. The mouse and keyboard provide user inputs for telling the computer what to do, while the monitor provides a user output, displaying information to a user. Other electronic devices and display devices also typically provide some kind of hand operated user input coupled with a user output.  
         [0004]     Despite the growing importance and wider range of uses for electronic devices, there is still a need in many fields to adapt electronic devices for a particular use. For example, during music performance, most performers still need to turn over sheets of music score by hand. While practicing, a performer may need to stop in the middle of a musical piece in order to turn the page. For formal performance many performers need others to turn over the pages of sheet music for them. In situations where a performer must perform in dark environments, a lamp or other light source must be provided in order to view the sheet music often causing a distraction from the rest of the performance.  
         [0005]     A typical computer system will not be useful for musical performers who must use both hands to play their instrument because they do not have a free hand to move to the next screen display of music. In addition, disabled people, seniors, dentists, medical doctors, lab researchers, mechanics, cook, factory workers or any other people with handicapped, occupied or dirty hands also need a system for controlling a display device, such as a computer, with something other than their hands.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     These and other problems are solved by a foot-operated electronic device controller. A foot-operated electronic device controller is provided to allow an operator to control computer functionality as an alternative or in addition to using their hands. For musical performers, the foot-operated controller has many advantages. Compared with paper display, electronic display monitors or screens provide their own light source, eliminating the need for separate light sources which may cause additional distractions from other parts of a performance. Additionally computers and other electronic devices do a better job of storing, organizing and tracking images, text, or score than paper media. By using computers or other electronic devices with monitors or display screens in conjunction with a foot-operated controller, the need to turn a page by hand can be eliminated.  
         [0007]     Other types of users will also benefit from a foot-operated electronic device controller. For instance, disabled people, senior citizens, dentists, medical doctors, mechanics or anyone else with busy, dirty or handicapped hands will find this device very useful because it provides a way to control a display device without using hands. In addition, there are many people who will find that they prefer a foot-operated controller as opposed to a hand operated computer control devices.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment, the foot-operated electronic device controller includes a foot-activating control pad, a signal transmitting mechanism, a control mechanism, and signal converting mechanism. The signal transmitting mechanism can exchange signals with computer, monitors and other displaying screens. The control mechanism generates signal through control movement. The signal converting mechanism can change movement signal into identifiable/recognizable signals for computer, monitor or other display screen.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, the signal transmitting module includes a signal transferring data connector. The data connector has one end provided to an electronic device, such as, for example, a computer, a monitor or other display screen, and the other end provided to the foot control pad. In one embodiment, the signal transmitting module communicates with the electronic device wirelessly, such as through an Infrared, wireless wave, blue-tooth transmission or any other wireless transmission. In this configuration, a wireless transceiver is connected to the signal converting mechanism. A wireless transceiver is also provided to a data port of the electronic device.  
         [0010]     The control mechanism can be a button, a stick, a joystick, a lever, a plate, a touch-screen style control, a light-electronic sensor, or any other control mechanism. For example, a standing performer may prefer to use a light-electronic sensor control mechanism.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the control mechanism has two or more buttons on top of the control pad. The buttons are connected to the signal converting mechanism. In one embodiment, a first button generates a forward page turn signal. In one embodiment, a second button generates a backward page turn signal. The control mechanism can be a stick, such as a joy stick, or lever, or plate set on top of the pad. Moving the control mechanism left/right or forward/backward generates appropriate signals that are sent to the electronic device. The control mechanism can be two pairs of interactive LED light generators and optical sensors. Generators and sensors are generally set apart with a certain distance. The light sensor is connected with a signal converting mechanism. When the light is blocked, such as by placing a foot in between the light generator and light sensor, the optical sensor generates a forward or backward page turning signal.  
         [0012]     In one embodiment, the signal converting mechanism is a device for changing the control movement into a wireless signal. The signal converting mechanism converts a physical movement into an infrared or blue-tooth signal.  
         [0013]     The display device and display screens can be a monitor, projector, a television, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other display device.  
