Abstract:
A finger-mounted input device with an integrated accelerometer that functions as a computer input device capable of transmitting manipulation signals controlled by a touch pad, track ball, or joystick and switching signals controlled by buttons. It can be used in place of a mouse input device when used with a computer or as a supplementary input device in conjunction with a mouse. It can also substitute for hands free controls, remote controls, and other electronic input accessories to extend the versatility of these other electronic tools. The device frees up the user from having to reach and manipulate a detached mouse or similar input device in order to enter commands into a computer or other electronic device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Input devices are commonly used with respect to controlling the position of a cursor on computer monitors, highlighted areas on displays of electronic devices, and positional control on gaming programs. Common input devices include the mouse, handheld remote controls, joysticks, game controllers, and keypads. Such devices are controlled by grasping and manipulating the device with the hand or fingers. Typically, a mouse is controlled by moving it over a flat surface to generate a movement signal and activating one or more buttons with a finger. With most input devices the user must locate the input device with a hand which necessitates moving the hand from a previous operating position. Game controllers are bulky and usually require both hands to hold and effectively utilize the component. Most simple functions are controlled by a series of buttons on the mouse or controller by clicking various buttons for commands or scrolling based on cursor location on highlighted areas. These devices require that one or more hands be occupied to complete commands, reducing the capacity of the user to multi-task and precluding a hand from being used for other functions such as writing or keyboard typing. Finally, the bulkiness of larger devices requires accommodation by the body in an unnatural manner with reduced ergonomic comfort. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a finger-mounted input device with an integrated accelerometer that is intended to be used with computers and electronic devices. The purpose of the device is to function in place of a conventional mouse or remote controller using wireless and micro technologies to connect with and manipulate devices in a multitude of electronic device and computer environments. It can be used in place of a mouse input device in one embodiment or used in the form of an enhanced embodiment that is capable of carrying out complex functions useful to advanced computer and electronic device applications. The device frees the user from having to reach for, and manipulate a detached mouse or similar input device in order to enter commands into a computer. From an ergonomic standpoint this apparatus has many benefits that reduce physical ailments associated with operating computer and electronic devices. The input device will also allow disabled persons increased freedom when operating such devices The invention encompasses the following elements:
         one or more input components (e.g., touchpad, trackball, joystick, buttons),   accelerometer,   wireless transmission unit   finger mounting structure   battery system   operating software or firmware       

     There are three preferred embodiments of the input device. One version has two toggled function keys and an accelerometer activation button. This embodiment has the appearance of a ring with a digital pad in its face, as a jewel is to a ring. The embodiment has the two function keys (right and left click buttons) embedded in the digital pad located at the top of the embodiment. The accelerometer activation button is located in the bezel portion of the ring nearest the thumb adjacent to the charging port. 
     The second embodiment is in the form of a sleeve worn over an index finger and has four function keys and one digital pad. The operating components are mounted in a sewn pocket or by a covering piece that fastens over the components and is secured by using a snap or a hook-and-loop fastener. A third embodiment has a digital pad surrounded by four function keys and an additional roller tracking ball or joystick adjacent to the digital pad that is also surrounded by four function keys for additional command options. This embodiment thus has a total of eight function keys. The second and third embodiments are joined with a spring joint between the digital pad and roller-tracking ball to allow the sleeve to flex with the movement of the user&#39;s fingers. The electrical and command wiring is connected from one side of the input device to the other by a pivot joint that permits the input device to bend with the finger without fatiguing the wiring. A charging port is located off the side nearest the hand. 
     The input device is operated by manipulation using the thumb over the bent index finger. Because of the symmetry of the design, the input device may be worn on either the right or left hands. The digital pad, roller tracking ball, or joystick, as well as the function keys, are pressed or manipulated using the thumb. The digital pad, roller tracking ball, joystick, and function keys can be programmed through a software interface. The software options, and preferences can be determined by the user depending on the intended use. The input devices can communicate with a computer or other electronic device using wireless communication such as a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter such as the Bluetooth open wireless technology standard. However, any wireless technology that enables communication between the device and the component into which commands are to be inputted can be used, Examples of the applications with which the input device can be used to provide inputs include but are not limited to computers, televisions, theater systems, cellular telephones, electrically-operated automotive accessories, video games or gaming stations, drones, medical devices, military controllers, graphic design, and CAD drawing. 
