JP2557316B2 - Multi-dimensional information input device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multidimensional information input device, and more particularly to a multidimensional information input trackball capable of inputting other information together with plane coordinate position information (two-dimensional information).
The present invention relates to a mouse for inputting multidimensional information and other mechanisms.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of personal computers, computers have been used for various purposes. In particular, in recent years, in order to easily operate a computer, there has been an increasing number of methods of operating the computer only with an input device such as a mouse or a trackball without using a keyboard. However, these input devices such as a mouse and a trackball are limited to input of plane coordinates (two-dimensional) because of their basic structure. However,
Along with the rapid improvement in the performance of personal computers, applications for handling multidimensional information such as three-dimensional parts, three-dimensional graphics, and image information are increasing. This tendency is becoming very strong especially in games using computers.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional mouse, specifically, FIG. 15a is a plan view showing the relationship between a mouse and a keyboard, and FIG. 15b is a plan view of the mouse. 15c is a cross-sectional view of the mouse. In the conventional mouse, as shown in FIG. 15a, the mouse 12 is placed on the side of the keyboard 10 (for example, a table (not shown)) and operated on the table. As shown in FIGS. 15b and 15c, mouse 12
Has a ball 14 rotatably arranged inside the mouse body 13. The ball 14 is rotated on the table when the mouse 12 is moved on the table. Ball 1
The rotational movement of 4 is sensor 16, 1 which is usually a photocoupler as plane coordinate information (X-axis information and Y-axis information).
Read by 8. Two click switches 20 and 22 are arranged on the upper front part of the mouse body 11.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional trackball, specifically, FIG. 16a is a plan view showing the relationship between the trackball and the keyboard, and FIG. 16b is a plan view of the trackball. FIG. 16c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball. The conventional trackball 32 is
As shown in FIG. 16 a, it is used by being attached to the side portion of the main body 11 of the keyboard 10. 16b and 16c
As shown in FIG. 3, the trackball 32 is rotatably arranged such that the ball 34 partially protrudes from the center of the main body 33, and the ball 34 is rotated by the operation of a finger. The rotational movement of the ball 34 is calculated by the plane coordinate information (X
(Axis information and Y-axis information) are usually read by sensors 36, 38 which are photocouplers. Two click switches 42 and 44 are arranged on the rear side of the trackball body 33. Trackball body 33
Is connected to a keyboard attachment 46 via a tilt joint 48 for adjusting the operating position, and the trackball body 33 is attached to the keyboard attachment 46.
Attached to the keyboard body 11.

[0005]

As described above, the mouse and trackball, which are widely used at present, capture the movement of the built-in ball in plane coordinates, that is, in the vertical and horizontal directions.
The movement of the axis in the direction (X-axis and Y-axis) is captured, and the rotation of the axis is sent as a pulse to the computer. However, when a computer user inputs three-dimensional information, the current mouse and trackball can only handle information in two directions. For this reason,
By performing some kind of soft switching, input in the height direction (Z axis) or rotation about each axis is input. However, in this method, the mouse and the trackball are forcibly operated as inputs in different directions (axes), so that the user is required to make a motion that is completely incompatible with the user's feeling.

