Abstract:
An electronic pointing device for a computer comprising a housing and an electronic module to detect the relative displacement over an external surface and transmit it to the computer wherein the housing comprises means to adjust the total weight of the device. According to the invention, the user can freely (within certain limits) adjust the weight depending on his wishes. In one embodiment, the pointing device is a mouse.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/413,971, filed Apr. 28, 2006, and entitled “Electronic Pointing Device With User Variable Weight”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/676,080, filed Apr. 28, 2005, and entitled “Electronic Pointing Device With User Variable Weight”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns the field of electronic pointing devices, in particular autonomous devices which communicate the displacement over a surface to a computer. 
     The first generation mouse was fitted with a ball from which the lateral displacement of the pointing device, also called mouse, entails the rotation of the ball. This rotation was detected by two sensors which converted the rotation into X,Y displacement. This information was transmitted to the computer through a communication cable or by radio signals. 
     The second generation of pointing devices uses contactless detection, mostly based on optical sensors, both coherent and non coherent illumination is used. Optical sensing technologies aim at detecting modifications to the reflected optical signal and calculate the X and Y displacements. A contactless mouse means a pointing device of second generation detecting the displacement of the mouse over a surface without physical contact of the detecting elements with said surface. 
     Various push buttons are added to the mouse to select, validate, browse, i.e. to transmit the user&#39;s commands to the computer. The size and shape of the mouse is dictated by the usage, i.e. the adequate gripping by the hand. Various embodiments are proposed for example for right-handed and left-handed people or compact size version for portable computers. 
     One example of such contactless mouse (i.e. using an optical detection module) is illustrated in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,196. A typical mouse comprises an electronic module, which is in charge of the movement detection and of the communication with a computer. This electronic module is embedded into a housing from which at least one actuator is apparent. 
     An example of a mouse where the batteries are placed over the center to put them over the center of gravity of the mouse is found in Logitech U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,281. In the area of game controllers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,584 describes a hand-held remote control for a video game with a variable number of removable weights. 
     Mice are used for a variety of applications, including computer games. PC Gamers express a range of preferences regarding the weight of an optimal gaming mouse. Some claim that a very light weight mouse feels unstable and is difficult to control. Others argue that heaver mice are harder to control because of their inertia. Many of these same users additionally argue that heaver mice can be unnecessary fatiguing when playing for extended periods. Some users also desire a mouse that is well “balanced.” Active PC gamers desire a particular hand feel that can be idiosyncratic. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an electronic pointing device for a computer comprising a housing and an electronic module to detect the relative displacement over an external surface and transmit it to the computer wherein the housing comprises means to adjust the total weight of the device. According to the invention, the user can freely (within certain limits) adjust the weight depending on his wishes. In one embodiment, the pointing device is a mouse. 
     The user can adjust the weight of the mouse by changing a part of the mouse or adding some ballast elements. In one embodiment, a donut shaped weight is inserted into a slot around the optical lens on the bottom case of an optical mouse. Different weights could be used to vary the mouse weight. Alternately, a donut shaped cartridge can be used, with the user controlling the amount of the weight segments inserted, and their position, to both control the weight and the center of gravity of the mouse. 
     Currently, the weight of existing mice are fixed at manufacturing, and is the same regardless of the user or application. Some users would like a different weight mouse, to give a different feel, depending on the particular user and/or depending on the application the user is using the mouse for. For example, some users may want a different weight mouse to give a desired feel for gaming applications, while others may want a different weight for other applications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood thanks to the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment in which the mouse&#39;s weight is adjusted using a frame containing individual ballast elements, 
         FIG. 2  shows a second embodiment in which the ballast elements are mounted directly on the back of the mouse&#39;s cover, 
         FIG. 3  shows the second embodiment from another view, 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  show a third embodiment in which the cover has molded ballast elements, 
         FIG. 6  shows a fourth embodiment in which the ballast is a decorative element, 
         FIG. 7  shows a support for the ballast element, said support being movable within the mouse interior, 
         FIG. 8  shows a frame having the form of a tube to receive the ballast elements. 
         FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate a variety of donut shaped weights according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 10A-C  illustrate a round trench in a mouse and demonstrate the insertion of a donut shaped weight according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-B  show a weight cartridge which holds individual weights according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-F  illustrate different embodiments of structures to retain and allow easy removal of the weight segments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the first embodiment of the invention, shown in the  FIG. 1 , the ballast elements  1  are placed in a frame  2 . Depending on the user&#39;s choice, different ballast weight is used to fill the frame. 
