JP2014116167A - Information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information input device by which complicated movement and consecutive motion can be easily performed with respect to a displayed image.SOLUTION: In this information input device including an operation member 2 and a casing 8 provided with the operation member 2 and controlling an image displayed on a display screen 3 by operating the operation member 2, the operation member 2 has an operation body 2a that can be separately and bi-directionally operated in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a front to depth direction forming orthogonal three axes, and the image displayed on the display screen 3 is controlled in accordance with the operation direction of the operation body 2a exposed from the casing 8. The operation body 2a has operation face parts facing each other, and when the operation body is disposed in the information input device 1, the operation face parts are exposed to the this side and the back side of the information input device 1, and the operation body 2a can be operated by holding the operation face parts from this side or the back side, or it can be operated using either one of the operation face parts exposed to this side or the back side.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information input device that can control an image or the like displayed on a display screen.

  Recently, information input devices having a display unit capable of three-dimensional display (stereoscopic display) in portable information input devices are increasing. Along with this, it is considered that not only the direction input in the two-dimensional direction so far but also the necessity for the direction input in the three-dimensional direction is increased. In addition to the three-dimensional display, for example, there is a case where the image is scrolled in both the upper, lower, left and right directions, and in addition to that, it is desired to freely enlarge or reduce the image.

  Conventionally, as an information input device, for example, an information input device using a plane operation type multi-directional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  The multi-directional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an operating body that can be moved in a plane in the XY-axis direction, and detection means that detects the amount of movement of the operating body. When the operating body is moved in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, information according to the movement amount is output from the information input device, and for example, an image displayed on the display screen is controlled.

JP 2007-227337 A

  However, since the operation body can only move in a plane composed of the XY axes in the conventional information input device, the displayed image can be controlled only by information accompanying the movement of the operation body in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. It was difficult to make complicated movements. For example, in the conventional information input device, the cursor displayed on the display screen can be moved only on the plane composed of the XY axes, and it is difficult to move in the depth direction that is the Z axis direction on the three-dimensional screen. . In addition, in the navigation system and the like, the scale for changing the scale for changing the scale separately from the operation body that can be moved in the XY direction is provided in the input device so that the scale can be changed while scrolling the map up, down, left, and right. An operation button is provided. Since the operation buttons are provided separately from the operation body, both hands have to be used, and there is a problem that continuous operation is difficult when operated with one hand.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information input device that can easily perform a complex motion or a continuous operation on a displayed image or the like. .

  The information input device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation member and a casing provided with the operation member, wherein the operation member is operated to control an image displayed on a display screen, and the operation is performed. The member has an operation body that can be operated in both directions in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, which are three orthogonal axes, and the operation body is exposed from the casing.

  Further, in the information input device according to claim 2, the operation body has an operation surface portion facing each other, the both operation surface portions are arranged so as to be exposed on a front surface side and a back surface side of the housing, and the both operation surface portions are arranged. It is characterized in that the operation body can be operated by grasping from the front surface side and the back surface side.

  In the information input device according to claim 3, the operation body can be operated to press one of the operation surface portions from the front surface side and can be operated to push up the other of the operation surface portions from the back surface side. It is characterized by being operated in both directions in the Z-axis direction by operation and push-up operation.

  The information input device according to claim 4 is characterized in that the operation body can be operated using either the operation surface portion exposed on the front surface side or the operation surface portion exposed on the back surface side.

  The information input device according to claim 5 is configured to scroll an image displayed on the display screen in the vertical and horizontal directions along the display screen by the operation in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The operation is to enlarge or reduce the image.

  The information input device according to claim 6, wherein the display screen is a three-dimensional screen, and a cursor displayed on the display screen by the operation in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is vertically and horizontally moved along the display screen. The cursor is moved in the depth direction of the display screen by the operation in the Z-axis direction.

  The information input device according to claim 7 is a mobile phone.

  The information input device according to claim 8 is a digital camera.

  The information input device according to claim 9 is a portable game machine.

  The information input device according to claim 10 is a portable audio.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to operate the image displayed on the display screen in both directions in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction, which are three axes orthogonal to each other, using only the operation member. It is possible to achieve an effect that a complex motion or a continuous motion can be easily performed on an image displayed on the display screen.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the operating body is gripped and operated from the near side and the back side, when operating the operating body to the near side, the operation body is pinched and pulled compared to the case of performing an operation. This makes it easier to operate.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the operation body can be operated to the front side by pushing up the operation surface portion from the back side, and the operation can be easily performed.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the operating member can be operated using the operating body on either the front surface side or the back surface side of the information input device, and the information input device using the conventional multidirectional input device The effect is that it can be used in the same way.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the image displayed on the display screen using only the operation member can be scrolled in the vertical and horizontal directions similarly to the conventional information input device, and the image is enlarged or reduced. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the display screen is a screen capable of three-dimensional (3D) display, the image displayed on the display screen using only the operation member is vertically and horizontally similar to the conventional information input device. In addition to being able to scroll in the direction, the image can be moved forward and backward.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, character information can be input in the same manner as a conventional mobile phone by using the keyboard, and the cursor is moved when connected to the Internet and the image displayed on the display screen. Thus, it is possible to provide a mobile phone that can intuitively perform operations such as enlargement / reduction and the like using only the operation member.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a digital camera that can intuitively perform operations such as an operation for enlarging / reducing the photographing range and a focus position adjustment operation by operating only the operation member.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the operations in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front / back direction can be performed only with the operation member, it is possible to easily perform character operations and input of various commands. It is possible to provide a portable game device that can be used.

