JP2007094469A - Input operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input operation device capable of controlling a cursor or a pointer by the operation of the thumb only with one foot and without largely moving the foot. <P>SOLUTION: A foot stand on which a foot is placed is provided with operation points to which X axial, Y axial and Z axial forces are added, and mounted with a three-axial sensor which detects the pressurizing forces of three X, Y and Z axes or distortion or displacement due to the pressurizing forces, and outputs X sensor output, Y sensor output and Z sensor output. A force is added to the three-axial sensor by an operation button whose upper face which receives a pressure due to outer forces in the arbitrary directions of the three X, Y and Z axes is shaped like projection so that the operation button can be operated in the arbitrary directions of the three X, Y and Z axes with the thumb of the foot. This input operation device shaped like the foot stand can be operated by using the foot other than fingertips capable of fine movement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input operation device capable of performing cursor and pointer control similar to that performed by a mouse on a personal computer display by a body part other than a hand, such as a foot or a shoulder.

  Conventionally, a mouse is used as an input device for moving a pointer or cursor on a personal computer display, but if the palm and fingertips cannot be used due to work conditions or physical disability, It is desirable to be able to perform equivalent input operations.

As a device for performing an input operation by using a foot, a device in which a trackball is provided on the back side of a slipper-like footwear and a plurality of switches are provided on a toe portion is known. In this input device, a slipper is fitted on the foot and the floor is moved back and forth and left and right to rotate the trackball to move the pointer and cursor. This is an input device that operates and performs a click operation (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, there is an input device in which two switches are provided at the front end of a plate corresponding to the front half of a clog, and one click is operated with the thumb and the other is operated with the remaining fingers (Patent Document). 2).

The left foot depresses the disk-shaped control panel in any direction, front, back, left and right to determine the direction of movement of the pointer and cursor, and the first foot for the right foot determines the movement speed of the pointer and cursor. In addition, there is an input device that performs a click operation using a second pedal for the right foot (see Patent Document 3).
Also, a robot pressure sensor that detects three-axis pressures in the X, Y, and Z directions is known (see Patent Document 4).
There is also known a joystick in which four strain gauges are installed around a rod-shaped joystick to detect pressure applied in the X and Y directions of the rod (see Patent Document 5).
There is also known a small joystick for a notebook personal computer that can be extended and contracted and used for click control (see Patent Document 6).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-181621 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-38387 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.) JP-A-10-55248 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.) JP-A-2004-245717 (first page, FIG. 1, FIG. 3, etc.) JP-A-7-302161 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.) JP 2000-293305 A (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)

  In the conventional input devices such as Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, it is necessary to move not only the feet but also the lower limbs in the front / rear and left / right directions. There is a problem that it cannot be used by people with physical disabilities who can move only their toes. Moreover, in the input device as in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to use both feet, and it is difficult to operate with only one foot. There is a need for an input operation device that can control the cursor and pointer without greatly moving only one foot.

The input operation device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an action point or action surface to which an X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis force is applied, and an X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis pressurization force or pressurization force A three-axis sensor that detects distortion or displacement caused by, and outputs an X sensor output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output, and an upper surface that receives pressure due to an external force in any direction of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis The operation button having a convex shape and a footrest on which a foot is placed, the triaxial sensor is attached to the footrest, and the thumb is placed on the footrest when the foot is placed on the footrest. This is a foot-like input operation device in which the three-axis sensor is driven by an operation button and the operation button is operated by a thumb in any direction of three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.
With this configuration, a physically handicapped person can perform information processing operations with his / her foot.

  The input operation device according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises an action point or action surface to which an X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis force is applied, and an X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis pressurization force or pressurization A three-axis sensor that detects distortion or displacement caused by, and outputs an X sensor output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output, and an upper surface that receives pressure due to an external force in any direction of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis And a pressure receiving portion that mainly receives the X-axis and Y-axis pressures of the pressure received by the operation button and has a hole in the center in the Z direction. The portion abuts against the X-axis action point or action surface of the three-axis sensor and the Y-axis action point or action surface, and the center of the lower surface of the operation button passes through the hole in the center part. Abutting on the Z-axis action point or action surface, the pressure receiving portion is the Z-axis action of the three-axis sensor. An input operation device, wherein the or a structure that does not contact the working surface.

  With this configuration, it becomes possible for a physically handicapped person to perform an input operation in a direction intended by a foot or the like. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to operate using other parts of the body that are difficult to move delicately or difficult to move greatly, other than fingertips that can move delicately.

  The input operation device according to the third aspect of the present invention has an action point or action surface to which X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis forces are applied, and is based on the three axes of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. A triaxial sensor that detects strain or displacement and outputs an X sensor output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output, and an upper surface that receives external force in any direction of the three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are convex. An X driving point or driving surface having a shape and transmitting pressure to the X axis operating point or operating surface; a Y driving point or driving surface transmitting pressure to the Y axis operating point or operating surface; An operation button having a Z driving point or a driving surface for transmitting pressure to the surface, and providing a gap between the X driving point or the driving surface and the X axis working point or the working surface so that backlash occurs. And a Y drive point or drive surface and the Y-axis action point or action surface. Providing a gap between, and coupled to the backlash occurs, an input operating device formed by providing a gap between the the Z drive point or drive surfaces Z-axis point of action or working surface.

  With this configuration, it becomes possible for a physically handicapped person to perform an input operation in a direction intended by a foot or the like. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to operate using other parts of the body that are difficult to move delicately or difficult to move greatly, other than fingertips that can move delicately.

An input operation device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the second and third input operation devices and a footrest on which a foot is placed, and the input operation is performed at a position where a thumb is placed when the foot is placed on the footrest. This is a foot-like input operation device in which a device is provided and the operation button is operated with a thumb in any direction of three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.
With this configuration, it becomes possible for a physically handicapped person to perform an input operation in a direction intended by a foot or the like.

The input operating device according to the fifth aspect of the invention generates X speed control information corresponding to the moving speed in the left-right direction of the display mark on the display based on the X sensor output of the triaxial sensor, and the Y axis of the triaxial sensor. Y speed control information corresponding to the vertical movement speed of the display mark on the display is generated based on the sensor output, and click control information for determining the position of the display mark on the display based on the Z sensor output of the three-axis sensor And an information processing unit for changing the moving speed of the display mark according to the magnitudes of the X direction sensor output and the Y direction sensor output. Further, when the X sensor output is equal to or smaller than a predetermined magnitude, the X speed control information is set as stop information, and when the Y sensor output is equal to or less than a predetermined magnitude, the dead zone region where the Y speed control information is set as stop information. Is provided.
With this configuration, it is possible to perform an input operation that is performed with a mouse using a hand without greatly moving the limbs.

  According to the present invention, even when both hands are occupied by a keyboard keystroke or other work, the cursor of the personal computer can be operated by using the feet. It is easy to move the cursor in the X and Y directions and to perform the click operation in the Z direction without moving the toe finger or other parts of the body inferior in movement control function compared to the finger of the hand.

  (Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an input operation device according to the present invention. An operation unit 20 is installed at one end of the footrest 10 on which a foot is placed. The operation unit 20 is provided at the position of the thumb when the foot is placed on the footrest 10. The operation unit 20 can be moved or displaced in the front / rear / right / left direction with the first finger, usually the thumb of the toe, or between the first and second fingers. The operation unit 20 can be pushed in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the operation unit 20. In FIG. 2, the top view of the operation part 20 and sectional drawing in AA 'are shown. The operation unit 20 includes a spherical operation button 2, a pressure receiving unit 3 that receives a force applied to the operation button 2, and a triaxial sensor 4 that detects pressure in the X, Y, and Z directions applied to the operation button 2. It comprises. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the operation button 2, the pressure receiving unit 3, and the three-axis sensor 4 of the operation unit 20 separately. It is preferable that the spherical portion of the operation button 2 has a size that can be easily operated with the big toe. Specifically, the diameter of the spherical portion of the operation button 2 is preferably about 15 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The spherical portion of the operation button 2 is more preferably about 20 mm in diameter.

  The operation button 2 has a rotationally symmetric shape having a cross section shown in gray in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a cylindrical Z pressure transmission portion 2 a at the lower portion of the upper portion that forms a part of a sphere slightly smaller than the hemisphere. It comprises. In this example, the operation button 2 has a shape similar to a bag. The operation button 2 is suitably made of an elastic body such as rubber, or a plastic material having an appropriate hardness.

