WO1992014232A1

WO1992014232A1 - Housing for a computer cursor control device

Info

Publication number: WO1992014232A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/001049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mickey Cook
Original assignee: Mickey Cook
Priority date: 1991-02-08
Filing date: 1992-02-10
Publication date: 1992-08-20
Also published as: AU1377992A

Abstract

An improved housing for a track-ball cursor control device. The invention is an ergonomic design for a molded housing (321, 322) that provides for greater control of a track-ball (324) and reduced user fatigue from extended use. The housing (321, 322) of the preferred embodiment generally places the functional components of the track-ball device in positions that conform to the shape of the average hand. The molded housing (321, 322) defines a palm rest (323) to provide for a user's wrist (602) to be close to a plane of contact with the track-ball (324) and a side opening (324) for allowing greater exposure of the track-ball as well as allowing vertical rotational movement of the track-ball (324) by the user.

Description

HOUSING FOR A

COMPUTER CURSOR CONTROL DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of cursor control devices for use on computer systems, in particular, a housing for a track-ball device.

2. Prior Art

Cursor control devices such as tack-ball devices and mouse devices have gained increasing importance in the use of computer systems. Early computer systems made extensive use of alpha-numeric keypads. Today, computer interfaces and user applications have developed that require extensive use of cursor control devices. An example of such a computer interface is the Macintosh^® interface, developed by Apple^® Computer Inc., of Cupertino, California for use on the Macintosh^® Computer. User application packages that extensively utilize cursor control devices include paint programs, such as MacPaint^®, developed and sold by Claris® Corporation of Santa Clara, California.

Although they perform identical functions, track-ball cursor control devices differ from mouse cursor control devices in at least two fundamental respects. The first is that a mouse device requires physical movement of the entire device in order to move the cursor on a display, conversely, a track-ball device remains stationary. The movement of the cursor is controlled by the user rotating a ball supported within the track-ball housing.

A second difference between mouse devices and track-ball devices lies in the fact that it is difficult to keep a button depressed while operating a track-ball. Many computer interfaces and applications require a button to remain depressed during the performance of a function. Many track-ball devices have a function button (often called a "lock button") that performs the equivalent function of keeping the button depressed. Thus, during operation, the button pressing sequence between the two devices can be different.

A user's decision to use a track-ball or a mouse involves several

considerations. One consideration is space. When a surface area for movement of a mouse device is not available, a track-ball is more desirable. A second

consideration is the effect prolonged operation will have on the user. A third consideration is the degree of control that the particular cursor control device provides. The latter two considerations are discussed with respect to track-ball devices.

Continuous hours of use of computers is known to cause physical aggravation to a user's hand, wrist or shoulder. Part of the cause of such aggravation is the repetitive movements made when using a cursor control device, like a track-ball. Another cause is in the design of the housing of the cursor control device. Current track-ball designs may cause a user's hand to work in an unnatural position. This has led to the desire for ergonomic design for cursor control devices.

Figure 1 is representative of a current track-ball housing design. In Figure 1, the normal operating position requires the user to have their wrist 101 located substantial below a plane of physical contact 102 with a ball 103 with the user's palm unsupported. Based on user experiences, prolonged use in a position where the user's wrist lies substantially below a horizontal plane of physical contact with ball and without support for the hand can physically aggravate the user's wrist and hand. Thus, it would be desirable to have a track-ball housing design where a user's wrist is positioned close to the plane of contact with the ball and provides support for the user's hand.

Also coupled to to the track-ball housing but not illustrated are function buttons. In prior designs, the location of the function buttons are positioned such that the user must remove their hands from the housing or re-orient the position of their hand with respect to the track-ball whenever a button is to be pressed. It would be desirable to have a housing that did not require the reorientation of the user's hand when a function button was to be depressed.

The need for greater control of the cursor is generally related to the application being run. Many computer software applications require placement of a cursor in an exact position. For example, in an Electrical Circuit Design Application the insertion of a new electrical device (e.g. a resistor) into the circuit may have a dramatic effect on the characteristics of that circuit. Thus, when using a Electrical Circuit Design software application, the ability to place electrical devices at exact location sis critical. Often the placement process will require a positioning of the cursor to the location and the invocation of an insertion function. Thus, control of the position of the cursor is of critical importance.

