Input device comprising keys

Abstract

The invention relates to an input device comprising an input part having keys for detecting a user input for controlling or operating a device using the fingers of at least one hand of a user. According to the invention, at least two keys are assigned to at least one finger and the keys are arranged around the fingertip in such a manner that the keys assigned to the finger can be actuated exclusively by the associated finger during use of the input device, and the desired key to be actuated by the user is selected from among the keys assigned to a finger by moving the finger in different directions corresponding to the keys assigned to the finger.

Description

[0001] Input device with buttons

[0002] The invention relates to an input device with an input part having keys for detecting user input for controlling or operating a device by fingers of at least one hand of a user.

[0003] The user's input via the keys can be used in particular for entering characters and text (instead of input via a conventional computer keyboard), but also, for example, for moving a mouse pointer, for operating computer-aided design (CAD) programs or computer games (instead of a game console), as MIDI input in music production, or as an alternative to a piano, piano or accordion keyboard.

[0004] When a user's finger presses a key on the input device, the input device detects this and triggers an input corresponding to that key for controlling or operating the device. Prior art patent DE 298 09 854 Ul discloses a PC mouse with a 3x3 key matrix for entering numbers on a keypad and a switch. Patent DE 202 00 458 Ul describes a complete keyboard that is movable and can be moved like a PC mouse.

[0005] On standard computer keyboards, input from a key that is not in the corresponding finger's home position is achieved by first releasing the key where the finger is currently located. The finger is then moved laterally towards the key selected by the user. The selected key is then pressed by pressing it downwards, perpendicular to the base plane, and released after the input is registered. Finally, the user's finger must return to its home position or move towards another key. This means an additional distance traveled, which takes time and slows down fast typing. Therefore, pressing most keys involves several additional changes of direction on the way to and from the selected key.Furthermore, reaching some keys, such as the T, G, B, Z, H, and N keys on a QWERTY keyboard, requires a diagonal, lateral movement contrary to the natural tendon arrangement of the user's fingers. The thumb is also subjected to unnatural lateral stress when moving, for example, when pressing the spacebar, Ctrl, Alt, or Ctrl keys. With intensive use, this can lead to crooked thumbs, torn capsules, and inflamed tendons, a problem also known among accordion players.

[0006] On a conventional computer keyboard, the movement of pressing multiple keys in succession is either impossible or extremely unergonomic. This is especially true with keys that have a long travel distance; it is very awkward to hold down the first key and simultaneously press a second, adjacent key with the same finger. Pressing several adjacent keys sequentially at a "junction" is also very unergonomic on keyboards with long travel distances. Because the keys are pressed in the same direction, usually downwards, a pressed key obstructs the pressing of an adjacent key with the same finger in the same direction.While rounded edges or chamfers on the keys of conventional computer keyboards, or the shallow key travel of laptop keyboards, slightly improve the situation, multiple keys still cannot be pressed ergonomically. Pressing them simultaneously is very awkward, and pressing them sequentially is even more awkward. However, such a sequence of simultaneous or rapid key presses is necessary, for example, for writing computer shorthand or for simulating a piano or accordion keyboard as a MIDI input device for "glissando" and "clustering."

[0007] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the objective of creating an input device with an input part having keys for detecting user input for controlling or operating a device by fingers of at least one hand of a user, which enables more ergonomic and faster actuation of keys, in particular rapid successive actuation of keys with one finger, preferably even simultaneous actuation of adjacent keys with one finger (to trigger one of the simultaneous, combined actuations).

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by an input device with the features of claim 1. Embodiments, further developments and uses of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description with accompanying drawings.

[0009] An input device according to the invention, comprising an input part with keys for detecting user input for controlling or operating a device by the fingers of at least one hand of a user, wherein at least two keys are assigned to at least one finger and the keys are arranged around the fingertip in such a way that the keys assigned to the finger can be actuated precisely by the assigned finger when using the input device, has the special feature that the selection of the key to be actuated by the user among the keys assigned to a finger is carried out by moving the finger in different directions for the keys assigned to the finger.

[0010] A button in this sense can be not only a simple, mechanically actuated switch or push button, but also, more generally, a sensor that can be actuated by a finger movement in one direction and that can detect whether it is being actuated by a finger. Triggering a user input with a finger-actuated button can thus be based, for example, on mechanical, electrical, inductive, capacitive, resistive, optical, magnetic, piezoelectric, ultrasonic, radar, or Hall effect detection of the button's actuation. Within the scope of the invention, buttons that can be actuated or triggered by a linear, straight movement of the finger or fingertip are preferred.

