CZ285699A3 - Output device for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

The input device is intended to place the cursor on the screen a computer of a motion ball (2) whose rotating movements are electronic signals. They exist on the ball (2) magnetically detectable labels that can be detected a magnetic sensing unit, i. detection device (11) in such a way that the rotation of the loop is converted to data values with respect to x and y, said axes being preferably perpendicular to each other. This creates a compact detection a device that is suitable for the construction of a computer mouse in the shape of a ballpoint pen.

Description

12644 / 103CP1

Computer input device

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an input device for positioning the cursor on a computer screen by moving the ball relative to the substrate and transmitting these rotational ball movements to corresponding electronic signals, said input device comprising a magnetic device for detecting angular rotation of the ball, preferably in two directions. comprising one or more detection units capable of detecting a magnetic signal representing movement of the surface of the ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly known input devices, such as a computer mouse, intended to operate a computer have some drawbacks. For a computer mouse, the user must have some space within reach. Further, the mouse pad needs to be solid, straight, and substantially horizontal to allow the user to orient the projection to a certain extent over the entire computer screen. Sometimes it may be difficult or even impossible to place your computer so that the space required to operate the mouse is always available. In addition, known types of computer mice cause pain in the fingers and wrists when used intensively.

Several attempts have been made to overcome these drawbacks, including, among others, the design of a ballpoint pen computer mouse. Such a computer pen will be extremely comfortable, easy to use and more accurate to use, taking advantage of the fact that the fine motor of the fingers is significantly better developed than the motor of the arms. In addition, there are no strict requirements for the mouse pad.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

00

00 00

0 0 0 0 t

0 0 0 0 0 * 0 000 000

0 0 0 · 9 00 00 • 0

A computer mouse designed as a ballpoint pen will also help to develop the general use of computers.

It is therefore possible that the next use of computers will include, inter alia, handwritten letters or electronic messages. It will therefore be possible to apply the user's personal touch to the computer and thus completely or partially reduce the use of the keyboard.

However, it has been found that a lot of space is needed to record and transmit ball movements to electronic signals traditionally, especially around the ball, which is a limitation in terms of minimizing the size of a pen-shaped computer mouse. Known structures of computer pens mqi in common that the outer dimensions of the pen and the ball itself are larger, therefore, the computer pen is not as comfortable in the hand as conventional ballpoint pens.

German Application No. DE 39 00622 A1 describes a pen-shaped computer mouse in which the movement of the ball is recorded so that two rollers are in constant contact with the ball. Turn the ball as a result of rotating the ball! and rollers. A sensor unit is connected to each of the rollers, recording! rotation of the roller. Both rollers are installed so that ball movements can be recorded in two directions relative to the x and y coordinate axes. This solution, requiring! large space, reminiscent of the normal recording of ball rotation in a standard box-shaped computer mouse, but with the tlm difference that in the ball pen structure there is space only behind the ball. Thus, the tubular computer mouse of DE 39 00622 A1 cannot be manufactured with a very small cross-sectional diameter, since the tube directly behind the ball must adapt to the space requirements of the overall recording arrangement.

In addition, another embodiment of a pen-shaped computer mouse structure is known from US-A-5,434,594. Here, the installation for recording and hanging the ball is performed in the same manner as a conventional box-shaped mouse. The result is a computer mouse with a structure providing! the benefits expected of a ballpoint pen mouse to a limited extent.

• 9 9

9 9

9 9 • 9 9

9 9 9

EP-A-0 413 606 discloses a combination ball pen and a computer mouse. It works by directing a flow meter directly above the ball, said flow meter measuring the direction in which the ink moves due to the movement of the ball. However, this solution does not seem too reliable and only works when there is ink in the pen.

US-A-5 288 993 discloses a ball actuator in which a ball with randomly spaced dot surfaces is in contrasting colors and a photosensitive scanning device so that movement of the ball can be detected. This detection idea requires a sufficient amount of space under the ball and behind the ball, and is therefore not suitable for use in pen-shaped solutions. In addition, a ball of at least 5 mm diameter is required in this apparatus.