Current track-ball housing designs have an exposed arc of the ball that is approximately equivalent to the upper third of the ball. Greater control of the track-ball, as well as the cursor could be obtained if the exposed arc was increased. If the exposed arc was increased a user would be able to control the ball with more fingers, including their thumb, thus enabling greater control of the position of the cursor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing for a cursor control device, namely a track-ball that will reduce operator fatigue and resulting physical injury. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a track-ball housing that will afford the operator greater control of the cursor on the display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved housing for a track-ball device is disclosed. The housing defines an elevated palm support to bias a user's fingers into a downward sloping direction. The housing defines a support for the track-ball, such that the height of the ball corresponds to a location where the user's fingers would naturally lie when the user's hand is on the palm support. The housing further defines an opening along the side of the housing which allows for a greater exposed surface area of the ball so that an operator may control the ball with maximum efficiency.

The housing further defines a plurality of function buttons. The plurality of function buttons are coupled to switches mounted on a Printed Circuit Board enclosed within the housing and are positioned on the housing, so that a user would not be required to remove their hand from the housing for operation. A first button, the most commonly used button, defines a portion of an edge of the housing. A second button further comprises illumination means. When the second button is illuminated, a switch associated with the second button is in a first predetermined position.

The track-ball device of the present invention is coupled to a computer system and is used to control a cursor on a display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a prior art illustration of a track-ball housing. Figure 2 illustrates a computer system as may be utilized by the present invention.

Figure 3a is a side exploded view of a track-ball device as utilized by the present invention.

Figure 3b is a top view of a top housing as utilized by the present invention.

Figure 4a is a side view of the top housing, illustrating a side opening as utilized by the present invention.

Figure 4b is a side view of the top housing illustrating a triangular function button and the inner surfaces of the top housing as utilized by the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates the exposed area of a track-ball that a user may make contact with in the track-ball device of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a user operating the preferred embodiment of the track-ball device as utilized by the present invention.

Figure 7a is a perspective view of a base as utilized by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view of the alignment of the top housing and base at the rear of the enclosure as may be utilized by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7c is a cross-sectional view of the alignment of the top housing and base at the front of the enclosure as may be utilized by preferred embodiment of the present inventions.

Figure 8 is a top view of a Printed Circuit Board as may be utilized by the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An enclosure for housing a cursor control device, namely a track-ball, is disclosed. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the invention may be employed without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods and structures, e.g. cursor tracking means, have not been set forth in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

The computer system of the preferred embodiment is described with reference to Figure 2. The present invention may be implemented for a general purpose microcomputer, such as one of the members of the Apple Macintosh™ family, an IBM compatible personal computer, or one of several work-stations or graphics computer devices which are presently commercially available. Of course, the present invention may also be implemented on a multi-user system while encountering all of the cost, speed and function advantages and

disadvantages available with these machines. Further, the present invention may be implemented on an intelligent fixed-function terminal coupled to a multi-user system.

In any event, a computer system as may be utilized by the preferred embodiment generally comprises a bus or other communication means 201 for communicating information, a processing means 202 coupled with said bus 201 of processing information, a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device 204 (commonly referred to as a main memory) coupled with said bus 201 for storing information and instructions for said processor 202, a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device 206 coupled with said bus 201 for storing static information and instructions for said processor 202, a data storage device 207, such as a magnetic disk and disk drive, coupled with said bus 201 for storing information and instructions, a display device 222, such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, etc, coupled to said bus 201 for displaying information to the computer user, an alphanumeric input device 225 including alphanumeric and other keys coupled to said bus 201 for

communicating information and command selections to said processor 202, and a cursor control device 227, such as a mouse, track ball, cursor control keys. etc, coupled to said bus 201 for communicating information and command selections to said processor 202 and for controlling cursor movement. Finally, it is useful if the system includes a hardcopy device 229, such as a printer, for providing permanent copies of information. The hardcopy device 229 is coupled with the processor 202, main memory 204, static memory 206 and mass storage device 207 through bus 201.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented on a

Macintosh^® computer available from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino,

California., The electrical coupling of a cursor control device to the Macintosh^® Computer is described in detail in "Guide to the Macintosh Family Hardware", an official publication of Apple^® Computer Corporation of Cupertino, California and published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Incorporated.

However, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to provide other computer system interfaces, to enable coupling with computer systems from other manufacturers. Such designs would not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 3a is a side exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated in Figure 3a are a top housing 321 , a base 322, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 325 and a movement control b all 324. Also illustrated in figure 3a are a side opening 320 and a palm rest 323 both defined by the top housing 321.

Figure 3b is a top view of the top housing 321. Viewed from the top, the top housing 321 is generally oval in shape with the defined side opening 320. The top housing 321 further defines buttons 301-303 which are coupled to switches (not illustrated) mounted on the PCB 325. The switches on the PCB 325 are capable of being in at least two states. The switches may be

transitioned from a first (off) state to a second (on) state (or from the second to the first state) by mechanical "push button" means. Thus, the buttons 301-303 each define a vertical "finger" which make physical contact with a

corresponding switch on the PCB, so that when a downward vertical force is exerted on one of the buttons 301-303, the corresponding switch changes states. It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art to provide alternate button switching arrangement, e.g. where the buttons are coupled to the switches and extend through holes defined by the top housing. Such alternate switching arrangements would not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The button 301 is triangular in shape, with rounded corners. The left edge of the button 301 extends down a side of top housing 321 defining a flat vertical surface along a plane parallel to the top housing 321. The button 301 is positioned on the top housing 321 such that a user with an "average" sized hand, would be able to depress the button, without the user having to remove their hand from the track-ball housing. Moreover, the button 301 when extended will rest flush with the surface of the top housing 321 , and the angle of movement for depressing the button may be diagonally inwards towards the the device. Notably, this is creates a natural movement of the users thumb. In the preferred embodiment, the button 301 is the most commonly depressed button.

In the preferred embodiment, the button 302 further includes

illumination means. The button 302 is typically called the "lock" button. In the preferred embodiment, the light will be on when the switch associated with button 302 is in a "locked" state and will be off when the switch associated with button 302 is in an "unlocked" state. The button 302 is used for operations that would require button 301 to remain depressed, while the track-ball is rotated. When the button 302 is "locked" such operations may be performed. The button 303 is curved rectangularly in shape and would be available to perform any application defined function. The buttons 302 and 303, lie above the surface of the top housing 321. Further defined by the top housing 321, is a nest 304. It should first be noted that the ball 324 (illustrated in Figure 3a) may be removed from the housing without requiring disassembly of other potions of the track-ball device. The nest 304 provides a clearance area for a bottom potion of the movement control ball 324, when the ball 324 is placed into to the track-ball housing.

Although not readily apparent from the view of Figure 3b, the next 304 further defines an opening which corresponds to the side opening 320. Further defined within the next 304, are a plurality of access holes 306. The access holes 306 provide a means for cursor tracking means to gain access to the ball 324.

The portion of the top housing 321 in which the next 304 is defined slants downwards from a point 305, which appears as a line in Figure 3b. The point 305 is the highest point of the top housing 321 and is 2 7/16" high when the top housing 321 is fastened to the base 322. It should be noted that the point 305 is not a straight line, but rather it is a slanted across the width of the top housing 321 and tends to separate the top housing 321 into two portions. The first potion which is on an upward slope defines the palm rest 323 and the button 301. Thus, this first potion will be where the user's palm rest 323 and the button 301. Thus, this first potion will be where the user's palm and thumb movement will occur. Conversely, the second portion, which defines the nest 304, will be where the user's finger motions will occur. Additionally, the point 305 is positioned such that it would be positioned approximately where the fingers extend from the palm of the "average" sized hand.

Figure 4a is a side view of the top housing 321 from the side defining side opening 320. As noted above, the palm rest 323 is sloped upwards to the point 305. The side opening 320 extends down the side of the top housing 321 for a distance of 38 mm on a backside and 23 mm on a front side, the backside being positioned adjacent to the point 305. The side opening 320 allows a user to maintain physical contact with the movement control ball 324 below the top surface of the top housing 321. The width of the side opening 320 is 34 mm and its height is 33 mm (measured along the center vertical axis of the ball).

Referring briefly to Figure 5, this provides for a significant arc exposure area 501 of the movement control ball 324 to be available for the user to make physical contact. Thus a user can control the movement control ball with their thumb and any combination of fingers. This would allow greater control of the movement control ball 324 and thus of the cursor on the display. Additionally, the side opening 320 allows for the rotation of the movement control ball 324 to be initiate on either a horizontal or vertical axis. This would aid to minimize the repetitive movement that is known to cause physical injury. The arc of the movement control ball 324 that remains exposed with side opening 320 is 220 degrees.

As described above, it is through the side opening 320, where the user may control rotation of the movement control ball 324. Although the preferred embodiment defines the side opening 320 such that access is optimal for a user operating the track-ball device with their right hand, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to locate the opening 320 on the opposite side of the top housing 321 so that access is optimal for a user operating the track-ball device with their left hand. Such an embodiment would also require placement of the aforementioned buttons 301-303 on the opposite side of the top housing 321.

