The present invention relates to an input device that provides an ergonomic manual user interface for a computing or computer-related environment. More particularly, the invention relates to a user interface device with which a user may manually input control signals in a computing or a computer-related environment.
The present invention has particular application as a hand-operated device that serves as a control Signal input interface for a user in the manipulation and processing of digital information, such as digital images, and it will be convenient to describe the invention in this exemplary context. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this application, but may for example also find application in the control of a wide range of robotic and automated machinery.
A broad and ever increasing range of hand-operated devices for user input of control Signals in Computing or digital applications are currently available in the market-place. The more well-known of these devices include the conventional mouse in its various forms, the Joystick and the track-ball.
A relatively recent development of the Applicant, described in US patent publication no. 2003/0103217, relates to a sensor arrangement for the detection of relative movements or the relative position of two objects, and to the incorporation of such a sensor arrangement in a user interface device for inputting control Signals in a Computing environment.
Furthermore, the product range of the Applicant includes a diverse range of user interface accessory devices for Computing applications, including the SpaceBall™, the SpaceMouse™ and the CadMan™.
Naturally, the efforts to optimize ergonomics and the ease of handling and processing of data and information in the Computing environment are on-going, particularly in relation to a range of specific Software applications. The present invention represents a continuation of that optimization process, with the control of CAD and image processing Software applications in mind. In particular, the present invention is based on the object of creating an improved user interface accessory device from the point of view of functionality and ergonomics, most preferably suited to CAD/CAM and image processing applications.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an ergonomic device for manual input of control signals in a computer-controlled environment comprises a base geometrically arranged to rest on a support surface. A manipulation member is mounted on the base for manual manipulation by a user. The manipulation member can be movable relative to the base for generating corresponding input control signals within the computer environment. A display is provided on the base. A palm rest can be provided on the base for supporting the palm of the user's hand during use of the device. The manipulation member can be arranged between the display and the palm rest.
According to a further aspect the display can be inclined in an acute angle to the support surface.
According to a still further aspect, the upper surface of the base can be raised in the region of the display in comparison to the region of base of the manipulation member.
Particular embodiments of the user interface device according to the present invention are hereafter described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
Referring firstly to
As can be seen in
Provided on the upper side 11 of the base member 10, the user interface device 100 of the invention includes a control panel 20 having a first manipulation member 21 e.g. in the form of a knob-like element. The control panel 20 furthermore includes three groups 22, 23, 24 of push-button type user input switches, buttons or relays arranged in the vicinity of the knob-like element 21.
“In the vicinity” is to be understood such that the control panel elements 22, 23, 24 are arranged relative to the manipulation member 20 such that fingers of the user's hand can manipulate the control panel elements 22, 23, 24 while the user's hand can remain in contact with the manipulation member 20.
The device 100 can also include a display panel 30 arranged e.g. at one end region 12 of the base member 10, and a palm rest 40 located at the opposite end region 13. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in
The palm rest 40 can be exchangeable in order to adapt the input device 100 to the users' hand and preferences.
The manipulation member 21 is preferably adapted for translational and rotary relative movements vis-a-vis the base member 10 against a feedback force (“force-feedback control”). Any rotary and/or translational movement of the manipulation member 21 is effected against a resilient feedback force e.g. provided by spring or rubber-elastic elements (not shown) to return to the home (“zero”) position. In each case, the movements of the manipulation member 21 relative to the base 10 are adapted to generate corresponding control signals. The manipulation member 21 is adapted for “fingertip control”, such that rotary and/or translational movement of the knob-like element can be readily achieved with finger strength, against a spring bias.
The particular embodiment illustrated is designed for left-handed use, such that when the palm of the users hand rests upon the palm rest 40, the knob-like manipulation member 21 is generally aligned with, and within reach of, the three middle fingers of the user's hand.