         [0014]     The display device can include a processor, data input port, data output port, and data storage. In one embodiment, data is received at the data input port. The processor processes the data and can send the data to the output port, data storage, a display device, or any combination thereof.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, the foot-operated electronic device controller enables a user to control an electronic device such as a computer. In one embodiment, the foot-operated electronic device controller enables a user to control an electronic device such as a television or monitor for displaying text or images, such as, for example, music score. A user can use the foot-operated electronic device controller in parallel with a hand-operated controller or independent of a hand-operated controller. In operation, the foot-operated electronic device controller is hands free and provides convenience for music performers during both practice and performance. In addition to music performers, the foot-operated electronic device controller is also useful for disabled people to control an electronic device with their feet. Data transmission using cabled or wireless method allows the controller to be adapted for different situations. For example, during live music performance, transmission with cables can avoid the interference between electronic signals, which may affect the result of application or interfere with the signals of other electronic systems. For home practice, a wireless version can be very convenient. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a foot-operated controller.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0018]      FIG. 1C  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0019]      FIG. 2A  shows the components of a foot-operated controller.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2B  shows the components of a wireless foot-operated controller.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a button control mechanism.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a button control mechanism.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of a joy stick control mechanism.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3D  is a top view of a joy stick control mechanism.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3E  is a side view of a light-electronic control mechanism.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3F  is a top view of a light-electronic control mechanism.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a two piece foot-operated controller.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5A  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller having two buttons, a scroll roller and a track ball.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5B  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with speaker and volume control.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with three prong layout.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6B  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with three prong layout.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6C  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with three prong layout.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7A  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with four prong layout.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7B  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with four prong layout.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with four buttons.  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with two buttons, a scroll roller and a track ball.  
         [0037]      FIG. 10A  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with a five prong layout.  
         [0038]      FIG. 10B  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with a circular layout.  
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is one embodiment of a foot-operated controller with adjustable pressure knob. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0040]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of a foot-operated controller  101 . As can be seen, the housing  102  of the foot-operated controller  101 . Housing  102  is generally arc shaped with rounded curves. In one embodiment, housing  102  is generally kidney bean shaped. Buttons  105  and  106  are provided on the top of housing  102 . Buttons  105  and  106  are shown as circular in shape but may be of any shape or design. Buttons  105  and  106  are provided with bumps  108  which help provide traction for operating foot-operated controller  101 . Markings  107  are also optionally provided to indicate to a user the operational functionality associated with each button  105  and  106 . A cable  104  connects the foot-operated controller  101  to a display device, such as a computer, via plug  103 . The plug  103  may be any type of connector, including a Universal Serial Bus connector. In one embodiment, foot-operated controller  101  communicates with a display device through wireless transmission without the use of a cable, such as cable  104 . In one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are separated to allow room for foot operation. For example, in one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are 2 inches apart center to center. In one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are 1 inch apart center to center. In one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are 3 inches apart center to center. In one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are at least ½ inch apart from edge to edge. In one embodiment, the buttons  105  and  106  are at least 2 inches apart edge to edge.  
         [0041]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . As can be seen in  FIG. 1B , foot-operated controller  101  has a selectively smooth curved upper surface. In one embodiment, housing  102  is narrower at a front edge, and wider at a back edge. In addition, buttons  105  and  106  are raised above the surface of the covering  102 . In operation, a user will push down on buttons  105  and  106  causing the buttons  105  and  106  to shift downward relative to the housing  102 . The downward shift activates a signal that is sent to the display device. Also shown in  FIG. 1B  are traction pads  109  on the bottom of the housing  102 . The traction pads  109  provide traction to the housing  102  to prevent the housing  102  from moving during operation.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . As can be seen in  FIG. 1C , traction pads  109  are advantageously dispersed around the outer circumference of housing  102  to provide traction and support. Screws  110  can also be seen which hold the housing  102  together.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2A  is a functional blade diagram of a hard wired foot-operated controller  201 . The foot-operated controller  201  has functional components including a control mechanism  202 , a signal converter  203 , and a signal transmitter  204 . The foot-operated controller  201  then communicates with a display device  205 , such as a computer, television, PDA, or other electronic device, through signal transmitter  204  which is connectable with the display device  205 . The control mechanism  202  generates signal through control movement. The control mechanism  202  can be any commonly used method of movement, such as a conventional roller mouse, optical mouse, a switch, plate, sensor, control stick, such as a joy stick commonly used with video games, push-button controls, track ball, scroll roller, or other various commonly used signal generating methods or the like for a user to activate in order to send a signal to the display device  205   
         [0044]     Once the control mechanism  202  is activated by a user, the control mechanism  202  sends a mechanical or electrical signal to the signal converter  203 . The signal converter  203  converts the signal from the control mechanism  202  to a signal communicable with the display device  205 . Normally, this signal is an electronic signal, but it can be other types of signals as well.  
