JPH07175586A - Pointing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the pointing device which is easily reducible in size and has high reliability. CONSTITUTION:The position sensor 10 of the pointing device consists of 3 pressure sensing elements S1-S4 on a plane and elastic rubber 1 in a convex hemispherical surface shape. The pressure sensing elements output voltages which are proportional to detected pressure respectively and installed on the axes (x) and (y) on the bottom surface of the elastic rubber 1 at an equal distance from an origin. When the elastic rubber 1 is pressed, vibration is generated with a finger tip pulse wave, propagated in the elastic rubber 1 as an elastic wave, and attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and then detected as detected voltages V1-V4 by the respective pressure sensing elements. The coordinates of the projection of the pressed point on the installation plane L of the pressure sensing elements are detected from the ratio of the respective detected voltages of the pressure sensing elements and on the basis of the coordinates, coordinates are specified.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pointing device suitable for use in, for example, function selection of a wrist watch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, wristwatches capable of not only time display but also various calculations and input / storage / display of various data have been developed. Such a wristwatch is provided with a plurality of button switches for function selection and a plurality of keys for inputting characters, and these tend to be provided more and more as they become multifunctional and highly functional.

However, it is difficult not only to install a plurality of these button switches in a limited space of a wristwatch, but also to select a desired function as a result of complicated operation of these button switches. There was a problem. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a trackball as a pointing device and select a desired function with a cursor from a so-called menu screen that is performed on a personal computer or the like.

[0004]

The trackball, however, requires two encoders for detecting each component of the x- and y-axes of the rotation direction together with the rotation mechanism of the ball. Therefore, the trackball is very much like a wristwatch. It cannot be applied to fields where miniaturization is required. It is also conceivable to provide a switch that indicates the movement of each of the x and y axes in the positive and negative directions, and move the cursor in response to the operation of these switches.
However, since these switches have a movable structure having springs, contacts, etc., there is a problem that reliability is deteriorated when the switches are downsized or the number thereof is increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a novel pointing device which can be easily miniaturized and has high reliability. .

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 1 is an electronic device which is carried by an operator and has a plurality of different functions and which performs various displays. In a pointing device of equipment, at least three or more pressure detecting means for mutually detecting pressures at different positions on a plane and outputting signals corresponding to the pressures at the positions, and having a convex shape, An elastic member that engages with the plane so that the bottom surface covers the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detection means, and a vibration point generated by the operator pressing the exposed surface of the elastic member are provided on the plane. First arithmetic means for calculating the coordinates projected onto the surface of the electronic device from the ratio of the detection signals from the at least three or more pressure detecting means, and exposing the exposed surface of the elastic member to the surface of the electronic device. Is not installed, the is characterized in that the coordinates designated on the basis of the coordinate value calculated by the first calculating means.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention of the first aspect is characterized in that the coordinate calculation by the first computing means is performed every predetermined time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the pointing device of the electronic equipment, which is carried by the operator and has a plurality of different functions and which performs various displays, is provided. , At least three or more pressure detecting means for detecting pressures at different positions on a plane and outputting signals corresponding to the pressures at the positions, respectively, and a convex shape whose bottom surface is at least An elastic member that engages with the flat surface so as to cover the detection positions of one or more pressure detecting means, and a coordinate that is obtained by projecting a vibration point generated by the operator pressing the exposed surface of the elastic member onto the flat surface. Second arithmetic means for obtaining the moving component of the coordinate value at a predetermined time from the ratio of the detection signals from the at least three or more pressure detecting means every predetermined time. And, an exposed surface of said resilient member, said exposed on the surface of an electronic device installed, is characterized in that the coordinates designated on the basis of the moving component calculated by the second arithmetic means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the second or third aspect, a time for calculating the moving speed of the coordinate value and controlling the predetermined time in accordance with the moving speed. It is characterized in that it is provided with an interval control means. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the invention, the elastic member and the at least three or more pressure detecting means are joined by an elastic adhesive layer. It is characterized by that. Claim 6
In the invention according to claim 1, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, the at least three or more pressure detection means are four, and the detection positions of these pressure detection means respectively correspond to the elastic member. It is characterized in that they are located on the axes orthogonal to each other at the center of the bottom surface and are equidistant from the center of the bottom surface. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the invention of the first, second, third, fifth or sixth aspect, the at least three or more pressure detecting means are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. It has a feature. In the invention according to claim 8, in the invention according to claim 7, there are provided hollow chambers below the bottom surface of the elastic member and opening at different positions on the plane, respectively. Each of the three or more pressure detecting means is housed in the hollow chamber and detects the internal pressure of the hollow chamber. According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, each of the hollow chambers is filled with a liquid substance. In the invention according to claim 10, in the invention according to claim 7, a hollow chamber under the bottom surface of the elastic member, the hollow chamber opening to different positions on the plane, and the hollow chamber. And a pressure transmission path for guiding each of the internal pressures to each of the at least three or more pressure detection means, and each of the at least three or more pressure detection means respectively detects the internal pressure of the pressure transmission path. Is characterized by. An eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect of the invention, each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path is filled with a liquid substance.
The invention described in claim 12 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 10 or 11, the pressure transmission path is made of a rigid body. In the invention according to claim 13, in the invention according to claim 1, 2, or 3, the exposed surface of the elastic member is covered with a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than the elastic member. Is characterized by. According to the invention of claim 14, claim 1,
The invention described in 2 or 3 is characterized in that small pieces of a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than the covering member are discretely arranged on the exposed surface of the elastic member.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, each of the at least three pressure detecting means responds to the pressure by applying a predetermined bias. Each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means is provided with a bias applying means for applying a predetermined bias evenly. According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the bias applying means applies the bias to each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means only during a period in which pressure should be measured. The feature is that each is applied.
In the invention according to claim 17, in the invention according to claim 15 or 16, the bias applying means is
The bias is intermittently applied to each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. According to the invention of claim 18, claim 1
In the invention described in 5, 16, or 17, the bias is a constant current pulse.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator presses the exposed surface of the elastic member provided in the electronic device mounted on the operator, vibration occurs around the pressing point.
This vibration propagates through the elastic member as an elastic wave, its magnitude is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and is detected by each pressure detecting means. Then, the coordinate value obtained by projecting the compression point on the bottom surface of the elastic member is calculated by the ratio of each detection signal of the pressure detecting means, and the coordinate is designated based on this coordinate value.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the coordinates are specified every predetermined time, so that the coordinates can be continuously specified.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operator presses the exposed surface of the elastic member provided in the electronic device mounted on the operator in a direction and an amount to move the pressing point. Move correspondingly. This causes vibration around the compression point, and the vibration point also moves. This vibration propagates through the elastic member as an elastic wave, its magnitude is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and is detected by each pressure detecting means. Coordinate values obtained by projecting the compression point on the bottom surface of the elastic member are calculated at predetermined time intervals based on the ratio of each detection signal of the pressure detection means, and the movement component at this predetermined time is obtained. The coordinate designation is performed based on this movement component.

