MANIPULABLE OBJECT AND HOLDER FOR MANIPULABLE OBJECTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to manipulable objects in relation to a touch surface, in particular pawns or buttons for interaction with a touch screen.

[0002] Today users can interact with touch screens using their own fingers but also, depending on the technologies used by these screens, using styluses or interactive pawns (called keyPawn or iPawn or ePawn in English).

[0003] US patent applications US2006256090 A1 and US2013249808 A1 propose a mechanical layer for a touch surface incorporating one or more actuators. This mechanical layer allows for the permanent implementation of the actuators on the touch surface. The drawback of this permanent implementation is that the user cannot utilize the full touch surface across different applications, nor can they change the actuator depending on the application being used.

[0004] The US application US2006256090 A1 proposes as an actuator a slider moving on an axis without specifying the means implemented to guide the actuator on this axis.

[0005] European patent application EP2187290 A1 does not propose a mechanical layer but rather direct attachment of the actuators to the touch surface, either as an adhesive rotary knob or as a slider on a fixed support. In the case of the slider, the support is designed to allow sliding during horizontal movement of the slider relative to the touch surface, without further details.

[0006] Neither the US application US2006256090 A1 nor the European application EP 2187290 A1 provides for a cursor that allows the touch surface to be used in a position other than horizontal. Therefore, if the cursor continues to be guided along a fixed axis when moving across a tilted or vertical touch surface, it will not remain in contact with the touch surface, at least not at its upper edge. This will result in interaction errors or even an inability to interact with the equipment.

[0007] Alternatively, game pieces were first introduced in the gaming world to add a third dimension to video games or to bring the conviviality of board games to tablet gaming. Generally, interactive game pieces allow interaction by positioning the piece on the touchscreen and / or by moving it across the tablet. For rotational interaction, such as interacting with a circular interface like a menu or changing a parameter value, the piece slides across the screen, typically resulting in an additional rotational movement. This rotational movement is more pronounced with larger rotation angles. This translational movement induced by the rotation of the game piece can lead to interaction errors.

[0008] This is why interaction buttons were designed to prevent these translational phenomena. Specifically, these interaction buttons include a suction cup that allows the button to be fixed to a specific position on the touchscreen, such as below a representation of a circular interface displayed by the touchscreen, thus preventing any translation of the button when it is rotated by the user.

[0009] However, when the touchscreen is positioned other than horizontally, the token or button will tend to slide across the screen, especially if the angle of the touchscreen is greater than the horizontal. This will lead to further interaction errors. Even if the button is designed to remain stationary on the screen, the part of the button that interacts with the touchscreen will tend to move away from the touchscreen during the upper part of the button's rotation, resulting in either interaction errors or a complete lack of interaction depending on the circular interface represented by the touchscreen.

[0010] One of the aims of the present invention is to remedy some drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] An object of the invention is a system comprising A support for manipulable objects relative to a touch surface, the support (2) being positionable relative to a touch surface (3) and having an edge of a given thickness; and a manipulable object comprising: at least one prong allowing interaction with a touch surface, and a slot having a width configured to be greater than or equal to the thickness of the support such that the slot is adapted to insert the manipulable object (1) onto the support (2), the location of the slot on the height of the manipulable object being adapted to keep at least one lug of the manipulable object in interaction with the touch surface.

[0012] Thus, the system allows at any time a manipulable object of the system inserted on a support of the system to interact without interaction errors with the touch surface regardless of the position of this touch surface relative to the horizontal: The touch surface identifies any interaction (point or slide) of the manipulable object and a non-erroneous location of this interaction on the touch surface.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one lug is conductive.

[0014] Thus, the system allows for precise interaction on a conductive touch surface.

[0015] Advantageously, when the manipulable object has several prongs, the location of the slot is adapted to keep all the prongs of the manipulable object in interaction with the touch surface.

[0016] Thus, the system allows all types of interaction, including sliding interactions requiring movement of the lugs such as rotation.

[0017] Advantageously, the slot is at a location on the height of the manipulable object suitable for keeping the lugs of the manipulable object in contact with the touch surface.

[0018] Thus, the system allows at any time to interact without interaction errors with a touch surface requiring contact for interaction regardless of the position of this touch surface relative to the horizontal.

[0019] Advantageously, the location of the slot on the height of the manipulable object relative to a base of the manipulable object having at least one lug and the slot is equal, when the support is positioned on a touch surface, to the distance between the support and the touch surface.

