JP2011129025A - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coordinate input device that consumes low power by entering power saving mode from normal mode when the amount of current to be consumed in the normal mode is continuously detected for over a predetermined time period. <P>SOLUTION: The coordinate input device 1 which has the normal mode, and the power saving mode that consumes less power than in the normal mode is provided with: a control means 11 for generating moving amount data showing a relative moving amount to the floor surface 20 in the normal mode, and stopping generation of the moving amount data in the power saving mode; a monitoring means 12 for monitoring the current consumption in the control means 11; and a decision means 13 for deciding whether the monitoring means 12 continuously detects the amount of current to be consumed in the normal mode for over the predetermined time. The control means 11 enters power saving mode from normal mode when it is decided that the current consumption is continuously detected for over the predetermined time by the decision means 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a coordinate input device that calculates movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to a floor surface and outputs the movement amount data to a connected computer, and in particular, consumes less power than a normal mode and the normal mode. The present invention relates to a coordinate input device having a power saving mode.

  A coordinate input device (mouse) for designating an icon or the like on a computer display screen detects the amount of relative movement of the coordinate input device with respect to the floor surface, and displays it on the display screen screen according to the detection result. By moving the cursor and operating the click switch when the cursor is over the icon, the computer is caused to perform a processing operation corresponding to the icon.

  As one of the methods for detecting the relative movement amount of the coordinate input device with respect to the floor surface, light is irradiated on the floor surface by a light emitting means (for example, LED), and the shadows of subtle unevenness on the floor surface are magnified by a lens. The light is received by a light receiving means (photo sensor), and the light receiving result is image-processed to obtain information on the floor surface image change, that is, the light shading change. There is a way to detect. In such an optical coordinate input device, since the LEDs must be lit, the power consumption is larger than that of the ball-type coordinate input device, which was once mainstream.

  In recent years, there have been many optical cordless (wireless) coordinate input devices on the market that output data generated by coordinate input devices to computers wirelessly for the purpose of improving operability and securing a work surface on a desk. Yes. Such an optical cordless coordinate input device has a built-in battery for supplying power to the LED.

  However, as described above, since the optical detection method consumes a large amount of power, the battery tends to be replaced frequently. For this reason, in order to suppress power consumption as much as possible, it is common to provide a low power consumption mode (hereinafter referred to as “power saving mode”) separately from the normal operation mode. Specifically, in the normal operation mode, the LED emits light with a constant light amount, but if there is no change in the shade of the light received by the light receiving means for a certain period of time, it is determined that there is no movement operation of the coordinate input means. Therefore, the LED shifts to a power saving mode in which the LED emits light with a light amount smaller than that in the normal mode. When the coordinate input device in the power saving mode is moved, the coordinate input device recognizes a change in the shade of light received by the light receiving means, and shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode is generally referred to as “wake-up”.

  In various electronic devices, several techniques for reducing a low power consumption by providing a plurality of operation modes have been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

JP 2006-172104 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-27440 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-17785 JP 2007-102370 A

  The optical coordinate input device has a disturbance even though it is not operated due to individual differences of the light receiving means (photo sensor) for receiving light from the floor surface and the situation of the floor surface irradiated with light. There may be a change in shading of light received by the light receiving means due to the influence of light. For this reason, a so-called “unintended wake-up” occurs in which a coordinate input device that should normally remain in the power saving mode shifts to the normal mode unnecessarily. At this time, the coordinate input device has a counter for measuring the time during which the coordinate input device is not operated (cumulative time) every time the movement amount data is erroneously output due to a change in the shadow of light caused by disturbance light. After the transition to the normal mode, the power saving mode will not be restored no matter how much time has passed even though the coordinate input device has not been operated.

