CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 111123299 filed in Taiwan, R.O.C. on Jun. 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
The instant disclosure relates to input devices for electronic devices, in particular, to a vertical mouse.
Related Art
Vertical mice are electronic input devices for reducing burden on user's hands. A main purpose of the vertical mice is to allow the user's palm to hold the mouse vertically by configuring the appearance of the vertical mouse ergonomically.
Most users operate the mice with their right hands. Thus, most manufacturers produce vertical mice suitable for right-handed users. As a result, in general, vertical mice suitable for left-handed users cannot be obtained easily, and the user may obtain a vertical mouse for left-handed users through customized processes. Consequently, the market-available products are not friendly for the users who are left-handed users and who use the vertical mice.
SUMMARY
In view of this, according to some embodiments, a vertical mouse is provided. The vertical mouse comprises a base and a mouse body. The base has a vertical receiving groove. The mouse body comprises a housing, the mouse body is detachably received in the vertical receiving groove, the housing leans against the vertical receiving groove, and the mouse body has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. Under the first operation mode, the mouse body is received in the base with a first orientation, and under the second operation mode, the mouse body is received in the base with a second orientation.
According to some embodiments, the user can place the vertical mouse on an operating surface and operates the vertical mouse, with the palm of the user placed standingly, thus reducing the pressure applied to the user's wrist during the operation of the vertical mouse. Moreover, according to some embodiments, the user just needs to rotate the base and the mouse body respectively to allow the vertical mouse to be suitable for right-handed users or left-handed users. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the same vertical mouse is suitable for both the right-handed users and left-handed users, and the vertical mouse thus provides a great convenience for the users.
In some embodiments, a back surface of the housing of the mouse body is symmetrically arranged along a first symmetry axis and is symmetrically arranged along a second symmetry axis perpendicular to the first symmetry axis, a side surface of the housing is arranged along a profile of the back surface, and the back surface and the side surface respectively lean against the vertical receiving groove.
In some embodiments, the first symmetry axis and the second symmetry axis are intersected at a symmetry center, the mouse body is selectively received in the vertical receiving groove with one of a plurality of orientations, and the mouse body is rotated about the symmetry center, so that the mouse body is arranged with multiple orientations.
In some embodiments, the vertical receiving groove of the base further has a first positioning portion, a back surface of the mouse body further has a second positioning portion, and the mouse body is slidably fitted over the first positioning portion through the second positioning portion.
In some embodiments, the base further comprises a first magnetic attractive member, and the mouse body further comprises a second magnetic attractive member and a third magnetic attractive member. When the mouse body is received in the vertical receiving groove with the first orientation, the first magnetic attractive member is magnetically attracted to the second magnetic attractive member. When the mouse body is received in the vertical receiving groove with the second orientation, the first magnetic attractive member is magnetically attracted to the third magnetic attractive member.
In some embodiments, a back surface of the housing of the mouse body is arranged along a first symmetry axis, and the third magnetic attractive member and the second magnetic attractive member are at opposite sides with respect to the first symmetry axis.
In some embodiments, the symmetry center of the mouse body is correspondingly in the vertical receiving groove of the base.
In some embodiments, the vertical receiving groove has a first leaning surface, an angle is between an extension direction of the first leaning surface and a bottom surface of the base, and a back surface of the mouse body is attached to the first leaning surface.
In some embodiments, the angle is in a range between 50 degrees and 70 degrees.
According to some embodiments, a vertical mouse is provided. The vertical mouse is adapted to be utilized along with an electronic device. The vertical mouse comprises a base, a mouse body, and a switching module. The base is communicatively connected to the electronic device. The base comprises a first sensing module and a first communication module, and the first sensing module is configured to detect a movement of the base. The mouse body comprises an operating structure and a second communication unit. The operating structure is configured to control the electronic device, the second communication unit is communicatively connected to the first communication unit, the mouse body is detachably arranged on the base, and the mouse body has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. Under the first operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a first orientation, and under the second operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a second orientation. The switching module is communicatively connected to the operating structure. The switching module is configured to switch the operating structure to correspond to the first operation mode or the second operation mode.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and the base is moving, the first sensing module of the base generates a movement signal, and the base transmits the movement signal to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and controls the operating structure of the mouse body, the operating structure generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the base through the second communication unit, and the base transmits the control signal to the electronic device to control the electronic device.
In some embodiments, the operating structure comprises two operating buttons. When an orientation of the mouse body is changed, the switching module switches functions of the two operating buttons.
In some embodiments, the switching module comprises a switching circuit and a sensor electrically connected to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit detects whether the mouse body is under the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the sensor so as to switch functions of the operating structure.
In some embodiments, the base further comprises two sensing portions. Under the first operation mode, a position of the sensor corresponds to a position of one of the two sensing portions. Under the second operation mode, the position of the sensor corresponds to a position of the other sensing portion. When the sensing portion sensed by the sensor is changed, the switching circuit switches the function of the operating structure.
