METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A MOUSE COMPRISING AT LEAST FOUR AXES

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] A method of configuring a mouse comprising at least four axes or "degrees of freedom" and for controlling a computer application such as three-dimensional software or a video game is disclosed. State of the art

[0002] To use certain three-dimensional software, such as computer-aided design software or to play certain video games, we know the use of an advanced mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom (in other words four axes), or even six degrees of freedom. Such a mouse comprises a sole carrying a housing to constitute a mobile assembly in translation in a plane along two perpendicular horizontal axes, like standard mice called two-dimensional. The housing of such a mouse is movable relative to the sole, so as to be able to tilt by rotating around a horizontal longitudinal axis, and by rotating around a horizontal transverse axis, which constitutes two additional axes. Alternatively or additionally, the mouse may comprise a joystick projecting from one side of the mouse and capable of being actuated by a user's thumb, which constitutes two additional axes.The mouse can emit at least as many information signals as it has degrees of freedom, which offers particularly advanced possibilities for controlling software or video games. Examples of mice are described in: XP055501149, XP055501154, XP054978614, XP054978613 and FR 3 025 902 A1.

[0003] Such a mouse is advantageous in that it allows for more varied uses than a simple two-dimensional mouse. However, it requires dexterity to handle and is complex to configure, so its features are not always fully exploited by its user. Subject of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a method of configuring a mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom, overcoming the above drawbacks and improving the methods of configuring such mice known from the prior art. The invention is defined by the independent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a method for configuring a computer mouse, the mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being capable of transmitting a non-binary information signal for each degree of freedom of the mouse, the configuration method comprising: a first step of defining a first information signal capable of being emitted by the mouse, the first information signal being chosen from a first list via a human-machine interface, in particular the human-machine interface comprising a computer and a screen, a second step of defining a first condition relating to the first information signal, the first condition being chosen from a second list via the human-machine interface, and a third step of defining a first instruction capable of being executed by a computer, the first instruction being chosen from a third list via the human-machine interface.

[0006] The configuration process may include: a fourth step of defining a second information signal capable of being emitted by the mouse, the second information signal being chosen from the first list via the human-machine interface, and / or a fifth step of defining a second condition relating to the first information signal or to the second information signal, the second condition being chosen from the second list via the human-machine interface, and / or a sixth step of defining a second instruction capable of being executed by the computer, the second instruction being chosen from the third list via the human-machine interface.

[0007] The said third list may include: an instruction to move a pointer on a screen in a direction given by a first and / or a second information signal, and / or an instruction to move a pointer on a screen in a distance given by a third and / or a fourth information signal, and / or an instruction to move a pointer on a screen to a previously stored position.

[0008] The configuration method may comprise a step of defining an execution condition, said first instruction and / or said second instruction being capable of being executed by a computer as long as the execution condition is validated.

[0009] The configuration method may comprise a step of displaying on a screen a flowchart in which said first and / or said second information signal is represented by a first figure, said first and / or said second condition is represented by a second figure, and said first and / or said second instruction is represented by a third figure.

[0010] The configuration method may comprise a step of moving said first figure and / or said third figure on the screen using the mouse.

[0011] Said second figure may be an arrow and the configuration method may comprise a step of creating said arrow using the mouse, a first end of the arrow being connected to the first figure, a second end of the arrow being connected to the third figure.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method of using a computer mouse, the mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being capable of transmitting an information signal for each degree of freedom of the mouse, the method of use comprising: a step of recording a configuration of the mouse obtained by the configuration method as defined previously, and a step of executing said first and / or said second instruction following the validation of said first and / or said second condition.

[0013] The method of use may include: a step of recording a software identifier, and a step of associating this identifier with a configuration of the mouse obtained by the configuration method as defined previously.

[0014] The invention also relates to a computer system comprising a computer, a screen and a mouse comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being capable of transmitting an information signal to the computer, the computer system comprising means for implementing the configuration method as defined previously and / or the method of use as defined previously.