         [0045]     The signal converter  203  then sends the signal via signal transmitter  204  to display device  205 . The transmitted signal can be recognized by a computer and other display devices. In one embodiment, before the signal&#39;s transmission, a special coding section can be used. Then, decoding software can be installed in the computer and other devices. This way a special signal transmission can be realized to improve the anti-interference ability of signal.  
         [0046]     In one embodiment, the signal transmitter  204  is a cable. The cable can be a USB data cable, audio frequency cable, or video frequency cable, IEEE 1394 firewire, or any other cable for communicating with a computer, television, PDA, or other display device. One end of the cable is connected with a computer or other display device  205 , while the other end is connected with foot-operated controller  201 . Preferably, the cable&#39;s display device end connector fits commonly built sockets of existing computer and other display devices, such as USB socket, multi-pin socket, audio frequency socket, video frequency socket, microphone socket, or the like.  
         [0047]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a schematic functional diagram of a wireless foot-operated controller  201 . The wireless controller functions similarly to the wired foot-operated controller  201  of  FIG. 2A . However, instead of sending a signal over the cable  204  to display device  205 , the foot-operated controller sends a wireless signal. A user activates a control mechanism  202  which sends a signal to signal converter  203 . Signal converter  203  then communicates the signal to a wireless transceiver  206  which converts the signal to a wireless signal and broadcasts the wireless signal. The wireless signal is then received by wireless transceiver  207 , which converts the wireless signal to an electrical signal communicable with the display device  205 . Wireless transceiver  207  then sends the signal to the display device  205 . The wireless transceiver may send any advantageous wireless signal including infrared, Bluetooth, cellular, or the like.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a side and top view of one embodiment of a control mechanism which has two buttons  302  on top of a case  301 . The buttons  302  are connected with signal transmitter  204  from the lower parts of the buttons  302 . One of the buttons  302  is used to generate a signal of forward page turning, while the other button  302  is used to generate a signal of backward page turning. The buttons&#39;  302  sizes are relatively large for the convenience of foot/feet stepping.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 3C and 3D  is a side and top view of another embodiment of a foot-operated controller with a joy stick  303 . The lower part of the joy stick  303  is set on top of a case  301 . The lower part of the joy stick  303  is connected with signal converting mechanism  203 . In operation, the joystick can be moved forward or backward, or from side to side in order to generate an appropriate command signal to be sent to the display device  205 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 3E and 3F  are a side and top views of yet anther embodiment of a foot-operated controller with optical sensors  305 . The control mechanism has two sets of interactive LED light generators  304  and optical sensors  305 . The light generators  304  and the sensors  305  are separated so as to allow a space in between the light generator  304  and optical sensors  305 . The optical sensors  305  are provided to the signal converting mechanism  203 . The light generators  304  generate an infrared beam of light that is sensed by the optical sensors  305 . When the beam of light is blocked, optical sensor  305  generates a control signal and communicates that control signal to signal converting mechanism  203 . A foot, or other object, is inserted between the light generators  304  and optical sensors  305  in order to block the infrared beam  
         [0051]     In one embodiment, the control mechanism is a touch screen display. By touching the different parts of a screen, a signal can be generated for communication with the display device  205 .  
         [0052]     The foot-operated controller is designed to be used in conjunction with a display device, such as display device  205 . In one embodiment, the display device includes a processor, a data input port, a data output port, a display screen, and data storage (memory). For example, the display device may be a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, or any other electronic device capable of processing data. In one embodiment, the display device is a television. In one embodiment, the display device is a monitor. In this embodiment, the foot-operated controller connects directly to a monitor for display purposes.  
         [0053]     In one embodiment, the foot-operated controller communicates with a network. The network then communicates the control signals generated by the controller to multiple display devices. This embodiment may be particularly useful for a group of performers such as an orchestra or band, or a group of participants, such as in a classroom setting. In this embodiment, the foot-operated controller is operated by one person so that one person can control multiple display screens simultaneously.  