It is important for the input device of the computer that the sense of operation of the user and the information to be input become more natural, and more people can easily handle the computer.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multidimensional input device which can input other information in a more natural form in addition to the plane coordinate information.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a plane coordinate position for inputting plane coordinate information consisting of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. For detecting the horizontal coordinate position, a trackball body provided with the horizontal coordinate position detecting means, a connecting means for rotatably connecting the trackball main body to a keyboard, and a rotation amount of the trackball main body. A trackball having a rotation amount detecting means for detecting is used.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, various preferred embodiments of the multidimensional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Example 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to Example 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a trackball. In FIG. 1a, for convenience, the coordinate axis system has a direction in which the trackball is attached to the keyboard as the X-axis, and a direction that penetrates the plane of the paper, that is, a direction that intersects the upper surface of the trackball and is orthogonal to the X-axis, as the Y-axis. ,
The vertical direction of the paper surface, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the trackball is the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 1b, the trackball body 101 is constructed so as to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via a torsion bar bearing 104 and a holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 is a T-shape that extends from the keyboard attachment 102 in the X-axis direction and changes its orientation in the Y-axis direction at its tip. The torsion bar bearing 104 is supported by the T-shaped Y-axis portion of the holding shaft 103 and is connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, when rotation about the Y axis as shown by arrow A is applied to the trackball main body 101, the trackball main body 101 is rotated about the Y axis, but the torsion bar bearing 104 exerts a restoring force. Since it has, the trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position when the rotational force is lost. In the non-rotating part at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104,
For example, fan-shaped light-shielding plate 10 with slits provided at equal intervals
5 is attached. Also, the trackball body 101
A sensor 106 including, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged inside the light shielding plate 105, and the light shielding plate 105 and the sensor 106 detect the rotation amount of the trackball body with respect to the Y axis. It constitutes a rotation sensor. With this configuration, when a rotational force centered on the Y axis is applied to the trackball body 101, the amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position)
In addition, the amount of rotation about the Y axis can be obtained as information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the first embodiment, FIG. 2a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 2b is a plan view of a trackball. 2c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball shown in FIG.
FIG. 3D is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball. In FIGS. 2a to 2d, components having the same configuration or the same function as those in FIGS. 1a and 1b are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following embodiments, parts having the same configurations or functions as those in FIGS. 1a and 1b are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 2a shows a coordinate system similar to that of FIG. Ia.
2B to 2D, the trackball body 101 is configured to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via a torsion bar bearing 104 and a holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 is the keyboard attachment 1
It is a T-shape extending from 02 in the X-axis direction and changing its direction in the Y-axis direction at its tip. Torsion bar bearing 104
Is supported by the T-shaped Y-axis portion of the holding shaft 103 and connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, when rotation about the Y axis as shown by arrow A is applied to the trackball main body 101, the trackball main body 101 is rotated about the Y axis, but the torsion bar bearing 104 exerts a restoring force. Because I have it, when the turning force disappears,
The trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position. A fan-shaped light-shielding plate 105 is attached to the non-rotating portion at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104, for example, with slits provided at equal intervals. In addition, in the trackball body 101,
For example, a sensor 106 including a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged with a light shielding plate 105 sandwiched therebetween, and the light shielding plate 105 and the sensor 106 constitute a rotation sensor that detects a rotation amount of the trackball body with respect to the Y axis. are doing. With this configuration, when a rotational force about the Y axis is applied to the trackball body 101,
The amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the amount of rotation about the Y-axis can be obtained as information.

Further, reference numeral 107 denotes a rotatably arranged ball, 108 and 109 denote sensors for detecting the rotation of the ball as information on the amount of rotation of the X axis and the Y axis, and 110 denotes a torsion bar bearing 104. 1 shows a bellows-shaped protection member that protects from the outside.