According to the invention described in claim 4, since the predetermined time changes in accordance with the moving speed of the coordinate value, the moving vector can be calculated more finely when the moving speed is high. On the other hand, when the moving speed is low, the number of times the coordinate value is calculated can be reduced. According to the invention described in claim 5, it is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy. According to the invention of claim 6, the pressure detection positions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the bottom surface of the exposed surface. Therefore, even when the pressure vibration generating point on the exposed surface moves, the damping property of the elastic member can be made equivalent to each pressure detecting means.
Also, if the moving direction of the pressure vibration point passes through the apex of the elastic member and matches with either one of the detection position installation axes,
The propagation distance of elastic waves can be minimized. Claim 7
According to the invention described in (1), since it is possible to use a semiconductor manufacturing technique, it is possible to manufacture with extremely small size and high accuracy. According to the invention described in claim 8, similarly to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detection means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy. . According to the invention described in claim 9, the pressure change in each of the hollow chambers can be detected by each pressure detecting means with a low loss rate. Claims 10 to 1
According to the invention described in 2, the pressure detecting means can be arranged regardless of the position where the pressure should be detected. Especially,
If each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path is filled with a liquid substance, the pressure change inside them can be detected by each pressure detection means at a low loss rate. If the pressure transmission path is provided so as to face the center of the plane, the pressure detection means can be integrated. According to the invention of claim 13, the coating of the high-elasticity member reduces the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface, and the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction increases correspondingly. The level of the output signal can be increased. According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, vibrations are discretely generated on the exposed surface of the elastic member, but the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface can be reduced by disposing the highly elastic member. Since the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction can be increased accordingly, the level of the signal output from each pressure detection unit can be increased.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the signals output from the at least three or more pressure detecting means can be compared under the same condition by applying the uniform bias. According to the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects of the present invention, the driving of each pressure detecting means becomes intermittent, and the power consumption at the time of pressure measurement is reduced as compared with the case where a bias is constantly applied to each pressure detecting means. You can

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A-1: Structure of Wrist Watch FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external structure of a wrist watch 20 having a pointing device according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a liquid crystal display panel whose view direction is A, which is provided in the center of the surface of the casing M of the wristwatch 20 and performs various displays. For example, this liquid crystal display panel 2
1, the current time is displayed during normal use, while a so-called menu screen is displayed during function selection (see FIG. 2). The items (functions) displayed on this menu screen are
It has a hierarchical system, and the items in the lower layer are sequentially displayed with respect to the selected item. In this menu screen, as shown in FIG. 2, when each item is selected with the cursor 30, the item is highlighted and the desired item can be selected by the cursor 3
It is performed by specifying 0 and clicking. On the other hand, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a substantially hemispherical elastic rubber, which forms a part of the position sensor 10 and is provided below the liquid crystal display panel 21. The coordinate designation and click operation of the cursor 30 are performed by a predetermined pressing operation on the elastic rubber 1, which will be described in detail later.

A-1-1: Position Sensor This position sensor 10 calculates the coordinates of the pressure vibration generated by the operator pressing the elastic rubber 1.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are a perspective view and a perspective see-through view showing the structure of the position sensor, respectively, and FIG. 3 (a) is a partial cross section for explanation. As shown in these drawings, the position sensor 10 includes pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to
It is composed of S ₄ and a substantially hemispherical elastic rubber 1. In addition, here, the shape of the elastic rubber 1 will be described as an ideal hemispherical surface. Each of the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ is installed on the bottom surface (flat surface) L of the elastic rubber 1 and has a voltage V proportional to the detected pressure.
_{1 to} V ₄ are output as detection signals,
An example of the configuration will be described later. These pressure sensitive elements S
₁ to S ₄ by the coordinate detection position _{Q 1 ~Q 4 (x, y} ) is the radius of the elastic rubber 1 r, when the center of the bottom surface L is the origin (0, 0), respectively (a, 0), (0, a), (-a, 0), (0, -a) ... (p) (where r>a> 0). That is, the pressure sensitive element S
_The coordinates at which the pressure should be detected by _{1 to} S ₄ are x, and
It is on the y-axis and is equidistant from the origin by a distance a.

