JP4342030B2 - Function assignment method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in the function of a coordinate input device including a main coordinate input means and an auxiliary coordinate input means, and more particularly, as an auxiliary coordinate input means, a wheel that can be operated by rotating, and can be operated in at least two directions. The present invention relates to an improvement in the function of a coordinate input device including a simple switch lever or a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) has been adopted to improve the operability of a PC, but a mouse, a pointing device, and the like are frequently used as a coordinate input device for designating icons on a display screen.
Most of the mice that are generally used at present are of the type that outputs the operation amount of the user in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and the operation of the two click switches, and the movement direction and the movement amount of the mouse are indicated on the X-axis. The operation corresponding to the icon is performed by disassembling and detecting in the Y-axis direction, moving the cursor displayed on the screen according to the detection result, and operating the click switch when the cursor is over the icon To do.
[0003]
In addition, in order to facilitate the operation of a more complicated PC, there are also those provided with auxiliary input means. Examples of auxiliary coordinate input means include a wheel that can be operated by rotating, a switch lever that can be operated in at least two directions, or a touch panel that can be operated by moving a finger in contact.
A mouse with a wheel will be described as one of such coordinate input means.
[0004]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a mouse with a wheel.
The mouse with a wheel includes a mouse as a main input unit and a wheel as an auxiliary input unit. The mouse 1 with a wheel generally includes a left click switch SW1 and a right click switch SW2 as in a normal mouse, and a part of the wheel 3 is exposed to the outside from the opening 2. The mouse 1 with a wheel is connected to a host such as a personal computer or a workstation via a cable 4.
[0005]
The user operates the mouse 1 with a wheel to rotate a ball (not shown) installed at the lower part of the mouse with a wheel, and moves the mouse cursor on the display screen of the computer.
The rotation obtained by operating the wheel 3 can be assigned to, for example, a scroll function of the screen on the application, a middle click switch function, a double click function, a function unique to each application, etc. Software operation can be simplified.
[0006]
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the mouse 1 with a wheel.
The movement direction and the movement amount of the ball of the mouse with the wheel are detected by the X-axis rotary encoder 11 and the Y-axis rotary encoder 12 with respect to two directions of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. The X-axis rotary encoder 11 and the Y-axis rotary encoder 12 are connected to a ball rotation detection unit 32 in a control IC 31 built in the mouse 1 with a wheel. The ball rotation in the control IC 31 is determined based on the phase relationship and the rotational speed of the pulses A and B corresponding to the rotation of the X-axis and Y-axis shafts, which are outputs from the X-axis rotary encoder 11 and the Y-axis rotary encoder 12. The detection unit 32 detects the moving direction and moving amount (referred to as ball coordinate data) of the ball of the mouse with wheel 1 and transmits it to the host via the cable 4.
[0007]
Mechanical switches are used for the left click switch SW1 and the right click switch SW2 of the mouse 1 with a wheel, and they are connected to a switch detection unit 33 in a control IC 31 built in the mouse 1 with a wheel. The control IC 31 transmits information indicating whether or not the click switch has been pressed (referred to as SW1 and SW2 switch data) to the host in a predetermined format.
[0008]
The rotation direction and the rotation amount of the wheel 3 are detected by the wheel rotary encoder 13 and are determined by the phase relationship and the rotation speed of the pulses A and B corresponding to the rotation of the shaft of the wheel 3. The wheel rotary encoder 13 is connected to a wheel rotation detector 34 in the control IC 31. The wheel rotation detector 34 in the control IC 31 detects the moving direction and moving amount (referred to as wheel rotation data) of the wheel 3 from the output from the wheel rotary encoder 13, and a personal computer or workstation via the cable 4. To other hosts.
[0009]
Information indicating the detected wheel rotation direction and rotation amount (hereinafter referred to as wheel rotation data) is transmitted to the host via the cable 4 in a predetermined format together with ball coordinate data and SW1 and SW2 switch data.
For example, when the wheel rotation data is assigned for the scroll function in the vertical direction on the screen of the application software, the user operates the wheel 3 with the finger in the direction in which the wheel 3 is to be scrolled. The screen can be scrolled.
[0010]
In general, the mouse 1 with a wheel is provided with a switch SW3 (not shown) that can be switched by pushing the wheel downward. In FIG. When the finger is pushed downward, the wheel 3 depresses the switch SW3. For example, the function of a middle click switch in a three-button mouse is generally assigned to the switch SW3.