In some embodiments, the sensor is a Hall sensor, and the sensing portions are magnets.
In some embodiments, the sensor is a G-sensor to detect whether the mouse body is under the first operation mode, the second operation mode, or operating on an operating surface alone.
In some embodiments, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner.
In some embodiments, the first communication unit comprises a first connector, the second communication unit comprises a second connector, and the first connector contacts the second connector, so that the first communication unit and the second communication unit are communicatively connected to each other.
In some embodiments, the first connector is a pogo pin connector, and the second connector is a conductive contact.
According to some embodiments, a vertical mouse is provided. The vertical mouse is adapted to be utilized along with an electronic device. The vertical mouse comprises a base, a mouse body, and a switching module. The base is communicatively connected to the electronic device. The base comprises a first sensing module and a first communication unit, and the first sensing module is configured to detect a movement of the base. The mouse body comprises an operating structure, a second communication unit, and a second wireless communication unit. The operating structure is configured to control the electronic device, the second communication unit is communicatively connected to the first communication unit, the second wireless communication unit is wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device, the mouse body is detachably arranged on the base, and the mouse body has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. Under the first operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a first orientation, and under the second operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a second orientation. The switching module is communicatively connected to the operating structure. The switching module is configured to switch the operating structure to correspond to the first operation mode or the second operation mode.
In some embodiments, the switching module comprises a switching circuit and a switching structure electrically connected to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit switches functions of the operating structure according to a triggering of the switching structure.
In some embodiments, the mouse body comprises a second sensing module and a power unit, and the second sensing module is configured to detect a movement of the mouse body. When the mouse body is detached from the base and is moving, the second sensing module of the mouse body generates a movement signal, and the second wireless communication unit transmits the movement signal to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is detached from the base and controls the operating structure of the mouse body, the operating structure generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit to control the electronic device.
In some embodiments, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are corresponding noncontact type communication structures.
In some embodiments, the base further comprises a first wireless communication unit, and the base is wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device through the first wireless communication unit.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and the base is moving, the first sensing module of the base generates a movement signal, and the first wireless communication unit transmits the movement signal to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and controls the operating structure of the mouse body, the operating structure generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the base through the second communication unit, and the base transmits the control signal to the electronic device through the first wireless communication unit to control the electronic device.
According to some embodiments, a vertical mouse is provided. The vertical mouse is adapted to be utilized along with an electronic device and an external device. The vertical mouse comprises a base, a mouse body, and a switching module. The base is communicatively connected to the external device. The base comprises a first sensing module and a first communication unit, and the first sensing module is configured to detect a movement of the base. The mouse body comprises an operating structure, a second communication unit, and a second wireless communication unit. The operating structure is configured to control the electronic device, the second communication unit is communicatively connected to the first communication unit, the second wireless communication unit is wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device, the mouse body is detachably arranged on the base, and the mouse body has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. Under the first operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a first orientation, and under the second operation mode, the mouse body is arranged on the base with a second orientation. The switching module is communicatively connected to the operating structure. The switching module is configured to switch the operating structure to correspond to the first operation mode or the second operation mode.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and the base is moving, the first sensing module of the base generates a movement signal, the first communication unit transmits the movement signal to the second communication unit of the mouse body, and the second wireless communication unit of the mouse body transmits the movement signal to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, when the mouse body is arranged on the base and controls the operating structure of the mouse body, the operating structure generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit to control the electronic device.
In some embodiments, the switching module comprises a switching circuit and a sensor electrically connected to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit detects whether the mouse body is under the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the sensor so as to switch functions of the operating structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below for illustration only, and thus not limitative of the disclosure, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base and the mouse body are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner;
FIG. 2 illustrates a systematic block diagram of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base and the mouse body are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner;
FIG. 3 illustrates a lateral view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the mouse body is under the first operation mode;
FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the mouse body is under the second operation mode;
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic operational view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the mouse body is under the first operation mode;
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic operational view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the mouse body is under the second operation mode;
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base is detached from the mouse body;
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure;
FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure;
FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a vertical mouse according to another exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure;
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base and the mouse body are positioned with each other through the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion;
FIG. 12 illustrates a systematic block diagram of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows the functions of the operating buttons are manually switched according to the switching structure;
FIG. 13 illustrates a systematic block diagram of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base is connected to the external device and the mouse body switches the functions of the operating buttons according to the sensing of the sensor; and
FIG. 14 illustrates a systematic block diagram of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base is provided with a first wireless communication unit and the mouse body is provided with a second wireless communication unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner. FIG. 2 illustrates a systematic block diagram of a vertical mouse according to an exemplary embodiment of the instant disclosure, which shows that the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner. The vertical mouse is an input device of an electronic device, and the vertical mouse is configured to control the operation of the electronic device (e.g., to move the cursor, to scroll the page, or to switch the menus). In some embodiments, the vertical mouse comprises a base 10 and a mouse body 20. The base 10 comprises a case 11 and a vertical receiving groove 112. The mouse body 20 comprises a housing 21, the mouse body 20 is detachably received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the housing 21 leans against the vertical receiving groove 112, and the mouse body 20 has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. Under the first operation mode, the mouse body 20 is received in the base 10 with a first orientation (as shown in FIG. 3), and under the second operation mode, the mouse body 20 is detached from the base 10 with the first orientation and then the mouse body 20 is received in the base 10 with a second orientation (as shown in FIG. 4).
