JP2015045994A - Interface device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interface device improved in operability.SOLUTION: An interface device comprises: a first generator which is, in a rim or a lens having a portion corresponding to each of an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction in a screen of a computer with which the device is capable of communicating, extended in a portion corresponding to the X-axis direction, and which generates a first value in accordance with an operation by a user of a spectacle frame provided with the rim or the lens; a second generator which is extended in a portion corresponding to the Y-axis direction in the rim or the lens and which generates a second value in accordance with an operation by the user; and a coordinate information processor which converts the first and second values into a X-coordinate coordinate value and a Y-coordinate coordinate value in the screen of the computer, and which also exerts control so that a pointer is displayed at a position equivalent to the X-coordinate coordinate value and Y-coordinate coordinate value in the screen.

Description

  The present invention relates to an interface device for operating a computer system.

  A user of a computer system usually performs an input operation on the computer system using a pointing device that controls a pointer (such as a mouse cursor) displayed on the screen according to point information. When using, for example, a mouse as the pointing device, the user moves the pointer by placing the mouse on a desk and operating the mouse on the desk plane. When using a trackball, the user moves the pointer by rotating the sphere by hand.

  When performing the input operation in this way, the point information that the user actually wants to input via the pointing device is the point information on the computer screen that faces the user. Therefore, when performing an input operation using a device such as a mouse or a trackball, the user performs an input operation on a plane (for example, a desktop plane) having a different positional relationship from the computer screen to be input. Then, it is necessary to move the pointer of the computer screen by operating the device while imagining that the coordinates of the plane are converted to the coordinates of the computer screen.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a head-mounted image observation apparatus that can easily perform complicated operations such as screen scrolling and cursor movement.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a small and easy-to-operate pointing device that can be built in a personal computer or a mobile phone.

JP 2002-258209 A JP 2002-023948 A

  As described above, when the user performs an input operation using a mouse or a trackball, the user converts the coordinates of the plane on which the input operation is performed into coordinates on a computer screen having a positional relationship different from the plane. It is necessary to operate the device while imaging. Therefore, it is not easy to move the pointer according to the user's image, and there is a problem that such a pointing device lacks operability.

  The eyeglass-like image observation apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a track pad in a temple part that supports the eyeglass part and is placed on the user's ear, and the user can perform an input operation using the track pad. However, since the track pad also has a different positional relationship from the computer screen, there is a problem that it lacks operability.

  Similarly, the plane on which the pointing device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is operated has a positional relationship different from that of the computer screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and improves operability by enabling an input operation on a plane that is the same as or substantially the same as the screen directly facing the user or has a positional relationship close to the screen. The main object is to provide an interface device.

  The first interface device of the present invention extends to a portion corresponding to the X-axis direction in a rim or lens having portions corresponding respectively to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on a computer screen with which the device can communicate. A first generator for generating a first value in response to an operation by a user of the spectacle frame provided with the rim or lens, and an extension of the rim or lens to a portion corresponding to the Y-axis direction. A second generator for generating a second value in response to an operation by the user, and the first and second values as an X coordinate value and a Y coordinate value on the computer screen, And a coordinate information processor that controls to display a pointer at a position corresponding to the coordinate value of the X coordinate and the coordinate value of the Y coordinate on the screen.

  The first spectacles of the present invention are extended to a portion corresponding to the X-axis direction in a rim or lens having portions corresponding to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on a computer screen with which the device can communicate. A first generator for generating a first value in response to an operation by a user of the spectacle frame provided with the rim or lens, and a portion corresponding to the Y-axis direction in the rim or lens. A second generator for generating a second value in response to an operation by the user, and converting the first and second values into an X coordinate value and a Y coordinate value on the computer screen. An interface device including a coordinate information processing device that converts and controls a pointer to be displayed at a position corresponding to the coordinate value of the X coordinate and the coordinate value of the Y coordinate on the screen; And a frame.

  According to the present invention, an operability can be improved by an interface device that can perform an input operation on a plane that is the same as or substantially the same as the screen directly facing the user, or that has a positional relationship close to the screen. .