  Further, for example, in the optical coordinate input device, when the power input mode is in the power saving mode, the mode is shifted to the normal mode only by separating the coordinate input device from the floor surface. There is no problem as long as the coordinate input device in the power saving mode is moved to the normal mode and the coordinate input device is separated from the floor surface, but it is not intended to shift to the normal mode. If the coordinate input device has moved away from the floor for some reason (that is, if the coordinate input device has floated away from the floor), the coordinate input that should remain in the power saving mode should be used. An “unintended wake-up” occurs in which the device unnecessarily shifts to the normal mode.

  In any of the above cases, when the coordinate input device is a wireless (cordless) system in particular, this is one factor for further shortening the life of the built-in battery.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate input device with low power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, a coordinate input device having a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode has a relative position with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode. Control means for generating movement amount data indicating movement amount and stopping generation of movement amount data in the power saving mode, monitoring means for monitoring current consumption in the control means, and current consumption to be detected in the normal mode Determining means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has continuously detected for a predetermined time period or more, wherein the control means is a current consumption to be detected in the normal mode by the determining means Is determined to be detected continuously for a predetermined time period or longer, the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the coordinate input device having the normal mode and the power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode has the movement amount data indicating the relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode. It is detected in the normal mode when the control means for generating and stopping the generation of the movement amount data in the power saving mode, the monitoring means for monitoring the current consumption in the control means, and the coordinate input device is in the power saving mode. Determination means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has detected the consumption current to be detected in the power saving mode after the monitoring means has detected the consumption current to be detected for a predetermined time period, Here, the control means detects in the power saving mode after the monitoring means detects the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period. If the current consumption of the unit is determined by the determination means has detected to be in normal mode maintains the power saving mode without shifting.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the coordinate input device having the normal mode and the power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode has the movement amount data indicating the relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode. A control means for generating and stopping movement amount data generation in the power saving mode, a monitoring means for monitoring the current consumption in the control means, and a current consumption larger than the current consumption to be detected in the power saving mode and in the normal mode Determining means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has detected a consumption current smaller than the consumption current to be detected in the control unit, wherein the control means has detected the consumption current by the determination means Is determined, the power saving mode is maintained without shifting to the normal mode.

  According to the present invention, a coordinate input device with low power consumption can be provided. In particular, in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, the battery life can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an abnormal state in which the coordinate input device continues to generate movement amount data due to the influence of some disturbance despite no user operation. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the computer is turned off for a long time and the coordinate input device is in the power saving mode, the coordinate input device is caused by some disturbance even though there is no user operation. There is no transition to the normal mode, and even if the user accidentally moves the coordinate input device for a moment, there is no transition to the normal mode. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, particularly in the case of an optical coordinate input device, the coordinate input device is separated from the floor surface for some reason although it is not intended to shift to the normal mode. Even if it is faced (that is, when the coordinate input device floats away from the floor surface), the coordinate input device does not shift to the normal mode. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

It is a schematic block diagram of the coordinate input device by the 1st-3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by the modification of the 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by the modification of the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the coordinate input device by the modification of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure (the 1) which shows the coordinate input device by the further modification of the 3rd Example of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) FIG. It is the figure (the 2) which shows the coordinate input device by the further modification of the 3rd Example of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) FIG. It is a more concrete functional block diagram of the coordinate input device by the 1st-3rd Example of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a coordinate input device according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

  The coordinate input device 1 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention has a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, and includes a control unit 11 and a monitoring unit 12. And a determination unit 13. The coordinate input device 1 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention is an optical wireless (cordless) mouse. That is, according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the coordinate input device 1 includes the light emitting means 14 for irradiating the floor surface 20 with light and the light receiving means for receiving light substantially from the floor surface direction. 20. The light emitting means 14 is composed of an LED and irradiates the floor surface with light. The light receiving means 15 is a photo sensor and receives light from a substantially floor direction. The coordinate input device 1 includes transmission means 16 that wirelessly transmits to a computer (not shown) connected to the coordinate input device 1. The transmission unit 16 is a wireless communication unit such as wireless, infrared, or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and outputs movement amount data calculated by the control unit 11 to a computer.

