Mouse and its input methods

Abstract

mouse (1), exhibiting: - one input unit (10); - one output unit (12); - a control unit (14) coupled between the input unit (10) and the output unit (12) and used to assess whether an input sequence entered by the input unit (10) corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, and if so, the predefined sequence of actions generates a corresponding trigger signal which is output via the output unit (12) to a computer (9); and - a storage unit (16) in which a comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) is stored, which contains at least one predefined sequence of actions and a trigger signal corresponding to the sequence of actions, wherein the control unit (14) uses the comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) to assess whether the input sequence corresponds to the predefined sequence of actions and whether a trigger signal corresponding to the sequence of actions is a password or a macro command; wherein the trigger signal replaces an input operation entered by means of a keyboard (7) and controls the computer (9); and wherein the input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals which are entered successively in a fixed order by means of the input unit (10), wherein the control unit (14) selects the trigger signal which relates to a website, wherein the mouse is designed such that, by means of a firmware, a correct trigger signal is selected from the trigger signals generated here depending on a website currently being visited, so that the user can log in to the website and execute the macro command.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mouse and its input method, in particular to a mouse and a method by means of which corresponding input signals can be generated in a fast way.

[0002] With the development of computer technology, everyday life has become closely linked to computers. For example, one can easily transfer money between different banks, check one's employment insurance status, log into a desired online community, or send and receive emails. Therefore, the protection of personal data is of great importance today. For example, the password used to log in to certain websites must be updated regularly to protect the website from hacking or sabotage.

[0003] The disadvantage of this solution, however, is that you have to enter a password consisting of a number of letters, numbers, or characters each time you use the keyboard to adjust to a website's regular password updates. Furthermore, there are certain rules that must be strictly followed when creating a password, such as: the password cannot consist of a number of consecutive numbers; the date of birth or ID number cannot be used; and the password must be longer than 8 characters. All of this requires you to use the keyboard multiple times to enter the password, making logging in cumbersome.

[0004] Known devices are described in DE 101 30 019 A1, US 9009628 B2, and US 2011 / 0154444 A1.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of creating a mouse and its input method which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages by simple measures.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a mouse having the features specified in claim 1 and by an input method having the features specified in claim 4. Further advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0007] According to the invention, a mouse is provided comprising: - an input unit; - an output unit; and - a control unit coupled between the input unit and the output unit and used to assess an input sequence entered by the input unit as to whether it corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, and if so, the predefined sequence of actions generates a trigger signal corresponding to it, which is output to a computer via the output unit, and the trigger signal replaces an input operation entered by means of a keyboard and controls the computer, wherein the input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals which are input sequentially in a fixed order by means of the input unit.

[0008] According to the invention, an input method for a mouse is provided, comprising the following steps: Assess whether the mouse input unit has entered an input sequence that corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions; Selecting a trigger signal from a plurality of trigger signals corresponding to the predefined action sequence, if the above assessment is the case; and Outputting the trigger signal to the computer via the output unit, wherein the trigger signal replaces the function of a key combination input to the computer via a keyboard, wherein the input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals which are input sequentially in a fixed order via the input unit.

[0009] The invention and its embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a mouse according to the invention in use; Fig. 2 a functional block diagram of the mouse according to the invention according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a comparison table of the mouse according to the invention according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the input method of the mouse according to the invention; Fig. 5 a further comparison table of the mouse according to the invention according to Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 a flow chart of a Fig. 5 shows a comparison table of the adapted input method of the mouse according to the invention. [First embodiment]

[0010] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, a mouse 1 according to the invention comprises an input unit 10, an output unit 12, a control unit 14, and a memory unit 16. In a practical application, the mouse 1 can be a wired or wireless mouse, the pointer of which, displayed on a screen, serves as an input mark of a computer 9. Signal transmission between a wired mouse and the computer 9 occurs, for example, via a connecting cable, while wireless signals between the wireless mouse and the computer are transmitted via a Bluetooth protocol, an RF protocol, or an IEEE 802.11 protocol. In the exemplary embodiment, no restriction is imposed on the shape and design of the mouse 1.