     Once the frame is filled according to the user&#39;s wishes, the same is place in the opening  4  located at the bottom of the mouse. The frame is maintained within the mouse by a suitable actuator  4   a  acting as a biasing element. To remove the frame, the user simply pushes the actuator  4   a  and the frame is released. 
     It is to be noted that the ballast element  1  should not move into the frame. For that purpose, the ballast element comprises a rubber band  1   a  at its periphery that is adjusted to enter into the corresponding hole of the frame. Once introduced, the ballast element is maintained in this position by the rubber band and can be easily removed by pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the rubber band is placed in the frame&#39;s hole so that to produce a biasing effect while entering the ballast element into the frame. In another embodiment, the frame is made out of a smooth elastic material in which the holes are slightly smaller than the diameter of the ballast element. The user can press the ballast element into the frame and the elastic characteristic of the frame&#39;s material maintains the ballast element into said frame. 
     The fact that the frame  2  has many holes or housings allows the user to determine the spatial repartition of the weights. It is then possible to put some elements in the front or in the back of the frame, thus allowing different mouse&#39;s behavior. The different configurations allow changing the location of the center of gravity. 
     The second embodiment is illustrated in the  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The mouse comprises a removable cover  5  which can be removed by the user. The back part of the cover comprises mounting elements  6 ,  6   a  and  6   b , which can receive ballast elements as shown in the  FIG. 1 . 
     The user can individually put the ballast elements into the mounting elements, select the weight of these elements according the desired mouse behavior. Not only is the weight selected by the user but also the position in the cover. This allows various configurations and balances of the mouse. 
     Other mounting means are possible, e.g. using a screw. The common point to these mounting means is to allow the user to firstly select the desired weight and secondly to put it on the back of the cover in the desired location. It is worth noting that the ballast element can have various shapes such as rectangular, cylindrical or non-geometric form. 
     According to a third embodiment shown in the  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cover contains ballast elements  7 ,  7   a ,  7   b ,  7   c , which are molded directly in the cover. To change the total weight of the mouse, different covers are proposed, each having a different weight. The user chooses the appropriate cover and uses it to complete the mouse. In order to better identify the weight of each cover, this latter is made in different color, each color representing a specific weight. 
     The  FIGS. 4 and 5  show an interchangeable cover although other pieces of the mouse can serve to adjust the weight. It is then possible to use an interchangeable part on the bottom or on the side of the mouse. 
     This is the fourth embodiment shown in the  FIG. 6 . A decorative element  8  is used to adjust the mouse&#39;s weight. In order to keep the center of gravity in the middle of the mouse, it is preferable to have the same interchangeable decorative element on both side of the mouse. 
     The user receives with its mouse several decorative elements, each having a different weight. After selecting the appropriate one, the same is placed in the corresponding recess  9 . Suitable attachments are provided to allow the user to place or remove the decorative element at will. 
     The decorative element can be in the form of a tube, illustrated in the  FIG. 8 , which is inserted in the mouse. This tube can go through the mouse and be visible on the opposite side to permit the user an easy removal of the tube by exerting a pressure on the end portion of the tube. This tube comprises several compartments which receive the individual ballast elements. These elements can have the form as illustrated in the  FIG. 1 . After having chosen the desired weight and center of gravity, the tube is inserted in the mouse and fastened inside e.g. like a screw. 
     According to a fifth embodiment illustrated in the  FIG. 7 , the ballast element  1  is placed on a slider arm  10 . After having selected to appropriate weight, the user can mount the ballast element on this arm  10 . This latter comprises a groove allowing the weight to be positioned along the arm at the desired position. The slider arm  10  is mounted onto a rigid arm  11  extending from the cover  5 . The slider arm can be freely moved thanks to the pivot hinge  12  linking said slider arm  10  and the rigid arm  11 . 
     These different movable parts allow the user to spatially locate the weight so as to obtain the desired position of the center of gravity. 
     Another embodiment not illustrated is an alternative solution of the first embodiment. Once the cover has been removed, the frame is visible and is part of the mouse structure. The user can put the desired weight or ballast element on the frame and replace the cover. On the top of the cover, a biasing element such as foam creates a pressure on each ballast element to avoid any noise or movement in the frame. 