The operation of the trackball described above will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2d, the trackball body can be lifted upward from a substantially horizontal position, for example, as shown by an arrow A ₀ , that is, about the Y axis. It can be rotated and the trackball body can be compared from a horizontal position, for example, arrow A
It can be lowered downwards as indicated by ₁ , i.e. it can rotate about the Y axis. Thus, as mentioned above,
The amount of rotation about the Y axis can be obtained as information.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 3a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a trackball. In FIG. 3a, for the sake of convenience, the coordinate axis system has the X-axis as the direction in which the trackball is attached to the keyboard, and the Y-axis as the direction that penetrates the plane of the drawing, that is, the direction that crosses the upper surface of the trackball and is orthogonal to the X-axis. ,
The vertical direction of the paper surface, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the trackball is the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 3b, the trackball body 101 is configured to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via a torsion bar bearing 104 and a holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 is a T-shape that extends from the keyboard attachment 102 in the X-axis direction and changes its direction in the Z-axis direction at its tip. The torsion bar bearing 104 is supported by the T-shaped Z-axis portion of the holding shaft 103 and connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, when rotation about the Z axis as shown by arrow B is applied to the trackball body 101, the trackball body 101 rotates about the Z axis, but the torsion bar bearing 104 has a restoring force. Therefore, when the rotational force disappears, the trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position. In the non-rotating part at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104,
For example, fan-shaped light-shielding plate 10 with slits provided at equal intervals
5 is attached. Also, the trackball body 101
A sensor 106 including, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged inside the light shielding plate 105, and the light shielding plate 105 and the sensor 106 detect the rotation amount of the trackball body with respect to the Z axis. It constitutes a rotation sensor. With this configuration, when a rotational force centered on the Z axis is applied to the trackball body 101, the amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position)
In addition, the amount of rotation about the Z axis can be obtained as information. It should be noted that the rotation amount and the position on the Z axis may be associated with each other to obtain the position corresponding to the rotation amount as information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the first embodiment, FIG. 4a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 4b is a plan view of a trackball. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball shown in FIG.
FIG. 3D is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball. In FIGS. 4a to 4d, components having the same configurations or functions as those of FIGS. 3a and 3b are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 4a shows a coordinate system similar to that of FIG. 3a.
4B to 4D, the trackball body 101 is configured to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via the torsion bar bearing 104 and the holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 is the keyboard attachment 1
It is a T-shape that extends from 02 in the X-axis direction and changes its direction in the Z-axis direction at its tip. Torsion bar bearing 104
Are supported by the T-shaped Z-axis portion of the holding shaft 103 and connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, when rotation about the Z axis as shown by arrow B is applied to the trackball body 101, the trackball body 101 rotates about the Z axis, but the torsion bar bearing 104 has a restoring force. So when the torque is lost,
The trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position. A fan-shaped light-shielding plate 105 is attached to the non-rotating portion at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104, for example, with slits provided at equal intervals. In addition, in the trackball body 101,
For example, a sensor 106 including a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged with a light shielding plate 105 sandwiched therebetween, and the light shielding plate 105 and the sensor 106 constitute a rotation sensor that detects a rotation amount of the trackball main body with respect to the Z axis. are doing. With this configuration, when a rotational force about the Z axis is applied to the trackball body 101,
The amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the second embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the amount of rotation about the Z-axis can be obtained as information. It should be noted that the rotation amount and the position on the Z axis may be associated with each other to obtain the position corresponding to the rotation amount as information.

Further, reference numeral 107 denotes a ball rotatably arranged, reference numerals 108 and 109 denote sensors for detecting the rotation of the ball as information on the rotation amounts of the X axis and the Y axis, and 110 denotes the torsion bar bearing 104. 1 shows a bellows-shaped protection member that protects from the outside.

The operation of the above-mentioned trackball will be described. As shown in FIG. 4D, the trackball body is positioned substantially horizontally from the position indicated by arrow B, for example. Can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction, that is, with the Z axis as the center of gravity, and the trackball body can be rotated from the substantially horizontal position in the clockwise direction, for example, as indicated by arrow B ₁ , that is, the Z axis. Can rotate as a center. In this way, as described above, the amount of rotation about the Z axis can be obtained as information.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a trackball. In FIG. 5a, for convenience, the coordinate axis system is such that the direction in which the trackball is attached to the keyboard is the X axis, and the direction that penetrates the plane of the drawing, that is, the direction that intersects the upper surface of the trackball and is perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis. ,
The vertical direction of the paper surface, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the trackball is the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the trackball body 101 is configured to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via a torsion bar bearing 104 and a holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 extends from the keyboard attachment 102 in the X axis direction. The torsion bar bearing 104 is supported by the holding shaft 103 and is connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, when rotation about the X axis as indicated by arrow C is applied to the trackball body 101, the trackball body 10
1 is rotated around the X axis, but a torsion bar bearing 1
Since 04 has a restoring force, the trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position when the rotational force is lost. A fan-shaped light-shielding plate 105 is attached to the non-rotating portion at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104, for example, with slits provided at equal intervals. Further, a sensor 106 including, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged in the trackball body 101 with a light shielding plate 105 sandwiched between them. A rotation sensor that detects the amount of rotation of With this configuration, the trackball body 10
When a rotational force centered on the X axis is given to 1, the amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the amount of rotation about the X-axis can be obtained as information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the third embodiment, FIG. 6a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 6b is a plan view of a trackball. 6c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball shown in FIG.
FIG. 3D is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball. In FIGS. 6a to 6d, components having the same configuration or the same function as those in FIGS. 5a and 5b are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 6a shows a coordinate system similar to that of FIG. 5a.
6B to 6D, the trackball body 101 is configured to be attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via the torsion bar bearing 104 and the holding shaft 103. The holding shaft 103 is the keyboard attachment 1
It extends from 02 in the X-axis direction. Torsion bar bearing 1
04 is supported by the holding shaft 103 and is connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, the rotation around the X axis as shown by the arrow c is caused by the trackball body 1
01, the trackball body 101 is rotated about the X axis, but since the torsion bar bearing 104 has a restoring force, the trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position when the rotational force is lost. A fan-shaped light-shielding plate 105 is attached to the non-rotating portion at the end of the torsion bar bearing 104, for example, with slits provided at equal intervals.
Further, in the trackball body 101, a sensor 106 including, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged with a light shielding plate 105 sandwiched therebetween.
The sensor 106 constitutes a rotation sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the trackball body with respect to the X axis. With this configuration, when a rotational force centered on the X axis is applied to the trackball body 101, the amount of rotation can be detected. Therefore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the amount of rotation about the X-axis can be obtained as information.