[0011] Subsequently, the Fig. 2, the input unit 10 is explained in more detail. This can be, for example, a left mouse button, a right mouse button, a mouse wheel, a motion sensor, or a combination of the above-mentioned parts. If the input unit 10 is pressed, rolled, or moved, a corresponding input signal is generated and forwarded to the control unit 14. The input signal is generated by pressing the right mouse button, the left mouse button, the mouse wheel, or by a mouse movement. Because anyone with general knowledge in this technical field will be familiar with the input unit 10, its functions will not be explained in detail here.

[0012] Note that a combination of multiple input signals can be input as an input sequence if the input unit 10 is sequentially operated in a specific order. For example, the right mouse button, the left mouse button, and the right mouse button can be operated together in a specific order to generate multiple input signals such as right mouse button signals, left mouse button signals, and right mouse button signals. The combinations of these input signals are defined herein as the input sequence. In the embodiment, no limitation is imposed on the form of the input sequence. Anyone with general knowledge in the technical field can freely design the input sequence as needed.

[0013] The control unit 14 is coupled between the input unit 10, the output unit 12, and the memory unit 16. The control unit 14 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or a microcontroller (MCU), which serves to calculate and process the signals from the individual units in the mouse 1. In a practical application, the control unit 14 decides whether an input signal or an input trigger signal is transmitted to the output unit 12.

[0014] For example, if the input unit 10 inputs an input sequence that does not correspond to a predefined sequence of actions, the input sequence is forwarded as a standard input to the output unit 12 to perform normal operation. If the input unit 10 inputs an input sequence that corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, the input sequence generates a corresponding trigger signal, which is first transmitted to the output unit 12 and then transmitted by the output unit to a computer 9, thus realizing fast or simplified operation.

[0015] More specifically, the control unit 14 is arranged between the input unit 10 and the output unit 12 and serves to receive an input sequence input by the input unit 10 and to judge whether the input sequence corresponds to a predefined action sequence. If so, a trigger signal corresponding to the predefined action sequence is output to the computer 9 via the output unit 12, so that the trigger signal is input directly to the computer 9, eliminating the need for complicated operation on a keyboard 7.

[0016] It should be noted that a predefined action sequence can simultaneously correspond to a plurality of trigger signals, which can be output to the computer 9 via the output unit 12. Whether a predefined action sequence in the exemplary embodiment corresponds to only one trigger signal or to several trigger signals simultaneously is not limited to this here.

[0017] For example, a user must regularly update their password to log in to Bank A's website. This allows the user to use a specified input sequence that corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions used to log in to Bank A's website. This predefined sequence of actions generates a password used to log in to Bank A's website. This allows the user to log in to Bank A's website simply by pressing mouse 1 after the specified input sequence.

[0018] Furthermore, the predefined action sequence and the trigger signal can be created according to the user's needs. For example, the mouse 1 can execute the predefined action sequence and a corresponding trigger signal using a setting button (not shown in the drawing), an application program, or firmware. The predefined action sequence and the trigger signal can be modified, changed, or edited by the user.

[0019] For example, the user can predefine a sequence of actions by pressing a setting button on the mouse 1 (not shown in the drawing). The control unit 14 of the mouse 1 records the input sequence entered as the predefined sequence of actions. The input sequence can be, for example, a key combination of "pressing the right mouse button three times + pressing the left mouse button twice." The user can then enter an arbitrarily created password such as "abcde123" using the keyboard 7. If the setting button (not shown in the drawing) is pressed again, the control unit 14 records the aforementioned input sequence "pressing the right mouse button three times + pressing the left mouse button twice" as the predefined sequence of actions and the entered password "abcde123" as the trigger signal for logging into the website, both of which are stored in the storage unit 16.

