WO2012137024A1

WO2012137024A1 - Electronic device that can be operated with human sole, especially for computers

Info

Publication number: WO2012137024A1
Application number: PCT/HU2012/000025
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dávid TAMÁS
Original assignee: Upstar Development Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság
Priority date: 2011-04-07
Filing date: 2012-04-06
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: HUP1100191A2

Abstract

The invention is an electronic control device operated by the human sole, especially for computers, which comprises a support structure (1) suitable for supporting at least one human sole, consisting of one or more parts, and a resting surface (2) for supporting at least one human sole situated on the front part of the said support structure (1), and a human sole operated switch element (3) that sends electronic control signals, where the switch elements (3) protrude out from the support structure (1) as compared to the resting surface (2), or they are situated at the same level, they have an electric switch contact (4) and an activating surface (5). The invention is based on that the resting surface (2) is shaped to partly or entirely conform to the external contour of an average human sole, and it has an internal boundary curve (6) partly or entirely conforming to the internal part of an average human sole, opposite the internal boundary curve (6) an external boundary curve (7) partly or entirely conforming to the external part of an average human sole, and a rear boundary curve (8) partly or entirely conforming to the heel part of an average human sole, and/or a front boundary curve (9) partly or entirely conforming to the part of an average human sole where the toes are, furthermore there are at least two switch elements (3) allocated to the same resting surface (2), which switch elements (3) can be activated by exerting lateral and/or downward pressure on their activating surface (5) and are situated around and beyond the resting surface (2) they are allocated to, and at least one of the switch elements (3) is situated along the internal boundary curve (6), external boundary curve (7), rear boundary curve (8) or front boundary curve (9) of the resting surface (2).

Description

ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE OPERATED BY THE HUMAN SOLE, ESPECIALLY FOR COMPUTERS

The object of the invention is an electronic control device operated by the human sole, especially for computers, which simplifies the controlling of a computer with switch

elements that send input signals to the computer, where said switch elements are placed on a support structure suitable for supporting the human feet, are easy to reach for the human sole and can be quickly pressed down. The field of application of the invention includes all computer

technology environments with manual control.

There are known products and patents that make it possible to control computers by sole. Such products on the market are, for example, accelerator-brake input devices simulating car driving. However, their role is quite restricted. Patent reg. no. US5889510 is the closest patent to my invention. The object of the invention is a sole-operated keyboard. It is based on that the invention comprises a resting region for resting the sole on, fbom where the buttons can be reached and the computer controlled. The buttons are

positioned in a first array and a second array, but because of their position and shape they are difficult to reach. In the case of different sole sizes it is even more difficult to reach them.

The aim of the invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the known solutions, i.e. to create the best harmony between the switch elements that send input signals into the

computer and the surfaces supporting the human sole, and by this, even in the case of users with different sole sizes, to create a control surface that can be operated by foot in the simplest and quickest possible way.

The task to be solved with the invention is to improve simpler access to the human sole operated switch elements that send input signals into the computer.

The solution according to the invention relates to a sole- operated electronic control device, especially for

computers, which comprises at least a support structure consisting of one or more parts suitable for supporting at least one human foot, and a resting surface for supporting one human sole situated on the upper part of the said support structure, and a human sole operated switch element that sends electronic control signals. The invention is based on that the support structure is shaped to, partly or entirely, conform to the contour of an average human sole, and it has an internal boundary curve partly or entirely conforming to the internal part of an average human sole, opposite the internal boundary curve an external boundary curve partly or entirely conforming to the external part of an average human sole, and a rear boundary curve partly or entirely conforming to the heel part of an average human sole and a front boundary curve partly or entirely

conforming to the part of an average human sole where the toes are. Furthermore, there are at least two switch

elements allocated to the same resting surface, which switch elements can be activated by exerting lateral and/or

downward pressure on their activating surface and are situated around and beyond the resting surface they are allocated to. At least one of the switch elements is

