JP2000163212A - Input device for computer or the like and input processing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make actualizable an operation directly combined with a pointing device and a computer for control by detecting changes of the position and angle of an operation part and inputting their detection signals to a personal computer for control. SOLUTION: A signal detected by a light emitting diode 14 and a photodiode 15 is inputted to the computer 17 for control through an amplifying circuit 16, and a detecting circuit 18 detects a finger and its detection signal is inputted directly to the microcomputer for control. Consequently, when the operation part of, for example, a pointing device is touched, operation directly, combined with the pointing device and main body, for turning on the back light of the display (liquid crystal) of the personal computer main body 19 is actualized. For the purpose, the detection signal from the detecting circuit 18 is inputted to the control microcomputer 17 of the pointing device to obtain an actuation signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device for moving a cursor or the like on a screen of a personal computer, an amusement input device, a portable terminal or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An input device (hereinafter referred to as a pointing device) for a display device such as a computer can be used by moving a specific area on a desk such as a mouse, or a personal computer such as a notebook computer. Some are mounted on. Further, in recent years, mobile devices have been advanced, and a small and thin pointing device has been required. Accordingly, the present applicant has already proposed an optical pointing device as an apparatus for realizing such a small and thin device (Japanese Patent Application No. 9-8110).
The configuration of the optical pointing device will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

[0003] The optical pointing device Pd includes an operating section 21 which is a movable body which is displaced in a sliding manner due to a load applied on a plane and a curvature surface, a light emitting element and an optically coupled light emitting element. Sensor 2 including a light receiving element that receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with displacement
0 is provided. The sensor 20 is provided on the lower surface side of the operation unit 21 and is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate 24. At the center of the lower surface of the operation unit 21 is provided a reflector 23 for reflecting light emitted from the light emitting element downward, and the sensor 20 receives information of light that changes depending on the moving direction and amount of the operation unit 21. Granted. This sensor 20 is a light reflection type detector (Japanese Patent Application No. 8-750) already proposed by the present applicant.
08) is used. The sensor 20 is electrically connected to the sensor 20, and is fixed to the substrate 24 forming the slide surface 27 by soldering or the like. Further, the operation unit 21 is configured to apply a load in a direction in which the finger is moved when the person operates the operation unit 21.
1 and the fixing portion 26 are elastically supported by an elastic structure 22a such as rubber.

An example of detection in the two-dimensional direction in this conventional example will be described below. The sensor 20 includes one light-emitting element and four light-receiving elements (not shown). Light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by a reflecting plate 23 displaced in conjunction with an operation unit 21 to receive light. To create a spot of light. For example, as shown in FIG. 27A, when there is no displacement in the operation unit 21 in the initial state, there is a spot of light at the position of the broken line, and then the person pushes the operation unit 21 in the positive x direction with the finger. When moved, the light spot is the same x
Move in the positive direction. Similarly, when a person moves the operation unit 21 in the positive y-direction with a finger, the light spot moves in the same positive y-direction as shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the data of the operation unit movement amount and the subtraction output in each direction of the x and y axes. The equation for calculating the subtraction output of the subtraction output AX in the x-axis direction is expressed by equation (1), and the equation for calculating the subtraction output of the subtraction output AY in the y-axis direction is expressed by equation (2). Here, each photodiode pd1, pd2,
The photocurrents obtained by pd3 and pd4 are Isc (pd1) and Isc (pd
2), Isc (pd3), Isc (pd4).

AX = Isc (pd3) + Isc (pd4)-｛Isc (pd1) + Isc (pd2)｝ AY = Isc (pd2) + Isc (pd4)-｛Isc (pd1) + Isc (pd3)｝ This As shown in FIG. 28, the optical pointing device Pd provides the same s-shaped curve in both the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Vectors of the outputs X and Y in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction are combined, and the movement amount and speed data are created in an arbitrary two-dimensional direction (360 degrees), thereby displaying the data on a computer or the like. Input to the device is enabled.

With the above configuration, a small and thin pointing device has been realized.