[0015] The mouse may include at least two buttons, preferably at least three buttons, in particular, four buttons and / or the mouse may include at least six degrees of freedom.

[0016] The mouse may include a sole and an upper housing connected to each other by a connecting device allowing the upper housing to tilt relative to the sole and / or the mouse may include a joystick projecting from a side of the mouse and adapted to be actuated by a thumb of a user.

[0017] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the configuration method as defined previously and / or the method of use as defined previously.

[0018] A computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the configuration method as defined above and / or the use method as defined above. Summary description of the drawings

[0019] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: There Figure 1is a symbolic view of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention. The Figure 2 is a three-dimensional top view of a six-axis mouse. The Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view from below of the mouse. The Figure 4 is a schematic view of a first mouse configuration flowchart. The Figure 5 is a schematic view of a second mouse configuration flowchart. Description of an embodiment

[0020] There Figure 1 illustrates a computer system 100 comprising a computer 101, a mouse 1 and a screen 102, the screen and the mouse being connected to the computer 101. By "connected", it is understood that these elements are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange information. Although represented by connecting lines 103 on the Figure 1, these connections can be wireless connections. The computer 101 comprises a memory 104 and a microprocessor 105, in particular capable of processing information signals emitted by the mouse 1. The screen is capable of projecting an image comprising a pointer (in other words, a cursor) which can be moved on the screen by operating the mouse. The screen and the mouse together constitute a human-machine interface allowing the user to exchange information with the computer.

[0021] As visible on the Figures 2 and 3, the mouse 1 comprises a sole 2 carrying an upper housing 3 which has a generally curved shape facilitating the user's grip. The sole 2 comprises a flat lower face 4 by which it rests on a substantially horizontal plane, such as a table or a mouse pad, identified by the two horizontal perpendicular axes x and y. The mouse 1 is therefore movable in translation on this horizontal plane according to the two horizontal perpendicular axes x and y. It is also movable in rotation around an axis normal to this plane, namely the yaw axis z. The upper housing can be inclined in a rolling movement relative to the sole by pivoting around the horizontal transverse axis x, and it can be inclined in a pitching movement by pivoting around the horizontal longitudinal axis y.

[0022] The upper housing 3 of the mouse 1 is connected to the sole 2 by a connecting element (not shown) which can be a solid piece of rubber or the like having a general external shape called a diabolo or biconical. This connecting element or diabolo extends in the vertical direction z and comprises a lower end by which it is rigidly secured to the sole 2, and an upper end by which it is rigidly secured to the upper housing 3. This connecting element can allow the upper housing 3 to pivot relative to the sole 2 around the two axes x and y. In the representation given in the figures, the axes xy and z form the axes of an indirect orthogonal reference frame each passing through the center of symmetry C of the diabolo.It should be noted that the connection between the sole and the upper housing prohibits a movement of the upper housing vertically relative to the sole, as well as a rotational movement around the z axis of the upper housing relative to the sole. The rotation of the upper housing 3 relative to the sole 2 around the z axis is prohibited in particular by the fact that the sole 2 and the upper housing 3 have shapes which partially fit into each other when the assembly is mounted, with a certain clearance along the x and y axes, which allows the upper housing to tilt while preventing it from pivoting relative to the sole around the z axis.

[0023] Generally speaking, the upper housing 3 comprises a housing body 5 supporting a set of actuators as well as a so-called upper printed circuit, which is rigidly secured to this housing body. The housing body 5 comprises a left lateral flank 7, on which the thumb of a user gripping the mouse rests. This left lateral flank 7 comprises a joystick 8, located in the front part and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the x axis, so as to be manipulable by the user's thumb. The joystick 8 is rotatable about the vertical axis z and about the transverse axis y. The housing body 5 also comprises a domed upper face 11, which jointly delimits with the left lateral flank 7 a blunt edge 12 carrying two push buttons 13 and 14 located substantially halfway along the left lateral flank 7, and which are also actuable by the user's thumb.The upper front part of the housing body carries on the one hand a rotating wheel 16 which can be manipulated by the middle finger or index finger of the user holding the mouse, as well as an additional push button 17 located above the wheel 16, and which the user can also operate with his middle finger or index finger. Alternatively, the mouse could include more or fewer buttons or actuators and / or these buttons could be positioned differently on the mouse. For example, a mouse similar to the one we describe could be obtained by symmetry so that it is suitable for left-handed people.