  In any of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the control means 11 includes each element in the coordinate input device 1, that is, the control means 11, the monitoring means 12, the determination means 13, the light emitting means 14, the light receiving means 15, and The processing in the transmission means 16 is comprehensively controlled. And the control means 11 produces | generates the movement amount data which show the relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface 20 in normal mode, and stops the production | generation of movement amount data in a power saving mode. In the normal mode, the control unit 11 generates movement amount data based on a change in the shade of light received by the light receiving unit 15.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the coordinate input device 1 is a wireless (cordless) mouse, and therefore includes a built-in power supply (not shown). The power source in the coordinate input device 1 supplies power to each element in the coordinate input device 1, that is, the control unit 11, the monitoring unit 12, the determination unit 13, the light emitting unit 14, the light receiving unit 15, and the transmission unit 16, but power saving In the mode, the power supplied to the monitoring unit 12, the determination unit 13, the light emitting unit 14, the light receiving unit 15, and the transmission unit 16 is reduced as compared with the normal mode.

  In any of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the monitoring unit 12 monitors the current consumption in the control unit 11. The monitoring unit 12 includes a current detection amplifier (IC) and a resistor connected to the current detection amplifier (IC). As the current detection amplifier (IC), for example, there is MAX0038 manufactured by Maxim, or LT6100 manufactured by Linear Technology. The current consumption amplifier in the control means 11 is converted into an analog voltage value using a current detection amplifier in the monitoring means 12, and this voltage value is converted into a digital value using an AD converter in the control means 11.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the coordinate input device 1 is a wireless (cordless) mouse, but may be a coordinate input device connected to a computer by wire. In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the relative movement amount of the coordinate input device 1 with respect to the floor surface may be detected by a trackball instead of an optical type.

  The difference between the first to third embodiments of the present invention lies in the processing contents of the control means 11 and the determination means 13, although details will be described later. The determination unit 13 determines whether or not the current consumption in the control unit 11 monitored by the monitoring unit 12 satisfies a predetermined condition. This “predetermined condition” is different for each of the first to third embodiments of the present invention. Further, the control unit 11 determines whether the coordinate input device is to be in the normal mode or the power saving mode based on the result of the determination process by the determination unit 13.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In general, it is rare to continuously operate the coordinate input device 1 for several minutes or more, for example, and there is usually a state in which the operation of the coordinate input device 1 is temporarily stopped. In other words, a state in which the coordinate input device 1 can be regarded as being operated continuously for a long time, that is, a state in which the movement amount data is continuously output, is affected by, for example, disturbance. It is considered that some abnormality has occurred, such as continuing.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 determines whether or not the monitoring unit 12 has continuously detected the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period. If the determination means 13 determines that the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is continuously detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the control means 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to change from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Control to transition. Thereby, in the coordinate input device 1, power is not consumed wastefully and the lifetime of the built-in battery can be extended.

  First, when the coordinate input device 1 is in the normal mode M1 in which the movement operation is performed to generate the movement amount data indicating the relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface 20 by the movement operation, the consumption in the control unit 11 is performed in step S101 in FIG. Monitor the current.

  In step S102, the control means 11 determines whether or not the coordinate input device 1 has not been operated for a predetermined time period. Whether or not it has been operated for a predetermined period of time is determined as to whether or not the light receiving means 15 has detected a change in light shading, whether or not a click button provided on the coordinate input device 1 has been pressed, It is possible to determine whether or not an encoder that detects rotation by rotating a rotating wheel provided in the center outputs a predetermined signal. Moreover, the “time period for determining whether or not an operation has been performed”, which is a determination criterion by the control unit 11, is, for example, 30 minutes. These numerical values are merely examples, and may be arbitrarily set by a mouse designer or user.

