Patent Document

This application is a U.S. Phase Application under 35 USC §371of International Application No. PCT/SG2007/000411, filed Nov. 30, 2007. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to human interface devices for computers. In particular, the invention relates to an ergonomic mouse device with multi-programmable buttons. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used, for example, to control cursor movement displayed on a computer screen for making selections on a graphical user interface (GUI). The use of pointing devices often involves highly repetitive hand and finger movements and positions. Some forms of repetitive stress disorder such as the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be attributed to frequent use of pointing devices, particularly where awkward and stressful movements and/or positions are involved. Hence, pointing devices having configurations that force the wrist, hand and fingers of a user to assume awkward and stressful positions and/or movements are undesirable. 
     Additionally, the problem of users suffering from repetitive stress disorder due to use of pointing devices is even more pronounced in today&#39;s environment, where the deployment of personal computers (PCs) for different purposes ranging from productivity work to gaming is highly ubiquitous, as compared to the past. Notably, PC gaming is gaining enormous popularity worldwide due to the emergence of the Internet as a platform for allowing gamers to easily interact with one another through online gaming. PC games being played online normally belong to genres ranging from first person shooter (FPS) games to massive multiplayer online role player games (MMORPGs). Typically, pointing devices, such as the computer mouse, are used together with keyboards as means for enabling users to interact with the PC games. 
     Due to rise in popularity of PC gaming, users require more buttons than ever before to be provided on the computer mouse for activating additional functionalities and features of the PC games “on-the-fly”. Conventionally, computer mouse are typically pre-built with one or two buttons. However, to take advantage of macro “shortcut” functions provided by software and PC games, device manufacturers have been building additional buttons onto the computer mouse such as locating the additional buttons on the lateral sides of the left and right mouse buttons of the computer mouse. Due to the awkward positioning of the additional buttons fitted to conform to the shape of the computer mouse, the additional buttons are thus not easily accessible by the users. 
     Hence, in view of the foregoing problems, there affirms a need for a device with buttons that are ergonomically positioned thereon. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons. 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an input device for communicating with a processor-based device. The input device comprises a circuitry, a first displacement transducer, a body and a plurality of actuators. The first displacement transducer is coupled to the circuitry for transducing detected displacement into displacement signals, the circuitry for communicating the displacement signals to the processor-based device for manipulating an object on the processor-based device. The body houses the circuitry and the first displacement transducer, the body having a base for being supported on a surface when in use and a support surface outwardly opposing the base, at least a portion of the support surface for supporting the mid-palm of the user when in use, the body having a depressible key formed on the support surface. The plurality of actuators formed on the support surface of the body and positioned along the periphery of the depressible key, the plurality of actuators being coupled to the circuitry. Further, the plurality of actuators is operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an input device for communicating with a processor-based device. The input device comprises a circuitry, a first displacement transducer, a body, a receptacle and an actuator module. The first displacement transducer is coupled to the circuitry for transducing detected displacement into displacement signals, the circuitry for communicating the displacement signals to the processor-based device for manipulating an object on the processor-based device. The body houses the circuitry and the first displacement transducer, the body having a base for being supported on a surface when in use and a support surface outwardly opposing the base, at least a portion of the support surface for supporting the mid-palm of the user when in use, the body having a depressible key formed on the support surface. The receptacle is formed in the support surface of the body and positioned along the periphery of the depressible key, the receptacle having electrical contacts formed therein and coupled to the circuitry. The actuator module comprises a plurality of actuators, the actuator module being receivable into the receptacle. Further, the plurality of actuators of the actuator module is operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry via the electrical contacts, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an input device for communicating with a processor-based device. The input device comprises a circuitry, a first displacement transducer, a body and a receptacle. The first displacement transducer is coupled to the circuitry for transducing detected displacement into displacement signals, the circuitry for communicating the displacement signals to the processor-based device. The body houses the circuitry and the first displacement transducer, the body having a base for being supported on a surface when in use and a support surface outwardly opposing the base, at least a portion of the support surface for supporting the mid-palm of the user when in use. The receptacle is formed in the support surface of the body, the receptacle having electrical contacts formed therein and coupled to the circuitry, the receptacle for receiving an actuator module thereinto, the actuator module comprising at least one actuator. When the actuator module is received in the receptacle, the at least one actuator of the actuator module is operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry via the electrical contacts, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an input device for communicating with a processor-based device. The input device comprises a circuitry, a body and a receptacle. The body houses the circuitry, the body having a base for being supported on a surface when in use and a support surface outwardly opposing the base, at least a portion of the support surface for supporting the mid-palm of the user when in use. The receptacle is formed in the support surface of the body, the receptacle having electrical contacts formed therein and coupled to the circuitry, the receptacle for receiving an actuator module thereinto, the actuator module comprising at least one actuator. When the actuator module is received in the receptacle, the at least one actuator of the actuator module is operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry via the electrical contacts, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are disclosed hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an input device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a left side elevational view of the input device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the input device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a graphical format of a software application used in conjunction for configuring the input device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an input device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the input device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the input device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right side elevational view of the input device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an input device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the input device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of the input device of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a right side elevational view of the input device of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons is described hereinafter for addressing the foregoing problems. 
