GB2459090A

GB2459090A - Pointer and mouse removably mounted on a computer device

Info

Publication number: GB2459090A
Application number: GB0806286A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Healey
Original assignee: Slash Design Ltd
Current assignee: Slash Design Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-07
Filing date: 2008-04-07
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Also published as: GB0806286D0

Abstract

A computer pointer has two input modes: firstly fixed to a computer device (such as at the centre of a wristrest) with a sensor such as a touchpad (4, fig 6) or pointing stick (4, fig 5) sensitive to touch, force or position; and secondly all or part of the device can be dismounted and used as a mouse, with a different sensor detecting the mouse movement. The computer may be a laptop with a catch (5, fig 6) for the lid in the pointer 1. The computer can alert a user if the dismountable pant of pointer is not mounted when the user requests a power off state. The pointer can be a shallow height platform with constrained movements that clips to a projection from the computer device in the fixed mode.

Description

Pointing device for a computer or the like This invention relates to a pointing device for a computing device, particularly but not exclusively a laptop computer.

Laptop computers typically feature a built-in fixed-position pointing device that, like the mouse they replace on desktop computers, primarily enables the user to move a pointer or cursor on screen. The two commonest such pointing devices are the "pointing stick", whose input mechanism is a small fixed post with a round top surface on which a fingertip rests and pushes, and the "touchpad", whose input mechanism is a rectangular area which a fingertip slides across. Increasingly the "touchpad" is the more common device.

An earlier pointing device, the "trackball", a fixed-position sphere that can be rotated by a fingertip, has now fallen almost entirely out of use on laptops, being viewed as inferior to the two later alternatives described above -the pointing stick and the touchpad.

There are also keyboards for desktop computers which feature built-in fixed-position pointing devices, overwhelmingly pointing sticks and touchpads. These keyboards are usually used in situations where a conventional mouse is not wanted, for example because space is restricted, or to avoid loss of or damage to a conventional mouse.

Users very rarely feel that pointing sticks or touchpads are as easy to use as a conventional desktop mouse, which can be moved around a flat surface. Accordingly, laptop users often cany a desktop mouse, which they use when a reasonably flat surface is available, such as a clear area of desk.

Carrying a desktop mouse is inconvenient, adding extra weight, size and risk of damage. Furthermore taking it out, connecting it and/or enabling it each time there is the chance to use it is time-consuming.

Some conventional desktop mice have a wired connection. Others connect via wireless methods such as Bluetooth. For a laptop user, a wireless mouse is a little easier to carry and use than a wired mouse, as there is no cable to attach, but this is still somewhat inconvenient, requiring the presence of and enabling of this second pointing device.

There are wireless mice that are designed and shaped so that, when not in use, they can be inserted into an expansion and/or peripheral slot in a laptop, such as a PCCard slot, both to recharge and to be easily available in future. (They must be shaped to fit such a slot -for example, to fit a PCCard slot they are reasonably rectangular and reasonably shallow in height.) Newton Peripherals and Hewlett Packard both offer such a device. It is less inconvenient to carry and use such a device than a conventional desktop mouse, but it does require the laptop to have an appropriate slot, and having such a device does prevent the user from then making other use of that slot, such as for inserting or connecting to other peripherals, or for memory or hard disk expansion.

Early desktop mice used a moving part such as a rolling ball as a method of detecting movement. These were known as "mechanical" mice. More recently these desktop mice have been almost completely replaced by mice that repeatedly scan, sense or photograph the surface that the mouse is above, using for example light or laser emission and detection. These are known as "optical" mice, and are considered more responsive and/or accurate in use, as well as more reliable, having no moving parts. Further, mechanical mice tend to pick up dust and dirt from a surface into their mechanism.

US6205021 (Klein) discloses the idea of a pointing device, used at a fixed location on a computing device such as a laptop computer, but which can be dismounted and used, via the same input mechanism, on a desktop where one becomes available.

In one embodiment, US6205021 discloses a device that when dismounted is used as a traditional desktop mouse, incorporating a rolling ball as its mechanical input mechanism, but which can be mounted upside down onto the computing device so that the ball's surface is now available to the fingertip and can be used in this mounted position as a "trackball" fixed-location input device. Its input mechanism, detectors attached to the rolling ball, is the same whether mounted or dismounted.

However, as mentioned above, a rolling ball is a less desirable input mechanism for a dismounted desktop mouse than optical input mechanisms, and trackballs are viewed as inferior fixed-location input devices and nowadays are almost never seen.