1 is a perspective view of an interface device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the coordinate in the interface apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the coordinate in a computer screen. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the X coordinate generator of the interface apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, a Y coordinate generator, and a coordinate information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detail of the Y coordinate generator of the interface apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the interface apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the interface apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a two-dimensional plane (XY plane) in which two coordinate axes (X axis, Y axis) are orthogonal to each other is assumed.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interface device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the interface device 100 includes a spectacle frame 101, an X coordinate generator 102, a Y coordinate generator 103, an X coordinate information signal line 104, a Y coordinate information signal line 105, a coordinate information processing device 106, and an interface signal. Line 107 is provided.

  The interface device 100 is communicably connected to a computer system (not shown) via an interface signal line 107.

  The eyeglass frame 101 of the interface apparatus 100 includes a rim 101a and a temple 101b that supports the rim 101a and is hung on the user's ear. The X coordinate generator 102 is arranged on the upper side of the rim 101a and generates a value corresponding to a coordinate value in a one-dimensional direction (X axis direction) according to a position touched by the user. The Y coordinate generator 103 is arranged on the side of the rim 101a and outputs a value corresponding to a coordinate value in a one-dimensional direction (Y-axis direction) according to the position touched by the user.

  The X coordinate information signal line 104 and the Y coordinate information signal line 105 send the X coordinate information and the Y coordinate information output from the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 to the coordinate information processing apparatus 106, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the coordinate information processing device 106 is provided in a temple 101 b in the vicinity of the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103. The coordinate information processing apparatus 106 acquires information from the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103, converts information according to the interface for the computer system, and outputs the converted value. The interface signal line 107 sends an output value from the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 to the computer system.

  In this embodiment, the output value from the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 is exemplified as being sent to the computer system via the interface signal line 107, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 and the computer system can communicate with each other wirelessly, and an output value may be sent from the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 to the computer system wirelessly. In FIG. 1, the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 are illustrated as extending on the rim 101a disposed in front of the user's left eye, but are extended on the rim 101a disposed in front of the right eye. May be.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the coordinates in the interface apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the coordinates on the computer screen 230 included in the computer system 220. The computer system 220 includes, for example, a general personal computer (PC) main body 250 and a display 260. The input operation by the user will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user wants to change the X coordinate of the pointer (mouse cursor) shown on the computer screen 230, the X coordinate generator 102 is provided with a knob 304 that is slidable along the extending direction of the X coordinate generator 102. The coordinate value of the X coordinate of the pointer can be changed by touching with the finger and sliding (sliding) the fingertip to the left and right while touching. It is assumed that the user touches a knob (lever) 304 of the X coordinate generator 102 with the left index finger 203 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the distance from the end near the center of the rim 101a in the X coordinate generator 102 to the contact position between the user's left index finger 203 and the X coordinate generator 102 is a distance 207, and the user's left hand index finger 203 and the X coordinate generation. A distance from the contact position with the device 102 to the end far from the center of the rim 101 a in the X coordinate generator 102 is a distance 208.

  At this time, the distance 207 and the distance 208 are the distance 231 from the right end of the computer screen 230 to the mouse cursor 235 and the distance from the mouse cursor 235 to the left end of the computer screen 230 with respect to the X coordinate of the mouse cursor 235 on the computer screen 230. The ratio is equal to the ratio to H.232.

  Similarly, when the user wants to change the Y coordinate of the pointer shown on the computer screen 230, the user points to the knob 308 provided in the Y coordinate generator 103 and slidable along the extending direction of the Y coordinate generator 103. The Y coordinate value of the point information can be changed by touching and sliding the fingertip up and down while touching. It is assumed that the user is touching the knob 308 of the Y coordinate generator 103 with the left thumb 204 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the distance from the upper end of the Y coordinate generator 103 to the contact position between the user's thumb 204 and the Y coordinate generator 103 is a distance 209, and the distance from the contact position between the user's thumb 204 and the Y coordinate generator 103 is Y. A distance to the lower end of the coordinate generator 103 is a distance 210.

  At this time, the distance 209 and the distance 210 are the distance 213 from the upper end of the computer screen 230 to the mouse cursor 235 and the distance from the mouse cursor 235 to the lower end of the computer screen 230 with respect to the Y coordinate of the mouse cursor 235 on the computer screen 230. The ratio is equal to the ratio of 214.

