JP2001222379A - Pointing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pointing device capable feeding back a tactile action according to moving quantity and moving direction of an operation part. SOLUTION: This pointing device is provided with an operation board 102 which can be slid and moved in the two-dimensional direction and an operation knob 103 as a cylindrical projection is provided on the surface of the operation board 102. When a user performs a pointing operation by using the operation knob 103, the tactile action is fed back to the user by driving a piezoelectric bimorph element 105 according to slide moving quantity and the moving direction of the operation knob 103.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pointing device for moving a position of a pointer displayed on a display device, and more particularly to a pointing device capable of feeding back a tactile effect to a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A mouse pointing device has conventionally been used as a pointing device for moving the position of a pointer displayed on a display device such as a display. Mouse-type pointing devices are widely used because they require only simple operations such as clicking and dragging, and are small and inexpensive. However, when using a conventional mouse-type pointing device, the user checks the position of the pointer only visually,
The screen of the display device must be watched. for that reason,
When the fine pointing operation must be performed continuously, a considerable burden is imposed on the user's eyes.

In order to reduce the burden on the eyes, a tactile effect generator is provided which feeds back the position information of the pointer to the user as a tactile effect. A mouse-type pointing device that can also be confirmed by a mouse has been proposed.

[0004] In Japanese Patent Publication No. 2571793, an operating portion of a tactile effect generator is provided so as to protrude from a part of a mouse button, and a finger of a user touching the mouse button by the operation of the operating portion. A mouse-type pointing device capable of feeding back a tactile effect has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-202801 discloses that
2. Description of the Related Art A mouse-type pointing device capable of transmitting a tactile effect to a user by raising an upper portion of a mouse case by a tactile effect generator such as a piezoelectric actuator has been proposed.

[0006] A mouse pointing device equipped with these tactile effect generators transmits a tactile effect to a user when the pointer reaches a position of a specific object such as an icon or a window. Therefore, the user can confirm not only visually but also tactilely that the pointer has reached the position of the specific object.

[0007]

However, a mouse-type pointing device having a conventional tactile effect generator only generates a tactile effect when the pointer reaches a specific object position as described above. However, the position information of the pointer in the process until reaching the position of such a specific object cannot be confirmed by tactile sensation. Therefore, when performing the pointing operation, there is a problem that it is not possible to confirm by touch how much operation should be performed to reach the position of the specific object.

[0008] In recent years, there has been a demand for portable information processing devices that can be used not only indoors but also outdoors, and there is a demand for reductions in their size and weight. As one of means for achieving such an object, a pointing device has also been reduced in size and weight, and as a result, a pointing device such as a joystick type, a trackball type and a slide pad type has been used instead of a mouse type pointing device. Devices are becoming widely used. In particular, since a slide pad type pointing device can be easily made thinner than other pointing devices, many portable information processing devices are employed.

The sliding pad type pointing device is a pointing device operated by moving in a desired direction while pushing in a detection area on the pad with a writing tool or a finger. However, when a fine pointing operation is performed while pressing with a writing instrument or a finger, there is a problem that the stability of the operation is lacking.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a pointer is moved by feeding back a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and moving direction of a two-dimensionally movable operation unit to a user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pointing device that allows the user to tactually confirm how much operation should be performed to reach the desired position when the pointer is touched.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation unit which is movable in a two-dimensional direction, and allows a user to perform a fine pointing operation by performing a pointing operation using this operation unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pointing device that can secure operation stability.

[0012]

When the position information of the pointer in the process until the pointer reaches the position of the specific object can be confirmed not only visually but also tactilely, the user uses the pointing device. Then, it is possible to easily understand how much operation is required to reach the position of the pointer to the position of the desired object, and as a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the pointing device The present inventors have found. Based on such knowledge,
The following pointing device was invented.

A pointing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display device, which can be moved in a two-dimensional direction, and which is used for giving an instruction to move the pointer. A detecting unit for detecting a moving amount and a moving direction of the operating unit; and a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and the moving direction detected by the detecting unit to the operating unit. It is characterized by the following.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation unit capable of moving in a two-dimensional direction, and movement of the operation unit when a user operates the operation unit using the operation unit. Detecting means for detecting the amount and the moving direction. Then, a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and moving direction of the operation unit detected by the detecting means is performed on the operation unit.

