JP3194492B2 - XY direction input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an XY direction input device for moving a cursor on a screen in an arbitrary direction.
In particular, the present invention relates to an XY direction input device that can be operated by holding the main body with one hand.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-66690, a user operates the operating section by holding the apparatus body with one hand and moves a cursor displayed on a display apparatus in an arbitrary direction in accordance with the movement. X- to move to
A Y-direction input device has been proposed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional XY-direction input device of this type, FIG. 12 is a structural view showing a main part of an operation section of the XY-direction input device of FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a use state of the XY direction input device of FIG. 11.

A conventional XY direction input device (cursor movement control device) 1 shown in FIG. 11 has a quadrangular prism shape which is easy to hold with one hand, and is connected to a display body (not shown) by an extension cord 2. ing. The wall surface 1a of the device is provided with a cursor movement direction indicating switch 3 partly protruding from a hole 1c provided in the wall surface 1a, and is slidable in all directions on a plane along the wall surface 1a. Further, on a side surface 1b adjacent to the wall surface 1a, four switches 4 to 7 for instructing various functions are provided.

The cursor movement direction instruction switch 3 is
As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG.
The support plate 3a is elastically held at the center of the movable range by four springs 8a to 8d. Reference numerals 9a, 9b, 9c... Are arranged on the inner bottom surface 1d and around the switch 3 at the center position, and are connected to a signal processing unit (not shown). Also, the support plate 3
a on the bottom of the contact 9a, 9b,.
Are arranged in a ring shape, and one or a plurality of contact pairs 3b and 9a, 3c and 9n contact each other by moving the switch 3 against the elasticity of the springs 8a to 8d. If there is only one contact point, a cursor movement instruction can be given in that direction, and if there are two or more contacts, in the center direction thereof, and so on.

When using this apparatus, the operator grips the apparatus as shown in FIG. 13 and depresses the cursor movement direction instruction switch 3 with one thumb to shift it in a desired direction, thereby indicating the cursor movement direction. I do. Also,
The switches 4 to 7 are the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger,
It is operated with a little finger, and when it is pressed, various functions are requested to a computer or a display main body, which is a host device.

[0007]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional XY direction input device, the cursor displayed on the display device is operated by holding the main body of the input device 1 with one hand and operating the cursor movement direction indicating switch 3 with the thumb. Is moved to a target position such as an icon (menu), and then the switches 4 to 7 for instructing various functions are operated with fingers other than the thumb to select a desired icon or the like. However, in this conventional XY direction input device, the cursor continues to move in the indicated direction while the cursor movement direction instruction switch 3 is being operated with the thumb.
In order to stop the cursor at a desired position, it is necessary to release the thumb once from the switch 3 and return the switch 3 to the center position by the elasticity of the springs 8a to 8d. Therefore, at this time, the input device 1 is gripped by four fingers other than the thumb, and the operator presses the switches 4 to 7 for instructing various functions in such a state that the grip is unstable. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to operate these function instruction switches.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an XY direction input device which is excellent in operability when requesting various functions from a host device such as a display main body. To provide.

[0009]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a casing formed to have a size that can be gripped by one hand, a function switch provided in the casing and requesting various functions from a host device. A slidable operating portion exposed at an opening provided in the casing, the operating portion being disposed at a position operable with a thumb when the casing is gripped with one hand, the operating portion in X-Y direction input device which is adapted to move to any direction the cursor displayed on the display device by operating the includes a movement amount detecting means for detecting a moving amount of the operation portion with respect to the casing, the operating part To
The first movable end or the second movable end can be moved;
And the movement of the operation unit detected by the movement amount detecting means.
After moving the cursor <br/> le to a desired position based on a control signal outputted in accordance with the rotation amount, the operation of the thumb
Stop moving the operation unit while in contact with the unit
Moving the operation unit to the first moving end,
If the cursor does not reach the desired position,
Operating the operation unit from the first moving end to the second moving end.
By moving to the moving end, the moving amount detecting means
A pseudo control signal for moving the cursor is output from
And continue to move the cursor to the desired position
To stop moving operation of the operation unit.
Output of the pseudo pulse control signal stops, and the car
The movement of the sol is stopped at the desired position and the case
The parent touches the operating unit while holding the ring with one hand.
Use only one of the function switches
Both can be operated.

