Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Patent
1997-02-26
2000-07-18
Luu, Matthew
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
345157, G09G 508
Patent
active
060914033
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a computer interface and in particular to a computer interface of the type known as a "mouse".
As is now well known to the general public, a "mouse" is a computer interface which is of use for moving a cursor on a computer screen. The "mouse" comprises some form of relative movement detecting means adapted to detect movement of the "mouse" relative to a surface with which it is in contact. This relative movement is converted to an electrical signal which may be transmitted to the computer via a cable, radio transmission or by optical signal transmission. The received signal is then used to produce a corresponding movement of the cursor on the computer screen. A "mouse" is of generally rectangular shape having rounded edges and typically includes one or more microswitches which can be finger actuated, for example to signal selection of a specific command displayed on the computer screen. Usually the "mouse" is moved to a position on the screen where the desired command is displayed and a microswitch is then "clicked" to select the command.
In use, a typical "mouse" is grasped at the side edges between the thumb and the third and fourth finger. The rear edge of the mouse abuts the rear of the palm and the second and third fingers are used to operate microswitches adjacent the front edge.
Prolonged use of a mouse can lead to muscle fatigue and continuous long term use of a "mouse" can potentially lead to the physiological problems associated with other manipulative tasks such as typing. In particular, Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), also known as Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), has been of great concern over recent years. OOS is a term that incorporates a whole range of muscular skeletal disorders such as tendonitus, tenosynovitus, and carpel tunnel syndrome. It is generally believed that OOS is a result of restricted blood flow to the major areas of work load; in particular the wrists, forearms and intricate muscle areas around the elbows. Lactic acid and other waste products that are released in varying quantities by all muscle usage are unable to be flushed away if the affected muscles are too tense.
Taking regular breaks to enable these muscles to relax and consequently allow blood to flow freely lessens the build up of lactic acid and other waste products. Various relaxation exercises are recommended such as letting the arms hang loosely from the shoulders and shaking the wrists like a rag-doll. However, too frequently computer operators do not follow these recommendations and consequently, excessive muscle fatigue often occurs. Habitual muscle tension results and the long term consequence of this is OOS.
It is an object of the invention to provide a computer interface which avoids or minimises the risk of OOS to a user.
According to the invention there is provided a computer interface "mouse" characterised in that it comprises a first portion adapted in use to support a user's hand and a second portion adapted in use to receive the user's thumb in a generally neutral position.
Preferably, said first portion includes a first surface which extends generally at an upward angle relative to a base surface of the computer interface and which first surface, in use, supports the user's downwardly facing palm and four fingers in a relaxed neutral position. More preferably, the first surface is convex and the first surface includes a ridge line which extends at a generally upward angle relative to the base surface. Preferably, the ridge line includes a concave portion defining a saddle, a notional chord intersecting the saddle at a generally upward angle relative to the base surface. Most preferably, the first portion includes microswitches positioned adjacent the users fingertips when the palm is so supported, the microswitches being positioned for use by fingers in the extended relaxed neutral position.
Preferably also, the second portion includes a concave surface adapted to receive the user's thumb in the generally neutral position. In preferred embodiments, the concave s
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Ego Works Pty. Ltd.
Luu Matthew
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