[0008]

As described above, in the prior art, a small and thin pointing device has been realized, but at present, further realization of multifunctional inputs such as taps and low power consumption is desired. It is rare.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of these viewpoints, and has an improved function of an input device for moving a cursor or the like on a screen in a personal computer, an amusement input device, a portable terminal, or the like, and a low power consumption. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device such as a small-sized and thin computer compatible with mobile, and an input processing method thereof, which can realize mobile communication.

[0010]

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an input device such as a computer according to the present invention comprises an operating section which can change its position and angle while making contact with a finger or an operating instrument; A first operation detection unit including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receiving an image of light that moves in association with the change in the position and the angle; Based on the position, the movement information of the position, the movement amount and the movement speed of the finger or the operation tool, and based on the movement information, an input device that performs cursor control such as a personal computer. A second operation detection unit or a detection circuit for detecting a change in the operation of the personal computer. It is characterized by being configured to enter into. Here, a microcomputer for controlling the input device or a host computer is applied as a personal computer to which a detection signal from the second operation detection unit or the detection circuit is input. Also,
When a detection signal from the second operation detection unit or the detection circuit is input to the control microcomputer, the detection signal is a tap identification signal for identifying click, double-click or drag or the control signal. Signal for starting the microcomputer.

As a structure of the second operation detecting portion, the operating portion is a resin portion made of an injection-molded conductive resin, and this resin portion is electrically connected to a substrate on which an electric component of the input device is mounted. It may be configured to be provided in an electrically conductive state. In this configuration, it is preferable that a plurality of metal spheres are provided between the substrate and the resin portion, and that these metal spheres are provided in contact with both surfaces of the substrate and the resin portion. . When the metal ball is provided in this manner, the conductivity with the substrate can be increased,
Further, abrasion of the substrate due to sliding with the conductive resin can be prevented.

The structure of the second operation detection section is such that the operation section is covered with a metal and a resin portion formed of a conductive resin injection-molded around the metal. The unit may be provided in a state of being electrically conducted on a substrate on which the electric component of the input device is mounted. In this configuration, it is preferable that the metal surface is disposed to face the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

Further, the structure of the second operation detecting section is such that the operating section is formed of metal, and the metal portion is electrically connected to a substrate on which the electric component of the input device is mounted. The configuration provided may be used.

Further, according to the input processing method of the present invention, the moving information of the position, the moving amount and the moving speed of the finger or the operating instrument obtained by changing the position and the angle of the operating section while touching the operating section with the finger or the operating instrument. Is obtained by processing a signal obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In addition, in a method for controlling a cursor of a computer or the like based on the movement information, when there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer performs a clock operation different from a normal clock operation, During operation, low power consumption driving is performed, and if there is a contact with the operation unit, the presence or absence of the contact is detected, and the detection signal is output as described above. By inputting the patronage micro computer computers are characterized by returning the clock operation in the normal state.

Further, according to the input processing method of the present invention, the moving information of the position, the moving amount and the moving speed of the finger or the operating instrument obtained by changing the position and the angle of the operating section while touching the operating section with the finger or the operating instrument. Is obtained by processing a signal obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In addition, in the method of controlling the cursor of a computer or the like based on this movement information, if there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, stop the clock operation of the control microcomputer and drive with low power consumption, When there is a contact with the operation unit, the presence or absence of the contact is detected, and the detection signal is sent to the control microcomputer computer. By force, it may be configured for returning the clock operation in the normal state.

According to the method of the present invention, when there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the drive is driven with low power consumption,
Further, the control microcomputer can be started by the detection signal, and low power consumption can be realized.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 4 are views for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view showing a sectional structure thereof, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a right side view.