[0010]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, when the operating portion is slid with the thumb while holding the casing with one hand, the moving amount detecting means detects the moving amount of the operating portion, and according to the moving amount. It is output control signal of the cursor, the cursor on the display device moves. Then, after moving the cursor to the target position, if the operation unit is not operated to move, the thumb remains on the operation unit except for the moving end of the operation unit. Since the cursor does not move even if touched, there is no need to release the thumb from the operation unit , and the function switch can be operated to perform a desired function input operation in a state where the grip of the casing is stable.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an XY direction input device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an XY direction input device according to the present invention.
2, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side view of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is XY of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the directional input device, in which a blind plate is omitted. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a main part, in which an upper case, a board, and the like are omitted, illustrating an operation of an elastic member provided in the XY directional input device of FIG. FIG. 6 and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a back view of a substrate provided in the Y-direction input device, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state of use of the XY direction input device of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the XY direction input device of the first embodiment is provided with a rectangular lower case 11 and provided integrally with the lower case 11, and has the same ratio as the screen of the display device. , A receiving surface 12 surrounded by an inner frame 11a long in the X direction, an operating body 13 provided on the receiving surface 12 and movable within the inner frame 11a, and an operating body 13
And the first moving body 14 that is movable in the Y direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the lower case 11, and is also engaged with the operating body 13, and is movable in the X direction, that is, the short direction of the lower case 11. And a rectangular opening 16 having a long side in the X direction shorter than a short side of the inner frame 11a at substantially the same aspect ratio as that of the inner frame 11a.
1a, a substrate 17 mounted thereon, a rectangular opening 18 opposed to the opening 16 and an upper case 19 mounted on the lower case 11, and interposed between the substrate 17 and the upper case 19. Masking plates 20 and 21 for shielding the opening 18
And so on. A casing forming an outer shell is constituted by the lower case 11 and the upper case 19 described above, and both are fixed by screws (not shown). On the bottom surface of the lower case 11, when the casing is used on a base (not shown). Rubber 22 for preventing slippage is attached. Further, a first key top 23 is attached between the lower case 11 and the upper case 19 so as to be able to be pressed, and the second and third key tops are viewed from the upper surface of the upper case 19 as shown in FIGS. The key tops 24 and 25 protrude so as to be able to be pressed, and a knob 26 (operation unit) attached to the operation body 13 is exposed from the opening 18. Reference numeral 27 denotes a connector connected to a circuit (not shown) mounted on the back surface of the substrate 17 and is detachable from a personal computer or the like.

The above-mentioned first moving body 14 is extended in the X direction and has a base 29 having a long hole 28 and end portions 2 provided at both ends of the base 29 and slidingly contacting the inner frame 11a.
9a and 29b, and one end 29a has 1
A set of detecting means, for example, sliders 30a to 30c are attached. Similarly, the second moving body 15 described above also
The base 32 has a long hole 31 and two ends 32a and 32b provided at both ends of the base 32 and slidingly contacting the inner frame 11a. , For example, sliders 33a to 33
c is attached. The inner frame 11a and the end portions 29a and 29b constitute first guide means for guiding the first moving body 14 so as to be movable in the Y direction, and the inner frame 11a and the end portions 32a and 32b are provided. Thereby, a second guide unit that guides the second moving body 15 so as to be movable in the X direction is configured.