[0020] Thus, once the manipulable object is inserted, thanks to its slot, onto the support positioned on a touch surface, the support presses the lugs of the manipulable object against the touch surface, maintaining contact between the manipulable object and the touch surface.

[0021] Advantageously, the manipulable object has two bases, one of which has the lugs and a slot whose location on the height of the manipulable object divides the manipulable object into two parts, each part having a base.

[0022] Thus, the first part of the object is adapted for interaction with the touch surface, the part with the lugs, the second part is adapted for manipulation by a user wishing to interact with the touch surface, and the slot allows the manipulable object to be inserted onto a support in order to place the manipulable object in interaction with the touch surface regardless of the position of the touch surface relative to the horizontal.

[0023] Advantageously, the manipulable object has, on the same base, two prongs allowing control of a rotation of an interaction element of a virtual interface controllable by means of the touch surface.

[0024] Thus, the manipulable object simulates two fingers of a hand to interact with the touch surface.

[0025] Advantageously, the slot goes all the way around the object being manipulated.

[0026] Thus, the manipulable object can be inserted into a support regardless of its position relative to the support, provided that at least one tab is positioned facing the touch surface. Furthermore, the manipulable object remains inserted into the support regardless of how the support is manipulated, including rotation.

[0027] Advantageously, the manipulable object is cylindrical in shape and at least one lug is placed under one of the bases of the cylinder.

[0028] Thus, a movement, such as a rotation, of the manipulable object relative to the touch surface is less jerky because the user will only have to change the position of their hand on the object at the maximum twist of their wrist and to reposition their fingers at each new face of the manipulable object.

[0029] Advantageously, the shape of the manipulable object inside the slot is cylindrical.

[0030] Thus, a movement, such as a rotation, of the manipulable object relative to the touch surface is less jerky because the cylindrical shape of the object's axis (shape inside the slot) eliminates the jolts associated with the change of face of an axis with several faces (axle of parallelepiped shape, prism, etc.).

[0031] Advantageously, the support for manipulable objects includes at least one notch into which the slot of a manipulable object can be inserted.

[0032] Thus, for interactions involving rotation of the manipulable object, the notch prevents lateral slippage of the manipulable object and therefore an error in interaction with the touch surface.

[0033] Advantageously, the width of the notch is at least equal to the dimension of the manipulable object inside the slot and less than the dimension of the manipulable object outside the slot.

[0034] Thus, the notch complements the slot to prevent the manipulable object from remaining in contact with the touch surface, since to remove the support from the slot, the object must first be removed from the notch.

[0035] Advantageously, the support for manipulable objects includes at least a front part and a rear part cooperating to hold the support on the touch surface regardless of the position of the touch surface.

[0036] Thus, the support is sufficient on its own to hold itself and the manipulable object on the touch surface regardless of the position of the touch surface.

[0037] Advantageously, the support for manipulable objects also keeps the touch surface in a determined position.

[0038] Thus, the use of the touch surface in a position other than the horizontal position is possible without additional support other than the support for manipulable objects.

[0039] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description, given by way of example, and the related figures which represent: Figures 1a, 1b, et 1c , a simplified diagram of a manipulable object according to the invention, respectively a side view, a bottom view and a three-dimensional view, in the case of a cylindrical object; Figures 2a , 2b, et 2c , a simplified diagram of a manipulable object according to the invention, respectively a side view, a bottom view and a three-dimensional view, in the case of a prism-shaped object; Figures 3a et 3b , a simplified diagram of a manipulable object and a support according to the invention, in the case of an object with a slot on one side of the object, respectively side view and front view; Figures 4a, 4b, 4c And 4d , a simplified diagram of a manipulable object and a support according to the invention, in the case of an object with a slot around the entire circumference of the object, respectively side view, front view for a cylindrical object, front view for a cubic object, front view for a parallelepiped object, front view for a support with a notch; Figures 5a, 5b And 5c , a simplified diagram of a support for manipulable objects according to the invention, respectively before and after the insertion of two manipulable objects according to the invention, and a side view; Figures 6a et 6b , a simplified diagram of a manipulable object support allowing a touch surface to be held in a semi-vertical and vertical position respectively.