  The pressure receiving portion 3 is a rotationally symmetric circular ring having a cross section of the hatched portion shown in FIG. A frame 3b is provided on the upper outer periphery. A lower notch portion 3c having a radius larger than that of the inner surface 3a is provided at the lower portion. The pressure receiving portion 3 has a hole in the Z direction. In addition, although the diameter of the inner surface 3a and the lower notch part 3c may be the same, in order to prevent the pressure receiving part 3 slipping down, you may make the diameter of the inner surface 3a slightly small.

  The triaxial sensor 4 is provided with two L-shaped X-distortion plates 4x on two sides facing in the X direction out of the eight sides of the Z-distortion plate 4z shown as an octagon in the plan view of FIG. Two Y-shaped strain generating plates 4y are also provided on the two sides facing each other in the Y direction. The strain generating plate 4x, the Y strain generating plate 4y and the Z strain generating plate 4z are provided with strain gauges (strain gauges). Four X strain sensors 5x, four Y strain sensors 5y, and four Z strain sensors 5z are attached in total. The X strain plate 4x, the Y strain plate 4y, and the Z strain plate 4z can be formed by integrally forming a single metal plate by pressing or the like and bending it into the shapes of FIGS. The shape of the Z strain plate 4z corresponding to the upper part of the triaxial sensor 4 may be other than an octagon, for example, a circle. Since such a triaxial sensor 4 is known from the above-mentioned Patent Document 4, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The triaxial sensor 4 is a sensor that detects a pressure applied by the three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, or distortion or displacement caused by the applied pressure, and is applied with the force of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. A point or action surface is provided, and an X sensor output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output are output. The action point or action surface to which the X-axis force is applied is the upper end portion of the X strain plate 4x. The action point or action surface to which the Y-axis force is applied is the upper end portion of the Y strain plate 4y. The action point or action surface to which the Z-axis force is applied is the central portion of the Z strain plate 4 z provided on the upper surface of the triaxial sensor 4. It should be noted that even if a force in the X and Y directions is applied to a portion of the peripheral side surface of the Z strain plate 4z that does not have the X strain plate 4x and the Y strain plate 4z, an action in the X and Y directions is applied. It also serves as an action point in the direction and the Y direction. However, in the case of the triaxial sensor 4 shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portions of the X strain plate 4x and the Y strain plate 4y are superior in terms of action point and action surface.

  The outer peripheral portion 2 b of the operation button 2 is fitted and fixed to the frame 3 b of the pressure receiving portion 3. The outer peripheral portion 2b of the operation button 2 and the frame 3b of the pressure receiving portion 3 may be coupled with an adhesive or the like. The upper portion of the triaxial sensor 4 is fitted and fixed in the lower cutout portion 3 c of the pressure receiving portion 3. Most preferably, the upper portions of the two X straining plates 4x and the Y straining plate 4y are respectively brought into contact with the lower notch portion 3c. The peripheral portion 4c of the Z strain plate 4z may be bonded to the lower notch portion 3c with an adhesive or the like. Since the upper surface around the Z-distortion plate 4z should not be in contact with the bottom of the lower notch portion 3c of the pressure receiving portion 3, it should not be fitted too deeply into the lower notch portion 3c. The lower surface of the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a of the operation button 2 is in contact with the center of the upper surface of the Z strain plate 4z. The lower surface of the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a may be bonded to the upper surface of the Z strain generating plate 4z with an adhesive or the like.

  The pressure receiving unit 3 mainly receives the X-axis and Y-axis pressures among the pressures received by the operation buttons 2. An inner surface of the lower notch portion 3c of the pressure receiving portion 3 is in contact with the X-axis action point (or action surface) of the triaxial sensor 4 and the Y-axis action point (or action surface). ) And the Y drive point (or drive surface). The Z pressure transmission part 2a, which is the central part of the lower surface of the operation button 2, serves as a Z drive point (or drive surface) that abuts on the Z axis action point (or action surface) of the triaxial sensor 4. The pressure receiving part 3 has a structure that does not contact the Z-axis action point (or action surface) of the three-axis sensor 4.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the operation unit 20 having the above configuration is installed at the bottom of a hole formed in the footrest 10. The L-shaped foot portion below the X strain plate 4x and the Y strain plate 4y may be screwed or glued to the bottom of the hole drilled in the footrest 10.

When the user places his / her foot on the footrest 10 and places his / her thumb on the operation button 2 and applies pressure to move the operation button 2 in the left / right direction (X direction), the pressure in the X direction is: The X sensor output can be measured by the four X strain sensors 5x on the two X strain generating plates 4x. When the user applies pressure to move the operation button 2 in the front-rear direction (Y direction), the pressure in the Y direction is detected by the four Y strain sensors 5y on the two Y strain generating plates 4y by the Y sensor. Can be measured as output. Alternatively, when the user presses the operation button 2 downward (Z direction), the pressure in the Z direction can be measured as the Z sensor output by the four Z strain sensors 5z on the Z strain generating plate 4z.
A circuit for detecting the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output from each of the X strain sensor 5x, the Y strain sensor 5y, and the Z strain sensor 5z is a well-known bridge circuit in FIG. 3, FIG. And so on.

  In the operation unit 20 in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral part 2 b of the operation button 2 is brought into contact with the frame 3 b of the pressure receiving part 3. The upper portion of the triaxial sensor 4 is fitted and fixed in the lower cutout portion 3 c of the pressure receiving portion 3. The periphery of the upper surface of the Z strain plate 4z does not come into contact with the bottom of the lower notch portion 3c of the pressure receiving portion 3. The lower surface of the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a of the operation button 2 is in contact with the center of the upper surface of the Z strain plate 4z. In this way, when pressure in the X direction is applied to the operation button 2, the pressure is mainly concentrated on the frame 3 b of the pressure receiving unit 3. Since the frame 3b is a rigid body, pressure is transmitted to the upper portion of the X strain plate 4 and the upper portion of the X strain plate 4 is deformed in the right direction, but the Z strain plate 4z is not distorted and does not cause Z strain. It is only necessary to move the entire plate 4z to the right. Accordingly, the force exerted on the Z strain sensor 5z on the Z strain plate 4z by the pressure in the X direction is small. When pressure in the X direction is applied to the operation button 2 with a foot, it is inevitable that a force in the Z direction is applied to the operation button 2, but the component force in the Z direction is applied to the inside of the frame 3 of the pressure receiving portion 3. The upper surface of the notch is mainly received. This force is applied perpendicular to the X strain plate 4x, but does not act to deform the Z strain plate 4z. The remaining component force in the Z direction is applied to the Z strain generating plate 4z in the Z direction via the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a, but the magnitude thereof is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce Z-direction crosstalk that occurs during operation in the X direction.

  Since the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a of the operation button 2 does not contact the entire Z strain generating plate 4z but mainly contacts the central portion of the Z strain generating plate 4z, the Z strain transmitting plate 4z caused by the pressure in the Z direction is used. Deformation increases. Therefore, the sensitivity of motion detection in the Z direction by the foot can be increased. Since a gap is provided between the inner surface 3a of the pressure receiving portion 3 and the Z pressure transmission portion 2a, the force of the pressure receiving portion 3 is not applied to the Z strain plate 4z via the Z pressure transmission portion 2a. Therefore, the pressure receiving portion 3 can contribute exclusively to generating strain in the X strain generating plate 4x. Note that the above description can also be applied to the Y direction, so that crosstalk in the Z direction due to an operation in the Y direction can be reduced.

  Next, a method for generating pointer control information, which is information for operating a pointer or cursor on a personal computer display, from X sensor output, Y sensor output, and Z sensor output will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit that generates pointer control information.

Since the X sensor output is a minute signal, it is amplified to the X signal Vx by the X signal amplifying unit 31 that is a differential amplifier and supplied to the information processing unit 40. The Y sensor output is amplified to the Y signal Vy by the Y signal amplifying unit 32 which is a differential amplifier, and is supplied to the information processing unit 40. The Z sensor output is amplified to the Z signal Vz by the Z signal amplifying unit 33 which is a differential amplifier, and is supplied to the information processing unit 40.
The dead zone setting unit 34 is a means for setting a dead zone that is a region that does not operate as if there is no input when the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and / or the Z sensor output is equal to or less than a predetermined value. .
The moving speed setting unit 35 is a means for setting the moving speed of the cursor or pointer according to the output of the X sensor output or / and the Y sensor output.
The hold time setting unit 36 is means for setting a time during which no Z sensor output is received.
The Z operation point setting unit 37 is a means for setting the sensitivity of the click operation ON by the operation in the Z direction.