Next, the joint between the pressure sensitive element and the elastic rubber 1 will be described by taking the pressure sensitive element S ₁ as an example. Figure 4
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the configuration of pressure-sensitive element S ₁ . The semiconductor substrate 2 is adhered to the bottom surface L of the elastic rubber 1 by the adhesive layer 3 having elasticity, and the semiconductor substrate 2 has the detection position Q.
Pressure sensitive element S ₁ for detecting the pressure at _1, is formed with a hollow chamber 4 ₁ which is open at the detection position. The pressure sensitive element S ₁ is composed of a thin portion (thickness of about several tens of μm) 5 ₁ used as a diaphragm and a strain gauge 6 ₁ formed on the surface of the thin portion 5 ₁ . Pressure-sensitive element S ₁
It is formed by known semiconductor etching techniques, in particular, strain gauge 6 _1, impurities (e.g., boron)
Piezoresistive element (p
Mold resistance layer). When such strain gauge 6 is distorted, its resistance value changes according to the strain. Similarly, the pressure sensitive elements S _{2 to} S ₄ are connected to the semiconductor substrate 2
It is formed on the upper side, and its resistance value changes in proportion to the pressure at the detection positions Q _{2 to} Q ₄ .

In the position sensor 10 having such a structure, when pressure vibration occurs on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, the pressure vibration propagates as an elastic wave in the elastic rubber 1 and the detection positions Q ₁ to
Each becomes slight vibration at Q _4, varying the respective pressure in the hollow chamber ₄₁ to _4. At this time, the strain gauge 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄
Since each distorted respectively by the pressure difference between the external pressure through the hollow chamber ₄₁ to atmospheric pressure release port 7 and the pressure of _4, the resistance values will vary depending on the pressure vibration of. At both ends of the strain gauge ₆₁ through _4, aluminum electrodes for leading to an external circuit (not shown) are deposited, are resistors / voltage conversion by later circuitry, the voltage is, the detection position Detection voltage V ₁ proportional to the pressure at Q _{1 to} Q ₄
Is output as.

[0022] Here, if necessary, each of the hollow chamber ₄₁ to ₄ simply without the depleted, low thermal expansion liquid (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.), or liquid material (e.g., gelatin Etc.) may be filled. As a result, the microtremors generated at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ can be converted into the detection signals more accurately with a low loss rate.

Next, the pressure sensitive element S in the position sensor 10
The electrical connection of _{1 to} S ₄ and the biasing method thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, each of the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ is equivalently shown as a variable resistor. As shown in FIG. 5, the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ corresponding to the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ are connected in series with each other, and output terminals 62, 62, ... It is provided. The series ends of the strain gauge ₆₁ through ₄ are the bias circuit 60
Connected to. The bias circuit 60 is a constant current circuit 6
4, a switch 66 for turning on / off the output signal of the constant current circuit 64, and a switching circuit 68 for turning on the switch 66 when the control signal T is in the "H" state. That is, when the control signal T is "H", the output signal of the constant current circuit 64 is applied to the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ . As described above, the resistance value of the strain gauge changes in response to strain, the flow of the same constant current to each strain gauge ₆₁ through _4, the output terminals 62 and 62, the voltage between ...... V _{1 to} V ₄ are proportional to the respective pressures at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ and relatively indicate the magnitude of each pressure.

Various waveform patterns of the control signal T can be considered depending on the scale and specifications of the device that processes the detection signal of the position sensor 10. For example, the control signal T includes a signal 70 (see FIG. 6 (a)) that is always in the "H" state during measurement or non-measurement, and intermittent "H" during measurement or non-measurement. A pulse signal 72 that is in the "state" (having a predetermined duty ratio) (see FIG. 7B), a signal 74 that is in the "H" state only during measurement (see FIG. 7C), and intermittently only during measurement The pulse signal 76 (see (d) in the figure) that is in the “H” state (having a predetermined duty ratio) is selected. In addition, the time of measurement here refers to a period in which pressure oscillation should be detected.

In the apparatus for processing the detection signal of the position sensor 10, if the detection accuracy is required, the signal 70 is suitable as the control signal T. On the other hand, if it is required to reduce the power consumption, the pulse signal 7 is included in the control signal T.
6 is appropriate. Further, in this processing device, the pulse signal 72 or the signal 74 is suitable as long as it is positioned at an intermediate character between detection accuracy and low power consumption. This is for the following reason. Strain gauge 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄
Since a constant current flows through, a slight amount of heat is generated. Therefore, there is a temperature difference between when the bias is applied and when it is not,
Since the resistance value is slightly different due to the temperature difference, it causes an error in pressure detection. Employing a signal 70 as the control signal T, will be a constant current during even strain gauges ₆₁ through 65 ₄ non-detection is applied, when the heating is saturated certain time has elapsed, so as to detect the pressure If you choose
This is because the measurement error due to the temperature difference can be extremely reduced. On the other hand, when the pulse signal 76 is used as the control signal T, a constant current is intermittently applied to the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ only at the time of detection, so that heat generation due to current is suppressed, which contributes to low power consumption. Because you can
At this time, the position sensor 10 is synchronized with the pulse signal 76.
By operating the respective units (A / D conversion, amplifier, etc.) of the detection signal processing device, the power consumption can be further reduced. In an extreme case, the pulse signal 7
It may be performed only in the “H” state of 6.

Further, as the constant current bias, the constant current circuit 64 may output a constant current pulse having a sufficiently shorter interval than the pulse signal 72 or 76 (see FIG. 6E). In this case, it goes without saying that the signals 70, 72, 74 and 76 may be combined as the control signal T. In particular, when the pulse signal 76 is used, the bias is applied to the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ as shown in FIG. it can. Also in this case, similarly, if each part of the detection signal processing device of the position sensor 10 is operated in synchronization with the constant current pulse, the power consumption can be further reduced. Furthermore, if power is supplied to each of these parts only when a bias is applied, the power consumption can be made extremely small.

The interval of applying the bias is required to be short (satisfying the sampling theorem) so as to sufficiently correspond to the change of the pressure oscillation, and on the other hand, it must be within a range that the output device can cope with.

The pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ are preferably formed on the same semiconductor substrate 2. With semiconductor manufacturing technology, it is easy to integrally form and arrange, and it is more accurate and precise than forming and arranging pressure sensitive elements individually.
This is because it is advantageous in terms of process.

A-1-2: Principle of Coordinate Calculation by Position Sensor Next, the principle of coordinate detection by the position sensor 10 having such a configuration will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the principle of coordinate detection. In this figure, FIG.
The position sensor 10 shown in (b) is simplified for explanation. It is assumed that the operator presses the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 with the finger 40 as shown in FIG. In this case, at the point P _n on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, pressure vibration is generated in the finger 40 by the pressure vibration wave generated from the finger tip artery, that is, the finger tip pulse wave. Here, the point P _n is the center of gravity (center) of vibration. That is, the point P _n is on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 and is the center of the pressing action of the finger 40.

Next, the vibration at this point P _n is time t = n
Suppose that it occurred in. This vibration propagates through the elastic rubber 1 and is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and the pressure sensitive element S ₁
It is detected as a detection signal having a voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ by to S _4.

By the way, the equation expressing the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 is
It looks like this:

[Equation 1] (However, z> 0) Therefore, the coordinates (x, y, z) of an arbitrary point P _n on the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 are the x,
the value of y-coordinate, respectively x _n, When y _n, comprising the formula (1) as follows.

[Equation 2]

The distances between the point P _n and the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ of the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ are calculated from the equation (2) and the above-mentioned coordinates of each detection position (p). It becomes like the following formula.

[Equation 3]

Next, since the vibration generated at the point P _n is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance of the elastic rubber 1, the values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ detected by the sensors are mutually different. , P _n is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the detection position of the corresponding sensor. Therefore, the following equation holds.

[Equation 4] Then, from equation (4), of the point P _n x, y coordinate values x _n,
y _n is as follows.

[Equation 5] As described above, when pressure vibration due to compression occurs at the point P _n on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, the coordinate values of the point P _n are detected from the detection voltages V _{1 to} V _{4 of the} pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S _4. x _n and y _n can be obtained. This point P _n, the plane of the detection position of the sensitive element S ₁ ~S ₄ (x-y plane), i.e., the coordinates of P _'n that the vertical projection to the bottom surface L of elastic rubber 1 (see FIG. 11 ) Is none other than seeking. In the equation (5), the coordinate value x _n is set from the voltages V ₁ and V _{3 of the} pressure sensitive elements S ₁ and S ₃ set on the x axis, and the coordinate value y _n is set on the y axis. Since it is possible to independently obtain the voltages V ₂ and V _{4 of the} pressure sensitive elements S ₂ and S _{4 according} to the present invention, mutual influences can be eliminated in calculating the coordinates.

As can be seen from a detailed examination of the equation (4), the voltage required to obtain the coordinate values x _n and y _n is three of the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S _4. In this case, the calculation of one coordinate value is affected by the other coordinate value. For example, the coordinate values x _n by only pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to S _3, in order to calculate the y _n first calculates the coordinate values x _n from the voltage V _1, V _3, then the coordinate values x _n Equation (4)
, The coordinate value y _n can be calculated from the voltage V _2, but the coordinate value y _n depends on the voltages V _{1 to} V ₃ and is output to the pressure sensitive element. This is because accurate coordinate calculation cannot be performed when there is a difference in characteristics.

[0035] In this description, the point P 'coordinate values x _n of _n, the formula is used to determine the _{y n (1) ~ (5} ) is,
It is premised that the elastic rubber 1 has an ideal anti-sphere shape, that is, a shape obtained by cutting a sphere by a plane including its center. However, in consideration of the tactile sensation of the operator, it is desirable that the elastic rubber 1 has a substantially convex shape, as shown in FIG. 13A, rather than the hemispherical shape. Further, from an industrial point of view, it is difficult to manufacture the position sensor 10 while satisfying the ideal hemispherical shape. Rather, as shown in FIG. However, it is often produced with a deviation from the center of the sphere. Even in such a case, if the deviation amount is within the allowable range in the measurement accuracy, the coordinate values x _n and y _n can be obtained by using the expression (5) as an approximate expression.

Therefore, this approximation will be described. Now, the shape of the elastic rubber 1 is Δz from the center of the ideal sphere.
Consider the case of a pseudo hemisphere that is dislocated and cut. In this case, the detection position Q ₁ by the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄
Assuming that the radius of the elastic rubber 1 is r and the center is the origin (0, 0, 0), the coordinates (x, y, z) of Q ₄ to Q ₄ are respectively Q ₁ (a, 0, Δz) Q ₂ (0, a, Δz) Q ₃ (−a, 0, Δz) Q ₄ (0, −a, Δz). Therefore, the square of each distance between the point P _n and the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ can be obtained in the same manner as the equation (3), and each is given by the following equation.

[Equation 6] However, in these equations,

[Equation 7] I keep it. Even in this case, the vibration generated at the point P _n is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance of the elastic rubber 1, so that the values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ detected by the respective sensors are:
The distance between the point P _n and the detection position of the corresponding sensor is 2
It will be inversely proportional to the square. That is, the square of the distance in equation (6), since are equal to each other in the product of the detected voltage V ₁ ~V _4, x of the point P _n, y coordinate values x _n,
y _n is as follows.

[Equation 8] In Expression (8), (Δz) ² can be ignored if (Δz) is sufficiently small in the z-axis direction. Further, as can be seen from the expression (8), (z _n · Δz) can be neglected by increasing the sensor distance a from the origin within the range of the radius r as much as possible. This makes equation (8) substantially equal to equation (5).

