Thumb actuated X-Y input device

Abstract

Various x-y input devices are disclosed that are adapted to allow a user to hold and operate the input device with a stress-reducing, open grip posture with the thumb pointing forward and on top of the device. One preferred embodiment discloses an input device for a computer comprising an x-y input sensor (such as a touchpad) positioned perpendicular to the thumb such that the user provides input with the thumb tip by using pivotal movement of the thumb. Various stress-reducing zero force touch switches are disclosed including zero force touch switches that can be adjusted to accommodate variations in user finger length. The mode of x-y cursor control can be altered through the use of x-y input sensor perimeter inputs. One preferred embodiment discloses a thumb actuated scroll select touch switch that alters the response to actuation of the finger actuated zero force touch switches from mouse button input to scroll wheel input. A unique fin-shaped feature of one preferred embodiment stabilizes the device within the relaxed hand and adapts the device to fit a range of user hand sizes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a computer input device. More specifically the present invention is an ergonomic hand controller pointing device with functionality that enables it to replace current pointing devices such as a mouse or a digitizer pad. The present invention is less taxing to the user to minimize fatigue even during a protracted period of continuous use.BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Many computer applications require or accept input beyond the input of text from a keyboard. The types of input vary but the input can be broadly categorized as point and click. The pointing device couples an x-y position on the display with input from an actuator on the pointing device (although some computer keyboards have designated keys to duplicate some actuators for the pointing devices). Thus, an x-y position of a position icon on a display screen is combined with an input of some type from the actuator in order to select something such as a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0050]It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a pointing device that is easier and more comfortable to use than existing pointing devices. It is another object of this invention to provide a pointing device that will minimize any fatigue experienced by the user.

[0051]It is an object of this invention to eliminate the need for repetitive arm movements to move the pointing device in order to control the x-y position of a position icon on a computer display.

[0052]It is an object of this invention to allow the user to place the pointing device in a comfortable convenient location including a location with the wrist straight, arm close to the body, and preferably with the hand resting easily in the user's lap.

Problems solved by technology

While the mouse was a large improvement over other pointing devices such as light pens, the repetitive motions required to place the position icon in the desired location and the movements to couple an input command with the selected location have been linked with repetitive motion injuries to some computer users.

The problems are particularly acute among users who use a mouse pointing device frequently as is the case with people who use such a device as part of their occupation.

The improvements have refined the initial design but do not eliminate the adverse effects of repetitive use.

The '165 patent reviews the prior art designs for hand controllers or mouse devices and finds that the shape of the prior art mouse was not ergonomically compatible with the user's hand.

Thus, while there have been many incremental improvements to the mouse device as well as a search for mouse alternatives such as devices employing touchpads, there are longstanding and previously unsolved problems with prior pointing devices.

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