  The dead zone setting unit 34, the moving speed setting unit 35, the hold time setting unit 36, and the Z operating point setting unit 37 are variable resistors, and are each a dead zone setting voltage Vf generated by dividing a power supply voltage, and a moving speed setting. The voltage Vs, hold time setting voltage Vh, and Z operating point setting voltage Vth are supplied to the information processing unit 40, respectively. The information processing unit 40 receives the X signal Vx, the Y signal Vy, the Z signal Vz, the dead band setting voltage Vf, the moving speed setting voltage Vs, the hold time setting voltage Vh, and the Z operating point setting voltage Vth, and is a signal that is pointer control information XA, XB, YA, YB, Z are output. The mouse signal conversion unit 50 receives pointer control information signals XA, XB, YA, YB, and Z, and outputs a mouse output signal of serial information in USB format or PS / 2 format widely used in personal computers. It has a function. When the mouse output signal is supplied to a personal computer, the cursor and pointer can be operated on the personal computer display. The signals XA and XB are X speed control information described later, the signals YA and YB are X speed control information described later, and the signal Z is click information described later.

  In the information processing unit 40, the AD conversion unit 43 converts the X signal Vx, the Y signal Vy, and the Z signal Vz into digital values Dsx, Dsy, and Dsz, respectively, and stores them in the storage unit 45 that is a digital memory. The AD conversion means 44 converts the dead band setting voltage Vf, the moving speed setting voltage Vs, the hold time setting voltage Vh, and the Z operating point setting voltage Vth into digital values F, Ks, Ht, and Zth, respectively, and stores them in the storage means 45. Store. The calculation means 46 reads each digital value from the storage means 45, performs a calculation described later, and supplies the calculation result to the frequency dividing means 47 and the output means 48. The clock signal generating unit 41 supplies a clock signal to each unit of the information processing unit 40. The frequency dividing means 47 divides the clock frequency based on the calculation result of the calculating means 46 to generate and output pointer control information signals XA, XB, YA, YB. The output means 48 generates and outputs a waveform of a signal Z described later based on the calculation result of the calculation means 46. The control unit 42 gives an operation instruction to each unit of the information processing unit 40.

  FIG. 5 shows data stored in the storage unit 45. In addition to areas for storing digital values Dsx, Dsy, Dsz, digital values F, Ks, Ht, and Zth, digital values Dx in the X direction subjected to dead band processing, digital values Dy and Z in Y direction subjected to dead band processing An area is provided for storing a digital value Dz indicating the click ON / OFF of the direction, and an area for storing reciprocal values Kv · Dx and Kv · Dy obtained by multiplying Dx and Dy by a speed coefficient Ks. The dead zone processing refers to the relationship between the output variable and the input variable within a predetermined area, as will be described later (steps S12) to (step S15), (step S17), and (step S19). When the input variable is less than or equal to the predetermined area or greater than the predetermined area, the output variable is changed according to the input variable. Say to change the input / output characteristics.

  Next, the operation of the information processing unit 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. In FIG. 6, when the information processing unit 40 is turned on, the control unit 42 erases the data of each area shown in FIG. Next, in (Step S10), the AD conversion unit 43 performs AD conversion on the Vx, Vy, and Vz signals, and converts the digital values Dsx, Dsy, and Dsz, which are the conversion results, into the storage unit 45 illustrated in FIG. Remember in the area. Next, proceeding to (Step S11), the AD conversion means 44 AD-converts each set voltage of Vf, Vs, Vh, Vth, and the digital values F, Kv, Ht, Zth of the storage means 45 shown in FIG. Store in each area. Next, proceeding to (Step S12), the calculation means 46 reads Dsx and F, compares Dsx and F in (Step S13), and if Dsx> F is No, proceeds to (Step S14). -F is compared. When Dsx <−F is No, the process proceeds to (Step S15), and Dx = 0 is stored in the storage unit 45. Next, proceeding to (Step S16), Dx = 0 is passed to the frequency dividing means 47, and the frequency dividing means 47 does not change the pulse-like alternation of the pointer control information signals XA and XB, but uses it as stop information. The stop information indicates that the state of the signals XA and XB (1 or 0) up to that point is maintained, and that no alternating change occurs. In other words, the signals XA and XB are movement speed information indicating that the frequency is zero and the movement speed of the cursor or pointer is zero. In the case of Yes (“Y” in the drawing) in (Step S13), the digital value Dsx by the X strain sensor 5x is larger than the dead zone value F. In this case, the process proceeds to (Step S17), the calculation means 46 calculates Dx = Dsx-F, stores Dx in the storage means 45, proceeds to (Step S18), calculates the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx, The data is stored in the corresponding area of the storage means 45 and further supplied to the frequency dividing means 47. The frequency dividing means 47 divides the clock signal according to the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx, and outputs a signal XA and a signal XB. The phase of the signal XA is a phase advance signal for a predetermined time or duty cycle with respect to the phase of the signal XB.

  In the case of Yes in (Step S14), the digital value Dsx by the X strain sensor 5x is a negative value whose absolute value is larger than the dead band value F. In this case, the process proceeds to (Step S19), the calculation means 46 calculates Dx = (Dsx + F), stores Dx in the storage means 45, proceeds to (Step S20), calculates the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx, This is supplied to the frequency dividing means 47. The frequency dividing means 47 divides the clock signal according to the absolute value of the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx, and outputs a signal XA and a signal XB. The phase of the signal XB is a phase advance signal for a predetermined time or duty cycle with respect to the phase of the signal XA.

  After (Step S16), (Step S18) (Step S20), the process proceeds to (Step S21). In (Step S22) to (Step S29), the calculating means 46 and the frequency dividing means 47 are the same as (Step S13) to (Step S20) based on the digital value Dsy and the dead band value F by the Y strain sensor 5y. Perform steps.

  When the operation force of the operation button 2 is not sufficiently large and −F <Dsx <F and −F <Dsy <F, Dx = 0 and Dy = 0. That is, an operation dead zone is provided in the X and Y directions. The dead zone is a region (force range) where a small input (force) is detected but not output.

  After (Step S25), (Step S27) (Step S29), the process proceeds to (Step S30) shown in FIG. 7, and the calculation means 46 performs information processing in the Z direction. First, in (step S30), the calculating means 46 reads out the digital value Dsz and the Z operating point set value Zth from the Z distortion sensor 5z from the storage means 45, and proceeds to (step S31). In (Step S31), when Dsz> Zth, it is determined that the click operation in the Z direction is a sufficiently large force, and the process proceeds to (Step S32), and the calculation unit 46 stores Dz = 1 in the storage unit 45. , Dz = 1 is supplied to the output means 48. In step S31, if No (“N” in the drawing), it is determined that there is no click operation in the Z direction, and the calculation means 46 stores Dz = 0 in the storage means 45 and stores it in the output means 48 as Dz. = 0 is supplied. After the processes of (Step S32) and (Step S33), the process returns to (Step S10).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the processing procedure performed by the frequency dividing means 47. In (step S40), the frequency dividing means 47 reads Dx and determines whether Dx = 0. If Dx = 1, the determination is no, and the process proceeds to (Step S41), the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx is read from the storage means 45, and the binary number Cx proportional to the absolute value (positive number) is set in the X counter. Then, counting is started according to the clock signal generated by the clock signal generating means 41 toward 0. The frequency dividing unit 47 includes an X counter. The X counter is an X-axis counter that counts clock signals and is used to generate signals XA and XB. The X counter is a well-known binary counter and can be configured by hardware. The X counter has a configuration in which a plurality of known flip-flops are connected in series, and the clock signal is sequentially divided by each flip-flop. When each bit of an arbitrary binary number is written to each flip-flop, these flip-flops A register constituted by a group is a digital circuit having a function of subtracting one value at a time in synchronization with a clock signal and reading the output of each flip-flop as the value of the register. Next, the process proceeds to (Step S42), loops until X counter = 0, and becomes Yes when X counter = 0, and proceeds to (Step S43). In (Step S43), the frequency dividing means 47 reads Dx from the storage means 45 and determines whether Dx is positive or negative. If Dx is positive, it is Yes, and the process proceeds to (Step S44). In (Step S44), the frequency dividing means 47 inverts the signal XA from the previous value and outputs it. That is, when the value of the signal X is 0, it is 1, and when the previous value is 1, it is 0. Next, the process proceeds to (Step S45), waits for a predetermined time ΔT, inverts and outputs the signal XB from the previous value, and returns to (Step S40). In (Step S43), when Dx is negative, it is No, and the process proceeds to (Step S46). In (step S46), the frequency dividing means 47 inverts the signal XB from the previous value and outputs it. Next, the process proceeds to (Step S47), waits for a predetermined time ΔT, inverts and outputs the signal XA from the previous value, and returns to (Step S40). In the case of Yes in (Step S40), Dx = 0, that is, when the pressure by the operation in the X direction is sufficiently small, the process proceeds to (Step S48), and the frequency dividing means 47 determines that both the signals XA and XB The output level up to is maintained, and the process returns to (Step S40). A series of processing from (Step S40) to (Step S48) corresponds to the processing performed by the frequency dividing means 47 in (Step S16), (Step S18), and (Step S20) in FIG.