         [0054]     In one embodiment, software is included to make the foot-operated controller compatible with music composing/displaying software. In one embodiment a device driver is provided to make the foot-operated controller compatible with display devices, such as, for example, a computer or PDA.  
         [0055]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a two-piece foot-operated controller  401 . A two-piece foot-operated controller, such as the one shown in  FIG. 4 , provides easier and faster control with both feet. A user can switch the positions of the two pieces of the controller depending on the user&#39;s preference. A two piece controller also allows for added control mechanisms and feedback indicators. The two pieces of the controller can be connected by a cable, or they communicate wirelessly. In one embodiment, both controllers communicate directly with the display device. In one embodiment, one piece is the master device and the other is the slave, such that one piece communicates signals to the other piece which then coordinates communication with the display device. In one embodiment, the two sections of the mouse can be moved closer or spaced farther apart in order to adjust the space between the buttons depending on the user&#39;s preferences.  
         [0056]     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the two piece foot-operated controller has a first controller  402  and a second controller  403 . The first controller  402  communicates signals to the second controller  403  via a communication link  404 . The second controller  403  then communicates signals generated from both the first and second controllers to the display device via communication link  405 . The first controller  402  has a left click button  406  and a right click button  407 . The first controller  402  also has scroll roller  408 . The second controller  403  has page up button  409  and page down button  410  as well as arrow control  411 . Arrow control  411  can be a track ball, pressure pad, joy stick, or any other control mechanism that allows for multi-direction control. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the various buttons and controls can be assigned different functionality based on the needs of the user.  
         [0057]      FIG. 5A  illustrates one embodiment of a foot-operated controller  501 . The foot-operated controller  501  includes a housing  502 , a left button  503 , a right button  504 , a scroll roller  505 , an arrow control ball  506 , and a communication link  507 . The two buttons,  503  and  504  are placed near the outer edges on the top of the housing  502 . The arrow control ball  506  is placed in the middle on the top of the housing  502 . The scroll roller is placed in between the right button  504  and the arrow control ball  506 . It will be understood by one of skill in the art that the control mechanisms can be positioned anywhere on the housing as is advantageous to one of skill in the art. For instance, the left and right buttons  503  and  504  can be placed adjacent to each other and the arrow control ball placed on the opposite side of the housing  502 . The scroll roller  505  may also be placed on left side of the arrow control ball  506 , or in any other advantageous configuration.  
         [0058]      FIG. 5B  illustrates yet another embodiment of a foot-operated control mechanism  501 . The embodiment of  5 B is very similar to the embodiment of  5 A, however,  5 B has the added features of a speaker  508  and a volume control  509 . The volume control  509  can be a knob, a switch, a button, a scroll roller, a joystick, a track ball, a pressure pad, or any other mechanical or electrical sensor.  
         [0059]      FIG. 6A  illustrates one embodiment of a foot-operated controller  601 . The foot-operated controller  601  has a housing  602  that has three prongs for control mechanism placement. A left click button  603  is placed on the lower left prong of housing  602 . A right click button  604  is placed on the lower right prong of housing  602 . a scroll roller  605  is placed on the top center prong of housing  602 . An arrow control  606  is placed in the center of the housing  602 .  FIGS. 6B and 6C  illustrate alternative embodiments of  FIG. 6A  in which the various control parts have been rearranged. In  FIG. 6B , the scroll roller  605  is placed on the lower right prong of housing  602 , while the right click button  604  is on the upper central prong of housing  602 . In  FIG. 6C , the scroll roller  605  is placed on the lower left prong of housing  602 , while the right click button  604  is on the upper central prong, and the left click button  603  is on the lower right prong of housing  602 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a foot-operated controller  701  with a four prong housing  702 . A left click button  703  is placed in the lower left prong of housing  702 . A right click button  704  is placed in the lower right prong of housing  702 . A page up button  705  is placed in the upper left prong of housing  702 . A page down button  706  is placed in the upper right prong of housing  702 . An arrow control  707  is placed in the middle of housing  702 . A scroll roller  708  is placed on the left side of the arrow control  707 .  FIG. 7B  illustrates an alternative embodiment to  FIG. 7A  in which the scroll roller is placed below the arrow control  707  on housing  702 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of a foot-operated controller  801  with a wide, generally parabolic housing  802 . The housing  802  is wide in order to accommodate more control mechanisms. The housing  802  has six separate control mechanisms spread across the housing&#39;s  802  width. Starting from left to right, the housing  802  includes a left click button  803 , a page up button  807 , a arrow control  806 , a scroll roller  805 , a page down button  808 , and a right click button  804 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a foot-operated controller  901 . The foot-operated controller  901  has a housing  902  on which a left click button  903 , a right click button  904 , a scroll roller  905 , and a arrow control  906  are placed.  