[0024] The domed upper face 11 of the housing body 5 is covered by an additional domed and flexible plate 18, the front part of which has two branches 19 and 21 located on either side of the wheel 16 and the push button 17. These two branches 19 and 21 respectively constitute a so-called left click key and a so-called right click key, respectively actuated by the index finger and the middle finger of a right-handed user holding the mouse. As can be seen in the Figure 1, the two branches 19 and 21 are spaced from the front end of the housing body 5 which is here materialized in particular by a front edge 23 having a curved shape oriented transversely. The edge 23 is thus separated longitudinally from each of these keys 21 and 22 respectively by two support zones identified by 24 and 26, these support zones forming an integral part of the front of the housing body 5. The fact that the left and right click keys are separated from the front end of the upper housing by two support zones 24 and 26 allows the user to tilt the upper housing in a roll by directly exerting forces on these support zones 24 and 26, that is to say without the risk of clicking unexpectedly. As regards the sole 2, it also comprises a sole body 25 supporting a so-called lower printed circuit as well as various components. As can be seen in particular on the Figure 3, the lower face 4 of this sole body is equipped with a set of pads 27 facilitating its sliding. It is also equipped with a laser-type displacement sensor, marked by 28, and thanks to which the translational movements along the x and y axes relative to the support are measured. Furthermore, this sole 2 comprises at its front part a connector 29 of the mini-USB type, thanks to which the mouse can be connected to a computer so as to transmit its information, and / or to recharge a battery integrated into this mouse to allow it to exchange information with the computer via a wireless connection.

[0025] The so-called lower printed circuit is rigidly secured to the sole and itself carries various components including a so-called lower accelerometer rigidly secured to this printed circuit. This lower printed circuit also carries components specific to the mini-USB connector, the laser sensor 28, and other components. Similarly, the so-called upper printed circuit is rigidly secured to the housing body 5. This upper printed circuit carries a so-called upper accelerometer, also rigidly secured to the printed circuit which carries it, as well as a set of components specific to the wheel 16, the joystick 8 and the push buttons 13, 14, 17.These two printed circuits are electrically connected to each other by a connector, so that information from the upper printed circuit, such as the pressed state of one or other of the left and right clicks, the position of the wheel 16 or the position of the joystick 8 are transmitted to the lower printed circuit.

[0026] The two accelerometers are used jointly by a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, equipping for example the lower printed circuit, to determine the inclination of the upper housing 3 relative to the sole 2.

[0027] The two accelerometers are advantageously identical electronic components so as to simplify the processing of the signals they deliver. They are advantageously accelerometers in the form of MEMS electronic components of the LIS331DLH type marketed under the ST ®< brand. Each accelerometer provides signals representative of the accelerations it undergoes along three orthogonal axes specific to it, and these signals are addressed to the microcontroller equipping the lower printed circuit. The signals from the accelerometers are processed by the microcontroller to determine the inclination of the upper housing 3 relative to the sole 2, on the one hand around the x axis, and on the other hand around the y axis. For this purpose, the microcontroller recovers at each instant the signals representative of the acceleration undergone by the upper accelerometer and by the lower accelerometer along the x axis.

[0028] Finally, the mouse is capable of transmitting six information signals to the computer 101, each corresponding to a degree of freedom of the mouse to which are added binary information signals for each of the mouse buttons and for the wheel. A first information signal comprises information relating to the translational movement of the mouse parallel to the transverse axis x. A second information signal comprises information relating to the translational movement of the mouse parallel to the longitudinal axis y. A third information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the upper housing around the transverse axis x. A fourth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the upper housing around the longitudinal axis y. A fifth information signal comprises information relating to the rotation of the joystick 8 around the vertical axis z.A sixth information signal includes information relating to the rotation of the lever 8 around the longitudinal axis y.