[0011] The operating device can advantageously have an interface for transmitting user input from the operating device to the device to be controlled or operated. Such an interface can operate, for example, capacitively, inductively, electrically, magnetically, or optically, and may be, for example, a radio, cable, NFC, Bluetooth, WLAN, USB, PS2, RS232, I2C, SPI, U(S)ART, Hall sensor, infrared light, IRDA, or MIDI interface.

[0012] According to a further advantageous feature, it can be provided that one of the at least two keys assigned to a finger is a feed key arranged in the extension direction of the finger and / or that one of the at least two keys assigned to a finger is a first deflection key arranged laterally next to the finger.

[0013] An advance button can be, in particular, a button that is arranged in the distal extension direction of the fingertip in front of the fingertip of the associated finger and can be actuated by moving the fingertip forward in the distal extension direction of the fingertip, especially by means of the fingertip, followed by retracting the fingertip proximally to the starting or home position of the finger or fingertip. The direction of actuation of the advance button is thus essentially in the (distal) longitudinal direction of the fingertip of the associated finger. A deflection button can, in particular, be a button that is arranged laterally next to the fingertip of the associated finger and can be actuated by moving the fingertip in a direction transverse to the (distal) direction of the fingertip.The actuation direction of the deflection button is attributable to the direction of actuation of a feed button assigned to the same finger, with subsequent retraction of the terminal phalanx in a proximal direction to the starting or home position of the finger or fingertip. The actuation direction of the deflection button is thus essentially transverse to the (distal) direction of the fingertip of the assigned finger or to the actuation direction of an actuation button assigned to the same finger. The actuation direction of a deflection button can be, in particular, lateral, medial, posterior, anterior, superior, inferior, ulnar, or radial.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, it may further be provided that one of the keys assigned to the finger is a second deflection key, which is arranged opposite the first deflection key. "Opposite" in this sense means that the actuation direction of the second deflection key is essentially 180 degrees to the actuation direction of the first deflection key. In general, it may be advantageous if the operating device for one or more fingers has deflection keys assigned to each finger, which are arranged opposite each other with respect to the associated finger or the terminal segment of the associated finger.

[0015] In another or further advantageous embodiment, it may also be provided that one of the keys assigned to the finger is a third deflection key, arranged at right angles to one of the first two deflection keys. "At right angles" in this sense means that the actuation direction of the third deflection key is essentially 90 degrees to the actuation direction of the first deflection key. A deflection key arranged at right angles may also be provided in combination with only a first deflection key.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that one of the keys assigned to the finger is a fourth deflection key, which is arranged obliquely between one of the first two deflection keys and the third deflection key. "Oblique" in this sense preferably means that the actuation direction of the fourth deflection key is at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees to the actuation direction of the first deflection key. Preferably, this can be a diagonal arrangement, i.e., an actuation direction inclined at 45 degrees.

[0017] Advantageous implementation forms can consist of the input device having one or more of the following assigned keys designed as deflection keys for at least one finger:

[0018] For a little finger, ring finger, middle finger, or index finger, a deflection button that can be actuated by moving the fingertip anteriorly forward by extending the distal interphalangeal joint and / or proximal interphalangeal joint and / or metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby, to actuate the button, the fingernail of the associated finger moves towards the button and in the direction of actuation. For a little finger, ring finger, middle finger, or index finger, a deflection button that can be actuated by retracting the fingertip posteriorly by flexing the distal interphalangeal joint and / or proximal interphalangeal joint and / or metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby, to actuate the button, the fingertip of the associated finger moves towards the button and in the direction of actuation.

[0019] For a little finger, a deflection key that can be actuated by lateral movement of the fingertip by ulnar abduction of the finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the fingertip, whereby, to actuate the key, the exposed (lateral) side of the fingertip of the associated finger moves towards the key and in the actuation direction of the key.

[0020] For an index finger, a deflection key that can be actuated by radial lateral movement of the fingertip by radial abduction of the finger at the base of the finger, whereby, to actuate the key, the exposed (medial) side of the fingertip moves towards the key and in the actuation direction of the key.