In this embodiment, the coordinate values x _n and y _n of the point P ′ _n are obtained by substituting the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ of the respective detection signals into the equation (5). It may be obtained by the following method. That is, a constant vibration is experimentally generated on the exposed surface of the elastic rubber 1, the relation between the coordinate to which the vibration is applied and the ratio of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ is measured in advance, and a table showing this relation is created. Keep it. In fact, the coordinate value x of the point P _'n
n, to obtain the y _n is possible by reading the coordinates corresponding to the ratio of the voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ from this table. As described above, the elastic rubber 1 does not need to have a hemispherical shape,
Any convex shape that is easy for the operator to operate may be used.

A-1-3: Principle of Calculation of Movement Vector Component by Position Sensor Next, at the time t = n + 1 (that is, after one cycle of the sampling clock has elapsed), the operator operates as shown in FIG.
As indicated by the wavy line in FIG. 5, the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 by the finger 40 is moved to the compression point, and the source of the pressure vibration is the point P.
_Suppose you moved to _{n + 1} . In this case as well, the point P _{n + 1}
Is calculated on the surface L to obtain the coordinate values x _{n + 1} and y _{n + 1} of the point P ′ _{n + 1} . Hereinafter, similarly, time t = n + 2, n + 3, ...
The coordinate values of the points P ′ _{n + 2} , P ′ _{n + 3} , ...

Next, by subtracting the coordinate value obtained one cycle before the sampling clock from the obtained coordinate value,
That is, when each of x _{n + 1} −x _n y _{n + 1} −y _n is calculated, among the movement vectors of the compression point of the elastic rubber 1 on the hemisphere in one sampling period,
The components in the x and y axis directions can be obtained. Further, by obtaining the magnitude of this component, that is, the moving distance and dividing it by one cycle of the sampling clock, the speed of the moving vector at the time of the sampling can be calculated. The formula for obtaining this speed V is as follows, where Fs is the frequency of the sampling clock.

[Equation 9]

A-1-4: Clicking Operation In this embodiment, when the arithmetic mean of the detected voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that a so-called clicking operation has been performed. To be done. This is performed by further pressing the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 with a finger. At this time, as can be seen from the formula (5), the coordinates are calculated not by the absolute values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ but by the ratio, so that the coordinates designation is not affected unless the compression point is changed. Absent.

A-2-1: Another Example of Position Sensor Next, another example of the position sensor will be described. Figure 8
FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view for explaining the configuration of this example, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of main parts in the x-axis direction in FIG. 8A. In these figures, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 or 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The position sensor 10 as shown in these figures, the hollow chamber 4 ₁ is provided which opens at the detection position Q _1, a hollow tube 8 ₁ further opening in the side wall of the hollow chamber 4 ₁
Extend toward the center of the plane L and are connected to the semiconductor substrate 2. Similarly, at the detection positions Q _{2 to} Q ₄ , the hollow chamber 4 ₂
~ 4 ₄ are provided respectively, and hollow tubes 8 ₂ to 8 ₄ are further provided.
Each extends in the direction of the center of the plane L. Semiconductor substrate 2
Are provided with pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ , respectively, and are open-ended connected to hollow tubes 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ respectively extending from four directions.

[0042] In this case, preferably, the hollow chamber ₄₁ to ₄ and a hollow tube 8 _{1-8 4,} a different configuration from the semiconductor substrate 2, it is better to form from, for example, hard plastic or metal rigid 9 . This allows the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ to be collectively formed on the semiconductor substrate 2 without considering the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ , so that the number of pressure-sensitive elements in the same area can be obtained. Is increased, and the cost can be reduced accordingly. Also in this configuration, the hollow chamber 4 ₁
To to 4 ₄ and the hollow tubes 8 _{1-8 4} may be configured filled with low liquid or liquid material coefficients of thermal expansion.

As the position sensor 10, known strain gauges are directly attached to the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ on the bottom surface L,
A configuration in which vibration at that position is detected as strain is also possible, but in this configuration, the strain due to minute deformation when the elastic rubber 1 is pressed appears directly in the output, so it is desirable to bond as shown in FIG. It is better to detect as an elastic wave through the layer 3 and the hollow chamber 4. Further, the number of pressure-sensitive elements is "4" in the above-described embodiment, but may be "3" as described above. In short, each detection position of the pressure sensitive element may be the bottom surface of the hemisphere so that each distance between the detection position of the pressure sensitive element and each point on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 can be specified.

In the position sensor 10 according to the above-mentioned two examples, the elastic wave generated by the vibration at the point P _n is detected at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q _4.
The elastic rubber 1 propagates almost uniformly not only in the direction but also in all directions. Therefore, the pressure generated at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ becomes smaller with respect to the magnitude of the vibration generated at the point P _n , and the respective values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ tend to become smaller accordingly. . Therefore, in these embodiments, S / N
It has the drawback that the ratio tends to deteriorate. Therefore, next, two examples in which the S / N ratio is improved will be described.

A-2-2: Another Example of Position Sensor The inventor of the present application has shown that the member 81 (for example, hard plastic or metal) having a higher elastic modulus than the elastic rubber 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown, when coated on the hemispherical surface of elastic rubber 1, experiments that the output voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ by pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to S ₄ becomes large as compared with the case without the cover member 81 I have confirmed it. This is because the surface acoustic wave propagating along the surface of the hemisphere becomes difficult to propagate due to the presence of the member 81,
It means toward the center direction of the elastic rubber 1, correspondingly, to contribute to the increase in pressure at each detection position Q ₁ to Q _4, it is believed to increase the output voltage of the pressure-sensitive element. In other words, it seems that the transfer function showing the propagation of the elastic wave from the hemisphere to the detection position is improved. Further, in this embodiment, the covering of the member 81 prevents the elastic rubber 1 from coming into direct contact with the operator, so that there is an advantage that the elastic rubber 1 is prevented from being deteriorated by sebum.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of small pieces 82 of the member 81 may be provided discretely on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1. It does not matter whether the small piece 82 is embedded or attached to the hemispherical surface (the figure shows an example of attachment). At this time, in the transfer function of the elastic wave described above, the movement from the small piece 82 to the detection position is improved as compared with the movement from the exposed surface of the elastic rubber 1 to the detection position. _n is selectively limited to the place where the small piece 82 is installed (there is a tendency). Therefore, there is a problem that the coordinate value of the point P _n becomes a discrete value obtained by projecting the installation place of the small piece 82 on the bottom surface L, but the pressure sensitive element S ₁ ~.
Since the output voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ of S ₄ can be increased, it is effective when the resolution is relatively rough. Moreover, this problem can be solved by installing a large number of small pieces 82 efficiently.