When the mouse body 20 is assembled on the base 10 to form a vertical mouse, the user can hold the vertical mouse with the palm of the user placed standingly (as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6), thus reducing the pressure applied to the user's wrist during the operation of the vertical mouse. When the user tends to change the operation mode of the vertical mouse, the user can change the orientation of the mouse body 20 with respect to the base 10 to allow the mouse body 20 to be detached from the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10. Next, the mouse body 20 is rotated to have a different orientation (for example, the mouse body 20 is rotated from the orientation shown in FIG. 3 to the orientation shown in FIG. 4). Then, the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10. Hence, the mouse body 20 can be received in the vertical receiving groove 112 with different orientations to provide different operation modes.
With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the housing 21 of the mouse body 20 has a back surface 211 and a side surface 213. The side surface 213 is arranged along a profile of the back surface 211, and the back surface 211 and the side surface 213 respectively lean against the vertical receiving groove 112. In these embodiments, the base 10 further comprises a first communication unit 13, a position of the first communication unit 13 corresponds to a position of the vertical receiving groove 112, the mouse body 20 further comprises a second communication unit 22, and a position of the second communication unit 22 corresponds to a position of the back surface 211, so that the second communication unit 22 and the first communication unit 13 are communicatively connected to each other.
As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 has a centrosymmetric shape (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. In the case that the back surface 211 of the mouse body does not have a centrosymmetric shape, a profile of the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10 comprises a combination of a profile of the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 before rotation and a profile of the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 after rotation.
In some embodiments where the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 has a centrosymmetric shape, the back surface 211 is symmetrically arranged along a first symmetry axis X1 and is symmetrically arranged along a second symmetry axis X2 perpendicular to the first symmetry axis X1, and the first symmetry axis X1 and the second symmetry axis X2 are intersected at a symmetry center O. In these embodiments, the profile of the back surface 211 overlaps the profile of the back surface 211 being rotated by 180 degrees about the symmetry center O, the symmetry center O is at a central position of the first symmetry axis X1, and the symmetry center O is also at a central position of the second symmetry axis X2.
With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the case 11 of the base 10 has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface. The inner surface is enclosed to form a receiving space, and the outer surface has a bottom surface 111 and the vertical receiving groove 112. The bottom surface 111 is a flat surface and is configured to allow the base 10 to be placed on an operating surface (for example, the surface of a desk) for the operation of the vertical mouse. The vertical receiving groove 112 is opposite to the operating surface, and the vertical receiving groove 112 is vertically configured, so that the mouse body 20 can be received in the base 10.
With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the vertical receiving groove 112 has a first leaning surface 1121 and a second leaning surface 1122 connected to the first leaning surface 1121. An angle θ is between an extension direction of the first leaning surface 1121 and the bottom surface 111 of the case 11. When the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 is attached to the first leaning surface 1121, so that the mouse body 20 is arranged in a standing configuration which is arranged slantingly with respect to the bottom surface 111. In these embodiments, when the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 in the standing configuration, the side surface 213 of the mouse body 20 is also attached to the second leaning surface 1122, so that both the back surface 211 and the side surface 213 of the mouse body 20 lean against the vertical receiving groove 112. Therefore, the stability of the mouse body 20 in the standing configuration can be enhanced.
With reference to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the angle θ is in a range between 50 degrees and 70 degrees to allow the user's palm to hold the vertical mouse closely. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the angle θ may be in a range between 55 degrees and 65 degrees to allow the user's palm to hold the vertical mouse comfortably. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the angle θ may be 55 degrees, 57 degrees, 60 degrees, or the like.
In some embodiments, to increase the stability upon assembling the mouse body 20 on the base 10 and the stability for holding the vertical mouse with the user's palm, the base 10 has a top portion 10a, the top portion 10a is on the first leaning surface 1121, the symmetry center O of the mouse body 20 is correspondingly in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10 (that is, as shown in FIG. 3, the top portion 10a of the base 10 exceeds a half of the length of the mouse body 20, the top portion 10a is higher than the symmetry center O, a portion of the back surface 211 of the mouse body 20 is about two-third of the area of the back surface, and the portion of the back surface 211 leans against the inner wall of the vertical receiving groove 112), and the center of gravity of the mouse body 20 is substantially at a central position of the entire vertical mouse, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the symmetry center O of the mouse body 20 is correspondingly on the top portion 10a of the base 10 (the top portion 10a of the base 10 corresponds to the half of the length of the mouse body 20).