  The signals XA and XB output from the frequency dividing means 47 by (Step S44), (Step S45), (Step S46), and (Step S47) are alternating pulse signals as shown in FIG. The period of the signals XA and XB is 2 (Tx + ΔT), where Tx is the time for the X counter to count the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx. The frequency of the signals XA and XB is 1 / [2 (Tx + ΔT)]. When the operation button 2 is pressed strongly in the X direction, Dx increases, Tx decreases, and the frequency increases. When the operation button 2 is pressed weakly in the X direction, Dx is small, Tx is large, and the frequency is low. In the (1) X right direction of FIG. 10, it is assumed that the signal XA has a phase advanced by ΔT from the signal XB. (2) In the X left direction, the signal XB is a signal whose phase is advanced by ΔT from the signal XA. If it is determined which phase of the signals XA and XB is advanced, it is possible to determine whether the cursor or pointer is to be moved to the left or right.

  The frequency dividing unit 47 reads the reciprocal value of Kv · Dy from the storage unit 45 by the same processing procedure as described with reference to FIG. 8 for the digital value Dy in the Y direction, and the binary number corresponding to the absolute value. Cy is set in the Y counter, counting toward 0 is performed, and signals YA and YB are output. The Y counter can be configured by a digital circuit similar to the X counter. The signal YA and the signal YB are also signals having a phase difference of ΔT like the signal XA and the signal XB in FIG. 10, and if it is determined which phase of the signal YA or YB is advanced, a cursor or a pointer is displayed. It is possible to decide whether to move up or down.

  It should be noted that the range of binary numbers proportional to the absolute value of the binary number Cx set in the X counter, that is, the inverse value of Kv · Dx, is as follows. The binary value may be such that the frequency range of the signals XA and XB = 1 / [2 (Tx + ΔT)] is the frequency range of the encoder signal output from an encoder incorporated in a widely used manual mouse. That's fine. That is, when converting the absolute value of the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx to the binary number Cx for the X counter, a constant coefficient that satisfies the frequency range may be multiplied or a bit shift may be performed. Since the reciprocal operation is complicated in data processing, the numerical value conversion table in which the value of Kv · Dx is input and the binary number Cx corresponding to (Kv · Dx) · Cx = constant value is used as the ROM You may provide in the memory | storage means 45 inside. The calculating means 46 calculates Kv · Dx instead of the calculation, and supplies Kv · Dx to the frequency dividing means 47, and the frequency dividing means 47 uses the received Kv · Dx value as described above. By referring to the numerical value conversion table, the binary number Cx for the X counter can be obtained. These processing methods can also be applied to the signals YA and YB. Further, the calculating means 46 refers to the numerical value conversion table, acquires the binary numbers Cx and Cy for the X counter and the Y counter, and supplies the binary numbers Cx and Cy to the frequency dividing means 47. Good. In this case, the storage means 45 does not need the storage area for the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx and the reciprocal value of Kv · Dx in FIG. The calculation accuracy of the reciprocal operation is not so necessary. Therefore, an approximation operation using an approximate polynomial is sufficient. In the case of a numerical conversion table, a relatively small table is sufficient.

  In the above description, the phase difference between the signal XA and the signal XB shown in FIG. 10 is constant even when the frequency changes. Instead, the phase difference between the signals XA and XB may be constant. For this purpose, Cx / 2 is set in the X counter in place of the binary number Cx, and the clock signal is first divided to a frequency twice the target frequency, and further divided into two stages. In this way, when the frequency is divided by two, the inversion time of the signal XA and the inversion time of the signal XB may be in a phase relationship of 90 degrees. In addition, based on the pulse signal generated by first dividing the frequency to twice the target frequency, when the signal is divided by 2, a signal having a phase of 0 degrees and a signal having a phase difference of 90 degrees are generated. In (step S18), the former may be output as signal XA and the latter as XB, and in (step S20), the former may be output as signal XB and the latter as XA.

  Further, the signal XA and the signal XB may be generated using a timer such as a 16-bit timer or an 8-bit timer built in a one-chip microcomputer. These timers write an arbitrary binary number and increment the value by 1 according to a predetermined clock frequency inside the 1-chip microcomputer. When all bits become 1 or 0, an interrupt is generated for a predetermined program. It generally has a function of A case where this function is applied will be described. The frequency dividing means 47 generates signals XA and XB by a program activated by a timer interrupt. The program for generating the signals XA and XB has the following procedure instead of the flowchart of FIG. That is, (Step S61) is an interrupt waiting step, and (Step S62) is 2 bits of information [AB] = [10], [11], [01], [00] each time an interrupt occurs. The step of switching and generating the two patterns in order (Step S63) is a step of setting the two's complement of the binary number Cx / 2 in the timer to start counting, and (Step S64) is returning to the interrupt waiting state. Steps (step S61) to (step S64) are configured in a loop. When the two's complement of the binary number Cx / 2 is set in the timer and the count-up is completed and an interrupt is generated, the interrupt starts the programs for the signals XA and XB (step S61) to (step S64). . In the program processing, at each interruption (step S63), the two's complement of the binary number Cx / 2 is set in the timer. Therefore, the timer repeats the generation of an interrupt with a clock signal counting period of binary number Cx / 2. Therefore, [AB] repeats the patterns [10], [11], [01], and [00]. When a signal is generated by the pattern [AB], the signal by the upper bit A of [AB] becomes an alternating signal waveform of the signal XA, and the lower bit B of the signal XB whose phase is delayed by 90 degrees from the waveform of the signal XA. It becomes an alternating signal waveform. When the phase of the signal XA is delayed by 90 degrees from the phase of the signal XB, the four patterns are changed in the reverse order [AB] = [00], [01], [11], [10]. good. In the above step (step S62), the positive / negative determination of Dx is performed, and the change order of [AB] is selected based on the result. When Dx = 0, the signals XA and XB need to be stopped information that does not change. However, if the interrupt is disabled so that the interrupt is not accepted, [AB] does not change and the signals XA and XB do not change. However, the stop information does not change. The patterns [AB] = [10], [11], [01], [00] are stored in the storage means 45, and in the above-described step (step S62), the program sequentially starts from the storage means 45. Read it out. The read [AB] is output as signals XA and XB. In this method, in (Step S18) and (Step S20) of the flowchart of FIG. 6, the interrupt processing of (Step S61) to (Step S64) is enabled (enabled) and changed to a procedure for starting an interrupt. To do. Further, in (Step S16), the process is changed to a process of disabling (disabling) the activation of the interrupt processes in the above (Step S61) to (Step S64). The signals YA and YB can be generated in the same manner as the signals XA and XB using another timer.

  In the signals XA and XB of FIG. 10, when the operation button 2 is pressed rightward, the phase of the signal XA advances with respect to the signal XB, and the cursor and pointer move rightward on the display. When the operation button 2 is pressed to the right, a signal in which the phase of the signal XB is advanced with respect to the signal XA is generated, and the mouse signal conversion unit 50 converts the signal into a USB or PS / 2 mouse output signal. At this time, a mouse output signal for moving the cursor or pointer in the X right direction on the display may be generated.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the procedure for generating and outputting the signal Z performed by the output means 48. When the information processing unit 40 is powered on, the output unit 48 outputs Z = 0 as the signal Z in (step S50). Next, proceeding to (Step S51), the output unit 48 reads Dz from the storage unit 45 or uses Dz received from the calculation unit 46 to determine whether Dz = 1. When Dz = 0, it is No, and (Step S51) is repeated. When Dz = 1, this is a state indicating that the operation button 2 is strongly pressed in the Z direction, and the determination is Yes. Proceeding to (Step S52), the output means 48 outputs the signal Z = 1. Next, proceeding to (Step S53), the digital value Ht for setting the hold time is set in the Z counter, the subtraction count is performed toward 0, and the process waits until the Z counter becomes 0. The Z counter can be configured by a digital circuit similar to the X counter. The Z counter can also be realized using a timer of a one-chip microcomputer. Until the Z counter reaches 0, the signal Z = 1 continues. Next, the process proceeds to (Step S54), and it is determined whether Dz = 0. If Dz = 0, it indicates that the operation of the operation button 2 in the Z direction is finished. If Dz = 0, the result is Yes, and the process proceeds to (Step S55), where the output unit 48 changes the signal Z from 1 to 0 and outputs it. When Dz = 1, it indicates that the operation button 2 is continuously operated in the Z direction. The process proceeds to (Step S56), and the output unit 48 repeats (Step S56) until Dz supplied from the calculation unit 46 becomes 0. When Dz = 0, the process proceeds to (Step S55). The signal Z is changed from 1 to 0 and output. After (Step S55), the process returns to (Step S51) and waits for Dz = 1. With the processing as shown in FIG. 9, even if the pressurization time in the Z direction is short, a pulse having a pulse width or more determined by the digital value Ht of the hold time is output as the Z signal. FIG. 10 (3) shows examples of waveforms of Dsz, Dz, and signal Z in the Z direction. Until Dsz exceeds Zth, Dz = 0 and no signal Z is output, so Dsz = 0 to Zth is a dead zone in the Z direction.

