JP2011123606A - Track ball with proximity sensor, proximity sensor for track ball and antenna for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a track ball with a proximity sensor and a proximity sensor for a track ball which can effectively prevent the malfunction or incorrect operation of a track ball without damaging operability. <P>SOLUTION: A track ball 10 with a proximity sensor includes: a proximity sensor 1 for detecting the entry of an operator body H to a range preset in the circumference of a ball B or the contact of the operator body H with the ball B; and a position instruction information conversion part 5 for performing the conversion processing of moving amounts accompanied by the rotation of the ball B into position instruction information only based on a signal detected by the proximity sensor 1. The proximity sensor 1 is configured of a plate-shaped antenna 2 in which the occurrence of the change of an electrostatic capacity due to the entry or contact of the body H is possible; and an arithmetic processing part 3 for processing the signal which generates in the antenna 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a trackball with a proximity sensor, a proximity sensor for a trackball, and the like, and in particular, a trackball with a proximity sensor and a trackball that can effectively prevent malfunctions and malfunctions of the trackball without impairing operability. This relates to a proximity sensor for a vehicle.

  The trackball is a pointing device that quantitatively outputs the amount of movement of the ball, which has been widely used mainly in medical equipment, amusement, FA fields, and the like. In the trackball, since the position is not instructed when the operator's hand is not in contact with the ball, the ball must naturally maintain its position, that is, remain stationary.

  However, a phenomenon that the ball moves unintentionally under the influence of vibration or sound may occur, and the position instruction pointer may move on the device even though the position instruction is not given by the operator. . Conventionally, this problem has been addressed by using ball restraint or increasing the contact friction force of the ball so that the ball does not move easily due to vibration or the like.

Japanese National Publication No. 9-51186 “Multi-input proximity detector and touchpad system” JP-A-1-184571 “Computer with Display Power Consumption Control Function and Display Power Consumption Control Method”

  As described above, the movement of the ball is suppressed by increasing the contact frictional force, and it is possible to prevent the ball and the position of the pointer on the display device linked to the ball from moving without permission. However, as the frictional force is increased, a large operating force is required for the ball and the feel is reduced from the viewpoint of handling. In addition, maintaining and controlling the frictional force at a constant level requires a considerable burden in terms of management.

  On the other hand, a capacitive system is mainly used for a touch pad which is a pointing device like a trackball. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is also an example using a touch pad in a computer, which operates by a capacitive action, can be operated through an appropriate dielectric medium, and has a configuration for use as a computer interface in combination with a monitor screen. It is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, in a computer, whether or not a person approaches the keyboard is detected by capacitance, and the power supply is controlled to be cut off. It is a technology to do.

  It would be good if such a capacitance method is also used for a trackball to prevent the inadvertent movement of the ball at the time of the above-mentioned non-operation and the inconvenience / inconvenience in the position pointing operation due to it. New technology has never been proposed. In addition, a conventional configuration such as a touch pad, a touch panel, or a microcomputer (microcomputer) is provided with a pattern on the surface of the substrate and detects capacitance by touching the pattern with a finger or the like. Cannot be used for balls. This is because a pattern cannot be formed on the ball due to the operation and operation of the ball.

  Furthermore, whether the physical movement of the ball is reflected in the movement and position indication on the display screen of a computer or the like, that is, whether or not to function as a pointing device is determined by the contact of the finger with the ball, etc. The construction made by the presence or absence of is never fully desirable. This is because a trackball ball itself is a dynamic one that rotates and moves freely and smoothly, unlike a stationary touchpad or the like that has no physical movement or position change.

  In other words, it is desirable to be able to give a smooth position indication when a finger or the like hits the ball. To that end, it is necessary to have a system in which switching is performed before the hand / finger touches. is there. However, examples that propose or implement such methods are not allowed.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that a trackball with a proximity sensor and a trackball that can effectively prevent malfunction and malfunction of the trackball without impairing operability, except for the problems of the prior art. Proximity sensor is provided. That is, it is an object to provide a trackball with a proximity sensor, a proximity sensor for a trackball, and the like that can effectively prevent inadvertent movement of the ball at the time of non-operation and inconvenience and inconvenience in the position pointing operation.