  For example, the interface device 100 increases the X coordinate value when the user slides the left index finger 203 toward the right in the X coordinate generator 102, and increases the X coordinate value when the user slides toward the left. You may control so that it may become small. Further, the interface device 100 increases the Y coordinate value when the user slides the left thumb 204 upward in the Y coordinate generator 103, for example, and the Y coordinate when the user slides the thumb thumb 204 downward. You may control so that a value may become small. Here, an increase in the X coordinate value means, for example, that the mouse cursor 235 on the computer screen 230 moves to the right when viewed from the user, and that an X coordinate value decreases means that the mouse coordinate moves to the left. Further, the Y coordinate value increases, for example, means that the mouse cursor 235 moves upward as viewed from the user, and the Y coordinate value decreases means that it moves downward.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the X coordinate generator 102, the Y coordinate generator 103, and the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 of the interface apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown below, the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 have the same structure as a slide type variable resistor (sliding resistor).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the X coordinate generator 102 includes an electrode plate 302, an electrode plate 303, and a knob 304 each having a coating film that functions as an electric resistance on the surface. Similarly, the Y coordinate generator 103 includes an electrode plate 306, an electrode plate 307, and a knob 308 each having a coating film that provides electrical resistance on the surface.

  The coordinate information processing apparatus 106 includes an X coordinate resistance value detector 312, a Y coordinate resistance value detector 313, and an output interface 314.

  The X coordinate generator 102 includes an electrode plate 302 and an electrode plate 303 arranged in parallel, and a knob 304 made of a conductor and having a protrusion. The knob 304 has a function of sliding (sliding) along the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 302 and the electrode plate 303 without detaching from the X coordinate generator 102 by a mechanism (not shown) such as a slide rail, and the electrode plate. 302 and the electrode plate 303 are short-circuited. The mechanism of the knob 304 is not limited to a specific mechanism, and a mechanism such as a general slide rail may be used.

  The Y coordinate generator 103 has the same configuration as the X coordinate generator 102.

  The electrode plate 302 and the electrode plate 303 included in the X coordinate generator 102 are connected to the X coordinate resistance value detector 312 included in the coordinate information processing device 106 via the X coordinate information signal line 104. The X coordinate resistance detector 312 has a function of detecting an electrical resistance value between the electrode plate 302 and the electrode plate 303 generated via the knob 304. Similarly to the X coordinate resistance value detector 312, the Y coordinate resistance value detector 313 also has a function of detecting an electrical resistance value between the electrode plate 306 and the electrode plate 307 generated via the knob 308.

  Information output from the X coordinate resistance value detector 312 and information output from the Y coordinate resistance value detector 313 are normalized by the output interface 314 and converted into a format usable on the computer screen 230 in the computer system 220. Is done. The converted data is sent to the computer system 220 via the interface signal line 107.

  Next, the mechanism of coordinate detection by the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, for example, the Y coordinate generator 103 will be described. The electrode plate 306 and the electrode plate 307 included in the Y coordinate generator 103 are short-circuited by a knob 308. Due to the coating provided on the surfaces of the electrode plate 306 and the electrode plate 307, electrical resistance is generated between the coordinate information signal lines 105 connected to the electrode plate 306 and the electrode plate 307, respectively.

  The value of the electrical resistance (resistance value) at this time is proportional to the distance 401 from the right end of the Y coordinate generator 103 to the knob 308. That is, by measuring this resistance value, the distance 401, that is, the coordinate value in the one-dimensional direction can be detected. By using this mechanism, the interface apparatus 100 can hold or change the coordinate position on the computer screen 230. The X coordinate generator 102 can also hold or change the coordinate position with the same configuration as the Y coordinate generator 103. It should be noted that the user can easily know the current coordinate information by searching the position of the knob 308 corresponding to the current coordinate information on the computer screen 230 with the fingertip of the protrusion of the knob 308.

