JPH08286799A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve operability by selectively inserting and fitting either a pointing unit or a pointing switch unit, forming plural I/F slots which can be provided in an incorporated state on plural positions and constituting an information processor in various forms. CONSTITUTION: The pointing device unit is inserted into an area on this side of a keyboard unit 4 and it is fitted on the upper surface of a main case 3 so that it becomes a height having identification with the upper surface of the main case 3 so as to be incorporated. Then, the I/F slots 11 to 14 which can electrically be connected are provided on the main case 3. A track ball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7, which are pointing devices, are fitted to the arbitrary slots so as to be incorporated. In this example, the track ball unit 6 is positioned on the right side and the pointing switch unit 7 is positioned on the left side so as to be fitted and provided. Thus, the processor is made into the form suitable for a right-handed person to operate by both hands.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a Japanese word processor or a personal computer, and more particularly to a portable type having an information processing function corresponding to input by a pointing device such as a built-in trackball or touch panel. The present invention relates to an information processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a pointing device equipped in a portable information processing apparatus, for example, the actual kaihei 4-6663 is used.
There is a detachable trackball in a housing as shown in Japanese Patent No. 6 and a mouse as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-233718.

In the former case, a connector for transmitting coordinate input information is attached to a casing of a trackball unit, and is mechanically and electrically coupled to a connector provided on a side surface of a casing of a portable personal computer. It is proposed that a trackball can be equipped in a convenient form for a left-handed or right-handed operator by providing connectors on both left and right sides.

In the latter case, when a mouse is used by connecting it to a keyboard, it is proposed to wind up the cord and turn the ball portion upside down so that it can be operated as a keyboard-integrated trackball. are doing. In addition, when used separately from the keyboard, the position coordinates are input by moving on a desk or the like as an ordinary mouse by connecting with a cord.

[0005]

However, these information processing apparatuses have a structure in which a trackball or a mouse is attached in a form projecting to the outside of the housing, which includes factors that hinder the portability of the trackball or the mouse. It lacks consideration for the relative positional relationship and operability with the pointing switch used in combination with the ball. Further, it is impossible to equip a plurality of types of pointing devices in a form that is easy to operate while maintaining portability.

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an information processing excellent in operability and portability, which allows the operator to variously select the mounting positions of the pointing means and the pointing switch in a pointing device such as a trackball. To provide a device.

Further, another object is that it is possible to equip a plurality of types of pointing devices, and a pointing device suitable for an operating environment can be used for information processing with excellent operability and portability. To provide a device.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus, wherein a pointing device having pointing means and a pointing switch is detachably mounted on a housing of a main body. Is divided into a pointing unit having a pointing means and a pointing switch unit having a pointing switch, and the housing of the main body is selectively fitted with both the pointing unit and the pointing switch unit to be in a built-in state. It is characterized in that a plurality of I / F slots that can be equipped with are provided.

In this case, as the pointing means, there is used one which can press the trackball or the operating member and can indicate the coordinate position according to the pressing position or the pressing method. The operation member preferably has a stick shape, a button shape, or a cross shape.

The I / F slot may be formed so that the pointing unit or the pointing switch unit can be fitted so as to be exposed on the upper surface of the housing of the main body. At that time, it may be formed so as to be located in a region in front of the keyboard unit. Further, the I / F slot, the pointing unit, and the pointing switch unit are capable of changing the fitting angle, and the pointing switch unit is provided with a confirmation switch and a cancel switch, which are arranged side by side. It is also possible to change the orientation so that they can be fitted. A mouse may be connected to the I / F unit that can be fitted in the I / F slot. The plurality of I / F slots may be formed on both sides of the front area of the main body housing, which are spaced apart from each other, and close positions on the inner side thereof. The unit may be fitted and provided.

[0011]

With the above-described structure, the pointing means and the pointing switch forming the pointing device can be arbitrarily installed in various positions that are easy to operate according to the operating environment of the operator. In addition, it is possible to obtain a form having excellent operability and portability.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A portable Japanese word processor which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a form of a Japanese word processor for editing and use. The Japanese word processor includes a main body 1 and a display unit 2 rotatably connected to a rear edge of the main body 1, and is configured to be folded and carried or stored. Body 1
Includes a control circuit board, an external storage device such as a floppy disk drive device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as FDD) in the main housing 3, and a keyboard unit 4, a function key unit 5, and a pointing device on the upper surface thereof. A pointing switch unit 7 incorporating a confirmation switch 7a and a cancellation switch 7b for instructing confirmation and cancellation of designated position information by a combination operation of the ball unit 6 and the trackball unit 6 is installed so as to be exposed.

