Pointing device with flexible sleeve

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pointing device (1) comprising a slider (3) comprising: a non-circular support member (5) elongated along an axis A1 and comprising a flat or convex user interface support surface (6); a flexible sleeve (7) disposed about the support member, the flexible sleeve being rotatable about the support member and being slidable along the support member along an A1 axis, a portion of the flexible sleeve being supported by the user interface support surface at any time during use, the portion comprising a user interface surface (9); and a friction reducing layer (11) adhered to the support member (5), the friction reducing layer configured to reduce friction between the support member and the flexible sleeve; the pointing device further comprises a sensor configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the support member (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pointing device. Background Art

[0002] A pointing device is a device that is arranged to control the movement of a pointer (ie, cursor) on a monitor or display of a computer or similar electronic device.

[0003] Pointing devices for computer systems typically work by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. Such pointing devices may include a variety of features, such as a "wheel" or buttons, which allow a user of the device to perform system-related and possibly customized operations. The 2D motion of the pointing device is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, thereby allowing fine control of a graphical user interface (GUI). Pointing devices also typically utilize a "point and click" sequence of operations, in which a cursor, once moved to a desired location, can perform a click operation in response to a user's interaction with the pointing device. Examples of known pointing devices are trackballs, touch pads, joysticks, computer mice, and the like.

[0004] Traditional tablet mice are held in one hand, which is known to cause stress on the user's arms, back, shoulders, neck, hands, and wrists. One reason is the hand that operates the mouse moves away from the keyboard and back again. Other movements of the arm, hand, wrist, etc. to control the tablet mouse are also known to cause problems.

[0005] Therefore, it is generally desirable to develop pointing devices that help avoid movements that could cause injury or strain to a user, and / or minimize strain on a user's arms, back, shoulders, neck, hands, and / or wrists.

[0006] Additionally, it is generally desirable to reduce the amount of space required to operate a pointing device while also minimizing strain on a user's arms, back, shoulders, neck, hands, or wrists.

[0007] Over the years, pointing devices have been developed with ergonomics in mind, but this is not a "one size fits all" solution; an ergonomic pointing device that works well for one user may not work well for another. Thus, it is often desirable to develop improved ergonomic pointing devices. Summary of the invention

[0008] The aspects and embodiments discussed herein relate to an improved ergonomic slider mouse pointing device with improved functionality. Specifically, the aspects and embodiments discussed herein relate to an ergonomic slider mouse pointing device with an improved slide bar that provides the user with improved user functionality and reliable measurement accuracy. Various other benefits and advantages of the aspects and embodiments discussed herein are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The present invention discloses an embodiment of a pointing device, which includes:

[0010] Sliders, including:

[0011] - a non-circular support member which is elongated along axis A1 and comprises a flat or convex user interface support surface;

[0012] a flexible sleeve disposed about the support member, the flexible sleeve being rotatable about the support member and slidable along the support member along the A1 axis, a portion of the flexible sleeve being supported by the user interface support surface during normal use, the portion including the user interface surface; and

[0013] - a friction reducing layer adhered to the support member, the friction reducing layer being configured to reduce friction between the support member and the flexible sleeve;

[0014] The pointing device also includes a sensor configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongated support member.

[0015] The support member is elongated along axis A1 and has a non-circular cross-section in a plane substantially perpendicular to axis A1. The support member is fixed in place, possibly so as to be able to pivot around a pivot point in a pointing device, and the shape of the support member is configured to allow the flexible sleeve to rotate around the support member and slide along it. Therefore, the flexible sleeve can rotate around the elongated support member in a first direction and slide around the elongated support member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. In some embodiments, the maximum length of the support member is between 200mm and 420mm, such as between 250mm and 390mm, such as between 280mm and 340mm. In some embodiments, the maximum length of the flexible sleeve is between 170mm and 330mm, such as between 200mm and 300mm, such as between 220mm and 280mm.

[0016] The support member includes a user interface support surface configured to support a portion of the flexible sleeve including the user interface surface. The user interface support surface is disposed to face substantially upward in the pointing device so that it is accessible to a user.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pointing device is configured so that the user interface surface accessible to the user has a length between 80 mm and 250 mm, such as between 100 mm and 230 mm, such as between 140 mm and 190 mm. In some embodiments, the user interface surface accessible to the user has a width between 20 mm and 46 mm, such as between 25 mm and 41 mm, such as between 30 mm and 36 mm. In some embodiments, the pointing device also includes a slider cover, which is configured to cover a portion of the slider and provide a suitable user window, in which the user can access at least a portion of the user interface surface.