In the optical pointing device P according to the embodiment of the present invention, a PWB 4 is provided on a component mounting base 7, and a pointing sensor 5 is mounted on the PWB 4. An operation unit 1 having a shape covering the pointing sensor 5 and capable of changing its position and angle while being in contact with a finger or an operation tool is supported via an elastomer 2 by a housing 3 provided around the operation unit 1. ing. The housing 3 is formed on a holder 6 provided on the component mounting base 7 and the PWB 4. The pointing sensor 5 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element that is optically coupled to the light emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in position and angle. The operation section 1 is made of an injection-molded conductive resin, and is electrically connected to the PWB 4 at a contact portion 4a as shown in FIG. Also,
The surface 1a of the conductive resin constituting the operation unit 1 facing the pointing sensor 5 has a mirror surface formed by a hot stamp or the like.

With the above configuration, information (induction current, ground resistance, electrostatic capacity) from a human finger is detected via the operation unit 1 made of a conductive resin and its signal is detected on the PWB 4. The configuration is such that an electric component including a circuit is input to a control microcomputer (not shown) of the optical pointing device P.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of metal balls 13 may be provided between the PWB 4 and the operation section 1 made of a conductive resin. Is preferably provided in contact with both surfaces of the PWB 4 and the resin surface 1a of the operation unit 1.
In addition, it is desirable that the metal ball 13 has an arrangement structure in which the metal ball 13 does not fit with the holder and rolls in the operation direction. When the metal balls are provided as described above, the conductivity with the PWB 4 can be increased, and the abrasion of the PWB 4 due to sliding with the conductive resin can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part showing another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the operation unit 1 is a metal 1
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment which is different from the above-described embodiment in that the periphery of the metal 1 and the metal 11 are covered with a conductive resin 12 injection-molded. In the embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the surface 11a of the metal 11 facing the pointing sensor 5 is mirror-finished to form a reflection surface. This configuration is an example in which the configuration of the reflection plate 23 in the conventional example described above is configured by the mirror surface of the metal 11. In other words, the metal 11 is arranged on an operation portion that can change its position and angle while being in contact with a finger or an operation tool, and the periphery of the metal 11 is made of a conductive resin formed by injection molding. The conductive resin 12 is disposed in a state of being electrically conductive on a substrate on which an electric component of an optical pointing device is mounted. Further, the metal 11 of the operation unit 1 is provided with a finger or a finger on the operation unit 1. The position and angle are changed while touching with the operating device, and the movement information of the position, the movement amount and the movement speed is processed by the light-emitting element and the signal obtained by the light-receiving element that receives the image of the light that moves in conjunction with this change. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged to face each other in order to function as a reflecting plate that moves following the operation unit 1 for performing the operation.

Next, a description will be given of a configuration in which a detection circuit detects a signal indicating the presence or absence of an operation of a human finger or the like obtained by the detection unit including the operation unit 1 and the pointing sensor 5 described above.

FIG. 8 shows a signal indicating the presence or absence of a human finger or the like by cm.
The circuit configuration is shown in which a 10 MΩ resistor is provided between at least an input terminal and GND as a peripheral input device. In this configuration, the resistance is 10 MΩ.
However, it may be 1 MΩ or more. This embodiment makes use of the fact that a person has an induced voltage where there is AC induction. That is, when a person's finger touches the operation unit made of conductive resin or metal, an induced current flows through this operation unit. The induced current is 1
The voltage is converted by a resistance of about 0 MΩ and input to ic of c-mos. Since an AC induction signal waveform H _in the input unit is a frequency of 50Hz or 60 Hz, even 50Hz or output waveform H _out output is digitally converted 60
It becomes a square wave with a frequency of Hz. This rectangular wave is input to the control microcomputer of the pointing device.

As shown in the circuit of FIG. 9, the data may be binarized by CR and input to the control microcomputer of the pointing device. In this circuit configuration, when a human finger touches the operation unit, the output signal “H” is input to the control microcomputer of the pointing device.