Thus, a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and moving direction of the operation unit can be fed back to the user via the operation unit. Therefore, the user:
It is possible to check not only visually but also tactilely how much operation is required to reach the desired position of the pointer.

Further, by performing a pointing operation using the operation section, it is possible to ensure the stability of the operation even when performing a fine pointing operation.

A pointing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display device, which can be moved in a two-dimensional direction, and which is used for giving an instruction to move the pointer. Unit, an actuator connected to the operation unit, detection means for detecting a movement amount and a movement direction of the operation unit, and driving the actuator based on the movement amount and the movement direction detected by the detection means And a driving circuit that performs the driving.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an operation unit capable of moving in a two-dimensional direction, an actuator connected to the operation unit, and a user operating the operation unit by using the operation unit Detecting means for detecting a moving amount and a moving direction of the operation unit when is moved. Then, the drive circuit drives the actuator based on the movement amount and the movement direction of the operation unit detected by the detection means.

As described above, when the user moves the operation unit, the drive circuit drives the actuator based on the movement amount and the movement direction of the operation unit detected by the pointing device. As a result, a tactile effect is transmitted to the operation unit connected to the actuator. That is, a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and the moving direction of the operation unit can be fed back to the user via the operation unit. Therefore, when performing the pointing operation, the user can confirm not only visually but also tactilely how much operation should be performed to reach the desired position of the pointer.

A pointing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display device, which can be moved in a two-dimensional direction, and which is used for giving an instruction to move the pointer. Part, first resistance applying means for applying resistance to movement of the operation unit in a first direction, and application of resistance to movement of the operation unit in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A second resistance applying means, a detecting means for detecting an amount of movement of the operating portion in a first direction and a moving amount in a second direction, and a first direction and a second direction detected by the detecting means. And a driving circuit for controlling the driving of the first resistance applying means and the second resistance applying means based on the amount of movement in the direction.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation unit capable of moving in a two-dimensional direction.
And first and second resistance applying means for applying resistance to movement in the direction and the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, respectively. Detecting means for detecting an amount of movement of the operation unit in a first direction and an amount of movement of the operation unit in a second direction when the operation unit is moved by a user performing an operation using the operation unit; Is further provided. Then, the drive circuit drives and controls each of the first and second resistance applying means based on the amount of movement in the first direction and the amount of movement in the second direction of the operation unit detected by the detection means. .

As described above, when the user moves the operation unit, based on the movement amounts of the operation unit in the first direction and the second direction detected by the pointing device,
The drive circuit drives and controls each of the first and second resistance applying means, and as a result, can apply resistance to the movement of the operation unit. Thereby, a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and the moving direction of the operation unit can be fed back to the user via the operation unit. Therefore, when performing the pointing operation, the user can confirm not only visually but also tactilely how much operation should be performed to reach the desired position of the pointer.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an external view showing an information processing apparatus provided with a pointing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device 10 which is a notebook personal computer moves an image display device 20 such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) for displaying an image and a pointer 40 displayed on the image display device 20. And a pointing device 30 that is used to perform the operation.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a control unit constituted by a CPU. The control unit 11 is connected to the following hardware units via a bus 16 and controls these units. Execute the program.

[0025] The hard disk 12 is
It stores various software programs necessary for the operation of.

The RAM 13 is composed of, for example, an SRAM or a flash memory, and stores temporary data generated when executing software.

The image display device interface unit 14 is an interface for transmitting image data to be displayed to the interface unit 21 provided in the image display device 20. The pointing device interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a PD interface unit) 15 is an interface for transmitting and receiving the position information of the pointer 40 to and from the interface unit 31 provided in the pointing device 30.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a display unit provided in the image display device 20. The display unit 22 is an interface unit 2
1 to display image data received from the information processing apparatus 10.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a pointing device 30
2 shows a detector provided in the operating unit 3.
3 and detects the sliding movement amount and moving direction, and outputs the detected sliding movement amount and movement direction to the control unit 11 via the interface unit 31 and also outputs the same to the drive circuit 35. The drive circuit 35 controls the drive of the tactile effect generator 34 based on the slide movement amount and the movement direction detected by the detector 32.