[0029] The computer includes a mouse configuration software (in other words a configuration software) acting as a filter between the information signals transmitted by the mouse and the information received by other software or applications of the computer. The configuration software makes it possible to convert the information signals from the mouse into signals that can be directly used by the various software. The configuration software is stored in the memory 104 of the computer and can be executed by its microprocessor 105.

[0030] For example, the mouse can be used to control software for representing a three-dimensional object, such as computer-aided design software. The rotation of the upper housing 3 of the mouse relative to the sole 2 can be associated with a command to rotate the three-dimensional object displayed on the screen. Thus, the user can rotate this object along two perpendicular axes to observe it from all angles. The rotation of the joystick 8 can, for example, be associated with a command to move the three-dimensional object displayed on the screen in translation. Thus, the user can move this object in the plane of the screen by manipulating the joystick 8 with his thumb. Finally, the movement of the pointer on the screen can be associated with the movement of the mouse on a plane, as is the case when using a conventional mouse.Thus, the user can also use the mouse to access various options and commands of the software. Thus, thanks to the mouse and the dedicated configuration software, the user can use three-dimensional software using exclusively or almost exclusively the mouse, whereas previously it was necessary to combine the use of the mouse with one hand and the use of a keyboard with the other. Consequently, the use of such software is more accessible: it can be used with computer systems without a keyboard. Access to this software also becomes possible for people with disabilities in one arm or one hand and who only have the other hand for work or play. Or, the user can use his other hand to generate other commands, which allows the use of a computer with greater efficiency.Of course, other mouse settings than the one we have just presented are possible for manipulating the three-dimensional object.

[0031] The configuration software may include one or more predefined configurations specific to the use of certain applications or software. The user can also modify an existing configuration or create a new configuration that can be used for all or selected computer applications. For this purpose, the user has an interface such as a control panel. The mouse configuration software implements a mouse configuration process. This configuration process includes different steps that we will detail.

[0032] In a first step, a first information signal 31 capable of being emitted by the mouse is defined, in other words selected, the first information signal 31 being chosen from a first list. For example, the first list may contain all or part of the following information signals: a translational movement of the mouse parallel to the transverse axis x, and / or a translational movement of the mouse parallel to the longitudinal axis y, and / or any translational movement of the mouse, and / or a rotation of the upper housing around the transverse axis x, and / or a rotation of the upper housing around the longitudinal axis y, and / or any rotation of the upper housing, and / or a rotation of the joystick 8 around the vertical axis z, and / or a rotation of the joystick 8 around the longitudinal axis y, and / or any rotation of the joystick 8, and / or an activation of the push button 13, and / or an activation of the push button 14, and / or an activation of the push button 17, and / or an activation of the wheel 16, and / or an activation of the left click, and / or an activation of the right click. The selection can be made for example using the mouse, for example by clicking on the desired information signal in a drop-down menu.

[0033] In a second step, a first condition 32 is defined relating to the first information signal 31, the first condition 32 being chosen from a second list. This second list may be different for each information signal selected during the first step. For example, if the information signal selected during the first step is “any rotation of the upper housing”, then the condition may be “a rotation of the upper housing 4 greater than a given angle” or “a rotation of the upper housing 4 carried out in the direction of a given angular sector”, for example “a tilt of the upper housing forward” or “a tilt of the upper housing towards the right side”. The definition of the first condition 32 may optionally be supplemented by entering a numerical value.As another example, if the information signal selected in the first step is an activation of one of the mouse buttons, then the associated condition can be "pressing said button". Finally, the user has the possibility of defining a condition as systematically fulfilled, that is to say that the condition is systematically validated.