With reference to FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the mouse body 20 is an elongated body with two curved ends. Therefore, a length of the first symmetry axis X1 and a length of the second symmetry axis X2 are different from each other. In these embodiments, the length of the first symmetry axis X1 is greater than the length of the second symmetry axis X2, so that the profile of the mouse body 20 is adapted to allow the user's palm to hold properly.
In some embodiments, under the first operation mode, the mouse body 20 is received in the base 10 with the first orientation (as shown in FIG. 3); under the second operation mode, the mouse body 20 is received in the base 10 with the second orientation (as shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, according to one or some embodiments of the instant disclosure, the user can hold the vertical mouse standingly, and the operation mode of the vertical mouse can be switched between the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to different user requirements. Therefore, the adaptability of the operation of the vertical mouse can be enhanced.
In some embodiments, the first operation mode is an operation mode suitable for right-handed users to operate the vertical mouse (as shown in FIG. 5), and the second operation mode is an operation mode suitable for left-handed users to operate the vertical mouse (as shown in FIG. 6). Therefore, the user just needs to rotate the base 10 and the mouse body 20 from 0 degree to 180 degrees respectively to allow the vertical mouse to be suitable for right-handed users or left-handed users. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the same vertical mouse is suitable for both the right-handed users and left-handed users, and the vertical mouse thus provides a great convenience for the users.
With reference to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the mouse body 20 further comprises an operating structure 23, the housing 21 of the mouse body 20 has a front surface 212 opposite to the back surface 211, and the back surface 211 and the front surface 212 are respectively connected to two ends of the side surface 213. In these embodiments, the mouse body 20 is a two-button mouse. Specifically, in these embodiments, the operating structure 23 comprises two operating buttons 231 and a wheel 232, the operating buttons 231 and the wheel 232 are disposed on the front surface 212 and at one end of the first symmetry axis X1 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the wheel 232 is between the two operating buttons 231. In these embodiments, the back surface 211, the front surface 212, and the side surface 213 of the mouse body 20 are enclosed to form the receiving space for receiving the second communication unit 22, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
In some embodiments, for the configuration where the user operates the mouse right-handed (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5), the user's right index finger presses the left button of the mouse for controlling a primary button of the mouse, and the user's right middle finger presses the right button of the mouse for controlling a secondary button of the mouse. In some embodiments where the first operation mode is a right-handed operation mode and the second operation mode is a left-handed operation mode (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6), the operation of the vertical mouse under the first operation mode is the same as the operation of a mouse known to the inventor. However, when the orientation of the mouse body 20 is changed from the first orientation to the second orientation, and the operation mode of the mouse body 20 is changed to the second operation mode to allow the user's left hand to operate the vertical mouse, the operating button 231 pressed by the user's left index finger is the secondary button (the right button of the mouse) under the first operation mode.
In some embodiments, when the user operates the vertical mouse by the user's right hand (as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5), the bottom surface 111 of the base 10 of the vertical mouse is attached to the operating surface (for example, the surface of a desk), the vertical receiving groove 112 faces the right part of the user and receives mouse body 20, the back surface 211 and the side surface 213 of the mouse body 20 are attached to the vertical receiving groove 112, and the front surface 212 faces the right side of the base 10. Under this situation, the user's right palm is standingly placed on the operating surface; that is, the user's right little finger is attached to the operating surface, and the user's palm is away from the operating surface, so that the user's palm is in a standing configuration and not parallel to the operating surface. Therefore, under this situation, the user's right index finger and middle finger correspond to the operating buttons 231 of the mouse body 20, and the user's thumb can hold a side of the base 10 different from a side at which the vertical receiving groove 112 is. Hence, during the operations, the user's forearm does not need to be twisted by 90 degrees, and the user operates the vertical mouse by a gesture like that the user just naturally hangs down the hand on the operating surface, so that the pressure applied on the user's wrist can be reduced, thereby reducing the muscle strain of the user who operates the mouse for long periods of time.
In some embodiments, when the user operates the vertical mouse by the user's left hand (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6), firstly, the base 10 is moved to an orientation symmetrical to the original orientation of the base 10; that is, the base 10 is rotated by 180 degrees about the user, so that the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10 is rotated from facing right to facing left. Under this configuration, the operating button 231 of the mouse body 20 is also changed from facing front to facing back (not shown). Next, the mouse body 20 is completely detached from the base 10 and is rotated by 180 degrees about the symmetry center O, so that the operating button 231 of the mouse body 20 is also changed from facing back to facing front, thereby allowing the vertical mouse to be under a left-handed operation mode. It is noted that, in the foregoing embodiments, the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are together rotated by 180 degrees and then the mouse body 20 is rotated alone, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are firstly completely detached from each other and respectively rotated by 180 degrees, and then the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are assembled with each other again, so that the operation mode of the vertical mouse can be switched. Under this configuration, the user's left palm is standingly placed on the operating surface to operate the vertical mouse; that is, the user's left index finger and middle finger correspond to the operating buttons 231 of the mouse body 20, and the user's thumb holds the base 10.