Next, FIG. 10 shows an example utilizing the ground resistance of the human body. Since the human body has a resistance of about 5 KΩ, the resistance value changes depending on whether the user touches the operation unit.
When a person touches the operation unit, the base of transistor Tr1 and Vcc
The resistance between them becomes about 5 KΩ from the open infinite state. Then, a current flows through the base of the transistor Tr1, and the amplified and further amplified current by the transistor Tr2 is converted into a voltage by a resistor and input to the control microcomputer of the pointing device. In this embodiment, since the resistance of the conductive portion of the operation unit must be in an open state before a finger or the like touches the operation unit, the conductive portion needs to be insulated at a predetermined portion.

The example shown in FIG. 11 is an oscillation circuit that oscillates a signal indicating the presence or absence of a human finger or the like obtained by the detection unit at a certain frequency, and a circuit that shapes the signal waveform using a resistor and a capacitor. The system is divided into two systems, a detection unit is connected to one of the systems, and a signal obtained by subjecting a waveform-shaped signal to signal processing at a certain threshold level is detected based on a difference between a voltage value of the signal and time.

In this circuit configuration, a multivibrator oscillator using an inverter is used as the oscillation circuit. The output of the oscillator is shaped according to the time constants of R1 and C1, and the system 1 that enters the inverter 1, R2, C2, and C2
A signal indicating the presence or absence of a human finger or the like obtained by the detection unit is connected between the second and GND. The waveform-shaped signal whose time constant changes depending on whether or not a human finger touches it is input to the inverter 2. The inverter 1 and the inverter are input to the D flip-flop, the system 1 is input to the D terminal, the system 2 is input to the C terminal, and when there is a finger or the like, the output signal “H” is output.
When there is no such signal, an output signal "L" is output. FIG. 12 shows waveforms at the C terminal, the D terminal, and the Q terminal.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the outputs of the system 1 and the system 2 are input to a comparator in order to simplify the circuit configuration shown in FIG. In this circuit configuration, the reference voltage is used as a signal of the system 1, and as shown in FIG.
The output is inverted by the voltage difference due to the difference of the time constants.

In the circuit configuration of FIG. 15, a detection unit obtained by a human finger or the like is inserted in parallel with a capacitor of an oscillation circuit that oscillates at a certain frequency, and detection is performed by a combination with a CR filter in the subsequent stage. Things. In this configuration, the oscillation frequency changes due to a change in capacitance, and the oscillation frequency is detected by a combination of the change and the CR time constant.

The circuit configuration shown in FIG. 16 is an embodiment in which the oscillation of the circuit is detected by detecting a finger or the like as a substitute for the capacitor of the oscillation circuit oscillating at a certain frequency.

With the various configurations described above, the presence or absence of a human finger or the like is detected. Next, an embodiment in which this detection signal is input to a host computer such as a personal computer is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the movement information in the operation unit 1 by a finger is a signal detected by the light emitting diode 14 and the photodiode 15
And a detection circuit 18 for detecting a finger by another detection circuit 18 is provided. This detection signal is directly input to the control microcomputer 17. I have.

With this configuration, it is possible to realize an operation directly connected to the pointing device and the main body, such as turning on the backlight of the display (liquid crystal) of the personal computer when touching the operation section of the pointing device.

Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a detection signal from the detection circuit can be input to a microcomputer for controlling the pointing device and used as a start signal for the microcomputer, thereby realizing low power consumption. be able to.

During normal operation, the position and angle of the operation unit are changed while touching the operation unit with a finger, and movement information such as the position, the amount of movement and the speed of movement are optically coupled to the light emitting element and the light emitting element. The signal obtained by the light receiving element that receives the image of the light that moves in conjunction with the change in the position and the angle is amplified by an amplifier or the like, and the finger A of the microcomputer is used.
After inputting to the / D conversion element and performing arithmetic processing, a serial signal for performing cursor control of a personal computer or the like is transmitted to the personal computer main body. Here, as a method for reducing power consumption, when the operation unit is not touched by a finger for a preset time, the microcomputer and the amplifier are set to the low power consumption drive mode, and the detection unit or the detection circuit operates the operation unit. When it is detected that is touched by a finger, the microcomputer and the amplifier are set to the normal drive mode.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment in which multi-function input is supported by using a detection signal from a detection unit or a detection circuit. In this configuration, a signal from the detection circuit is used to input to the microcomputer for controlling the pointing device, and then tap (click, double-click, drag)
Perform identification. This identification is performed based on the time of touching the operation unit and its pattern. Set the output of the detection circuit to “H”, “L”
, And the tap is identified by the output change pattern. The output change time is 10 ms to 200 ms.
m, and any setting is made during this time. Further, identification is performed based on the pattern shown in FIG.