Reference numeral 107 designates a rotatably arranged ball, 108 and 109 designate sensors for detecting the rotation of the ball as information on the amount of rotation of the X axis and the Y axis, and 110 indicates a torsion bar bearing 104. 1 shows a bellows-shaped protection member that protects from the outside.

The operation of the trackball described above will be explained. As shown in FIG. 6d, the trackball body can be rotated from a substantially horizontal position to the other side, for example, as shown by an arrow C ₀ , that is, it can be rotated about the X axis. In addition, the trackball main body can be rotated from a substantially horizontal position toward the front side as indicated by an arrow C ₁ , that is, the trackball main body can be rotated about the X axis. In this way, as described above, the rotation amount about the X axis can be obtained as information.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, FIG. 7a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a trackball. In FIG. 7a, for the sake of convenience, the coordinate axis system has the X-axis as the direction in which the trackball is attached to the keyboard, and the Y-axis as the direction that penetrates the plane of the drawing, that is, the direction that crosses the upper surface of the trackball and is orthogonal to the X-axis. ,
The vertical direction of the paper surface, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the trackball is the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 7b, the trackball body 101 includes a keyboard attachment 102 via a slide bearing 111, a spring 112 and a holding shaft 103.
Mounted on The holding shaft 103 extends from the keyboard attachment 102 in the X axis direction. The slide bearing 111 is composed of two parts that are spaced apart in the X-axis direction, is slidably supported on the holding shaft 103, and the spring 1 whose middle part is fixed to the holding shaft 103.
Two parts of the slide bearing 111 are fixed to the rear end of 12. The slide bearing 111 is connected to the trackball body 101. Therefore, for example, arrow D
When a force that expands and contracts along the X axis is applied to the trackball body 101, the trackball body 101
Moves along the X-axis, but since the slide bearing 104 has a restoring force to return to the initial position by the spring, the trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position when the force disappears. A position sensor 113 is provided inside the trackball body 101. The position sensor 113 detects the amount of movement of the trackball body 101 along the X axis. With this configuration, when the trackball body 101 is given a force to move along the X axis, the amount of movement (position on the X axis) can be detected. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the parallel movement amount on the X-axis can be obtained as information.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the fourth embodiment, FIG. 8a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 8b is a plan view of a trackball. 8c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball shown in FIG.
FIG. 3D is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball. In FIGS. 8a to 8d, parts having the same configurations or the same functions as those in FIGS. 7a and 7b are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 8a shows a coordinate system similar to that of FIG. 7a.
8b to 8d, the trackball body 101 includes a slide bearing 111, a spring 112 and a holding shaft 1.
It is attached to the keyboard attachment 102 via 03. The holding shaft 103 extends from the keyboard attachment 102 in the X axis direction. Slide bearing 11
1 is composed of two parts spaced apart in the X-axis direction, is slidably supported on the holding shaft 103, and two ends of the slide bearing 111 are attached to both ends of a spring 112 having an intermediate part fixed to the holding shaft 103. One part is fixed.
The slide bearing 111 is the trackball body 101.
Is linked to Therefore, for example, a force that expands and contracts along the X axis as indicated by arrow D is applied to the trackball body 101.
, The track ball body 101 moves along the X axis, but the slide bearing 104 has a restoring force to return to the initial position by the spring.
The trackball body 101 is returned to the initial position. Further, the position sensor 11 is provided inside the trackball body 101.
3 is provided. The position sensor 113 detects the amount of movement of the trackball body 101 along the X axis. With this configuration, the trackball body 10
When 1 gives a force to move along the X axis, the amount of movement (position on the X axis) can be detected. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the parallel movement amount on the X-axis can be obtained as information.