[0018] The support member may have a cross-section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the A1 axis that is an open curve, for example, such that the support member is at least partially hollow, or it may be a closed curve, such that the support member is a closed structure. For example, the cross-section of the support member in a plane perpendicular to the A1 axis may be substantially oval, elliptical (having an eccentricity greater than zero due to the support member being non-circular), an irregular curve, or a stadium shape.

[0019] The cross-section of the support member may be characterized by a maximum width W1 and a maximum height H1. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the support member substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 has a maximum width W1 and a maximum height H1, which may be defined by mutually perpendicular axes A2 and A3, respectively, wherein axes A2 and A3 are both perpendicular to axis A1. The A2 axis may be parallel to at least one point on the user interface support surface of the support member. The maximum width W1 may be greater than the maximum height H1. The maximum width W1 of the cross-section of the support member may be between 20 mm and 46 mm, such as between 25 mm and 41 mm, such as between 30 mm and 36 mm. The maximum height H1 of the cross-section of the support member may be between 5 mm and 27 mm, such as between 7 mm and 25 mm, such as between 10 mm and 22 mm.

[0020] The flexible sleeve can be made of an elastically deformable material. In some embodiments, the flexible sleeve comprises silicone. The shape of the flexible sleeve at least partially conforms to the support member, and the inner side of the flexible sleeve at least partially contacts the support member and / or the friction reducing layer. The cross section of the flexible sleeve in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 is a substantially smooth planar curve, such as a smooth irregular planar curve or a smooth regular planar curve, which can be an oval, an ellipse (eccentricity greater than zero), or a stadium shape.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cross section of the flexible sleeve substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 when disposed on the support member has a maximum width W2 and a maximum height H2 respectively defined by mutually perpendicular axes A2 and A3, wherein axes A2 and A3 are both perpendicular to axis A1. The A2 axis may be parallel to at least one point on the user interface support surface of the support member. The maximum width W2 may be greater than the maximum height H2. The maximum width W2 of the cross section of the flexible sleeve may be between 20 mm and 46 mm, such as between 25 mm and 41 mm, such as between 30 mm and 36 mm. The maximum height H2 of the cross section of the flexible sleeve may be between 5 mm and 27 mm, such as between 7 mm and 25 mm, such as between 10 mm and 22 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the maximum height H2 of the cross-section of the flexible sleeve is between 10 mm and 30 mm, such as between 10 mm and 25 mm, such as between 13 mm and 20 mm.

[0023] The flexible sleeve has an inner surface facing the support member and / or the friction reducing layer, and has an outer surface facing away from the support member and / or the friction reducing layer. Therefore, the outer surface of the flexible sleeve is the surface that the user of the pointing device will touch and manipulate when using the pointing device. Therefore, the pointing device is configured so that at any time during use, at least a portion of the outer surface of the flexible sleeve is presented to the user as a substantially upward user interface surface. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the flexible sleeve is provided with a friction reducing layer or treated to reduce its friction. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the flexible sleeve has been treated with UV light to reduce the friction of the inner surface, which will improve the ease with which the user can slide and rotate the flexible sleeve around the support member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thickness of the flexible sleeve is between 0.10mm and 0.40mm, such as between 0.15mm and 0.30mm, such as between 0.20mm and 0.28mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flexible sleeve is less than 0.30mm, such as less than 0.25mm. Having a thin sleeve will make the sleeve easier to be operated by the user. The flexible sleeve may include a plurality of elongated structures arranged on the outer surface of the flexible sleeve and along the length of the flexible sleeve, and the elongated structure is configured to improve the rigidity of the flexible sleeve along the axial direction, i.e., along the axis A1. The elongated structure may be configured to improve the convenience that the user can manipulate the flexible sleeve in addition. The elongated structure may extend substantially from one end of the sleeve to the other end, or they may extend along only a portion of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the elongated structure comprises carbon, such as carbon fiber.

[0025] In some embodiments, the friction reducing layer comprises a cloth, such as a woven cloth. The friction reducing layer comprises PTFE. For example, the friction reducing layer may comprise a PTFE cloth, such as a woven PTFE cloth. The friction reducing layer is adhered to the support member so that it is fixed to the support member. In some embodiments, the friction reducing layer is adhered to the support member using an adhesive. The adhesive used to adhere the friction reducing layer to the support member may be glue.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-circular support member includes a first hole, and wherein the sensor is an optical sensor mounted within the support member and configured to detect rotation and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongated support member via the first hole. Alternatively, the sensor can be housed external to the support member and configured to detect rotation and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongated support member in a manner known in the art. The pointing device can include multiple sensors, such as multiple optical sensors.

[0027] In some embodiments, the friction reducing layer includes a second hole aligned with the first hole, and the optical sensor is further configured to detect rotation and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the support member via the second hole. The first hole and the optional second hole allow the internal optical sensor to detect rotation and / or axial movement of the flexible sleeve in a manner known in the art.