     For purposes of brevity and clarity, the description of the invention is limited hereinafter to applications related to ergonomic input devices. This however does not preclude various embodiments of the invention from other applications that require similar operating performance. The fundamental operational and functional principles of the embodiments of the invention are common throughout the various embodiments. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention described hereinafter are in accordance with  FIGS. 1 to 12  of the drawings, in which like elements are numbered with like reference numerals. 
       FIGS. 1 to 3  show an ergonomic input device  100  configured in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The input device  100  is preferably a computer mouse for use together with a computer  102 . The input device  100  comprises a body  104  with an upper surface  106 . Three independently operated actuators are mounted on the body  104 , including a primary key  108 , a secondary key  110  and a scrolling wheel  112 . The primary key  108 , the secondary key  110  and the scrolling wheel  112  are typical actuators of a conventional computer mouse. Alternatively, the input device  100  comprises at least one of the primary key  108 , the secondary key  110  and the scrolling wheel  112 . Additionally, the input device  100  further comprises a first actuator module  114 , a second actuator module  116  and a third actuator module  118  mounted on the body  104 . Each of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  comprises one of a single button, a touch sensor, a slider and a switch. Preferably, each of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  comprises a plurality of buttons. The first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116  are mounted on the upper surface  104 , proximal to the primary key  108 . The third actuator module  118  is preferably mounted on a side surface of the body  104  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     When a user depresses or “clicks” either the primary key  108  or secondary key  110 , a switching function is executed. Specifically, depressing either one of the primary key  108  or secondary key  110  changes an associated switch state and generates a signal that is conveyed via conductors in a cord  120  to the computer  102 . One end of the cord  120  is anchored inside the body  104  and extends from an end  122  of the input device  100  while the other end of the cord  120  is coupled to the computer  102 . 
     The computer  102  may have a multitude of designs and comprises a visual display device  124 . The visual display device  124 , which may be a cathode ray tube-type, active matrix display-type or other suitable device, can display a cursor (or pointer)  126 , along with text and other graphical information. The computer  102  further comprises memory  128 , a processor  130  and a keyboard  132 . 
     The scroll wheel  112  is partially exposed from the body  104  to allow interaction therewith by the user. In particular, the scroll wheel  112  is supported on an axle that resides within the body  104  of the input device  100 . The axle is carried by spaced-apart axle supports. The axle supports are configured to allow one end of the axle to move in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the scroll wheel  112 , so that that the scroll wheel  112  is depressible by the user for activating a switch (not shown). The switch that is activated as a result of depression of the scroll wheel  112  then provides a switching signal. A spring is also preferably contained within the body  104  and arranged to provide resiliency against depression of the scroll wheel  112 . In addition, an optical encoder (not shown) may be positioned on the axle for rotation with the scroll wheel  112 . A light source and a light sensor is mounted within the input device  100  so as to sense the motion of the optical encoder to thereby provide a positioning signal with respect to the scroll wheel  112 . A detent mechanism is also provided on the axle to provide a segmented feel to the rotation of the scroll wheel  112 . The positioning and switching signals are conveyed via the cable  120  to the computer  102  for effecting changes on the visual display device  124 , such as text scrolling. 
     Alternatively, instead of using the scroll wheel  112 , other displacement transducer means such as a scroll ball, a tactile sensor or an optical sensor is usable in place of the scroll wheel  112  as well known to persons skilled in the art. 
     The first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118 , for example, are for actuating “shortcut” functions such as “page forward” or “page backward” used for web surfing. The “shortcut” functions are assignable to any buttons of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118 . The user then actuates a particular button to activate the corresponding “shortcut” function assigned thereto. Hence, as opposed to using the buttons on the keyboard  132  for activating the “shortcut” functions in a conventional manner, the user uses the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  instead. Conventionally, the “shortcut” functions typically are assigned to and actuated using function keys of the keyboard  132  such as the “F1”, “F3” or “F5” keys. Alternatively, the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  are configurable for assigning gaming “shortcut” functions, such as “shoot”, “jump” or “crouch” thereto. This then provides the user with quicker access to the various game playing functions when playing the PC games and frees the user from positioning his hands in an awkward manner on the keyboard  132  for accessing the buttons assigned with the corresponding game playing functions. 