  In addition, a trackball with a proximity sensor, a proximity sensor for a trackball, and the like that can use the method without forming a pattern on the ball of the trackball when using the capacitance method for solving the above-described problem are provided. This is also an object of the present invention.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in which switching can be performed before a finger or the like touches the ball, that is, movement of the pointer or cursor on the display screen of a device such as a computer and position indication are performed. Track ball with proximity sensor and proximity sensor for track ball, which can be switched whether to reflect on the screen, in other words, whether or not to function as a pointing device, regardless of whether or not a finger touches the ball Etc. is to provide.

  As a result of studying the above problems, the inventor of the present application has come up with the idea that the problem can be solved by using an electrostatic capacity method and providing an antenna having a similar function in the vicinity of the ball instead of forming a pattern on the ball. The present invention has been reached. That is, the invention claimed in the present application, or at least the disclosed invention, as means for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

(1) A ball is rotated only on the basis of a proximity sensor for detecting an operator's body entering or contacting the ball within a preset range around the ball and a signal detected by the proximity sensor. A position instruction information conversion unit that performs a process of converting the accompanying movement amount into position instruction information, the proximity sensor having a proximity sensor, wherein the proximity sensor generates a capacitance change due to the body approach or contact A trackball with a proximity sensor, comprising: a plate-like antenna that can perform the above-described operation; and an arithmetic processing unit that processes a signal generated in the antenna.
(2) The trackball with a proximity sensor according to (1), wherein the antenna is provided in a portion other than the ball of the trackball.
(3) The trackball with a proximity sensor according to (1), wherein the antenna is provided on an upper surface of a case of the trackball.
(4) The trackball with a proximity sensor according to (3), wherein the antenna has an annular shape provided over the entire circumference of the upper surface of the case.

(5) The proximity sensor track according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the proximity sensor detects the approach or contact based on a distance between the ball and an operator's body. ball.
(6) A trackball proximity sensor for detecting an operator's body approaching into and contact with a ball within a predetermined range around the ball of the trackball. A trackball proximity sensor comprising a plate-like antenna capable of generating a capacitance change and an arithmetic processing unit for processing a signal generated in the antenna.
(7) The proximity sensor for trackball according to (6), wherein the antenna is annular and is formed in a shape that can be installed on an upper surface of a trackball case.

(8) The trackball proximity sensor according to (6) or (7), wherein the approach or contact is detected based on a distance between the ball and an operator's body.
(9) An antenna used as a trackball proximity sensor for detecting the approach of the operator's body to the range set in advance around the trackball and the contact with the ball. An antenna for a proximity sensor, which is formed in a plate shape from a material capable of generating an electrostatic capacitance change due to.

  Conventionally, there is no method for detecting the electrostatic capacitance and controlling the connection between the movement of the pointing device and the actual position instruction based on the presence or absence of a human hand / finger touch. In addition, the present invention is based on whether or not the hand / finger enters (enters) a predetermined space range even if there is no contact with the ball by the hand / finger, that is, not “contact”. The connection is switched ON / OFF depending on whether or not “approach” is detected, and in order to realize such a function, the idea is not to form a pattern on the ball but to construct an antenna in the vicinity. It is.

  Since the trackball with a proximity sensor and the proximity sensor for the trackball of the present invention are configured as described above, according to this, the malfunction and malfunction of the trackball can be effectively prevented without impairing the operability. Can do. That is, it is possible to effectively prevent inadvertent movement of the ball at the time of non-operation and inconvenience / inconvenience due to the position instruction operation.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to form a pattern on the ball of the trackball while using the electrostatic capacity method. Malfunctions can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the switching of whether or not the movement of the ball is reflected in the pointer and cursor movement and the position instruction on the display screen of the computer or the like, that is, whether or not to function as a pointing device is performed. It can be realized smoothly without requiring contact with a finger or the like, and since switching has already been performed when the finger or the like touches the ball, comfortable operability can also be realized.

  In the proximity sensor system of the present invention, the frictional force is not related at all. In other words, the configuration in which “approach (proximity)” is detected instead of “contact” can prevent a trackball from malfunctioning without contact. Therefore, by being configured to output only when the ball is in contact with or close to the hand, it depends on the installation environment of the trackball, for example, when there is a lot of vibration or in front of the speaker. And can be used with good operability. In other words, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent malfunction due to vibration or the like while maintaining the conventional slight warning force, comfortable operability and feel as they are.

