Patent Publication Number: US-2004051392-A1

Title: Operating device

Description:
[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device wherein the device is actuatable by the fingers of a hand and is intended for control of functions in a functional apparatus that is equipped with a display screen or that communicates with a remote display screen.  
       [0002] It is previously known, for function control of a computer, to use a so-called mouse in connection with a pointer or cursor which can be controlled on the display screen and activate new functions, close programs, be of assistance in making adjustments etc. An operating device of this kind, is either connected to the computer via a cable or connected wirelessly to the computer. The use of such mouse devices often causes carpal tunnel syndrome which is due to uncomfortable straining of the wrist and which may also give rise to other muscular problems in the arms and shoulders. In addition, the use of such a mouse requires the hand operating the mouse to move constantly between the ordinary keyboard and the mouse, which not only reduces efficiency in handling the computer, but is also disruptive in an operation where most of the time the hand-is at the keyboard.  
       [0003] In other relations operating devices are known which must be held in the user&#39;s hand and where fingers on one of the user&#39;s hands operate the numerous function keys on the device.  
       [0004] It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide a multifunctional operating device which can be used both as a control means and a navigation means in connection with a functional apparatus that is equipped with a display screen or that communicates with a remote display screen.  
       [0005] According to the invention the device in a first embodiment is characterised in that the operating device has a control element and a mounting ring designed for placing on a finger and designed for manipulation of said control element by using another finger on the same hand.  
       [0006] In a second embodiment, where the operating device is intended for use in a vehicle, it is characterised in that it has a control element and a mounting ring designed to be placed on the steering wheel body or operating lever of a vehicle, where the control element is designed for manipulation using a finger on the hand that is holding the steering wheel or the lever. 
     
    
    
     [0007] Other embodiments of the said operating device will be apparent from the attached patent claims, and from the following description with reference to the attached drawings.  
     [0008] FIGS.  1 - 3  show one embodiment of the operating device used in connection with a hand, in an end view and in a perspective view respectively.  
     [0009]FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the operating device according to the invention.  
     [0010]FIG. 5 shows the same as FIG. 4, but with an: inserted ring lining..  
     [0011]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4.  
     [0012]FIGS. 7 and 8 show the device in FIGS. 4 and 5 where FIG. 7 shows a portion of the control element pushed towards one side and where FIG. 8 shows the control element depressed at the same time.  
     [0013]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8.  
     [0014] FIGS.  10 - 15  show a variant of the device shown in FIGS.  4 - 9 , where FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 13, FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XIIII-XII in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 shows a detail in connection with the depression of the control element on the operating device, and FIG. 15 shows a tilting movement of the control element on the operating device.  
     [0015] FIGS.  16 - 18  shows alternative solutions for communication between the operating device and functional equipment, for example a PC with display screen.  
     [0016]FIG. 19 shows by way of example a wireless connection between the present operating device and a functional apparatus such as a computer (PC) having a display screen.  
     [0017]FIGS. 20, 21 and  22  show an alternative embodiment of an operating device, where FIGS. 20 and 21 show the device in connection with a user&#39;s hand.  
     [0018]FIGS. 23, 24,  25  and  26  show another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, where FIGS. 23 and 24 show the device when it is held and operated by a hand, FIG. 25 shows the device in perspective, and FIG. 26 shows the operating principle of the device.  
     [0019]FIG. 27 shows the device according to the present invention used in connection with the steering wheel ring body of a vehicle.  
     [0020]FIG. 28 shows the device according to the present invention used in connection with cross arms on a vehicle steering wheel.  
     [0021]FIG. 29 shows the operating device in connection with a vehicle operating lever or handle, as for instance a steering column handle, gear lever, handlebars or the like. 