[0021] A deflection button for a thumb, which can be actuated by lateral, in particular medial, movement of the thumb's distal phalanx by extension of the distal interphalangeal joint and / or metacarpophalangeal joint and / or carpometacarpal joint, wherein, to actuate the button, the thumbnail moves towards the button and in the direction of actuation. A deflection button for a thumb, which can be actuated by lateral, in particular lateral, movement of the thumb's distal phalanx by flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint and / or carpometacarpal joint and / or carpometacarpal joint, wherein, to actuate the button, the tip of the thumb moves towards the button and in the direction of actuation.

[0022] For a thumb, a deflection key that can be actuated by moving the thumb end phalanx upwards through superior adduction of the thumb at the base joint of the thumb, whereby the upward-facing side of the thumb end phalanx moves towards the key and in the actuation direction of the key.

[0023] For a thumb, a deflection key that can be actuated by moving the thumb end phalanx downwards through inferior abduction of the thumb at the base joint, whereby the downward-facing side of the thumb end phalanx moves towards the key and in the actuation direction of the key.

[0024] For a little finger, index finger or thumb, a deflection key that can be actuated by combining two of the aforementioned movements of an assigned finger obliquely to the two combined directions of movement of the assigned finger.

[0025] A feed button could be designated as a "bottom button" located directly distal to the fingertip of a user's finger. A deflection button located in front of a user's finger, in the direction of the fingernail, and activated by extending the finger towards the fingernail, could be designated as a "front button," and a deflection button located towards the fingertip of a user's finger, and activated by bending the finger towards the fingertip, could be designated as a "back button." Correspondingly, the other described variants could be designated as "side buttons" and "diagonal buttons." Advantageously, each finger may be assigned one or more of the following buttons: a feed button to each finger, or..."bottom key", all fingers a deflection key in the form of a "front key" and / or "back key", the little finger, index finger or thumb a deflection key in the form of a "side key" and / or "diagonal key".

[0026] Particularly advantageous embodiments may consist of one of the at least two buttons assigned to a finger being a feed button arranged in the extension direction of the finger, and one of the at least two buttons assigned to a finger being a first deflection button arranged laterally next to the finger. In this case, the operating device has, for at least one finger, a feed button assigned to the finger and one or more deflection buttons assigned to the finger.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments may consist in that each finger of the hand is assigned at least one feed button and at least one, in particular at least two, preferably at least three deflection buttons.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the operating device has two deflection buttons each for the ring and middle fingers, and three each for the little finger and index finger. The thumb can have any number of deflection buttons.

[0029] Other advantageous embodiments may consist of the input device having a key assigned to each finger, configured as a feed key, for one, two, three, four, or five fingers of a hand, and / or the input device having one or more keys configured as deflection keys, each assigned to each finger. Advantageously, several keys may be assigned to each finger.

[0030] Another advantageous feature is that at least three deflection buttons are assigned to each thumb and / or index finger and / or little finger of the hand. According to another advantageous feature, it is proposed that at most two deflection buttons are assigned to each middle finger and / or ring finger of the hand, these deflection buttons preferably being arranged opposite each other.

[0031] According to another advantageous feature, it may be provided that at least one key assigned to the thumb of the hand is arranged rotated by 90° to a key assigned to another finger of the hand.

[0032] In a control device where at least one laterally arranged button is accessible with both the index and little fingers—that is, if the control device for the index and little fingers has, in addition to the "opposite" buttons towards the fingernail and fingertip, at least one deflection button located to the side of the index finger and at least one to the side of the little finger—these can be triggered simultaneously with the other buttons and combined for assigned inputs. Thus, the buttons in the middle two rows of a standard computer keyboard (to the left of the right index finger and to the right of the left index finger), or buttons to the right of the left little finger, or buttons to the right of the right little finger, can be pressed simultaneously to pull the finger towards the finger, extend the finger, or press the fingertip downwards.This makes it easier for a user of a standard computer keyboard to use the control device, as the familiar QWERTY / Z keyboard layout remains and no other layout needs to be learned.

[0033] Some or all of the buttons on the control device, particularly the deflection buttons, are advantageously arranged such that, in the rest or starting position of the respective assigned finger, they have only a small gap to the finger or are in contact with the finger. A small gap in this sense is a distance of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm, and further preferably less than 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm. In advantageous embodiments, the control device may be provided with adjusting means by which the gap between the buttons can be adjusted by or for the respective user.