     A software application  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is provided for assigning the “shortcut” functions to any buttons of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118 . A unique code corresponding to the actuation of a button for activating a “shortcut” function is definable by the user through use of the software application  400 . The unique code is stored under a “shortcut” profile in the storage memory (not shown) provided within the input device  100 . The storage memory is preferably a semiconductor memory device such as static random access memory (SRAM) or flash memory. Alternatively, the “shortcut” profile is stored on the computer  102 . Additionally, the unique code can be associated with a software application provided on the computer  102 . Whenever the computer  102  detects a system signal corresponding to the unique code, the associated software application is loaded into memory  128 , executed by the computer  102  and shown to the user on the visual display device  124 . 
     The software application  400 , when executed by the user provides the respective options: a button option, a launch-application option and a load-“shortcut”-profile option respectively. The button option specifies a button of one of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  to be configured. The launch-application option allows the user to define an associated software application to be executed by the computer  102  upon detection of the unique code corresponding to the actuation of the button configured previously using the button option. The load-“shortcut”-profile option enables the user to determine if the “shortcut” profile is retrieved by the computer  102  from the input device  100  and preloaded into memory  128  upon startup of the computer  102 . Alternatively, if the “shortcut” profile is stored on the computer  102 , the load-“shortcut”-profile option then enables the user to determine if the “shortcut” profile is preloaded into memory  128  upon startup of the computer  102 . 
     Alternatively, the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  are also configurable in that each of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  is mountable on a removable module. The removable module is attached to the body  104  via receptacles formed in the body  104  and attached thereto by using securing means such as interlocking latches. In addition, the removable module is also detachable from the body  104  and replaceable with another module such as a button-less module. The replaceable feature of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  enables the user to configure the input device  100  to be adapted for different users&#39; hand sizes or usage preferences. In addition, the removable module contains electrical connectors for connecting to an electrical interface formed within the body  104  when the removable module is disposed within the receptacles and attached to the body  104 . Electrical signals are transmitted via the conductors in the cord  120  to the computer  102  when any buttons of the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  is actuated. 
     The first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  are preferably constructed from buttons that are spring-biased with respect to the body  104  as well known in the art. Alternatively, the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  are constructed using tactile sensors. The tactile sensors are either capacitive sensors or resistive sensors. The user operates the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  by using his fingers to perform touch actuations, which are receivable by the tactile sensors and translated into electrical signals. The use of tactile sensors for the first actuator module  114 , the second actuator module  116  and the third actuator module  118  predictably extends the product life of the input device  100  in the absence of typical wear-and-tear associated with conventional buttons. Further, the user does not need substantial large downward finger movements to actuate buttons that are constructed using the tactile sensors since slight touching of the buttons is sufficient to “click” the buttons due to the sensitivity and responsiveness of the tactile sensors. 
     Preferably, the body  104  of the input device  100  is formed of rigid plastic and has a flat base  202  that rests on a surface  204  of a desktop while being operated by the user. The surface  204  of the desktop is substantially planar. Further, the upper surface  106  faces away from the flat base  202 . In addition, two side surfaces, which are substantially perpendicular to the flat base  202 , connect the upper surface  106  to the flat base  202  for forming a continuous surface and thereby forming the body  104  of the input device  100 . Additionally, the upper surface  106  gradually tapers from a portion where the mid-palm area of the hand is supportable towards a portion and in a direction where the wrist of the hand is positionable when the hand of the user grips the input device  100  during usage. Further, two flanges extend outwardly from the sides of the flat base  202  to provide a larger surface area for stabilizing the input device  100  when being operated by the user on the surface  204  of the desktop. Additionally, the body  104  is comfortably shaped for gripping by the user who is operating the input device  100 . The upper surface  106  of the body  104  comprises a surface area substantially large enough for supporting and resting the mid-palm area of the user&#39;s hand. In addition, the upper surface  106  also provides support to the metacarpal-phalangeal ridge of at least one of the index, middle and ring fingers of the user. Further, the upper surface  106  is preferably shaped as a continuous convex curve to conform to the natural posture of a human&#39;s hand. Hence, irrespective of the size of the user&#39;s hand operating the input device  100 , the design of the body  104  ensures that the user&#39;s forearm is in the neutral zone between pronation and supination when operating the input device  100 . 
