TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a utility device controller, and, preferably, the invention relates to a utility device controller to be carried by the body of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many utility devices are currently controlled by a floor foot switch to power on/off the utility device. However, the use of a foot switch limits the freedom of movement of the user, because the user, to be able to reach the foot switch, only can move within a radius of approximately 1 meter from the foot switch. The use of a foot switch can also require positioning it by the eye, especially if the user has more than one foot switch controlled utility devices.

A situation like this may arise, for example, with dental instruments, such as dental drills. Although a dentist usually hardly moves relative to his patient, it can be difficult for him to operate the instruments by means of a foot switch and he may have to take his eyes off the patient to look down to the floor, which can be troublesome and even dangerous.

In addition to the above-described example concerning dental instruments, there are many other electric working machines, such as a variety of machining equipment (turning machines and so on) in use, controlled by a foot switch, or, by a button located somewhere else, such on the machine frame. While using working machines like this, it is especially difficult, and possibly even dangerous, for the user to have to take his attention away from, his eyes and/or hands off the work object in order to be able to switch on the machine. In case of a danger, it is also possible that the switch is out of reach, and many dangers could be avoided if the switch was in closer proximity to the user and if the machine was stopped faster.

In some devices, the switch is near the operating end of the device, which can be practical with finger-held devices but inconvenient with an eyeglass or goggles camera, for example. As an example, if the switch of the eyeglass or goggles camera is located at the lenses, the user usually cannot switch on the camera to take a picture without moving his hand to the switch. This, in turn, can be disadvantageous and difficult, especially if neither of the user's hands is free, may pose a violation of hygiene in a surgical or dental operation of a patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objective of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, or, at least to alleviate them. The invention particularly aims at providing a user-friendly utility device controller, the controller being positioned to allow the user to move freely despite the controller.

The controller of the invention is characterized by the features set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1.

The dependent embodiments disclose some preferred embodiments of the invention.

In an aspect of the invention, the utility device controller of the invention is preferably provided between an arm and the body of a user. Positioning the controller like this allows the user to operate the controller device reliably and, still, to use his hands freely.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is operable by mechanical clamping between the aim and body of the user, and, in another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to adjust the intensity of the mechanical clamping required for the control of the utility device. These embodiments may allow the operation of the controller to be adjusted user-specifically.

In an embodiment of the invention, the utility device controller is electromechanical, comprising at least one member reacting to said mechanical clamping and causing at least one change in an electric circuit provided in the controller in order to control the utility device. In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is ergonomically designed to fit more comfortably and to be easier to use between the arm and body of the user. In an embodiment, said ergonomic design can comprise curved surfaces to follow the contours of the arm and body of the user. In an embodiment of the invention, the controller is provided with several functions for the control of the utility device. Preferably, the user utilizes the controller of the invention to control the switch on/off function of the utility device. The controller can be operated in different ways to control different functions of the utility device. The controller can be adapted to identify whether it is pressed for a long period of time, short period of time or twice in a row, just to give a few examples.

In an embodiment of the invention, the utility device controller operates wirelessly. Preferably, short-range wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth™ or NFC (Near Field Communication), is provided in the switch. Wireless technology allows the utility device to be controlled wirelessly by the controller of the invention. Besides, in an embodiment, wireless communication technology allows the controller to transfer data from the utility device to the controller, or, from the controller to the utility device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the utility device controller comprises memory to store data. This embodiment is preferable because it allows memory to be taken from the utility device to the controller and to then forward it to a server, for example.

The utility of the controller of the invention arises from a number of facts. Because the controller is always operable by the user and always in the same place, the user does not have to redirect his eyes to position the controller. Thus, the user does not necessarily have to take his attention away from and/or his hands off the actual work object in order to be able to operate the utility device. A controller provided between an arm and the body of a user can give the user an effortless and reliable way of controlling utility devices by only making a small movement/small movements with his arm towards his body and/or away from his body. This movement is basically easy to adopt, and, can therefore be used for implementing the device control by the controller of the invention.