As shown in FIG. 6, a YA pattern 34a, a YB pattern 34b, and a common pattern 34c with which the sliders 30a to 30c are slidably contact extend on the back side of the substrate 17 in the Y direction. A pseudo pulse pattern 34 is provided at the moving end of the sliders 30a and 30b.
d and 34e are provided respectively. Similarly, the XA pattern 35a, the XB pattern 35b, and the other common pattern 35c with which the sliders 33a to 33c are in sliding contact are X
The pseudo-pulse patterns 35d and 35e are provided at the moving ends of the sliders 33a and 33b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operating body 13 has a substantially square flat plate portion 36 (sliding portion) that slides on the receiving surface 12, and the moving body 14 protrudes from the flat plate portion 36.
The knob 2 is inserted through the long hole 28 of the moving body 15 and the long hole 31 of the moving body 15, and one end is exposed through the opening 18 of the upper case 19.
A square pillar-shaped projection 37 having a hole into which the shaft 6 is fitted.
And is formed of an elastic synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 1, at each side end of the flat plate portion 36,
An elastic member, for example, elastic tongue pieces 38a to 38d, is provided to push the flat plate portion 36 slightly from the moving end to the intermediate portion side by contacting the tip with the inner frame 11a. The first and second moving bodies 14 and 1 are provided on the upper surface of the flat plate portion 36.
5, four sliding contact pins 39a-3 arranged so as to sandwich
9d, and these four sliding contact pins 39a to 39d are provided.
39d is in sliding contact with both side surfaces of the first and second moving bodies 14 and 15.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blinding plates 20 and 21 are each formed of a thin plate, are sequentially stacked on a substrate 17, and are movable independently of each other. The lower blind plate 20 forms an opening 18 of the upper case 19 when the operating body 13 reaches the moving end.
It has an end in the X direction located inside the edge in the direction, and has an end in the Y direction located slightly outside the edge in the Y direction that forms the opening 18, and has an operation in the center. It has a square hole 20a through which the protrusion 37 of the body 13 is inserted. The upper blind plate 21 has a long hole 21a long in the Y direction.
The opening 18 has a rectangular external shape that is long in the Y direction so that when the operating body 13 reaches the moving end, the opening 18 shields a portion that is not shielded by the lower blind plate 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, a step 19a is provided on the back side of the upper case 19.
The movement and rotation of the upper blind plate 21 in the Y direction are restricted by 9a, and the first and second moving bodies 1 are controlled.
Even when the knob 26 for independently moving the sliders 4 and 15 in the Y and X directions is moved, the blinds 21 are guided so as not to tilt. In addition, the lower blind plate 20 is not tilted because the projection 37 provided on the operating body 13 and exposed from the opening 18 of the upper case 19 passes through the hole 20 a provided on the blind plate 20. So it is held.

A switch 40 is mounted on one end on the back side of the substrate 17 and the connector 2 is mounted on the other end.
7 is connected to a conductive cable 41. On the front side of the substrate 17, fixed contacts 42 and 43 are formed at positions corresponding to the second and third key tops 24 and 25, and a dome-shaped movable contact is formed on these fixed contacts 42 and 43. The contacts (leaf springs) 44 and 45 are arranged, and the tape 46
Thus, the movable contacts 42 and 43 are held on the substrate 17. In addition, as shown in FIG.
7a and an oval hole 17b are provided, and projections 11b and 11c formed integrally with the inner frame 11a of the lower case 11 are fitted into these holes 17a and 17b, respectively, so that the substrate 17 is placed on the inner frame 11a. Is held in position.

The first key top 23 is made of an elastic synthetic resin, has an H-shaped cross section except for both ends and a center portion, and has concave portions 23a formed at upper and lower portions, respectively. Further, two elastic pieces 23b are integrally formed in a C shape. And this elastic piece 23b
The lower case 1 is disposed between the lower case 11 and the substrate 17.
The tip of the elastic piece 23b abuts on the inner frame 11a of the first key frame 23 to constantly elastically urge the first key top 23 outward with respect to the casing. Also, on the side surfaces of the lower case 11 and the upper case 19 on the first key top side, claws 11d, 1d,
9a are vertically provided, and these claws 11d and 19a are respectively provided at the lower and upper concave portions 2 of the first key top 23.
3a, restricting the first key top 23 from moving more than necessary. The center of the first key top 23 and the switch 40 are arranged to face each other so that the switch 40 is turned on regardless of which position of the first key top 23 is pressed. Further, the switch composed of the movable contact 45 and the fixed contact 43 driven by the third key top 25 and the switch 40 have the same function.