  According to the invention of claim 10, since the operations in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction, which are three orthogonal axes, can be performed by one operation member, the selection of the title and the music in each axis direction And fast-forward / fast-rewind, and volume control operations can be sorted, and it is possible to provide portable audio that can be operated in a variety of ways with a single operation member.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment. 3 is a perspective view showing an operation member 2. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an operation member 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section LL of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation body 2a. It is a figure which shows the drive member. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the one side at the time of a plane direction operation. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the other side at the time of a plane direction operation. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of back direction operation. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of front side operation. FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing a positional relationship among an operating body 2a, a load sensor 31, an illumination member 32, and a substrate 33. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of an information input device 1 provided with an operation member 2. FIG. In 1st Embodiment, it is the figure which showed the operation method to the up-down direction and the left-right direction in the state in which the keyboard part 4 was closed. In 1st Embodiment, it is the figure which showed the operation method to the near and back direction in the state in which the keyboard part 4 was closed. In 1st Embodiment, it is the figure which showed the operation method in the state in which the keyboard part 4 was open. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of 4th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a schematic configuration of the information input apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone that is an information input device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A is a view of a state in which the keyboard portion 4 is shielded as viewed from the front side, and FIG. These are the figures which looked at the state which shielded the keyboard part 4 from the back surface side. FIG. 1C is a view of the state in which the keyboard portion 4 is opened as seen from the front side, and FIG. 1D is a view of the state in which the keyboard portion 4 is opened as seen from the back side. 2 is a perspective view showing the operating member 2, FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of the operating member 2 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 2 (b) is a perspective view of the operating member 2 viewed from the back side. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information input device 1 can input an operation member 2, a display screen 3 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that can display characters and images, and characters and numbers. And a casing 8 provided with the operation member 2, the display screen 3, and the keyboard section 4, and by sliding the casing 8 on the side provided with the display screen 3, A mobile phone that can be opened and closed. The information input device 1 can control the image displayed on the display screen 3 by operating the operation member 2 (operation body 2a). The operation member 2 is orthogonal to each other as shown in FIG. The operating body 2a can be operated in both directions in the left and right direction (X-axis direction), the up-and-down direction (Y-axis direction), and the front and back directions (Z-axis direction), which are three axes. Accordingly, the image displayed on the display screen 3 is controlled. The operation member 2 is accommodated in the housing 8, and the operation body 2 a (the first operation surface portion 2 b and the second operation surface portion 2 c) is provided with an opening 8 a that is provided on the front surface and the back surface of the housing 8. It is exposed from the opening 8b.

  Note that the names of the left and right direction (X-axis direction), the up-and-down direction (Y-axis direction), and the front and back directions (Z-axis direction) shown in FIG. 1 are more suitable for the direction when the information input device 1 is used. Change the name.

  Next, the operation member 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation member 2 has an operation body 2a that can be operated in the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front and back directions, which are orthogonal to each other. Information can be input by pressing and sensing a load sensor (not shown in FIG. 2) incorporated in the.

  The operation body 2a has a first operation surface portion 2b and a second operation surface portion 2c which are opposed to each other, and the first operation surface portion 2b and the second operation surface portion 2c are provided on the front side and the back side of the internal housing 14 respectively. Arranged so as to be exposed, the first operation surface portion 2b and the second operation surface portion 2c were grasped from the front side and the back side, and the operation body 2a was made operable. In addition, the 1st operation surface part 2b and the 2nd operation surface part 2c are not limited to a plane like this embodiment, The discontinuous surface which has a curved surface and an uneven | corrugated | grooved part may be sufficient.

  In addition, the operating body 2a can push the first operation surface portion 2b from the near side and can push up the second operation surface portion 2c from the far side. Operated in both directions.

  Here, an example of the operation member 2 used in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.

  First, a schematic configuration of the operation member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation member 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section LL shown in FIG. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the expression of the upper and lower sides and right and left in this description is as shown to Fig.1 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation member 2 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 12 that can perform an input operation, a detection unit 13 that detects the operation of the operation unit 12, and the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13. And an internal housing 14 that can be held.

  The operation unit 12 includes an operation body 2a that receives an external input operation, four drive members 22 that transmit the input operation received by the operation body 2a to the detection unit 13, and an operation body 2a that is operated upward in FIG. The first urging member 23 that urges the actuator 2a toward the initial position, and the operation body 2a operated in the plane direction (direction along the operation surface) and downward in FIG. 4 are urged toward the initial position. A second urging member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 13 is electrically connected to the four load sensors 31 that can detect a load, the four illumination members 32 that illuminate the operation body 2 a, and the load sensor 31 and the illumination member 32. And a substrate 33 that can be electrically connected to the outside.

  The internal housing 14 includes a case member 41 that can house the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13 therein, and a cover member 42 that holds the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13 housed in the case member 41. Have.

  Next, components constituting the operation member 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.

  5A of FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the operating body 2a, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section MM described in FIG. 5A. 6A of FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the drive member 22, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section NN described in FIG. 6A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation body 2 a is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape from a synthetic resin material having translucency. A first operation surface portion 2b that receives an input operation from the outside is formed on the upper surface of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A second operation surface portion 2c that receives an input operation from the outside is formed on the back surface (lower surface) of the first operation surface portion 2b. The upper surface of the first operation surface portion 2b and the lower surface of the second operation surface portion 2c constitute a flat operation surface.

  On each side surface of the operating body 2a, a cam portion 2d capable of contacting the drive member 22 is formed. The cam portion 2d is a protrusion extending in the width direction of the side surface, and is formed at a substantially intermediate position between the first operation surface portion 2b and the second operation surface portion 2c. The cross-sectional shape is a shape obtained by dividing an approximate circle into four parts, a flat surface is formed on the upper surface, and a curved surface is formed on the lower surface.

  In addition, a contact portion 2e is formed at the center of the upper surface of the cam portion 2d, and the protrusion is formed in a curved surface and can contact the first urging member 23.

  The drive member 22 is made of a synthetic resin material as shown in FIG. Note that the four drive members 22 have the same shape, and FIG. 6 shows the drive member 22 arranged on the upper side of FIG. The drive member 22 has a base portion 22a having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and leg portions 22b that can come into contact with the case member 41 protrude downward (back side) into a rectangular parallelepiped shape at the left and right ends of the base portion 22a shown in FIG. Is provided.