  With the above processing, in the input operation device of the present invention, when the operation button 2 is pressed in the X and Y directions, signals XA, XB, YA, and YB are output as alternating pulse signals. When the operation button 2 is pressed firmly, the frequency of the alternating pulse signals XA and XB (also for YA and YB) shown in FIG. 10 increases. This output signal is in the same format as a signal generated by a rotary encoder built in a known manual mouse. The greater the number of pulses per hour, the faster the mouse moves and the faster the cursor and pointer move speed. If the signals XA, XB, YA, and YB are converted into a serial output signal of a personal computer PS / 2 mouse, the cursor and pointer can be moved left and right and up and down on the personal computer display. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the same usability as controlling the moving speed of the cursor and the pointer by the moving speed of the mouse. Further, the pressure application in the Z direction can be made to correspond to the same action as the left click of the mouse.

  The signals XA and XB correspond to the horizontal movement speed of display marks such as a cursor and a pointer on a display device such as a personal computer, a PDA or a navigation system based on the X sensor output of the triaxial sensor 4. X speed control information, and signals YA and YB are Y speed control information corresponding to the vertical movement speed of the display mark on the display based on the Y sensor output of the triaxial sensor 4. The signal Z is click control information for determining the position of the display mark on the display based on the Z sensor output of the triaxial sensor 4. The information processing unit 4 generates X speed control information, Y speed control information, and click control information for changing the moving speed of the display mark according to the magnitudes of the X direction sensor output and the Y direction sensor output.

  The mouse signal conversion unit 50 in FIG. 4 has a function of inputting signals XA, XB, YA, YB, and Z and outputting a mouse output signal in a USB format or a PS / 2 format widely used in personal computers. Such a mouse signal conversion unit 50 is called a mouse controller, and a dedicated integrated circuit is known, and these may be used. For example, an integrated circuit EM84502A manufactured by Elan Microelectronics Corporation (hereinafter referred to as ELAN), which is a semiconductor manufacturer in Taiwan, outputs a mouse output signal in PS / 2 format. USB format and PS / 2 format mouse output signals are widely used at present and are well-known information formats and will not be described. The mouse output signal in USB format or PS / 2 format is a signal including X speed control information, Y speed control information, and click control information. Therefore, the information processing unit 40 may have a concept including the mouse signal conversion unit 50. Also, it is widely used to display cursors and pointers on a personal computer display, control the position of the cursor and pointer based on the mouse output signal, and control the moving speed in a personal computer. Is well known and will not be described.

  As a serial mouse output signal, signals XA, XB, YA, YB, Z are sampled at an appropriate sampling frequency, and a 5-bit (XA, XB, YA) represented by “1” or “0” at that time is sampled. , YB, Z) A format is conceivable in which a code is transmitted as a serial code string to which a synchronization code or a synchronization signal pattern is added. However, this can be said to be equivalent to transmitting signals XA, XB, YA, YB, and Z as information. A mouse output signal in USB format or PS / 2 format can be said to be equivalent to transmitting signals XA, XB, YA, YB, Z as information.

  Next, the purpose and significance of the dead zone setting unit 34, the moving speed setting unit 35, the hold time setting unit 36, and the Z operating point setting unit 37 will be described. Even when the operation button 2 is not operated, the X signal Vx of the X signal amplifying unit 31 slightly deviates from 0 V due to temperature, secular change, and the like. Even when the operation button 2 is pressed in the Z direction, some force may be applied in the X direction. The small value of the X signal Vx is ignored, and the signals XA and XB are regarded as stop information that does not change. When a large pressure exceeding the dead zone is applied, it is assumed that an operation in the X direction is performed, and the alternating pulse signal XA , XB is output. Similarly, a dead zone is provided in the Y direction. When the operation button 2 is pressed in the Z direction, unintentional movement of the cursor or pointer on the display can be prevented.

The moving speed setting voltage Vs has a function of changing the moving speed of the cursor or pointer on the display even when the same pressure is applied to the operation button 2. This is because the frequencies of the signals XA, XB, YA, YB can be changed according to the moving speed setting voltage Vs. The moving speed of the cursor and pointer on the display can be changed as desired. Moreover, since it is estimated that there is a considerable individual difference in the force on the foot, any person can move the cursor or pointer on the display by compensating for the individual difference with the movement speed setting voltage Vs. The speed can be set to the same level.
By adjusting the hold time setting voltage Vh of the hold time setting unit 36, a Z signal having a necessary pulse width can be obtained even when the operation in the Z direction is short.

  The Z operating point setting voltage Vth of the Z operating point setting unit 37 has a function of changing the sensitivity of the click operation ON by the operation in the Z direction. If the Z operating point set voltage Vth is reduced, a Z signal can be generated even in a weak operation in the Z direction, and the click operation in the Z direction can be turned ON. However, the Z direction generated when the operation button 2 is operated in the X and Y directions. In response to this crosstalk, there is a risk of clicking ON in the Z direction by mistake. On the other hand, if the Z operation point setting voltage Vth is increased, the click button in the Z direction cannot be turned on unless the operation button 2 is pressed strongly in the Z direction, which makes it difficult for a person with weak foot strength. The Z operation point setting unit 37 allows easy setting of the Z operation point. The Z operating point setting voltage Vth and the digital value Zth correspond to the dead zone in the Z direction.

  In the above description, the output signals of the X signal amplifying unit 31, the Y signal amplifying unit 32, and the Z signal amplifying unit 33 without operating the operation button 2, and the voltage values of the X signal Vx, the Y signal Vy, and the Z signal Vz are as follows: When the operation button 2 is pushed rightward, the X signal Vx becomes a positive voltage, when the operation button 2 is pushed leftward, becomes a negative voltage, and when the operation button 2 is pushed forward Y The signal Vy is a positive voltage. In the case of the front direction, the signal Vy is a negative voltage, and a positive or negative voltage, for example, 0 V to ± 5 V is output. Moreover, Dsx and Dsy were demonstrated as what is a binary number with a code | symbol. However, it goes without saying that the above-described operations can be realized by using a circuit of a single power supply for each signal amplifying unit and applying another binary expression such as an expression expressing a negative number in two's complement.

Next, characteristics of the input operation device that was actually prototyped will be briefly described. The strain generated in the X strain sensor 5x and the Y strain sensor 5y when a force of 5 kgf is applied in the X direction or Y direction of the operation button 2 of the operation unit 20 is about 1000 με (strain). The output voltages of the X signal amplification unit 31 and the Y signal amplification unit 32 were about ± 6V. Alternatively, the strain generated in the Z strain sensor 5z when a force of 10 kgf is applied in the Z direction is about 350 με (strain), and the output voltage of the Z signal amplification unit 33 at this time is about + 3V. The AD conversion means 43 corresponds to the input voltage ± 5V, and can express a range of −511 to 0 to +512 with a 10-bit output. The dead zone digital value F by the dead zone setting voltage Vf is about 40 as an example.
When the clock signal frequency of the clock signal generating means 41 is 1 kHz, the digital value Ht for setting the hold time is suitably 150 to 200 in decimal number, that is, about 150 to 200 milliseconds, but is not limited thereto. .