[0040] A manipulable object can have various shapes, each having at least one basic form: either simple shapes such as a cylindrical shape as shown in the figures 1a, 1b, et 1c the shape of a prism as shown by the figures 2a , 2b, et 2c , less also cubic, cuboid, hemisphere..., or complex shapes, that is to say composed of at least two distinct shapes: a hemisphere on a flat cylinder, a person on a cuboid, etc.

[0041] THE figures 1a, 1b, et 1c illustrate a simplified diagram of a manipulable object according to the invention, respectively a vertical cross-sectional view, a horizontal cross-sectional view and a three-dimensional view, in the case of a cylindrical object.

[0042] THE figures 2a , 2b, et 2c illustrate a simplified diagram of a manipulable object according to the invention, respectively a vertical cross-sectional view, a horizontal cross-sectional view and a three-dimensional view, in the case of a prism-shaped object.

[0043] The manipulable object 1 includes: at least one lug 13, 131, 132 allowing interaction with a touch surface, and a slot 10 adapted to insert the manipulable object 1 onto a support positionable relative to the touch surface, the location p of the slot 10 on the height H of the manipulable object 1 being adapted to maintain at least one lug 13 of the manipulable object 1 in interaction with the touch surface. In the example of figures 1a, 1b and 1c The manipulable object 1 has two prongs 13 1 and 13 2 These spurs 13 1 and 13 2 are placed symmetrically on one of the bases B1 of the object manipulable 1. In the example of figures 2a , 2b and 2c , the manipulable object 1 has a single lug 13. The lugs 13, 131, 132 can also be placed in a non-symmetrical way.

[0044] In particular, at least one lug 131 and 132 is conductive.

[0045] In particular, when the manipulable object 1 has several prongs as on the figures 1a, 1b et 1c , the location p of the slot 10 is adapted to keep all the lugs 13 1 and 13 2 of the manipulable object 1 in interaction with the touch surface.

[0046] In particular, the slot 10 is at a location p on the height H of the manipulable object 1 adapted to keep the lugs 131 and 132 of the manipulable object 1 in contact with the touch surface

[0047] In particular, the location p of the slot 10 on the height H of the manipulable object 1 relative to a base B1 of the manipulable object 1 comprising at least one lug 13 1 and 13 2, and the slot 10 is equal, when the support is positioned on a touch surface, to the distance d between the support and the touch surface.

[0048] In particular, manipulable object 1 includes: two bases B1, B2, one of which B1 has the lugs 13, 131, 132 and a slot 10 whose location p on the height H of the manipulable object 1 divides the manipulable object 1 into two parts 11, 12, each part 11, 12 having a base. B1, B2

[0049] In particular, as in the example of figures 1a, 1b, et 1c , the manipulable object 1 has, on the same base B1, two lugs 13 1 , 13 2 allowing to control a rotation of an interaction element of a virtual interface controllable by means of the touch surface.

[0050] In particular, as in the example of figures 1a, 1b, et 1c , slot 10 goes around the manipulable object as shown in the figure 1c .

[0051] In particular, as in the example of figures 1a, 1b, et 1c , the manipulable object 1 is cylindrical in shape and at least one lug 13 1 , 13 2 is placed under one of the bases B1 of the cylinder.

[0052] In particular, as in the example of figures 1a, 1b, et 1c , the shape of the manipulable object inside slot 14 is cylindrical.

[0053] THE figures 1a, 1b et 1c These are several views of the same example of a manipulable object 1 with a simple cylindrical shape. The figure 1a Figure 1 presents a lateral view H, that is, a view in which a height h of the manipulable object 1 is visible. The manipulable object 1 is a cylinder divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a slot 10 that runs around the cylinder, releasing a central axis 14, which is also cylindrical. Each part 11, 12 has a base, respectively B1, B2. The two bases B1, B2 are parallel. The manipulable object 1 has two lugs 131, 132 placed on the same base B1.

[0054] There figure 1b presents a bottom view of the manipulable object 1 of the figure 1a The circular cross-section of the cylinder constituting the manipulable object is visible there. 1. In addition, the two lugs 131 and 132 are shown, placed symmetrically on the periphery of the circle forming a base B1, and in transparency the axis 14 left in the center of the slot 10. Thus, the two lugs 131 and 132 make it possible to simulate the interaction of two fingers with the touch surface and therefore rotational gestures on a touch surface (such as the action on a potentiometer for volume control, the selection of an item in a circular menu, the selection of a frequency, a radio, etc. on a scale or in a list, etc.).