[0034] In a third step, a first instruction 33 is defined that can be executed by a computer, the first instruction 33 being chosen from a third list. This third list may include actions usually performed with the mouse, with a keyboard, or even the combination of actions performed by the keyboard and by the mouse. For example, the third list may include: an instruction producing the effect of pressing any one of the keys on a keyboard, and / or an instruction producing the effect of simultaneously pressing several keys on the keyboard, and / or an instruction to move the pointer on the screen in a direction given by a first and / or a second information signal or in a predefined direction, and / or an instruction to move a pointer on a screen by a distance given by a third and / or a fourth information signal or by a predefined distance, and / or an instruction to move a pointer on a screen to a previously stored position.

[0035] Instruction 33 can be defined to be executed only once or as long as an execution condition is validated. This execution condition can be, for example, a time condition, i.e., the instruction will be repeated or extended for a given duration. The execution condition can also be a condition relating to an information signal: i.e., the instruction will be repeated or extended as long as a given information signal validates the execution condition, for example, "as long as one of the mouse buttons remains pressed" or "as long as the upper case remains tilted beyond a certain angle". Finally, the execution condition can also relate to a predefined number of executions of the same instruction. The definition of instruction 33 can optionally be completed by entering a numerical value.

[0036] During the first, second and third steps, a first flowchart 30, in other words a block diagram, is displayed on the screen, in which: the information signal 31 defined during the first step is represented by a first figure, the condition 32 defined during the second step is represented by a second figure, the instruction 33 defined during the third step is represented by a third figure.

[0037] There Figure 4 schematically illustrates a screen on which the first flowchart 30 is displayed. In the example of the Figure 4, the first figure is represented by a rectangle, the second figure is represented by an arrow and the third figure is represented by an oval 33. These shapes could nevertheless be different. We thus have a schematic representation of the configuration, in other words of the configuration of the mouse. Advantageously, when an execution condition is associated with an instruction, a symbol such as for example a symbol representing a cycle (a circular shape with an arrow or a triangular shape with an arrow) can appear on the corresponding figure. The configuration obtained is visual and therefore easily understandable and achievable by anyone without the need for specific programming knowledge.

[0038] Advantageously, the first flowchart 30 is created graphically. To define an information signal 31 in accordance with the first step, the first figure is moved from a first area of ​​the screen to a second area of ​​the screen. The first area of ​​the screen is a selection area in which different figures are arranged. The second area of ​​the screen is an active area in which the first flowchart is defined. The user drags the first figure from the first area to the second area by a so-called "drag and drop" movement, that is to say, he clicks on the first figure in the first area, holds down the button, moves the figure from the first area to the second area, then releases the button at the location where he wishes to drop the first figure.The user proceeds in the same way to define an instruction 33 in accordance with the third step, by moving the third figure from the first area to the second area. The definition of the information signal 31 or the instruction 33 can be completed by a choice in a context menu appearing when the figure concerned is clicked. To define a condition 32 in accordance with the second step, the user clicks with a button on an edge of the first figure and releases the button when the pointer is at an edge of the third figure. This gesture causes an arrow to appear from the first figure to the third figure. The condition can then be defined precisely by accessing a context menu, for example by clicking on the arrow. Alternatively, the graphic creation of the first flowchart 30 could be carried out differently.

[0039] It is therefore understood that the display of the flowchart is carried out concurrently with the first, second and third steps. That is to say, the flowchart 30 is displayed on the screen as it is created. The second step is carried out after the first step and after the third step.

[0040] The first, second and third steps can each be repeated as many times as necessary to create more complex flowcharts, such as the second flowchart 40, shown in the figure. Figure 5 Two different or even identical conditions can be linked to the same information signal to give rise to two different instructions.

[0041] In the second flowchart 40, illustrated on the Figure 5, three information signals 41, 44, 45 are defined. The first information signal 41 is defined as "any rotation of the upper housing". The second information signal 44 is defined as "any rotation of the joystick 8". The third information signal 45 is defined as "pressing any of the mouse buttons".

[0042] Three instructions 49, 50, 51 are also defined. The first instruction consists of “moving the mouse cursor in the direction 49 given by the inclination of the upper housing by a distance proportional to the inclination of the joystick 8”. The second instruction 50 consists of “pressing the “A” key on the keyboard. The third instruction 51 consists of “simultaneously pressing the “Ctrl” key and the “A” key on the keyboard”.