In the first embodiment, when the cursor displayed on the display device is moved in an arbitrary direction, as shown in FIG. 7, the user holds the casing with one hand and slides the knob 26 with his thumb. Alternatively, place the casing on a base (not shown) such as a desk and
Is moved with the index finger or the middle finger, the first moving body 14 moves with respect to the patterns 34a to 34c in the Y direction of the substrate 17, and the pattern 35a in the X direction.
The second moving body 15 moves relative to .about.35c. At this time, the sliders 30 a to 30 a to 3 are added to the YA pattern 34 a, the YB pattern 34 b, and the common pattern 34 c.
0c are in sliding contact with each other to output an A-phase signal and a B-phase signal in the Y direction, and in response to this, output a cursor control signal in the Y direction to the display device. Similarly, the XA pattern 35
The sliders 33a to 33c slidably contact the a, XB pattern 35b, and common pattern 35c, respectively, to output an A-phase signal and a B-phase signal in the X direction, and to output a cursor control signal in the X direction to the display device.

The moving amount of the cursor controlled in this manner corresponds to the moving amount of the knob 26, that is, the operating body 13, and when the slide operation of the normal knob is stopped, the cursor on the display device also stops. Therefore, when using the casing while holding the casing, the thumb 26 is slid with the thumb, and when the cursor has moved to a desired position such as an icon, the movement of the thumb is stopped.
As shown in (1), the first key top 23 is pressed with a finger other than the thumb such as the index finger to select and input an icon or the like.
When the casing is placed on a base (not shown) and used, the knob 26 is slid with the index finger or the middle finger to move the cursor to a target position, and then the thumb, the index finger, or the middle finger is used. Presses the third key top 25 with the finger of the user to select an icon or the like. The second
Key top 24 is assigned a function that is less frequently used than the first and third key tops 23 and 25, such as a clear function. Thumb when using,
The arrangement is such that it can be operated with either the index finger or the middle finger.

In the XY direction input device according to the first embodiment, when the cursor does not reach a desired position even when the knob 26 is slid to the moving end (first moving end). Then, a pseudo signal for moving the cursor is output. That is, the operating body 13 from the central position shown in FIG. 5 (a), as shown in FIG. 5 (b), moves the tip of the elastic tongue piece 38b abuts the inner frame 11a
After moving to the moving end (first moving end) ,
The operating body 13 is moved to one of the moving ends in the X direction (second moving
When moving to the end portions), as shown in (c) of FIG. 5, the elastic tongue piece 38b is elastically contact the inner frame 11a. At this time, the slider 33a slides on the pseudo pulse pattern 35d to output a pseudo pulse control signal, and pseudo endless output is performed. Therefore, the cursor displayed on the display device moves continuously. Next, knob 26
Is released, the elastic body of the elastic tongue piece 38b causes the operating body 13 to move.
Returns to the position shown in FIG. 5B (the position of the first moving end) , the slider 33a is separated from the pseudo pulse pattern 35d, and the output of the above-described pseudo pulse control signal is stopped. The same applies to the case where the operating body 13 is moved to another moving end in the X direction or to the moving end in the Y direction.

In the first embodiment constructed as described above, the pressing force in the axial direction applied to the projection 37 by the operation of the knob 26 is applied to the receiving surface 12 of the lower case 11 via the flat plate portion 36.
Since the axial pressing force is not applied to the first moving body 14 or the second moving body 15, the moving bodies 14 and 15 can be smoothly moved. . In addition, the sliding contact pins 39a to 39
39d guides the intermediate portions of the first and second moving bodies 14 and 15 by sandwiching the first and second moving bodies 14 and 15, respectively, so that the moving bodies 14 and 15 move more smoothly. Furthermore, a plurality of blind plates 2 that can move independently of each other to cover the opening 18 of the upper case 19.
0, 21 are provided, so that each blind cover 2
0 and 21 can be set relatively small, whereby the size of the casing can be reduced.

Further, since the first key top 23 and the third key top 25 having the same function are provided on the side surface and the surface of the casing, respectively, the casing can be used by grasping or placing it. Further, since the first key top 23 is made large over the entire short side of the casing, the usability is hardly influenced by the size of the hand and the dominant arm of the operator, and the XY direction input device excellent in operability. Can be obtained.