[0055] There figure 1c shows a three-dimensional side view of manipulable object 1 of figures 1a et 1b .

[0056] THE figures 2a , 2b et 2c These are several views of the same example of a manipulable object with a simple shape: a prism. figure 2a This presents a lateral view H, that is, a view in which a height h of the manipulable object 1 is visible. The manipulable object 1 is a prism divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a slit 10 on one side of the prism. Each part 11, 12 has a base, respectively B1, B2. The two bases B1, B2 are parallel. The manipulable object 1 has a lug 13 located on the base B1.

[0057] There figure 2b presents a bottom view of the manipulable object 1 of the figure 2a . The triangular slice of the prism constituting the manipulable object 1 is visible there. In addition, the lug 13 placed on the periphery of the triangle forming a base B1 is represented, and in transparency the remaining part 14 of the manipulable object 1 left by the slit 10.

[0058] There figure 2c shows a three-dimensional side view of manipulable object 1 of figures 2a And 2bon which is visible the slit 10 in one side and rising on part of the other two sides of the prism constituting the manipulable object 1.

[0059] In an embodiment not shown, both bases have lugs: for example, a single lug on one base for translational interactions, and two lugs on the other base for rotational interactions. Alternatively, the manipulable object 1 may have a single slot 10. In this case, the object's height is such that the slot's position relative to both bases is identical, thus allowing the object to be inserted onto a support in either direction depending on the desired interaction mode: translation, rotation, etc. Or, the manipulable object 1 may have two slots 10. The position of each slot relative to its nearest base is such that the manipulable object can be inserted onto a support in either direction depending on the desired interaction mode: translation, rotation, etc.

[0060] THE figures 3a et 3b illustrate a simplified diagram of a manipulable object and a support according to the invention, in the case of an object with a slot on one side of the object, respectively seen in cross-section and from the front, such as that presented by the figures 2a , 2b et 2c .

[0061] The manipulable object 1 includes: a lug 13 allowing interaction with a touch surface 3, and a slot 10 adapted to insert the manipulable object 1 onto a support 2 positionable relative to the touch surface 3. The location of the slot 10 on the height of the manipulable object 1 is adapted to keep the lug 13 of the manipulable object 1 in interaction with the touch surface 3.

[0062] In particular, ergot 13 is conductive.

[0063] In particular, the slot 10 is at a location on the height of the manipulable object 1 adapted to keep the lug 13 of the manipulable object 1 in contact with the touch surface 3.

[0064] In particular, the location of the slot 10 on the height of the manipulable object 1 relative to a base of the manipulable object 1 having the lug 13, and the slot 10 is equal, when the support 2 is positioned on a touch surface 3, to the distance d between the support 2 and the touch surface 3.

[0065] THE figures 3a, et 3b are two views of the same example of a manipulable object 1 of simple shape: a prism inserted on a support 2 positioned relative to a touch surface 3. The figure 3a This presents a lateral view H, that is, a view in which a height of the manipulable object 1 is visible. The manipulable object 1 is a prism divided into two parts by a slit 10 on one side of the prism. Each part has a base. The two bases are parallel. The manipulable object 1 has a lug 13 located on one of the bases.

[0066] The support 2 for manipulable objects relative to a touch surface is positionable relative to a touch surface 3 and adapted to maintain in interaction with the touch surface 3 at least one lug 13 of at least one manipulable object 1 of which a slot 10 is inserted on the support 2.

[0067] In particular, the figure 3a shows a gutter-shaped support 2 in which the tactile surface 3 is placed. At least one side of the gutter 2 is insertable into the slot 10 of the manipulable object 1. In particular, the thickness of this side of the support 2 is less than or equal to the width of the slot 10. In particular, the support 2 is made of a material sufficiently rigid so as not to deform when supporting one or more manipulable objects.

[0068] There figure 3b presents a front view of the figure 3a that is to say of the touch surface 3 relative to which is positioned the support 2 on which is inserted the manipulable object 1. It is visible the triangular slice of the prism constituting the manipulable object 1. In addition, it is represented in transparency the lug 13 placed on the periphery of the triangle forming a base, and the remaining part 14 of the manipulable object 1 left by the slot 10. The manipulable object allows an interaction by translation for example selection of a volume, a contrast, a data on a scale or in a horizontal list, etc.