  If it is determined in step S102 that it has not been operated for a predetermined time period, in step S104, the control means 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to shift from the normal mode M1 to the power saving mode M2. In the power saving mode M2, the control unit 11 performs control so that the power supplied to the monitoring unit 12, the determination unit 13, the light emitting unit 14, the light receiving unit 15, and the transmission unit 16 is reduced as compared with that in the normal mode. Stop the generation process of quantity data. Here, the predetermined time period is, for example, 5 seconds, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other time may be set.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S102 that no operation has been performed for a predetermined time period, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the monitoring unit 12 continuously detects the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period. In other words, the first embodiment of the present invention captures the phenomenon that “the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is detected over a long period of time”, and thus the “coordinate input device 1 is This is to grasp the “abnormal state that continues to be affected”. For example, the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is, for example, about 40 mA in a general optical wireless mouse, and is a criterion for determination by the determination unit 13 “detected in the normal mode. The “predetermined time period during which current consumption to be detected is continuously detected” is, for example, 1 minute. These numerical values are merely examples, and may be arbitrarily set by a mouse designer or user.

  In step S103, if the determination unit 13 does not determine that the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is continuously detected by the monitoring unit 12 for a predetermined time period or longer, the control unit 11 1 is maintained in the normal mode M1.

  When the determination unit 13 determines in step S103 that the monitoring unit 12 has continuously detected the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period or longer, in step S104, the control unit 11 performs coordinate input. The apparatus 1 is shifted from the normal mode M1 to the power saving mode M2.

  In step S <b> 105, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1. The wake-up operation is an operation performed by the user in order to shift the coordinate input device 1 from the power saving mode to the normal mode. And a rotation operation of a rotary wheel provided in the coordinate input device 1. For example, in the case of a movement operation of the coordinate input device 1, the light receiving means 15 detects a change in light shading, so that the control means 11 detects this and the wakeup operation is performed on the coordinate input device 1. Sense that. Further, in the case of pressing operation of a click button provided in the coordinate input device 1, a predetermined signal is output by pressing the clip button, so that the control means 11 detects this to the coordinate input device 1. It senses that the click button has been pressed. Further, in the case of a rotating operation of the rotating wheel provided in the coordinate input device 1, a predetermined signal is output from an encoder that detects the rotation of the rotating wheel, so that the control means 11 detects this to detect the coordinate input device. It senses that the rotation operation of the rotary wheel is performed on 1.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1, the control unit 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to shift from the power saving mode M2 to the normal mode M1 in step S106.

  For the purpose of further reducing power consumption, coordinate input devices having two power-saving modes are also on the market. In the case where the first embodiment of the present invention (the same applies to the second and third embodiments described below) is applied to such a coordinate input device, the control means 11 uses the first power saving mode. When the coordinate input device 1 is moved with respect to the floor 20 or when a click button provided on the coordinate input device 1 is pressed, or in the second power saving mode, the coordinate input device 1 When the click button provided in 1 is pressed, the power saving mode M2 may be shifted to the normal mode M1.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an abnormal state in which the coordinate input device continues to generate the movement amount data due to the influence of some disturbance even when there is no user operation. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the coordinate input device 1 is in the power saving mode and the coordinate input device 1 is accidentally moved for a moment even though it is not intended to be operated, the mode shifts to the normal mode. "Up" occurs. Further, depending on the individual difference of the light receiving means 15 for receiving light from the floor surface 20 and the situation of the floor surface 20 to which the light is irradiated, disturbance light even though the coordinate input device 1 is not operated to move. As a result, a change in the shade of light received by the light receiving means 15 may occur for a moment. In this case, “unintended wake-up” occurs. In some cases, the coordinate input device 1 does not operate the coordinate input device 1 every time the movement amount data is erroneously output due to a change in the shadow of light caused by disturbance light as described above (cumulative time). Since the counter for measuring is cleared, there is a situation in which, after shifting to the normal mode, the coordinate input device is not operated and the power-saving mode is not restored no matter how much time elapses. The second embodiment of the present invention prevents such “unintentional wake-up”.

  That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the coordinate input device 1 is in the power saving mode, the determination unit 13 shown in FIG. After the time period is detected, it is determined whether or not the monitoring means 12 has detected the current consumption that should be detected in the power saving mode, and if the determination means 13 determines that the current consumption has been detected, The means 11 controls to maintain the current power saving mode without shifting to the normal mode. Thereby, in the coordinate input device 1, power is not consumed wastefully and the lifetime of the built-in battery can be extended.