[0034] A small gap between the fingertip and the key offers two advantages. Firstly, it allows for very rapid key presses, and secondly, it enables the simultaneous press of adjacent keys with one finger, for example, a feed key and a deflection key, or two deflection keys. With one finger, two, and possibly even three, keys can be pressed simultaneously, for example, by moving the finger forward and to the right, a deflection key in front of the finger and simultaneously a deflection key to the right of the finger. It is advantageous if the keys do not move apart at an opening angle when pressed, as this makes simultaneous triggering by tilting the fingertip more difficult.

[0035] For good responsiveness with minimal play, it is advantageous if the opposing keys lie close to the assigned finger at the fingernail and fingertip. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the travel of the opposing keys is not too long, in order to avoid an uncomfortably sharp bend in the fingertip joint and to enable fast typing, even for multiple keys pressed simultaneously or sequentially, such as those on opposite sides. The typical travel of approximately 1.5 mm to 4 mm for common mechanical switches on mechanical keyboards is within the advantageous range, which also allows for the simultaneous triggering of opposing keys by tilting the fingertip.

[0036] Another advantageous feature may be that the keys assigned to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are arranged in a first recess of the input device and / or that the keys assigned to the thumb are arranged in a second recess of the input device, wherein, in particular, the first recess is not communicating with the second recess. Non-communicating in this sense means that the first and second recesses are separate from each other. In general, it may be advantageous if the operating device has at least one recess in which the keys assigned to a finger are arranged, with a feed key assigned to the finger located at the bottom of the recess and the deflection keys assigned to the finger located on the sides of the recess.

[0037] A depression can preferably have a crater-, funnel-, or trough-shaped form and is advantageously designed for the insertion of the terminal segment of one or more fingers. Such a depression could alternatively be described as a sink, recess, trough, finger groove, grip groove, or bowl. An advance button is preferably located at the bottom of a depression, and a deflection button is preferably located on the side of a depression. A depression can be designed as a purely spatial arrangement of the button surfaces on the surface of an imaginary "recess" that is not actually formed as a structural component (imaginary "recess"), or it can be a structural component in whose physically formed wall (real "recess") the buttons are arranged.

[0038] In general, it can be advantageous if the operating device has a recess for at least two, or at least five, or especially all ten fingers of a user. Advantageously, the recess can be designed for inserting the terminal segments of several fingers of a hand, in particular for one or more of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger. The buttons of a recess can be tiltable and arranged in positions ranging from 0° (button vertical) through 90° (button horizontal) and 130° (button tilted downwards).

[0039] Particularly for a thumb, it can be advantageous to have one feed button and eight deflection buttons assigned to it, these buttons preferably arranged in a recess. The deflection buttons can advantageously be arranged in the form of a cross and at the angle bisectors between them.

[0040] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the input device may comprise only a single input element for just one of the user's hands. According to a second advantageous embodiment, the input device may have two input elements, each for one of the user's hands. In this case, the input device may advantageously comprise two spatially separated input elements, one for operation with the left hand and the other for operation with the right hand of the user. In advantageous embodiments, the input device can be operated with both hands and may preferably have two input elements, advantageously at least one of which is movable in space or on a surface.By using both hands, preferably one input part with each hand, the input device can not only be used as a "keypad" for "gaming", but is also suitable as a full keyboard for efficient text input.

[0041] In the case of an input device that comprises two input parts, the input device may have a communication device by means of which the two input parts communicate with each other, in particular wirelessly, for example via radio, WLAN or Bluetooth.

[0042] In advantageous embodiments, the input device can be designed such that moving at least one input element triggers user input. In the case of an input device comprising two freely movable input elements, it can advantageously be designed such that the input elements are independently movable, with each movement of the input elements triggering independent user input, and / or with the relative movement of the input elements relative to each other triggering user input. For this purpose, the input device can, for example, include a sensor for detecting the movement of the operating device in space (2D or 3D) relative to a reference point or absolutely, or, in the case of two input elements, relative to each other.An input device with two input parts, whose relative movement against each other triggers user input, can be used, for example, when joining two individually drawn components in a CAD program.