     Donut Concept 
     In one embodiment, a hollowed out area in the bottom of a mouse holds a donut (disc) shaped weight placed around the optical lens of a mouse. This allows easy adjustment, without requiring the user to open up the mouse. The weights can take a variety of forms as shown in  FIGS. 9A-C .  FIG. 9A  shows a weight  20  with a pair of pins  22 ,  24  for attaching it to the bottom of a mouse. The weight can be made of any material, such as lead, steel, bismuth, tin, tungsten, brass, aluminum, glass, ceramic, polymer/metal composites, thermoplastics and granite. A 15 gram weight is shown. Alternately, a 38 gram weight can be provided. A variety of different weights of the same shape can be provided for the user to select from. By keeping the choice to two, the selection is simpler for the user. However, a variety of weight could be used, with different materials or different amounts of material in a housing to vary the weight.  FIG. 9B  illustrates a hollowed out steel weight  26 .  FIG. 9C  illustrates a solid steel weight  28 , which would be heavier than the hollowed out weight  26 . 
       FIG. 10A  shows a mouse  30  which receives a weight  20  in a circular groove  32 . The pins  22 ,  24  engage rounded holes  34 ,  36 , and then rotate to the narrow part of holes  34 ,  36  to hold the weight in place A lens  38  for an optical sensor is usually centered in the mouse. This is where the ideal center of gravity is also located. This donut system allows the weight to be added at this point of ideal center of gravity. A foam pad or spring can be added to remove rattle and to provide pressure to hold the weight in position. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates weight  20  after it has been inserted in mouse  30  and rotated to secure it. As can be seen, it is flush with the bottom of the mouse so movement isn&#39;t impeded. In one embodiment, the exposed surface of the weight and/or the pins are coated with Polytetrafluoroethylene or other material which enhances the sliding of the mouse along a surface. 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates the inside of the mouse housing with the weight attached. The holes  34 ,  36  include a pair of pips  42 ,  40  to keep the pins  22 ,  24  in place. Also shown is a chip  44  with the optical sensor. 
     Donut Cartridge with Individual Weights 
       FIGS. 11A-B  show a weight cartridge, made from metal or plastic, which holds individual weights. These individual weights can be cylinders or segments, as shown.  FIG. 11A  shows a cartridge  50  with weights  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58  which are partially exposed through slots  60 ,  62 ,  64  and  66 . The side shown would be the exposed side when mounted in the bottom of the mouse, with a smooth surface to avoid inhibiting sliding of the mouse. 
       FIG. 11B  shows the other side, illustrating how a weight  52  can be inserted into a cavity  68 . The slot  60  allows the user to push the weight out from the other side. In one embodiment, cartridge  50  is made of sheet metal. Springs  70  hold the weight segments in position. 
     Tunable Weight 
     The segments can be removed individually to adjust the overall weight. Segments made from materials of different density can be fitted to vary the weight further. For example light aluminum or heavy brass weight segments could be used. 
     Tunable Balance 
     The weight segments can be inserted anywhere on the disc (0-360° range) allowing the position of the centre of gravity to be adjusted. For example: if only one single segment is added it can be placed on the far left. This affects the centre of gravity of the mouse differently than if the single segment was placed on the far right. 
       FIGS. 12A-F  illustrate different embodiments of structures to retain and allow easy removal of the weight segments.  FIG. 12A  shows a side view of one of the weights  52  mounted in cartridge or tray  50 , and inserted into the bottom case  72  of a mouse. Springs  74  and  80  are formed in the metal tray to hold the weight segment  52  in place. A thumb groove  76  provides user access to release the tray, which can be press fitted into the bottom case, or the bottom case can have a spring or other mechanism to retain the tray. A finger opening  78  allows removal of the weights. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 12A , with a weight tray ejector lever  82  being provided to aid in removing the weight tray. 
       FIG. 12C  illustrates another embodiment with a finger opening  84  to remove weights and a structure  88  to affix the tray to the mouse, which is similar to the removable plastic structure used to retain a mouse ball in old ball mice. A heat sealed membrane  90  is provided for ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection. A spring  86  is mounted in a different location that the other embodiments, on the top of the tray. 
       FIG. 12D  illustrates a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 12C , with a spring  80  mounted on a side of the tray.  FIG. 12E  shows a similar embodiment without the ball door type fixing system.  FIG. 12F  substitutes a button release mechanism  92  with a ball or pin  94  on the end of a spring  96 . 
     As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the present invention could be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. For example, the weight can be another shape which will fit around the optical lens, such as oval or rectangular. The weights could be added to a gamepad or other movable controller. The controller can control a computer, a video game console, or any other electronic appliance. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.