In some embodiments, the shape of the mouse body 20 corresponds to the shape of the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10. The shape of the mouse body 20 and the shape of the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10 may be adjusted to have a plurality of orientations for positioning according to different user requirements. For example, as to the different orientations of the mouse body 20, the mouse body 20 in the vertical receiving groove 112 may be rotated from the original zero degree (the first operation mode shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5) to 180 degrees (the second operation mode shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6), but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, as to the different orientations of the mouse body 20, the mouse body 20 in the vertical receiving groove 112 may be rotated from the original 10 degrees (the first operation mode) to 170 degrees (the second operation mode), but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, as to the different orientations of the mouse body 20, the mouse body 20 in the vertical receiving groove 112 may be rotated from the original 30 degrees (the first operation mode) to 150 degrees (the second operation mode), but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. It is noted that, the first operation mode and the second operation mode are not limited thereto, and the vertical mouse may have several operation modes. With reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the base 10 further comprises a first sensing module S1. The first sensing module S1 is disposed in the receiving space of the case 11 and partially exposed from the bottom surface 111 to detect a movement of the base 10. In some embodiments, the vertical mouse may be a mechanical mouse, an optical mouse, or a laser mouse, and the first sensing module S1 is correspondingly a wheel, an optical sensor, or a laser sensor according to the type of the vertical mouse.
The vertical mouse according to a first embodiment of the instant disclosure is illustrated below accompanied with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the connection between the base 10 and the mouse body 20 of the vertical mouse and the electronic device is described as below. The vertical mouse is a wired mouse and is communicatively connected to the electronic device through a wiredly connection, and the mouse body 20 is communicatively connected to the base 10 in a contact type manner.
With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the base 10 of the vertical mouse comprises an electrical connection cable 17. One of two ends of the electrical connection cable 17 is connected to the bottom surface 111 of the base 10, and the other end of the electrical connection cable 17 is connected to a connection port of the electronic device (such as a computer). Hence, the vertical mouse transmits information to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 and obtains electricity from the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In these embodiments, the first communication unit 13 and the second communication unit 22 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner. In these embodiments, the first communication unit 13 of the base 10 further comprises a first connector 131, and the second communication unit 22 of the mouse body 20 comprises a second connector 221. The first connector 131 is exposed from the first leaning surface 1121 of the vertical receiving groove 112, and the second connector 221 is exposed from the back surface 211 of the housing 21 of the mouse body 20. When the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the first connector 131 abuts against the second connector 221, so that the first communication unit 13 and the second communication unit 22 are communicatively connected to each other.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the base 10 is wiredly communicatively connected to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17, and the base 10 is connected to the second connector 221 of the second communication unit 22 of the mouse body 20 through the first connector 131 of the first communication unit 13, so that the base 10 and the mouse body 20 are communicatively connected to each other. In this embodiment, the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10. When the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse to move, the first sensing module S1 of the base 10 transmits a movement signal to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 to correspond to the movement of the cursor. When the user operates the vertical mouse and controls the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the operating structure 23 generates a control signal, and the control signal is transmitted to the first connector 131 of a microcontroller unit (MCU) (not shown) of a circuit board in the base 10 through the second connector 221 of the second communication unit 22. After the first connector 131 receives the control signal, the control signal of the mouse body 20 is transmitted to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 between the base 10 and the electronic device to control the electronic device.
With reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first connector 131 may be a pogo pin connector or other types of connectors (e.g., a blade pin connector), and the second connector 221 is a conductive contact corresponding to the pogo pin connector to achieve the communication connection between the first connector 131 and the second connector 211, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, to meet the user's operation preferences, the vertical mouse further comprises a switching module 24. The switching module 24 is communicatively connected to the operating structure 23 to switch functions of the operating structure 23. The switching module 24 may be disposed on the base 10 or the mouse body 20, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the functions of the operating buttons 231 are automatically switched through the detection of the change of the orientation of the mouse body 20. In this embodiment, the base 10 comprises two sensing portions 14, and the switching module 24 is disposed on the mouse body 20 and comprises a switching circuit 241 and a sensor 243.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In these embodiments, the two sensing portions 14 of the base 10 are disposed in the vertical receiving groove 112, the switching circuit 241 and the sensor 243 are disposed in the housing 21 of the mouse body 20, and the sensor 243 is at one side of the second symmetry axis X2 and electrically connected to the switching circuit 241. Under the first operation mode, a position of the sensor 243 corresponds to a position of one of the two sensing portions 14; under the second operation mode, the position of the sensor 243 corresponds to a position of the other sensing portion 14. When the sensing portion 243 sensed by the sensor 14 is changed, the switching circuit 241 switches the functions of the operating buttons 231. In this embodiment, the sensor 243 may be a bipolar Hall sensor, and the two sensing portions 14 on the base 10 are magnets with opposite polarities. Under this configuration, when the orientation of the mouse body 20 is changed, the sensor 243 can determine the orientation of the mouse body 20 through the sensing of the magnets with different polarities. It is noted that, the implementation of the sensor 243 is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the switching module 24 may be disposed in the base 10, and the sensing portions 14 are disposed on the mouse body 20, so that the purpose of automatically switching the functions of the operating buttons 231 can also be achieved.