  Between the leg portions 22b on the front side of the upper surface of the base portion 22a, a pressing portion 22c that is processed into a chamfered shape and can come into contact with the cam portion 2d of the operating body 2a is provided.

  A shaft portion 22d serving as a fulcrum when the driving member 22 rotates when the pressing portion 22c and the cam portion 2d come into contact with each other is provided on the upper surface side of the base portion 22a. The shaft portion 22d protrudes upward and extends along the left-right direction. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 22d is substantially semicircular, a cylindrical curved surface is formed on the back side (upward side), and a surface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface is formed on the near side (downward side). Is formed.

  On the back surface of the base portion 22a, a drive portion 22e that presses the second urging member 24 is provided with a stepped portion provided inside the leg portion 22b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first urging member 23 is formed by punching a metal plate having elasticity. The outer shape is substantially square, and has a substantially square-shaped through-hole through which the operation body 2a excluding the cam portion 2d can be inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second urging member 24 is formed by punching a metal plate having elasticity. The outer shape is substantially square, and has a substantially square-shaped through-hole through which the operation body 2a excluding the cam portion 2d can be inserted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the load sensor 31 is a substantially hemispherical sensor capable of detecting a load applied to the load sensor 31 body.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the illumination member 32 includes a chip LED (Light Emitting Diodes) having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 33 has a substantially square shape, and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) having a substantially square-shaped through-hole through which the operation body 2a excluding the cam portion 2d can be inserted at the center. It consists of a substrate.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the case member 41 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape whose upper surface is opened by punching and bending a metal plate. At the center of the lower surface, there is a substantially square through hole into which the second operation surface portion 2c of the operation body 2a can be inserted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cover member 42 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape having a lower surface opened by punching and bending a metal plate. At the center of the upper surface, there is a substantially square through-hole through which the first operation surface portion 2b of the operation body 2a can be inserted.

  Next, the structure of the multidirectional input device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The load sensor 31 is disposed at the center position of each side of the substrate 33. That is, the four load sensors 31 are within the plane (on the substrate 33) parallel to the surface of the first operation surface portion 2b (or the second operation surface portion 2c), which is the operation surface, with respect to the center of the operation surface. Are arranged at equiangular (90 degree) intervals. (See Figure 11)

  The illumination member 32 is arranged near each corner of the substrate 33 so as to irradiate the through hole side.

  The substrate 33 on which the load sensor 31 and the illumination member 32 are arranged is housed inside the case member 41 with the surface on which the load sensor 31 and the illumination member 32 are arranged facing the front side shown in FIG. The second urging member 24 is disposed on the load sensor 31 so as to contact the load sensor 31.

  The drive member 22 is disposed on each side of the second urging member 24, and the operation body 2 a is inserted through the through holes formed in the case member 41, the substrate 33, and the second urging member 24. It is inserted from the second operation surface portion 2c side.

  At this time, the pressing portion 22c of the driving member 22 and the lower surface portion of the cam portion 2d of the operating body 2a are in contact with each other, and the driving member 22 is disposed between the operating body 2a and the second urging member 24.

  The first urging member 23 is disposed on the contact portion 2e of the operation body 2a by inserting the first operation surface portion 2b through the through hole.

  The cover member 42 is disposed above the case member 41 in which the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13 are disposed, with the first operation surface portion 2b inserted through the through hole. At this time, the cover member 42 is attached to the case member 41 by being snap-engaged. As a result, the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13 are held in the internal housing 14 and the operation member 2 is formed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the first urging member 23 and the second urging member 24 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the cam portion 2d of the operating body 2a and the base portion 22a of the driving member 22. Is done.

  By holding the operation unit 12 and the detection unit 13 in the internal housing 14, the first urging member 23 moves the operation body 2a in the direction from the first operation surface portion 2b to the second operation surface portion 2c. And a predetermined load (initial load) is applied to the load sensor 31 via the second urging member 24 on the back side (the lower side in FIG. 4).

  Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7 to 10. 7A of FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the components arranged on the plane direction A side (right side of FIG. 4) of the operating body 2a are not operated, and FIG. 7B is an operating body. It is the schematic which showed the operation state of the component arrange | positioned at the plane direction A side of the operation body 2a at the time of operating 2a to the plane direction A. FIG. FIG. 7C shows the load sensor 31 that is pressed through the second urging member 24.

  FIG. 8A of FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a non-operating state of the components arranged on the side opposite to the plane direction A (left side of FIG. 4) of the operating body 2a, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an operation state of components disposed on the opposite side of the planar direction A of the operating body 2a when the operating body 2a is operated in the planar direction A.

  FIG. 9A of FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a non-operating state of the components arranged on either side of the operating body 2a, and FIG. 9B shows the operating body 2a in the downward direction. It is the schematic which showed the operation state of the component arrange | positioned in the any one side of the operation body 2a at the time of operating in (arrow C direction). FIG. 9C is a view showing the load sensor 31 pressed through the second urging member 24.

  FIG. 10A of FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the components arranged on either side of the operating body 2a are not operated, and FIG. 10B shows the operating body 2a upward ( It is the schematic which showed the operation state of the component arrange | positioned in the any one side of the operation body 2a at the time of operating in the direction of arrow E).

  7 to 10, the internal housing 14 is not shown for convenience of explanation.

  First, the operation when the operating body 2a is operated in the plane direction along the operation surface will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the component shown in FIG. 7 is a component arranged on the right side of the operation body 2a in FIG. 4, and the component shown in FIG. 8 is a component arranged on the left side of the operation body 2a. And

  The operating body 2a, the drive member 22, the first urging member 23, the second urging member 24, and the load sensor 31 are arranged in a positional relationship as shown in FIG. For example, when the operation body 2a is operated in the right direction, the load sensor 31 disposed on the right side is pressed via the drive member 22 disposed on the right side of the operation body 2a and the second urging member 24, and It has been operated in the right direction because the pressure of the load sensor 31 arranged on the left side is weakened via the drive member 22 arranged on the left side of the operation body 2a and the second urging member 24. Detected. Detailed operation will be described below.