situated along the internal boundary curve, external

boundary curve, rear boundary curve or front boundary curve of the resting surface. In a preferred embodiment of the electronic control device according to the invention at least one switch element is situated along the internal boundary curve of the resting surface, and at least one switch element is situated along the external boundary curve of the resting surface. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one switch element is situated along the rear and/or front boundary curve of the resting surface. According to a further preferred embodiment, there are several resting surfaces on the same support structure.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the support structure, the resting surfaces and the switch elements allocated to the resting surfaces are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the axis centre line of the support

structure. According to another preferred embodiment, the resting surface, starting out from all of its boundary curves or from certain parts of them, rises radially

outwards along a straight or curved line. According to a further preferred embodiment, at the bottom of the support structure there are feet to prevent slipping. According to another preferred embodiment, the height of the support structure can be adjusted. According to a further preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the support

structure can be varied. According to a further preferred embodiment, the activating surface of at least one switch element is constructed to form one piece with the cover of the support structure in such a way that along a section of its contour the activating surface is separated from the cover of the support structure by a gap. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one switch element has two activating surfaces. According to a further

preferred embodiment, in the case of the switch element with two activating surfaces, the two activating surfaces are situated at different radial distances from the resting surface they are allocated to. According to a further preferred embodiment, a switch element contains only one switch contact. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one switch element contains several switch

contacts. According to a further preferred embodiment, there are patterns of protrusions or indentations on the

activating surfaces. According to a further preferred embodiment, the part of the external curve of the activating surfaces near the resting surface that belongs to it partly or entirely conforms to the external boundary curve, internal boundary curve, rear boundary curve or front boundary curve of the resting surface that belongs to it. According to another preferred embodiment, the resting surface is constructed in such a way that it is visually marked on the support structure. According to another preferred embodiment, the resting surface protrudes out of or is sunk into the support structure. According to a further preferred embodiment, the surface of the resting surface contains convex or concave parts. According to a further preferred embodiment, there are patterns of

protrusions or indentations on the resting surface.

According to another preferred embodiment, the resting surface is coated with a material softer than the material of the support structure. According to another preferred embodiment, an insole is attached to the resting surface. According to another preferred embodiment, the resting surface can be replaced.

Below the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention is described in detail on the basis of drawings, where figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention in axonometric front view, figure 2 shows the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention with two resting surfaces on the same support structure, in axonometric rear view, figure 3 shows a further possible embodiment of the sole- operated electronic control device according to the

invention, in axonometric rear view, where certain switch elements have several activating surfaces, figure 4 shows a further possible embodiment of the sole- operated electronic control device according to the

invention, in axonometric rear view, where the resting surface conforms to the external contour of a part of the human sole rather than the entire human sole, figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a further possible embodiment of the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention, in axonometric front view, where the activating surfaces are constructed to form a single piece with the support structure.

Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention that provides users with an especially preferable control surface to operate a computer by sole. The support structure 1 of the invention can consist of one or more pieces, but it must be sufficiently solid to withstand the load exerted on it by the soles. Any type of plastic, for example, polypropylene may be a suitable material. Further parts of the electronic control device according to the invention are situated on or in the supporting structure 1. The soles are supported by the resting surface 2, which is a part of the upper surface of the supporting structure 1. The shape of the resting surface 2 conforms to the contour of an average human sole so that the switch elements 3 surrounding the resting surface 2 conform to human soles as preferably as possible. Special attention must be devoted to the appropriate static construction of the support structure 1 below the resting surface 2, as this part of the invention is exposed to the greatest stress by the feet. During use, in the initial position, the user rests his or her foot on the resting surface 2, and the switch elements 3 can be reached by moving the sole from this initial position in different directions. The curve bordering the resting surface 2 can be divided into four different sections, which conform to four different parts of an average human sole. This is how boundary curves 6, 7, 8, 9 marking the borders of the resting surface 2 are obtained. The internal boundary curve 6 conforms to the internal part of an average human sole, opposite to it the external boundary curve 7 conforms to the external part of an average human sole, the rear boundary curve 8 conforms to the heel part, while the front boundary curve 9 conforms to the imaginary curve connecting the toes. Obviously, from the aspect of a given user the most

preferred resting surface 2 has a size also conforming to the user' s sole .