The movement of the cursor displayed on the display device basically corresponds to the amount of movement of the knob 26. Therefore, when the user holds the casing and uses it, the operating tool 1
Since the cursor does not continue to move even if the thumb touches the knob 26 except for the moving end of the position 3,
When pressing the first key top 23, it is not necessary to release the thumb from the knob 26, so that the first key top 23 which is relatively frequently used can be operated in a state where the grip of the casing is stable. .

Further, in the first embodiment, all the switches are provided on the same substrate, and a pattern in the X and Y directions as a detection means for detecting the movement of the operating body 13 is formed on this substrate. At the same time, a circuit for processing signals by switches and patterns is also mounted on the same board to improve the assembling workability. However, a plurality of boards can be used if necessary.

In the above-described first embodiment, the operating portion knob 26 is formed as a separate member from the operating body 13, but the projection 37 of the operating body 13 may be configured as an operating portion.

Further, as the method for detecting the movement of the operating body 13, in the first embodiment, the contact type based on the pattern formed on the slider and the substrate has been described. For example, a combination of a reflective photosensor mounted on the back surface of the substrate and a pattern in which a reflecting portion and a non-reflecting portion provided on a moving body are alternately arranged, or a magnetic type may be used.

FIG. 8 shows a second example of the XY direction input device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a part of the upper case is cut away, showing the example of FIG.

While the first embodiment described above has only one key top (function switch) disposed at a position operable with fingers other than the thumb when the casing is gripped, The XY direction input device according to the second embodiment has a plurality of key tops, that is, a first key top 47 and a second key top 48.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower case 49 and the upper case 50 constitute a substantially rectangular casing which is long in the Y direction. A knob 52 (operation unit) slidably movable within the opening 51 slightly projects from
The opening 51 is shielded by a plurality of blind plates 53 and 54. A board 55 is provided between the lower case 49 and the upper case 50, and although not shown,
Similarly to the first embodiment, patterns extending in the X and Y directions are formed on the back surface of the substrate 55, and a circuit for processing signals based on these patterns is also mounted. Have been. A plurality of switches 56 and 57 are attached to the right corner of the surface of the substrate 55 by soldering, and two switches (not shown) are attached to the left corner of the surface similarly. Projecting third and fourth key tops 58,5
Although a switch that is turned on by pressing the button 9 is omitted from the drawing, similarly to the XY direction input device of the first embodiment, a fixed contact formed on the surface of the substrate 55 and a dome-shaped switch are provided. It is formed by a movable contact.

At the center of the first key top 47, a shaft 47a extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, that is, in the thickness direction of the casing, is formed integrally. The shaft 47a is connected to the lower case 49 and the upper case 50. The first keytop 47 is rotatably (seesaw-movable) mounted on a casing about a shaft 47a by being inserted into a round hole (not shown) provided in the casing. When the left key 47b of the first keytop 47 is pressed, the first keytop 47 rotates counterclockwise to turn on the switch 56. When the right key (side surface) 47c is pressed, the first keytop 47 is pressed. The key top 47 rotates clockwise, and the switch 57 is turned on. When the first key top is not operated, the spring forces contained in the switches 56 and 57 are balanced, so that the first key top 47 is in the neutral position. Switches 56 and 57 are both off. Similarly, the second keytop 48 is also rotatably attached to the casing, and is configured so that the right side 48b and the left side (side surface) 48c of the second keytop 48 can be pressed. By operation, a switch (not shown) provided at the left corner of the substrate 55 can be selectively turned on.

Note that the left side 47b of the first key top 47
, And a second key top 4
8 driven by the right side 48b and the third
The switches which are driven by the key top 58 have the same function. Similarly, the first key top 47
The switch 57 driven by the right side 47c of the second key top 48, the switch driven by the left side 48c of the second key top 48, and the switch driven by the fourth key top 59 have the same function. Functions that are used less frequently than switches that are turned on by the top 58 or the like are assigned.

The other components such as the rubber attached to the bottom of the lower case and the first and second moving bodies are the same as those of the XY direction input device of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description is omitted. I do.