[0069] THE figures 4a, 4b, 4c And 4d illustrate a simplified diagram of a manipulable object and a support according to the invention, in the case of an object with a slot around the entire circumference of the object, respectively cross-sectional view, front view for a cylindrical object, front view for a cubic object, front view for a parallelepiped object, front view for a support with a notch.

[0070] The manipulable object 1 includes: two lugs 13 1 , 13 2 allowing interaction with a touch surface 3, and at least one slot 10 adapted to insert the manipulable object 1 onto a support 2 positionable relative to the touch surface 3. The position of the slot 10 on the height of the manipulable object 1 is adapted to hold the lugs 13 1 13 2 of the manipulable object 1 interacting with the tactile surface 3. These lugs 13 1 and 13 2 are placed symmetrically on one of the bases of the manipulable object 1.

[0071] In particular, the lugs 131 and 132 are conductive.

[0072] In particular, the slot 10 is located at a position on the height of the manipulable object 1 adapted to keep the lugs 131 and 132 of the manipulable object 1 in contact with the touch surface

[0073] In particular, the location of the slot 10 on the height of the manipulable object 1 relative to a base of the manipulable object 1 having the lugs 13 1 and 13 2, and the slot 10 is equal, when the support 2 is positioned on a touch surface 3, to the distance d between the support and the touch surface.

[0074] In particular, manipulable object 1 includes: two bases, one of which has the lugs 13 1 , 13 2 and a slot 10 whose location on the height of the manipulable object 1 divides the manipulable object 1 into two parts, each part having a base.

[0075] In particular, as in the example of figures 4a à 4d , the manipulable object 1 has, on the same base, two lugs 13 1 , 13 2 allowing to control a rotation of an interaction element of a virtual interface controllable by means of the touch surface 3.

[0076] In particular, as in the example of figures 4a à 4d , the slot 10 goes around the manipulable object 1.

[0077] THE figures 4a, et 4b These are several views of the same example of a manipulable object 1 with a simple cubic shape. figure 4a This presents a side view, that is, a view in which one height of the manipulable object 1 is visible. The manipulable object 1 is a cube divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a slot 10 running around the cube, freeing a central axis 14, also cubic, or by two parallel slots. Each part has a base. The two bases are parallel. The manipulable object 1 has two lugs 131 and 132 placed on the same base.

[0078] THE figures 4a et 4b present a front view of the touch surface 3 relative to which a support 2 is positioned on which the manipulable object 1 of the figure 4a is inserted. The square slice of the cube constituting the manipulable object 1 is visible there. In addition, the two lugs 131 and 132 placed symmetrically on the periphery of the square forming a base are represented there, and in transparency the axis 14 left in the center of the slot 10.

[0079] The manipulable object, which can be moved by translation or rotation, allows for both types of interaction with the touch surface. A cubic axis will prevent inappropriate rotation that could lead to an interaction error.

[0080] In particular, as in the example of figures 4a, et 4b , the manipulable object 1 is cylindrical in shape and the lugs 13 1 , 13 2 are placed under one of the bases of the cube.

[0081] In particular, as in the example of figures 4a, et 4b , the shape of the manipulable object inside slot 14 is cylindrical.

[0082] The support 2 for manipulable objects relative to a touch surface is positionable relative to a touch surface 3 and adapted to maintain in interaction with the touch surface 3 at least one lug 13 of at least one manipulable object 1 of which a slot 10 is inserted on the support 2.

[0083] In particular, the manipulable object support 2 has the shape of a ruler with a thickness less than or equal to the width of the slot 10, as shown in the figure 4a In particular, the rule 2 is positioned on a touch surface support 4, such as an easel, a case, etc. Optionally, the touch surface support 4 has a location into which the touch surface is inserted and a location for positioning another element, such as a protective filter, in front of the touch surface in which the support 2 for manipulable objects is positioned.

[0084] There figure 4b This demonstrates a support for manipulable objects, either in the form of two rulers joined at their ends once inserted onto one or more manipulable objects, or as a ruler with a notch along its length. The notch can optionally be closed to stiffen the ruler during manipulation of the manipulable object.

[0085] In particular, as the figure 4b , the support 2 is composed of two parts into which the slot(s) 10 of the manipulable object 1 are inserted.