In all other embodiments of US6205021 the dismounted device, such as a touchpad or joystick, is used in exactly the same way whether dismounted or mounted, also therefore via the same input mechanism.

The desirable optical input mechanism of a dismounted desktop mouse cannot conveniently be used as part of the input mechanism for a fixed-location mounted input device, requiring as it does significant movement across a surface.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pointing device that overcomes or alleviates some of the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

In one aspect the invention provides a pointing device, which is mountable on a computing device and all or part of which is dismountable from such a computing device, the pointing device having a movement sensor arranged to control pointer movement only when the pointing device or part thereof is dismounted so as to be able to function as a mouse, and having a further sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the pointing device is mounted so as to function as a fixed-location pointing device.

The "movement sensor", for use when dismounted, detects movement of the dismounted part. The further sensor mentioned above, for use in fixed position, might for example be a touch sensor, as in a touchpad, or a force sensor, as in a pointing stick.

Alternatively, if part of the pointing device still had restricted movement when in fixed position, a position sensor might be used to sense its position.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a pointing device in accordance with GB 2366855 (Healey) in a laptop wristrest, although in accordance with the present invention the platform is

dismountable;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pointing device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing how the pointing device of Figure 1, with dismountable platform still mounted, is typically held with fingertips; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing how the dismounted platform of the pointing device of Figure 1 is typically held with fingertips while being used as a wireless mouse; Figure 5 is a plan view of another fixed-location pointing device in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another pointing device in accordance with the invention shown mounted in the base portion of a laptop computer, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the pointing device of Figure 6 shown dismounted.

GB2366855 discloses a pointing device, sufficiently shallow in height to fit in the wristrest area of a laptop, that is particularly suitable for a laptop computer because, compared to rival laptop pointing devices such as the "pointing stick" and "touchpad" devices mentioned above, its operation is more like that of a conventional mouse: despite being fixed or constrained in its movement, the user can still grip the device with the same fingers in the same relative positions as with a mouse, push on the device in the same way, and click a button or buttons with the same finger or fingers as on a mouse.

GB2366855 is hereby incorporated by reference.

One embodiment of GB2366855, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 herein, is a pointing device featuring a platform which is shallow in height and is shaped in the X-Y plane such that it can be gripped similarly to a mouse, and features one or more mouse buttons in familiar positions that can be clicked with the same fingers as on a mouse.

Figure 1 shows the device located in the middle of a laptop computer's wristrest area.

Figure 2 shows a view of the same embodiment from an angle to the side, showing that its top is a platform, shallow in height. Figure 3 shows a hand gripping and using the device in situ. (These figures are copied from GB2366855.) One embodiment of the present invention provides a pointing device as in the above-mentioned embodiment of GB2366855, but in which some or all of the device, including some or all of the platform itself, can be dismounted from its connection to the rest of the device or the laptop, and in which the dismountable part contains the relevant computer hardware to enable it to now be used separately as an optical mouse, for example on a desktop.

The dismounted section could still be attached by a cable, or preferably would use a wireless connection.

A user of a laptop with such a pointing device would typically, when a reasonably flat surface such as desk space was available, release the dismountable part and use it on that surface, in much the same way as an existing wireless mouse might be used on it. When finished, the platform mounts back into the rest of the device and/or laptop, in the same place as before, and the device is now again used as described in GB2366855.

The pointing device of the invention is thus usable in two modes, namely a) with a movement-sensitive input mechanism, such as an optical input mechanism, when the dismountable part is dismounted, and b) with a touch-sensitive, force-sensitive or position-sensitive input mechanism when it is mounted in the laptop.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the dismountable part is just the platform part of the device, and functions as a wireless optical mouse when removed. When mounted, the user simply holds it and pulls upwards to unclip it. Being a platform shallow in height it would feel not dissimilar in use, when removed, to those wireless mice described above that fit into a laptop's expansion slot, and accordingly are also shallow in height.

Figure 4 shows the platform removed from the device, and in use separately on a flat surface.

In this preferred embodiment the dismountable part incorporates the mouse selection button or buttons. Embodiments are possible, however, where the fixed mouse buttons are left behind and the dismountable part has an alternative button or buttons.

Conventional desktop mice sometimes feature extra user-operated items, such as a scrollwheel, or further buttons or controls to operate further features. Embodiments of this invention may feature, but are not limited to, extra user-operated items such as these.