[0043] The input device, or an input part of the input device, or both input parts of the input device, can advantageously be freely movable by the user. An advantageous feature can be that the input device is movable in a planar (on a surface) and / or spatially (three-dimensionally in space). An input device that is freely movable by the user, in particular two-dimensionally along a surface or three-dimensionally in space, can advantageously have a sensor with which the movement, position, tilt, and / or acceleration of the input device by the user can be detected to trigger corresponding inputs for controlling or operating a device, in particular for mouse inputs.Such a sensor for motion detection of the entire input device or an input component can be, for example, a camera (especially for visible or IR light), an accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, or a laser system (especially IR), each for two- or three-dimensional motion detection. In this configuration, the input device can thus be a portable, ergonomic keyboard-mouse combination.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the input device comprises a holding device by means of which it can be detachably attached to a user, in particular to a user's hand or arm, or to a fixed point of attachment, in such a way that the user does not have to hold the input device with their fingers during use. Such a holding device can be designed, for example, as a retaining loop, bracket, clamping element, clamping bracket, clamping ring, buckle, strap, handcuff, wristband, neck strap, chest strap, or magnetic holder.

[0045] In advantageous embodiments, the input device may be provided with a palm, wrist, or metacarpal rest for resting the hand. Advantageously, the palm, wrist, or metacarpal rest, particularly in conjunction with the input device, may be adjustable in its angle of inclination and / or angle of attack, for example, by providing the input device with a laterally tiltable and / or angle-adjustable mounting, such as a gimbal or ball joint, which supports the input device and / or the palm, wrist, or metacarpal rest. This mounting may serve to support the input device on a surface, thereby relieving the user's hand of the weight of the input device during use.The mounting can advantageously be designed such that it either allows the input device to tilt freely, particularly at an angle of inclination and / or tilt, or enables it with damping resistance. In some embodiments, it can also be advantageous if the mounting fixes the position of the input device, for example, fixing the input device in a predetermined position or allowing the input device to be locked in a user-adjustable position by means of the mounting. Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the palm, wrist, or metacarpal support additionally has a touchpad for detecting palm movement.

[0046] Further advantageous embodiments may include at least one feed button being designed as a touchpad. Such a feed button has a functional design such that it can detect not only pressure actuation but also lateral movements of the resting finger or fingertip, similar to the detection of lateral fingertip movements with associated deflection buttons.

[0047] The invention and its embodiments offer several advantages. A finger can remain at rest or in its starting position without tendon tension, without having to be constantly held at a distance from a key or touchpad used for input, thus preventing accidental keystrokes. A finger can directly actuate several different keys from its rest or starting position, which are used to determine key input. Thus, a finger, or rather the fingertip, can reach keys for different characters directly from its resting position. The distances required to actuate different keys are kept as short as possible, and no changes in direction are necessary during the movement process when pressing all or at least the most important keys.

[0048] The natural range of motion of the finger joints is utilized as efficiently as possible, so that keys can be pressed directly when raising and lowering a finger, drawing it towards the palm, and extending it away from the palm, without the need to first lift or tilt the fingertip. Two or more keys assigned to one finger can be pressed simultaneously, for example, an advance key and a deflection key, or two deflection keys, which can be used, for example, to enter special characters or alternative key assignments. Due to the thumb's saddle joint, more than one key can be assigned to a single thumb.Due to the arrangement of the tendons and the supporting, strongly developed muscles in the palm of the hand, the thumb is easiest to move sideways downwards (in the direction in which the space bar of a standard keyboard is moved) and the second easiest way is to move the thumb inwards towards the palm of the hand.

[0049] Even when simultaneously pressing a combination of several keys assigned to one finger, no change in finger direction is required. Keys can be pressed, for example, directly from the finger's resting position along the first bisector of the angle between two keys arranged at an L-angle, three keys arranged in a triangle (similar to a triple mirror), or even more keys. If several keys assigned to one finger are to be pressed sequentially, the keys are triggered in two steps: one for each key, with no change in direction occurring within the first step. Subsequent presses of additional keys in combination with the first key can be performed without any further change in direction, so the already pressed key does not need to be partially released to press another key simultaneously.Subsequent keys are pressed directly and in a straight line from the position of the first key when it is pressed, unless they are opposite the first key. Keys located at an angle of approximately 180 degrees opposite each other can be pressed simultaneously or sequentially by tilting the finger joint, provided that the keycaps of the opposite keys touch the finger on two approximately opposite sides or are only marginally away from the finger.