[0011]
Wheel button functions that can be realized by using the mouse 1 with a wheel include a middle click switch, double-click, auto-scroll, etc. When using the desired wheel button function, register it in advance using the wheel button function setting utility. It is necessary to keep it.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen on the display of the wheel button setting utility according to the conventional example.
[0012]
FIG. 3 shows several wheel button functions that can be set, such as a middle click switch, double click, or auto scroll, and the user registers only one desired function in advance as an initial setting. .
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional example, once a wheel button function is registered, use is limited to that wheel button function. If you want to use another function, register the function again using the wheel button function setting utility. It is necessary to redo. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method capable of easily changing functions without using a wheel button function setting utility each time various functions are changed.
[0014]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate input device capable of easily and quickly setting a wheel button function in view of the above problems.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, Specify the position on the display screen A function assigning method for a coordinate input device including a pointer operation means, a click switch, and an auxiliary input means, Displayed on the display screen In computer applications Multiple Function of From , It is determined function of As a candidate Selected by operation instruction from auxiliary input means At least two Feature candidates A registration step to register with the host; From the registered function candidates, According to the data related to the operation amount output by operating the auxiliary input means , Place A search step to search the host for the desired function; Find the desired function according to the instructions from the auxiliary input means. A determination step of determining by the host.
[0016]
Specify the position on the display screen Pointer operation means, click switch and auxiliary input means Have Coordinate input device Preparation The function allocation device Displayed on the display screen In computer applications Multiple Function of From , It is determined function of As a candidate Selected by operation instruction from auxiliary input means At least two Feature candidates Registration means provided in the host to register; From the registered function candidates, According to the data related to the operation amount output by operating the auxiliary input means , Place A search means provided in the host for searching for a desired function; Find the desired function in accordance with the operation instructions from the auxiliary input means. Determining means provided in the determining host.
[0017]
According to the present invention , Register multiple function candidates, And Thus, it is possible to change the search for registered function candidates in accordance with the operation amount of the auxiliary input means. Everywhere You can easily and quickly change to the desired function.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The coordinate input device in the present embodiment is a mouse 1 with a wheel shown in FIG. 1, and a switch SW3 (not shown) that can be operated by pushing the wheel downward is disposed on the mouse 1 with a wheel. In FIG. 1, when the user pushes the wheel 3 exposed from the opening 2 downward with a finger, the wheel 3 depresses the switch SW3.
[0019]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen on the display of the wheel button function setting utility according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment according to the present invention, in the registration mode, a wheel button function that can be realized by using the mouse 1 with a wheel is provided. function A registration step for registering multiple candidates in advance is provided. In the search mode, a search step for searching for a wheel button function registered corresponding to the amount of rotation of the wheel and a wheel button function corresponding to the amount of rotation of the wheel are displayed. And a determining step of determining a desired wheel button function by pressing the wheel from the wheel button functions searched by the searching step.
[0020]
The registration step according to the present embodiment does not register only one wheel button function using the wheel button function setting utility in the registration mode. function A plurality of candidates can be registered. Wheel button functions that can be registered are displayed as “wheel button functions” as shown in FIG. 4, and include middle click, double click, auto scroll, and the like.
[0021]
In addition, as a wheel button function of this embodiment, an application shortcut function may be provided. function If registered as a candidate, desired application software can be easily started. As shown in Fig.4, you can search for application software such as word processing software, communication software or spreadsheet software by clicking "Browse", and click the application software displayed in the "Open application" column. Registered, it is displayed in the “Set function” column.
[0022]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to be able to identify each function when searching for a registered wheel button function, or to allow the user to identify the currently assigned wheel button function, the wheel button The wheel button function icon corresponding to the function is displayed on the task tray of the screen. The wheel button function icon may be displayed in any area on the display screen. In this embodiment, the wheel button function icon is a character, but a graphic symbol may be used as long as the corresponding wheel button function can be identified.
[0023]
Thus, the wheel button functions registered by the wheel button setting utility are displayed as “set functions” as shown in FIG. When a desired wheel button function is searched from the registered wheel button functions, it is displayed to the user in the order of the function numbers. As shown in FIG. 4, the functions registered in the present embodiment are “Help (F1)” with an icon “?” In function number 1 and “A” in function number 2. “Auto scroll” function, function number 3 has “D” icon “double click” function, function number 4 has “E” icon “edit.exe (editor)” The shortcut function, function number 5 is a “middle click” function whose icon is “M”.
