Ergonomic mouse device with multi-programmable buttons

Abstract

Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used for making selections on computer screens. However, prolong or frequent use of such pointing devices might result in users suffering from repetitive stress disorder. Further, due to the widespread use of personal computers (PC), this problem is made more even pronounced. In addition, users increasingly require additional buttons to be provided on the computer mouse for purposes such as PC gaming. Although device manufacturers have started building more buttons on existing computer mice, the buttons are typically not ergonomically positioned. An embodiment of the invention describes an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons.

1 . An input device for communicating with a processor-based device, the input device comprising:
 a circuitry;   a first displacement transducer coupled to the circuitry for transducing detected displacement into displacement signals, the circuitry for communicating the displacement signals to the processor-based device for manipulating an object on the processor-based device;   a body for housing the circuitry and the first displacement transducer, the body having a base for being supported on a surface when in use and a support surface outwardly opposing the base, at least a portion of the support surface for supporting the mid-palm of the user when in use, the body having a depressible key formed on the support surface; and   an actuator module comprising a plurality of actuators formed on the support surface of the body and positioned along the periphery of the depressible key, the plurality of actuators being coupled to the circuitry,   wherein the plurality of actuators is configured to generate actuating signals communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a shortcut function on the processor-based device;   the shortcut function corresponding to a unique code stored on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         2 . The input device as in  claim 1 , wherein the first displacement transducer is formed on the base of the body. 
     
     
         3 . The input device as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second displacement transducer formed on the support surface of the body and operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         4 . The input device as in  claim 3 , wherein the second displacement transducer is one of a scroll wheel, a scroll ball, a tactile sensor and an optical sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The input device as in  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actuators is a tactile sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The input device as in  claim 5 , wherein the tactile sensor is one of a capacitive sensor and a resistive sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The input device as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of actuators is arranged in a row and positioned adjacent the depressible key. 
     
     
         8 . The input device as in  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actuators comprises an actuation surface formed along the support surface, the actuation surface of each of the plurality of actuators being dimensionally smaller than the depressible key. 
     
     
         9 . The input device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the actuator module is provided at a side surface of the input device.   
     
     
         10 . The input device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the actuator module is replaceable.   
     
     
         11 . The input device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the actuator module is removable.   
     
     
         12 . The input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a receptacle formed in the support surface of the body, the receptacle having electrical contacts formed therein and coupled to the circuitry, the receptacle for receiving the actuator module thereinto.   
     
     
         13 . The input device as in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a depressible key mounted on the support surface of the body, the depressible key being electrically coupled to the circuitry, the depressible key being operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         14 . The input device as in  claim 12 , wherein the first displacement transducer is formed on the base of the body. 
     
     
         15 . The input device as in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a second displacement transducer formed on the support surface of the body and operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         16 . The input device as in  claim 13 , wherein the at least one actuator of the actuator module comprises an actuation surface formed along the support surface, the actuation surface of the at least one actuator being dimensionally smaller than the depressible key. 
     
     
         17 . The input device as in  claim 13 , wherein the receptacle is positioned along the periphery of the depressible key. 
     
     
         18 . The input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a receptacle formed in the support surface of the body, the receptacle having electrical contacts formed therein and coupled to the circuitry, the receptacle for receiving the actuator module thereinto,   wherein when the actuator module is received in the receptacle, the at least one actuator of the actuator module is operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry via the electrical contacts, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         19 . The input device as in  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a depressible key mounted on the support surface of the body, the depressible key being electrically coupled to the circuitry, the depressible key being operable for generating actuating signals detectable by the circuitry, the actuating signals being communicable to the processor-based device by the circuitry for operating a function on the processor-based device.   
     
     
         20 . A method comprising:
 assigning shortcut functions to an actuating module of an input device for communicating with a processor-based device; and   storing a unique code corresponding to the short cut function on the processor-based device.