FIG. 3 shows a pointing device 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numeral 100 denotes an upper case, and 101 denotes a lower case. The case upper part 100 is provided with a substantially square opening.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an operation plate used by the user for pointing operation. An operation knob 103, which is a columnar projection, is provided near the center of the surface of the operation plate 102. The user performs a pointing operation by sliding the operation plate 102 using the operation knob 103. Also, a specific pattern is formed on the back surface of the operation plate 102. As described later, an optical two-dimensional encoder (not shown) provided below the operation plate 102 reads this pattern to operate the device. The sliding movement amount and movement direction of the knob 103 are detected.

Note that a recess may be provided above the operation knob 103, and a writing instrument or the like may be fitted into the recess so that the operation knob 103 can be slid using the writing instrument or the like. Further, the operation knob 103 can be moved up and down, and a detector for detecting the up / down movement is further provided.
When it is detected that 3 has been pressed down, this may be determined as a pointing confirmation operation.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a support plate for supporting the operation plate 102 so as to be slidable, and the surface of the support plate 104 is in sliding contact with the back surface of the operation plate 102.
An opening is provided near the center of the support plate 104.

Numerals 105, 105 denote two rectangular plate-shaped piezoelectric bimorph elements. These piezoelectric bimorph elements 105, 105 have short sides sandwiching an opening provided in the support plate 104. Are arranged in parallel. One end of each of them is fixed to the lower case portion 101, and the other end is connected to the back surface of the support plate 104. Further, the piezoelectric bimorph elements 105, 105
Are connected to a drive circuit (not shown), and vibrate when a predetermined voltage is supplied from the drive circuit. By vibrating the operation plate 102 in conjunction with this vibration, a tactile effect is fed back to the user via the operation knob 103.

As described above, below the operation plate 102, an optical two-dimensional encoder (not shown) having a light emitting means and a light receiving means is provided. This optical two-dimensional encoder uses a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the operation plate 1
By reading the pattern formed on the back surface of the support plate 104 through the opening of the support plate 104, the operation knob 10
The slide movement amount and the movement direction of No. 3 are detected.

Next, the pointing device 3 of the present invention
The operation of 0 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the pointing device 30 of the present invention. When the user slides the operation knob 103, the pointing device 30 detects the amount of slide movement of the operation knob 103 in each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions (S101).

Next, the pointing device 30 moves the operation knob 103 detected in step S101 in the X-axis direction by the amount of slide movement _Xm and in the Y-axis direction by the amount of slide movement Y.
_{Using m and a} preset variable SCALE,
The tactile action output values X _t for the movement in the X direction by the following equation (1), respectively to calculate the tactile effect output value Y _t for movement in the Y direction by the formula (2) (S102).

[0038]

(Equation 1)

Then, it is determined whether or not the tactile effect output value _Xt or _Yt has become 0 (S103).
If not (NO in S103), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, when either value becomes 0 (YES in S103), a predetermined voltage is supplied from the drive circuit to the piezoelectric bimorph element 105, and as a result, the piezoelectric bimorph element 105 vibrates to generate a tactile effect. Do (S
104).

In this manner, a tactile effect corresponding to the sliding movement amount and moving direction of the operation knob 103 is fed back to the user.

When the slide movement of the operation knob 103 is temporarily stopped and then restarted,
The stop may be detected, and a tactile effect corresponding to the slide movement amount and the movement direction from the time of the detection may be generated.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view showing the second embodiment. 5A and 5B, reference numeral 120 denotes an operation plate used by the user for a pointing operation.
An operation knob 12 which is a columnar protrusion near the center of the surface of
1 has a hemispherical projection 122 on the back surface thereof at a position facing the operation knob 121.