[0050] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail with reference to the drawings. The features described therein can be used individually or in combination to create preferred embodiments of the invention. Identical or similarly functioning parts are designated with the same reference numerals in the figures and are usually described only once, even if they can be advantageously used in other embodiments. The figures show:

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a finger with a feed button and a deflection button,

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a finger with a feed button and two deflection buttons.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a finger with a feed button and four deflection buttons.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a finger with a feed button and three deflection buttons.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a feed key and eight deflection keys, all assigned to one finger.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows an input part of an input device,

[0057] Fig. 7 shows the keys of the input part of Fig. 6,

[0058] Fig. 8 shows the input part of Fig. 6 with a holding device and

[0059] Fig. 9 shows an input device with two input parts.

[0060] Fig. 1 illustrates a detail of an input device according to the invention, showing a finger 1 comprising a fingertip 2, a fingernail 3, a fingertip 4, and a fingertip 5. A feed button 6 and a first deflection button 7 are assigned to the finger 1.

[0061] Finger 1 can be a little finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger, or thumb. The feed button 6 is arranged in the extension direction of finger 1, and the first deflection button 7 is arranged laterally next to finger 1. The feed button 6 is located distally in the extension direction of the fingertip 2, in front of the fingertip 2 of the associated finger 1, and can be actuated by moving the fingertip 2 forward in the distal extension direction of the fingertip 2, in particular by means of the fingertip 4. The direction of actuation of the feed button 6 is thus essentially in the (distal) longitudinal direction of the fingertip 2 of the associated finger 1.

[0062] The first deflection button 7 is arranged laterally next to the fingertip 2 of the associated finger 1 and can be actuated by moving the fingertip 2 in a direction transverse to the (distal) direction of the fingertip 2 or to the actuation direction of a feed button 6 associated with the same finger 1. The actuation direction of a deflection button such as the first deflection button 7 is thus essentially transverse to the (distal) direction of the fingertip 2 of the associated finger 1 or to the actuation direction of the feed button 6 associated with the same finger 1. The first deflection button 7 shown in Fig. 1 is actuated with the fingernail 3 of finger 1.

[0063] The finger 1 shown in Fig. 2 is assigned, as in Fig. 1, a feed button 6 and a first deflection button 7. Additionally, the finger 1 is also assigned a further deflection button 10, which is arranged perpendicular to the first deflection button 7. The further deflection button 10 is actuated by a lateral transverse movement of the finger end 2. The finger 1 shown in Fig. 3 is assigned, as in Fig. 2, a feed button 6, a first deflection button 7, and a further deflection button 10. Additionally, the finger 1 is also assigned a second deflection button 8, which is arranged opposite the first deflection button 7 and is actuated by the fingertip 5 of the finger end 2. Furthermore, a third deflection key 9 is assigned to finger 1, which is arranged perpendicular to the first deflection key 7 and the second deflection key 8 and opposite to the further deflection key 10 and is actuated by a lateral transverse movement of the finger end segment 2.

[0064] The finger 1 shown in Fig. 4 is assigned, as in Fig. 2, a feed button 6, a first deflection button 7 and a further deflection button 10. In addition, a fourth deflection button 11 is also assigned to the finger 1, which is arranged obliquely between the first deflection button 7 and the further deflection button 10 and is actuated by a laterally oblique movement of the finger end segment 2.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows a feed key 6 and eight deflection keys 12, wherein the feed key 6 and all eight deflection keys 12 are assigned to a single finger (not shown), whose rest or starting position is, as in Fig. 3, in the center of the circle formed by the deflection keys 12. The feed key 6 and the deflection keys 12 form a recess 13 for the fingertip of the finger assigned to these keys.

[0066] Figure 6 shows an input device 14 according to the invention. It comprises the illustrated first input part 15 and possibly further components not shown here, for example, a second input part. The first input part 15 has two separate, and therefore non-communicating, recesses: a first recess 16 for the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the left hand, and a second recess 17 for the thumb of the user's left hand. The keys assigned to the thumb are located in the second recess 17, and the keys assigned to the other fingers are located in the first recess 16.

[0067] The first input element 15 is movable by the user, for example in directions 18 on a surface or in space. It has a palm rest 19 for resting the left hand. To use the first input element 15, the user can place their left hand on the palm rest 19, insert the end joint of the slightly curved thumb into the second recess 17, and the end joints of the other slightly curved fingers into the first recess 16, so that the fingers 1 are in a resting or starting position close to their respective assigned keys.