  For example, when a trackball is installed in front of a speaker or in a device with vibration, there has been a problem that the pointer or cursor on the display screen moves without permission by movement of the ball due to vibration or the like. According to the present invention, as described above, the output of the movement amount (position instruction) can be made to function only when the hand is touching and moving the ball without impairing the operability of the ball.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the basic composition of the trackball with a proximity sensor of this invention. It is a photograph figure which shows the Example of this invention plate-shaped antenna. It is a photograph figure which shows the principal part structure centering on the antenna of the Example of the trackball with a proximity sensor of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the basic composition of the proximity sensor for trackballs of this invention. It is a photograph figure which shows the antenna for proximity sensors in the Example of this invention shown in FIG. 2A etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an orthographic projection figure which shows the external appearance specification of the trackball based on this invention Example, (a) is a top view, (b)-(d) shows each side view, (e) shows a bottom view. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the proximity sensor antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage state of the proximity sensor antenna according to the embodiment. In FIG. 6B, (b) is a plan view and (c) is a side view. It is expansion explanatory drawing of the connection site | part of the antenna for proximity sensors which concerns on an Example. FIG. 6C is an enlarged explanatory view of the distal end portion of the connection site shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic configuration of a trackball with a proximity sensor according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the track ball 10 with the proximity sensor includes a proximity sensor 1 for detecting the entry of the operator body H into the preset range around the ball B and the contact with the ball B, and the proximity sensor 1. And a position instruction information conversion unit 5 that performs a process of converting the amount of movement associated with the rotation of the ball B into position instruction information, based on the signal detected by the A plate-like antenna 2 capable of generating a capacitance change and an arithmetic processing unit 3 for processing a signal generated in the antenna 2 are configured. The plate-like antenna 2 is provided in a portion other than the ball B of the trackball.

  With this configuration, in the trackball 10 with the proximity sensor, when the operator body H enters or comes into contact with the ball B within a preset range around the ball B, the plate shape that forms the proximity sensor 1 is thereby generated. A change in capacitance (signal) occurs in the antenna 2, and the signal is processed in the arithmetic processing unit 3 that constitutes the proximity sensor 1. In this manner, the proximity sensor 1 detects the entry of the operator body H into the preset range around the ball B and the contact with the ball B as signals.

  The proximity sensor 1 is a sensor that detects entry or contact based on the distance between the ball B and the operator body H. That is, a predetermined distance range from the ball B is set as a detection range such as an entry, and detection or non-detection is performed depending on the presence or absence of the body H within the range.

  Based on the signal detected by the proximity sensor 1, the position instruction information conversion unit 5 converts the amount of movement accompanying the rotation of the ball B into position instruction information and operates as a pointing device. Note that the conversion processing in the position instruction information conversion unit 5 is configured not to be performed other than the signal detected by the proximity sensor 1.

  Therefore, unless the operator body H enters the range around the ball B within a preset range, even if the ball B rotates due to a malfunction, the detection signal from the proximity sensor 1 is not generated. Conversion processing in the instruction information conversion unit 5 is not performed. That is, only when the operator body H enters the set range, the trackball functions as a pointing device, and does not function at other times (so as not to malfunction).

FIG. 2A is a photograph showing an embodiment of the plate antenna of the present invention. Also,
FIG. 2B is a photographic view showing the main configuration of the main part of the antenna of the embodiment of the trackball with a proximity sensor of the present invention. As shown in these figures, the antenna 22 of the trackball with proximity sensor of this embodiment can be provided on the upper surface of the case 28 of the trackball. As shown in the drawing, the antenna 22 can be formed in an annular shape provided over the entire circumference of the upper surface of the case 28.

  The plate antenna 22 is for detecting the operator body (H) approaching the ball (B), and the operator body is usually approached from above the trackball. Therefore, it is desirable that the antenna 22 be installed higher in the entire trackball.