  When not operated, the positional relationship among the operating body 2a, the drive member 22, the second urging member 24, and the load sensor 31 is such that the cam portion 2d of the operating body 2a is as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 8 (a). And the pressing portion 22c of the driving member 22 are in contact with each other, and a predetermined load (initial load) is applied to the load sensor 31 as described above.

  When the operating body 2a is operated in the right direction (arrow A direction), the components arranged on the right side of the operating body 2a are pressed against the pressing portion 22c by the cam portion 2d from the state of FIG. The drive member 22 is rotated in the direction of arrow B with the vicinity of the shaft portion 22d as a fulcrum, and the second urging member 24 is pressed in the back direction shown in FIG. 7 by the drive portion 22e.

  The second urging member 24 pressed in the back direction (the lower side in FIG. 7) by the drive member 22 is a load disposed on the right side of the operation body 2a while being bent in the back direction as shown in FIG. 7C. A load is applied to the sensor 31.

  The load sensor 31 disposed on the right side of the operation body 2a to which a load is applied by the second urging member 24 is applied with a load stronger than a predetermined load that is always applied.

  At this time, the positional relationship of the components arranged on the left side of the operating body 2a is that the operating body 2a moves rightward (in the direction of arrow A) from the state of FIG. 8A to the state of FIG. 8B. Thus, the engagement between the cam portion 2d and the pressing portion 22c is released. Thereby, the load added to the load sensor 31 arrange | positioned at the left side of the operation body 2a becomes weaker than the predetermined load always added.

  At this time, the load applied to the load sensor 31 arranged on the upper side (see FIG. 2) and the lower side (see FIG. 2) of the operating body 2a does not change from the predetermined load that is always applied.

  Thus, the load applied to the load sensor 31 arranged on the right side of the operating body 2a becomes stronger than the predetermined load, the load applied to the load sensor 31 arranged on the left side of the operating body 2a becomes weaker than the predetermined load, When the load applied to the load sensor 31 disposed on the upper side and the lower side of the operation body 2a does not change from a predetermined load, it is detected that the operation is performed on the right side.

  The load sensors 31 arranged in the four directions detect the above-described operations, respectively, so that any of the planar directions along the surface (operation surface) of the first operation surface portion 2b (second operation surface portion 2c) is obtained. It is possible to determine whether the operation is performed in the direction.

  When the operation in the right direction (arrow A direction) is stopped, the drive member 22 disposed on the right side of the operation body 2a is urged forward by the urging force of the second urging member 24 as shown in FIG. The operating body 2a is returned to the original position while pressing the operating body 2a, the operating body 2a pressed by the driving member 22 returns to the original position, and the load applied to the load sensor 31 arranged on the right side of the operating body 2a is Return to the specified load. Accordingly, the load applied to the load sensor 31 disposed on the left side of the operation body 2a also returns to a predetermined load. In this way, it is detected that the operation in any one of the plane directions is stopped when the load applied to all the load sensors 31 becomes a predetermined load.

  Next, an operation when the operating body 2a is operated in the back direction (see FIG. 2) will be described. When the operation body 2a is operated in the back direction, the load sensors 31 provided at the four positions of the operation member 2 of the present embodiment simultaneously apply a load that is equal to or greater than a predetermined load. This detects that it operated in the back direction. The operation of the component parts at this time will be described below.

  The detailed operation of the component will be described with reference to FIG. When the operation body 2a is operated in the back direction (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 9), the same operation is performed on the load sensor 31 arranged in any direction. Only the operation is shown.

  At the time of non-operation, the positional relationship among the operation body 2a, the drive member 22, the first urging member 23, the second urging member 24, and the load sensor 31 is as shown in FIG. The cam portion 2d and the pressing portion 22c of the drive member 22 are in contact with each other, and a predetermined load is applied to the load sensor 31 as described above.

  When the operating body 2a is operated in the back direction (arrow C direction) from the state of FIG. 9A, the drive member 22 whose pressing portion 22c is pressed by the cam portion 2d is in the direction of arrow D with the vicinity of the shaft portion 22d as a fulcrum. And the second urging member 24 is pressed in the back direction by the drive portion 22e.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the second urging member 24 pressed in the back direction by the drive member 22 has a contact portion with the load sensor 31 arranged at the intermediate point between the two drive portions 22e. The load is applied to the load sensor 31 by bending in the back direction as a fulcrum.

  Although only one load sensor 31 is shown in FIG. 9, all four load sensors 31 to which a load is applied by the second biasing member 24 have a load stronger than a predetermined load that is always applied. By adding, it detects that it was operated in the back direction.

  When the operation in the back direction is stopped, the driving member 22 is urged forward by the urging force of the second urging member 24 to return to the original position while pressing the operating body 2a, and the driving member 22 is pressed. The operation body 2a thus restored returns to the original position, and the load applied to the load sensor 31 also returns to a predetermined load. It is detected that the operation in the back direction is stopped when the load applied to the load sensor 31 returns to a predetermined load.

  Next, the operation when the operating body 2a is operated in the forward direction will be described with reference to FIG. When the operation body 2a is operated in the forward direction, the load sensors 31 provided at the four positions of the operation member 2 of the present embodiment are simultaneously operated in the same manner. Therefore, only one of the positions is shown in FIG. ing.

  When not operated, the positional relationship among the operating body 2a, the drive member 22, the first urging member 23, the second urging member 24, and the load sensor 31 is the cam of the operating body 2a as shown in FIG. The portion 2d and the pressing portion 22c of the driving member 22 are in contact with each other, and a predetermined load is applied to the load sensor 31 as described above.

