Abstract:
A finger mounted computer input device is provided. The device includes a housing adapted to be worn on a finger, a pressure response unit configured to convert pressure into movement, and a movement sensing unit comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement of the pressure response unit in response to the pressure. The device allows a user to control a cursor on a computer screen and input command without the restrictive requirement of a rigid flat space, and is particularly suited the anatomy of fingers, thus ergonomic to a user&#39;s hand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent application, Ser. No. 62/182,239, filed Jun. 19, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates in general to computer input device and, in particular, to finger mounted computer input device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are several types of computer input devices, including conventional computer mouse and joystick. A conventional computer mouse requires a flat surface for support and to move around. The conventional computer mouse is usually placed on the flat surface. When the mouse is moved over the flat surface, the relative movement is detected and transmitted to the computer. Such a mouse is also often equipped with click buttons and a scroll wheel. A problem with this type of input device is a flat surface limits the range of use. Another problem is to some users, especially long-time users, mouse is ergonomically problematic and can cause undue stress on a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0004]    Another type of computer input devices are joysticks. Instead of detecting the relative movement between the computer device and the flat surface as with a conventional computer mouse, with a joystick the inclination of a handle is detected and transmitted to the computer. Joysticks requires a steady base to rest upon. This requirement again limits the range of use. 
         [0005]    The increased popularity of computing devices calls for a computer input device that has the functionalities of a traditional mouse, without the incumbent inconvenience and restriction associated a flat surface or a steady base. 
         [0006]    Thus there remains a need ergonomic computer input device that can be operated with minimum stress on fingers and does not require a flat surface or a steady base. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Signal input into a computer can be provided through finger mounted computer input device that includes two components, a pressure tracking module localized with a housing to detect and measure a pressure experienced by the device, and an attachment unit that attaches the housing to a finger. The device does not require a flat space in order to function, as a traditional mouse would, and is ergonomically superior to a traditional mouse. In one embodiment, the pressure tracking module includes a pressure response unit configured to convert pressure into movement, and a movement sensing unit comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement of the pressure response unit in response to the pressure. A signal transmitter communicates information about the detected pressure to a computer. At least one contact switch is located on the house to communicate with the computer. 
         [0008]    A method for constructing a finger mounted computer input device is also provided. The method includes providing a housing adapted to be worn on a finger; providing a pressure tracking module significantly localized within the housing to detect and measure pressure; providing a signal transmitter for communicating information about the detected pressure to a computer; providing at least one momentary contact switch located on the house configured to communicate with the computer; and attaching an attachment unit to the housing. The pressure tracking module comprises a pressure response unit and a movement sensing unit; the former being configured to convert pressure into movement via a structure of a ball-and-socket joint, and the latter comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement of the pressure response unit. 
         [0009]    Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein are described embodiments by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated. As will be realized, other and different embodiments are possible and the embodiments&#39;several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from their spirit and the scope. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing, by way of example, a finger mounted computer input device fitted to an index finger of a user, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a finger mounted computer input device in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a finger mounted computer input device in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure tracking module at rest in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pressure tracking module in use in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure tracking module in use in accordance with a further embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is bottom view of a finger mounted computer input device in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is view of a finger mounted computer input device in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Signal input into a computer or other associated device can be provided through a finger mounted computer input device that includes a pointer control unit and a finger attachment unit.  FIG. 1  is a diagram showing, by way of example, a finger mounted computer input device fitted to an index finger of a user, in accordance with one embodiment. The finger mounted computer input device  11  includes a pointer control unit  12  connected to a finger attachment unit  13  that fits the input device securely yet comfortably to a finger  14  of a user. The finger mounted computer input device  11  may be attached to a finger of a user, depending on the preference of the user. During use, the finger mounted computer input device  11  is oriented longitudinally from palm to fingertip so that a pointer tip  15  points away from a finger and comes into contact with a surface (not shown). Once coming into contact with the surface, the finger  14  may easily direct, control, or change the angle between the point tip  15  and the surface, and apply a force on the input device so that a pressure on the point tip  15  is created along any angle or towards any direction. The pressure results in a movement of the point tip  15  away from its centered or rested position. The direction and speed of the movement can be captured by a motion sensor which is part of the pointer control unit  12 . The motion sensor is connected to an electronic circuitry that records electronic signals corresponding to the movement and communicates the electronic signals to an associated computer. The pointer control unit  12  thus senses a finger motion and translates the motion into a cursor movement on a computer screen. Additional input can be achieved through a contact switch  17 , commonly known as a button, which further communicates with the associated computer. 