[0024]
In the display and search step according to the present embodiment, in the search mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the registered wheel button function is searched by rotating the wheel 3 after the mouse cursor is placed on the wheel button function icon. Made. That is, when the mouse cursor is on the wheel button function icon, the display of the wheel button function icon is changed corresponding to the rotation of the wheel 3. By rotating the wheel 3, the display of the wheel button function icons is changed in the order of function numbers set by the wheel button function setting utility.
[0025]
In this embodiment, the icon “?” Indicating the “Help (F1)” function is displayed in FIG. 5B. If the wheel 3 is rotated after the mouse cursor is over the icon, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), for example, an icon “D” indicating a “double click” function is displayed according to the amount of rotation of the wheel 3.
In the determination step according to the present embodiment, when a registered wheel button function is searched and a desired wheel button function icon is displayed, the wheel button function to be used is determined by pressing the wheel 3.
[0026]
Then, information indicating that the determined wheel button function is used is notified to a host such as a personal computer or a workstation.
While the application software is being used, wheel rotation data corresponding to the application software, which is information indicating the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel, is always notified to a host such as a personal computer or a workstation. Therefore, when changing the wheel button function, the wheel rotation data corresponding to the application software conflicts with the wheel rotation data at the time of wheel button function search and determination, and the application software malfunctions or the wheel button function is normally activated. You may not be able to change it. Therefore, in the present invention, during wheel button function search and determination, the wheel rotation data that is information indicating the rotation direction and rotation amount of the wheel corresponding to the application in use is hooked (temporarily stopped), Do not notify the wheel rotation data for the application in use.
[0027]
As described above, in the first embodiment according to the present invention, a plurality of wheel button functions that can be realized by using the mouse 1 with a wheel are registered in advance in the registration step of the registration mode. In the search mode, a wheel button function icon is displayed on the task tray of the screen corresponding to the rotation of the wheel in the display step, and the registered wheel button function is searched corresponding to the rotation of the wheel in the search step. In the determining step, the desired wheel button function is determined by pressing the wheel.
[0028]
According to the present embodiment, wheel button functions that may be used are registered in advance in the registration mode registration step. Therefore, when changing the wheel button function, only the search mode search and determination steps are executed. Well, the wheel button function can be changed easily and quickly.
Next, an alternative embodiment relating to the wheel button function search and desired function determination in the mouse 1 with a wheel shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0029]
In the first embodiment described above, in the search mode, it is necessary to always place the mouse cursor on the wheel button function icon on the task tray when searching for the wheel button function and determining the desired function. In the search and determination steps in the search modes according to the second to fifth embodiments described below, it is possible to search for a wheel button function and determine a desired function without placing the mouse cursor on the wheel button function icon.
[0030]
In the second embodiment, if the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing one of the left and right click switches SW1 or SW2 mounted on the wheeled mouse 1 or both click switches SW1 and SW2, the rotation amount corresponds to the amount of rotation. The display of the wheel button function icon is changed. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the click switch that was pressed when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0031]
In the third embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while the wheel 3 is pressed, the display of the wheel button function icon is changed in accordance with the amount of rotation. When the desired wheel button function icon is displayed, the wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the pressed wheel 3.
In the fourth embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard as input means such as a personal computer or a workstation, a wheel button function icon is displayed corresponding to the amount of rotation. Is changed. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the pressed key when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a view showing a mouse with a wheel in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, the wheeled mouse according to the fifth embodiment is further provided with a wheel button function changing switch SW4 on the side of the wheeled mouse shown in FIG.
In the fifth embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing the wheel button function changing switch SW4, the wheel button function icon is changed in accordance with the amount of rotation. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the wheel button function changing switch SW4 pressed when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0033]
The case where the present invention is applied to a mouse with a wheel has been described using the first to fifth embodiments. In the mouse with a wheel, two or more of the first to fifth embodiments according to the present invention may be performed simultaneously.
Next, an alternative embodiment relating to the search of a plurality of registered wheel button functions and the determination of a desired function in a coordinate input device including other auxiliary input means will be described.
[0034]
First, search and determination steps in a search mode in which the present invention is applied to a mouse with a switch lever will be described using sixth to tenth embodiments.