    
    
     [0022] FIGS.  1 - 3  show an operating device, where the device  1  is actuatable by the fingers of a hand  2 , where the operating device can be worn on a finger  3 , for example, an index. finger, and operated by the thumb  3 ′ of the hand. The operating device has a control element  5  and a mounting ring  6  which enables the operating device to be placed on the finger  3 . The size of the operating device will inevitably depend upon how much electronics it is desirable to implement. In an embodiment for use with, for example, a stationary computer, permanent wiring would be permissible, but as is well-known wireless connections between a mouse, for instance, and a computer are already widely used today. Wireless technology for small apparatuses is progressing at a furious pace, and it is first and foremost “blue tooth” technology that could be an alternative for communication between the operating device and the apparatus to be controlled.  
     [0023] FIGS.  4 - 9  show a first embodiment of the operating device in more detail. The control element  5  is designed to be capable of rotating in both directions about the ring member  6  which at the same time forms a mounting ring for the operating device. The control element  5  can be tilted or depressed to each side, and also pressed in towards the centre of the control element. Tilting and depression can take place around the entire switch part. Between the ring member  6  and the control element  5  there is a circuit board  7  which contains paths of current for the purpose of being able to detect both rotation of the control element  5  and tilting and/or depression of the same. The control element  5  has contact projections  4 ,  4 ′ which in a normal position and on rotation are in contact with contact paths  8 ,  8 ′. Spring-loaded contact  9  detects rotation of the control element  5  in that one of the current paths on the control element  5  is broken between the positions  10  on the ring member  6 , as indicated in both FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.  
     [0024] As will be understood from FIG. 4, the ball  9  is current-carrying. On direct depression of the control element  5 , as outlined in FIG. 8, the contact connection  11  will form electrical contact with the current-carrying, spring-loaded ball  12 . It will be appreciated that the stepwise movements of the control element  5  can take place in this case with the aid of the spring-loaded balls  9 ,  12  which will engage with the stepwise recesses  10  in a central part of the control element  5 . The stepwise movements of the control element  5  will of course easily be detected by means of suitable registering-equipment (not shown) that is known per se when the operating device is manipulated whilst the user views a functional apparatus provided with a display screen. As mentioned above, the functional apparatus can be equipped with a display screen or communicate with a remote display screen.  
     [0025] Tilting the control element S to the side will result in the projections  4 ,  4 ′ contacting one or the other of the current paths  13 ,  13 ′. This can be seen clearly from FIG. 7. It is also possible in this position to depress the control element  5  for optional confirmation of a selected function, and this is shown in more detail in FIG. 8. If the control element  5  is in the centre position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and is depressed in this centre position, the contact connection  11  will form electrical contact with the contact ball  12 , whilst the contact projections  4 ,  4 ′ are brought into contact with both contact paths  8 ,  13  and  8 ′  13 ′. All tilting movement of the control element  5  will have a pivot point approximately 180° from the point of actuation. When actuation takes place at point  14 , the pivot point will in reality be 180° therefrom at the point indicated by the arrow  15 .  
     [0026] Adaptation of the mounting ring or ring member  6  can be effected by using replaceable linings  6 ′, as shown in FIG. 5, where the lining has pins  6 ″ which fit into corresponding cut-outs in the member  6 .  
     [0027] FIGS.  10 - 15  are related to an alternative embodiment of the operating device as shown in preceding FIGS.  4 - 9 .  