         [0019]    The placement of the finger mounted computer input device  11  at a finger not only significantly improves the comfort and ease of use, but also expands the occasion and opportunity of use by doing away with the requirement of a flat surface. In contrast to a traditional mouse, the pointer tip  15  does not need to glide on a surface; although gliding can be tolerated. As a result, the size of the surface supporting the finger mounted computer input device  11  can be rather small; for example, a size comparable to the size of the pointer tip  15 . Any surface sufficient to accommodate the pointer tip  15  can suffice. Moreover, the surface does not need to be flat, since the pointer tip  15  can rest on an undulating or uneven surface and still functions. Furthermore, the finger mounted computer input device  11  can function in an elastic or yielding surface, in contrast to a traditional mouse that requires a rigid or stiff surface. In addition, stress placed on hand muscles are significantly reduced compared to using a conventional mouse, since control can be exerted by changing directions of a finger and modulating the pressure between the pointer tip  15  and the surface, in contrast to dragging a mouse around an area. 
         [0020]    During use, the finger mounted computer input device  11  is first adhered to a finger  14  through an attachment unit  13 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  are a side view and a front view, respectively, of a finger mounted computer input device  11  in accordance with one embodiment. The pointer control unit  12  is encased in a housing  16 , with an exception that the pointer tip  15  extend outside the housing  16 . The housing  16  is adapted to be worn on a finger, through the attachment unit  13 . The housing  16  can take on a shape of an elongated pen. The housing  16  can also take on a shape of a rectangular prism. Other shapes are possible. In one embodiment, a bendable joint  18  is introduced into the housing  16 . The bendable joint  18  accommodates the curvature of the distal interphalangeal joint in a finger and promotes a more secure and comfortable fit. The size of the housing  16  generally conforms to the sizes of fingers. In one embodiment, the length of the housing  16  can be 0.5 inches to 3 inches. In another embodiment, the length of the housing  16  can be 1 inches to 2 inches. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the housing  16  contains at least one contact switch  17 . In another embodiment, two contact switches are located on the left and right side of the housing. In still another embodiment, a contact switch is located on the attachment unit  13 . In a preferred embodiment, a contact switch  17  can be shaped like a button, and switching or triggering of the contact switch  17  can be effected through pushing, pressing, or compressing the button. A further electronic circuitry (not shown) is located within the housing  16  and is capable of converting the pushing, pressing and compressing of the contact switch  17  into signals and transmitting the signals to a connected computer. In a preferred embodiment, the contact switch  17  is a momentary contact switch. 
         [0022]    The housing  16  contains the pointer control unit  12  that includes a pressure tracking module. The pressure tracking module detects and measures the pressure applied on the point tip  15 , and converts the pressure to electronic signals that define cursor movement and location in an associated computer screen. The pressure tracking module includes a pressure response unit configured to convert pressure into movement; and a movement sensing unit comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement from the pressure response unit in response to the pressure.  FIG. 4  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure tracking module at rest, in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 5  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pressure tracking module in use, in accordance with one embodiment. A ball  21  is rested in a partial spherical recess  22  or race. The ball  21  is restrained in the partial spherical recess  22 , which is pivoted or secured to the housing  16 . Other types of configurations are possible, in which a ball-and-socket joint is formed wherein the socket is pivoted onto the housing. The socket is essentially a frictionless socket, wherein the ball may rotate or spin in any directions in response to a force or pressure. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, a pressure is generated on the pointer tip  15  when a finger attached to input device is pressed against a surface that the pointer tip  15  rests upon. The pressure is conveyed to the ball  21  through a rod  23  that fixedly connects the ball  21  and the pointer tip  15 . In a preferred embodiment, the rod  23  protrudes from the ball  21  and towards the underside of the ball  21 , extends outside of the housing  16 , and ends at the pointer tip  15 . When no pressure is applied, the pointer tip  15  is maintained or aligned to a centered or rested position in the bottom of the housing  16 , via an elastic ring  26  affixed to the housing  16 . When the pointer tip  15  is pressed against a surface at an angle, a force or pressure is generated towards pointer tip  15  resulting in at least a partial turn or rotation of the ball  21 . After the power tip  15  ceases contacting the surface, the force or pressure is removed, and the pointer tip  15  is restored to the centered or rested position through the mediation of the elastic ring  26 . 