FIG. 7 is an external view of a mouse with a switch lever according to the sixth to ninth embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a structural view of the mouse with a switch lever according to the sixth to ninth embodiments of the present invention.
[0035]
In the mouse 100 with a switch lever, the switch lever 101 is supported by a switch lever support base 103 via a fulcrum 102, and the + switch 104 is provided by tilting the switch lever 101 in the + direction or the-direction via the fulcrum 102. Or, the switch 105 is pressed, and the same operation as that of the mouse with a wheel described above can be performed.
[0036]
The inside of the switch lever support base 103 is hollow, and a switch SW5 is arranged there. The switch lever support base 103 is provided on the spring 106. When the switch lever 101 is pushed in, the spring 106 is bent and the switch SW5 below the switch lever 101 is pressed. This switch SW5 is assigned the function of a middle click switch in a three-button mouse, for example, similarly to the mouse with a wheel described above. Further, the switch SW5 is mounted at a position higher than the + switch 104 and the -switch 105 in order to realize an operation of tilting the switch lever 101 while pressing the switch SW5.
[0037]
In the sixth embodiment, when the switch lever 101 is tilted after the mouse cursor is moved over the switch lever function icon representing the function of the corresponding switch lever, the + switch 104 or the -switch 105 is pressed, and the length of this pressing time In advance, function The display of the switch lever function icon registered as a candidate is changed. When a desired switch lever function icon is displayed, a function to be used is determined by pressing the switch lever 101. That is, in this embodiment, the mouse cursor is always placed on the switch lever function icon on the task tray when the switch lever function is changed.
[0038]
In the seventh embodiment, when the switch lever 101 is tilted while pressing one of the left and right click switches SW1 or SW2 or both click switches SW1 and SW2 mounted on the switch lever mouse 100, the + switch 104 or- The switch 105 is pressed and the switch lever function icon is changed corresponding to the length of the pressing time. When the desired switch lever function icon is displayed, the switch lever function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the click switch that was pressed.
[0039]
In the eighth embodiment, when the switch lever 101 is tilted while pressing the switch lever 101, the + switch 104 or the -switch 105 is pressed, and the switch lever function icon is changed corresponding to the length of the pressing time. The function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the switch lever 101 that is pressed when the desired switch lever function icon is displayed.
[0040]
In the ninth embodiment, when the switch lever 101 is tilted while pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard which is an input means such as a personal computer or a workstation, the + switch 104 or the -switch 105 is pressed and this pressing time The switch lever function icon is changed according to the length of the button. When the desired switch lever function icon is displayed, the switch lever function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the pressed key.
[0041]
FIG. 9 is an external view of a mouse with a switch lever in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, the mouse 100 with a switch lever according to the tenth embodiment further includes a switch lever function changing switch SW4 on the side of the mouse 100 with a switch lever shown in FIG.
[0042]
In the tenth embodiment, when the switch lever 101 is tilted while pressing the switch lever function change switch SW4, the + switch 104 or the -switch 105 is pressed, and the switch lever function icon is displayed corresponding to the length of the pressing time. Be changed. When the desired switch lever function icon is displayed, the switch lever function to be used is determined by releasing the switch SW4 for changing the switch lever function SW4.
[0043]
Also in the sixth to tenth embodiments, as with the first to fifth embodiments described above, while using the application software, it corresponds to the application software, which is information indicating the operation state of the switch lever. The switch lever data is always notified to a host such as a personal computer or workstation. Accordingly, when changing the switch lever function, the switch lever data is hooked so that the switch lever data is not notified as to the application being used.
[0044]
The case where the present invention is applied to a mouse with a switch lever has been described above using the sixth to tenth embodiments. In the mouse with a switch lever, two or more of the sixth to tenth embodiments according to the present invention may be performed simultaneously.
Next, search and determination steps in a search mode in which the present invention is applied to a flat pad mouse will be described using the 11th to 23rd embodiments.
[0045]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a notebook personal computer having a flat pad mouse.
In general, in a notebook personal computer, a plane pad mouse 200 or the like is used as a coordinate input device instead of a mouse in consideration of portability. The flat pad mouse 200 includes a touch panel 201, a left click switch SW1, and a right click switch SW2. When a finger is placed on the touch panel 201 and moved in contact, the mouse cursor on the screen moves in accordance with the movement of the finger.