[0028] The user interface surface may be substantially rectangular. The width of the substantially rectangular user interface surface substantially along the A2 axis may be less than the width of the cross section of the flexible sleeve 7. In some embodiments, the width of the user interface surface is at least 20 mm, such as at least 25 mm, such as at least 30 mm.

[0029] Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The preferred embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a slider according to some embodiments,

[0032] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a slide bar mounted on a base member according to some embodiments,

[0033] Figure 3A shows a cross section of a flexible sleeve disposed on a support member according to some embodiments,

[0034] Figure 3B shows a cross section of a flexible sleeve disposed on a support member according to some embodiments,

[0035] Figure 4shows a cross section of a slider 3 according to some embodiments, and

[0036] Figure 5-Figure 7 A perspective view of a pointing device is shown in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of a slide bar 3 of a pointing device is shown. The slide bar 3 has a single rigid support member 5, which is elongated along an axis A1. The support member has a flat user interface support surface, which is substantially upward when the pointing device is positioned on a table during use. The user interface support surface is configured to support a flexible sleeve 7 thereon and withstand forces applied thereto by a user of the pointing device. The support member 5 can advantageously have a relatively low weight, thereby reducing the overall weight of the pointing device. For example, the support member 5 can be made of or include aluminum, which can provide structural rigidity while being lightweight.

[0038] Figure 1 The support member shown further has rounded edges 31 extending from two opposite sides of the upward surface of the support member, which includes the user interface support surface. The rounded edges are configured to facilitate rotation of a flexible sleeve 7, which is disposed around the support member 5 and can rotate around the support member and slide along the support member. Thus, the flexible sleeve 7 can be moved in two dimensions by the user applying force to the flexible sleeve 7 to slide and / or rotate it on the support member. In a pointing device including a slider, rotation of the flexible sleeve 7 around the support member can move the cursor vertically within the GUI, while axial movement / translation, i.e., lateral movement, of the flexible sleeve 7 can move the cursor horizontally within the GUI.

[0039] The flexible sleeve 7 may be quite thin and made of silicone, such as soft silicone or a silicone-containing material. The flexible sleeve may be an integrally formed silicone tube, i.e., initially formed as a single tube, rather than a sheet that is later folded and joined, or a plurality of tubes that are later joined. The silicone tube may be made to have a maximum thickness of 0.25 mm. Making the silicone sleeve thinner reduces the memory effect of the sleeve, so that the flexible sleeve may be permanently bent in certain places, allowing it to remain in a bent position for a certain period of time. In addition, a thin silicone sleeve is easier to move on the support member than a thicker sleeve.

[0040] A possible disadvantage of such a thin silicone sleeve 7 is that it is more likely to break. In order to minimize this possible disadvantage, supports can be added to the flexible sleeve 7. For example, carbon fiber rods 19 can be added to the outer surface of the silicone tube as supports. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the carbon fiber rods extend from one end to the other of the flexible sleeve 7. These elongated structures are configured so as not to produce a significant memory effect in the axial direction of movement, substantially along the A1 axis.

[0041] The friction reducing layer 11 is disposed on the support member 5 and is configured to reduce friction between the flexible sleeve 7 and the support member 5. The friction reducing layer 11 does not move freely relative to the rest of the pointing device, but is adhered to the support member. The friction reducing layer 11 can be a TPFE woven cloth adhered to the support member, for example by gluing the cloth to the support member. The function of the friction reducing layer 11 is mainly to serve as an intermediate layer between the support member 5 and the flexible sleeve 7, where the two may contact during normal use. The friction reducing layer 11 can substantially cover at least the user interface support surface 6 of the support member 5, leaving any holes dedicated to the optical sensor. For example, the friction reducing layer 11 can substantially cover the entire support member 5, leaving any holes dedicated to the optical sensor. Having a friction reducing layer 11 between the silicone tube 7 and the support member 5 will further minimize any memory effect of the tube 7.

[0042] Therefore, the flexible sleeve 7 can be easily moved on the support member 5 in response to the force applied by the user (mainly by the user's fingers). The user can apply a force F1 in the elongation direction, that is, substantially along the axis A1, to slide the flexible sleeve 7 along the length of the support member 5. In addition, the user can apply a force F2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 to rotate the flexible sleeve 7 around the support member 5. The support member 5 acts to support the flexible sleeve 7 so that the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7 slides on the support member 5 or on the friction-reducing layer 11 adhered to the support member 5. In order to further reduce the friction between the flexible sleeve 7 and the surface on which it moves, the inner surface of the flexible sleeve can be treated. For example, the inner surface of the silicone tube can be treated with UV light to reduce its friction coefficient. This will increase the ease of movement when the user manipulates the flexible sleeve.