[0020] Using the same principle, the user can define an input macro command, such as a "Copy" macro command consisting of a key combination (Ctrl+Alt+C), as a trigger signal. In this case, when the user enters the above-mentioned input sequence using Mouse 1, the "Copy" macro command is executed. It can therefore be concluded that Mouse 1 can execute the predefined action sequences and output the trigger signals using a setting button (not shown in the drawing), an application program, or firmware. Since all of this is known to anyone with general knowledge in this technical field, it will not be explained in detail here.

[0021] The storage unit 16 can be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM. A comparison table 162 is stored in the storage unit 16, which contains at least one predefined action sequence and a trigger signal corresponding to the action sequence. The control unit 14 can use the comparison table 162 to determine whether the input sequence corresponds to a predefined action sequence and whether the trigger signal corresponding to the predefined action sequence is a password or a macro command.

[0022] More specifically, a predefined sequence of actions stored in the comparison table 162 corresponds to a trigger signal. When the user enters an input sequence that corresponds to the predefined sequence of actions, the corresponding trigger signal is generated, which can be used to log in to a website, start an application program, or execute a macro command. Alternatively, a predefined sequence of actions stored in the comparison table 162 can also correspond to a plurality of trigger signals at the same time. In this case, a plurality of trigger signals are generated when the input sequence corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions is entered. Firmware ensures that a correct trigger signal is selected from the trigger signals generated here, depending on the website or application currently being visited.of an application program running on a computer, allowing the user to log in to the website, launch the application program, or execute the macro command. It can be seen that the comparison table can be created according to the user's needs. In the exemplary embodiment, no limitation is imposed on the form of the comparison table 162.

[0023] It should be noted that the mouse 1 also includes an output interface (not shown in the drawing) that is coupled to the memory unit 16 of the mouse 1. Using the output interface mentioned here, the comparison table 162 stored in the memory unit 16 is output to the computer 9, allowing the user to access and edit detailed data in the comparison table 162. Furthermore, in the other embodiments, the mouse 1 can be equipped with a timing unit (not shown in the drawing), which is coupled to the control unit 14, allowing the predefined action sequences to be arranged according to a time period or chronological order. The shape and design of the mouse 1 are not limited in the embodiment.

[0024] The output unit 12 can, for example, be a wireless transmission device or an RF transmission device and serves to receive the input signals and trigger signals transmitted by the control unit 14, both of which are forwarded to the computer 9 so that the computer 9 executes the corresponding commands. The input trigger signals cause the computer 9 to launch corresponding application programs, log in to a visited website, or execute corresponding macro commands. In the other embodiments, the output unit 12 can also be a wired transmission device. The shape and design of the output unit 12 are not limited in the embodiment.

[0025] As described above, depending on the requirements of a respective website, the user can regularly update their password for logging into the website or execute a macro command of an application program. The user only needs to operate the mouse 1 and enter an input sequence corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions. Thus, a trigger signal corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions is output to the computer 9 via the output unit 12, wherein the trigger signal replaces an input command entered into the computer 9 via a keyboard. Thus, the user can either quickly log in to the website that requires regular password updates using the predefined input sequence or quickly execute a macro command of an application program, which greatly simplifies logging into a website or executing a macro command. [Second embodiment]

[0026] Below, individual steps of the mouse input method according to the invention are explained in detail. As shown in the attached drawings, Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the input method according to the invention comprises the following steps: As the first step S401, the mouse is first operated to receive an input sequence. Subsequently, in step S403, it is judged whether the input unit of the mouse has input an input sequence corresponding to a predefined action sequence. If yes, then step S407 is executed, wherein it is judged whether the predefined action sequences are arranged according to the time period or time order. If not, step S405 is executed, that is, the above-mentioned input is treated as a usual operation. Since one with general knowledge in this technical field clearly understands the usual operations of the mouse, they will not be explained in detail here.