     [0028] In this case, there is a control element  5 ′ that is designed to be capable of rotating in both directions about a mounting ring  16 . The control element  5 ′ is designed to rotate between springs  17 ,  17 ′, and these springs are fixed in the ring or ring member  16 . Provided in the control element  5 ′ are stepwise grooves  18  in which the springs run. The number of steps can vary and should by no means be understood as defining the limits of the invention. The steps  18  can be detected by means of contact points in a circuit board  19  which is fitted in the ring body  16  and where contact can be established via spring  20 . The control element  5 ′ has a top part  5 ″ of a material that is capable of being slightly yielding or of springing and which in its centre around the whole of the periphery of the control element can be pressed towards the centre, as indicated in FIG. 14. In this way contact between contact points  21  and  22  (see FIG. 12) is formed. The spring force provided by the top part  5 ″ will-be such that it is not yielding on normal rotation of the control element  5 ′ or on sideways tilting thereof, but will require a distinct pressure towards its centre to be yielding and thus establish contact between the points  21  and  22 . On contact between the points or elements  21 ′ and  22 ′; a signal of this contact will be given via a path that is in contact with the control element  5 ′ via a spring  23 . Tilting movements can be detected by strain gauge-equipped bars  24 , where the strain gauges are connected to the circuit board  19 . Such strain gauge bars  24  will be very sensitive, the slightest sideways movement being readily detected. Detection will inevitably be most effective closest to the point of contact, as indicated by the reference numeral  25  in FIG. 13, and will only have a small effect at a point offset by 180° from the point  25 , as indicated by the arrow  26 . The strain gauge-equipped bars  24  will-be located on the circuit board which extends around the whole circumference of the ring body  16  and spaced at certain intervals, for example, intervals of 60°.  
     [0029] As in FIG. 5, the ring member  16  in this case is also provided with a lining  27  which optionally may have a gradually tapering through opening  28 . The replaceable lining  27  has small projections  27 ′ for engagement with corresponding recesses  16 ′ on the ring body  16 .  
     [0030] In FIG. 15 it is shown how the strain gauge bars  24  are actuated when the control element  5 ′ is tilted sideways, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15, whereby the strain gauge bar  24 , as shown, is subjected to strain, especially from one side, whereby a measuring imbalance is produced in, for example, a measuring bridge (not shown).  
     [0031] As shown in FIG. 16, it is conceivable that the operating device can be connected to a functional apparatus  29  via wiring  30 . As can be seen from FIG. 17, it is also conceivable that associated with the operating device  1  there is connected a signal processing unit  31  which, for example, may contain a microprocessor, power supply and signal transmitter, for example, for optical, radio wave-based or other wireless communication with the functional apparatus  29 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, it is conceivable that the operating device  1  can have integrated therein, for example, such microprocessor, power supply and means for wireless signal transmission  32 , so as to allow satisfactory communication between the operating device and the functional apparatus  29  to take place. The functional apparatus  29  may optionally be a computer or, per se, any other functional apparatus.  
     [0032] A functional apparatus of this kind will inevitably also have a display screen, as indicated by the reference numeral  33 . In connection with the illustrated embodiments of the operating device, the implementation of hardware such as microprocessor, power supply and signal transmitter integrated in the actual operating device is not shown. Initially, it is desirable to make the operating device, as for instance the embodiment shown in FIGS.  14  and also FIGS.  4 - 9  and FIGS.  10 - 15 , as small as possible. However, it will generally be understood that the integration of, for example, equipment as represented by the reference numeral  31  in the actual operating device could entail such an increases in the size of the device that it will not be convenient to wear it on a finger. However, technological advance is rapid and miniaturisation will permit such a solution in a few years. Although the functional apparatus  29  may be a personal computer it is, of course, conceivable that the functional apparatus per se may be any electronic apparatus, as for instance a mobile telephone, PDA, equipment for in-car control of applications such as a telephone, radio etc which has accompanying display on a display  33  on the vehicle dashboard.  
     [0033] In the solution shown in FIG. 12, the member or unit  31 , which as mentioned contains a microprocessor, power supply and signal transmitter, may optionally be placed on the user&#39;s wrist, as shown in FIG. 13. The wireless connection between the unit  31  and the functional apparatus  29  with its display screen  33  is indicated by the reference numeral  34 . This wireless connection may take place via blue tooth technology, optical connection, for example, laser, or other wireless technology, where the unit  31  may have a transmitter  31 ′ and where a signal receiver  29 ′ is provided on the functional unit  29 .  