The display unit 2 is provided with a liquid crystal display device 9 on the inner surface of the sub-housing 8, and the sub-housing 8 is rotatably attached to and supported by the rear edge of the main housing 3. Although the display unit 2 is opened and is erected at the rear edge of the main body unit 1, it is shown that the display unit 2 should be tilted to the front side and stacked on the upper surface of the main body unit 1 when carrying or storing. The keyboard unit 4, the function key unit 5, the trackball unit 6, and the pointing switch unit 7 are folded and closed.

FIG. 2 shows the upper surface of the main body 2 in detail, and shows in detail the positional relationship between the trackball unit 6 which is a pointing device on the main housing 3 and the pointing switch unit 7. This main housing 3
The pointing device unit may be inserted into the area in front of the keyboard unit 4 on the upper surface of, and fitted and incorporated so as to have a height that provides a sense of unity with the upper surface of the main housing 3, and may be electrically connected. Possible I / F slot 11,1
2, 2, and 14 are provided. The trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7 which are pointing devices are connected to the I / F slots 11 to 1 respectively.
Each of them has an insert fitting portion and an electrical connecting portion of the same shape so that they can be fitted and incorporated into any of the four slots.

In the example shown in the figure, the trackball unit 6 is mounted on the right side and the pointing switch unit 7 is mounted on the left side so that the trackball unit 6 is mounted on the right side, which is suitable for a right-handed operator to operate with both hands. It is in the form. If the trackball unit 6 is fitted in the I / F slot 13 and the pointing switch unit 7 is fitted in the I / F slot 12 (not shown), the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit are provided. 7 can be arranged close to each other, and a form suitable for operating the ball and the switch with one hand can be realized.

Then, the unused I / F slots 11 to 1
When the number 4 occurs, a dedicated cover is fitted in the slot to cover the slot to prevent dust from entering and erroneous operation.

FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram mainly showing the main control circuit of the Japanese word processor according to the present invention, and is a block diagram of the control circuit mainly mounted on the main body control board. Reference numeral 16 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) which is a program storage type calculation unit. This main control circuit includes a program memory 17 for storing a program for executing the function as a Japanese word processor after power-on, an information processing work memory 18 for storing input information processing data, and a dot matrix for expressing characters. A character generator 19 that stores the dot data of the above as a character code as an index, a display memory 20 that stores display data for displaying the edited state, and the stored data of the display memory 20 is read at regular intervals. And a liquid crystal controller 21 that controls the display control to transfer to the liquid crystal display device 9, and an F that controls the FDD 10.
A DC 22 and a pointing device controller 23 that controls the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7 and inputs position data are provided. Then, these are connected to the CPU 16 by a bus line 26.

The trackball unit 6 and the pointing device controller 23 bidirectionally send and receive the pointing data 27 in the form of a serial signal via the I / F units 11-14. Further, the pointing switch unit 7 transmits the confirmation switch signal 28 and the cancel switch signal 29 to the pointing device controller 23 via the I / F units 11 to 14 to transmit the state of each switch. The trackball unit 6 includes a transmission circuit for the pointing data 27 and a driving power source (V
It has three kinds of circuit connection terminals for connecting the CC) circuit and the reference power supply (GND) circuit. Similarly, the pointing switch unit 7 connects the transmission circuit for the confirmation switch signal 28 and the cancel switch signal 29 to the GND circuit 3
Equipped with different types of circuit connection terminals.

The I / F slots 11 to 14 each have a VCC circuit connection terminal and a GND circuit connection terminal.
A circuit connection terminal for transmitting pointing data 27, a confirmation switch signal 28 and a cancel switch signal 29 is provided.

The VCC circuit connection terminal and the GND circuit connection terminal are installed at positions common to the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7, and the pointing data transmission circuit connection terminal, the definite switch signal transmission circuit terminal and the cancel switch signal transmission circuit. Install the connection terminals in a distinguishable position.

Pointing device controller 23
Acquires the coordinate position information transmitted from the pointing device and transmits it to the CPU 16 via the bus line 26. The CPU 16 moves a pointing cursor (not shown) according to the coordinate position information, performs confirmation and cancellation processing according to the switch information, and executes screen display and internal data processing.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, description will be given of a configuration in which the trackball unit 6 is inserted into the I / F slot 14 formed in the main housing 3 of the main body 1 and installed. When the trackball unit 6 is inserted into the I / F slot 14 and pushed in, the stoppers 34a, 34b, 34c that advance and retreat with spring characteristics are engaged, and the trackball unit 6 is securely fitted into the main housing 3 of the main body 1. It is worn and equipped in the built-in state.

