US 5,581,484 AGranted

Finger mounted computer input device

OwnerKevin R. Princeinventor

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Abstract

An apparatus is provided for manually entering information into a computer. A pressure sensor is removably attached proximate to the tip of at least one, but preferably all, of the fingers of a hand for generating a pressure signal that corresponds to the pressure of the finger tip against a surface, such as a desk top or table top. First and second acceleration sensors are also removably attached proximate to the finger tip for generating a first and second acceleration signal that is a function of the acceleration of the finger tip in first and second directions, respectively. The first direction is different, and preferably orthogonal, to the second direction. Preferably the sensors are mounted in a flexible, removable fabric glove, or the like. A signal relay device, either wire-based or wireless, relays the signals of each sensor to the computer, which calculates from the signals the relative positions of each finger on the surface for generating keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet, or other forms of input data.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A device for manually entering information into a computer, comprising:

pressure sensing means attachable proximate to the tip of a finger of a hand for generating a pressure signal corresponding to the pressure of the finger tip against a surface;
position sensing means attachable proximate to the finger tip for generating a finger tip position signal corresponding to the position of the finger top over a surface relative to a reference position, said position sensing means further comprising:
first acceleration sensing means attachable proximate to the finger tip for generating a first acceleration signal, the first acceleration signal being a function of the acceleration of the finger tip along a first axis;
second acceleration sensing means attachable proximate to the finger tip for generating a second acceleration signal, the second acceleration signal being a function of the acceleration of the finger tip along a second axis, the second axis being different than the first axis;
and
means for relaying the pressure and first and second acceleration signals to the computer sufficient for the computer to calculate a position on the surface where the finger makes contact, said position corresponding to at least a portion of the information to be used by the computer.

3 more elements

A method of entering information into a computer, comprising the steps of:

(i) providing pressure sensing means proximate to the tip of a finger of a hand for generating a pressure signal corresponding to the pressure of the tip of the finger against a surface;
(ii) providing first acceleration sensing means proximate to the tip of the finger for generating a first acceleration signal, said first acceleration signal being a function of the acceleration of the finger tip in a first direction;
(iii) providing second acceleration sensing means proximate to the tip of the finger for generating a second acceleration signal, said second acceleration signal being a function of the acceleration of the finger in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction;
(iv) providing a means for relaying the pressure signal and the first and second acceleration signals to a computer memory means;
(v) establishing a reference position for the finger;
(vi) storing the pressure signals and the first and second acceleration signals in the computer memory means;
(vii) determining finger position when the pressure signals reach a predetermined level by integrating the preceding first and second acceleration signals to obtain first and second velocity signals, and then integrating the first and second velocity signals.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/266,022Filed 27 Jun 1994
Granted: 3 Dec 1996
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G06F 3/014
Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality: hand-worn input/output arrangements, e.g. data gloves
G10H 1/0556
By switches with variable impedance elements: using piezoelectric means
G10H 1/34
Constructional details: switch arrangements, e.g. keyboards or mechanical switches specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments
G10H 2220/326
Garment sensors, i.e. musical control means with trigger surfaces or joint angle sensors, worn as a garment by the player, e.g. bracelet,…:…