  The portions of the information processing unit 40 other than the AD conversion means 43 and 44, the X counter, the Y counter, and the Z counter can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. A one-chip microcomputer incorporating an AD converter, a plurality of counters or timers, a clock generator, and the like may be used. The processing procedures described in FIGS. 6 to 9 are usually realized by software. The software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM provided in the control unit 42, and the control unit 42 reads out and executes the program. The processing procedure of the frequency dividing means 47 in FIG. 8 and the processing procedure of the output means 48 in FIG. 9 deal with time information, so that the processing procedures other than the frequency dividing means 47 and the output means 48 in FIGS. Processing is easy in terms of creating a program. For this purpose, a processor capable of executing a multitask that processes four programs of the signal XA and XB generation procedure, the signal YA and YB generation procedure, the signal Z generation procedure, and other processing procedures in parallel. Can be used. When a multitask processor is not used, interrupt processing using an X counter, a Y counter, or a Z counter may be applied. Further, a part of the information processing unit 40 such as the frequency dividing unit 47 and the output unit 48 or the entire information processing unit 40 may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The storage means 45 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. The dead zone setting unit 34, the moving speed setting unit 35, the hold time setting unit 36, and the Z operation point setting unit 37 may be configured to supply the digital value directly to the information processing unit 40 with a personal computer or the like. In that case, the digital values F, Ks, Ht, and Zth can be set by a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen of a personal computer.
In the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 9, the processing program may be terminated by turning off the power or interrupting the termination of the processing.

  Since the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output are minute, noise is likely to be superimposed. The X signal amplifying unit 31, the Y signal amplifying unit 32, and the Z signal amplifying unit 33 may have a high frequency removal filter characteristic to perform noise removal. Noise may be removed by averaging the output data of the AD conversion means 43 and 44 in terms of time. The information processing unit 40 may be provided with a digital filter to remove noise. The dead zone has a function of removing the influence of noise.

  In the above description, the dead zone is given to the X signal Vx and the Y signal Vy by digital processing with respect to the dead zone setting voltage Vf by the dead zone setting unit 34. The X signal amplification unit 31 and the Y signal amplification unit 32 may be an operational amplification circuit with a dead band.

  When a signal such as chattering is generated due to noise removal or a minute movement of the operation button 2, hysteresis characteristics may be added to the X signal Vx, Y signal Vy, and Z signal Vz. The hysteresis circuit can also be created by a circuit using an operational amplifier. Alternatively, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, even if Dsz exceeds Zth and Dz = 1, and changes to a certain amount or more and does not become Zth or less, if the process of keeping Dz = 1 is added, the hysteresis characteristic is set by program processing. realizable.

  During the click-on operation in the Z direction, the signals XA, XB, YA, and YB output are the same as before during the Ht count of the Z counter so that the cursor and pointer do not move unintentionally in the X and Y directions. Alternatively, if the stop information state is maintained at 1, the cursor and pointer can be prevented from moving up, down, left and right during the hold time. While (step S53) in FIG. 9 is being executed, a procedure for setting stop information that does not change the signals XA, XB, YA, YB can be added after (step S45) and (step S47) in the flowchart of FIG. Good.

  As in the present embodiment, the X, Y, and Z axis X strain sensors 5x, 5y, and 5z of the triaxial sensor 4 are integrated into an X strain plate 4x and a Y strain plate. 4y, when installed on the Z strain generating plate 4z, if there is a manufacturing dimensional error or the like, there is a risk of crosstalk occurring between the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output. In addition, it is generally not easy for the user to apply pressure to the operation button 2 only in the X direction, only in the Y direction, and only in the Z direction in the case of a foot or the like. In the operation of the operation button 2, there is a tendency that a crosstalk component in which components in other directions are mixed differs from the operation intention. In the present embodiment, the influence of such crosstalk can be reduced by the pressure receiving unit 3 or the dead zone. In particular, in the case of a physically handicapped person such as a physically handicapped person, it is not easy to accurately operate the operation button 2 in the X, Y and Z directions. Has the effect of facilitating.

In the above description, the action surface of the central portion of the Z strain plate 4z of the triaxial sensor 4 and the drive surface of the lower surface of the Z pressure transmission portion 2a are in contact with each other. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a pushes down the Z strain plate 4z by abutting each other from the facing position by an operation in the Z direction. In this case, at least the upper part and the outer peripheral part of the operation button 2 should be made of an elastic material, and when the operation button 2 is pushed down, the Z pressure transmission part 2a must be pushed down with reference to the position of the pressure receiving part 3. Needless to say.
If the thickness of the corner portion where the X strain plate 4x, the Y strain plate 4y, and the Z strain plate 4z are reduced, the mutual interference is reduced, so that the crosstalk caused by the triaxial sensor 4 itself is reduced. Can be reduced.

It should be noted that the input operation device in the present embodiment can be operated even when using a part other than the foot, particularly the toe of the foot. That is, this input operation device can be operated using other parts of the body that are not good at delicate movements, other than fingertips that can be moved delicately.
(Embodiment 2)

FIG. 11 is an example of the operation unit 20a using the triaxial sensor 4A in which the shape of the Z strain plate 4z located on the upper surface of the triaxial sensor 4 is changed. The Z strain plate 4z of the triaxial sensor 4 in FIG. 2 has a planar shape. As shown in FIG. 11, the Z strain plate 4z in the present embodiment has an upwardly convex shape. In this way, when a force in the XY direction acts on the Z strain plate 4z, the Z strain plate 4z tends to deform upward. Even if the Z direction (downward) component force is applied to the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a in accordance with the operation in the XY direction, the above upward deformation cancels out, and the Z direction (downward) strain of the Z strain plate 4z is completely zero. Or, it hardly occurs. When the operation button 2 is pushed down in the Z direction, the Z strain plate 4z is deformed downward, and an X sensor output is generated. As shown in the Z strain plate 4z (broken line) in the plan view of FIG. 11, when the plane shape of the Z strain plate 4z is made close to a cross shape, the Z strain plate 4z can be easily deformed downward.
According to the present embodiment, crosstalk in the Z direction due to operations in the XY directions is reduced, and unintended clicks in the Z direction can be prevented.
The X, Y, and Z sensor output processes may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the above description, the acting surface of the central portion of the Z strain plate 4z of the triaxial sensor 4 and the driving surface of the lower surface of the Z pressure transmitting portion 2a are in contact with each other. A structure may be adopted in which the Z pressure transmission unit 2a pushes down the Z strain plate 4z by abutting each other by an operation in the Z direction. In this case, at least the upper part and the outer peripheral part of the operation button 2 should be made of an elastic material, and when the operation button 2 is pushed down, the Z pressure transmission part 2a must be pushed down with reference to the position of the pressure receiving part 3. Needless to say.
If the thickness of the corner portion where the X strain plate 4x, the Y strain plate 4y, and the Z strain plate 4z are reduced, the mutual interference is reduced, so that the occurrence of crosstalk can be reduced. The same effect can be obtained even if the width of the corner portion is reduced.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, an input operating device of the present invention that mechanically realizes a dead zone for preventing crosstalk will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the operation unit 20A of the present embodiment, the triaxial sensor 4A is the same as the triaxial sensor described in the second embodiment. The triaxial sensor 4 described in the first embodiment may be used. The operation button 2 has substantially the same structure as described in the first embodiment. The Z pressure transmission part 2a may or may not be present, but is shorter than in the case of FIG. The pressure receiving part 3 may have a simple structure in which a hole 3d is formed in the center of the disk. The pressure receiving unit 3 is supported by the instruction unit 6. The support portion 6 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane resin, and has a shape in which a central portion of a circular body is vacant. The support 6 may be a support made of one or a plurality of springs or spring materials. In the plan view of FIG. 12, the circle indicating the support portion 6 is omitted.

  The inner surface of the hole 3d of the pressure receiving portion 3 is made larger than the outer periphery of the three-axis sensor 4A. Therefore, in the state where only the foot is placed, the inner surface of the hole 3d is not in contact with the X-strain plate 4x or the Y-strain plate 4y which is the X-axis, Y-axis action point or action surface of the three-axis sensor 4A. Without contact, there is a dead zone gap between the X-axis and Y-axis drive points and the X-axis and Y-axis action points or action surfaces. The lower surface of the Z pressure transmission portion 2a of the operation button 2 is a Z drive point, but does not come into contact with the central portion of the Z strain plate 4z, which is the Z axis action point, and a dead zone gap is formed. Accordingly, when a small amount of external force in an unintended direction is applied to the operation button 2, the drive points do not come into contact with the corresponding action points or action surfaces, so that the X, Y, Z sensor outputs are stationary. And no different. That is, occurrence of crosstalk output can be prevented.