Further, reference numeral 107 denotes a ball rotatably arranged, reference numerals 108 and 109 denote sensors for detecting the rotation of the ball as information on the rotation amounts of the X axis and the Y axis, and 110 denotes the torsion bar bearing 104. 1 shows a bellows-shaped protection member that protects from the outside.

The operation of the above-mentioned trackball will be described. As shown in FIG. 8D, the trackball body can be extended from the initial position in the X-axis direction as shown by an arrow D ₀ , and from the initial position by an arrow, for example. It can be contracted in the X-axis direction as indicated by D ₁ . In this way, as described above, the amount of parallel movement on the X axis can be obtained as information.

In the fourth embodiment, the spring is used as the member for giving the restoring force, but rubber or other damper having the restoring force may be used as the member for giving the restoring force. Further, in the above-described fourth embodiment, the parallel movement amount on the X-axis is detected, but the holding shaft 103 is formed in a T-shape as in the first or second embodiment, and the T-shape is formed. By arranging a spring and a slide bearing on the Y-axis portion or the Z-axis portion of the holding shaft of, the amount of translation on the Y-axis or the Z-axis may be detected.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
9a is a diagram showing the coordinate axis system, FIG. 9b is a plan view of the mouse, and FIG. 9c is a sectional view of the mouse. In FIG. 9a, for convenience, the coordinate axis system has the lateral movement direction of the mouse as the X axis, the vertical movement direction as the Y axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes as the Z axis.

In FIG. 9b, reference numeral 201 indicates a mouse body, 207 indicates a ball, 208 and 209 indicate rotation sensors, and 215 and 216 indicate click switches. Since these members are the same as those in the conventional example, detailed description will be omitted.

In the fifth embodiment, a rotation knob 218 is attached to the mouse body 201 so as to be rotatable about the Z axis, and a rotation sensor 219 for detecting the rotation amount of the rotation knob rotated by a finger is provided. Mouse body 201
It is located inside. The rotation amount of the rotary knob may be used as it is as the Z-axis rotation amount, or may be used as information indicating the Z-axis position by associating the rotation amount with the Z-axis position. In this way, this embodiment 5
In, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the position (or rotation amount) on the Z-axis can be obtained as information.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
0a is a view showing the coordinate axis system, FIG. 10b is a plan view of the trackball, and FIG. 10c is a sectional view of the trackball. In FIG. 10a, for convenience, the coordinate axis system has a direction in which the trackball is attached to the keyboard as the X-axis, and a direction that penetrates the plane of the drawing, that is, a direction that crosses the upper surface of the trackball and is perpendicular to the X-axis, as the Y-axis. The vertical direction of the paper, that is, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the trackball is defined as the Z axis.

In FIGS. 10b and 10c, reference numeral 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes a trackball body, 107 denotes a ball, 108 and 109 denote rotation sensors, and 115 and 11
6 is a click switch, 102 is a keyboard attachment, and 117 is a tilt joint. Since these members are the same as those in the conventional example, detailed description will be omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, the trackball body 1
A rotary knob 118 is attached to 01 so as to be rotatable around the Z axis, and a rotation sensor 119 for detecting the rotation amount of the rotary knob rotated by a finger is arranged in the trackball body 101. The rotation amount of the rotary knob may be used as it is as the Z-axis rotation amount, or may be used as information indicating the Z-axis position by associating the rotation amount with the Z-axis position. In this way, in the sixth embodiment, in addition to the plane coordinate position (X-axis position and Y-axis position), the position (or rotation amount) on the Z-axis can be obtained as information.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the principle of a trackball attachment mechanism according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, a holding shaft 301 extending in the X-axis direction is attached to a keyboard attachment (not shown). Holding shaft 3
The tip of 01 is a portion (non-rotating portion) 302 of the shaft 302 in the Z-axis direction, which may be formed of, for example, a torsion bar bearing.
It is connected to a so as to be rotatable around the X axis. Two parts 302b are arranged at both ends of the part 302 of the shaft 302 so as to rotate with a restoring force with respect to the part 302a.
3 is attached. A shaft 30 in the Y-axis direction, which has the same structure as the shaft 302, is provided at the center of the plate 303 on the tip side.
4 part 304a is attached. A plate 305 is attached to both ends 304b of the portion 304 of the shaft 304, and a trackball body (not shown) is attached to the plate 305. With this configuration, the trackball body can be rotated with respect to the keyboard attachment in the three directions of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining a concrete example of the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 12, a holding shaft 301 extending in the X-axis direction is a keyboard attachment (not shown).
Attached to. The tip of the holding shaft 301 may be, for example, a torsion bar bearing, and may be a shaft 3 in the Z-axis direction.
The No. 02 portion (non-rotating portion) 302a is rotatably connected with the X axis as the center of gravity. At both ends of the portion 302 of the shaft 302, two portions 302b that rotate with a restoring force with respect to the portion 302a are arranged, and a plate 303 is attached to these portions 302b. The shaft 302 is attached to the central portion of the plate 303 on the tip side.
A portion 304a of a shaft 304 in the Y-axis direction having the same configuration as that of is attached. A plate 305 is attached to both ends 304b of the portion 304 of the shaft 304, and a trackball body (not shown) is attached to the plate 305. Because it is configured like this,
The trackball body can be rotated with respect to the keyboard attachment in three directions of X axis, Z axis and Y axis.