  First, in the normal mode M1 in which the coordinate input device 1 is in the normal mode M1 for generating the movement amount data indicating the relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface 20 by the movement operation, in step S201 in FIG. Monitor the current. That is, step S201 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S101 in FIG.

  In step S202, the control means 11 determines whether or not the coordinate input device 1 has not been operated for a predetermined time period. That is, step S202 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S102 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S202 that no operation has been performed for a predetermined time period, in step S203, the control unit 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to shift from the normal mode M1 to the power saving mode M2.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S202 that the operation has not been performed for a predetermined time period, the control unit 11 performs control to maintain the current normal mode M1 without shifting to the power saving mode M2.

  In step S <b> 204, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1. That is, step S204 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S105 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1, the control unit 11 shifts the coordinate input device 1 from the power saving mode M2 to the normal mode M1 in step S207. That is, step S207 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S106 in FIG. Note that the case where the second embodiment of the present invention is applied to a coordinate input device having two power saving modes is as described in the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. .

  If it is determined in step S204 that the wake-up operation has not been performed on the coordinate input device 1, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the monitoring unit 12 has detected a consumption current that should be detected in the normal mode M1. For example, the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is, for example, about 40 mA in a general optical wireless mouse, and is a criterion for determination by the determination unit 13 “detected in the normal mode. The “predetermined time period during which the current consumption to be detected” is 5 seconds, for example. These numerical values are merely examples, and may be arbitrarily set by a mouse designer or user.

  If it is not determined in step S205 that the monitoring unit 12 has detected the consumption current to be detected in the normal mode M1, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode M2 and returns to step S204.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the monitoring unit 12 has detected the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode M1, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not the monitoring unit has detected a current consumption that should be detected in the power saving mode M2.

  When it is determined in step S206 that the monitoring unit has detected the current consumption that should be detected in the power saving mode M2, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode M2 and returns to step S204.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S206 that the monitoring means has detected the current consumption to be detected in the power saving mode M2, it is considered that a normal wake-up operation has been performed. The control unit 11 shifts the coordinate input device 1 from the power saving mode M2 to the normal mode M1. That is, step S207 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S106 in FIG.

  As described above, when the coordinate input device 1 is in the power saving mode M2, the coordinate input device 1 is accidentally moved for a moment even though the user does not intend to move, or the coordinate input device 1 When the shadow of the light received by the light receiving means 15 is momentarily changed due to the influence of disturbance light even though the apparatus 1 is not moved, the time is shorter than the normal moving operation time (for example, 1 second). Only the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode M1 is detected by the monitoring unit 12, and then the current consumption to be detected in the power saving mode M2 is immediately detected by the monitoring unit 12. In the second embodiment of the present invention, by capturing such a “rapid change in current consumption”, the user accidentally moved the indicator input device 1 for a moment. If and, in which the coordinate input device 1 is that the light receiving means 15 under the influence of even though the ambient light is not moving operation to grasp the moment of change in the shade of the light received.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the coordinate input device is in the power saving mode after a long time has passed since the computer was turned off, the coordinate input device is not operated by the user. There is no transition to the normal mode, and even if the user accidentally moves the coordinate input device for a moment, there is no transition to the normal mode. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In general, in an optical coordinate input device, when in a power saving mode, the coordinate input device is shifted to the normal mode only by moving it away from the floor surface. If the coordinate input device has left the floor for some reason (ie, the coordinate input device has floated away from the floor) even though it is not intended to shift to the normal mode. However, the “unintended wake-up” occurs when the coordinate input device that should normally remain in the power saving mode unnecessarily shifts to the normal mode. The third embodiment of the present invention prevents such “unintentional wake-up”.