Next, as a first embodiment of the input processing method of the present invention, an embodiment using a detection unit or a detection circuit and a corresponding method without using them will be described below.

First, in the first embodiment of the method of the present invention, the position, the moving amount, and the moving speed of the finger or the operating device obtained by changing the position and angle of the operating unit while touching the operating unit with the finger or the operating device. Processing the signal obtained by the light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In the method of controlling the cursor of a computer or the like based on the movement information, if the operation unit is not touched within a predetermined time, the control microcomputer is set to a clock operation different from a normal clock operation. , Low power consumption drive during the clock operation, and when there is a touch on the operation unit, the presence or absence of the touch is detected, and the detection signal By inputting to the control micro computer computers, and so as to restore the clock operation in the normal state.

In the second embodiment of the input processing method according to the present invention, the position and the movement of the finger or the operating device obtained by changing the position and angle of the operating unit while touching the operating unit with the finger or the operating device are described. The movement information of the amount and the movement speed is obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In the method of performing cursor control such as a computer based on this movement information while obtaining by processing the signal, if there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time,
By stopping the clock operation of the control microcomputer and driving it with low power consumption, when there is a contact with the operation unit, detecting the presence or absence of the contact, and inputting the detection signal to the control microcomputer computer Then, the clock operation is returned to the normal state.

In the low power consumption driving according to the first and second embodiments, when the pointing device is not operated for a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer is set to the low power consumption driving. Then, low power consumption driving is realized by transmitting a signal for stopping the operation or driving with low power consumption from the control microcomputer to an amplifier circuit processing the signal obtained by the light receiving element. In addition, when an operation is performed on the pointing device, the presence or absence of a finger or the like is detected by a detection unit or a detection circuit, and the signal is input to a microcomputer for controlling the pointing device, so that the microcomputer operates normally. The microcomputer returns a signal for returning to normal operation to the amplifier circuit section.

Further, in the third embodiment, the movement information of the position, the moving amount and the moving speed of the finger or the operating instrument obtained by changing the position and angle of the operating section while touching the operating section with the finger or the operating instrument. Is obtained by processing a signal obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In addition, in a method for controlling a cursor of a computer or the like based on the movement information, when there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer performs a clock operation different from a normal clock operation, Low power consumption driving during operation, and operation of finger or operating instrument to pointing device at predetermined time intervals The image of the light that moves in conjunction with the change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool moves, and if the output of the light receiving element fluctuates), the control microcomputer is different from the normal clock operation if there is no change. A clock operation is performed, low power consumption driving is performed during the clock operation, and in some cases, the clock operation of the microcomputer is returned to a normal state.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the position of the finger or the operating device obtained by changing the position and angle of the operating portion while touching the operating portion with the finger or the operating device,
Movement information of the movement amount and the movement speed is obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In the method for controlling the cursor of a computer or the like based on the movement information, if the operation unit is not touched within a predetermined time, the clock operation of the control microcomputer is completely completed. Then, a signal indicating the low power consumption drive is transmitted to the host-side computer during the period of the low power consumption drive. Also, the computer on the host side operates the pointing device of the finger or the operating tool at every predetermined set time (the image of the light that moves in conjunction with the change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool moves, If there is no output fluctuation), the control microcomputer is operated with a clock operation different from the normal clock operation, or the clock operation of the microcomputer is completely stopped, and the low-power consumption drive is performed during that period. In some cases, the clock operation of the microcomputer is returned to a normal state.