Another optical solution is known from WO94 / 22071. The device comprises an optoelectronic transfer member capable of detecting the movement of a golf ball-type ball provided with concave reflectors. This device also requires a sufficient amount of space around the ball and is suitable for a large diameter, and is therefore unsuitable for the adequate solution of pen-shaped objects.

As an alternative to these optical solutions, a magnetic solution is known from the IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Volume 27, No. 7a. In this magnetic solution, the Hall effect sensor detects the direction of the magnetic field that corresponds to the angular rotation of the ball. This solution appears to be too demanding in terms of size and operation, as magnets of a certain size are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an input device for a computer with a recording installation that requires considerably less space than the prior art

4 4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4

-444 44

4 4 4 4

4 4 4

4 4 4 • 4 44 solution, allowing you to construct a pen-shaped computer mouse in a size corresponding to a ballpoint pen or similar writing device.

The invention includes an input device of the kind mentioned in the introduction, the input device comprising a magnetic device for detecting angular rotation of the ball, preferably in two mutually perpendicular directions, said detection device comprising one or two detection units comprising at least one sensing head capable of detecting a magnetic signal representing surface movement marbles.

The recording installation of the input device comprises a relatively dull number of components and is advantageous for spatial reasons, since the recording and sensing units of the detection device are preferably mounted on the rear wall of the ball and occupy little space. Therefore, this principle is suitable for the design of a computer pen, since due to the small dimensions of the scanning units it can be produced with a relatively small cross-section diameter. This principle is also advantageous in conjunction with so-called spherical actuators, where spatial reasons can also play a role.

In a beer embodiment, an angular rotation of the ball is detected by the magnetic detection system, wherein the two recording heads are preferably positioned at right angles to the scanning head. The system will then continuously label the surface of the ball with various magnetic markers. As the ball rotates, these marks will be continuously detected by the pickup head. Since the distance between the recording head and the scanning head is known, the rotation of the ball relative to the X-axis and the Y-axis can then be calculated.

In another embodiment, the angular rotation of the ball may be transmitted to two preferably mutually perpendicular shafts, and magnetically detectable markings may be affixed or provided on said shafts. Thus, there is offered an inexpensive solution which is particularly advantageous where the diameter of the ball is of medium size and / or where the surface of the ball is for other reasons non-magnetic material.

·· ·

-5 · · 9 9 9...... 9

9 9 9

9

9 9 9

99

The electronic signal processor may be an integral part of the pen. Otherwise, magnetic signals are generated in the pen, which are directly transferred to the external signal processor for final signal processing. This processor may be part of a transmitter / receiver or a computer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is designed as a computer pen comprising a tubular housing, at one end of which a rotating ball is installed. Further, the computer pen at the other end may be connected to a bucf computer in the form of a cable connection or a wireless connection. In this embodiment, the pen will be equipped with a transmitter and a source, eg an accumulator battery and the like. Keys may be installed on the side of the tubular cover to generate additional control signals for the connected computer. These keys have a shape and arrangement suitable for an ergonomically suitable design for use in a computer pen in a manner similar to that of a ballpoint pen, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a view of a computer pen according to a preferred embodiment of the input device of the invention. Figure 2 is a view of the structure of a computer pen according to a preferred embodiment of the input device of the invention. Figure 3 is a plan view of the ball and detection device. Figure 4 is a signal processor for a particular embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an input device according to the invention designed as a computer pen 1, comprising a ball 2 mounted at the lower end of the tubular pen main part 3 and a transmitter device 5 at the opposite end intended to transmit signals from the pen 1 to a computer (not shown). At the bottom of the main part 3 is a keyboard unit 4 consisting of two buttons mounted on the pen 1 so as to be in line with the two fingers with which the user holds the pen 1.

• ·

-6 · · • • 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 · 0 0 0 0 0 · • • · · · ·

In the embodiment shown, the main part 3 has a substantially circular cross-section, but it can of course have any cross-section depending on the desired construction.

The ball 2 is made of steel or has at least a surface capable of receiving a magnetic charge.

Above the ball 2 inside the main part 3 there is installed a detecting device 11 designed to record the rotation of the ball in two directions by which the movements of the pen in the X and Y directions can be converted by rotating the ball into electrical signals which are transmitted by the transmitter 5 to the computer.