[0043] An optical sensor is housed within the support member 5, which is configured to detect any rotational movement and / or axial movement of the flexible sleeve 7 relative to the support member 5 via a first hole in the support member in a manner known in the art. The detection of movement can be based at least in part on changes in optical sensor signals received from the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7 within the field of view of the optical sensor. In one example, the optical sensor provides light to the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7 and detects light reflected from the inner surface of the sleeve. The flexible sleeve 7 may include a pattern on its inner surface, which may be printed, adhered or otherwise formed on the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7. The pattern may include a color pattern, a texture pattern and / or any regular or irregular design on the inner surface. The movement of the flexible sleeve produces a change in the pattern in the field of view of the optical sensor and the characteristics of the light reflected from the inner surface of the flexible sleeve. In this way, the change in the optical sensor signal received from the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7 and detected by the optical sensor can be a pattern change in the field of view as the flexible sleeve moves relative to the optical sensor. Therefore, in order to detect the movement of the flexible sleeve 7, the optical sensor system as described above requires that the optical sensor is always covered by the inner surface of the flexible sleeve, ie the inner surface of the flexible sleeve is within the field of view of the optical sensor.

[0044] In some embodiments, the friction reducing layer 11 includes a hole, a second hole, and the second hole is aligned with the first hole 15 in the support member so that the friction reducing layer 11 does not block the field of view of the optical sensor. The optical sensor is then configured to detect the rotation and axial movement of the flexible sleeve 7 relative to the support member 5 via the first hole and the second hole.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pointing device may include multiple optical sensors located within the support member, and these optical sensors are configured to detect rotational movement and / or axial movement of the flexible sleeve through multiple holes, each hole dedicated to a single sensor through a common hole or a combination thereof. In an apparatus including multiple optical sensors, the flexible sleeve should always cover the corresponding hole of at least one optical sensor, but advantageously, only one hole needs to be covered at any time.

[0046] In an arrangement comprising a single optical sensor, the sensor and the aperture for detecting movement of the sleeve must be positioned so that the flexible sleeve always at least partially covers the aperture. Thus, the length of the flexible sleeve is at least slightly greater than half the length of the support member. Such a configuration will therefore impose limitations on the size of the flexible sleeve and the range of motion of the flexible sleeve. These limitations can be reduced by using multiple optical sensors, which together with their respective apertures, are spaced apart along the length of the elongated support member. The flexible sleeve then only needs to have a length sufficient to cover at least one of the multiple optical sensors, thereby reducing the size of the pointing device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the pointing device further comprises at least one end sensor capable of detecting movement of the flexible sleeve beyond a predetermined position on the support member. In some embodiments, the pointing device comprises two end sensors located at either end of the support member. The end sensors detect when the flexible sleeve is moved to an end position. For example, the end sensors can be a type of optical sensor configured to detect whether the flexible sleeve covers the end sensors in a manner known in the art.

[0048] At any time during use, a portion of the flexible sleeve 7 is supported by the user interface support surface of the support member, and this portion of the flexible sleeve 7 comprises the user interface surface 9. The user interface surface 9 is a portion of the outer surface of the flexible sleeve and is easily accessible to the user during normal use of the pointing device. As the user moves the flexible sleeve around on the support member, different areas of the outer surface of the flexible sleeve 7 become the user interface surface 9.

[0049] The length L1 of the support member 5 limits the extent to which the flexible sleeve can slide along the support member. The length L2 of the flexible sleeve is shorter than the length L1, providing space for the flexible sleeve to slide along the support member. The relative difference in lengths L1 and L2 that is functionally reasonable depends on many factors, such as the sensitivity of the optical sensor, the distance the flexible sleeve should be able to move between its two outermost positions, and other limitations imposed by the optical sensor, such as those described above.

[0050] Figure 1 The support member 5 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is longer than it is wide, and wider than it is high, so that it has an elongated planar shape with rounded edges 31. This shape provides a substantially rectangular user interface surface 9, whose width in the rotational direction is greater than that which would be present in a pointing device if the elongated stick were rounded. This extended width of the user interface surface in the rotational direction allows the user to adopt different movement patterns of the arm and hand when using the pointing device, and therefore provides better ergonomics for some users.

[0051] In one particular embodiment, the length L1 of the support member 5 is about 324 mm, the length L2 of the flexible sleeve 7 is about 252 mm, the maximum width W1 of the support member 5 is about 33 mm, and the maximum height H1 of the support member is about 16 mm.

[0052] The pointing device may further be configured to allow the user to perform the following combined Figure 2 The "click" operation described above.