The connecting elements 3 are situated around the resting surface 2, beyond its boundary curves 6, 7, 8, 9, attached to the support structure. The invention must have at least two switch elements 3 to make the operation simpler. The activating surfaces 5 of the switch elements 3 protrude out from the support structure 1 as compared to the resting surface 2, or they are situated at the same level. The switch elements 3 can be activated by exerting lateral and/or downwards pressure on the activating surface 5.

During use, when the activating surface 5 is pressed down, the switch contact 4 sends a signal to the computer through the electronic parts of the invention.

The user, using his or her heel or the front of his or her sole, can press down the switch elements 3 placed in

different directions around the resting surface 2. Switch elements 3 that are the easiest to activate can be obtained if the switch elements 3 are positioned along the boundary curves 6, 7, 8, 9, and the part of the external curve 11 of their activating surfaces 5 near the resting surface 2 that belongs to it partly or entirely follows the boundary curve or boundary curves of the resting surface 2 that belongs to it. If the appropriate sections of the switch elements 3 follow the boundary curves 6, 7, 8, 9 of the resting surface 2, then by turning or slightly sliding the rear or front part of the sole they can be simply and spontaneously pressed down, as all the user needs to remember is in which direction he or she must turn the given parts of his sole, and he or she does not need to remember the exact position of the switch element 3.

Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the electronic control device according to the invention, where the switch elements 3 are positioned along the front section of the external boundary curve 7 and internal boundary curve 6 of the resting surface 2, and a further switch element 3 is positioned along the rear boundary curve 8 of the resting surface 2. The user can activate the switch elements 3 positioned on the sides by turning or slightly sliding the front of his or her sole, while the switch element 3

positioned along the rear boundary curve 8 can be activated by moving the heel down. As the switch elements 3 positioned on the sides are situated along a longer curve along the resting surface 2, users with different sole sizes can find it easy to use an electronic device that can be controlled with sole conforming to a larger sole size. In a preferred case the embodiment according to figure 1 has a pair, which can be controlled with the other sole of the user.

In the case of figure 2 two resting surfaces 2 and the switch elements 3 allocated to them are placed on the same support structure 1. The advantage of this is that it makes the invention much more stable and provides even more fixed points of comparison when moving the soles. In the case of the embodiment shown in figure 2 there are two switch elements 3 placed along the internal boundary curves 6 of the resting surfaces 2. The switch element 3 placed along the front section of the internal boundary curve 6 can be pressed down with the front of the sole, while the switch element 3 placed along the rear section can be pressed down with the heel. The support structure 1, together with the resting surfaces 2 and the switch elements 3 allocated to them, is mirror symmetrical with respect to the axis centre line S of the support structure, as the feet are also symmetrical to each other. The front surface of the support structure 1 rises radially outwards from all of the boundary curves of the resting surfac 2 along a straight line. As a result of this, the user, by sliding or turning his or her sole laterally, can easily press down the switch elements 3. As compared to the embodiment shown in figure 1, the switch elements 3 of the possible embodiment shown in figure 2 do not form a separate component, instead they are constructed to form a single piece with the cover of the support

structure 1. Along a given section of the external curve 11 of the switch elements 3 are separated from the support structure 1 by a gap, while along another given section they are connected to it. When the user treads on the activating surface 5, the connected part gets beat, and the activating surface 5 is depressed into the support structure 1 along the slit sections. In the case of this embodiment the resting surfaces 2 do not form a part of the support

structure 1, instead they are constructed from a separate piece. At the front section of the resting surfaces 2 there is a click joint 12, with the help of which they can be removed from their place in the support structure 1. Due to this the resting surface 2 is replaceable.