Next, in the fifth embodiment, the position of the finger or the operating instrument obtained by changing the position and the angle of the operating section while touching the operating section with the finger or the operating instrument,
Movement information of the movement amount and the movement speed is obtained by a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with a change in the position and angle of the finger or the operating tool. In the method for controlling the cursor of a computer or the like based on the movement information, if the operation unit is not touched within a predetermined time, the clock operation of the control microcomputer is completely completed. The host computer transmits a signal for canceling the low-consumption driving of the pointing device at predetermined time intervals. The microcomputer on the pointing device side ignores the signal during normal operation and accepts a signal from the host side computer when the drive becomes low power consumption, and operates the pointing device with a finger or operating tool (finger or operation). If the image of the light that moves in conjunction with the change in the position and angle of the instrument moves, and there is a fluctuation in the output of the light-receiving element), the presence or absence of the change is identified. ,
Alternatively, the clock operation of the microcomputer is completely stopped, low-power consumption driving is performed during that period, and in some cases, the clock operation of the microcomputer is returned to a normal state.

In the low power consumption driving according to the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, when the pointing device is not operated for a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer is set to the low power consumption driving. At that time,
Low power consumption driving is realized by transmitting a signal for stopping the operation or driving with low power consumption from the control microcomputer to an amplifier circuit unit for processing a signal obtained by the light receiving element. When the microcomputer returns to normal operation, a signal for returning to normal operation is transmitted from the microcomputer to the amplifier circuit section.

[0045]

As described above, the input device such as a computer according to the present invention includes the second operation detecting section or the detecting circuit for detecting the change of the position and the angle in the operating section, and the second operating section. Since the detection signal from the detection unit or the detection circuit is input to a personal computer such as a control microcomputer, an operation directly connected to the pointing device and the computer can be realized.

Further, the personal computer is a microcomputer for controlling the input device of the present invention or a host computer. When a detection signal from the second operation detecting section or the detecting circuit is inputted to the microcomputer for controlling, This detection signal is configured to be a tap identification signal for identifying a click, a double click or a drag or a start signal of a control microcomputer, so that it is displayed on a screen of a personal computer, an amusement input device, a portable terminal, or the like. The function of the input device for moving the cursor or the like can be improved.

Further, according to the input processing method of the present invention, when there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer performs a clock operation different from a normal clock operation, and a low clock operation is performed during the clock operation. Power consumption drive,
When there is a contact with the operation unit, the presence or absence of the contact is detected, and the detection signal is input to the control microcomputer computer, so that the clock operation is returned to the normal state. Instead of the configuration described above, if there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the clock operation of the control microcomputer is stopped and low power consumption driving is performed. The clock operation is returned to a normal state by detecting the presence or absence of a clock signal and inputting the detection signal to the control microcomputer computer, so that low power consumption can be realized.

As a result, it is possible to provide a small-sized and thin input device which has improved functions and is capable of reducing power consumption.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an optical pointing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the optical pointing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the optical pointing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the optical pointing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing a structure of an optical pointing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing the structure of an optical pointing device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an essential part cross-sectional view showing the structure of an optical pointing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating a first example of a detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram for explaining a second example of the detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram for explaining a third example of the detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for explaining a fourth example of a detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the detection circuit illustrated in FIG.
Terminal, D terminal, Q terminal waveform diagram

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram for explaining a fifth example of the detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a waveform chart in a fourth example of the detection circuit shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram illustrating a sixth example of the detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram for explaining a seventh example of the detection circuit applied to the optical pointing device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram for explaining the concept of an optical pointing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an input processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of multifunctional input using the input device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the structure of a conventional optical pointing device.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the structure of another conventional pointing device.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the conventional optical pointing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the conventional optical pointing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a right side view of the conventional optical pointing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the conventional optical pointing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the conventional optical pointing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an operation direction and a movement of a light spot according to a conventional example.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the movement distance in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and the subtraction output according to the conventional example