In addition to the structure described above, in the specific example, an X-axis rotary slit plate (rotatable plate having a large number of slits formed at equal intervals) 306 is attached to the holding shaft 301, and the X-axis rotary slit plate 306 is attached. The shaft rotation sensor 307 is a part 3 of the shaft 302.
It is attached to 02a. Therefore, the rotation amount of the shaft 302 about the X axis with respect to the holding shaft can be detected. A Z-axis rotary slit plate 308 is attached to the plate 303, and a Z-axis rotary sensor 309 is attached to the shaft 3.
02 part 302a. For this reason,
The amount of rotation of the plate 303 about the Z axis with respect to the shaft 302 can be detected. In addition, the Y-axis rotary slit plate 310
Are attached to the plate 305, and the Y-axis rotation sensor 311 is attached to the plate 303. Therefore, the plate 305 with respect to the plate 303
It is possible to detect the rotation amount with the Y-axis as the center of gravity.

Although the trackball is rotated from the keyboard attachment in the order of the X-axis, the Z-axis, and the Y-axis in the seventh embodiment, the invention is not limited to this, and the trackball is rotated in any order. You may comprise. Alternatively, one rotation direction may be omitted and only two rotations may be detected.

(Embodiment 8) FIGS. 13A and 13B are views for explaining the principle of the trackball mounting mechanism of Embodiment 8 of the present invention, FIG. 13A is a plan view of the mechanism, and FIG. It is a top view for explaining operation of a mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 13a, the plates 401 and 402 are fixed by a rubber 403 so as to be displaceable at intervals. A contact switch 404 is attached to the inner end of each plate 401, 402.
When a rotational force for the plate 401 is applied to the plate 402, the end portion of the plate 402 (the upper end portion in the illustrated embodiment) approaches the end portion of another plate 401, and the contact switch 404 is opened, as shown in FIG. 13b. Will contact each other. The plate 401 is attached to a keyboard attachment (not shown) or other member attached to the keyboard attachment (not shown), and the other plate 402 is a trackball (not shown) or a trackball (not shown). It is used by being attached to other members attached to (No.). With this configuration, when a trackball (not shown) is rotated, the contact switch comes into contact with the contactball, and the presence or absence of rotation can be detected.

Although not shown, the circular plate 4
It is also possible to use 01 and 402 to provide contact switches at the top, bottom, left and right of the plate to detect the presence or absence of rotation in two directions.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14a is a sectional view thereof.
Figure 14b is its plan view and Figure 14c is an end view showing one plate used for it.