  When the operating body 2a is operated in the front direction (arrow E direction) against the urging force of the first urging member 23 from the state of FIG. 10A, the relationship between the cam portion 2d and the pressing portion 22c. In this case, the load applied to the load sensor 31 is weakened as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, only one of the load sensors 31 is illustrated, but all four load sensors 31 are operated in the forward direction because the addition is weaker than the predetermined load that is always applied. Is detected.

  When the operation in the front direction is stopped, the operating body 2a is urged in the back direction by the urging force of the first urging member 23 to return to the original position, pressing the driving member 22, and the second urging force. The load sensor 31 is urged through the urging member 24, and the applied load returns to a predetermined load. It is detected that the operation in the front direction is stopped when the load applied to the load sensor 31 returns to a predetermined load.

  Next, a method for illuminating the operating body 2a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the operating body 2a and the illumination member 32. As shown in FIG. Note that only the detection unit 13 and the operating body 2a are shown for easy understanding of the positional relationship.

  A substrate 33 is disposed so as to surround the operation body 2 a, and one illumination member 32 capable of irradiating light is disposed near each of the four corners of the substrate 33. Further, the illumination members 32 arranged in the vicinity of the four corners of the substrate 33 are arranged in such a direction that they can be irradiated toward the four corners of the operation body 2a.

  When the irradiation light of the illumination member 32 enters from the four corners of the operation body 2a formed of a synthetic resin material having translucency, the entire operation body 2a is illuminated.

  Further, the combination of the color of the synthetic resin material having translucency and the light emission color of the illumination member 32 may be freely combined according to the intended use.

  Next, the electrical configuration (circuit configuration) and processing procedure of the information input apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the information input device 1 provided with the operation member 2. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 12, only the electrical configuration related to the operation member 2 is shown in blocks, and the configuration of the keyboard unit 4 and the like is not shown.

  As described above, the operation member 2 is provided with the four load sensors 31, and the output part of each load sensor 31 is connected to the detection part 1 </ b> A configured with an amplification circuit or the like. . Each detection unit 1A is connected to an analog input port of the control unit 1C. The control unit 1C is composed of a microprocessor (MPU) and controls the entire information input device 1. An image processing unit 1D is connected to the control unit 1C, and a display unit 1E constituting the display screen 3 is connected to the image processing unit 1D. The image processing unit 1D sends an image signal to the display unit 1E based on a control signal from the control unit 1C, and displays an image on the display unit 1E (display screen 3).

  In the information input device 1 configured as described above, when the operation body 2a of the operation member 2 is operated, as described above, the load applied to the corresponding load sensor 31 changes according to the operation. With this load change, an output signal such as a voltage output from the load sensor 31 changes, and the output voltage amplified by the detection unit 1A is input to the control unit 1C. The control unit 1C calculates the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation body 2a based on the output voltage obtained from each detection unit 1A. That is, the control unit 1C determines how much the operation body 2a is operated in which direction of the three orthogonal axes (X axis, Y axis, Z axis).

  Then, the control unit 1C provides data (calculation results) related to the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation body 2a to the image such as the movement direction, the movement amount, or the size of the image (for example, cursor) displayed on the display screen 3. The data is converted into data, and a control signal corresponding to the data is output to the image processing unit 1D. The image processing unit 1D generates an image signal based on the control signal, and sends the image signal to the display unit 1E, whereby the image displayed on the display unit 1E (display screen 3) changes (scrolling or enlarging). Or reduction). In this way, the image on the display screen 3 changes in accordance with the operation of the operation body 2a. In the following description of the operation method, in order to facilitate understanding, signal processing and procedures from the load sensor 31 are performed. The description about is omitted. Note that the block diagram and signal processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 are the same in the information input device of the first to fourth embodiments, and therefore the description thereof is omitted in the second and subsequent embodiments.

  Next, an operation method of the information input device 1 using the operation member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation method in the up-down direction (Y-axis direction) and the left-right direction (X-axis direction) when the keyboard unit 4 is closed. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation method in the near / back direction (Z-axis direction) when the keyboard unit 4 is closed. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the image 6 before operation is indicated by a broken line, and the image after operation is indicated by a solid line.

  The information input device 1 is in a state in which the keyboard portion 4 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is closed, and the keyboard portion 4 as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D is opened. There is a state.

  First, an operation method of the information input device 1 in a state in which the keyboard unit 4 is closed will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the information input device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the operation body 2a is in the state where the keyboard 4 (see FIG. 1 (c)) is closed. It is exposed on the front side and the back side. That is, the first operation surface portion 2 b is exposed from the opening 8 a on the front surface side of the housing 8, and the second operation surface portion 2 c is exposed from the opening 8 b on the back surface side of the housing 8.

  In a state where the keyboard unit 4 is closed, the information input device 1 can input information by operating the operation member 2 (operation body 2a).

  For example, the image displayed on the display screen 3 is scrolled (moved) in the up / down / left / right directions along the display screen 3 by operating the operation body 2a in the left / right (X-axis) direction and the up / down (Y-axis) direction. The image can be enlarged or reduced by an operation in the front / back (Z-axis) direction of 2a.

  If the display screen 3 is a screen capable of 3D display (three-dimensional display), the cursor displayed on the display screen 3 by the operation in the left and right (X axis) direction and the up and down (Y axis) direction is displayed on the display screen 3. The cursor can be moved in the depth direction of the display screen 3 by an operation in the front / back (Z-axis) direction.

  In the examples of the information input operation described above, the image and the cursor are given as the operation targets. However, the examples are not limited to the image and the cursor.

  A specific example of information input operation is shown below.

  As an example of the information input operation in a state where the keyboard unit 4 is closed, as shown in FIG. 13, the first operation surface unit 2b and the first operation surface unit 2b of the operation body 2a exposed on the front side and the back side of the information input device 1 are used. It is possible to operate by gripping the operation surface portion 2c of 2 with fingers 5 (thumb and other fingers) from both sides and moving the operation body 2a in an arbitrary direction.