Also, 114, 114, 114, 114
Each of the four cylinders is shown, and the four cylinders 11 are shown.
4, 114, 114, 114 are arranged at respective positions facing the four sides of the support plate 115 such that the four sides are parallel to the entire length. Further, one wire 116 is wound around the pair of opposed cylinders 114, 114 so as to surround the support plate 115, and the orthogonal point of the two wires 116, 116 and the above-described protrusions are formed. The object 122 is fixed.

A rotation amount detector (not shown) using a potentiometer or an encoder is connected to each of the cylinders 114, and the rotation amount of each cylinder 114 is detected by these rotation amount detectors. The amount of movement and the direction of movement of the operation knob 121 are detected based on the detected amount of rotation. Further, each columnar object 114 has a built-in small motor (not shown), and the rotation of each columnar object 114 is controlled by driving this small motor.

The small motor controls the rotation of each column 114 based on the sliding movement amount and moving direction of the operation knob 121 detected by the rotation amount detector described above. To provide resistance. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user. In addition, it is also possible to move the operation knob 121 to a predetermined position, for example, a so-called home position, by using the rotation of each columnar object 114.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the third embodiment. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, a support plate 123 having a pressure sensor described below is provided below the operation plate 120. The support plate 123 includes upper and lower holding plates 124a and 124b, and pressure sensors 125a, 125b, and 125 provided at four corners between the upper and lower holding plates 124a and 124b.
c, 125d. Also, the upper sandwiching plate 124a
It is composed of an elastic body that elastically deforms downward when pressed. Further, the operation plate 1 is provided on the surface of the upper sandwich plate 124a.
The recesses for fitting with the protrusions 122 provided on the back surface of the substrate 20 are provided in a matrix.

Projection 1 provided on the back surface of operation plate 120
Reference numeral 22 is in contact with the surface of the upper holding plate 124a, and when the user slides the operation plate 120 using the operation knob 121, the protrusion 122 slides while pressing the surface of the upper holding plate 124a. I do. And the upper sandwiching plate 124a at that time
The pressing point at the four pressure sensors 125a, 125
It is calculated according to a method described later using b, 125c, and 125d.

Hereinafter, the four pressure sensors 125a, 125
A method of calculating a pressing point on the upper sandwiching plate 124a using 5b, 125c, and 125d will be described. Here, the pressure sensor 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d is a respectively P1, P2, P3, P4 the pressure to be detected and also the coordinates of the pressing point in the upper clamping plate G _X, and G _Y.

The pressing force applied to the upper holding plate 124a is distributed to the four pressure sensors 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d, and the total is represented by P1 + P2 + P3 + P4. Therefore, the coordinates (G _X , G _Y ) of the pressed point on the upper holding plate 124a are calculated by the following equations (3) and (4).

[0053]

(Equation 2)

The pointing device 30 determines the sliding amount and the moving direction of the pressing point calculated in this manner by the interface unit 31 and the PD interface unit 1.
5 to the control unit 11. Then, the control unit 11 determines, based on the sliding movement amount and the moving direction of the pressing point,
The position information of the pointer 40 is calculated, and the calculated position information is output to the image display device 20. As a result, the position of the pointer 40 displayed on the image display device 20 moves.

On the other hand, when the user performs a pointing operation by using the operation knob 121, the protrusion 122 provided on the back surface of the operation plate 120 moves on the upper sandwiching plate 124a provided with a plurality of concave portions on the surface. The operation plate 120 vibrates by sliding. This vibration is applied to the operation knob 12.
1 to the user. In this manner, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

In the case where there is no movement of the pressing point,
When the pressing force increases, it is determined that this is a pointing determination operation. Thereby, four pressure sensors 12
It is possible to determine the confirmation operation using the 5a, 125b, 125c, and 125d.

The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

(Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is a pointing device in which the operation plate 120 according to the third embodiment includes three different plate-shaped members.

FIG. 7 shows a pointing device 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numerals 126, 127, and 128 denote first, second, and third operation plates, respectively, that constitute operation plates used by the user for pointing operations.