  Normally, when a user of spectacles performs an input operation on the computer system 220, the user puts on the spectacles and performs an input operation with a posture facing the computer screen 230. At this time, the rim or lens of the glasses and the computer screen 230 are the same or substantially the same as each other, or have a positional relationship close to the screen. Therefore, the user puts the above-described interface device 100 on the ear and touches the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 to make the positional relationship the same as or substantially the same as the computer screen 230 or close to the screen. Input operation is possible on a flat surface. Thereby, the operability is improved as compared with the operation of a mouse or the like on a desk having a completely different positional relationship from the computer screen 230.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the interface apparatus 100 has the X coordinate that generates an electrical resistance corresponding to the sliding amount (sliding amount) of the knob 304 that is provided on the upper side of the rim 101a of the spectacle frame 101. A generator 102 and a Y coordinate generator 103 that extends on the side of the rim 101a of the spectacle frame 101 and generates an electrical resistance corresponding to the sliding amount of the knob 308 are provided. The interface device 100 further detects the resistance value from the X coordinate generator 102 and the resistance value from the Y coordinate generator 103, converts them into X coordinate values and Y coordinate values, and allows the device itself to communicate. A coordinate information processing apparatus 106 that transmits the information to a computer system 220.

  By adopting the above configuration, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to perform an input operation on a plane that is the same or substantially the same as the screen directly facing the user, or that has a positional relationship close to the screen. The effect that can be improved is obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the configuration in which the X coordinate generator 102 (Y coordinate generator 103) is provided linearly along the X axis (Y axis) forming the XY plane has been described as an example. . However, the present invention described using this embodiment as an example is not limited to such a configuration, and the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 may form an arc according to the appearance design of the interface device 100. . The same applies to each embodiment described below.

  In the present embodiment and each embodiment described below, the coordinate information processing device 106 is provided on the temple 101b of the eyeglass frame 101 as long as it can communicate with the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103. It is not limited to. For example, the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 may be connected to the input / output interface connector of the PC main body 250.

Further, in the present embodiment and each embodiment described below, the spectacle frame is not limited to a general spectacle frame having the rim 101a. For example, depending on the shape of the rim 101a for fixing the lens, at least one of the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 may be arranged on the lens itself.
Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment based on the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interface device 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the X coordinate generator 102 in the interface apparatus 400 is attached to the switch 401. The Y coordinate generator 103 is attached to the switch 402.

  In response to pressing of the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103, the switch 401 and the switch 402 respectively turn on / off corresponding to a general mouse right click or left click to generate an X coordinate. The coordinate information processing device 106 is notified via the device 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103. Generally, when a mouse is left-clicked, a pointer (mouse cursor) position indicated by the mouse is selected. In general, when a mouse is right-clicked, a list of functions that can be executed at the pointer position indicated by the mouse is displayed. In response to pressing of the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103, the switch 401 and the switch 402 each perform a function corresponding to such a general mouse left click or right click. Is sent to the coordinate information processing apparatus 106 via the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103.

  For example, when the X coordinate generator 102 is pressed by the user, the switch 401 detects the pressing and transmits the detection to the coordinate information processing apparatus 106. The coordinate information processing apparatus 106 transmits an instruction similar to a right click of the mouse to the computer system 220 (not shown). Similarly, when the Y coordinate generator 103 is pressed by the user, the switch 402 detects the pressing and transmits the detection to the coordinate information processing apparatus 106. The coordinate information processing apparatus 106 transmits an instruction similar to a left mouse click to the computer system 220. Alternatively, when the X coordinate generator 102 is pressed, an instruction similar to a left mouse click is transmitted to the computer system 220, and when the Y coordinate generator 103 is pressed, an instruction similar to a right mouse click is transmitted to the computer system 220. Also good.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the interface device 400, the X coordinate generator 102 and the Y coordinate generator 103 input ON / OFF corresponding to right click or left click of the mouse, respectively. Attached to switch 401 and switch 402. By adopting this configuration, the interface device 400 can realize the same operation as that of a mouse, and the effect that the operability can be improved can be obtained.

Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interface device 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the interface apparatus 500 includes a first generator (X coordinate generator) 501, a second generator (Y coordinate generator) 502, and a coordinate information processor 503.