[0053] The pointing device includes a controller, for example in the form of at least one electronic circuit, which is configured to communicate with the optical sensor and is capable of transmitting data related to any detected movement of the flexible sleeve to a computer. The transmitted data can be used as a control signal for controlling a cursor in the GUI and can be transmitted via an appropriate connection such as a wired (e.g. serial, USB, etc.) or wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) connection. The controller can be located within the support member. In addition to the data detected by the optical sensor regarding the detected movement of the flexible sleeve, the controller can also transmit other data detected in the pointing device, such as the following in combination Figure 2 The data related to the click action.

[0054] Figure 2 2 shows a perspective view of a slide bar 3 mounted on a base member 21 according to some embodiments. The slide bar 3 may be a Figure 1 The sliding bar.

[0055] The pointing device disclosed herein is intended to be placed on a surface such as a table, between the user and the keyboard. Figure 2 , a pointing device having a support assembly is shown, which couples the slide bar 3 to the base member 21 and is configured to suspend the slide bar 3 to allow depression of the slide bar 3 relative to the base member 21. The base member 21 has a rear side, which is configured to rest on a suitable workspace surface, such as the surface of a desk. Figure 2 A first arm 33 and a second arm 34 are shown disposed at the distal end of the elongated support member 5. Each of the first and second arms 33, 34 is configured to receive the slide bar 3 and couple the slide bar to the first and second pivots 17, 18, respectively. The first and second pivots 17, 18 are connected to the base member 21. Accordingly, the first and second arms 33, 34 are configured to pivot about the first and second pivots 17, 18, respectively, in response to downward pressure applied to the elongated support member 5 or the sleeve 7 relative to the base member 21 of the device. The suspension of the slide bar can be achieved using one or more springs, such as leaf springs, solenoids, etc.

[0056] In various embodiments, the first and second pivots 17, 18 are substantially aligned so as to substantially align the rotation of the first and second arms 33, 34 along the rotation axis. As discussed in further detail herein, such downward pressure can be used to initiate a click operation.

[0057] When a user applies force F3 on the slider 3 in a generally downward direction, the support assembly allows the slider to move downward, as shown by arrow D. The pointing device includes a click trigger positioned to activate in response to downward pressure applied to the sleeve 7. While in some examples, the click trigger may include a mechanical switch, in various other embodiments, the click trigger may include a non-contact click trigger. The pointing device may include multiple click triggers.

[0058] exist Figure 2 A contactless click trigger is shown in , which includes a contactless sensor located at the end of an elongated support member 5. The contactless sensor shown is a Hall effect sensor 37, which is configured to interact with a magnet (or other magnetic source) 35 coupled to the support rod. The downward pressure applied by the user to the flexible sleeve 7 reduces the distance between the Hall effect sensor and the corresponding magnet. Once a predetermined threshold is reached (i.e., the magnet and the Hall effect sensor reach a predetermined proximity), a click operation occurs. In a specific example, the pointing device can have a first Hall effect sensor at a first end of the elongated support member 5 and a second Hall effect sensor at a farther second end of the elongated support member 5. In this embodiment, a click operation can occur if a threshold of one of the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor is reached, and / or both thresholds are reached.

[0059] The amount of pressure required to produce a click operation may depend largely on user preferences, and the corresponding operation performed by the computer when communicating with the pointing device. Therefore, the pointing device may include a means for changing the force level setting of the click force. Therefore, in some examples, the pointing device may further include a pressure regulator configured to adjust the downward pressure to activate the click trigger. The pointing device may further include a component configured to produce an audible click in response to the activation of the click trigger. Figure 1 As described, the controller may transmit data detected in the pointing device, such as data related to a detected click operation.

[0060] The pointing device may be further configured such that the downward force required to activate the click trigger is substantially the same for pressure applied anywhere on the elongated support member 5 or pressure applied anywhere within the user interface surface 6. A firmware algorithm may implement such a configuration.

[0061] Figure 3A A cross section of a flexible sleeve 7 provided on a support member 5 according to some embodiments is shown. The cross section is formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 along which the support member elongates.

[0062] The support member 5 has a flat user interface support surface 6 which faces substantially upwards when the pointing device is positioned on a table during use. Figure 3A The support member shown further has rounded edges 31 extending from two opposite sides of the upward facing surface of the support member, which includes the user interface support surface 6. The rounded edges are configured to facilitate the rotation of the flexible sleeve 7 disposed around the support member 5. The support member 5 and the flexible sleeve 7 may be combined Figure 1 Those described.

[0063] like Figure 3A The support member 5 shown is at least partially hollow and the flexible sleeve 7 is shown guided in rotation on the support member 5 by the circular edge 31 .