[0043] Five conditions 42, 43, 46, 47, 48 are also defined according to the scheme of the Figure 5. The first condition 42, defined between the information signal 41 and the information signal 44, is fulfilled if “the upper housing is pivoted backwards”. The second condition 43, defined between the information signal 41 and the information signal 45, is fulfilled if “the upper housing is pivoted forwards”. The third condition 46, defined between the information signal 44 and the instruction 49, is systematically fulfilled. The fourth condition 47, defined between the information signal 45 and the instruction 50, is fulfilled if “no click on any of the buttons is detected”. The fifth condition 48, defined between the information signal 45 and the instruction 51, is fulfilled if “an activation of the right mouse click is detected”.

[0044] The mouse configuration is stored in the computer's memory 104. Alternatively, the mouse could also include its own memory in which this configuration would be saved. This would allow the actions defined by the logic diagram to be executed directly via a USB protocol and without reprocessing by software running on the computer, which would significantly reduce the action latency. This results in a mouse configuration that can be assigned to a particular application or to all of the computer's applications. To do this, the identifier of one or more applications can be associated with the previously defined configuration. It is possible to repeat the described process to obtain different mouse configurations that can be freely assigned to the computer's applications.

[0045] When using the computer, the computer's microprocessor 105 activates the mouse configuration(s) according to the application being used. It checks whether the predefined conditions in these configurations are validated. If so, it executes the instructions as defined in these configurations.

[0046] Using this mouse configuration method, a user can transform a generic mouse into a mouse specifically adapted to the software they use, the operations they commonly perform, or the dexterity they possess. Advantageously, the configuration method requires no programming knowledge and is particularly intuitive thanks to the visual interface described above. Complex mouse configurations can be defined without the user having to write a single line of computer code. In addition, the mouse configuration can be performed solely using the mouse itself, which is particularly consistent with the actual use. The mouse configuration can be performed with a computer system without a keyboard and can be performed by people with disabilities in one arm or hand and only having the other hand to work with.Although the mouse offers many action possibilities, it remains simple to configure or set up.

[0047] A mouse setting specific to certain video games can also be defined. For example, for the video game "League of Legends ®<" or for similar video games, a particular setting makes it possible to send a succession of commands to a character controlled by the player. Using a conventional mouse to control a character in the video game would require many clicks and movements of the mouse, carried out at high speed, whereas the mouse according to the invention makes it possible to achieve the same result even more quickly and in a less traumatic manner for the player. The mouse can also be advantageously configured for use with the video game "Minecraft ®<" or for similar video games so as to efficiently duplicate virtual and three-dimensional constructions of this game. Advantageously, the initial position of the cursor on the screen is memorized before executing the instructions defined in a flowchart.When all instructions have been executed, the cursor is repositioned to its initial position.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a mouse (1) for a computer (101), the mouse (1) comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being able to transmit one non-binary data signal (31) for each degree of freedom of the mouse (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a first step of defining a first data signal (31) able to be sent by the mouse (1), the first data signal (31) being chosen from a first list via a human-machine interface, the human-machine interface especially comprising a computer (101) and a screen (102), - a second step of defining a first condition (32) relating to the first data signal (31), the first condition (32) being chosen from a second list via the human-machine interface, and - a third step of defining a first instruction (33) able to be executed by a computer (101), the first instruction (33) being chosen from a third list via the human-machine interface.

2. The configuration method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mouse comprises a base and an upper housing connected to one another by a connecting device allowing the upper housing to tilt relative to the base and / or in that the mouse comprises a joystick projecting from a side of the mouse and suitable for being operated by a user's thumb, and in that said information signals are selected from among: - a first information signal comprising information relating to translational movement of the mouse parallel to a transverse axis (x); - a second information signal comprising information relating to translational movement of the mouse parallel to a longitudinal axis (y); - a third information signal comprising information relating to rotation of an upper housing of the mouse around the transverse axis (x) relative to a base of the mouse; - a fourth information signal comprising information relating to rotation of the upper housing around the longitudinal axis (y); - a fifth information signal comprising information relating to rotation of a joystick (8) around a vertical axis (z), the joystick projecting from a side of the mouse and suitable for being operated by a user's thumb; - a sixth information signal comprising information relating to rotation of the joystick (8) around the longitudinal axis (y).