         [0024]    The direction, magnitude, and length of the pressure determines the direction and extent of the movement of the ball  21 , which can be measured by a movement sensing unit comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement of the pressure response unit in response to the pressure. In one embodiment, a second rod  24  is fixedly connected to the ball  21  and extends into contact with a motion sensor  28  at a tip  29  of the second rod. The second rod  24  amplifies the rotation of the ball  21 . The motion sensor  28  can detect and measure the rotation or turn of the ball  21  by tracking the position of the tip  29  of the second rod  24 . As a result, the motion sensor  28  tracks the pressure applied to the power tip  15 . The motion sensor  28  is connected to an electrical circuitry (not shown) that converts movement to electric signals and communicates the signals with an associated computer. The communication can be transmitted through wire or wireless means, as is known by those skilled in the art. 
         [0025]    In a further embodiment, the movement of the movement sensing unit may be measured through a light sensor.  FIG. 6  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure tracking module in use in accordance with a further embodiment. A light source  30  is provided within the housing  16 . The light source  30  can also be located on the ball  21  or the second rod  24 . A light emanating from the light source  30  is received by a photon detector  32 . The photon detector  32  is typically located within the housing  16 . The photon detector  32  can detect light emitted from the light source  30 . An electronic circuitry converts photon detection into electrical signal representing the light source movement, and communicates the signal to a connected computer. In one embodiment, the light source is chosen from a light emitting diodes (LEDs). In another embodiment, the light source is chosen from laser. 
         [0026]    The finger attachment unit  13  attaches the pointer control unit  12  to a finger.  FIGS. 7 and 8  are bottom and top view, respectively, of a finger mounted computer input device in accordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, the attachment unit  13  is shaped as a ring into which a finger can slide into. In another embodiment, the attachment unit  13  may include a clamp or a clasp that is shaped like two extending arms and embraces a finger. In still another embodiment, the pointer control unit  12  and the attachment unit  13  can be constructed into an integral unit. In another embodiment, pointer control unit  12  and the attachment unit  13  can be constructed into separate units to be joined upon use. Different designs, schemes, and formats for joining and separating the pointer control unit  12  and the attachment unit  13  are possible, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. 
         [0027]    The housing  16  have a front that faces away from a finger, a backside in contact with the finger, and a left side and a right side. In one embodiment, the device may contain two momentary contact switches located on the left side and the right side of the housing, respectively. In a further embodiment, pushing one momentary contact switch sends a “Select” indication that provides the user with feedback that a particular position has been selected for further action; and pushing another momentary contact switch. Pressing, or pushing of a momentary contact switch can be achieved through a more ergonomic motion whereby the nearby fingers move towards each other laterally, instead of the downwards motion required in a traditional mouse that may cause undue stress on the pushing finger. 
         [0028]    A method for constructing a finger-mounted computer input device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a housing adapted to be worn on a finger; providing a pressure tracking module significantly localized within or attached to the housing to detect pressure, wherein the pressure tracking module includes a pressure response unit configured to convert pressure into movement and a movement sensing unit comprising a motion sensor capable of measuring the movement of the pressure response unit in response to the pressure; providing a signal transmitter for communicating information about the detected pressure to a computer; providing at least one contact switch located on the house configured to communicate with the computer; and attaching an attachment unit to the housing. In one embodiment, the pressure response unit may include a ball-and-socket joint, a rod fixedly protruding from the ball and extending outside the housing, and an elastic ring affixed to the housing and in contact with the rod. 
         [0029]    It is noted that the embodiment of the finer mounted computer input device described herein for exemplary purposes is subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted 
         [0030]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope.