Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Patent
1997-01-06
1999-06-01
Luu, Matthew
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
345157, G09G 500
Patent
active
059092084
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a control device for computers, industrial processes and the like, intended to replace the conventional mouse or positioner for a computer.
BACKGROUND ART
The mouse has become a necessity when using most modern computer programs. Software using windows has been developed in recent years and has become very user-friendly. The computer is given instructions by pointing and clicking with the mouse. However, certain drawbacks have resulted. Unfavourable strain is caused on the arm, shoulder and neck when using the mouse, and gives rise to "mouse arm"0 which is currently a big problem.
Some 40-50 million personal computers are sold annually, for instance. Windows is often installed as standard equipment and a mouse is included in the delivery. "Mouse disease" or RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) costs the United States approximately seven billion dollars a year in treatment and lost production.
Efforts have been made to solve these problems in various ways, such as by providing support for the hand and/or arm, by means of a foot operated mouse, a trackball or by means of software that forces the user to take a break. However, these methods offer only a slightly reduced risk of injury and therefore do not solve the problem. The injurious static load remains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention aims at a solution to these and other associated problems It is characterized in that one or more transducers are arranged in a chair or the like, the transducer signals being transmitted to a computer, process, etc. which is thus controlled. A transducer or gyro(s) is suitably arranged in a chair in order to sense turning movements of the chair and to emit signals corresponding to movements in horizontal direction, and also a transducer or gyro(s) is also provide for sensing tilting or other similar movements of the chair, such as movements in the vertical direction. The output signals of these transducers are to be combined in an interface, the output signals of which are supplied to a transmitter which controls the computer, industrial process, etc., such as the cursor on a display device. The conventional mouse is thus entirely or partially replaced by the movements of the chair. One or more gyros, intended to be covered by the term "transducer", may also be used as transducer.
The new concept is based on the principle of controlling the computer by means of the entire body via the chair. The transducers in the chair sense the movements of the body. When the body is turned, for instance, the chair follows the movement and the transducer activates the cursor on the display device so that it moves horizontally. When the body is moved forward or backwards, the other transducer in the back-rest or seat is activated and the cursor moves in vertical direction.
The transducers can easily be constructed as a pair of mice, one producing horizontal and the other vertical movement. An advantage of this distribution is that, besides different movements being registered, the control can be varied between 0 and 100% by turning the mouse between 90 and 0 degrees (the rotation of the ball is measured in two directions perpendicular to each other). Other alternatives are load cells, strain gauges, etc. It is also possible to use only a part of the mouse--only the ball with its transducer, for instance. Other types of transducers may be used, such as pointers used in industry. The same sort of signals can be generated if instead the transducer is fixed and the counter surface moves. Movements other than the rocking and turning movements described above can be used, such as rocking the whole chair, rocking sideways, tilting the arm-rest or moving the chair on its wheels, etc.
More than two movements can be used simultaneously, for instance, control in three dimensions (x, y and z direction). Also, a stool or an armchair, for instance, may be used instead of a chair, or the user can stand and lean against a control device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention microswitches, "cl
REFERENCES:
patent: 5311210 (1994-05-01), O'Brien et al.
patent: 5440326 (1995-08-01), Quinn
patent: 5515078 (1996-05-01), Greschler et al.
Leonard, Computer Pointer Controls 3D Images In Free Space, Electronic Design Nov. 21, 1991, pp. 160, 162, 165.
LandOfFree
Control means for computers or industrial processes does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Control means for computers or industrial processes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Control means for computers or industrial processes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-957802