[0027] More specifically, in step S403, a comparison table 162a is used to determine whether the mouse input unit has entered an input sequence that corresponds to a predefined action sequence. At least one predefined action sequence and the corresponding trigger signals are stored in the comparison table 162a, wherein the stored trigger signals can be a password or a macro command, respectively.

[0028] Based on the Fig. 3 an example is given, where the detailed data of the Fig. 2 shown comparison table 162 in the storage unit 16 using the Fig. 3 shown in the comparison table 162a. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a first password is generated using the key combination "press the left mouse button twice + press the right mouse button once + roll the mouse wheel forward once," which serves as the predefined sequence of actions. The first password serves as the password for logging into Bank A's website. If the user enters an input sequence with the mouse that corresponds to the predefined sequence of actions, the first password is generated, allowing the user to log into Bank A's website simply by clicking the mouse. If the website requires regular password updates, the mouse can generate the first password by receiving the same input sequence. The first password can be created by the user using a keyboard.

[0029] Below, the input procedure is described using the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In step S407, it is judged whether the predefined action sequences are arranged according to the time period or time sequence. For example, the predefined action sequence corresponding to the first password is created according to the time sequence of "left mouse button press twice + right mouse button press once + scroll the mouse wheel forward once." If the mouse receives an input sequence arranged according to the time sequence of "scroll the mouse wheel forward once + right mouse button press once + left mouse button press twice," it is judged that the input sequence does not correspond to the predefined action sequence that generates the first password. Then, the input sequence mentioned here is executed as the usual mouse operations.

[0030] In contrast, in the other embodiments, when the mouse input sequence corresponds to a trigger movement, the time unit begins its timing. For example, the key combination "press the left mouse button twice" is defined as the trigger movement of the action sequence predefined for the first password. When the mouse input corresponds to the trigger movement, the time unit begins its timing, with the timing occurring after a predetermined time period. For example, the predetermined time period is 10 seconds. If the user does not input the movements following the trigger movement ("press the right mouse button once + roll the mouse wheel forward once") within 10 seconds, step S405 is executed.

[0031] In contrast, if the user completes the predefined action sequence for the first password following the trigger movement (press the right mouse button once + roll the mouse wheel forward once) within 10 seconds, step S409 is executed. Furthermore, if the mouse input sequence is not completed within the specified time period, or if the input sequence is successfully executed, the time unit is reset to zero, making it ready for timing the next trigger movement. Anyone with general knowledge in this technical field can freely adjust the time unit and the specified time period as needed.

[0032] Then, step S409 is carried out based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a corresponding trigger signal corresponding to a predefined action sequence stored in the comparison table 162a is selected. For example, a key combination "right mouse button press three times + roll mouse wheel backward once + press left mouse button twice" is determined to be a predefined action sequence. Thus, a corresponding trigger signal is selected based on the comparison table 162a to generate a first macro command. As another example, if the key combination "roll mouse wheel forward twice + press left mouse button twice" is determined to be the predefined action sequence, a different trigger signal is selected based on the comparison table 162a to generate a second password.

[0033] The selected trigger signals are then output to the computer in step S411. Because anyone with general knowledge of this technical field will understand the functions of the trigger signals output to the computer, these functions will not be explained in detail here. [Third embodiment]

[0034] In order that anyone with general knowledge in the technical field can better understand the present invention, a comparison table of another embodiment is shown below in the accompanying drawing, Fig. 5. The Fig. Comparison table 162b shown in Figure 5 differs from that shown in the Fig. 3 as follows: The predefined action sequences stored in the comparison table 162b each correspond to a plurality of trigger signals, so that a plurality of trigger signals can be generated simultaneously when the user enters an input sequence that corresponds to a predefined action sequence.

[0035] More specifically, the control unit 14 is coupled between the input unit 10 and the output unit 12 and serves to receive an input sequence input by the input unit 10. The control unit 14 assesses whether the input sequence corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions. If so, the corresponding trigger signal is selected from a plurality of trigger signals corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions and forwarded to the computer via the output unit. One of the criteria for selecting a plurality of trigger signals is whether the selected trigger signal matches a currently visited website or an application program on the computer.