Figure 3 shows a further possible embodiment of the sole- operated electronic control device, on the support structure 1 of which there is a switch element 3 along the front boundary curve 9 of the resting surface 2, too. It can be pressed down by sliding the front of the sole forward on the resting surface 2. Another difference, as compared to the other embodiments, is that here the switch elements 3 positioned along the lateral boundary curves 6, 7 have two activating surfaces 5 each. In this case, by slightly turning the sole the closer activating surface 5 can be pressed down, and by turning the foot even further both activating surfaces 5 can be pressed down at the same time. If a separate switch contact 4 is allocated to each

activating surface 5, a single switch element 3 will be suitable for sending two different signals. Several switch contacts 4 can also be used in the case of switch elements 3 with one activating surface 5, if the switch contacts 4 are able to send the same signal. It is preferable in the case of switch elements 3 that follow the boundary curves 6, 7, 8, 9 of the resting surface 2 along a longer section, because users with different sole sizes tread on different parts of the switch element 3. In the case of the embodiments described above, or even in the case of other possible embodiments, modifications can be made to the individual resting surfaces 2 to make the electronic control device according to the invention conform to human soles even more preferably and make it even more comfortable. If on certain parts the resting surface 2 protrudes out from or is sunk into the supporting structure 1, or forms convex or concave surfaces following the shape of human sole, then the sole can rest on the resting surface 2 even more comfortably, providing even more points of orientation for the soles. However, during use these

modifications may not be preferable, as the user reaches the switch elements 3 by moving and sliding his foot

continuously. In the case of flat resting surfaces 2 the soles can be slid along onto the individual switch elements 3, but if certain parts of the resting surface 2 are convex or concave and are not appropriately shaped, then they may even hinder unhindered sliding of the soles along the resting surface 2. On the resting surface 2 points of orientation can be created for the soles with patterns of protrusions or indentations. The most comfortable operating surface can be obtained, if the resting surface 2 is coated with a softer material or its material is softer and more comfortable for the soles. Even shoe insoles may be suitable for coating the resting surface 2 with a softer material, as they are also shaped to follow the contour of human feet. If the resting surface 2 is constructed to form a single piece with the support structure 1, it can be marked more clearly for users by painting or with stickers or other visual aids.

Figure 4 shows an even further embodiment of the electronic control device, where the resting surface 2 does not conform to the shape of an entire human sole, but only the front part of the sole. Consequently, the external boundary curve 7 and the internal boundary curve 6 of the resting surface 2 do not conform to the external and internal part of an entire sole either, only to a part of it. On the support structure 1 there are two switch elements 3. One of them is positioned along the internal boundary curve 6, while the other one is positioned along the external boundary curve 7. On the activating surface 5 of the switch elements 3 there are patterns of protrusions that can help to press the switch elements 3.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the sole-operated electronic control device shown in figure 1, with the difference that here the switch elements 3 are constructed to form a single piece with the cover of the support

structure 1. In the case of this possible embodiment the connection between the activating surfaces and the switch contacts 4 can be seen in the figure. At the bottom of the support structure 1 there are feet 10 to prevent slipping, they play an important role in making the support structure 1 stable. If the height of the feet 10 at the bottom of the support structure 1 can be varied, then the angle of

inclination and height of the support structure 1 can also be adjusted. In the case of computers it is preferable, if the invention has a relating program that makes it possible to replace keyboard and mouse buttons and button combinations with the sole-operated electronic control device. For example, frequently used buttons or button combinations that are difficult to reach on the keyboard can be pressed down with the sole in a simpler and faster way.

The advantage of the sole-operated electronic control device according to the invention is that it provides a sole- operated control surface especially for controlling

computers, which can be used with human sole in a simple, fast and spontaneous way due to the harmony between the resting surface supporting the sole and the switch elements placed on the support structure, without requiring any special attention or concentration.