Figure 4b is a side view of the top housing 321 from the side opposite that of Figure 4a and illustrates the button 301. As described above, the button 301 extends down the side of the top housing 321. The length of the button 301 along the side of the top housing 321 are 2 3/16". Figure 4b also illustrates the inner unexposed portion of the top-housing 321. Defined within the top housing 321 are screw receiving posts 401-404. The screw receiving posts 401-404, are used to fasten the PCB and the base 322 with the top housing 321. The screws receiving posts 401-404 each define a hollow middle with screw threads along the inner surface. Each of the screw receiving posts is inserted into a corresponding screw guide posts defined by the base 322. Screws are then inserted from a hole defined by the screw guide. The lengths of the various screw receiving posts are 25 mm-30 mm. It is also notable that when

assembled, the screw receiving posts 404 will extend through a corresponding hole defined by PCB 325. In the preferred embodiment, the top housing 321 defines smoothed curved edges on all surfaces that are joined at right angles and is constructed of molded ABS (or plastic). The total length of the top housing 321 is 7 1/16" and it's width is 4 1/8". It would be obvious to one skilled in the art to construct a top housing 321 of a different material or to utilize physical dimensions that may deviate from the preferred embodiment.

In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the movement control ball 324 is 2 1/8". The size of the movement control ball 324 is important because it relates to the size of the housing. The wright of the movement control ball 324 is also important. The ball must be heavy enough to ensure that it will move freely within the housing, i.e. rotational pressure exerted by the user will not cause it to be lifted out of the support nest. Yet, it must be light enough to not inhibit movement, i.e. so heavy that an efficient rotation support structure cannot be designed. In the preferred embodiment, the weight of the movement control ball is approximately 5 ounces. The movement control ball 324 of the preferred embodiment is roughly equivalent in size and weight to a standard billiard ball.

It would be obvious to one skilled in the art to have a movement control ball 324 that is of a different diameter or weight. Additionally, any change in the diameter of movement control ball 324 would result in corresponding changes to the dimensions for the support nest 211 and side opening 320. These design choices would not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a user's hand operating a track-ball device of the preferred embodiment. In Figure 6, a user's hand 601 lies on the palm rest 323 of the top housing 321. The user's wrist 602 is maintained at an elevated height close to a horizontal plane of contact 604, that the user's fingers will maintain with the movement control ball 324. Note that in the preferred embodiment, the user's primary point of contact is not at the highest point of contact with the movement control ball 324. Rather it is at a point 603 in front of that, where the user's fingers would make a natural curve i.e. near the last knuckle of the fingers. Although not clearly visible from Figure 6, the user's thumb is positioned such that access to the button 301 is made without removing the hand from the track-ball. As described above, this is due to the inclusion and positioning of the palm rest 323.

Based on user experiences, it is desirable for a user to maintain their wrist in a position that is close in height to a plane of contact with the movement control ball 324. A reason that the elevated palm rest would serve to minimize trauma to user's wrist during prolonged use is that unnecessary muscle use is eliminated. When using a track-ball device, it is the user's fingers that are creating and controlling the rotation of the ball. If the fingers must be sloped upward, the wrist muscles must work to point the hand in an upward direction. Conversely, if the fingers slope downward, the wrist muscle groups are not exerting any force. Thus, the wrist muscles need not do any work.

Referring now to Figure 7a, the base 322 defines a plurality of screw guide posts 701-704, through which screw receiving posts defined by the top housing 321 are inserted and screws are inserted from the bottom, so that the top housing 321 is fastened to the base. Also defined are PCB fastening posts 705-707. The PCB fastening posts 705-707 define hollow centers with screw threads on the inner surface. The PCB 325 defines holes which align with the PCB fastening posts 705-707. When assembled, the holes of the PCB 325 will be aligned with the PCB fastening posts 705-707 and screws will be inserted through the holes defined by the PCB 325 and into the hollow centers defined by the PCB fastening posts 705-707.

The base 322 also defines alignment posts 708-709. The alignment posts 708-709 are used to align the PCB 325 within the tract-ball housing. The PCB 325 defines holes that correspond to the locations at which the posts 708-709 extend. The alignment posts 708-709 further provide vertical and horizontal stability for the PCB 325 when it is positioned within the tract-ball device housing. Further defined by the base, are a plurality of support posts 711 for cursor tracking means and a circular rim 712. The support posts 711 are used to mount wheel shaped cursor tracking means. In the preferred embodiment an optical cursor tracking means is utilized. Such cursor tracking means are known in the art. The rim 712 is coupled to each of the supports 711 and provides horizontal and vertical stability for the support posts 711.