     Further, the body  104  comprises two indentations, which are ergonomically shaped, each being formed on and along the two side surfaces of the body  104 . Each of the indentations is shaped to fit and accommodate the thumb, ring finger and small finger when the user grips and operates the input device  100 . Preferably, the indentation for accommodating the thumb is shaped substantially concave while the indentation for accommodating either the small finger or ring finger is shaped substantially convex. By resting the thumb and small finger on the indentations during usage, the input device  100  resides between the thumb and small finger to provide a comfortable grip or “feel” for the user. 
     During operation of the input device  100 , the body  104  is moved relative to the surface  204  and an optical sensor  302  disposed within the body  104 , on the flat base  202 , senses the movement of the input device  100  and generates positional signals. The positional signals are then sent to and processed by the computer  102  to thereby move the cursor  126  on the visual display device  124 . 
     The first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116  are disposed and arranged on the upper surface  106  in a manner to facilitate easy access thereto when the user is using the input device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first actuator module  114  is disposed on the upper surface  106  by the left edge of the primary key  108  and the second actuator module  116  is similarly disposed by the left edge of scroll wheel  112 . Preferably, both the first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116  are arranged in a row-wise configuration. Human factor considerations were applied in the design of the configuration of the first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116  so as to prevent the user from engaging in awkward positioning or strained movement of the fingers, such as twisting or lateral movements of the fingers, when using the input device  100 . Awkward positioning of the fingers when using any type of input devices may give rise to significant physical stresses causing discomfort to the user. Typically, the user uses the index or middle fingers for actuating any buttons of the first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116 . Furthermore, the user also uses the index or middle fingers to actuate the scroll wheel  112 . Hence, by locating the first actuator module  114  and the second actuator module  116  in the proximity of the scroll wheel  112  enables the user quick access to the buttons thereof. 
     Separately, the third actuator module  118  mounted on one of the side surfaces of the body  104  conveniently enables the user to use the thumb to actuate any buttons of the third actuator module  118  when gripping the input device  100 . Access to buttons of the third actuator module  118  occurs with comfortable side-to-side (lateroflexion) motion of the thumb. Depression of the buttons of the third actuator module  118  occurs with slight flexion of the thumb. Thus access and actuation of the buttons of the third actuator module  118  by the user&#39;s thumb are within the expected range of thumb motion for a wide range of hand sizes. Moreover, the surface of the removable module in which the third actuator module  118  is formed on is shaped substantially concave, thus reciprocally conforming to the convex shape of the user&#39;s thumb and thereby ensuring that practically no extension of the thumb is required in moving from button to button of the third actuator module  118 . 
     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 5 to 8 , there is yet another ergonomic input device  500  configured for use with the computer  102 . The input device  500  is similarly configured as the input device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The input device  500  includes a storage memory that can be configured to store data, e.g., a “shortcut” profile. A unique code corresponding to the actuation of a button for activating a “shortcut” function is definable by the user through use of a software application, e.g., the software application  400 . The unique code can be stored under the “shortcut” profile in the storage memory. The storage memory can be a semiconductor memory device, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or flash memory. The foregoing descriptions for the input device  100  of  FIG. 1  also apply to the input device  500  of  FIG. 5  except for a distinct feature difference. The feature difference between the input device  500  of  FIG. 5  and the input device  100  of  FIG. 1  is that the second actuator module  116  of the input device  500  of  FIG. 5  is now disposed on the right edge of the secondary key  110  as clearly shown in  FIG. 5 . The user then preferably uses the middle finger to actuate the buttons of the second actuator module  116  instead. 
     Yet in another alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 9 to 12 , there is also another ergonomic input device  900  configured for use with the computer  102 . The input device  900  is similarly configured as the input device  100  of  FIG. 1 . The foregoing descriptions for the input device  100  of  FIG. 1  also apply to the input device  900  of  FIG. 9  except for a distinct feature difference. The feature difference is that the input device  900  of  FIG. 9  does not include the second actuator module  116  as clearly shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Alternatively, other ergonomic shapes for the body  104  as well known in the art are realizable and implementable for the input device  100  of  FIG. 1 , the input device  500  of  FIG. 5  and the input device  900  of  FIG. 9  without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, communication between the computer  102  with each of the input device  100  of  FIG. 1 , the input device  500  of  FIG. 5  and the input device  900  of  FIG. 9  is by one of wired communication and wireless communication. 
     In the foregoing manner, an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons is described according to embodiments of the invention for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Although a few embodiments of the invention are disclosed, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 3