[0046]
FIG. 11 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to the 11th to 14th embodiments of the present invention.
In the 11th to 14th embodiments, a partial area of the touch panel 201 is assigned as the wheel equivalent operation area 202. By placing a finger on the wheel equivalent operation region 202 and moving it in contact, the same operation as when the wheel of the mouse with the wheel is rotated is possible.
[0047]
In the eleventh embodiment, when the mouse cursor is placed on the touch panel function icon and the finger is placed on the wheel equivalent operation area 202 and moved in contact, the touch panel function icon is changed according to the operation amount. The touch panel function icon is changed corresponding to the operation amount. When a desired touch panel function icon is displayed, the left / right click switch SW1 or SW2 or both click switches SW1 and SW2 are pressed to determine the function to be used. That is, in this embodiment, the mouse cursor is always placed on the touch panel function icon on the task tray when the touch panel function is changed.
In the twelfth embodiment, when the left or right click switch SW1 or SW2 or both the click switches SW1 and SW2 are pressed and the finger is placed on the wheel equivalent operation area 202 and moved in contact, the amount of operation is reduced. Correspondingly, the touch panel function icon is changed. The function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the click switch pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0048]
In the thirteenth embodiment, when a finger is placed on the wheel equivalent operation area 202 while pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard which is an input means such as a personal computer or a workstation, the amount of operation is increased. The touch panel function icon is changed correspondingly. The touch panel function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the key pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0049]
In the fourteenth embodiment, the apparatus on which the flat pad mouse of FIG. 11 is mounted further includes a touch panel function change switch SW4 at an arbitrary position (not shown) of the apparatus.
In the present embodiment, when the touch equivalent function region 202 is pressed and moved while touching the touch panel function change switch SW4, the touch panel function icon is changed in accordance with the operation amount. The touch panel function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the touch panel function change switch SW4 pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0050]
The case where the present invention is applied to the flat pad mouse shown in FIG. 11 has been described with reference to the 11th to 14th embodiments. In addition, in the plane pad mouse | mouth of FIG. 11, the 11th-14th Example by this invention may be implemented simultaneously.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to the fifteenth to eighteenth embodiments of the present invention.
[0051]
12 includes a touch panel 201, a wheel equivalent operation area 202, a left click switch SW1, a right click switch SW2, and a middle click switch SW5. Similar to the plane pad mouse in FIG. 11, a partial area on the right side of the touch panel 201 is assigned as the wheel equivalent operation area 202. By placing a finger on the wheel equivalent operation region 202 and moving it in contact, the same operation as when the wheel of the mouse with the wheel is rotated is possible.
[0052]
In the fifteenth embodiment, when the mouse cursor is placed on the touch panel function icon and then moved in contact with the finger on the wheel equivalent operation area 202, the touch panel function icon is changed according to the operation amount. When a desired touch panel function icon is displayed, a function to be used is determined by pressing at least one of the left click switch SW1, the right click switch SW2, and the middle click switch SW5. That is, in this embodiment, the mouse cursor is always placed on the touch panel function icon on the task tray when the touch panel function is changed.
[0053]
In the sixteenth embodiment, when the left click switch SW1, the right click switch SW2 and the middle click switch SW5 are pressed and moved in contact with the wheel on the wheel equivalent operation area 202, the amount of operation is reduced. Correspondingly, the touch panel function touch panel function icon is changed. The function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the click switch pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0054]
In the seventeenth embodiment, when a finger is placed on the wheel equivalent operation area 202 while pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard which is an input means such as a personal computer or a workstation, the amount of operation is increased. The touch panel function icon is changed correspondingly. The touch panel function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the key pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0055]
In the eighteenth embodiment, the apparatus on which the flat pad mouse of FIG. 12 is mounted further includes a touch panel function change switch SW4 at an arbitrary position (not shown) of the apparatus.
In the present embodiment, when the touch equivalent function region 202 is pressed and moved while touching the touch panel function change switch SW4, the touch panel function icon is changed in accordance with the operation amount. The touch panel function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the touch panel function change switch SW4 pressed when the desired touch panel function icon is displayed.
[0056]
The case where the present invention is applied to the flat pad mouse shown in FIG. 12 has been described using the fifteenth to eighteenth embodiments. In the plane pad mouse of FIG. 12, two or more of the fifteenth to eighteenth embodiments according to the present invention may be performed simultaneously.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to 19th to 23rd embodiments of the present invention.