Also defined by the base 322 but no illustrated, are a plurality of feet. These feet are defined on the underside of the base 322 and make contact with the horizontal surface upon which the track-ball device is placed. Coupled to the feet and making direct contact with the horizontal surface, is a material, e.g. rubber. This material is used to prevent the inadvertent movement of the track- ball device while it is being operated.

The base 322 has a shape similar to the top housing 321. Referring to Figures 7b and 7c respectively, the base 322 defines a rear wall 707 and a front wall 708 along the periphery of the base 322. The rear wall 707 also defines an "L" shaped shelf 709. Also illustrated is a top housing edge 710 which is defined by the top housing 321. Each mating edge between the base 322 and the top housing 321 define staggered edges such that a high portion of the base edge 322 will mate with a low portion of the top housing 321 and a low portion of the based edge 322 will mate with a high portion of the top housing 321. As illustrated in Figure 7b, towards the rear of the enclosure the top housing edge 710 hangs over the base rear wall 707 and is coupled to the back of shelf 709. As illustrated in Figure 7c, towards the front of the enclosure, the top housing edge 710 and base front wall 708 are flush.

The Printed Circuit Boards utilized by the preferred embodiment are well known in the art, and are used to house interconnect the electrical

components of the track-ball device. Figure 8 is a top view of PCB 325 in the preferred embodiment. Electrical components embodied by the PCB 325 include cursor tracking means 306, function button switches (not illustrated) and computer coupling logic (not illustrated). The PCB is generally of the shape on a horizontal plane of the base 322. The PCB 325 further defines a plurality of holes 801-807, although which the various screw receiving posts, screws and alignment posts extend. The cursor tracking means provide for the generation of electrical signals that translate the rotation of the ball to movement of the cursor. The cursor tracking means and other electrical components used in the preferred embodiment are well known in the art, thus no further discussion on these aspects of the track-ball device are deemed necessary.

Thus an improved housing for a track-ball cursor control device is disclosed. The housing defining an elevated palm rest, a side opening that exposes a greater arc of the movement control ball and function buttons that can be depressed with a minimum of operator hand movement. The housing of the present invention could be used to minimize physical aggravation of a user's hand, wrist or shoulder and increase a user's control of a cursor.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A cursor control device, namely a track-ball device, said track-ball device coupled to a computer system, said track-ball device comprised of:

a track-ball; a top housing, said housing defining an elevated palm rest, a side opening for allowing exposure to a side of said track-ball and holes for function buttons;

means for generating electrical signals corresponding to rotational movement of said track-ball;

means for coupling to said computer system; and

a base coupled to said top housing.

2. The cursor control device as recited in Claim 1 , wherein said computer system interface is a serial interface.

3. The cursor control device as recited in Claim 1, wherein said computer system interface is a serial interface.

4. An improved housing for a track-ball device, said track-ball device coupled to a computer system, said track-ball device containing a ball, said track-ball device for controlling a cursor on a display, said display coupled to said computer system, said housing defining:

An elevated palm rest, said elevated palm rest located at the rear of the housing and sloped upwards towards a point on said housing, said elevated palm rest causing a user's fingers to be biased downwards at a point of contact with a track-ball;

a rotation support nest, said nest located at the front portion of said housing on a plane sloping downwards; and

an opening for allowing user access to a side of said ball.

5. An improved housing for a cursor control device, namely a track-ball device, said track-ball device including cursor tracking means, computer coupling means and function buttons coupled to a printed circuit board, said improved housing defining:

a top housing defining a first plane that is upward sloping, within said first plane said top housing defining a hole for a first function button, a second plane that is downward sloping, within said second plane said top housing defining a support nest for coupling a track-ball, and a side wall further defining an opening coupled to said support nest; and

a base; and

means for fastening said top housing with said base and said printed circuit board.

6. A computer system, said computer system including a processor, RAM memory, storage, a bus, a display and a keyboard, said computer system further coupled with a cursor control device, said cursor control device comprised of: a track-ball;

a top housing, said housing defining an elevated palm rest so that a user's wrist lies close to a plane of contact a user's fingers will have with the track-ball, a side opening for allowing exposure to a side of said track-ball and holes for function buttons;

means for generating electrical signals corresponding to rotational movement of said track-ball;p

means for coupling to said computer system; and

a base coupled to said top housing.