A-3: Electrical Configuration of Wrist Watch 20 Next, the electrical configuration of the wrist watch will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an A / D converter, which simultaneously samples each of the detection voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ by the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ at the timing of the clock CLK to perform A / D conversion. To do. The converted voltage is transferred to the CPU (Cent) via an interface (not shown) and a bus.
ral Processing Unit) 12. in this case,
The clock CLK is used as the control signal T to the bias circuit 60 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the bias circuit 60 is configured to apply a bias synchronized with the clock CLK to the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ .

13 is a ROM (ramdom access Read Only)
Memory), which stores programs for the CPU 12 to execute calculations and various functions. 14 is a RAM (Ramdom Access read / write Memory),
Various input data and calculated coordinates are stored. Reference numeral 15 denotes a timer, which supplies the basic clock φ to the CPU 12 and outputs a clock CLK under the control signal S from the CPU 12 in which the dividing cycle of the basic clock φ is changed.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an LCD control circuit, which generates a timing signal and display data for displaying on the liquid crystal display panel 21 based on the data supplied from the CPU 12 via the bus to generate a vertical control circuit 17 and a horizontal control circuit. 18 respectively. The vertical control circuit 17 and the horizontal control circuit 18 are connected to the respective electrodes of the liquid crystal display panel 21, and the vertical control circuit 17 drives the vertical electrodes and the horizontal control circuit 18 drives the horizontal electrodes. Data supplied from the CPU 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 21 by these circuits.

The CPU 12 obtains the coordinate values x _n , y _n from the detected voltage sampled according to the above-mentioned equation (5), and if necessary, the previous coordinate values x _n-1 , y from each of the coordinate values. _n-1 is subtracted from each to obtain movement vector components in the x and y axis directions per one cycle of the clock CLK. Further, when the calculated movement vector, that is, the movement speed, is larger than the predetermined value, the CPU 12
The timer 15 is instructed by the control signal S to halve the cycle of the clock CLK, while when the moving speed is smaller than a predetermined value, the timer 15 is controlled by the control signal S to cycle the period of the clock CLK, for example. Order to double. The other operations of the CPU 12 will be described later.

B: Operation of Wrist Watch Next, the operation of the wrist watch 20 having the above-described configuration will be described. When the clock function is selected, CPU1
The basic clock φ is counted by 2 and the current time is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 21 according to the counting result. Since this method of displaying the clock is no different from the conventional method, the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of designating coordinates will be described. First, when the operator clicks on the position sensor 10 while the current time is displayed, the cursor 30 is displayed in the center of the liquid crystal display panel 21 and the menu screen (see FIG. 2) is switched to. .

The position sensor 10 according to this embodiment can be used in two ways: as an absolute coordinate detection type and as a relative coordinate detection type. Therefore, the coordinate designation in each method will be described. Note that each of these methods can be selected on the menu screen described above.

When used as an absolute coordinate detection type In this case, the coordinate system of the bottom surface L and the display coordinate system of the liquid crystal display panel 21 have a mapping relationship, that is, a one-to-one correspondence relationship,
It is assumed to be set in advance. First, the operator is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the elastic rubber 1 is pressed with a finger. At this time, the elastic rubber is pressed so that the desired designated coordinates are the coordinates obtained by projecting the pressing point on the bottom surface L.
As a result, the elastic rubber 1 vibrates around the compression point, and an elastic wave is generated by the vibration. Elastic wave is detected by the pressure-sensitive element S ₁ to S ₄ as the voltage V ₁ ~V _4, these voltages are converted to digital values. Then, the coordinate values x _n and y _n are respectively calculated by the CPU 12 from the converted detection voltage based on the equation (5). Thereafter, this operation is performed every cycle of the clock CLK, and the coordinate designation is sequentially performed according to the obtained coordinate value. As described above, in the absolute coordinate detection type, the coordinate values obtained by vertically projecting the compressed points on the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 onto the installation planes (that is, the bottom surface L) of the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ are at every timing of the clock CLK. And is specified as cursor coordinates.
In this absolute coordinate detection type, when the operator does not press the elastic rubber 1, no elastic wave is generated, so that the detection voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ of the pressure sensitive element are equal to each other. At this time, as can be seen from the expression (5), the coordinate value becomes (0, 0), and the cursor returns to the origin.

When used as a relative coordinate detection type As shown in FIG. 12A, the position of the cursor 30 immediately after the click operation when the current time is displayed (at time t = n) is as shown in FIG. Is set at the center of the screen, and the coordinate 31 desired by the operator is, for example, the upper right corner of the screen. Here, u indicates a vector from the coordinates of the cursor 30 at the present time to the cursor coordinates desired by the operator. In this case, the operator performs an operation as shown in FIG. 12B in order to move the cursor coordinates to a desired position. That is, the operator is
Press any point on the hemisphere of your finger with your finger 40 (-
1) Next, the compression point is moved so as to match the direction of the vector u (-2). Then, the operator repeats the operations -1 and -2 while looking at the screen of the liquid crystal display panel 21 so that the cursor coordinates 30 become the desired coordinates. This operation uses elastic rubber 1 as vector u
It becomes the operation to rotate in the direction of. Needless to say, the elastic rubber 1 does not actually rotate.