[0036] For example, the Fig. 2, the memory unit 16 has a comparison table 162 in which the detailed data are stored which exactly correspond to the data of the Fig. 5 shown in comparison table 162b. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the key combination “press the left mouse button twice + press the right mouse button once + roll the mouse wheel forward once” corresponds to the predefined sequence of actions that can generate a first, a second, a third password, a first and a second macro command simultaneously.

[0037] For example, the first, second, and third passwords are the passwords for logging into the websites of Bank A, Bank B, and Bank C, respectively, while the first and second macro commands are used to execute application programs A and B, respectively. When the user operates the mouse on a login page of Bank C in such a way that it receives an input sequence that corresponds to the predefined sequence of actions, one of the corresponding trigger signals, in this case the third password, is selected and forwarded to the computer via the output unit. One of the criteria used here when selecting the trigger signals is whether the selected trigger signal matches a currently visited website or an application program on the computer.

[0038] Using the same principle, the user can use the mouse to log in to the website of Bank A, Bank B, or Bank C. This ensures that when the password for the respective website of Bank A, Bank B, or Bank C is regularly updated, the mouse always receives the same input sequence. A correct password is selected from the first, second, or third password depending on the website currently being visited on the computer, allowing the user to log in to the website of Bank A, Bank B, or Bank C. The first, second, and third passwords are generated using a keyboard, depending on the user's needs.

[0039] The same applies to macro commands, i.e., when running application program A or B, the mouse receives the same input sequence, and the correct macro command is selected between the first and second macro commands depending on the application program currently running on the computer, so that the correct application program A or B is executed. The first or second macro command is created using a keyboard, depending on the user's needs.

[0040] Anyone with general technical knowledge should know that, apart from the differences mentioned above, the third embodiment and the second embodiment have equivalent functions. Therefore, the details of the third embodiment will not be explained in detail here, as it is quite easy to deduce from a thorough understanding of the second embodiment and the differences mentioned above. [Fourth embodiment]

[0041] Based on the enclosed drawings, Fig. 5 and Fig.6 shows a fourth embodiment whose mouse input method is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein the input method can judge whether an input sequence corresponds to a predefined action sequence. However, the input method of the fourth embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that the input method used here includes a step S603 in which it is judged whether the mouse input unit is inputting an input sequence that corresponds to a predefined action sequence. If so, in step S609, a corresponding trigger signal is selected from a plurality of trigger signals that correspond to the predefined action sequence and forwarded to a computer via the mouse output unit, wherein the trigger signal replaces an input via the keyboard.The input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals that are input sequentially in a fixed order by means of the input unit.

[0042] The assessment of whether an input sequence entered by the mouse input unit corresponds to a predefined action sequence is made using a comparison table 162b. At least one predefined action sequence and a plurality of trigger signals corresponding to the action sequence are recorded in the comparison table 162b, wherein the respective trigger signals can be either a password or a macro command.

[0043] One of the criteria when selecting a plurality of trigger signals is whether the selected trigger signal matches a currently visited website or an executing application program on the computer. More specifically, the mouse can, for example, contain firmware that detects a website or an application program. When the mouse pointer is on a visited website, said firmware sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, causing it to select a trigger signal corresponding to the currently visited website. The same applies to the application program. When an application program is controlled by the mouse pointer, said firmware sends a corresponding signal to the control unit, causing it to select a trigger signal corresponding to said application program.

[0044] Anyone with general technical knowledge should know that, apart from the differences mentioned above, the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment have equivalent functions. Therefore, the details of the fourth embodiment will not be explained in detail here, as it is quite easy to deduce from a thorough understanding of the second embodiment and the differences mentioned above.