Similarly, conventional desktop mice sometimes have further features such as interchangeable grips, changeable weights, feedback through LEDs, and variations on movement-sensing that allow in-air use as well as use on a surface. Embodiments of this invention may feature, but are not limited to, extra functions such as these.

Optionally the dismountable part has electrical connectors so that, if appropriate power is supplied by the computing device when the dismountable part is mounted, the dismountable part recharges, so that it will always be ready to use when removed.

Optionally the dismountable part automatically begins to operate as a mouse as soon as it is dismounted. Optionally the computing device accepts its input automatically when it is dismounted and operational, so that no further user input or setup is required to start using it.

Any embodiment of GB2366855 that incorporates any vertical surface, whether or not that surface is engaged by the fingertips when used in its fixed position, could be designed to operate as a dismountable, dual-use mouse in this way.

In other embodiments the pointing device of the invention includes a disc or platform around or adjacent to a "pointing stick". The disc or platform also has one or more mouse buttons. Figure 5 shows such an embodiment, in this case with a platform (1) offering two mouse buttons (2 and 3) either side of (and very slightly below) the position of the head of the pointing stick (4). Preferably, for such an embodiment, while the disc or platform is in the mounted position it can be rotated (for example around the pointing stick, which would typically be fixed) to a comfortable angle for whichever hand the user is using to operate the device, so when the user operates the pointing stick with the middle finger, the index and third fingers sit comfortably over the two mouse buttons and can operate them.

The disc or platform can be removed, leaving some or all of the pointing stick in situ, and the disc or platform has sufficient height that it can now be used separately on a convenient flat surface as a motion-sensitive two-button mouse.

Preferably, for such an embodiment, when the disc or platform is mounted it still offers vertical edges that can still be gripped by the same fingertips that grip a mouse, and in the same relative positions. This embodiment thus allows the user the choice of two pointing methods when the platform is mounted: the use of a pointing stick, or the use of a platform shallow in height, as described in embodiments of GB2366855 mentioned above.

In further embodiments the pointing device features on its upper surface a touchpad, which acts as an input mechanism when mounted. When dismounted, a movement sensor, such as an optical sensor, acts as an input mechanism.

One such embodiment is shown in Figure 6, mounted in the wristrest of a laptop computer, and in Figure 7, dismounted. The numbers (1) to (5) indicate the same components in each figure. (2) and (3) are standard mouse selection buttons, while (4) is a laptop touchpad. Figure 6 shows how, when mounted, the upper surface (1) of the device would be approximately flush with the surface of the laptop wristrest.

In one such embodiment, when the dismountable part is dismounted the touchpad can also still control pointer movement as well as the movement sensor. Such a device, when dismounted, could be used on a flat surface such as a desktop, in which case the movement sensor would control pointer movement, or the touchpad could still be used, for example while the device was held in the hand. This last possibility could prove useful when giving a presentation.

The incorporation of the dual-use pointing device of the invention into a keyboard for a computing device is another aspect of the invention. In other aspects it may be incorporated into other locations on a computing device, such as a main system unit.

In another aspect the invention provides a computing device or component thereof that incorporates a pointing device as described above.

Optionally the computing device supports protection against the unwanted removal of the dismountable part of the pointing device, so that, for example, a laptop with such a pointing device can be safely left for user evaluation in a retail environment. This can be provided by a locking system on the computing device, or by the use of specially engineered versions of the removable part that do not unclip conveniently, or by other means.

Optionally a mobile computing device such as a laptop computer may incorporate protection against the user accidentally leaving behind the dismountable part of the pointing device, when removing the mobile computing device. This could be implemented by incorporating the dismountable part of the pointing device into the locking or closing system of the mobile computing device, for example when a laptop screen lid is closed. In Figures 6 and 7, (5) shows a part of such a catch being built into the upper surface of the pointing device; when mounted, as in Figure 6, a catch protruding from the laptop lid could engage with this in order to click the laptop shut.

In an alternative method, the screen lid and base unit lock together, as they typically do on laptop computers. Optionally the lock will not engage unless a component of the locking system in either the lid or base unit is affected by the presence of the pointing device, for example either by being compressed into the base unit when the pointing device is mounted onto the base unit, or by being compressed into the lid when the computing device is closed.

Alternatively, when the software of the mobile computing device is set by the user to a low-power or "off" state, the device may check for the presence of the dismountable part of the pointing device, and alert the user if it is not mounted.