[0057]
A flat pad mouse 200 of FIG. 13 includes a touch panel 201, a wheel 3, a left click switch SW1, and a right click switch SW2, and has the same function as the above-described mouse with a wheel. A part of the upper portion of the wheel 3 is exposed from the opening 2. A switch SW5 is installed at the lower part of the wheel 3 (not shown), and the switch SW5 is pressed by pushing the wheel 3.
[0058]
In the nineteenth embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated after the mouse cursor is placed on the wheel button function icon, the wheel button function icon is changed according to the amount of rotation. When a desired wheel button function icon is displayed, a function to be used is determined by pressing at least one of the left click switch SW1, the right click switch SW2 and the wheel 3. In other words, in this embodiment, the mouse cursor is always superimposed on the wheel button function icon on the task tray when the wheel button function is changed.
[0059]
In the twentieth embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing either the left or right click switch SW1 or SW2 or both click switches SW1 and SW2, the wheel button function icon is displayed corresponding to the amount of rotation. Be changed. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the click switch that was pressed when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0060]
In the twenty-first embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing the wheel 3, the display of the wheel button function icon is changed in accordance with the amount of rotation. When the desired wheel button function icon is displayed, the wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the pressed wheel 3.
In the twenty-second embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard which is an input means such as a personal computer or a workstation, a wheel button function icon is displayed corresponding to the amount of rotation. Is changed. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the pressed key when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0061]
In the twenty-third embodiment, the apparatus on which the flat pad mouse of FIG. 13 is mounted further includes a wheel button function change switch SW4 at an arbitrary position (not shown) of the apparatus.
In this embodiment, when the wheel 3 is rotated while the wheel button function changing switch SW4 is pressed, the wheel button function icon is changed in accordance with the rotation amount. The wheel button function to be used is determined by releasing the finger from the wheel button function changing switch SW4 pressed when the desired wheel button function icon is displayed.
[0062]
The case where the present invention is applied to the flat pad mouse shown in FIG. 13 has been described above using the nineteenth to 238th embodiments. In the plane pad mouse of FIG. 13, two or more of the nineteenth to twenty-third embodiments according to the present invention may be performed simultaneously.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in a coordinate input device including auxiliary input means, a plurality of wheel button functions that can be realized by using this coordinate input device are registered in advance, corresponding to the operation amount of the auxiliary input means. Then, the wheel button function icon is displayed on the task tray of the screen, the registered wheel button function is searched according to the operation amount of the auxiliary input means, and the desired wheel button function is determined. Can be changed easily and quickly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a four-side view of a mouse with wheels.
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of a mouse with a wheel.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen on a display of a wheel button setting utility according to a conventional example.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen on a display of a wheel button function setting utility according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a mouse with a wheel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an external view of a mouse with a switch lever according to sixth to ninth embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a mouse with a switch lever according to sixth to ninth embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an external view of a mouse with a switch lever according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a notebook personal computer having a flat pad mouse.
FIG. 11 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to the 11th to 14th embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to 15th to 18th embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a planar pad mouse according to 19th to 23rd embodiments of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Mouse with wheel
2 ... Opening
3 ... Wheel
4 ... Cable
11 ... Rotary encoder for X axis
12 ... Y-axis rotary encoder
13 ... Rotary encoder for wheel
31 ... Control IC
32 ... Ball rotation detection unit
33 ... Switch detection unit
34 ... Wheel rotation detector
100 ... Mouse with switch lever
101 ... Switch lever
102 ... fulcrum
103 ... support stand
104 ... + switch
105 ...- switch
106 ... spring
200 ... Flat pad mouse
201 ... Touch panel
202 ... Wheel equivalent operation area
SW1… Left click switch
SW2… Right click switch
SW3 switch
SW4: Function change switch
SW5… Middle click switch

Claims (23)

A coordinate input device that have a pointer operation unit and click switch and an auxiliary input means for instructing a position on the display screen, is connected to the coordinate input device, to execute the computer application according to an input instruction from the coordinate input device that host and comprises an operation content with respect to the auxiliary input unit, the function assignment device allocated to functions performed in the host,
A plurality of functions in the computer application that is displayed on the display screen, as candidates of the functions determined, in the host to register at least two functional candidates selected by the operation instruction from the auxiliary input means Registration means provided;
From registered the functional candidates, in response to said data relating to the operation amount outputted by the auxiliary input unit is operated, a search means provided in the host to find the function of Nozomu Tokoro,
A determining unit provided in the host for determining the searched desired function according to an operation instruction from the auxiliary input unit ;