     The device uses both fine and gross motor skills separately, or in combination, through the touch pad, roller tracking ball, joystick, and accelerometer. The accelerometer enables the user to control the position of cursors on a display screen, highlight text or objects, and position graphic symbols using large-gesture painterly motions. The input device allows the combined motion of the hand and thumb to input commands to a computer or other electronic device. The accelerometer function can be selected by depressing one of the function keys which then allows movement of the entire input device to act as a cursor position controller. The function keys can also cause the accelerometer to zero out which provides the technology a point of reference from which to begin the motion of the user&#39;s hand. Many people suffering from serious neurological conditions, such as quadriplegia and cerebral palsy, retain some level of large-motion or fine motion motor skill movement. The signals from the accelerometer offers the possibility of enabling disabled persons to input commands to computers and other devices more effectively, thus enhancing their ability to use electronic devices. 
     The battery in the device can be charged in a variety of ways including a USB connection, charging cradle, or proximity charger. The docking station can be equipped with either a peg base with a charging ring, cord, or inductive charger. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a finger sleeve embodiment showing a touch pad. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a finger sleeve embodiment showing a touch pad and track ball. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the operating components associated with the finger sleeve embodiment having a touch pad and track ball. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a finger sleeve embodiment showing a touch pad and joystick. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view showing a pivot joint for the finger sleeve embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view showing the pivot joint. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the pivot joint and interchangeable input components. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a ring embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a ring embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the components associated with a ring embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exterior of the finger-sleeve device having a touch pad with four function keys is shown in  FIG. 1 . The device can be mounted on an index finger  3  in the form of a sleeve  2 . The sleeve may be made of various materials well know in the art for use in gloves including spandex-fiber blends and glove leather. It may encompass a small pull strap  6  to facilitate fitting onto the index finger  3 . The sleeve  2  is constructed to contain the components so that, when worn on the index finger  2 , the touch pad assembly  4  (which contains function keys  5  and touch pad  6 ) and charger connection  32  are visible from the external side of the sleeve  2  (the charging port is located so as not to interfere with, or rub on the thumb or hand). The sleeve can be constructed so that the components are attached by sewing or by a covering piece that fastens over the components and is secured by using a snap or hook-and-loop fastener. The touch pad assembly  6  is positioned so that it may be operated by the thumb  7 . The symmetry of the device allows for wearing the device on either the left or right hands. 
     Shown on  FIG. 2  is the exterior of the finger-sleeve device  10  having a touch pad assembly  4  with four function keys  5  and a track ball assembly  14 . The device can also be mounted on an index finger  3  in the form of a sleeve  2  in the manner described above. The sleeve  2 , in this embodiment is constructed to contain the components so that, when worn on the index finger  2 , the touch pad assembly  4  (that contains function keys  5  and touch pad  6 ), the track ball assembly  14  (containing four function keys  15  and a track ball  16 ), and charger connection  32  are visible from the external side of the sleeve  2 . The sleeve can likewise be constructed so that the components are attached in a manner similar to that described above for  FIG. 1 . The touch pad assembly  6  and track ball assembly  14  are positioned so that they may be operated by the thumb  7  of the wearer. 
       FIG. 3  shows the operating components of the finger-sleeve embodiment. The track pad  6  and function keys  5  fit onto the touch pad receiving assembly  17  and are connected to a motherboard  23  that is mounted on a first mounting board  19 . The motherboard  23  has a module that provides RF transmitter and receiver capabilities. The first mounting board  19  has an accelerometer space  25  into which an accelerometer  21  is fitted. The accelerometer  21  is also connected to the motherboard. The first mounting board  19  has a first end  38  onto which a first connecting knuckle  27  is present. The first connecting knuckle is connected electrically to the motherboard  23 . A track ball  16  and function keys  15  are fitted onto a track ball receiving plate  14  that is mounted onto a second mounting board  28 . These are connected electrically to a second connecting knuckle  29  which is present at the second end  39  of the second mounting plate  28 . The second mounting plate has a battery opening  30  into which a battery  31  is fitted. A charger/USB connector  32  is fitted onto the second mounting plate and electrically connected to the second connecting knuckle and the battery  31 . 