In some embodiments, the sensor 243 may be a G-sensor. The sensor 243 in the mouse body 20 detects that the mouse body 20 is flipped from the first operation mode to the second operation mode or detects the change of the axial acceleration when the mouse body 20 is placed on the desk. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis of the sensor 243 with respect to the center of earth are utilized to obtain three angles, the microcontroller unit (MCU) of the circuit board in the mouse body 20 determines whether the mouse body 20 is under the first operation mode, the second operation mode, or operating alone on an operating surface (e.g., the surface of the desk) according to the changes of the accelerations of the sensor 243 along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis (according to whether the angles are within a certain range). Therefore, the operation mode of the mouse body 20 can be determined and the possibility of signal misjudgment can be reduced.
With reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the base 10 further comprises a first magnetic attractive member 16, and the mouse body 20 further comprises a second magnetic attractive member 28 and a third magnetic attractive member 29. When the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 with the first orientation, the first magnetic attractive member 16 is magnetically attracted to the second magnetic attractive member 28; when the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 with respect to the second orientation, the first magnetic attractive member 16 is magnetically attracted to the third magnetic attractive member 29.
With reference to FIG. 1. In these embodiments, the number of the first magnetic attractive members 16 of the base 10 is two, and the two first magnetic attractive members 16 are disposed on one side of the first leaning surface 1121 adjacent to the bottom surface 111; the number of the second magnetic attractive members 28 and the number of the third magnetic attractive members 29 of the mouse body 20 are respectively two. In this embodiment, the two second magnetic attractive members 28 and the two third magnetic attractive members 29 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first symmetry axis X1, the two second magnetic attractive members 28 are symmetrically arranged with each other with respect to the second symmetry axis X2, and the two third magnetic attractive members 29 are symmetrically arranged with each other with respect to the second symmetry axis X2. Therefore, no matter the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 with the first orientation or the second orientation, the mouse body 20 can be positioned with the base 10 through the magnetic attraction between the magnetic attractive members. Hence, the stability for positioning the mouse body 20 with the base 10 can be enhanced.
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments where the first communication unit 13 and the second communication unit 22 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner, to ensure that the mouse body 20 can be properly abut against the base 10 after the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the base 10 comprises a first guiding structure 15, and the mouse body 20 comprises a second guiding structure 27. The first guiding structure 15 is disposed on the first leaning surface 1121 of the vertical receiving groove 112, and the second guiding structure 27 is disposed on the back surface 211 of the housing 21 of the mouse body 20. When the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10, and the first guiding structure 15 corresponds to the second guiding structure 27, the first connector 131 properly abuts against the second connector 221. Hence, the convenience of the vertical mouse during operation can be enhanced.
With reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first guiding structure 15 may be a post structure, and the second guiding structure 27 may be a groove structure capable of being fitted over the post structure, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. It is noted that, in these embodiments, the first guiding structure 15 and the second guiding structure 27 can guide the mouse body 20 to be assembled in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10, so that the first connector 131 and the second connector 221 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner. Furthermore, the mating between the convex structure and the concave structure of the first guiding structure 15 and the second guiding structure 27 allow the mouse body 20 and the base 10 to be positioned with each other. Hence, the stability of the vertical mouse during operation can be enhanced.
With reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments where the first communication unit 13 and the second communication unit 22 are communicatively connected to each other in a contact type manner, to ensure that the mouse body 20 can be properly abut against the base 10 after the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the base 10 comprises a first magnetic attractive member 16 and a first guiding structure 15, and the mouse body 20 comprises a second magnetic attractive member 28, a third magnetic attractive member 29, and a second guiding structure 27. Therefore, the base 10 and the mouse body 20 not only can be positioned with each other through the magnetic attraction but also can be guided with each other through the mating between the convex structure and the concave structure of the first guiding structure 15 and the second guiding structure 27. Hence, the stability of the vertical mouse during operation can be enhanced.
With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10. In some embodiments where the base 10 is wiredly communicatively connected to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17, the mouse body 20 does not have the power unit, and the mouse body 20 is disposed on the base 10 for operation.