  In the case of a trackball, the approaching direction of the operator's body is likely not necessarily constant. Therefore, in order to obtain the same detection sensitivity with respect to approach from any direction, it is desirable to provide the ball so as to surround it. Therefore, in the embodiment, the antenna 22 is configured in an annular shape so as to surround the ball on the upper surface of the case 28 or in the vicinity thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the case is a trackball having a circular planar shape, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the planar shape is a square shape or other shapes, the plate-like antenna is desirably formed above the trackball structure and in an annular shape so as to surround the ball.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the antenna 22 formed in an annular shape is provided on the upper surface of the case 28, and the cover 27 is placed thereon, and the ring 29 is further placed thereon to complete the ball housing structure. is there. Accordingly, the plate-like antenna 22 is hidden in the trackball structure without being exposed to the outside. Such a configuration is preferable for protecting the antenna 22. However, the present invention does not exclude the configuration in which the antenna is exposed.

  Since the plate-like antenna needs to have a high detection sensitivity for a minute change in capacitance, it is desirable that the plate-like antenna be formed of a conductive material such as a metal plate. On the other hand, the trackball case is usually formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture the plate antenna with a specification that can be attached to the case separately from the case, and more preferably with a specification that can be attached to and detached from the case.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a configuration example of the trackball proximity sensor of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the trackball proximity sensor 31 is a sensor for detecting an operator's body approaching or contacting a predetermined range around the trackball ball, The main configuration includes a plate-like antenna 32 capable of generating a capacitance change due to contact and contact, and an arithmetic processing unit 33 for processing a signal generated in the plate-like antenna 32. The trackball proximity sensor 31 can detect entry and contact based on the distance between the ball and the operator's body.

  As shown in the figure, the plate-like antenna 32 can have an annular shape that matches the case shape of the trackball. Further, the plate-like antenna 32 and the arithmetic processing unit 33 may be connected by an appropriate method / configuration. However, as illustrated in FIG. The antenna 32 may be provided with a connection portion 32A for connecting to the connector 34, and the both may be connected.

  By adopting a configuration in which the plate-like antenna 32 and the arithmetic processing unit 33 are connected by the connector 34, each element constituting the proximity sensor 31 can be arranged at a preferable installation position. That is, the plate-like antenna 32 can be installed on the upper surface of the case, which is a preferred installation position, while the arithmetic processing unit 33 can be installed inside the case, which can be said to be the preferred installation position, and both can be connected by the connector 34.

  As illustrated in the figure, the connection portion 32A is formed as a tongue-shaped piece extending outward from the antenna 32 body, and the tongue-shaped piece is inserted into a connector 34 formed in a shape compatible with the connection portion 32A. The antenna 32 and the arithmetic processing unit 33 can be connected. Further, the connector 34 may be mounted on a substrate in the case, or a structure for fixing or accommodating the connector may be formed in advance in the case and fixed or accommodated therein.

  FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the proximity sensor antenna in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A and the like. As shown in the figure, the proximity sensor antenna (plate-shaped antenna) 22 according to the present embodiment is formed in a ring shape and can be installed on the upper surface of the trackball case 28.

  The illustrated embodiment relates to a trackball having a circular plan shape of the case, but as described above, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the “annular” in the proximity antenna of the present invention is formed so as to surround the ball of the trackball regardless of whether the ring shape is a circle or a substantially circular shape, a polygonal shape, a substantially polygonal shape, or other shapes. Includes all the shapes made. The “annular shape” includes not only a “ring” closed in an “O” shape, for example, but also a “C” shape opened with a gap in part.

  The proximity sensor antenna 22 can be made of any kind of material without particular limitation as long as it can generate a change in capacitance due to body approach or contact. Stainless steel (SUS), which will be described later, is an example of an optimum material that takes into consideration conditions such as productivity.

Further supplementary explanation will be given on the embodiment of the present invention described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
<Example>
5A and 5B are orthographic views showing the appearance specifications of the trackball according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIGS. 5B to 9D are side views, and FIG. 5E is a bottom view. . Also,
FIG. 6A is a plan view of the proximity sensor antenna according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage state of the proximity sensor antenna according to the embodiment. In FIG. 6B, (b) is a plan view and (c) is a side view. Also,
FIG. 6C is an enlarged explanatory view of a connection portion of the proximity sensor antenna according to the embodiment, and
FIG. 6D is an enlarged explanatory view of the distal end portion of the connection site shown in FIG. 6C.