A function assignment device comprising: Depending on the data regarding the manipulated variable output by the auxiliary input unit is operated, the registered function candidates to claim 1, comprising display means Ru is displayed as an icon in a predetermined area on the display screen The function assignment device described.   The search means selects a desired function from the function candidates according to data related to an operation amount output by operating the auxiliary input means when the cursor is on the icon on the display screen. The function assignment device according to claim 2, wherein the function assignment device is searched. The auxiliary input means is a first switch and a wheel operable by rotating,
The function allocating device according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the desired function based on data output when the first switch is pressed.   The function assignment device according to claim 4, wherein the first switch is installed at a lower portion of the wheel and is operated by being pushed into the wheel.   The function assignment device according to claim 4, wherein the first switch is installed at an arbitrary position of the coordinate input device. The auxiliary input means is a first switch and a switch lever operable in at least two directions,
The function allocating device according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the desired function based on data output when the first switch is pressed.   The function assigning device according to claim 7, wherein the first switch is installed at a lower portion of the switch lever and is operated by being pushed into the switch lever.   The function assignment device according to claim 7, wherein the first switch is installed at an arbitrary position of the coordinate input device. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The click switch is a left click switch and a right click switch,
The auxiliary input means is a partial area of the touch panel,
The function allocating device according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the desired function based on data output when at least one of the left click switch or the right click switch is pressed. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The click switch is a left click switch, a right click switch and a middle click switch,
The auxiliary input means is a partial area of the touch panel,
4. The function allocation according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the desired function based on data output when at least one of the left click switch, the right click switch, or the middle click switch is pressed. apparatus. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The click switch is a left click switch and a right click switch,
The auxiliary input means is a wheel operable by rotating,
The function allocating device according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the desired function based on data output when at least one of the left click switch or the right click switch is pressed. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The click switch is a left click switch, a right click switch and a first switch,
The auxiliary input means is a wheel operable by rotating,
The first switch is installed at a lower portion of the wheel and is operated by pushing the wheel,
The function allocating device according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit determines the desired function based on data output when the first switch is pressed. The click switch is a left click switch and a right click switch,
The search means selects a desired function from among the function candidates according to data relating to an operation amount that is output when the auxiliary input means is operated while at least one of the left click switch or the right click switch is pressed. Search for features
The function allocating device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the desired function from the function candidates when the pressing is released.   15. The function assignment device according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary input means is a wheel that can be operated by rotating.   The function assignment device according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary input means is a switch lever operable in at least two directions. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The function assignment device according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary input unit is a partial region of the touch panel. The search means relates to an operation amount output when the auxiliary input means is operated while at least one predetermined key is pressed among keys on a keyboard which is an input means connected to the host. A desired function is searched from the function candidates according to data,
The function allocating device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the desired function from the function candidates when the pressing is released.   The function assigning device according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary input means is a wheel that can be operated by rotating.   The function assignment device according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary input means is a switch lever operable in at least two directions. The pointer operating means is a touch panel that can be operated by touching and moving a finger,
The function assignment device according to claim 18, wherein the auxiliary input unit is a partial region of the touch panel. A coordinate input device that have a pointer operation unit and click switch and an auxiliary input means for instructing a position on the display screen, is connected to the coordinate input device, to execute the computer application according to an input instruction from the coordinate input device that the host, the function assignment apparatus Ru provided with an operation content with respect to the auxiliary input unit, a function assignment process to allocate the functions performed at the host,
Registration of a plurality of functions in the computer application that is displayed on the display screen, as candidates of the functions determined, to register at least two functional candidates selected by the operation instruction from the auxiliary input device to the host Steps,
From registered the functional candidate, a search step of the auxiliary input unit according to the data on the operation amount outputted by is operated, the search functions of Nozomu Tokoro at the host,
A determination step of determining, by the host, the searched desired function according to an instruction from the auxiliary input means ;
A function allocating method characterized by comprising: Depending on the data regarding the manipulated variable output by the auxiliary input unit is operated, the registered function candidates to claim 22 comprising a display step of Ru is displayed as an icon in a predetermined area on the display screen The function assignment method described.

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