[0068] In Fig. 7, the keys of the first input part 15 from Fig. 6 are shown without the other parts of the first input part 15 and without the fingers assigned to the keys. Each finger is assigned a feed key 6. The feed key 6 assigned to the thumb of the hand is arranged rotated by 90° relative to the feed keys 6 of the other fingers of the hand. The thumb and the other fingers are each assigned a first deflection key 7 and a second deflection key 8. The little finger, index finger, and thumb are each assigned a third deflection key 9, and the thumb has a further deflection key 10 opposite the third deflection key 9. The little finger and index finger are each also assigned two obliquely arranged fourth deflection keys 11.

[0069] Figure 8 shows the input device 14 or the first input part 15 from Figure 7 with a holding device 20 by means of which it can be detachably attached to a user, in particular to the hand or arm of a user. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the holding device 20 is designed as a clamping bracket or clamping ring that is placed around the forearm or the base of the arm. Alternatively or additionally to the holding device 20, a bearing 21 for the first input part 15 can be provided, with which the input device 14 or the first input part 15 is supported on a base in order to relieve the user's hand of the weight of the input device 14 or the first input part 15 during its use. The bearing 21 can allow the tilting of the input device 14 or the first input part 15 to be free or dampened, or it can be locked in place.

[0070] Fig. 9 shows an input device 14 according to the invention, which has the first input part 15 according to Fig. 8, which is designed for the left hand, and a second input part 22, which is designed for the right hand and is symmetrical to the first input part 15.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Input device (14) with an input part (15) with keys for detecting user input for controlling or operating a device by fingers (1) of at least one hand of a user, wherein at least two keys are assigned to at least one finger (1) in such a way and the keys are arranged around the fingertip (4) such that the keys assigned to the finger (1) can be actuated precisely by the assigned finger (1) when using the input device (14), and wherein the selection of the key to be actuated by the user among the keys assigned to a finger (1) is made by moving the finger (1) in directions different from those assigned to the finger (1).

2. Input device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the at least two keys assigned to a finger (1) is a feed key (6) which is arranged in the extension direction of the finger (1) and / or that one of the at least two keys assigned to a finger (1) is a first deflection key (7) which is arranged laterally next to the finger (1). 26 3. Input device (14) according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the keys assigned to the finger (1) is a second deflection key (8) which is arranged opposite the first deflection key (7).

4. Input device (14) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the keys assigned to the finger (1) is a third deflection key (9) which is arranged perpendicular to one of the first two deflection keys (7, 8).

5. Input device (14) according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the keys assigned to the finger (1) is a fourth deflection key (11) which is arranged obliquely between one of the first two deflection keys (7, 8) and the third deflection key (9).

6. Input device (14) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each finger (1) of the hand is assigned at least one feed button (6) and at least one, in particular at least two, preferably at least three deflection buttons (12).

7. Input device (14) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least three deflection keys (12) are assigned to the thumb and / or the index finger and / or the little finger of the hand.

8. Input device (14) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at most two deflection keys (12) are assigned to the middle finger and / or the ring finger of the hand.

9. Input device (14) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that at least one key assigned to the thumb of the hand is arranged rotated by 90° to a key assigned to another finger (1) of the hand.

10. Input device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys assigned to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger are arranged in a first recess (16) of the input device (14) and / or that the keys assigned to the thumb are arranged in a second recess (17) of the input device (14), wherein in particular the first recess (16) is designed not to communicate with the second recess (17).

11. Input device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (14) comprises only a single input part (15) for only one hand of the user.

12. Input device (14) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the input device (14) has two input parts (15, 22) for each of the user's hands.

13. Input device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed such that moving the at least one input part (15) triggers user input.

14. Input device (14) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the input parts (15, 22) are movable independently of each other, wherein the movements of the input parts (15, 22) each trigger independent user inputs and / or wherein the relative movement of the input parts (15, 22) against each other triggers a user input.

15. Input device (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a holding device (20) by means of which it can be detachably attached to a user, in particular to the hand or arm of a user, or to a spatially fixed holding point in such a way that the user does not dislodge the input device (14) when using it. must hold fingers (1). 29

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