  For example, when it is desired to move the image 6 displayed on the display screen 3 in the upward direction shown in FIG. 13, the first operation surface portion 2b on the near side and the second operation surface portion 2c on the back side are moved with the finger 5 or the like. The image displayed on the display screen 3 can be moved upward by operating the operating tool 2a upward (in the direction of arrow Y1) while being held. In the case where it is desired to move downward, rightward, and leftward, the display screen can be obtained by operating the operating member 2 while holding the operating body 2a with the fingers 5 from the near side and the far side in the same direction. The image 6 displayed in 3 can be moved in the direction in which it is desired to move.

  Therefore, in the plane direction (vertical direction / horizontal direction), the direction in which the operating body 2a of the operating member 2 is operated and the moving direction of the image displayed on the display screen 3 can be matched.

  Next, an information input operation for reducing and enlarging an image displayed on the display screen 3 will be described.

  When the image displayed on the display screen 3 is reduced, as shown in FIG. 14A, the operation body 2a is pointed at the first operation surface portion 2b on the near side and the second operation surface portion 2c on the back side. The image 6 displayed on the display screen 3 can be reduced by operating the operating tool 2a in the back direction (in the direction of arrow Z1) while being held by 5 or the like.

  When the image displayed on the display screen 3 is enlarged, as shown in FIG. 14B, the operating body 2a is moved forward while the operating body 2a is held by the finger 5 from the front surface side and the back surface side. By operating in the direction of arrow Z2, the image 6 displayed on the display screen 3 can be enlarged.

  Accordingly, the enlargement / reduction of the image 6 is also enlarged when the operation body 2a of the operation member 2 is operated in the forward direction (to make the operation closer), and is reduced when operated in the rear direction (the operation to move away). The direction in which the operation body 2a is operated and the enlargement / reduction operation of the image 6 can be sensibly matched.

  Further, when the display screen 3 is a screen capable of 3D display, it can be operated in the same manner as the information input operation described above.

  When the image 6 (for example, the cursor) displayed on the display screen 3 is moved in the plane direction (vertical direction / horizontal direction), the direction in which the operating tool 2a is operated and the display are displayed in the same manner as the information input operation described above. The moving direction of the image 6 displayed on the screen 3 can be matched.

  Further, when the image 6 is moved in the front direction / backward direction, as shown in FIG. 14A, the image 6 is moved in the back direction by operating the operating body 2a in the back direction (Z1 direction). As shown in FIG. 14B, the image 6 can be moved in the forward direction by operating the operating body 2a in the forward direction (Z2 direction).

  Therefore, when the image displayed on the display screen 3 is moved in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front and back directions, the direction in which the operation body 2a of the operation member 2 is operated and the movement of the image 6 displayed on the display screen 3 are moved. The direction can be matched.

  Next, an information input operation method in a state in which the information input device 1 opens the keyboard unit 4 as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation method in a state where the keyboard unit 4 is opened.

  When the information input device 1 opens the keyboard portion 4 as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the operation body 2 a of the operation member 2 is the first operation surface portion 2 b on the near side of the information input device 1. Only the second operation surface portion 2c on the back side is covered with the slidable keyboard portion 4 and is not exposed. When the information input device 1 is in the state shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the information input device 1 can input information by operating the operation member 2 and the keyboard unit 4.

  The keyboard unit 4 can input character information by pressing a key, as in an existing mobile phone.

  Since the operation member 2 cannot operate the second operation surface portion 2c on the back side by opening the keyboard portion 4, the operation body 2a cannot be operated in the front direction shown in FIG. Operation is possible in the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

  In the present embodiment, the operating body 2a is structured such that only the front side is exposed when the keyboard portion 4 is opened. However, only the back side may be exposed, and the first operating surface portion 2b exposed to the front side may be used. Alternatively, the operation body 2a can be operated using either one of the second operation surface portions 2c exposed to the back side.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation body 2a can be used in the same way as the cursor operation keys of an existing mobile phone by operating the operation body 2a in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the operation body 2a can be operated in the back direction. Then, it can be used as a key for operating the cursor and determining the selected command.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the operation method of the operation member 2 is interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the keyboard unit 4 so that the front side operation body 2a (first operation surface part 2b) and the back side operation body 2a. Although the operation using the (second operation surface portion 2c) or the operation using any one of the operation surface portions is changed, the operation may not be linked to the opening / closing operation of the keyboard portion 4.

  For example, a part provided with the operation member 2 may be provided, and the operation method may be switched by sliding the part, or the first operation surface part 2b on the near side and the second operation surface part 2c on the far side are always provided. It is good also as a setting to use and operate.

  Below, the effect of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The information input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation member 2 and a casing 8 provided with the operation member 2, and controls an image displayed on the display screen 3 by operating the operation member 2. The operation member 2 has an operation body 2a that can be operated in both directions in the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front and back directions, which are three axes orthogonal to each other, in the operation direction of the operation body 2a exposed from the housing 8. In addition, the image displayed on the display screen 3 is controlled.

  Thus, using only the operation member 2, the image displayed on the display screen 3 can be operated in both directions in the left and right directions, the up and down directions, and the front and back directions, which are three axes orthogonal to each other. It is possible to easily perform complex movements and continuous movements on the image displayed on the screen.

  Moreover, in the information input device 1 of this embodiment, the operation body 2a has the 1st operation surface part 2b and the 2nd operation surface part 2c which oppose, the 1st operation surface part 2b, the 2nd operation surface part 2c, Is arranged so as to be exposed on the near side and the far side of the information input device 1 (housing 8), and holds the first operation surface portion 2b and the second operation surface portion 2c from the near side and the far side to operate the operating body. 2a was made operable.