The controller of invention is also useful for controlling a wide range of different devices. The controller is especially suited for controlling devices worn by a user, such an eyeglass or goggles camera, but it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the user's device requiring control can be elsewhere than in his eyeglasses or goggles. Further, the solution of the invention is useful for controlling two-hand devices, such as machining tools. These devices are only mentioned by way of example and it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the controller of the present invention also is useful for controlling any other appropriate devices.

Further, the controller of the present invention is useful in many different operating environments, such medical environments, wherein the controller can be used for controlling, by way of example but not limited to, medical measuring apparatus, different kinds of medical imaging apparatus, x-ray apparatus, radiation therapy apparatus and medical aids. The controller can also be used for controlling apparatus intended for geriatric care and used in eldercare/residential care nursing homes, to possibly free the hands and attention of the nurses from operating the controller. In addition to the above mentioned purposes, the present controller can be contemplated to be used for controlling any appropriate machines in mechanical workshops and machine shops.

In this application, the term "controller" is used in the same sense as the term "utility device controller". In this application, the term "utility device" refers to any switch-controlled electric device.

In this application, the term "arm" refers to the body part between the shoulder and the hand. It comprises the upper arm, elbow, lower arm and wrist.

In this application, the term "hand" refers to the body part comprising the palm and fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is an exemplary view showing how a controller according to an embodiment is used,

Figure 2 shows a controller according to an embodiment, Figure 3 is an exemplary view of a controller according to an embodiment, illustrating the design thereof, and

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the coupling of a controller according to an embodiment, focusing on internal parts of the devices.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a system 100 wherein a controller 102 according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to control a utility device which, in this exemplary embodiment, is an eyeglass camera 104. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that, herein, the camera merely is disclosed as an example of a utility device to illustrate the invention and not intended to restrict the applicability of the invention to any extent. The controller 102 is attached to an arm of a user 106, between his arm and body, leaving his both hands free. This allows the user to use both his hands for working and to fix his eyes on anywhere else. By pressing his arm towards his body the user applies a clamping force to the controller, causing the controller 102 to activate desired functions in the camera 104. The controller can be used, for example, for switching on/off the camera as well as for taking pictures and recording video. This is very convenient for doctors, such as surgeons and dentists, whose both hands are engaged in working but who would like to image the work object at the same time.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller 102 can be attached to the user's 106 arm by a wrapped-around strap or by Velcro tape. The controller 102 can be positioned in different points along the arm. In an embodiment, the controller 102 can be positioned on the upper arm, allowing the controller 102 to be pressed with a very short arm movement. In another embodiment, the controller can be positioned on the lower arm, if, for example, the user works with his hands very close to his body. In some embodiments, the controller 102 is preferably positioned near the user's elbow. Alternatively, the controller 102 can be attached to a side of the user's body, for example, by a wrapped-around strap or by Velcro tape, but in such a way to allow the user to press the controller 102 with his arm. Figure 2 shows a controller 102 according to an embodiment of the invention. The controller 102 comprises a body 220 and a cover 222, caused to move relative to each other by a spring 224. The spring 224 is preferably a torsion spring, but it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that other solutions can be contemplated. The body 220 is provided with a hole enclosing a movable stopper 220 to limit the movement of the cover. The stopper can be a pin, screw or any other projection functionally connected to the cover 222 and limiting the movement of the cover 222. The stopper 226 is adapted to move in the hole to keep the cover 222 in an upper position, at a suitable distance from the body 220. The distance from the cover 222 to the body 220 between the lower and the upper position may vary depending on the embodiment. The spring 224 attempts to push the cover 222, or at least a part of the cover, away from the body 220. The cover 222 is lifted to the upper position by opening an electric circuit provided in the controller 202. Preferably, the range of movement is at least 1 mm and less than 3 cm. More preferably, the range of movement is more than 5 mm and less than 3 cm. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the stopper 226 does not have to penetrate the body 220, but, instead of said hole, the body can be provided, for example, with a groove or a similar recess in which the stopper is movable. Alternatively, the stopper can be positioned outside the body 220, the cover 222 thus comprising a hole, recess, groove or a similar space relative to which the stopper 226 is movable.