The first group 22 of user input buttons comprises six buttons, five of which are provided in a circular arrangement in the vicinity of where the user's thumb would reach—to the lower right-hand side of the knob-like element 21 as seen in the drawing. This first group of six buttons 22 are referred to as the “views” buttons. The four buttons in forming the circle are labeled F, T, R and S, which correspond to the standard “Front”, “Top”, “Right” and “Sketch Plain” views. The buttons of the first group 22 are located at the end of a frusto-conical stub or protrusion which faces or is directed towards the tip of the user's thumb to further facilitate user access and ergonomics. The sixth button of this group 22 is labeled “FIT” and belongs functionally with the “views” buttons. It's designed to perform a “re-fit” function, i.e. to fit a selected image portion to the user's monitor screen.
The second group 23 of user input buttons (labeled SHIFT, CTRL, ALT and ESC) are provided in the vicinity of where the user's littlest finger would reach—to the upper left-hand side of the knob element 21 as seen in the drawing. This second group of buttons 23 is referred to as the “high frequency” or the “keyboard” buttons. These buttons can be labeled with the same name, and perform the same function as, the corresponding keyboard keys. Furthermore, because these buttons 23 are typically used on a frequent basis, they are preferably relatively large to enable easy access and operation by the user. Accordingly, the availability of these “keyboard” buttons on the user interface device (100) greatly assists in reducing the otherwise frequent hand movements to and from the regular keyboard, thereby economizing on time and simplifying the process.
Finally, the control panel 20 in the embodiment of
Importantly, the display panel 30 across the top end region 12 of the user inter-face device is in the form of a single large LCD display screen. It can optionally be adapted to show the user the particular function that has been programmed for each of the but-tons labeled 1-4. This can be seen in
Referring now to
A fifth button 25, in line with the group 24, may be a power on-off switch for turning the user interface device 100 on and off. Alternatively, it may be used to re-start or re-set the programming for the group of buttons 24. A further button 26, which is provided at the top right-hand side of the schematic layout for the control panel 20 shown in
The user interface device 100 of the present invention provides a compact and very user-friendly device for freely navigating the point of view of a digital image or model, and enabling both zoom and pan operations to be performed simultaneously. Thus, the device 100 of the invention can provide the user with a very natural and intuitive way to explore and manipulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and designs in the computer environment, particularly within a CAD/CAM or image processing software application. Another advantage of the invention is that it reduces the necessity for the user to make frequent hand motions to and from and operating keyboard—especially when the user interface device 100 incorporates the group of “keyboard” or “high frequency” buttons 23.
The user interface device 100 of the invention is typically envisaged for operation in conjunction with a regular computer monitor and keyboard and a conventional computer mouse. As described above, the user interface device 100 of the invention is preferably designed for left-handed use, in which case the user will typically operate the conventional mouse with the right hand. The conventional mouse and keyboard remain integral elements of the overall design process, with the mouse typically being used in 2D drafting mode, e.g. in a “sketching phase” for sketching geometries, and for selecting and confirming commands. The keyboard meanwhile is typically used to input numbers (such as dimensions) and text (such as file names).
The user interface device 100 of the invention is especially suited to motion control input with 3D models, objects and designs; for example, in a “finishing phase” during which design details such as holes, rounds, chamfers, threads, etc. are added, and in the “editing, assembling and understanding phases” during which the dimensions of the components may be controlled and modified, and the completed components assembled together. Nevertheless, as described above, the device 100 according to the invention may also be adapted for operation in the 2D mode (e.g. actuation of the 2D button 22) thereby reducing the user's reliance on the conventional mouse.
As can be seen from
Alternatively, the upper contour 200 of the base part 10 can be essentially flat at the end of the palm rest and only rise to a higher level at the side of the display
Due to the inclination of the display 30 the view of the user will impinge on the display 30 in a more vertical angle thus enhancing the contrast of the display and reducing reflections.
Generally, the thickness of the base part 10 can be higher at the region 203 of the display 30 than at the other end 201.
To further improve the ergonomics of the input device 100, the center axis of the manipulation member 21 can be inclined in angle “beta” to the vertical on the support surface 300.
As can be seen from
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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04006381.0 | Mar 2004 | EP | regional |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/EP04/14431 | 12/17/2004 | WO | 11/9/2006 |