  As a result, the operating body 2a is gripped and operated from the near side and the far side, so that when operating the operating body 2a to the near side, the operation body 2a is operated more than when the operation body 2a is pinched and pulled to the near side. The effect is that it is easier to remove.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the operating body 2a can press the first operating surface portion 2b from the near side and push up the second operating surface portion 2c from the far side, so that・ It is operated in both directions in the back direction.

  Thereby, the operation body 2a can be operated to the near side by pushing up the second operation surface portion 2c from the back side, and there is an effect that the operation becomes easier.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the operation body 2a can be operated using either the first operation surface portion 2b exposed on the front side or the second operation surface portion 2c exposed on the back side. .

  Accordingly, the operation member 2 can be operated using either the first operation surface portion 2b exposed on the front side of the information input device 1 or the second operation surface portion 2c exposed on the back side. The multi-directional input device described in 1 can be used in the same way as the information input device.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the image displayed on the display screen 3 by the horizontal and vertical operations is scrolled in the vertical and horizontal directions along the display screen 3, and the images are displayed by the front and back operations. Is enlarged or reduced.

  As a result, the image displayed on the display screen 3 can be scrolled in the vertical and horizontal directions using only the operation member 2, and the image can be enlarged or reduced.

  In the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the display screen 3 is a 3D screen, and the cursor displayed on the display screen 3 is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions along the display screen 3 by operations in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. At the same time, the cursor is moved in the depth direction of the display screen 3 by an operation in the front and back directions.

  Thereby, when the display screen 3 is a screen capable of 3D display, the image displayed on the display screen 3 can be scrolled up and down, left and right using only the operation member 2, and the image is forward and backward. Can be moved to.

  In the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the information input device is a mobile phone.

  As a result, the character information can be input in the same manner as a conventional mobile phone by using the keyboard unit 4, and the cursor can be moved when the Internet is connected, and the image displayed on the display screen 3 can be enlarged and displayed. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a mobile phone that can intuitively perform operations such as reduction using the operation member 2.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the operation member 2 can be operated by sandwiching the operation body 2a from the front surface side and the back surface side, so that the direction of operating the operation body 2a is displayed in the front and back directions. When the operating body 2a is operated in the forward direction, the image or the like can be enlarged, and when the operating body 2a is operated in the back direction, the image or the like can be reduced.

  As a result, the conventional information input device is provided with a switch in addition to the operation member, and the image input can be enlarged or reduced by a combination operation such as operating the information input device upward while pressing the switch. Compared to moving an image or the like in the direction, the direction in which the operation member 2 (operation body 2a) is operated and the movement of the image or the like coincide with each other. There is an effect.

  Further, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the single operation member 2 operates, enlarges, and enlarges the images displayed on the display screen 3 in the left and right directions, the up and down directions, and the front and back directions, which are three axes orthogonal to each other. Reduction is possible.

  Thereby, the number of parts mounted in the information input apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be reduced, and there exists an effect in size reduction of the information input apparatus 1 and efficient arrangement | positioning of a component.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an information input device 50 of the second embodiment. FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing the information input device 50 with the slide portion 50a closed, and FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing the information input device 50 with the slide portion 50a open.

  An information input device 50 according to the second embodiment is a digital camera using an operation member 2 as in the information input device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG.

  For example, the operation member 2 usually has either one of the front operation body 2a (first operation surface portion 2b) or the rear operation body 2a (second operation surface portion 2c) as the main body of the information input device 50. A structure that is exposed and can be operated using both the front operation body 2a and the back operation body 2a by being pulled out from the main body of the information input device 50 by a slide mechanism or the like, if necessary. To do.

  Below, the operation method of the information input device 50 is demonstrated. However, the description of the operation member 2 and the circuit configuration (electrical configuration) used also in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the names and symbols of the operation member 2 will be used as they are.

  When performing various settings (strobe settings, etc.) of the information input device 50, which is a digital camera, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), only the operating body 2a on one side is exposed, The cursor displayed on the display screen 3 is moved by inputting in the right and left directions, and the selected setting condition can be determined by inputting in the back direction.

  Further, when photographing with the information input device 50 which is a digital camera, the slide portion 50a of the information input device 50 is slid, the operation member 2 is pulled out from the main body, and the front-side operation body 2a and the back-side operation body 2a. By using both of these, operations for enlarging / reducing the photographing range, adjusting the focus position, and the like can be performed.

  Thus, the direction in which the operating body 2a of the operating member 2 is operated can be matched with the direction in which the focus position is moved.

  Also, the enlargement / reduction of the photographing range is enlarged when the operation body 2a of the operation member 2 is operated in the forward direction (to make it closer), and is reduced when operated in the rear direction (to make it away). The direction in which the operating body 2a is operated can be sensibly matched with the operation of enlarging / reducing the shooting range.

  In FIG. 16, the slide portion 50a is shown as a structure that slides in the right direction. However, a structure that slides in a direction other than the right direction may be used in consideration of ease of use.

  In this embodiment, the operation member 2 is used for an operation for adjusting the focus position, an operation for enlarging / reducing the photographing range, and the like, but it may be used for other purposes.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a digital camera that can intuitively perform operations such as an operation for enlarging / reducing the photographing range and a focus position adjusting operation by operating only the operation member 2.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an information input device 60 of the third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a plan view showing the surface of the information input device 60, and FIG. 17B is a plan view showing the back surface of the information input device 60 with the slide portion 60a open. ) Is a plan view showing the back side surface of the information input device 60 in a state in which the slide portion 60a is closed.

  An information input device 60 according to the third embodiment is a portable game machine using an operation member 2 in which the operation body 2a is exposed from the main body as in the information input device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. is there.

  Below, the operation method of the information input device 60 is demonstrated. However, the description of the operation member 2 and the circuit configuration used also in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the names and symbols of the operation member 2 will be used as they are. In addition, with respect to a plane formed by the horizontal axis and the vertical axis shown in FIG. 17, a direction perpendicular to the front surface side is a front direction, and a direction perpendicular to the back surface side is a back direction.