     In operation, the first connecting knuckle  27  is in physical contact with the second connecting knuckle  29  in such a manner that electrical contact of the components on the second mounting plate  28  is maintained with the components on the first mounting plate  19  without fatigue or stress. However, any means of maintaining a flexible electrical connection may be used including wires or ribbon cable. The first connecting knuckle  27  and second connecting knuckle  29  can be affirmatively maintained in constant engagement by means such as a press fit, snap lock, connecting pin, or free-fitting but interlocking components. 
     A first induction coil  33  is mounted to the second mounting plate adjacent to the battery opening  30  and is electrically connected to the battery  31 . This inductive charging system can be present on all of the units but is an optional part of the device for operation.  FIG. 3  also depicts a separate inductive charging unit  34  comprising a second induction coil  35  which is the mate to the device mounted coil, and mounted within a cylindrical housing  37  which serves as the unit&#39;s dock. 
     The touch pad  6  is used to generate an electrical signal in accordance with movement of the thumb  7  over the surface of the touch pad. The function keys  5  provide electrical switching functions. Similarly, the track ball  16  is used to generate an electrical signal in accordance with rotation of the track ball  16  within the track ball receiving plate  14 . The associated function keys  15  provide electrical switching functions. The accelerometer  21  generates electrical signals in accordance with large-gesture motions by the user. The accelerometer  21  may be made to generate electrical signals that control specific activities such as a cursor or scrolling by pressing specific function keys  5  or  15  (any of the eight keys can be programmed to respond to the signals from the accelerometer). Software or firmware may be stored in a memory module within the motherboard  23  to enable the user to control cursor functions and other options to complete a wide range of custom commands depending on user preferences. The software may also be installed in the attending device (i.e., computer or other electronic device) to control what the function key, touch screen, track ball, or joystick do. Note that for the term “software” is intended to encompass all forms of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions telling a computer what to do and how to do it and thus encompasses firmware, middleware, application software, and system software. 
     The RF transmission capability of the motherboard  23  is used to communicate between the finger-sleeve device and a computer or other device receiving the signals. The signals generated from the touch pad  6 , the track ball  16 , accelerometer  21 , and the function keys  5  and  15  are relayed to the computer by the transmission of RF signals by the motherboard  23 . The transmission capability also includes the ability to receive signals. Software may be updated via transmission of RF signals or by connecting a cable from a computer to the charger/USB connector  32 . In addition, means for alerting a user that a signal has been received may be incorporated into the device such as a vibrator assembly  24  attached to the motherboard  23 , audio speaker, or a light source such as a light emitting diode. These means add to the functionality of the device by permitting users to be notified that certain events have taken place such as the downloading of a file, execution of a program, or receipt of a message. 
     The battery  31  may be charged conductively via electricity supplied into the charger/USB connector  33  or alternatively inductively charged by placing the first induction coil  33  in adjacent proximity with an electrically-energized second induction coil  35 . Ideally, the second induction coil  35  would be mounted within an cylindrical post housing  37  so that when the sleeve  2  is slid onto the cylindrical post, the first induction coil  33  is optimally positioned with respect to the second induction coil  35 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a modification of the above embodiment in which a joystick stick assembly  70  is used instead of a track ball assembly. The joystick  71  fits within a joystick receiving plate  72  onto which two function buttons  73  are mounted. 