With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the base 10 further comprises a slit 113, the slit 113 is on the bottom surface 111 of the case 11 of the base 10, and the slit 113 is defined through two ends of the bottom surface 11. In these embodiments, the electrical connection cable 17 is communicatively connected to the first sensing module S1 and the first communication unit 13 of the base 10, and the electrical connection cable 17 protrudes out of the bottom surface 111 of the case 11 of the base 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, a location where the electrical connection cable 17 protrudes out of the bottom surface 111 of the case 11 of the base 10 is between two ends of the slit 113. Therefore, when the user flips the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse 10 with different operation modes, the electrical connection cable 17 can be received at different portions of the slit 113 so as to be protruded out of the base 10 with different directions, thus facilitating user's operation.
With reference to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the first communication unit 13 is disposed on the case 11, and the position of the first communication unit 13 corresponds to the position of the vertical receiving groove 112. Therefore, when the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112, the base 10 can be communicatively connected to the mouse body 20. Specifically, the first communication unit 13 is not limited to be disposed in or out of the receiving space of the case 11. In some embodiments, the first communication unit 13 is a noncontact type communication unit and disposed in the receiving space of the case 11.
The vertical mouse according to a second embodiment of the instant disclosure is illustrated below accompanied with FIG. 7 to FIG. 12. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is at least that, in the second embodiment, the mouse body 20 is communicatively connected to the base 10 in a noncontact type manner. In this embodiment, descriptions about the configuration of the base 10 of the vertical mouse and the connection and communication between the base 10 and the electronic device can be referred to the descriptions of the first embodiment and are not repeated here.
With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the first communication unit 13 of the base 10 and the second communication unit 22 of the mouse body 20 are corresponding noncontact type communication structures. In these embodiments, the first communication unit 13 is a near field communication (NFC) reader, and the second communication unit 22 is an NFC tag having a coil module. Therefore, as long as the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10, the communicational connection between the base 10 and the mouse body 20 can be achieved. Therefore, the base 10 can retrieve the operation of the user on the mouse body 20, so that the operation of the mouse body 20 is correspondingly presented on the electronic device.
With reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the base 10 is communicatively connected to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10), and the base 10 is communicatively connected to the second communication unit 22 of the mouse body 20 through the first communication unit 13 in a noncontact type manner. In this embodiment, the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10. When the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse to move, the first sensing module Si (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10) of the base 10 transmits a movement signal to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 to correspond to the movement of the cursor. When the user operates the vertical mouse and controls the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the operating structure 23 generates a control signal, and the control signal is transmitted to the first communication unit 13 of the base 10 through the second communication unit 22 of a microcontroller unit (MCU) (not shown) of a circuit board in the mouse body 20. After the first communication unit 13 receives the control signal, the control signal of the mouse body 20 is transmitted to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 between the base 10 and the electronic device to control the electronic device.
With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the mouse body 20 further comprises a second wireless communication unit 26 and a second sensing module S2, and the second wireless communication unit 26 is disposed in the housing 21 of the mouse body 20 and partially exposed from the back surface 211 to detect the movement of the mouse body 20. In these embodiments, the mouse body 20 can be detached from the base 10 and is operated alone. When the bottom surface of the mouse body 20 is placed and moving on the operating surface (e.g., the surface of a desk), the second sensing module S2 of the mouse body 20 generates a movement signal and the movement signal is transmitted to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit 26 of the microcontroller unit (MCU) of the circuit board in the mouse body 20 to control the movement of the cursor. When the user operates the mouse body 20 alone and controls the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the operating structure 23 generates a control signal, and the second wireless communication unit 26 transmits the control signal to the electronic device to control the electronic device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication unit 26 is a Bluetooth communication unit or a radiofrequency (RF) communication unit, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
With reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the switching module 24 of the mouse body 20 comprises a switching circuit 241 and a switching structure 242. The switching circuit 241 is disposed in the housing 21 of the mouse body 20 and is communicatively connected to the switching structure 242 and the operating buttons 231, and the switching structure 242 is disposed on the back surface 211 of the housing 21. Specifically, in some embodiments, the switching structure 242 may be a toggle. The switching circuit 241 is triggered by changing the position of the switching structure 242, and the switching circuit 241 can switch the functions of the operating buttons 231 through the triggering of the switching structure 242, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto. In these embodiments, the switching module 24 is not limited to be manually switched and may also comprise, same as the first embodiment, the switching circuit 241 and the sensor 243 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the functions of the operating buttons 231 are automatically switched through the detection of the change of the orientation of the mouse body 20. The configuration and the operation of the switching module 24 can be referred to the descriptions of the first embodiment and are not repeated here.