     [0034] A major advantage with the solution shown in FIG. 19 is that the user will at all times have the operating device at his disposal without having to move his hand  35  away from, for example, a keyboard  36 , to reach a mouse in order to carry out “pointing tasks” on the computer display screen  33 .  
     [0035] It is also conceivable that the operating device  1  will be ideal for controlling, for example, a mobile telephone, and perhaps in particular whilst driving a car.  
     [0036] Although the embodiments shown and described in connection with preceding FIGS.  1 - 15  and applications thereof as shown in FIGS.  16 - 19  are at present preferred, it is of course possible to use alternative embodiments of operating devices, and a couple of typical examples of these will now be described in more detail.  
     [0037] The operating device shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 and in rather more functional detail in FIG. 22 is indicated in general by the reference numeral  37 . It has a control element  38  which is made in the form of a stepwise movable sliding key having a tilting and/or depression function so as to actuate switches in the operating device. In addition, the operating device has a mounting ring  39  which can be placed on a finger  40  on the user&#39;s hand  41 . Advantageously, the ring and thus the operating device  37  is worn on the user&#39;s index finger, whilst the ring may have an indentation  39 ′ which can rest against the user&#39;s middle finger  42  so as to be positioned in a rather more stable manner. The last-mentioned is especially important if the control element is to be moved backwards and forwards by the thumb  43  of the hand. Connections to functional equipment, as represented by the reference numerals  29  and  33  in FIGS. 16, 17 and  18 , could take place in the same way as shown and described in connection with these figures and do not require any further explanation. It will thus be understood that communication with such functional equipment can take place via wiring or via wireless communication.  
     [0038] The basic functions of the operating device are further illustrated in FIG. 22 where it will be seen that the control element  38 , in a preferred embodiment, but an embodiment that is by no means limiting for the present invention, can be equipped with tilting functions, so that the control element in the form of the sliding key  38  can be tilted forwards or backwards or to both sides. Such tilting movements can be made in each individual one of the possible stepwise positions of the sliding key  38 . It is also conceivable that the sliding key in the individual positions can be depressed centrally to activate specific functions. Thus, in reality there is in each stepwise position the possibility of using the operating device to choose between a total of five options.  
     [0039] The embodiment shown in FIGS.  23 - 25  shows an operating device  44  which like the previous operating device has control element part  45 ,  45 ′ and a mounting ring or ring body  46  which is preferably worn on the user&#39;s index finger  47  and where the hand&#39;s  48  thumb  49  is in a position to actuate the control element part  45 ,  45 ′.  
     [0040] Expediently the said ring  46  has an indentation  46 ′ so that the ring can more easily rest against the user&#39;s middle finger  50 . Thus, in reality the operating device is held stable by two fingers whilst it is manipulated by the user&#39;s thumb  49 .  
     [0041] A solution as shown in FIGS.  23 - 25  would be particularly suitable for two-dimensional. or three-dimensional based control of a cursor on a display screen. The control element part  45 ,  45 ′ thus consists of a non-rotatable key  45  which has a centre position deviation function, i.e.; that the sideways movements of the key in any direction relative to its normal centre position is detectable and could control a typical cursor on a display screen, for example, to mark and selections or carry out functions or other operations by means of cursor control on a display screen. In FIG. 26 a function of this kind is indicated by the arrows x, y, and optionally with the addition of z, provided movement in several planes is involved. However, depending on x and y values, coordinates will be provided for control of a cursor on a display screen, such as the screen  33  in FIGS.  16 - 19 .  
     [0042] The non-rotatable key  45  in the illustrated example is surrounded by a stepwise rotatable ring member  45 ′ which has depression functions at fixed points, as for instance the points indicated by conical arrows  46 ,  46 ′,  46 ″ and  46 ′″. Because the rotation of the ring member  45 ′ is detectable, it will be possible to move through menu alternatives, program alternatives etc. and to use at given options depression at points  46 ,  46 ′,  46 ″ or  46 ′″ to select a desired function. It will immediately be understood that the said depression points  46 - 46 ′″ are connected to switch functions located under the rotatable ring member  45 ′. The non-rotatable key  45  which has a centre position deviation function, may be equipped with a strain gauge-based deviation detector, although other such deviation detectors are of course possible.  