       FIG. 5-7  depict a mechanical aspect showing how the first end  38  with first connecting knuckle  27  and the second end  39  with the second connecting knuckle  29  can be joined in a manner that allows the first end  38  and second end  39  to return to a straight position from a flexed position. the first connecting knuckle  27  is movably joined to the second connecting knuckle  29  by a pin  80  that fits through a hole in the first connecting knuckle  27  and a hole in the second connecting knuckle  29 . The ends  38  and  39  are fitted with linear spring members  85  which are secured to the ends by a retainer  86 . The linear spring members  85  fit into a flared groove  84 . This arrangement allows the first end  38  and second end  39  to pivot around the axis of the pin  80  which enhances the ergonomics of the embodiment. When the ends are pivoted, the flexure of the linear spring members  85  within the flared grooves  84  creates an opposing force that encourages the ends to return to a previous unpivoted alignment. This further enhances the ergonomics of the embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  also depicts guide rails  87  on the second connecting end  39  which are designed to receive channels  88  located on the track ball receiving plate  14  and the joystick receiving plate  72 . This allows for the embodiment to be constructed so that the track ball assembly  18  and the joystick assembly  70  are selectively interchangeable. The rails  87  and channels  88  may also incorporate protrusions and recesses that further secure them by creating a snap lock mechanism. 
       FIGS. 8-10  depict exterior and exploded views of a ring embodiment of the device  40 . In this embodiment, the device  40  is secured to an index finger  1  by a band  48  onto which a bezel  43  is mounted. It should be noted that the term bezel is used broadly to mean the portion of the embodiment that surrounds and holds the functional components. A motherboard  47  is mounted into the bezel and supports a first depressible function key  41  and a second depressible function key  42 . The ring embodiment may have an input component consisting of a touch pad, track ball, and joystick.  FIGS. 8-10  show a touch pad  44 . The location of the depressible keys allow the touchpad  44  to toggle or tilt, depressing the keys. The accelerometer  45  is located at the center of the motherboard  47  where it is secured within the opening  49 . The motherboard  47  has modules that enable RF transmission and receiving as well as memory storage. In addition, means for alerting a user that a signal has been received may be incorporated into the device such as a vibrator assembly  24  attached to the motherboard  47 , audio speaker, or a light source such as a light emitting diode. The touch pad  44  is installed onto the bezel  43  in a manner that enables it to rock back and forth and thus engage the first depressible function key  41  and a second depressible function key  42  when it is depressed on either end overlying those function keys. The touch pad  44  also acts as a cover and protects the motherboard  47 , first depressible function key  41 , the second depressible function key  42 , and the accelerometer. A detentible key/lock  46  is located at the side of the bezel  43  and may be selectively pressed to activate or deactivate the touch pad  44 . It can also be used to or activate or deactivate the accelerometer  45 . A charger/USB connector  50  is located on the bezel and is connected to the motherboard  47  and the battery (not shown in  FIGS. 8-10  but located beneath the motherboard). 
     The device  40  may be placed onto an index finger  1  so that the users thumb  7  is positioned to engage the touch pad  44 , first depressible function key  41 , the second depressible function key  42 , and the detentible key/lock  46 . The device  40  may also be equipped with an induction coil (not shown) to permit inductive charging as described for the finger-sleeve embodiment. 
     The device  40  of the ring embodiment operates substantially the same as for the finger-sleeve embodiment. The touch pad  44  is used to generate an electrical signal in accordance with movement of the thumb  7  over the surface of the touch pad. The first depressible function key  41  and second depressible function key  42  provide electrical switching functions. As described above, the device  40  may be programmed so that the detentible key/lock  46  can be selectively pressed to lock or unlock the touch pad  44 , or activate or deactivate the accelerometer  45 . The accelerometer  45  generates electrical signals in accordance with large-gesture motions by the users finger  1 , hand, wrist, or arm and may by recognizing its location in space be made to generate electrical signals that control specific activities such as drawing, cursor movement, or page scrolling by pressing first depressible function key  41  or second depressible function key  42 . Software may be stored in a memory module on the motherboard  47  to enable the user to control cursor functions and other options to complete a wide range of custom commands depending on user preferences. The RF transmission capability of the motherboard  47  is used to communicate between the device  40  and a computer or other device receiving the signals. The signals generated from the touch pad  44 , accelerometer  45 , and the first depressible function key  41  and second depressible function key  42  are relayed to the computer by the transmission of RF signals by the motherboard  47 . Software may be inputted into the motherboard  47  via transmission of RF signals or by connecting a cable from a computer to the charger/USB connector  50 . 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features, and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.