In an embodiment, the clamping force required to operate the controller 102 is adjusted as needed or desired by the user. This may enhance the operability and reliability of the controller. According to still another embodiment, the controller 102 gives the user a response if he presses the controller correctly. The form of the response can vary, but, preferably it is vibration and/or a sound. Further, it is possible to associate different responses, such as different sounds, with different presses, to indicate to the user that he has pressed the controller correctly.

The controller is provided with an electric circuit which is closed as the cover of the controller moves to the lower position. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is electromechanical, that is, the cover 222 of the controller causes a conductor 228 to close the electric circuit. The closing of the electric circuit may comprise forwarding a signal to the utility device. The utility device can be, for instance, a camera, drill, turning machine or any other electric actuator wherein the signal forwarded thereto can cause the actuator to switch on or off and/or to carry out some other function.

According to another embodiment, pressure detecting means, such as one or more pressure sensors, are provided in the controller to detect if the user applies pressure to the controller. The controller according to the present embodiment can be fitted with a movable cover member, or the controller is formed into an integrated unit not including a movable cover member.

In an embodiment, the controller can be operated to switch on and off the utility device when the user presses the controller once and twice, respectively. Alternatively, the controller can operate as follows: the utility device is switched on and off while the controller is pressed down and while the user releases the controller, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention, other functions related to the control of the utility device can be added to the controller. In an embodiment of the invention, it is possible, for example, to add still-image shooting and video recording functions to a controller coupled to an eyeglass camera. As an example, a still-image is shot by pressing the switch for a short period of time, whereas video recording is started by pressing the switch for a longer period of time. Further, other presses can be applied to control the actuator, such as pressing the controller twice within a short period of time. Figure 3 illustrates the ergonomic design of a controller 102 according to an embodiment of the invention. The curved bottom and cover of the controller allow it to follow the contours of the user's arm and body. The curved design also helps to avoid mispressing. Preferred dimensions of the controller: preferable more preferable most preferable

Width: 1 to 30cm 2 to 15cm 4 to 10cm

Length: lto 30cm 2 to 20cm 5 to 12cm

Thickness: 0.1 to 10cm 0.2 to 6cm 0.5 to 3cm

It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above does not restrict the size and shape of the controller but they can vary depending on the size of the user, for example. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system 400 according to an embodiment wherein the controller 102 of the invention is coupled to a utility device 404, such as an eyeglass camera, by a wireless network 416, such as Bluetooth™.

In an embodiment, the contioller 102 can comprise a number of data storing and processing entities, such as a processor 410, memory 426 and software 428. The controller can also comprise a transceiver 422 to connect to a utility device 404. In an embodiment, the transceiver 422 can set up, for example, a Bluetooth™ connection allowing short-range data transfer. Alternatively, some other technology, such as NFC technology, can be used for the data transfer. Further, the controller 102 can comprise a user interface 424, such as a USB port, to connect the controller 102 to a computer. Further, the user interface 424 can comprise a number of buttons for switching on the controller 102 and/or connecting/pairing it to the utility device 404.

Similarly, the utility device 404 can comprise a number of data storing and processing entities, such as a processor 430, memory 436, a piece/pieces of software 438, transceiver 432 and user interface 434. The transceiver 432 is capable of setting up a connection for data transfer. In an embodiment, the utility device 404 connected to the controller 102 can be, for example, an eyeglass camera transferring and storing any pictures taken by it to the memory of the controller 102. Additionally or alternatively, the controller and/or the utility device can be coupled to a server to allow data to be transferred from the utility device to the server either directly, or, with a delay where the server is temporarily unavailable, for instance.

The scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims. However, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art the details of the different features of the invention can vary to some extent depending on the embodiment of the invention.