     [0043] Although a total of four alternatives of the operating device have been illustrated and described, it is also conceivable that on the contact face of the control element there is, in addition, a capacitance sensor. A capacitance sensor of this kind is, for example, indicated in FIG. 25 by the reference numeral  45 ′.  
     [0044] Other non-illustrated solutions may, for example, comprise a rotatable wheel or roller having keys located either side thereof. With reference to, for example, FIG. 2, it could be envisaged that the control element  5  was only rotatable in both directions and depressible, and that side portions of the mounting ring could be provided with keys  51 ,  52  designed as pressure switches or optionally as switches or as capacitance change sensors.  
     [0045] As an alternative to the operating device shown in FIGS.  20 - 22 ,. this could optionally be replaced by a linearly movable key having keys (not shown) located on either side, or be made in the form of a tilt switch or sliding switch, optionally with keys located on either side. A linearly movable switch, tilt switch or sliding switch of this kind could optionally have a centre position deviation function.  
     [0046] In its simplest form, the control element could consist of a tiltable switch in order to control the x/y or x/y/z function of a cursor on a display screen, where the z function could initiate choices of, for example, an icon which has the correct x/y coordinates.  
     [0047] In a possible variant of the present invention, the operating device with its mounting ring can, for example, be mounted on the steering wheel body  53  of a vehicle or on a vehicle operating lever  54 . In FIG. 27 the operating device is indicated by the reference numeral  55  and is mounted on the ring body  53 ′ of the steering wheel. In FIG. 28 the operating device is mounted on the spokes or cross pieces  56 ,  56 ′ of the steering wheel. In addition, these operating devices can, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, have a design as shown and described in connection with FIGS.  1 - 15 . Thus, in this case there is a rotatable wheel or roller  57  which is rotatable about an operating device mounting ring  58  and where in addition to sideways tiltability there is also depressibility for activating a function after selection thereof.  
     [0048] It will immediately be understood that the mounting ring  58  as shown in FIGS.  27 - 29  will either be directly adapted to the parts of the steering wheel or lever on which it is to be placed or be provided with appropriate ring linings for adaptation to a desired cross-sectional dimension or cross-section. Signal transmissions to a functional apparatus, for example, for control of certain functions of a vehicle, could take place in the same way as shown and described in connection with, for example, FIGS.  16 - 18 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 can, for example, the reference numeral  29  denote functional equipment on the vehicle dashboard or other operating controls, optionally music centres or the like, whilst the reference numeral  33  can denote a large or small display screen expediently positioned relative to the driver&#39;s or passenger&#39;s field of view. The wiring that is indicated by the reference numeral  30  may optionally be provided in a traditional manner via slip-rings and contact connections through the steering column. It is also possible to use the solution outlined in FIG. 17, for example, by mounting a unit  31  for wireless connection with the functional equipment. A similar solution is also outlined in connection with FIG. 29.  
     [0049] However, the size of the operating device as shown in FIGS. 27, 28 and  29  is not necessarily so critical as when it is to be placed on a user&#39;s finger. The size can therefore be increased somewhat so that, for example, the systems engineering outlined in connection with FIG. 18 could be used.  
     [0050] Although FIGS.  1 - 15 , FIG. 19 and FIGS. 20, 21 and  24 ,  25  in particular show different types of mounting rings, it will be understood that the design of these can be varied so that they can optionally be made of an elastically yielding material, a bendable material; specially designed strap fasteners etc. The essential principle is that the operating is device is intended for placing on a finger and intended for manipulation of the operating device control element by using another finger on the same hand.