  Note that the operation button 2 may be made of an elastic body as in the first embodiment. The pressure receiving unit 3 can be made of metal, plastics material, or the like. Further, the operation button 2 and the pressure receiving part 3 may be made of the same material as one body. The shape of the operation button 2 and the pressure receiving portion 3 may be changed as long as the dead zone gap is formed in the positional relationship between the drive point and the action point or action surface.

  This embodiment has an action point or action surface to which X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis forces are applied, and detects distortion or displacement due to the three axes of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Then, the three-axis sensor that outputs the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output and the upper surface that receives the external force in any direction of the three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis form a part of the sphere. An X driving point or driving surface having a shape and transmitting pressure to the X axis operating point or operating surface; a Y driving point or driving surface transmitting pressure to the Y axis operating point or operating surface; An operation button having a Z driving point or a driving surface for transmitting pressure to the surface is provided, and a gap is provided between the X driving point or the driving surface and the X axis working point or the working surface so that backlash occurs. Coupled, between the Y drive point or drive surface and the Y-axis action point or action surface Provided gap, and coupled to the backlash occurs, an input operation unit formed by providing a gap between the the Z drive point or drive surfaces Z-axis point of action or working surface. The backlash here occurs because the driving force of the operation button 2 does not act on the action point of the three-axis sensor 4A when the operation button 2 moves back and forth and right and left near the center position in the X or Y direction. It can be regarded as play.

It goes without saying that the Z strain plate 4z may be a flat surface as in the case of the triaxial sensor 4. Further, if the thickness of the corner portion where the X strain plate 4x, the Y strain plate 4y and the Z strain plate 4z are reduced, the mutual interference is reduced, so that the occurrence of crosstalk can be reduced. The same effect can be obtained even if the width of the corner portion is reduced.
Note that the X, Y, and Z sensor output processing of the operation unit 20A may be the same as in the first embodiment.
(Embodiment 4)

  FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the operation unit 20B provided with a mechanical dead band in the middle of transmitting the operation force of the operation button 2 to the strain sensors in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. In the triaxial sensor 4B of the present embodiment, two L-shaped X strain generating plates 4x are provided so as to face each other in the X direction, and two L-shaped Y strain generating plates 4y are provided so as to face each other in the Y direction. It is done. Two X strain sensors 5x are attached to each of the two X strain generating plates 4x. Two Y strain sensors 5y are attached to each of the two Y strain generating plates 4y. The four strain generating plates are fixed to the bottom of the footrest 10. The Z strain sensor 5z is installed at the center of the four strain plates, at the bottom of the footrest 10. The operation button 2 has a hemispherical upper part, and a central axis 2d is provided at the lower part. The central axis 2 is a Z pressure transmission unit 2d. On the lower surface of the upper part of the hemispherical shape, there are two insertion holes 2x for inserting the upper end portion of the X strain plate 4x and two insertion holes 2y for inserting the upper end portion of the Y strain plate 4y, respectively. Yes. A tube-like support portion 7 made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane resin is fixed to the bottom of the footrest 10. A Z pressure transmission portion 2 d of the operation button 2 is inserted into the support portion 7. A dead zone gap 2z is provided between the strain sensor 5z and the Z pressure transmission part 2d. The upper ends of the X strain plate 4x and the Y strain plate 4y are inserted into the insertion holes 2x and 2y. In a state where the operation button 2 does not receive an external force, the operation button 2 stands upright by the support portion 7.

  Since the upper end portion of the X strain generating plate 4x is an action point that applies strain to the X strain sensor 5x, it is called an X action point. Since the upper end portion of the Y strain plate 4y is an action point for applying strain to the Y strain sensor 5y, it is called a Y action point. The insertion hole 2x is referred to as an X driving point because it applies an X-direction operating force to the X action point. The insertion hole 2y is called a Y drive point because it applies a Y-direction operating force to the Y action point. In the state where the operation button 2 is not operated, the upper ends of the X strain generating plate 4x and the Y strain generating plate 4y are positioned substantially at the center of the insertion hole 2x and the insertion hole 2y, and are inserted into the upper end of the X strain generating plate 4x. The hole 2x does not contact, and the upper end portion of the Y strain plate 4y and the insertion hole 2y do not contact but are separated. Since the insertion hole 2x and the insertion hole 2y act as a dead zone, these gaps can also be called a dead zone gap 2x and a dead zone gap 2y. These correspond to backlash.

  When pressure in the X direction is applied to the operation button 2, the X drive point moves in the X direction, but initially, the X drive point does not act on the X action point due to the dead zone gap 2x. When further pressure is applied, the X driving point comes into contact with the X action point, the X strain plate 4x is bent, and an X sensor output is obtained from the X strain sensor 5x. The same applies to the Y direction. When the operation button 2 is operated in the diagonal direction of XY, the pressure corresponding to the direction angle is divided in the X direction and the Y direction, applied to the X action point and the Y action point, and the X corresponding to the direction angle. Sensor output and Y sensor output are obtained. Even when the pressure direction applied to the operation button 2 is gradually changed from the X direction to the Y direction, the X sensor output and the Y sensor output continuously change, and the repulsive force from the operation button 2 to the toes is also continuous. The feeling of operation is good.

  When the operation button 2 is pushed down in the Z direction, the dead zone gap 2z is provided between the Z pressure transmission unit 2d and the strain sensor 5z, so that the strain sensor 5z does not output the Z sensor output with a small force. When the operation button 2 is pushed down beyond the dead zone gap 2z, a pressing force is applied to the strain sensor 5z, and the strain sensor 5z outputs a Z sensor output. The lower surface of the Z pressure transmission unit 2d is a Z drive point, and the upper surface of the strain sensor 5z is a Z action point.

  Therefore, even if a slight force in the Z direction is applied when the operation button 2 is operated in the XY directions, there is no dead zone gap 2z, and therefore no crosstalk in the Z direction occurs. In addition, when the operation button 2 is pushed down in the Z direction, the dead zone gaps 2x and 2y exist even if pushed down slightly, so that the X drive point acts on the X action point and the Y drive point acts on the Y action point. In other words, crosstalk from Z to XY is less likely to occur. Further, when the driving point comes into contact with the action point, a click feeling is generated, and the operation is easily controlled. When the gap between clicks is not necessary, each gap may be filled with a viscous material.

  In the present embodiment, the X strain sensor 5x, the Y strain sensor 5y, and the Z strain sensor 5z are mechanically separated from each other, so that no crosstalk occurs in the triaxial sensor 4B itself. In the operation of the operation button 2, an operation force in an unintended direction is included in the form of crosstalk in the operation force itself, but the influence can be reduced in the operation unit 20B of the present embodiment.

  The method of converting the outputs of the X strain sensor 5x, the Y strain sensor 5y, and the Z strain sensor 5z into the signals XA, XB, YA, YB, and Z has been described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10 in the first embodiment. A similar method may be used. Note that the configuration and processing relating to the dead zone setting unit 34 and the Z operation point setting unit 37 may or may not be present. When the removal of the crosstalk is not complete with only the dead zone gaps 2x, 2y, and 2z, the configuration and processing relating to the dead zone setting unit 34 and the Z operation point setting unit 37 may be applied.

  The Z strain sensor 5z may be a piezoelectric element other than the strain gauge. The Z strain sensor 5z may be an ON / OFF detection switch such as a tact switch having a mechanical contact, an optical interrupter using a light emitting diode and a light receiving element, or a proximity switch using a magnet and a Hall element. In this case, the Z signal Vz of the information processing unit 40 can be used as the digital value Dz. 5z including these sensors and switches can be called a Z-axis sensor. When an optical interrupter is used as the Z-axis sensor and the light shielding plate is attached to the Z pressure transmission unit 2d, the light beam itself at the position where the light shielding plate blocks the light from the light emitting diode corresponds to the action point, and the light shielding plate itself is the light beam. Can be defined as the driving point for. In other words, providing the dead band gap 2z means that the light shielding plate, the light emitting diode, and the light receiving element are spaced at an appropriate interval. When the Z pressure transmission unit 2d drives the light shielding plate of the optical interrupter, the lower surface of the Z pressure transmission unit 2d is the driving point and the light shielding plate is the action point, and the air gap is the same as the lower surface of the Z pressure transmission unit 2d. What is necessary is just to provide between light-shielding plates. In a proximity switch using a magnet and a Hall element, there are a case where the magnet is attached to the Z pressure transmission unit 2d and a case where the Z pressure transmission unit 2d drives the magnet through a gap, and the same concept as the light shielding plate Can be applied. In addition to the direct action of force and pressure, the driving point and action point are not only directly acting, but also driving in the form of displacement, which is a change in position, and acting on the intensity of light, the strength of magnetic field, etc. It is. The fact that the intensity of the light, the strength of the magnetic field, and the like are changed is also included in the concept that forces such as the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are applied. Alternatively, it may be considered that the pressure on the operation button 2 is transmitted in the form of displacement to the intensity of light and the intensity of magnetic field. In addition, it can be said that a magnetic force of the magnet is applied to the Hall element as a sensor. In the optical interrupter, it can be said that the light shielding force of the light shielding plate is applied to the light beam between the light emitting diode and the light receiving element. The light shielding power represents the degree of light blocking by the light shielding plate. The light shielding power is large for a completely opaque plate, the company effect is weak for a semi-transparent plate, and the light shielding power increases as the light shielding plate blocks light more. . In this way, there is an action point of a sensor to which a force is applied and a drive point to apply a force to the action point regardless of which sensor is used.