The surface of the first operation plate 126 and the second operation plate 12
7 is the front surface of the second operation plate 127 and the third operation plate 1
28, the front surface of the third operation plate 128 and the back surface of the case upper part 100 are in sliding contact with each other.
6, the second operation plate 127 and the third operation plate 128 are slidably supported respectively. In addition, the second operation plate 127, the third operation plate
Stoppers 129, 129, 129 are provided at predetermined positions on the back surface of the operation plate 128 and the case upper part 100, respectively, and the first operation plate 126, the second operation plate 127, and the third operation plate 128 are respectively operated by the stoppers 129. The sliding distance is limited.

An operation knob 121 which is a columnar projection is provided near the center of the front surface of the first operation plate 126, and a hemispherical projection 12 is provided on the back surface of the operation knob 121 at a position opposed to the operation knob 121.
2 respectively.

When the user performs a pointing operation by using the operation knob 121, the projection 122 provided on the back surface of the first operation plate 126 moves on the upper holding plate 124a provided with a plurality of concave portions on the surface. By sliding, the operation plate 1
20 vibrates. Then, this vibration is applied to the operation knob 121.
Is transmitted to the user via In this manner, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

With the above-described configuration, the operation plate can be reduced in size, and as a result, the pointing device 30 can be reduced in size.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the case of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a pointing device 30 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the third embodiment. 8A and 8B, reference numeral 130 denotes a support plate for supporting the operation plate 120, and the support plate 130 is the upper sandwich plate 1
31a, the lower holding plate 131b, and the upper holding plate 13
The pressure sensors 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d are provided at four corners between the lower plate 1a and the lower holding plate 131b. The upper sandwiching plate 131a differs from the upper sandwiching plate 124a in the third embodiment in that a plurality of recesses are not provided on the surface.

Reference numerals 132, 132, 132, and 132 denote shape memory springs, each of which is an actuator made of a shape memory alloy. One end of each shape memory spring 132 is located at a predetermined position on four side surfaces of the operation plate 120, respectively. The other end is fixed inside the pointing device 30.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The pointing device 30 outputs the sliding movement amount and the moving direction of the pressing point calculated using the pressure sensors 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d to the control unit 11 via the interface unit 31 and the PD interface unit 15. I do. Then, the control unit 11 calculates the position information of the pointer 40 based on the sliding movement amount and the moving direction of the pressed point, and outputs the calculated position information to the image display device 20. As a result, the position of the pointer 40 displayed on the image display device 20 moves.

A predetermined voltage is applied to each shape memory spring 132 by a drive circuit (not shown) based on the calculated sliding movement amount and moving direction of the pressing point. As a result, these shape memory springs 132 expand or contract to a shape stored in advance. With this operation knob 1
21 is given a resistance to movement. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

(Embodiment 6) Next, Embodiment 6 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the case of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a pointing device 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numeral 222 denotes an operation plate used by the user for pointing operation. An operation knob 223 which is a columnar projection is provided near the center of the surface of the operation plate 222. The user operates the operation plate 222 using the operation knob 223.
The pointing operation is performed by sliding the.

Reference numerals 224a and 224b denote electrode plates, respectively. The surface of the electrode plate 224a and the operation plate 2
22 is adhered to the rear surface of the electrode plate 224b and the surface of the case lower part 101. Further, an electro-rheological fluid 2 is provided between the electrode plates 224a and 224b.
25 are provided. Note that the electrorheological fluid 225 is
By applying an electric field from the outside, the viscosity changes continuously.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. Although not shown, the sliding amount and the moving direction of the operation knob 223 are detected using a plurality of pressure sensors or detectors such as an optical two-dimensional encoder in the same manner as in the other embodiments described above.

The pointing device 30 is controlled by a drive circuit (not shown) to a predetermined position with respect to the electrode plates 224a and 224b based on the amount and direction of the sliding movement of the operation knob 223 detected by a detector (not shown). Is applied, the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid 225 changes. As a result, a resistance is given to the movement of the operation knob 223. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the seventh embodiment is a pointing device having a configuration including an electrode plate having an arrayed electrode pattern instead of the electrode plates 224a and 224b in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 7 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 226 denotes an electrode plate having a plurality of electrodes arranged in an array.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. Similarly to the sixth embodiment, not shown, but in the same manner as in the other embodiments described above, the operation knob 223 using a plurality of pressure sensors or detectors such as an optical two-dimensional encoder.
Of the slide movement amount and the movement direction are detected.