The trackball unit 6 is a control board 30.
A position detection control circuit by a trackball is mounted on the control board 30, and a terminal contact pattern with which the tips of the circuit connection terminals 31a, 31b, 31c protruding on the bottom surface of the I / F slot 11 come into contact is provided. There is. In the main body control board 15, each of the I / F slots 11 to 14 has exactly the same specifications, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the GND circuit connection terminal 31a and the pointing data circuit connection terminal 3 are provided.
1b, VCC circuit connection terminal 31c, fixed switch signal circuit connection terminal 31d, and cancel switch signal circuit connection terminal 3
1e, each of the circuit connection terminals 31a to 31e is formed on the control board 30 of the track ball unit 6 fitted and fitted to the bottom surface of the I / F slot 11 to 14 so that the circuit connection terminals 31a to 31e can move forward and backward with spring characteristics. The protrusion is the amount necessary to contact the terminal contact pattern.
Therefore, when the trackball unit 6 is inserted and fitted into the I / F slot 14, the circuit connection terminals 31a, 31
b and 31c contact the terminal contact pattern of the control board 30 to complete the circuit connection.

FIG. 7 shows the pointing switch unit 7 and its fitted state. FIG. 7A is a top view,
FIG. 7B is a vertical sectional front view, in which the pointing switch unit 7 is provided on the left side of the center of the main body 1.
/ F slot 11 is an example installed in the built-in state,
This is a form suitable for operating the confirmation switch 7a with the index finger of the left hand and operating the cancel switch 7b with the middle finger. FIG. 7C shows the pointing switch unit 7
3 shows a terminal contact pattern on the lower surface of FIG. The terminal contact patterns 32 and 33 are defined switch signal circuit connection terminals 31.
d is a pattern for contacting the cancel switch signal circuit connection terminal 31e, and the terminal contact pattern 35 is GN.
It is a terminal contact pattern for contacting the D circuit connection terminal 31a. These terminal contact patterns 32, 33, 3
Reference numeral 5 denotes a point-symmetrical ring that is rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal direction with respect to the center of the pointing switch unit 7. The pointing switch unit 7 is fitted in the I / F slot by changing the left-right direction. It is possible to wear and equip.

FIG. 8 shows a form in which the pointing switch unit 7 is inserted into the I / F slot 14 while being rotated 180 degrees in the left-right direction, and the trackball unit 6 is inserted into and fitted to the I / F slot 11. Shows. In this configuration, the trackball unit 6 is located on the left side of the center of the main body 1, and the pointing switch unit 7 is provided.
Is located on the right side of the center of the main body 1, which is suitable for a trackball operation by a left-handed operator. Then, the pointing switch unit 7 operates the confirm switch 7a with the index finger of the right hand to cancel the cancel switch 7b.
It is suitable for operating with the middle finger of the right hand.

In the above embodiment, the shape of the pointing switch unit 7 is described as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, but FIG.
Alternatively, it may be modified into a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. With such a modification, the angle of the switch with respect to the front direction can be changed by rotating the unit 7 as shown in FIG. 9A (stopper is not shown), and the main body 1 and the operator can be changed. It is possible to arbitrarily change the switch angle to the optimum switch angle that changes depending on the facing positional relationship of.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pointing device fitted into the I / F slots 11 to 14 is provided by a finger or a pen in addition to the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7. Touch panel input unit 2 for inputting position information
4 or mouse 36 which is a separate pointing device
It is possible to connect multiple types of pointing devices, such as a mouse I / F unit 25, which can be connected in any combination, and it is possible to select and equip the optimal pointing device according to the operating environment and operation form of the operator. I am trying. Therefore, in FIG. 3, it is connected to the pointing device controller 23 in parallel with the trackball unit 6. Further, a plurality of pointing devices of the same type may be provided and selectively operated to improve the work efficiency.

Further, the I / F slot is further externally provided in an area close to the I / F slot 14, an area on the rear side of the keyboard unit 4 of the main body portion 1 and an area of the display portion 2 outside the liquid crystal display device 9. The pointing device unit may be formed so that it can be fitted and installed at a position where it can be easily operated.

According to the above embodiment, when the right-handed operator wants to operate the trackball and pointing switch with both hands, the trackball unit 6 is fitted to the right end of the main body 1. However, when a pointing switch unit 7 having a confirmation switch 7a and a cancel switch 7b is fitted on the left end portion, and a left-handed operator tries to operate the trackball and pointing switch with both hands, A trackball unit 6 is fitted to the left end of the main body 1, and a pointing switch unit 7 is fitted to the right end of the main body 1.
When the operator wants to operate the trackball and the pointing switch simultaneously with one hand, the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7 are operated.
It is possible to equip the trackball unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7 at the optimal operation position for the operator, such as by equipping the device with
Further, since the arrangement can be easily changed, it is possible to configure a Japanese word processor in a form suitable for the operator.