  That is, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the determination means 13 shown in FIG. 1 consumes a current that is larger than the current that should be detected in the power saving mode and smaller than the current that should be detected in the normal mode. It is determined whether or not the current is detected by the monitoring unit 12, and when the determination unit 13 determines that the current consumption is detected, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode without shifting to the normal mode. . Thereby, in the coordinate input device 1, power is not consumed wastefully and the lifetime of the built-in battery can be extended.

  First, in the normal mode M1 in which the coordinate input device 1 generates movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface 20 by the movement operation, in step S301 in FIG. Monitor the current. That is, step S301 in FIG. 4 is the same as step S101 in FIG.

  In step S302, the control means 11 determines whether or not the coordinate input device 1 has not been operated for a predetermined time period. That is, step S202 in FIG. 4 is the same as step S102 in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S302 that it has not been operated for a predetermined time period, in step S303, the control unit 11 shifts the coordinate input device 1 from the normal mode M1 to the power saving mode M2. That is, step S303 in FIG. 4 is the same as step S203 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S302 that the operation has not been performed for a predetermined time period, the control unit 11 performs control so as to maintain the current normal mode M1 without shifting to the power saving mode M2.

  In step S <b> 304, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1. That is, step S304 in FIG. 4 is the same as step S105 in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S304 that the wake-up operation has been performed on the coordinate input device 1, in step S306, the control unit 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to shift from the power saving mode M2 to the normal mode M1. That is, step S306 in FIG. 3 is the same as step S106 in FIG. Note that the case where the third embodiment of the present invention is applied to a coordinate input apparatus having two power saving modes is as described in the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. .

  If it is determined in step S304 that the wake-up operation has not been performed on the coordinate input device 1, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the determination unit 13 determines whether the monitoring unit 12 has detected a consumption current that is larger than the consumption current that should be detected in the power saving mode M2 and smaller than the consumption current that should be detected in the normal mode M1. Determine whether. For example, in a general optical wireless mouse, the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode is, for example, about 40 mA, and the current consumption to be detected in the power saving mode is, for example, 2 to 3 mA. Degree. When the coordinate input device 1 is separated from the floor surface 20 for some reason (that is, when the coordinate input device floats away from the floor surface), the light receiving means 15 is difficult to obtain screen information of the floor surface 20. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting means 14 is increased to obtain image information. However, since the movement amount data is not generated, the transmission unit 16 does not transmit the movement amount data to the computer. Therefore, the consumption current detected by the monitoring unit 12 is larger than the consumption current (for example, 2 to 3 mA) to be detected in the power mode M2 and is larger than the consumption current (for example, 40 mA) to be detected in the normal mode M1. Becomes a halfway consumption current (for example, 5 to 10 mA). In the third embodiment of the present invention, the separation surface from the floor surface 20 of the coordinate input device 1 is sensed by capturing the “half-way consumption current” detected by the monitoring means 12 as described above. . Each of these numerical values is merely an example, and the mouse designer or user may arbitrarily set the range of the current consumption determination criteria used for the determination processing in step S305.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the monitoring unit 12 has detected a consumption current that is larger than the current consumption that should be detected in the power saving mode M2 and smaller than the current consumption that should be detected in the normal mode M1, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode M2, and returns to step S303.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S305 that the monitoring unit 12 has detected a consumption current that is larger than the consumption current that should be detected in the power saving mode M2 and smaller than the consumption current that should be detected in the normal mode M1. Since there is a possibility that a normal wake-up operation has been performed, in step S306, the control unit 11 shifts the coordinate input device 1 from the power saving mode M2 to the normal mode M1.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in particular in the case of an optical coordinate input device, the coordinate input device is not floored for some reason although it is not intended to shift to the normal mode. Even if the coordinate input device is separated from the surface (that is, the coordinate input device floats away from the floor surface), the coordinate input device does not shift to the normal mode. Therefore, particularly in the case of a wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, power is not consumed wastefully, and the life of the built-in battery can be extended compared to the conventional example.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, for the measurement of the “predetermined time period” that is a determination criterion in each determination process, a known accumulated time provided in the control means 11 is used. This is realized by determining the elapse of the time period using the count value of a measurement counter (not shown).