The pointing device 30 includes a plurality of electrode plates 226 formed by a drive circuit (not shown) based on the amount and direction of sliding movement of the operation knob 223 detected by a detector (not shown). When a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrodes of
The viscosity of 25 changes. As a result, a resistance is given to the movement of the operation knob 223. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the pointing device according to the eighth embodiment is provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 8 of the pointing device 30 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 230 denotes a support plate that allows a user to slide an operation plate 222 used for a pointing operation, and an ultrasonic vibrator 231 is provided near substantially the center of the back surface of the support plate 230. Have been. In addition, the ultrasonic vibrator 2
The standing wave is generated on the surface of the support plate 230 by driving the 31.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. Similarly to the sixth embodiment, not shown, but in the same manner as in the other embodiments described above, the operation knob 223 using a plurality of pressure sensors or detectors such as an optical two-dimensional encoder.
Of the slide movement amount and the movement direction are detected.

The driving device (not shown) drives and controls the ultrasonic vibrator 231 of the pointing device 30 based on the amount and direction of the sliding movement of the operation knob 223 detected by the detector (not shown). You.
Thereby, a standing wave is generated or disappears on the surface of the support plate 230. As a result, a resistance is given to the movement of the operation knob 223. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

Ninth Embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the seventh embodiment is a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a ninth embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 232 denotes a support plate for allowing a user to slide an operation plate 222 used for a pointing operation, and the support plate 232 is made of a piezoelectric material. The back surface of the support plate 232 and the surface of the electrode plate 233 on which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in an array are adhered. By applying a predetermined voltage to the plurality of electrodes constituting the electrode plate 233, the direction in which the operation plate 222 slides easily is controlled.

The other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. Similarly to the sixth embodiment, not shown, but in the same manner as in the other embodiments described above, the operation knob 223 using a plurality of pressure sensors or detectors such as an optical two-dimensional encoder.
Of the slide movement amount and the movement direction are detected.

The pointing device 30 includes a plurality of electrode plates 233 formed by a drive circuit (not shown) based on the amount and direction of sliding movement of the operation knob 223 detected by a detector (not shown). A predetermined voltage is applied to these electrodes to control the direction in which the operation plate 222 slides easily. As a result, a resistance is given to the movement of the operation knob 223. Thereby, the tactile effect can be fed back to the user.

(Embodiment 10) Next, Embodiment 10 of the pointing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The tenth embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment.
It is not a pointing device provided in a notebook personal computer as in the case of (1), but a pointing device provided in a mobile phone.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a mobile phone equipped with a tenth embodiment of the pointing device of the present invention. In FIG. 13, a mobile phone 50 includes an image display device 51 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays an image, and a pointing device 52 used to move a pointer 54 displayed on the image display device 51. Have. The image display device 51 has a virtual numeric keypad 55.
Is displayed, and the user can use the pointing device 5
By performing a pointing operation by using the operation knob 53 provided in 2, the pointer 54 is moved to a position of a specific virtual numeric keypad 55, and a depressing operation is performed there, thereby pressing the virtual numeric keypad 55.

Although not shown, a plurality of pressure sensors or optical type 2
The amount of movement and the direction of movement of the operation knob 53 are detected using a detector such as a dimensional encoder. Then, the tactile effect is fed back to the user based on the sliding movement amount and the moving direction.

(Embodiment 11) Next, Embodiment 11 of the pointing device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The eleventh embodiment is a pointing device provided in a remote controller (hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) such as a television.

FIG. 14A is a plan view showing an eleventh embodiment of the pointing device 30 of the present invention.
(B) is sectional drawing which shows Embodiment 11 similarly. 14A and 14B, a remote controller 60 includes a display unit 61 on which a number indicating a channel number is displayed,
A pointing device 62 for illuminating a specific portion of the display section 61 with a light source (not shown).