         [0063]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate more embodiments of a foot-operated controller  1001  in which an arrow control  1006  is placed in the middle of a housing  1002  and five control mechanisms are spread around the perimeter of the housing  1002 .  FIG. 10A  illustrates an embodiment in which the five perimeter control mechanisms are placed on a separate prong of the housing  1002 .  FIG. 10B  illustrates an embodiment in which the housing  1002  is generally circular and the five control mechanisms are spaced along the outside perimeter of the housing.  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, a user must press the buttons with a certain amount of force. For example, a typical hand-operated mouse may require very little force to be applied before a click signal is generated. However, the foot-operated controller requires relatively more force to be applied before generating a click signal. In one embodiment, 1/9th of a pound or more of force must be exerted before a single click signal is generated. In one embodiment, one pound or more of force must be generated before a single click signal is generated. The foot-operated controller can generate a click signal with anywhere from near zero pounds to up to a designed maximum. In one embodiment, a certain amount of pressure is exerted to create a single click, and a greater amount of pressure is exerted to create a double click. In one embodiment, the amount of pressure needed to generate a click signal is adjustable.  
         [0065]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a foot-operated controller  1101  with adjustable pressure knob  1102 . Adjustable pressure knob  1102  is used to adjust the amount of pressure that must be applied to buttons  1103  and  1104  before a click signal is generated. In one embodiment, the pressure knob  1102  adjusts the amount of pressure needed to create both a single and double click. In one embodiment, multiple pressure adjusting knobs are provided to individually adjust the pressure for single and double click generation and/or for each button.  
         [0066]     In one embodiment, the pressure that must be applied to buttons  1103  and  1104  before a click signal is generated is electronically adjustable. In one embodiment, an up-down switch is located on the foot-operated device controller for adjusting the pressure settings. In one embodiment, an LCD display, or other type of display, is located on the foot-operated device controller for displaying the pressure settings. In one embodiment, the pressure settings are manipulated on a computer. For example, in one embodiment, a software interface is provided which allows and a user to control the pressure settings. Of course, it is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that any method of electronically adjusting the pressure settings may be used.  
         [0067]     In one embodiment, a pressure transducer is included in a foot-operated electronic device controller. The pressure transducer senses the amount of pressure applied to one or both of buttons  1103  and  1104 . A user can designate the amount of pressure required for a single click signal, as well as the amount of pressure required for a double click.  
         [0068]     In one embodiment, a scroll button is provided that allows a user to scroll up or down depending on the amount of pressure applied to the button. In one embodiment a pressure transducer is provided to measure applied pressure. In one embodiment a linear sensor is included to measure an amount of movement in the button. In one embodiment, the amount of pressure applied is measured based on how far down the button is being pressed. In operation, as the user applies pressure to the scroll button, the page view begins to scroll. The more pressure that is applied, the faster the view scrolls. The scroll action can be adjusted to scroll up or down or from side to side. Any other advantageous scroll action can also be accomplished with the scroll button.  
         [0069]     In one embodiment, an indicator light is connectable to a display device. The indicator light communicates with the foot operated controller. In one embodiment, the indicator light lights up when the foot operated controller is powered on. In one embodiment, the indicator light lights up when the control mechanism is activated.  
         [0070]     For purposes of summarization, certain aspects, advantages and novel features are described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features need to be present in any particular embodiment. In addition, although certain aspects and design features are described with respect to certain embodiments, it is to be understood that aspects and design features described can be incorporated into other embodiments.  
         [0071]     It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrated embodiments and that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, various types of control mechanisms may be used with any of the embodiments. The various embodiments may be wired or wireless. Different aspects of the various embodiments are interchangeable. The foregoing description of the embodiments is, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being delineated by the appended claims and their equivalents.