[0064] At any time during use, a portion of the flexible sleeve 7 can be seen to be supported by the user interface support surface 6. This portion of the flexible sleeve 7 includes the user interface surface 9, which is the surface accessible to the user during normal use of the pointing device. As the user moves the flexible sleeve around on the support member, different areas of the outer surface of the flexible sleeve 7 become the user interface surface 9. Because the user interface surface 9 is supported by the user interface support surface 6, the flexible sleeve at least partially conforms to the shape of the support member 5.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shape of the flexible sleeve 7 when disposed on the support member 5 may be characterized by a width W2 along the axis A2 and a height H2 along the axis A3, such as Figure 3A The shape of a stadium is shown. Axes A2 and A3 are perpendicular to each other and extend in a plane perpendicular to axis A1. The width W2 is greater than the height H2, and the slide bar 3 is suitable for use in a pointing device, wherein an extended width of the substantially rectangular user interface surface 9 is desired compared to the width achievable using a circular support rod. If a circular support rod is used, of course, a larger diameter support rod will provide a larger contact surface for the user, but this is at the expense of the overall structural height of the pointing device becoming larger. Generally, in order to provide good ergonomics, a pointing device of the type described herein should be as thin as possible, which will become increasingly difficult with larger diameters of the circular support rods.

[0066] The width W3 of the substantially rectangular user interface surface 9 is less than the width W2 of the cross section of the flexible sleeve 7. In some embodiments, the width W3 of the user interface surface 9 is at least 20 mm, such as at least 25 mm, such as at least 30 mm. The extended width of the user interface surface 9 provides an extended area for the user to interact with the pointing device.

[0067] Figure 3BA cross section of a flexible sleeve 7 provided on a support member 5 according to some embodiments is shown. The cross section is formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 along which the support member elongates.

[0068] Figure 3B The cross section of the support member 5 shown is a closed irregular curve. In other embodiments, the cross section of the support member 5 substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 may have other shapes, such as a stadium shape, an oval or an ellipse (since the support member is non-circular, the eccentricity is greater than zero, so as to provide a user interface surface 9 having a relatively wide width in the rotation direction).

[0069] The user interface support surface 6 is slightly curved, and thus the user interface surface 9 is also slightly curved, which at least partially conforms to the shape of the user interface support surface 6. For some irregular shapes, such as Figure 3B The shape shown, the maximum width W2 and the maximum height H2 may at least partially characterize the shape of the cross-section of the flexible sleeve 7. Figure 3A Unlike the illustrated embodiment with a flat user interface support surface 6, the width of the user interface surface is not a straight line. Instead, the width of the user interface surface 9 is characterized by a curved length L3, which naturally approximates a straight line for small curvatures of the user interface support surface.

[0070] Figure 4 FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a slide bar 3 according to some embodiments. The cross section is formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 along which the support member extends. The support member 5 and the flexible sleeve 7 may be as follows: Figure 3A The support member and flexible sleeve are shown.

[0071] An optical sensor 13 is housed within the support member 5 and is configured to detect any rotational movement and / or axial movement of the flexible sleeve 7 relative to the support member 5 via a first hole 15 in the support member in a manner known in the art. The optical sensor 13 is mounted on a PCB 14. The detection of movement may be based at least in part on changes in an optical sensor signal received from the inner surface of the flexible sleeve 7 within the field of view of the optical sensor. The optical sensor system may be a combination of the above Figure 1 The system described.

[0072] The support member 5 is a hollow elongated rod with rounded edges 31 and a generally flat shape. A cross section of the support member substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 has a maximum width W1 and a maximum height H1, which are defined by mutually perpendicular axes A2 and A3, respectively, wherein the axes A2 and A3 are both perpendicular to the axis A1. The axis A2 is parallel to at least one point on the user interface support surface 6 of the support member 5.

[0073] The maximum width W1 is greater than the maximum height H1, so that the support rod 5 extends further in a direction generally parallel to the user interface than in a direction generally perpendicular to the user interface. The user interface support surface 6 supports the user interface surface 9, which appears to the user as a generally flat, possibly slightly curved surface.

[0074] Figure 5 A perspective view of a pointing device according to some embodiments is shown. The pointing device is intended to be positioned in front of a user, between the user and a keyboard (not shown). The pointing device 1 may include a slide bar as described herein. The slide bar is located in the housing of the pointing device and makes the substantially upwardly directed surface of the flexible sleeve 7 available to the user.

[0075] The pointing device comprises two end members 23, 24, each of which is arranged to cover an end of the slider 3, respectively, so that at any time during normal use, only the flexible sleeve 7 and not the support member is visible. Therefore, the length L4 of the end members 23, 24 must be at least the length L1 of the support element minus the length L2 of the flexible sleeve 7. This provides a user window 25 that encloses the user interface surface 9 of the sleeve 7 at either end. The user can then access at least a portion of the user interface surface 9 with one or more fingers and slide or rotate the flexible sleeve 7 relative to the rest of the pointing device 1. In some embodiments, the end members can be part of a single structure, such as a slider cover configured to provide a suitable user window.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the length L1 of the support member 5 is approximately 324 mm, the length L2 of the flexible sleeve 7 is approximately 252 mm, the length L5 of the user window is approximately 166 mm, and the width W3 of the user interface surface 9 is approximately 30 mm.