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the “abnormal state” of the coordinate input device 1 is detected as described above, and wasteful power consumption of the coordinate input device 1 is prevented, but low power consumption is achieved. In order to make it more reliable, the user may be notified when an abnormal state is detected, as described below.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. When the determination means 13 determines in step S103 that the monitoring means 12 has detected the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period or longer, the output means (not shown in FIG. 1) is detected in step S107. ) Outputs a signal for notifying the user of the state of the coordinate input device 1. The signal output for notifying the user includes a command for causing a display such as “the coordinate input device is abnormal” to be displayed on the display screen of the computer connected to the coordinate input device 1. The character or pattern displayed on the display screen may be arbitrarily set by the mouse designer or user. In addition to commands for displaying on the display screen, for example, a signal for blinking various lights provided on the coordinate input device 1 main body, a buzzer provided on the coordinate input device 1 main body, or a sound generated from a speaker It may be a signal for After step S107 is executed, in step S104, the control unit 11 causes the coordinate input device 1 to shift from the normal mode M1 to the power saving mode M2.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. If the determination means 13 determines in step S206 that the monitoring means has detected the current consumption that should be detected in the power saving mode M2, in step S208, the output means (not shown in FIG. 1) A signal for notifying the user of the state of 1 is output. The signal output for notifying the user is as described with reference to FIG. After executing step S208, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode M2, and returns to step S204.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the coordinate input device according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. When the determination unit 13 determines in step S305 that the monitoring unit 12 has detected a consumption current that is larger than the consumption current that should be detected in the power saving mode M2 and smaller than the consumption current that should be detected in the normal mode M1. In step S307, the output means (not shown in FIG. 1) outputs a signal for notifying the user of the state of the coordinate input device 1. The signal output for notifying the user is as described with reference to FIG. As a character displayed on the display screen, for example, “the coordinate input device is floating from the floor” may be used. After executing step S307, the control unit 11 maintains the power saving mode M2, and returns to step S303.

  Note that the output means in each modification of the first to third embodiments described above may be realized as one of the functions of the control means.

  8 and 9 are views showing a coordinate input device according to a further modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, d) is a rear view. The coordinate input device 1 shown in FIG. 8 has a mechanical switch 21 as a separation surface detecting means for detecting whether or not the coordinate input device 1 is separated from the floor surface, and a contact surface side with the floor surface of the coordinate input device 1. Prepare for. In addition, the coordinate input device 1 shown in FIG. 9 uses an optical sensor 22 such as a reflective photointerrupter as a surface separation detecting means for detecting whether or not the coordinate input device 1 is separated from the floor surface. Provided on the contact surface side with the floor surface of the apparatus 1. When it is detected by such a separation surface detecting means that the coordinate input device 1 is separated from the floor surface, the output means described with reference to FIG. A signal for notifying that the user is further away is output.

  FIG. 10 is a more specific functional block diagram of the coordinate input device according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. The control means 11 and the determination means 13 of FIG. 1 are implement | achieved by MCU shown with the referential mark 31 as shown in FIG. The monitoring unit 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by a current monitoring block 32. The light emitting means 14 and the light receiving means 15 in FIG. The transmission means 16 in FIG. 1 is realized by a wireless module 34 and an antenna 35. Further, the separation surface detection means described in the modification is realized by a separation surface detection block 36. The notification means is realized by a warning LED (reference numeral 37). In addition to this, the coordinate input device 1 includes a connect button 38 for setting a wireless connection with the computer, a click button 39, a rotating wheel 40, a battery 41 for supplying power to each element, and power control. A block 42, a power supply block 43, and a power monitoring block 44 are provided.

  In addition, when the optical sensor 33 is, for example, a mouse sensor “ADNS-2030” manufactured by Avago Technologies, a CCD sensor included in the mouse sensor “ADNS-2030” may be used as the separation surface detection unit. In this case, a register (SQUAL register) that senses the CCD sensor may be monitored, and if the register value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it may be determined that the coordinate input device has separated.