The triaxial sensor 4B of the present embodiment is mounted on the footrest 10, but the X strain plate 4x, the X strain plate 4x, and the Z strain sensor 5z or the Z axis sensor are mounted on one substrate. An integrated three-axis sensor may be attached, and the substrate may be attached to the footrest 10.
(Other embodiments and supplements)

  In the state where the operation button 2 is not operated, the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output should all have a voltage of 0V. However, due to the temperature characteristics of the sensor, aging, and deformation of the strain generating plates 4x and 4y, the offset voltage may deviate from the 0V output voltage. Such an error voltage may be offset adjusted by the X signal amplifier 31, the Y signal amplifier 32, and the Z signal amplifier 34. The offset adjustment circuit is well known in the operational amplifier circuit. The dead zone setting unit 34 and the Z operating point setting unit 37 also have an action of removing the offset. An adjustment mode is provided in the information processing unit 40, Dsx, Dsy, Dsz in a state where the operation button 2 is not operated is measured as an error, and a correction value obtained by subtracting the error measured from Dsx, Dsy, Dsz is Dsx, You may make it use as Dsy and Dsz.

  The input operation device of the present invention is an input operation device for a toe that uses a toe as a part of the body that is not normally used for personal computer operation and that is relatively easy to perform a voluntary movement. Compared to the hand, the toes of the toes are inadequate and the ability to adjust force is low. In the present invention, the cursor or the pointer can be moved only by changing the applied force without moving or hardly moving the operating point. Like a normal mouse, it is not necessary to move the hand, and when both hands are used for keyboard operation, it is not necessary to interrupt the operation for moving the cursor and operate the mouse. Even when the hand cannot be used, it is possible to freely control the cursor and the pointer only by touching a part of the body, for example, the toe.

  The input operation device according to the present invention enables an operation of dragging a cursor or a pointer by first depressing the operation button 2 in the Z direction and then pressing it in the XY direction while applying a force in the Z direction. This is because the operation of the operation button 2 allows not only to selectively output the X sensor output, the Y sensor output, and the Z sensor output, but also to output them simultaneously.

  The upper surface of the operation button 2 may have a shape other than a part of a sphere such as a true sphere or an elliptic sphere, and may have a convex shape and a thumb of the foot. The shape of the details of the operation button 2 and the shape of the pressure receiving portion 3 are not limited to the drawings of the above embodiment and may be changed. The shapes of the dead zone gaps 2x and 2y of the operation button 2 shown in FIG. 13 are not limited to those in FIG.

Each block including the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction sensors of the triaxial sensor used in the present invention may be integrated as in the triaxial sensor 4 of FIG. As in the sensor 4B, the three types of block members may be separate. Only the sensor block in the Z direction may be separated.
The input operation device according to the present invention can be operated by pressing the shoulder against the operation button 2 and controlling it in the three axis directions when the footrest 10 is set up vertically and installed near the shoulder. is there.
The footrest 10 is most preferably shaped so that the entire foot can be put on it, but it may be placed on the front half of the foot.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the input operation device according to the present invention is an input operation device that can be operated by using other parts of the body that are not good at delicate movements. It can be used as an input operation device that can be used for operation.

The figure of the footrest-shaped input operation device by one embodiment of the present invention The figure of the operation part of the input operation device by one Embodiment of this invention The exploded view of the operation part by one Embodiment of this invention The figure of the information processor of the input operation device by one embodiment of the present invention The figure of the memory | storage data of the memory | storage means by one Embodiment of this invention Processing flow chart of information processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention Processing flow chart of information processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention Processing flow chart of information processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention Processing flow chart of information processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention The figure of the signal waveform of the information processor by one embodiment of the present invention The figure of the other operation part by one Embodiment of this invention Figure of another operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure of another operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Footrest 20,20a, 20A, 20B Operation part 2 Operation button 2a Z pressure transmission part 2b Outer peripheral part 2x, 2y Insertion hole 3 Pressure receiving part 3a Inner surface 3b Frame 3c Lower notch part 3d Hole 4, 4A, 4B Triaxial sensor 4x X strain plate 4y Y strain plate 4z Z strain plate 4c Z strain plate surroundings 5x X strain sensor 5y Y strain sensor 5z Z strain sensor 6, 7 Support section 31 X signal amplification section 32 Y signal amplification section 33 Z Signal amplification unit 34 Dead band setting unit 35 Movement speed setting unit 36 Hold time setting unit 37 Z operation point setting unit 40 Information processing unit 50 Mouse signal conversion unit

Claims (7)

It has an action point or action surface to which X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis forces are applied, and detects X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis pressures, or distortion or displacement due to pressure, and X sensor A triaxial sensor that outputs an output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output;
An operation button having a convex shape on the upper surface that receives pressure by an external force in an arbitrary direction of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis;
It has a footrest on which you can put your foot,
The triaxial sensor is attached to the footrest,
The operation button is provided on the footrest,
The three-axis sensor is driven by the operation button that receives pressure from the big toe, and the operation button is operated by the big toe in any direction of the three axes of the X, Y, and Z axes. Input operation device. It has an action point or action surface to which X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis forces are applied, and detects X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis pressures, or distortion or displacement due to pressure, and X sensor A triaxial sensor that outputs an output, a Y sensor output, and a Z sensor output;
An operation button having a convex shape on the upper surface that receives pressure by an external force in an arbitrary direction of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis;
Among the pressures received by the operation buttons, the pressure receiving part mainly receives the X-axis and Y-axis pressures and has a hole in the center in the Z direction;
Comprising
The pressure receiving portion abuts on the X-axis action point or action surface of the three-axis sensor and the Y-axis action point or action surface,
The center part of the lower surface of the operation button faces the Z-axis action point or action surface of the three-axis sensor through the hole in the center part so as to contact or be able to contact,
The input operation device, wherein the pressure receiving portion has a structure that does not contact the Z-axis action point or the action surface of the three-axis sensor. It has an action point or action surface to which X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis forces are applied, detects strain or displacement caused by the three axes of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and outputs X sensor. A triaxial sensor that outputs a Y sensor output and a Z sensor output;
An X driving point or driving surface that has a convex upper surface that receives an external force in any direction of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, and that transmits pressure to the X axis operating point or operating surface, Y An operation button having a Y drive point or drive surface for transmitting pressure to the axis action point or action surface, and a Z drive point or drive surface for delivering pressure to the Z axis action point or action surface;
Comprising
Providing a gap between the X drive point or drive surface and the X-axis action point or action surface;
A gap is provided between the Y drive point or drive surface and the Y axis action point or action surface,
An input operation device in which a gap is provided between a Z drive point or drive surface and the Z-axis action point or action surface. The input operation device according to claim 2 or 3, and a footrest on which a foot is placed,
The input operation device is provided on the footrest,
The operation button of the input operation device is a foot-like input operation device that is operated in any direction of three axes of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis by the thumb of the foot. The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button is formed of an elastic body. X speed control information corresponding to the moving speed in the left-right direction of the display mark on the display is generated based on the X sensor output of the triaxial sensor, and the display mark on the display is displayed based on the Y sensor output of the triaxial sensor. An information processing unit that generates Y speed control information corresponding to a moving speed in a vertical direction, and generates click control information for determining a position of a display mark on a display based on a Z sensor output of the three-axis sensor; The input operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an information processing unit for changing a moving speed of the display mark according to the magnitudes of the direction sensor output and the Y direction sensor output. When the X sensor output is less than or equal to a predetermined magnitude, a dead zone region is provided in which the X speed control information is stop information, and when the Y sensor output is less than or equal to a predetermined magnitude, the Y speed control information is stop information. The input operation device according to claim 6.

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