Also in the second embodiment, the casing is used by holding it with one hand, or placed on a base (not shown) such as a desk for use.

That is, when using the casing while holding the casing with one hand, the knob 52 is slid and moved with the thumb, and the cursor displayed on the display device is moved in an arbitrary direction according to the amount of movement, so that the cursor is moved. When the user reaches the target position such as the icon, stop the movement of the thumb, and then use the finger other than the thumb, such as the index finger, to stop the first key top 4.
7 or the right side 48 of the second keytop 48
b is pressed to select and input an icon or the like. Also,
To cancel a selection input or to input a function that is not frequently used, such as a clear function, the right key 47c of the first key top 47 or the second key top 4 is also pressed with the index finger or the like.
8 is pressed on the left side 48c.

The operating method when the casing is used by mounting it on a base (not shown) is the same as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the user slides the knob 52 with the index finger or the middle finger, moves the cursor to a target position, and then presses the third keytop 58 with one of the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger, and presses the icon. Select etc. 4th
The key top 59 is also depressed with any of the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger to input a function such as clear.

In the second embodiment constructed as described above, when the user grips the casing, he or she can enter a plurality of functions at positions operable with fingers other than the thumb. , And both key top 4
7 and 48 have the same function, so that a right-handed person or a left-handed person can perform a good function selection operation. further,
The movement of the cursor displayed on the display device is the first movement.
In the same manner as in the embodiment, the movement basically corresponds to the amount of movement of the knob 52. Therefore, when the user holds the casing and uses the knob 52, the cursor does not continue to move even if the thumb touches the knob 52. First or second key top 47, 48
It is not necessary to separate the thumb from the knob 52 when pressing the function, and the function selection operation can be performed with the grip of the casing being stabilized.

Also, since the third and fourth key tops 58 and 59 for selecting functions are provided on the upper surface of the casing, the casing can be mounted on a base such as a desk for use. it can. Other effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the XY direction input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the XY direction input device of FIG.

Also in the XY direction input device of the third embodiment, the casing forming the outer shell is constituted by the lower case 61 and the upper case 62.
Are integrated by a screw 60. The XY directional input device of the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the first keytop is located at a position operable with fingers other than the thumb when the casing is gripped. 63 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower case 61, and the other configuration is the same as that described in detail in the first embodiment.

That is, from the upper surface of the upper case 62, the second
The key top 64 and the third key top 65 project so as to be able to be pressed, and the first key top 63 and the third key top
This has the same function as the key top 65 of FIG. A knob 67 (operation unit) is slidably exposed in the opening 66 from an opening 66 provided in the upper case 62, and the opening 66 is shielded by two blind plates 68, 69. I have. Further, a rubber 70 is adhered to the bottom surface of the lower case 61 to prevent the casing and the base from slipping when the casing is used on a base (not shown) such as a desk.

The first key top 63 has a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction and slightly protrudes from the bottom surface of the lower case 61. However, the protruding amount is set to be smaller than the thickness of the rubber 70, and the casing is formed. The first key top 63 prevents the internal switch (not shown) from being turned on even when placed on the base.

In the third embodiment constructed as described above, the casing is used by holding the casing with one hand or placed on a base (not shown) such as a desk to move the cursor displayed on the display device. And select input of various functions.

That is, when the casing is used by holding the casing with one hand, the thumb 67 is slid with the thumb, and the cursor displayed on the display device is moved in an arbitrary direction according to the amount of the movement. Stop the movement of the thumb when it reaches the target position of the icon or the like, and then press the first keytop 63 on the bottom surface of the casing with a finger other than the thumb such as the index finger to select the icon or the like. Do. Further, the second key top 64 to which functions less frequently used than the first key top 63 such as a selection input canceling function and a clearing function are assigned is pressed with the thumb when using the casing while holding the casing. Manipulate.
The operation method when the casing is mounted on the base and used is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment constructed as described above, the first key top 63 and the third key top 65 having the same function are provided on the back surface and the front surface of the casing, respectively. The first key top 63 is long and large in the X direction, that is, in the short direction of the casing, so that the usability depends on the size of the operator's hand and the dominant arm. An X-Y direction input device excellent in operability can be obtained.