[0086] THE figures 4a, 4c And 4d These are several views of the same example of a manipulable object 1 with a simple cylindrical shape. The figure 4a This presents a side view, that is, a view in which one height of the manipulable object 1 is visible. The manipulable object 1 is a cylinder divided into two parts 11 and 12 by a slot 10 that runs around the cylinder, releasing a central axis 14, which is also cylindrical. Each part has a base. The two bases are parallel. The manipulable object 1 has two lugs 131 and 132 placed on the same base B1.

[0087] THE figures 4c And 4d present a front view of the touch surface 3 relative to which a support 2 is positioned on which the manipulable object 1 of the figure 4a is inserted. The circular slice of the cylinder constituting the manipulable object 1 is visible there. In addition, the two lugs 131 and 132 placed symmetrically on the periphery of the circle forming a base are shown there, and in transparency the axis 14 left in the center of the slot 10.

[0088] In particular, as the figure 4d , the support for manipulable objects 2 has at least one notch 20 into which the slot 10 of a manipulable object 1 can be inserted.

[0089] In particular, as the figure 4d , the width l of the notch 20 is at least equal to the dimension da of the manipulable object 1 inside the slot 10 and less than the dimension do of the manipulable object outside the slot.

[0090] In an embodiment not shown, the manipulable object support 2 comprises two parts: a rigid part positioned in front of the touch surface 3 that supports the manipulable object(s) 1, and an elastic part extending from the rigid part at two of its ends behind the touch surface 3. Thus, the manipulable object support 2 wraps around the touch surface 3, self-adhering to the touch surface regardless of its position. Furthermore, the elasticity of the rear portion of the manipulable object support 2 allows the object(s) into which the support 2 is inserted to remain in contact with the touch surface 3, regardless of its position.

[0091] THE figures 5a, 5b And 5c illustrate a simplified diagram of a support for manipulable objects according to the invention, respectively before and after the insertion of two manipulable objects according to the invention, and a cross-sectional view.

[0092] The illustrated manipulable object support 2 allows two manipulable objects 1α and 1β to be positioned in interaction with a touch surface 3, in this case, a smartphone with a touch screen.

[0093] In particular, the support 2 for manipulable objects includes at least a front part 21 and a rear part 22 cooperating to maintain the support 2 on the touch surface 3 regardless of the position of the touch surface 3.

[0094] In particular, the support 2 for manipulable objects also maintains the touch surface in a determined position.

[0095] In the example of figures 5an, 5b , 5cThe manipulable object holder 2 has two notches 20α and 20β in the part positioned in front of the touch surface 3. The holder 2 is inserted at these two notches 20α and 20β into the slots of the manipulable objects 1α and 1β. Then the touch surface 3 is slid behind the front part 21. In order for the manipulable objects 1α and 1β to remain in interaction with the touch surface 3, the rear part 22 is positioned behind the touch surface 3 to hold the front part of the holder 2 against the touch surface 3. The front part 21 and rear part 22, once closed, form a case for the touch surface.

[0096] Optionally, in the case of a touch surface that does not require contact to interact but simply a short distance with the touch surface, the front part 21 will have a surface with wedges that will be positioned between the front part 21 and the touch surface 3, thus keeping the manipulable objects in interaction with the touch surface, particularly in the case of interaction by shadow.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown by figures 5a, 5b And 5cThe manipulable object support 2 can be adapted to maintain the touch surface in a position at a given angle to the vertical. For example, a support 23 allows this position to be maintained. The position of the support 23 relative to the furniture on which it is placed determines the angle formed between the touch surface and the vertical. In particular, the manipulable object support 2 includes this support 23. To stabilize the support 23, a rest 24 holds the support 23 in a given position on a piece of furniture (not shown). Thus, the manipulable object support 2... figures 5a, 5b And 5c presents a trestle composed of a part in contact with a piece of furniture 24, the resting place, and a supporting part 23.

[0098] The remaining space 25 between the back of the touch surface 3 and the stand 23, 24 allows for the possible passage of cables useful to the touch surface 3 (power cables, data transfer cables, etc.)

[0099] In particular, support 2 for manipulable objects is made of folded cardboard.

[0100] THE figures 6a et 6b illustrate a simplified diagram of a manipulable object support allowing a touch surface to be held in a semi-vertical and vertical position respectively.