In another aspect the invention provides a method of allowing a computing device to make use of an available flat surface for pointing device operation without requiring the use of an extra pointing device, by its own built-in fixed-position pointing device being or incorporating a removable pointing device, itself incorporating a further sensor such as a movement sensor arranged to control pointer movement only when the removable part is dismounted.

Claims

Claims 1. A pointing device, which is mountable on a computing device and all or part of which is dismountable from such a computing device, the pointing device having a movement sensor arranged to control pointer movement only when the pointing device or part thereof is dismounted so as to be able to function as a mouse, and having a further sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the dismountable part is mounted so as to function as a fixed-location pointing device.
2. A pointing device according to Claim 1 wherein the sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the pointing device is mounted is coupled to a resiliently mounted projecting member operable by one or more fingertips of a user.
3. A pointing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the dismountable part includes a mechanical movement sensor.
4. A pointing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the dismountable part includes an optical movement sensor.
5. A pointing device according to any preceding Claim wherein the dismountable part includes a scrollwheel.
6. A pointing device according to any preceding Claim wherein the dismountable part includes one or more buttons that perform standard mouse-click functions.
7. A pointing device according to Claim 6 wherein the dismountable part includes one or more further buttons and/or controls, ananged to control further functions.
8. A pointing device according to any preceding Claim wherein the dismountable part has one or more connectors that allow it to recharge when it is in the mounted position.
9. A pointing device according to any preceding Claim wherein the dismountable part forms only part of the pointing device, and can be locked to the rest of the pointing device to prevent dismounting.
10. A pointing device according to any of Clsfrns ito 9 wherein, with the dismountable part mounted, the pointing device offers a touchpad for pointer control.
11.ApointingdeviceaccordingtoanyofOsfrns lto9wherein,withthe dismountable part mounted, the device offers a substantially flat control member for pointer control, shaped and dimensioned to be operated upon by two or more spaced-apart fingertips.
12.ApointingdeviceacconlingtoanyofOsfrns lto9wherein,withthe dismountable part mounted, the device offers for pointer control a shallow platform with one or more upright edges.
13. A pointing device according to Claim 12 wherein the shallow platform forms part or all of the dismountable part.
14.ApointingdeviceaccordingtoanyofOsfrns lto9wherein,withthe dismountable part mounted, the device offers a flat disc or shallow platform around or adjacent to a pointing stick.
15. A pointing device according to any of (lsfrns 1 to 14 wherein the dismountable part remains attached by a cable to the computing device.
16. A pointing device according to any of (1aini 1 to 14 wherein the dismountable part communicates wirelessly with the computing device.
17. A pointing device according to any of Clsfrns 1 to 16 wherein the sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the pointing device is mounted is a touch sensor.
18. A pointing device according to any ofsfrns 1 to 16 wherein the sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the pointing device is mounted is a force sensor.
19. A pointing device according to any of Claims 1 to 16 wherein the sensor arranged to control pointer movement when the pointing device is mounted is a position sensor.
20. A computing device incorporating a pointing device according to any of Claims 1 to 19.
21. A computing according to Claim 20 wherein the pointing device is mounted on the system unit of the computing device.
22. A computing according to Claim 20 wherein the pointing device is mounted on the keyboard unit of the computing device.
23. A computing according to Claim 20 wherein the pointing device is mounted in the wristrest of the computing device.
24. A laptop (or "notebook") computer according to Claim 23.
25. A computing device incorporating a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the computing device automatically accepts input from the dismountable part when it is dismounted.
26. A computing device incorporating a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the dismountable part can be locked to the rest of the computing device to prevent dismounting.
27. A computing device incorporating a lid section, a base section and a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the lid section locks on closing to the input device mounted on the base section.
28. A computing device incorporating a lid section, a base section and a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the lid section locks on closing to the base section, and wherein the locking is enabled by the presence of the mounted input device.
29. A computing device incorporating a lid section, a base section and a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the lid section locks on closing to the base section, and wherein the locking takes place inespective of the presence of the mounted input device.
30. A computing device incorporating a pointing device according to any of claims 1 to 19 that alerts the user to the dismounted state of the dismounted part when the computing device enters a low-power or "Off" state.
31. A method of controlling pointer movement in a display of a computing device using the dismountable part of the pointing device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 as a mouse.
32. A method of controlling pointer movement in a display of a computing device using the pointing device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 as a fixed-location pointing device.
33. A pointing device substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 4 or Figure 5 or Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.