  The first generator 501 includes a portion (upper side (X-axis) corresponding to the X-axis direction in a rim or lens having portions corresponding to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on a computer screen with which the device can communicate. The first generator 502 generates a first value (electric resistance value) in response to an operation by a user of the spectacle frame provided with the rim or lens. Alternatively, the lens is extended to a portion (side edge (side in the Y-axis direction)) corresponding to the Y-axis direction, and a second value (electric resistance value) is generated according to the operation by the user.

  The coordinate information processor 503 converts the first and second values into an X coordinate value and a Y coordinate value on the screen of the computer, and the X coordinate value and the coordinate value on the screen. Control is performed so that the pointer is displayed at a position corresponding to the coordinate value of the Y coordinate.

  By adopting the above configuration, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to perform an input operation on a plane that is the same or substantially the same as the screen directly facing the user, or that has a positional relationship close to the screen. The effect that can be improved is obtained.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, a computer system in which a pointer displayed on a computer screen is operated using a pointing device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Interface apparatus 101 Eyeglass frame 102 X coordinate generator 103 Y coordinate generator 104 X coordinate information signal line 105 Y coordinate information signal line 106 Coordinate information processing apparatus 107 Interface signal line 203 Left hand index finger 204 Left hand thumb 220 Computer system 230 Computer screen 250 PC body 260 Display 302, 303, 306, 307 Electrode plate 304, 308 Knob 312 X coordinate resistance value detector 313 Y coordinate resistance value detector 314 Output interface 401, 402 Switch

Claims (7)

A rim or lens having a portion corresponding to each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on a computer screen capable of communicating with the own apparatus is extended to a portion corresponding to the X-axis direction, and the rim or lens is provided. A first generator that produces a first value in response to an operation by a user of the spectacle frame;
A second generator extending in a portion corresponding to the Y-axis direction in the rim or lens and generating a second value in response to an operation by the user;
The first and second values are converted into an X-coordinate value and a Y-coordinate value on the computer screen, and the X-coordinate value and the Y-coordinate value on the screen are converted. An interface device comprising a coordinate information processor that controls to display a pointer at a corresponding position. Each of the first generator and the second generator includes at least two electrode plates and a conductor portion slidable between the two electrode plates, and the conductor portion is slid from a predetermined position. It generates electrical resistance according to the amount of movement,
The coordinate information processor converts the value of the electrical resistance generated by the first generator into a coordinate value of the X coordinate, and converts the value of the electrical resistance generated by the second generator to The interface device according to claim 1, wherein the interface device converts the coordinate value to a Y coordinate value. The first generator includes a first electrode plate having a film serving as an electric resistance, and a second electrode plate disposed parallel or substantially parallel to the first electrode plate and having a film serving as an electric resistance. A conductor portion that is slidable between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate and short-circuits the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate;
The coordinate information processor converts an electrical resistance value generated between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate via the conductor portion into a coordinate value of the X coordinate. 2. The interface device according to 2. The second generator includes a first electrode plate having a film that provides electrical resistance, and a second electrode plate that is disposed in parallel or substantially parallel to the first electrode plate and has a film that provides electrical resistance. A conductor portion that is slidable between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate and short-circuits the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate;
The coordinate information processor converts an electrical resistance value generated between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate via the conductor portion into a coordinate value of the Y coordinate. 4. The interface device according to any one of 3. 5. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising: a switch that instructs the computer to select the pointer position when the first generator or the second generator is pressed. The interface device according to any one of the preceding claims. A switch for instructing the computer to display a list of functions that can be executed by the information processing device at the pointer position when the first generator or the second generator is pressed; The interface device according to any one of claims 1 and 5. A rim or lens having a portion corresponding to each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on a computer screen capable of communicating with the own apparatus is extended to a portion corresponding to the X-axis direction, and the rim or lens is provided. A first generator that generates a first value in response to an operation by a user of the spectacle frame, and a portion of the rim or lens that extends to a portion corresponding to the Y-axis direction, and that corresponds to the operation by the user A second generator for generating a second value, and converting the first and second values into an X-coordinate value and a Y-coordinate value on the computer screen, and the X-value on the screen. An interface device including a coordinate information processor that controls to display a pointer at a position corresponding to the coordinate value of the coordinate and the coordinate value of the Y coordinate;
Eyeglasses comprising the eyeglass frame.

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