The movement of the cursor displayed on the display device is basically controlled by the knob 6 as in the first embodiment.
Since the cursor corresponds to the movement amount of 7, the cursor does not continue to move even when the thumb touches the knob 67 except for the moving end when using the casing while holding the casing. When pressing the key top 63, it is not necessary to separate the thumb from the knob 67, and therefore, the first key top 63 which is relatively frequently used can be operated in a state where the grip of the casing is stable.

Further, since the basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the XY-direction input device of the first embodiment, it has other effects similar to those described in the first embodiment. ing.

In each of the embodiments, the casing has a cable connected to a host device such as a computer including a display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is obvious that a wireless remote controller used for a video tape recorder or the like is also included.

[0051]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it is not necessary to hold the casing with one hand, slide the operation unit with the thumb, move the cursor to the target position, and then release the thumb from the operation unit. Therefore, the casing can be stably held even when operating the function switch arranged at a position operable by a finger other than the thumb, and thus various functions to the host device such as the display body can be provided. An input operation can be performed reliably and satisfactorily. And maneuver
Cursor is desired even when working part is moved to first moving end
Even if you do not reach the position,
When a moving operation is performed from the first moving end to the second moving end,
Pseudo control for moving the cursor by the movement amount detection means
Control signal is output and the cursor continues to be moved and
By stopping the operation of the working part, the pseudo pulse control signal
Since the output of the signal is stopped and the movement of the cursor is stopped,
It is not necessary to separate your thumb from the control, so use a finger other than your thumb
Set the function switch located at an operable position
Operation can be performed reliably and well.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of an XY direction input device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an essential part for explaining an operation of an elastic member provided in the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a substrate provided in the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a use state of the XY direction input device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the XY direction input device according to the present invention, in which a part of an upper case is cut off.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the XY direction input device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the XY direction input device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional XY direction input device.

12 is a configuration diagram illustrating a main part of an operation unit of the XY direction input device in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a use state of the XY direction input device of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Lower Case 13 Operating Body 14 First Moving Body 15 Second Moving Body 18 Opening 19 Upper Case 23 First Key Top (Function Switch) 24 Second Key Top (Function Switch) 25 Third Key Top ( Function switch) 26 Knob (operation unit) 30a-30c, 33a-33c Slider (detection means) 34a-34e, 35a-35e Pattern (detection means) 47 First key top (function switch) 48 Second Key top (function switch) 49 Lower case 50 Upper case 51 Opening 52 Knob (operation unit) 58 Third key top (Function switch) 59 Fourth key top (Function switch) 61 Lower case 62 Upper case 63 First Key top (function switch) 64 Second key top (Function switches) 65 third key top (function switch) 66 opening 67 knob (operation unit)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A casing formed in a size that can be gripped by one hand, a function switch provided in the casing and requesting various functions from a higher-level device, and a slidable operation exposed to an opening provided in the casing. The operating unit is disposed at a position operable with a thumb when the casing is gripped with one hand, and by operating the operating unit, a cursor displayed on a display device is moved in an arbitrary direction. in X-Y direction input device so as to move to, includes a movement amount detecting means for detecting a moving amount of the operating portion with respect to the casing, the first moving end of the operating portion or the second moving end portion Transfer
To enable dynamic operation, the operating portion of the shift detected by said moving amount detecting means
After moving the cursor <br/> le to a desired position based on the control signal outputted in accordance with the moving amount, in contact directly the thumb on the operating unit, the
Even if the movement of the operation unit is stopped and the operation unit is moved to the first movement end,
If the cursor does not reach the desired position,
Operating the operation unit from the first moving end to the second
The movement amount is detected by moving the
Pseudo pulse control for moving the cursor from the means
A signal is output and the cursor is moved to the desired position.
The pseudo-pattern is continuously moved by stopping the moving operation of the operation unit.
The output of the pulse control signal stops and the cursor moves before
The casing is stopped at a desired position.
Touch the function switch with a finger other than the thumb
An XY direction input device characterized in that at least one of them can be operated .