Next, the operation of the embodiment for such an operation will be described. -1 At time t = n, when the operator presses the elastic rubber 1, a vibration around the compression point is generated as in the absolute coordinate detection type, and the elastic wave due to the vibration causes the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S. _Four
The CPU 12 calculates the coordinate values x _n and y _n that are detected by the above and project the compression point on the bottom surface L. The coordinate value is temporarily stored in the RAM 14. -2 Next, after one cycle of the clock CLK has passed, that is, at time t = n + 1, the coordinate values x _{n + 1} and y _{n + 1} are similarly calculated and stored in the RAM 14, and Coordinate value x _n calculated one cycle before CLK,
y _n is read from the RAM 14 and the next difference is obtained. That is, the CPU 12 calculates x _{n + 1} −x _n y _{n + 1} −y _n , respectively, and obtains the x and y axis components of the movement vector per one cycle of the clock CLK. CPU12
For the coordinate position of the cursor 30 at the time t = n, the cursor 3 corresponds to the calculated vector component.
Move 0. As a result, the cursor coordinate 30 approaches the desired coordinate.

Next, at time t = n + 2, the CPU 1
2 calculates the vector components of x _{n + 2} −x _{n + 1} y _{n + 2} −y _{n + 1} respectively, and corresponds to the calculated vector components with respect to the coordinate position of the cursor 30 at time t = n + 1. Only, the cursor 30 is moved. Similarly, at time t = n + i (i = 1, 2, ...), CP
U12 _{is, x n + i -x n +} i-1 y n + i -y n + i-1 of the vector components are calculated respectively, with respect to the coordinate position of the cursor 30 at time t = n + i, obtained vector component The cursor 30 is moved by an amount corresponding to. By repeating this operation thereafter, the cursor 30 becomes
In response to the pressing operation on the elastic rubber 1 by the operator, it moves every cycle of the clock CLK.

Further, the CPU 12 outputs the control signal S in accordance with the velocity V of the movement vector obtained by the equation (9), and controls the frequency division cycle of the clock CLK in the timer 15. That is, the CPU 12 belongs to which region of the speed V (0 ≦) V <V _MIN (α) V _MIN ≦ V <V _MAX (β) V _MAX ≦ V (γ) Determine whether. Where V
_MIN and V _MAX are preset threshold values. If the speed V belongs to the area (α), the current clock CLK
For example, if the speed V belongs to the area (β), the current clock CLK cycle is maintained. If the speed V belongs to the area (γ), the current clock CLK cycle is maintained. Is supplied to the timer 15 depending on the case.
As a result, in this embodiment, proper sampling is performed for the movement of the compression point.

In this relative coordinate detection type, when the operator does not press the elastic rubber 1, the movement vector becomes zero, so that the cursor is kept at the previous position. At this time, the speed V also becomes zero, so the clock C
The cycle of LK gradually becomes longer.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the output characteristic difference of the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ can be canceled by the following method. In this method, the technique of obtaining the coordinate value of the point P ′ _n by the above-mentioned three pressure sensitive elements is used.
First, three pressure-sensitive elements are selected from four, and the coordinate values x _n and y _n are calculated only by these pressure-sensitive elements. Next, another combination of pressure-sensitive elements is selected, and the coordinate values x _n and y _n are calculated in the same manner. Since there are four combinations (= ₄ C ₃ ) for selecting three out of four different ones, the coordinate values x _n and y _n are similarly obtained by the other two combinations.
To calculate. These four combinations by the coordinate values x _n calculated independently, y _n, if all the output characteristics of the pressure sensitive element S ₁ to S ₄ are identical, it should match each other. If they do not match, it can be considered that the output characteristics are different, and if the detected voltage is corrected from the individually calculated coordinates, the calculated coordinates match.
Differences in output characteristics due to individual differences in pressure-sensitive elements can be canceled out from each other, and more accurate coordinate values can be obtained.

[0061]

The present invention described above has the following effects. Coordinates obtained by projecting the compression point on the installation plane of the pressure detecting means can be directly specified, and the structure has no movable mechanism at all. Further, in the coordinate specification, the exposed surface of the elastic member is pressed. Only.
Therefore, there is an effect that the reliability of the device can be enhanced and a wide space is not required for coordinate designation (claim 1). The coordinates can be designated continuously (claim 2).

Based on the movement of the compression point projected on the installation plane of the pressure detecting means, the coordinates can be relatively designated, and the structure has no movable parts at all. Only presses the exposed surface of the elastic member. Therefore, there is an effect that the reliability of the device can be improved and a wide space is not required for coordinate designation (claim 3).

Since the predetermined time changes to the moving speed of the coordinate value, the moving vector can be obtained more finely when the moving speed of the coordinate value is high, while the coordinate can be obtained when the moving distance of the plane is small. The number of times the value is calculated can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently specify coordinates for the moving speed (claim 4).

It is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (claim 5). The pressure detection positions are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the bottom surface of the exposed surface. Therefore, even when the pressure vibration generating point on the exposed surface moves, the damping property of the elastic member can be made equivalent to each pressure detecting means. Also, if the moving direction of the pressure vibration point passes through the apex of the elastic member and coincides with either of the installation axes of the detection position, the propagation distance of the elastic wave can be minimized, so that the pressure can be more accurately measured. It becomes possible to detect (Claim 6). Since it is possible to use the semiconductor manufacturing technology, it is possible to manufacture with extremely small size and high precision (claim 7). It is possible to prevent a minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (claims 8 to 9). The pressure detecting means can be arranged regardless of the position where the pressure should be detected. Especially, if the pressure transmission path is provided so as to face the center of the plane, the pressure detection means can be integrated,
A large number of pressure detecting means can be formed per unit area of the semiconductor substrate, which can contribute to cost reduction (claims 10 to 12). By coating the high elasticity member,
Since the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface becomes smaller and the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction becomes larger accordingly, the level of the signal output from each pressure detecting means can be increased (claim 13). Although the vibration on the exposed surface of the elastic member is discrete, the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface can be reduced by the arrangement of the high elastic member, so that the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction is increased accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to increase the level of the signal output from each pressure detecting means (claim 14).