  The first to third embodiments of the present invention described above and the respective modifications may be realized by appropriately combining them.

  The present invention has a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, calculates movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface, and outputs the movement amount data to a connected computer. It can be applied to a coordinate input device. In particular, an optical wireless (cordless) optical distance data that indicates the amount of relative movement relative to the floor is calculated based on the change in the shade of light received when the floor is irradiated with light, and output to a computer. It can be applied to a coordinate input device. In particular, in the case of an optical wireless (cordless) coordinate input device, the battery life can be extended as compared with the conventional example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coordinate input device 11 Control means 12 Monitoring means 13 Judgment means 14 Light emission means 15 Light reception means 16 Transmission means 31 MCU
32 Current monitoring block 33 Optical sensor 34 Wireless module 35 Antenna 36 Surface detection block 37 Warning LED
38 Connect button 39 Click button 40 Rotating wheel 41 Battery 42 Power supply control block 43 Power supply block 44 Voltage monitoring block

Claims (11)

A coordinate input device having a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode,
Control means for generating movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode, and stopping generation of the movement amount data in the power saving mode;
Monitoring means for monitoring current consumption in the control means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has continuously detected the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period;
With
The control unit shifts from a normal mode to a power saving mode when the determination unit determines that the current consumption has been continuously detected for the predetermined time period or longer. A coordinate input device having a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode,
Control means for generating movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode, and stopping generation of the movement amount data in the power saving mode;
Monitoring means for monitoring current consumption in the control means;
When the coordinate input device is in the power saving mode, the current consumption to be detected in the power saving mode is detected after the monitoring unit detects the current consumption to be detected in the normal mode for a predetermined time period. Determining means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has detected;
With
The control means maintains the power saving mode without shifting to the normal mode when the determining means determines that the current consumption is detected by the determining means. A coordinate input device having a normal mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode,
Control means for generating movement amount data indicating a relative movement amount with respect to the floor surface in the normal mode, and stopping generation of the movement amount data in the power saving mode;
Monitoring means for monitoring current consumption in the control means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the monitoring means has detected a consumption current that is larger than a consumption current that should be detected in the power saving mode and smaller than a consumption current that should be detected in the normal mode;
With
The control means maintains the power saving mode without shifting to the normal mode when the determining means determines that the current consumption is detected by the determining means.   The output means which outputs the signal for alerting | reporting the state of the said coordinate input device with respect to a user, when it determines with the said consumption current having been detected by the said determination means. The coordinate input device described in 1. The coordinate input device includes:
A light emitting means for irradiating the floor with light;
A light receiving means for receiving light from a substantially floor direction;
With
The coordinate input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit generates the movement amount data based on a change in shading of light received by the light receiving unit in a normal mode.   The coordinate input device according to claim 5, wherein in the power saving mode, electric power supplied to the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is reduced as compared with a normal mode. Transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the generated movement amount data to a computer connected to the coordinate input device;
A power supply for supplying power to each element in the coordinate input device;
A coordinate input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The coordinate input device according to claim 7, wherein in the power saving mode, the power supplied to the transmission unit by the power source is reduced as compared with the normal mode.   The coordinate input device according to claim 3, further comprising a separation surface detecting unit that detects whether or not the coordinate input device is separated from the floor surface.   A signal for notifying the user that the coordinate input device is separated from the floor surface when the coordinate input device is detected to be separated from the floor surface by the separation surface detection means. The coordinate input device according to claim 9, further comprising a further output means for outputting. The power saving mode consists of a first power saving mode and a second power saving mode,
In the first power saving mode, the control means is configured such that when the coordinate input device is moved with respect to a floor surface or when a click button provided on the coordinate input device is pressed. The coordinate input according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the power saving mode 2, when a click button provided on the coordinate input device is pressed, the mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the normal mode. apparatus.

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