  The information input device 60, which is a portable game machine, uses an operation method 2a (first operation surface portion 2b) on the front surface side and an operation body 2a (second operation surface portion 2c) on the back surface side in accordance with the game software to be used. ) Or using either one of the front-side operation body 2a (first operation surface portion 2b) or the back-side operation body 2a (second operation surface portion 2c). You can choose.

  For example, when using game software having a display screen 3 capable of 3D display and capable of operating a character in a three-dimensional direction, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the slide unit By opening 60a, it is possible to operate using both the front-side operation body 2a and the back-side operation body 2a. As a result, it is possible to input in the left / right direction, the up / down direction, and the front / back direction with respect to the operation body 2a, and the character displayed on the display screen 3 can be moved in the input operation direction.

  In the case of game software that can be operated in the same input operation direction as that of a conventional portable game machine, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17C, the slide portion 60a is closed. Thus, an operation using only the operation body 2a (first operation surface portion 2b) on the near side is possible. By performing input operations in the vertical and horizontal directions, the characters and cursors displayed on the display screen 3 can be moved in the input operation direction. By operating in the back direction, for example, the cursor can be moved and selected. Command can be determined.

  In this way, the direction in which the operating body 2a of the operating member 2 is operated can be matched with the direction in which the character is moved.

  As described above, in this embodiment, operations in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front and back directions, which are orthogonal to each other, can be performed only by the operation member 2, so that it is possible to easily perform character operations and input of various commands. A portable game device capable of being provided can be provided.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an information input device 70 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a top view showing a top shape of the information input device 70, and FIG. 18B is a side view showing a side shape of the information input device 70.

  As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the information input device 70 of the fourth embodiment is a portable audio using the operation member 2 similarly to the information input device 1 of the first embodiment.

    Below, the operation method of the information input device 70 is demonstrated. However, the description of the operation member 2 and the circuit configuration used also in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the names and symbols of the operation member 2 will be used as they are.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the information input device 70 that is a portable audio can listen to music or the like via the earphone 70 a and can view an image displayed on the display screen 3. Since the operation body 2a is exposed from the opening provided in the main body (housing) to the front side and the back side, the operation body 2a on the front side (first operation surface portion 2b) and the operation body 2a on the back side ( It is possible to operate using both of the second operation surface portions 2c).

  For example, the title of a song or image can be selected by performing an input operation in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 18, and the song or image can be fast-forwarded or fast-reversed by performing an input operation in the left-right direction. By doing so, the volume can be adjusted.

  Note that the assignment of functions (such as title selection) to the input direction (such as the vertical direction) is an example of assignment, and different functions may be assigned.

  Further, in this embodiment, the operation member 2 is incorporated in the main body of the information input device 70 as shown in FIG. 18, but the configuration in which the operation member 2 is incorporated in the earphone 70a or the main body of the information input device 70. And the structure by which the operation member 2 was integrated in both the earphones 70a may be sufficient.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the operation body 2a (the first operation surface portion 2b and the second operation surface portion 2c) is exposed on the front side and the back side. A shutter mechanism or the like may be provided on the back side so that operation can be performed using either the first operation surface portion 2b or the second operation surface portion 2c according to the application.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, operations in the left and right directions, the up and down directions, and the front and back directions, which are three orthogonal axes, can be performed by one operation member. This can sort out operations such as fast-forward / fast-rewind and volume increase / decrease, and can provide portable audio that can be operated in a variety of ways with a single operation member.

  As described above, the information input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is possible. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows, and these embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  (1) In the information input device 1 of the first embodiment and the information input device 50 of the second embodiment, a mobile phone is used as the information input device 1 and a digital camera is used as the information input device 50, but a digital video camera, a telescope, The same usage is possible with a microscope, surveying instrument, remote control for home appliances, remote control for navigation system (including portable navigation).

  (2) In the information input device 60 of the third embodiment, a portable game machine is used as the information input device 60. However, the same use is possible with a controller of a stationary game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information input device 2 Operation member 2a Operation body 2b 1st operation surface part 2c 2nd operation surface part 2d Cam part 2e Contact part 3 Display screen 4 Keyboard part 5 Finger 6 Image 8 Case 8a Opening 8b Opening 12 Operation unit 13 Detection unit 14 Internal housing 22 Drive member 22a Base 22b Leg portion 22c Pressing portion 22d Shaft portion 22e Drive portion 23 First bias member 24 Second bias member 31 Load sensor 32 Illumination member 33 Substrate 41 Case member 42 Cover Member 50 Information input device 50a Slide portion 60 Information input device 60a Slide portion 70 Information input device 70a Earphone

Claims (10)

In an information input device that includes an operation member and a housing provided with the operation member, and controls an image or the like displayed on a display screen by operating the operation member.
The operation member has an operation body that can be operated in both directions in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, which are three orthogonal axes, and the operation body is exposed from the housing. Information input device.   The operating body has opposing operation surface portions, the operation surface portions are arranged so as to be exposed on the front surface side and the back surface side of the housing, and the operation surface portions are gripped from the front surface side and the back surface side. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation body is operable.   The operation body can be operated to press one of the operation surface portions from the front surface side and can be operated to push up the other operation surface portion from the back surface side, and in the Z-axis direction by the pressing operation and the push operation. The information input device according to claim 2, wherein the information input device is operated in both directions.   The information input device according to claim 2, wherein the operation body can be operated using either one of the operation surface portion exposed on the front surface side or the operation surface portion exposed on the back surface side.   The image displayed on the display screen is scrolled vertically and horizontally along the display screen by operations in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the image is enlarged or reduced by operations in the Z-axis direction. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input device is an information input device.   The display screen is a three-dimensional screen, and a cursor displayed on the display screen by the operation in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions along the display screen, and the operation in the Z-axis direction is performed. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the cursor is moved in a depth direction of the display screen.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input device is a mobile phone.   The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information input device is a digital camera.   The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input device is a portable game device.   The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information input device is a portable audio.