By applying an equal bias, the signals respectively output from the at least three pressure detecting means can be compared with each other under the same condition (claim 1).
5). Driving of each pressure detecting means becomes intermittent, and power consumption during pressure measurement can be reduced as compared with the case where a bias is constantly applied to each pressure detecting means.
6-18).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a wrist watch incorporating a pointing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a menu screen on the liquid crystal display panel 21 of the wristwatch.

FIG. 3A is a partially sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the position sensor in the embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the position sensor.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part of the joint between the elastic rubber 1 and the semiconductor substrate 2 in the position sensor 10.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a bias circuit 60 in the position sensor 10.

6A to 6D are timing diagrams showing an example of a control signal T to the bias circuit 60, and FIG.
Each of (f) to (f) is a diagram showing a waveform of a constant current pulse from the bias circuit 60.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the wristwatch.

8A is a plan view showing another example of the position sensor 10, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part showing the configuration of the joint between the elastic rubber 1 and the semiconductor substrate 2 in this example. Is.

9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of another example of the position sensor 10. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of still another example of the position sensor 10.

FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective view for explaining the principle of coordinate detection by the position sensor 10.

12A is a plan view showing cursor coordinates on the liquid crystal display panel 21, and FIG. 12B is a side view for explaining an operation of the same embodiment.

13 (a) and 13 (b) are perspective views showing a modified configuration of the position sensor 10. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

S _{1 to} S ₄ ...... Pressure-sensitive element (pressure detecting means) 1 ・ ・ ・ Elastic rubber (elastic member) 2 …… Semiconductor substrate 3 …… Adhesive layer 4 …… Hollow chamber 8 …… Hollow tube (pressure transmission path) 10 ... Position sensor 12 ... CPU (first and second calculation means, time interval control means) 20 ... Wristwatch (electronic device) 60 ... Bias circuit (bias applying means) 81 ... Member (high elastic member) ) 82 ... Small piece (piece of high-elasticity member) M ... Case (main body)

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A pointing device of an electronic device, which is carried by an operator, has a plurality of different functions, and performs various displays, detects pressures at different positions on a plane, and detects the pressures at the positions. At least three or more pressure detecting means each outputting a signal corresponding to the pressure, and a convex shape, which is attached to the plane so that the bottom surface covers the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. And a coordinate obtained by projecting a vibration point generated on the exposed surface of the elastic member by pressing the exposed surface of the elastic member on the plane, from a ratio of detection signals by the at least three or more pressure detection means. A calculation means, the exposed surface of the elastic member is exposed on the surface of the electronic device, and the coordinates are designated based on the coordinate values calculated by the first calculation means. Pointing device to collect. 2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinates are calculated by the first calculation means at predetermined time intervals. 3. A pointing device of an electronic device, which is carried by an operator and has a plurality of different functions and which performs various displays, detects pressures at different positions on a plane and detects the pressures at the positions. At least three or more pressure detecting means each outputting a signal corresponding to the pressure, and a convex shape, which is attached to the plane so that the bottom surface covers the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. The elastic member and the coordinates obtained by projecting the vibration point generated by the compression of the exposed surface of the elastic member on the plane are calculated at predetermined time intervals from the ratio of the detection signals by the at least three or more pressure detecting means. And a second calculation means for calculating a moving component of the coordinate value in a predetermined time, the exposed surface of the elastic member being exposed on the surface of the electronic device. Pointing characterized by performing coordinate designation based on the movement component calculated by the calculation means
device. 4. The pointing device according to claim 2, further comprising time interval control means for calculating a moving speed of the coordinate value and controlling the predetermined time in accordance with the moving speed. 5. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member and the at least three or more pressure detecting means are joined by an adhesive layer having elasticity. 6. The at least three or more pressure detecting means are four, and their detection positions are on axes orthogonal to each other at the center of the bottom surface of the elastic member, and are equal to each other from the center of the bottom surface. Pointing device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that it is located at a distance. 7. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the at least three or more pressure detecting means are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. 8. A hollow chamber, which is below the bottom surface of the elastic member and opens at different positions on the plane, respectively, and each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means comprises:
The pointing device according to claim 7, wherein the pointing device is housed in each of the hollow chambers and detects the internal pressure of each of the hollow chambers. 9. The pointing device according to claim 8, wherein each of the hollow chambers is filled with a liquid substance. 10. A hollow chamber under the bottom surface of the elastic member, the hollow chamber opening to different positions on the plane, and the internal pressures in the hollow chambers of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. 8. A pressure transmission path leading to each of the pressure transmission paths, wherein each of the at least three pressure detection means detects an internal pressure of the pressure transmission path.
The listed pointing device. 11. The liquid material is filled in each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path.
The listed pointing device. 12. The pointing device according to claim 10, wherein the pressure transmission path is made of a rigid body. 13. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the exposed surface of the elastic member is covered with a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the elastic member. 14. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein small pieces of a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the covering member are discretely arranged on an exposed surface of the elastic member. device. 15. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least three pressure detecting means outputs a signal corresponding to a pressure when a predetermined bias is applied. A pointing device, wherein each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means is provided with a bias applying means for uniformly applying a predetermined bias. 16. The pointing device according to claim 15, wherein the bias applying unit applies the bias to each of the at least three or more pressure detecting units only during a period in which pressure should be measured. . 17. The bias applying means applies the bias intermittently to each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means.
Or the pointing device according to item 16. 18. The pointing device according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the bias is a constant current pulse.