Further, the pointing switch unit 7
Since it can be inserted and rotated by rotating the direction of 180 degrees, the case where the pointing switch unit 7 is equipped so as to be located at the left end portion with respect to the right-handed operator and the left-handed operator In either case, the confirmation switch 7a can be operated with the index finger and the cancel switch 7b can be pressed with the middle finger, which is suitable for ergonomics. It can be a Japanese word processor.

Further, in addition to the trackball unit, a plurality of types of pointing devices such as a touch panel input unit can be freely selected and equipped according to the operator's preference, and the device can be realized with the same external dimensions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a Japanese word processor which is easy to operate and has a high degree of freedom.

Also, for a separate pointing device such as the mouse 36, the I /
I / F unit 25 that can be fitted in the F slots 11 to 14
By providing the above, it becomes possible to connect and use the ball track unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7 in the same manner as the ball track unit 6 and the pointing switch unit 7, and it is possible to provide a Japanese word processor with a high degree of freedom that is compatible with various pointing devices.

Further, the pointing switch unit 7
With a rotatable shape, the operating angle of this switch with respect to the operator can be changed arbitrarily, and the operator can select the optimal operating environment at any time, and the form of high operability in Japan A word word processor can be provided.

The pointing device having such a configuration can be similarly applied to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

In the above embodiment, a trackball is exemplified as the pointing device, and a plurality of types of pointing devices such as a touch panel input unit can be freely selected in addition to the trackball according to the operator's preference. However, a pointing device other than these trackballs can be attached and used instead of the trackballs. As a pointing device other than a trackball, for example, a stick-shaped operation member, a button-shaped operation member, or a cross-shaped operation member is used, and the coordinate position is indicated according to the pressing position and the pressing direction of these members. You can use a pointing device.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of I / Fs which can be equipped in a built-in state by selectively inserting and fitting both the pointing unit and the pointing switch unit. Since the slots are formed at multiple positions to allow the operator to configure various forms according to the work environment of the operator, the dominant arm, or his preference, the information is excellent in operability, small in size, and highly portable. There is an effect that it can be used as a processing device.

Further, a pointing device other than the trackball unit and the pointing switch unit can be fitted and equipped in the I / F slot, and an input state that is easy to use can be realized according to the usage pattern.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a usage pattern of a Japanese word processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main body of the Japanese word processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram centering on a main control circuit in the Japanese word processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an equipment form of a trackball unit with respect to a main body of the Japanese word processor according to the present invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the main body shown in FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the main body shown in FIG. 4 and a bottom view of the I / F slot.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an installation form of a pointing switch unit with respect to a main body section in the Japanese word processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the main body of the Japanese word processor according to the present invention in which the trackball unit and the pointing switch unit are exchanged.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an equipment form in which a pointing switch unit in another embodiment of the Japanese word processor according to the present invention is fitted to the main body.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main body of a Japanese word processor according to another embodiment of the present invention equipped with a separate mouse and a touch panel input unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Main Body 2 Display Unit 3 Main Case 4 Keyboard Unit 6 Trackball Unit 7 Pointing Switch Unit 7a Confirm Switch 7b Cancel Switch 9 Liquid Crystal Display Device 11, 12, 13, 14 I / F Slot

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus in which a pointing device having a pointing means and a pointing switch is removably mounted on a housing of a main body, wherein the pointing device has a pointing unit having the pointing means and a pointing switch having the pointing switch. The housing of the main body is provided with a plurality of I / F slots into which the pointing unit and the pointing switch unit can be selectively fitted and installed. An information processing device characterized in that. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pointing means is a trackball. 3. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the pointing means presses the operation member and can indicate a coordinate position according to the pressing position or the pressing direction. apparatus. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation member is formed in any of a stick shape, a button shape, and a cross shape. 5. The I / F slot according to claim 1, wherein the I / F slot is formed so that a pointing unit or a pointing switch unit can be fitted so as to be exposed on an upper surface of a housing of a main body. Information processing equipment. 6. The I / F according to claim 1 or 5.
The information processing device, wherein the slot is formed so as to be located in a region in front of the keyboard unit. 7. The I / F according to claim 1 or 5,
An information processing apparatus characterized in that a slot, a pointing unit, and a pointing switch unit can change a fitting angle. 8. The pointing switch unit according to any one of claims 1, 5 and 7, wherein the pointing switch unit includes a confirmation switch and a cancel switch arranged in parallel, and the two switches can be fitted in different directions. An information processing device characterized by the above. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mouse connected to the I / F unit that can be fitted in the I / F slot. . 10. The plurality of I / Is according to claim 1.
An F-slot is formed at both sides of a region in front of the main body casing, which are separated from each other, and at positions close to each other inside thereof. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a touch panel input unit that can be fitted in the I / F slot.