  As described above, the proximity sensor according to the present embodiment uses a capacitance method used in a microcomputer (microcomputer), but it is not a detection using a pattern as in the past, but a plate-like antenna at a position close to the ball. Is connected to a connector mounted on a substrate and connected to an arithmetic processing unit (microcomputer).

  As shown in FIG. 5, since the plate antenna of the proximity sensor of the present embodiment is not exposed, no form appears in the appearance. An arithmetic processing unit and a connector are also mounted in the trackball case.

  Unlike a conventional capacitive sensor such as a touch pad, the proximity sensor according to the present embodiment does not require the operator to directly touch the antenna by hand. Therefore, by adjusting the tone sensitivity, the gain can be turned on when the distance between the ball and the finger is within a predetermined range.

  The plate-like antenna 52 was manufactured by processing a SUS material having a thickness of 0.15 mm with a press as a result of considering mass productivity, cost, sensitivity, and the like. The plate-like antenna 52 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6A and the like was able to obtain a good shape, and the performance as an antenna for a proximity sensor was sufficient.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the connection part 52A of the plate-like antenna 52 is a tongue-like piece extending from the annular main body, and when installed in a trackball case, the connection part 52A is bent downward, It was inserted into a connector (not shown) mounted in the case and connected to the arithmetic processing unit (microcomputer).

  In this embodiment, since a connector having a 0.3 mm thickness specification that can be adapted to a 0.3 mm plate is used as a connector for connection, a further step is formed in the connection portion 52A to the thickness of the main body of the antenna 52 of 0.15 mm. It was decided to secure the thickness by providing.

  When the operation of the track ball with the proximity sensor of the present embodiment configured as described above was tested, no matter how much the ball rotates erroneously, it does not function as a pointing device unless the operator's body approaches within a predetermined range. It worked for the first time by detecting the approach and contact. Therefore, it was confirmed that a trackball capable of sufficiently realizing the intended purpose could be constructed.

  According to the trackball with the proximity sensor and the proximity sensor for the trackball of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the malfunction or malfunction of the trackball without impairing the operability. Therefore, the medical device, amusement, and FA fields It is an invention that is highly useful in all industrial fields related to devices that use a trackball as a pointing device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Proximity sensor 2, 22, 32, 52 ... Plate-shaped antenna (proximity sensor antenna)
3, 33 ... arithmetic processing unit 5 ... position instruction information converting unit 10 ... trackballs 27, 57 with proximity sensors ... cover 28, 58 ... case 29, 59 ... ring 31 ... proximity sensor for trackballs 32A, 52A ... connection site 34 ... Connectors B, 5B ... Ball H ... Operator's body

Claims (9)

A proximity sensor for detecting the operator's body entering and contacting the ball within a preset range around the ball;
A position instruction information conversion unit that performs a conversion process of the amount of movement accompanying the ball rotation into position instruction information only based on a signal detected by the proximity sensor;
A trackball with a proximity sensor comprising:
The proximity sensor includes a plate-like antenna capable of generating a capacitance change due to the body approach and contact;
An arithmetic processing unit for processing a signal generated in the antenna,
Trackball with proximity sensor. The trackball with a proximity sensor according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is provided in a portion other than the ball of the trackball. The trackball with a proximity sensor according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is provided on a ring at an upper portion of the trackball case. The trackball with a proximity sensor according to claim 3, wherein the antenna has an annular shape provided over the entire circumference of the ring upper surface. 5. The trackball with a proximity sensor according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor detects the approach or contact based on a distance between the ball and an operator's body. A trackball proximity sensor for detecting the entry of an operator's body into a preset range around the trackball and contact with the ball,
A plate-like antenna capable of generating a capacitance change due to the body approach and contact;
An arithmetic processing unit for processing a signal generated in the antenna;
Proximity sensor for trackball. The trackball proximity sensor according to claim 6, wherein the antenna has an annular shape and is formed in a shape that can be installed on an upper surface of a trackball ring. The trackball proximity sensor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the approach or contact is detected based on a distance between the ball and an operator's body. An antenna used as a trackball proximity sensor for detecting an operator's body approaching or touching a predetermined range around a trackball ball, the electrostatic force caused by the body approaching or contacting An antenna for a proximity sensor, which is formed in a plate shape from a material capable of generating a capacitance change.