The device for transmitting electronic signals from the computer pen to the computer may be a wire or a wireless connection with the receiver in the computer and the transmitter in the pen as shown in Figure 1.

Figures 1 and 2 show a computer pen constructed as a ballpoint pen. The pen is equipped with a clip 21 so that if the user does not work with it, it can be conveniently stored in a pocket etc.

Figure 2 shows the structure of the pen. The upper part of the detection device 11 is in contact with the pressure sensitivity meter 20 at one or both ends. Therefore, the pressure applied to the pen and the amount of pressure on the ball can be detected. The pen can then be used as a graphical input to the computer, depending on the software application installed. This allows the use of a click pen by pressing on the pad or by pointing to an icon directly on the screen so that the pressure sensitivity meter 20 can serve as an alternative to the click keys 4. Thus, the pen can also be used to create graphics where it is possible to convert the pressure on the ball into a signal determining the line thickness in the drawing. Thus, a computer pen according to this embodiment of the invention can be used to generate handwritten electronic messages and similar formations, as well as other forms of drawings. The computer pen according to this embodiment can therefore be used in conjunction with the tasks being processed on the computer, just as it is being done today! on paper.

The tongue structure further comprises a processor 18 which is a pen component in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the processor 18 may be embedded in the

99 99

9

9

9 9 ··· · * ·

9 9 9

99 99

-7 • 9 ··· 9 ···

9

9 9 ·

99 9 or a computer in which the signals detected from the optical sensor 11 and the pressure sensitivity meter 20, if installed, are converted into electronic signals which are transmitted wirelessly to the computer via an infrared or radio transmitter. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless connection will be based on radio frequency transmission. A replaceable and / or storage battery 17, such as a tithium battery, is installed in conjunction with the processor 18 as a source for the electronic units 11.18, 22.

Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the detecting device 11 with respect to the ball 2. The detecting device 11 comprises two groups of detectors, each of which comprises a recording head 14 capable of placing a magnetic charge on the surface of the ball. Depending on the direction of angular rotation, this charge is detected by one of the sensing heads 12 or 13. These head sensors 12, 13 are installed such that sensing by the first sensors by head 12 corresponds to movement in the y-axis direction, while sensing by the second sensing head αφονίάέ direction of the x-axis.

Around said recording head 14 are installed two sensing heads 12, 13 and a lubrication unit 16. The lubrication unit 16 has a circular shape and surrounds the sensors of the head 12, 13 and the recording head 14. The two detection units perform measurements in the x-axis and y-axis directions. n perpendicular to each other.

The pulse from the recording head 14 sent to the surface of the ball 2 will, when the ball is rotating, be directed to one of the sensor heads 12 or 13. The distance between the sensors head 12 or 13 and the recording head 14 is obscured and angularly calculated ball speed 2. These calculations can be performed in the x-direction and y-direction.

The sensor heads 12 and 13 may be coils or other types of magnetic sensors.

In one embodiment, a discriminatory pulse is transmitted. Each time an impulse is sent, time starts to measure. The pulse is detected by one of the sensor heads 12 or 13, wherein the transmission time and direction are detected and the angular velocity is calculated. When one of the sensor heads 12 or 13 performs detection, the recording head 14 transmits another pulse.

In another embodiment, two shafts that are in contact with the ball are used. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the detection device can only include the sensor heads, since the shafts are provided with magnetic marks. The sensor head detects changes in the magnetic field, and the direction and speed of the angular rotation can be calculated. Magnetic marks must be at least two. From the actual number of magnetic marks on the shaft surface, the pulse counter can be used to determine the speed and direction of angular rotation, as shown in Figure 4.

In addition, two or more accelerometers can be built into the pen. The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the pen in one, two or three dimensions. By combining other possible pen functions, the performance of the writing function will be fully comparable to a conventional ballpoint pen, etc. as far as the writing function is concerned.

When the ball head of the pen moves relative to the pad, thereby making the _L write to the computer, the pressure sensitivity meter will always have a certain pressure. When the pen ball head is lifted from the pad, for example, when the pen is raised to start a new word, a letter, draw a drawing, etc., it is normally desirable for the cursor to move to a new starting position without line (in the document) appeared.