With reference to FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10 further comprises a first positioning portion 1123, and the housing 21 of the mouse body 20 further comprises a second positioning portion 214. When the mouse body 20 is received in the vertical receiving groove 112 of the base 10, the mouse body 20 is positioned with the first positioning portion 1123 of the vertical receiving groove 1112 through the second positioning portion 214. Therefore, the stability for assembling the mouse body 20 on the base 10 can be enhanced. In these embodiments, the first positioning portion 1123 is an L-shaped block, the second positioning portion 214 is a slot, and the mouse body 20 is slidably fitted over the first positioning portion 1123 in the L-shaped block configuration through the second positioning portion 214 in the slot configuration, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
With reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 12. In these embodiments, the base 10 is wiredly communicatively connected to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17. The mouse body 20 further comprises a power unit 25, and the power unit 25 and the second wireless communication unit 26 are electrically connected to each other and are respectively disposed in the housing 21 of the mouse body 20. In this embodiment, the mouse body 20 may be detached from the base 10 and turned to be powered by the power unit 25, and the second wireless communication unit 26 is communicatively connected to the electronic device, so that the mouse body 20 alone can be served as a common mouse. It is noted that, in some embodiments where the mouse body 20 can be detached from the base 10, the mouse body 20 is connected to the mains supply through the electrical connection cable 17, so that the electricity for the mouse body 20 can be provided by the mains supply; the power unit 25 may be a rechargeable battery, but the instant disclosure is not limited thereto.
Moreover, the electrical connection cable 17 of the vertical mouse may be pluggable, one of two ends of the electrical connection cable 17 is pluggable connected to the base 10, and the other end of the electrical connection cable 17 is connected to the connection port of the electronic device. Hence, the vertical mouse transmits information to the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17 and obtains electricity from the electronic device through the electrical connection cable 17. In these embodiments, a rechargeable power unit 25 is disposed in the base 10. Therefore, the vertical mouse can be connected to the connection port of the electronic device through the pluggable electrical connection cable 17, and the vertical mouse is communicatively connected to the electronic device through the pluggable electrical connection cable 17. Hence, the rechargeable power unit 25 can be charged, and thus the electricity for operating the wireless vertical mouse can be provided.
The vertical mouse according to a third embodiment of the instant disclosure is illustrated below accompanied with FIG. 7, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 13. The difference between the second embodiment and the third embodiment is at least that, in the third embodiment, the vertical mouse is wiredly communicatively connected to an external device capable of supplying electricity, and the mouse body 20 is, same as the second embodiment, wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device. In this embodiment, the descriptions about the wirelessly communication connection between the mouse body 20 and the electronic device can be referred to the descriptions of the second embodiment and are not repeated here. The base 10 of the vertical mouse is connected to connection port of the external device (a device capable of supplying electricity and other than a computer) through the electrical connection cable 17, and the vertical mouse obtains the electricity from the external device through the electrical connection cable 17.
With reference to FIG. 13. In this embodiment, when the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse to move, the first sensing module S1 of the base 10 transmits a movement signal to the second communication unit 22 of the mouse body 20 through the first communication unit 13, and the movement signal is transmitted to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit 26 of a microcontroller unit (MCU) of a circuit board in the mouse body 20 to control the movement of the cursor. When the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 and controls the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the operating structure 23 generates a control signal, and the control signal is transmitted to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit 26 of the microcontroller unit (MCU) of a circuit board in the mouse body 20 to control the electronic device.
The vertical mouse according to a fourth embodiment of the instant disclosure is illustrated below accompanied with FIG. 14. The difference between the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment is at least that, in the fourth embodiment, the base 10 of the vertical mouse further comprises a first wireless communication unit 18, and the base 10 of the vertical mouse is wirelessly communicatively connected to the electronic device through the first wireless communication unit 18.
With reference to FIG. 14. In these embodiments, the user may assemble the mouse body 20 on the base 10 for operation or may detach the mouse body 20 from the base 10 and operates the mouse body 20 alone. When the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse to move, the first sensing module S1 of the base 10 transmits a movement signal to the electronic device through the first wireless communication unit 18 to correspond to the movement of cursor. When the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 and controls the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the operating structure 23 generates a control signal, the control signal is transmitted to the first communication unit 13 of a microcontroller unit (MCU) of a circuit in the base 10 through the second communication unit 22, and the first communication unit 13 receives the control signal and the control signal of the mouse body 20 is transmitted to the electronic device through the first wireless communication unit 18 to control the electronic device.
With reference to FIG. 14. In some embodiments, because the mouse body 20 comprises the second wireless communication unit 26, when the user assembles the mouse body 20 on the base 10 to operate the vertical mouse to move or to control the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20, the mouse body 20, same as the third embodiment, can directly transmit the movement signal or the control signal of the operating structure 23 of the mouse body 20 to the electronic device through the second wireless communication unit 26.
Based on the above, according to some embodiments, the user can place the vertical mouse on an operating surface and operates the vertical mouse, with the palm of the user placed standingly, thus reducing the pressure applied to the user's wrist during the operation of the vertical mouse. Moreover, according to some embodiments, the user just needs to rotate the base and the mouse body respectively to allow the vertical mouse to be suitable for right-handed users or left-handed users. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the same vertical mouse is suitable for both the right-handed users and left-handed users, and the vertical mouse thus provides a great convenience for the users.
While the instant disclosure has been described by the way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
Patent Application
20230418394