[0045] In summary, the core of the present invention is that a correct input sequence is entered using the mouse, corresponding to a predefined action sequence stored in the mouse's comparison table. This sequence can then generate corresponding trigger signals, with the corresponding trigger signal being forwarded to the computer via the output unit. The task of the trigger signals is to replace the complicated input operation entered into the computer via the keyboard, thereby simplifying logging into a website and executing a macro command in an application program. This effectively solves the problem of forgetting or incorrectly entering a password when a website regularly updates its password.

[0046] The foregoing description illustrates the embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the claims. All equivalent changes and modifications that can be made by one skilled in the art in accordance with the description and drawings of the invention are within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] The foregoing description illustrates the embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the claims. All equivalent changes and modifications that can be made by one skilled in the art in accordance with the description and drawings of the invention are within the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 mouse 7 Keyboard 8 screen 9 computers 10 Input unit 12 Output unit 14 Control unit 16 storage units 162, 162a, 162b Comparison table S401 - S411 step S601 - S611 Step

Claims

[1] Mouse (1), comprising: - an input unit (10); - an output unit (12); - a control unit (14) coupled between the input unit (10) and the output unit (12) and serving to assess an input sequence input by the input unit (10) as to whether it corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, and if so, the predefined sequence of actions generates a trigger signal corresponding to it, which is output to a computer (9) via the output unit (12); and - a memory unit (16) in which a comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) is stored, which contains at least one predefined action sequence and a trigger signal corresponding to the action sequence, wherein the control unit (14) judges on the basis of the comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) whether the input sequence corresponds to the predefined action sequence and whether a trigger signal corresponding to the action sequence is a password or a macro command; wherein the trigger signal replaces an input operation entered by means of a keyboard (7) and controls the computer (9); and wherein the input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals which are input sequentially in a fixed order by means of the input unit (10), wherein the control unit (14) selects the trigger signal relating to a website, wherein the mouse is designed such that, by means of a firmware, a correct trigger signal is selected from the trigger signals generated therein depending on a website currently being visited, so that the user can log in to the website and execute the macro command. [2] Mouse (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the input unit (10) is a left mouse button, a right mouse button, a mouse wheel, a mouse movement sensor or a combination of these components. [3] Mouse (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat, if the control unit (14) judges that the input sequence corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, a trigger signal corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions is selected and forwarded to the computer (9), wherein the selected trigger signal causes the connection to a website or the execution of an application program installed on the computer (9). [4] Input method of a mouse (1), comprising: - Assessing whether an input unit (10) of the mouse (1) has entered an input sequence corresponding to a predefined sequence of actions; - selecting a trigger signal from a plurality of trigger signals corresponding to the predefined action sequence, if the above assessment is the case; and Outputting the trigger signal via the output unit (12) to the computer (9), wherein the trigger signal replaces the function of a key combination input to the computer (9) by means of a keyboard (7), wherein the input sequence is a combination of a plurality of input signals which are input successively in a fixed order by means of the input unit (10), and wherein the assessment of whether an input sequence input by the input unit (10) of the mouse (1) corresponds to a predefined action sequence is carried out using a comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) stored in a memory unit (16) of the mouse (1), and wherein the comparison table (162, 162a, 162b) contains at least one predefined action sequence and a plurality of trigger signals corresponding to the action sequence, the respective trigger signals being either a password or a macro command, wherein the control unit (14) selects the trigger signal relating to a website of the computer (9), wherein a correct trigger signal is selected by means of a firmware from the trigger signals generated therein depending on a website currently being visited, so that the user can log in to the website and execute the macro command. [5] Input method according to claim 4, characterized by that the input signals are signals output by a left mouse button, a right mouse button, a mouse wheel, a mouse movement sensor or a combination of these components. [6] Input method according to claim 4, characterized by that the predefined action sequences are ordered according to a time period or a time sequence. [7] Input method according to claim 4, characterized bythat, if the input sequence corresponds to a predefined sequence of actions, a control unit (14) of the mouse (1) selects a trigger signal corresponding to the predefined sequence of actions and forwards it to the computer (9), wherein the selected trigger signal causes the connection to a website or the execution of an application program installed on the computer (9).

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