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation part 1a Reflection surface 4 PWB 4a Contact part 5 Pointing sensor 11 Metal 11a Metal surface 12 Conductive resin 13 Metal ball 14 Light emitting diode 15 Photodiode 17 Control microcomputer 18 Detection circuit 19 Personal computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B011 DC07 EA10 KK02 LL11 MA13 MB07 5B079 AA02 BA15 BB06 BC01 5B087 AA03 AA09 AB02 AE09 BC06 BC13 BC32 DD02

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An operation unit capable of changing its position and angle while being touched by a finger or an operating tool, a light emitting element and optically coupled to the light emitting element, and moving in conjunction with the change in the position and angle. A first operation detection unit including a light receiving element that receives an image of light to be transmitted, based on an output of the operation detection unit, outputs movement information of a position, a movement amount, and a movement speed of the finger or the operation tool, An input device such as a personal computer for controlling a cursor based on the movement information includes a second operation detection unit or a detection circuit for detecting a change in the position and angle of the operation unit. An input device such as a computer configured to input a detection signal from a unit or a detection circuit to the personal computer or the like. 2. The personal computer to which a detection signal from a second operation detection unit or a detection circuit is input.
The input device such as a computer according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a control microcomputer or a host computer. 3. When a detection signal from a second operation detection unit or a detection circuit is input to the control microcomputer, the detection signal is a tap identification signal for identifying click, double-click, or drag, or 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is a start signal of the control microcomputer. 4. The structure of the second operation detection section is such that the operation section is a resin section made of an injection-molded conductive resin, and the resin section is formed on a substrate on which an electric component of the input device is mounted. The input device such as a computer according to claim 1, wherein the input device is provided in a state of being electrically connected to the input device. 5. The structure of the second operation detection section, wherein the operation section has a structure in which a metal and a resin portion formed by injection-molded conductive resin around the metal are covered with the metal. 4. The input device for a computer or the like according to claim 1, wherein the resin portion is provided on a substrate on which the electric component of the input device is mounted in an electrically conductive state. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of metal spheres are provided between said substrate and said resin portion, and said metal spheres are arranged in contact with both surfaces of said substrate and said resin portion. An input device such as a computer according to claim 4. 7. The input device for a computer or the like according to claim 5, wherein a metal surface of the second operation detection unit is disposed to face the light emitting element and the light receiving element. 8. The structure of the second operation detection unit is such that the operation unit is formed of a metal, and the metal part is electrically connected to a substrate on which an electric component of the input device is mounted. The input device such as a computer according to claim 1, wherein the input device is provided. 9. A light-emitting element and a light-emitting element of the light-emitting element, wherein the movement information of the position, the movement amount, and the movement speed of the finger or the operation tool obtained by changing the position and the angle of the finger while touching the operation section with the finger or the operation tool. Optically coupled with, and obtained by processing a signal obtained by a light receiving element that receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with changes in the position and angle of the finger or operating instrument, and based on this movement information In a method for controlling a cursor of a computer or the like, when there is no contact with an operation unit within a predetermined set time, the control microcomputer is set to a clock operation different from a normal clock operation, and low power consumption driving is performed during the clock operation. When there is a contact with the operation unit, the presence or absence of the contact is detected, and the detection signal is sent to the control microcomputer computer. An input processing method characterized by returning a clock operation to a normal state by inputting the data to a data. 10. A light-emitting element and a light-emitting element of the light-emitting element, wherein the movement information of the position, the movement amount, and the movement speed of the finger or the operation tool obtained by changing the position and the angle of the finger while touching the operation unit with the operation tool are obtained. Optically coupled with, and obtained by processing a signal obtained by a light receiving element that receives an image of light that moves in conjunction with changes in the position and angle of the finger or operating instrument, and based on this movement information In a method for controlling a cursor of a computer or the like, if there is no contact with the operation unit within a predetermined set time, the clock operation of the control microcomputer is stopped, the power consumption is reduced, and the operation unit is contacted. In this case, the presence or absence of the contact is detected, and the detection signal is input to the control microcomputer computer, whereby the clock is detected. An input processing method for returning an operation to a normal state.