Reference numeral 64 denotes an operation plate used by the user for pointing operation. An operation knob 63, which is a columnar projection, is provided near the center of the surface of the operation plate 64. Further, a lens 65 is provided at a predetermined position of the operation plate 64, and light emitted from a light source (not shown) provided below the operation plate 64 passes through the lens 65 to a specific portion of the display unit 61. They are illuminated.

The user slides the operation plate 64 using the operation knob 63 to illuminate a portion on which a number indicating a desired channel number is printed.

Although not shown, a plurality of pressure sensors or optical type 2
The amount of movement and the direction of movement of the operation knob 63 are detected using a detector such as a dimensional encoder. Then, the tactile effect is fed back to the user based on the sliding movement amount and the moving direction.

[0096]

As described in detail above, according to the pointing device of the present invention, the tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and the moving direction of the operation unit is fed back to the user, so that the pointer can be moved. , It is possible to confirm tactilely how much operation is required to reach the desired position of the pointer.

An operation section movable in a two-dimensional direction is provided, and the user performs a pointing operation using this operation section, thereby ensuring the stability of the operation even when performing a fine pointing operation. Etc.
The present invention has excellent effects.

(Supplementary Note) The following items are further disclosed with respect to the above description. (1) The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a determination unit that determines a pointing operation. (2) The operation unit has a plurality of plates and a stopper that can slide with respect to each other.
The pointing device according to any one of the above. (3) The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit includes one or a plurality of pressure sensors. (4) The determining means has a reaction force presenting means for presenting a reaction force, and the reaction force presenting means is driven in accordance with a moving amount and a moving direction of the operation section detected by the detecting means. The pointing device according to item (1), wherein: (5) The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising visual information presenting means for visually presenting the position of the operation unit. (6) The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation unit has one or more protrusions and a plurality of recesses arranged in a matrix. (7) The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is an electrorheological fluid. (8) The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is an ultrasonic vibrator. (9) The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is a shape memory alloy. (10) The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the first resistance applying unit and the second resistance applying unit each include an operation unit moving unit that moves the operation unit to a predetermined position.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an information processing apparatus including a pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 1 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 3 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 4 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view and a sectional view showing Embodiment 5 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 6 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 7 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 8 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing Embodiment 9 of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a tenth embodiment of the pointing device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 11 of the pointing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Upper case 101 Lower case 102 Operation plate 103 Operation knob 104 Support plate 105 Piezoelectric bimorph element

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Fumihiko Nakazawa 4-1-1, Kamidadanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term within Fujitsu Limited 5B087 AA09 AB02 AB12 BC08 BC12 BC13 BC31 BC34 DD06 DE07 5E501 AA02 AA04 AA11 AB03 AC37 BA05 CA04 CB07 FA02

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A pointing device used to move a pointer displayed on a display device, comprising: an operation unit that is movable in a two-dimensional direction and is used to issue an instruction to move the pointer; Detecting means for detecting a moving amount and a moving direction; and a pointing device characterized in that a tactile effect corresponding to the moving amount and the moving direction detected by the detecting means is performed on the operation unit. . 2. A pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display device, comprising: an operation unit which is movable in a two-dimensional direction and is used for instructing the movement of the pointer; A coupled actuator; detecting means for detecting a moving amount and a moving direction of the operation unit; and a driving circuit for driving the actuator based on the moving amount and the moving direction detected by the detecting means. A pointing device characterized by the following: 3. A pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display device, wherein the operating unit is movable in a two-dimensional direction, and is used to issue a pointer movement instruction. First resistance applying means for applying resistance to movement in a first direction; second resistance applying means for applying resistance to movement of the operation unit in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; Detecting means for detecting the amount of movement of the operation unit in the first direction and the amount of movement in the second direction; and the amount of movement in the first direction and the second direction detected by the detecting means. A pointing device, comprising: a driving circuit for controlling the driving of the first resistance applying means and the second resistance applying means based on the driving circuit.