[0101] The example of the figure 6a This shows a manipulable object support 2 capable of holding a touch surface in a semi-vertical position, that is, at a given angle to the vertical. In this example, the manipulable object support 2 has a front portion 21 only at the bottom, supporting two manipulable objects 1α and 1β. The rear portion 22 has a spring tab in its center. The front portion 21 and the rear portion 22 form an asymmetrical groove, the rear portion 22 of which is higher than the front portion. The spring tab of the rear portion 22 presses a touch surface placed in this groove against the front portion 21, bringing the manipulable objects into interaction, or even contact (in the absence of a wedge on the internal surface of the front portion 21), with the touch surface. In the example of the figure 6a the support 2 for manipulable objects also includes a support part 23 forming a fixed angle with the rear part thus preventing a variation in the position of the touch surface during its use.

[0102] The example of the figure 6b Figure 2 shows a manipulable object holder 2 capable of holding a tactile surface in a vertical position. In this example, the manipulable object holder 2 has a front portion 21 only at the bottom, supporting six manipulable objects 1α, 1β, 1χ, 1δ, 1ε, and 1ϕ. The rear portion has a spring tab 22 in its center. The front and rear portions 21 form an asymmetrical gutter, the rear portion of which is higher than the front portion. The manipulable objects 1α, 1β, 1χ, 1δ, 1ε, and 1ϕ are placed on the sides of the raised front portion, on the right and left. The tab protruding from the rear part 22 presses a tactile surface placed in this groove against the front part 21, bringing into interaction, or even contact (in the absence of a shim on the internal surface of the front part 21), the manipulable objects into which the support 2 is inserted with the tactile surface. In the example of the figure 6aThe support part 23 of the manipulable object holder is integrated with the rear part. This support part 23 has notches 24 allowing the manipulable object holder 2 to be fixed vertically to a piece of furniture or a wall.

Claims

1. System comprising: • a holder for objects that can be manipulated relative to a touch-sensitive surface, the holder (2) being able to be positioned relative to a touch-sensitive surface (3) and comprising an edge of a given thickness; • a manipulable object comprising: - at least one lug (13) allowing interaction with a touch-sensitive surface (3), and - a slot (10) having a width configured to be larger than or equal to the thickness of the holder (2) so that the slot is suitable for inserting the manipulable object (1) onto the holder (2), the location (p) of the slot (10) along the height (h) of the manipulable object (1) being suitable for keeping the at least one lug (13) of the manipulable object (1) in interaction with the touch-sensitive surface (3).

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one lug (13) is conductive.

3. System according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the manipulable object (1) comprises a plurality of lugs (131, 132), the location (p) of the slot (10) is suitable for keeping all of the lugs (131, 132) of the manipulable object (1) in interaction with the touch-sensitive surface (3).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the location (p) of the slot (10) along the height (h) of the manipulable object (1) is suitable for keeping the lugs (131, 132) of the manipulable object (1) in contact with the touch-sensitive surface (3).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the location (p) of the slot (10) along the height (h) of the manipulable object (1) relative to a base (B1) of the manipulable object (1) comprising the at least one lug (13) and the slot (10) is equal, when the holder (2) is positioned on a touch-sensitive surface (3), to the distance between the holder and the touch-sensitive surface.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object (1) comprises two bases (B1, B2), one of which comprises the lugs (131, 132) and a slot (10), the location (p) of which along the height (h) of the manipulable object (1) divides the manipulable object (1) into two portions, each portion comprising a base.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object (1) comprises, on the same base (B1), two lugs (131, 132) making it possible to control a rotation of an interaction element of a virtual interface that can be controlled by means of the touch-sensitive surface (3).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (10) extends all the way around the manipulable object (1).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object (1) is cylindrical in shape and the at least one lug (13) is situated beneath one of the bases of the cylinder.

10. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shape of the manipulable object (1) inside the slot (10) is cylindrical.

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object holder (2) comprises at least one notch (14) into which the slot (10) of a manipulable object (1) can be inserted.

12. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the width (I) of the notch (14) is at least equal to the dimension (da) of the manipulable object (1) inside the slot (10) and smaller than the dimension (do) of the manipulable object (1) outside the slot (10).

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object holder (2) comprises at least a front portion (21) and a rear portion (22) cooperating to keep the holder (2) on the touch-sensitive surface (3) regardless of the position of the touch-sensitive surface (3).

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulable object holder (2) also keeps the touch-sensitive surface (3) in a determined position.