[0077] The pointing device 1 further includes a wrist rest support 29, which serves as a support for a replaceable wrist rest. The wrist rest support 29 may include one or more attachment members for attaching the wrist rest to the pointing device 1. For example, magnetism may be used to achieve attachment of the wrist rest, and the attachment member may be a magnet or metal configured to attach to a suitable attachment member of the wrist rest.

[0078] In a pointing device including a slider, rotation of the flexible sleeve 7 about the support member can move the cursor vertically within the GUI, while axial movement / translation, i.e., lateral movement, of the flexible sleeve 7 can move the cursor horizontally within the GUI. An advantage of such a pointing device is that, when positioned correctly, the user only needs to move the hand a short distance to reach the user interface surface 9, and the response between the movement of the flexible sleeve 7 and the movement of the cursor in the GUI on the display is as direct as using a conventional computer mouse.

[0079] The pointing device 1 may also include a user panel 27 including buttons and / or a scroll wheel, which may be programmed to correspond to typical operations performed by a conventional mouse. For example, they may allow a user to perform corresponding functions typically performed by a conventional mouse, such as copy, paste, right click, left click, or double click. Figure 1 As described above, the controller may transmit data detected in the pointing device, such as data related to an operation performed using the user panel 27 .

[0080] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A perspective view of a pointing device according to some embodiments is shown. The pointing device 1 is intended to be positioned in front of a user, between the user and a keyboard (not shown). The pointing device 1 may be a pointing device as described herein, for example in combination with Figure 5 The pointing device.

[0081] The pointing device 1 further includes a wrist rest support 29 which is configured to support a replaceable wrist rest 39 .

[0082] exist Fig. 6A 2 shows a wrist rest support 29 having three attachment members 45 for attaching a wrist rest 39 to the wrist rest support 29. The attachment members 45 on the wrist rest support 29 are configured to attach to appropriate attachment members (not shown) on the underside of the wrist rest 39. For example, the attachment members 45 on the support 29 may each include one or more magnets, and the attachment members on the wrist rest 39 may be made of a magnetizable metal, or vice versa. In some embodiments, all attachment members on the wrist rest support and on the wrist rest include one or more magnets.

[0083] All attachment members are configured so that a user can easily detach the wrist rest 39 from the wrist rest support 29 , for example for cleaning or for replacing the wrist rest 39 .

[0084] The replaceable wrist rest 39 can be configured to at least partially yield when the user places the wrist on the wrist rest. The replaceable wrist rest can include one or more materials that yield under the pressure generated by the user placing the wrist on the wrist rest. In some embodiments, the replaceable wrist rest 39 includes one or more materials that yield under the pressure generated by the user's wrist being placed on the wrist rest, and the replaceable wrist rest 39 also includes one or more materials that do not yield under the pressure generated by the user's wrist being placed on the wrist rest. In some embodiments, the replaceable wrist rest 39 includes an upper layer 41 and a lower layer 43, wherein the lower layer of the two layers 41, 43 is the layer closest to the wrist rest support 29. The upper and lower layers of the replaceable wrist rest can be made of different materials and can have different hardnesses. The lower layer 43 may include an attachment member configured to be attached to an attachment member 45 on the wrist rest. In some embodiments, the lower layer 43 of the wrist rest 39 is configured to rest the wrist rest support 29. One or more intermediate wrist rest layers may be included between upper layer 41 and lower layer 43 .

[0085] In some embodiments, the upper layer 41 is made of a non-elastic material, such as a hard polymer or wood. To achieve a wrist rest 39 that at least partially yields when the upper layer 41 is made of a non-elastic material, such as wood, to provide a more comfortable resting position for the user's wrist, the lower layer 43 may be made of an elastic material, such as a silicone pad. Some users may feel more comfortable with the hard upper surface of such a wrist rest when using a pointing device.

[0086] exist Figure 6B , the wrist rest 39 has been attached to the wrist rest support 29 and provides a resting position for the wrist of the user of the pointing device 1. The wrist rest 39 can be attached to the wrist rest support 29 using an attachment member 45 on the wrist rest support 29, which is attached as described above to a suitable attachment member (not shown) on the underside of the wrist rest support 39. The attachment member is configured so that the user can easily remove the wrist rest 39 from the wrist rest support 29, for example for cleaning or for replacing the wrist rest 39.

[0087] Figure 7 A perspective view of a pointing device according to some embodiments is shown. The pointing device 1 is intended to be positioned in front of a user, between the user and a keyboard (not shown). The pointing device 1 may be a pointing device as described herein, for example in combination with Fig. 6A The pointing device.