Claims

Claims "· —

1. Electronic control device operated by the human sole, especially for computers, which comprises a support

structure (1) suitable for supporting at least one human sole, consisting of one or more parts, and a resting surface (2) for supporting at least one human sole situated on the front part of the said support structure (1), and a human sole operated switch element (3) that sends electronic control signals, where the switch elements (3) protrude out from the support structure (1) as compared to the resting surface (2), or they are situated at the same level, they have an electric switch contact (4) and an activating surface ( 5 ) ,

characterised by that the resting surface (2) is shaped to partly or entirely conform to the external contour of an average human sole, and it has an internal boundary curve (6) partly or entirely conforming to the internal part of an average human sole, opposite the internal boundary curve (6) an external boundary curve (7) partly or entirely conforming to the external part of an average human sole, and a . rear boundary curve (8) partly or entirely conforming to the heel part of an average human sole, and/or a front boundary curve (9) partly or entirely conforming to the part of an average human sole where the toes are, furthermore there are at least two switch elements (3) allocated to the same resting surface (2), which switch elements (3) can be activated by exerting lateral and/or downward pressure on their

activating surface (5), and are situated around and beyond the resting surface (2) they are allocated to, and at least one of the switch elements (3) is situated along the

internal boundary curve (6), external boundary curve (7), rear boundary curve (8) or front boundary curve (9) of the resting surface (2) .

2. Electronic control device operated by sole of claim 1, characterised by that at least one switch element (3) is situated along the internal boundary curve (6) of the resting surface (2), and at least one switch element is situated along the external boundary curve (7) of the resting surface (2).

3. Electronic control device operated by sole of claim 1 or 2, characterised by that at least one switch element (3) is situated along the rear boundary curve (8) and/or the front boundary curve (9) of the resting surface (2) .

4. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that there are several resting surfaces (2) on the same support structure (1).

5. Electronic control device operated by sole of claim 4, characterised by that the support structure (1), the resting surfaces (2) and the switch elements (3) allocated to the resting surfaces (2) are mirror symmetrical with respect to the axis centre line (S) of the support structure (1) .

6. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the support structure (1), starting out from all of the boundary curves of the resting surface (2) or from certain parts of them, rises radially outwards along a straight or curved line.

7. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that at the bottom of the support structure (1) there are feet (10) to prevent

slipping .

8. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the height of the support structure (1) can be adjusted.

9. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the angle of

inclination of the support structure (1) can be varied.

10. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the activating surface (5) of at least one switch element (3) is

constructed to form a single piece with the support

structure (1) in such a way that along a section of the external curve (11) of the activating surface (5) it is separated from the cover of the support structure (1) by a gap.

11. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that at least one switch element (3) has two activating surfaces (5).

12. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the two activating surfaces (5) are situated at different radial distances from the resting surface (2) they are allocated to.

13. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that a switch element (3) contains only one switch contact ( 4 ) .

14. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of claims claims 1 to 12, characterised by that at least one switch element (3) contains several switch contacts (4).

15. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that there are patterns of protrusions or indentations on the activating surfaces (5).

16. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the part of the external curve (11) of the activating surfaces (5) near the resting surface (2) that belongs to it partly or entirely follows the internal boundary curve (6), external boundary curve (7), rear boundary curve (8) or front boundary curve (9) of the resting surface (2) that belongs to it.

17. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the resting surface (2) is constructed in such a way that it is visually marked on the support structure (1) .

18. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the resting surface (2) protrudes out from or is sunk into the support structure (1).

19. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the surface of the resting surface (2) contains convex or concave parts.

20. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that there are patterns of protrusions or indentations on the resting surface (2) .

21. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the resting surface (2) is coated with a material softer than the material of the support structure (1) .

22. Electronic control device operated by sole of claims 1 to 20, characterised by that a shoe insole is attached to the resting surface (2) .

23. Electronic control device operated by sole of any of the previous claims, characterised by that the resting surface (2) can be replaced.