3. The configuring method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - a fourth step of defining a second data signal (31, 41, 44, 45) able to be sent by the mouse (1), the second data signal (31, 41, 44, 45) being chosen from the first list via the human-machine interface, and / or - a fifth step of defining a second condition (32, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48) relating to the first data signal (31, 41, 44, 45) or to the second data signal (31, 41, 44, 45), the second condition (32, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48) being chosen from the second list via the human-machine interface, and / or - a sixth step of defining a second instruction (33, 49, 50, 51) able to be executed by the computer (101), the second instruction (33, 49, 50, 51) being chosen from the third list via the human-machine interface.

4. The method for configuring a mouse (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third list comprises: - an instruction to move a pointer over a screen (102) in a direction given by a first and / or a second data signal, and / or - an instruction to move a pointer over a screen (102) by a distance given by a third and / or a fourth data signal, and / or - an instruction to move a pointer over a screen (102) to a position stored in memory beforehand.

5. The method for configuring a mouse (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of defining an execution condition, said first instruction and / or said second instruction being able to be executed by a computer (101) provided that the execution condition is validated.

6. The method for configuring a mouse (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of displaying, on a screen (102), a flowchart (30, 40) in which said first and / or said second data signal (31, 41, 44, 45) is represented by a first figure, said first and / or said second condition (32, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48) is represented by a second figure, and said first and / or said second instruction (33, 49, 50, 51) is represented by a third figure.

7. The method for configuring a mouse (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step of moving, over the screen (102), said first figure and / or said third figure, by means of the mouse (1).

8. The method for configuring a mouse (1) as claimed in either of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said second figure is an arrow and in that it comprises a step of creating said arrow by means of the mouse (1), a first end of the arrow being joined to the first figure, a second end of the arrow being joined to the third figure.

9. A method for using a mouse (1) for a computer (101), the mouse (1) comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being able to transmit one data signal (31) for each degree of freedom of the mouse (1), characterized in that it comprises: - the implementation of the configuring method according to any one of the preceding claims, - a step of storing a configuration of the mouse (1) obtained through said configuring method, and - a step of executing said first and / or said second instruction (33, 49, 50, 51) consecutively to the validation of said first and / or said second condition (32, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48).

10. A method for using a mouse (1) for a computer (101), the mouse (1) comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being able to transmit one data signal (31) for each degree of freedom of the mouse (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a step of storing an identifier of a piece of software, - the implementation of the configuring method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and - a step of associating this identifier with a configuration of the mouse (1), which configuration is obtained using said configuring method.

11. A computer system (100) comprising a computer (101), a screen (102) and a mouse (1) comprising at least four degrees of freedom and being able to transmit a data signal to the computer (101), characterized in that it comprises means for implementing a configuring method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a using method as claimed in one of claims 9 to 10.

12. The computer system (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the mouse (1) comprises at least two buttons (13, 14, 17, 19, 21), preferably at least three buttons and especially four buttons and / or in that the mouse (1) comprises at least six degrees of freedom.

13. The computer system (100) as claimed in either of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the mouse (1) comprises a base (2) and a top casing (3) that are joined to each other by a joining device that permits the top casing (3) to incline with respect to the base (2) and / or in that it comprises a lever (8) that protrudes from a flank (7) of the mouse (1) and that is able to be actuated by a thumb of a user.

14. A computer-program product comprising instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer (101), lead the latter to implement the configuring method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a using method as claimed in one of claims 9 to 10.

15. A data storage medium readable by a computer (101), the medium containing instructions that, when they are executed by a computer (101), lead the latter to implement the configuring method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a using method as claimed in one of claims 9 to 10.