[0088] exist Figure 7 , a wrist rest pad 39 having an upper layer 41 and a lower layer 43 has been attached to the wrist rest pad support 29. The wrist rest pad 39 is configured to provide a resting position for a user of the pointing device 1. Fig. 6A As described, the upper layer 41 may be made of a non-elastic material, such as a hard polymer or wood, and the lower layer 43 may be made of an elastic material, such as a silicone pad. Some users may find that a hard upper surface of the wrist rest 39 is more comfortable during use of a pointing device.

[0089] Reference numerals list

[0090] 1 pointing device

[0091] 3 Sliders

[0092] 5 Supporting members

[0093] 6. User Interface Support Surface

[0094] 7 Flexible sleeve

[0095] 9 User Interface Surfaces

[0096] 11 Friction reducing layer

[0097] 13 Optical Sensor

[0098] 14Sensor PCB

[0099] 15 First Hole

[0100] 17 First Pivot

[0101] 18 Second Pivot

[0102] 19 Elongated structure

[0103] 21 Base member

[0104] 23 first end member

[0105] 24 second end member

[0106] 25 User Window

[0107] 27 User Panel

[0108] 29 Wrist support cushion

[0109] 31 Edge

[0110] 33 First arm

[0111] 34 Second arm

[0112] 35 Magnets

[0113] 37 Magnetic induction sensor

[0114] 39 Wrist Cushion

[0115] 41 Upper layer of wrist rest

[0116] 43 Wrist rest bottom layer

[0117] 45 Attachment member to wrist rest support

Claims

1. A pointing device (1), comprising: Slide bar (3), including: - a non-circular support member (5) which is elongated along axis A1 and comprises a flat or convex user interface support surface (6); - a flexible sleeve (7) arranged around the support member, the flexible sleeve being rotatable around the support member and being slidable along the support member along the A1 axis, a portion of the flexible sleeve being supported by the user interface support surface during normal use, the portion comprising the user interface surface (9); and - a friction reducing layer (11) adhered to the support member (5), the friction reducing layer being configured to reduce friction between the support member and the flexible sleeve; The pointing device further comprises a sensor (13) configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongated support member (5).

2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein: The support member comprises a first aperture (15), and wherein the sensor (13) is an optical sensor housed within the support member and configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongated support member via the first aperture.

3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein: The friction reducing layer comprises a second hole aligned with the first hole (15), and wherein the optical sensor (13) is further configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the support member (5) via the second hole.

4. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The friction reducing layer is made of cloth.

5. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The friction reducing layer comprises PTFE.

6. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cross-section of the flexible sleeve substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 when being arranged on the support member has a maximum width W2 and a maximum height H2 respectively defined by mutually perpendicular axes A2 and A3, wherein both axes A2 and A3 are perpendicular to the axis A1, wherein the axis A2 is parallel to at least one point on the user interface support surface of the support member; and wherein the maximum width W2 is greater than the maximum height H2.

7. The pointing device according to claim 6, wherein: The maximum width W2 of the cross section of the flexible sleeve is between 20 mm and 42 mm, such as between 25 mm and 39 mm, such as between 28 mm and 34 mm.

8. A pointing device according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The maximum height H2 of the cross section of the flexible sleeve is between 13 mm and 27 mm, such as between 15 mm and 25 mm, such as between 18 mm and 22 mm.

9. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible sleeve includes a plurality of elongated structures (19) disposed on an outer surface of the flexible sleeve and along a length of the flexible sleeve, and wherein the elongated structures are configured to increase the stiffness of the flexible sleeve along the axis A1.

10. The pointing device according to claim 9, wherein: The elongate structures comprise carbon, such as carbon fibres.

11. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible sleeve comprises silicone.

12. The pointing device according to claim 11, wherein: The inner surface of the flexible sleeve has been treated with UV light to reduce the friction of the inner surface of the flexible sleeve.

13. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thickness of the flexible sleeve is between 0.10 mm and 0.40 mm, such as between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm, such as between 0.20 mm and 0.28 mm.

14. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum length of the support member is between 200mm and 420mm, such as between 250mm and 390mm, such as between 280mm and 340mm, and optionally, the maximum length of the flexible sleeve is between 170mm and 330mm, such as between 200mm and 300mm, such as between 220mm and 280mm.

15. A pointing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pointing device is configured such that the user interface surface (9) accessible to the user has a length (L5) between 100 mm and 250 mm, such as between 120 mm and 230 mm, such as between 150 mm and 190 mm, and wherein the user interface surface (9) accessible to the user has a width (W3) between 23 mm and 35 mm, such as between 25 mm and 33 mm, such as between 27 mm and 31 mm.

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