The pressure sensitivity meter 20 is preferably made of a conductive rubber material. On one side of this rubber disc there is a constant electrical contact, while the electrical contact on the other side is connected when pressure is applied to the ball. The rubber disc is shaped so that when the pressure on the ball is increased, the contact surface increases. Otherwise, the pressure sensitivity meter 20 could be piezoelectric or a strain gauge.

The pen acceleration measurement is transferred to the electronic signal processor and the movement of the pen relative to the x-axis and y-axis can be detected.

The pen can then be used in a writing and drawing software program such that when the ball head is activated with respect to the mat in the form of movement, this movement will be converted into a Kuiz movement record relative to the x-axis and y-axis. The pressure sensitivity meter will simultaneously record the appropriate head pressure

-9 balls. Combining both of these movements causes, for example, a movement that will be recorded as a line, letter, or other electronic written * character. When the pen is lifted from the pad, if the cursor moves to a new starting position to count a new line, letter, or other electronic writing character, the pressure gauge pressure gauge drops to zero. When the pressure drops to zero, the accelerometer or accelerometers detect the movement of the pen relative to the x and y axes and the cursor will then move accordingly relative to the x and y axes. In relation to the motion given by the rotation of the ball, the motion based on the detection made by the accelerometer (s) does not show any electronic written sign on the screen (line, character, etc.).

The detector H communicates with an electronic signal processor, which processes the detected signals, which are then forwarded to a computer.

Of course, with the invention, the magnetic marks on the surface of the ball could contain predetermined data values without thereby violating the basic idea of the invention defined in the claims. In addition to the computer pen described above, this basic idea can also be applied to the construction of other types of input devices, such as spherical controls or traditional computer mice.

• · · · · · · 0 · 0 · 0 · 0

Claims (9)

'CHANGED SHEET' PATENT CLAIMS An input device for positioning a cursor on a screen of a mobile by moving the ball (2) relative to the substrate, wherein the rotating movements of the ball (2) are converted into corresponding electronic signals, said input device comprising a magnetic angle detecting device (11) rotating the ball (2), preferably in two mutually perpendicular directions, said detecting device (11) comprising one or more detecting units capable of detecting a magnetic signal representing movement of the surface of the ball (2), characterized in that the detecting units comprise two head sensors (12, 13) capable of detecting a magnetic signal emitted by the recording head (14). Input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the ball (2) is continuously marked with magnetic marks in two preferably perpendicular positions and these magnetic marks are formed by two magnetic recording heads (14). An input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a lubrication device (16) is provided around the sensor heads (12, 13). Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ball (2) is provided with a surface capable of receiving a magnetic charge. Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device is designed as a computer pen (1) comprising a tubular housing (3) in which a rotatable ball (2) is installed at only the end. /} 43 * · »4» < Z Φ Ř Φ Φ Φ ΦΦΦ ΦΦΦ “CHANGED SHEET An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the angular rotation of the ball (2) is transmitted to two shafts which are preferably perpendicular to each other and that magnetically detectable markings can be placed on said shafts or can be magnetically detectable. tags. Input device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is equipped with a pressure sensitivity meter (20) for recording pressure on the ball. Input device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is equipped with an accelerometer capable of measuring the acceleration of the device in one, two or three dimensions. Method for detecting angular rotation of a ball (2), such as a ball (2) in a computer input device, characterized in that the surface of the ball (2) is continuously marked with magnetic marks in two preferably perpendicular positions and these magnetic marks are formed by two magnetic one, preferably two magnetic detection units (15), preferably in the form of scanning heads (12, 13), are installed on the side of the two recording heads (14). WO 98/36346 212- .. ^ ♦ 527 · · · · · · · • ¹ - '·' ·· ·· ·· PCT / 3DK98 / 00053 1/3 Fig. 1. 1 Fig. 1. 2 9 9 99 • 9 9 9 • · ·· 9 9 9 9 99 99. .. W / b-r? 998 9 9 99 9 9 * 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 999 999 9 9 9 9 9 • 99 99 99 99 WO 93/36346 PC37DX93 / 0G053 2/3