In the concrete example of the eighth embodiment, among the above-mentioned mechanisms for detecting the presence or absence of rotation, a combination of a one-direction rotation detecting mechanism and a two-direction rotation detecting mechanism is shown. As shown in FIG. 14a, a holding shaft 510 is fixed to the keyboard attachment 102, and a one-way rotation detecting mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of rotation in the X-axis direction is attached to the holding shaft 510. This one-direction rotation detection mechanism is composed of plates 601, 602, rubber 603, and contact switch 604. In this embodiment, rubber is provided between the holding shaft 510 and the plate 601. Further, a two-way rotation detection mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of rotation of the Y axis and the Z axis is attached to the tip of the holding shaft 510. This two-way rotation detection mechanism includes plates 501, 5 and
02, a rubber 503 arranged in the center between these plates and displaceably attached to the plates, and contact switches 504 attached vertically and horizontally to the inside of these plates. The plate 502 is attached to the trackball body 101. With this configuration, when the trackball 101 is rotated, the rotation detection mechanism operates and it is possible to detect the presence or absence of rotation in that direction.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to obtain a multidimensional input device that can input other information in a more natural form in addition to the plane coordinate information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. 1b is a trackball. It is a schematic perspective view showing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the first embodiment, FIG. 2a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 2b is a plane of a trackball. Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball, Figure 2d
[FIG. 6] A sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. 3b is a trackball. It is a schematic perspective view showing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of the first embodiment, FIG. 4a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 4b is a plane of a trackball. Figure 4c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball, Figure 4d.
[FIG. 6] A sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball.

5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the principle of a trackball according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. 5B is a trackball. It is a schematic perspective view showing.

6A and 6B are views for explaining a concrete example of the third embodiment, FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the concrete example, and FIG. 6B is a plan view of a trackball. Figure 6c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball, Figure 6d.
[FIG. 6] A sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a trackball according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the principle, and FIG. 7b is a trackball. It is a schematic perspective view showing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the fourth embodiment, FIG. 8a is a diagram showing a coordinate axis system for explaining the specific example, and FIG. 8b is a plan view of a trackball. Figure 8c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball, Figure 8d.
[FIG. 6] A sectional view for explaining the operation of the trackball.

9 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9a is a diagram showing its coordinate axis system.
b is a plan view of the mouse, and FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of the mouse.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10a is a diagram showing the coordinate axis system thereof.
0b is a plan view of the trackball, and FIG. 10c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the principle of a trackball attachment mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining a specific example of the seventh embodiment.

13A and 13B are views for explaining the principle of the mounting mechanism of the trackball according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13A is a plan view of the mechanism, and FIG. It is a top view for explaining.

14A and 14B are views for explaining a specific example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14A is its sectional view, FIG. 14B is its plan view, and FIG. 14C are used for it. It is an end view which shows one plate.

15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mouse of a conventional example, specifically, FIG. 15a is a plan view showing a relationship between a mouse and a keyboard, and FIG. 15b is a plan view of a mouse; FIG. 15c is a sectional view of the mouse.

16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional trackball, specifically, FIG. 16a is a plan view showing a relationship between a trackball and a keyboard, and FIG. 16b is a plan view of the trackball. 16c is a cross-sectional view of the trackball.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 trackball body 102 keyboard attachment 103 holding shaft 104 torsion bar bearing 107 ball 108 rotation sensor 109 rotation sensor 110 bellows 111 slide bearing 112 spring 113 position sensor 201 mouse body 215 click switch 215 click switch 218 rotation knob 219 rotation sensor 301 holding shaft 303 plate 305 plate 306 rotary slit plate 307 rotary sensor 308 rotary slit plate 309 rotary sensor 310 rotary slit plate 311 rotary sensor 401 plate 402 plate 404 contact switch 501 plate 502 plate 504 contact switch 601 plate 602 plate 604 contact switch

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plane coordinate position detecting means for detecting a plane coordinate position for inputting information of a plane coordinate composed of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the plane coordinate position detecting means. A trackball body provided, and a connecting means for rotatably connecting the trackball body to a keyboard;
And a rotation amount detecting means for detecting the rotation amount of the trackball body. 2. The trackball according to claim 1, wherein an axis when the trackball body is rotated with respect to a keyboard is the first axis, the second axis, and the first and second axes. A trackball, characterized in that it is any one of third axes that are orthogonal to each other. 3. The track pole according to claim 2, wherein the connecting means is connected to a keyboard and the first
A T-shaped holding shaft comprising a first shaft portion extending in the axial direction and a second shaft portion extending in the second axis direction, and the trackball with respect to the second shaft portion of the T-shaped holding shaft. A trackball having a torsion bar bearing for rotatably mounting a main body. 4. The trackball according to claim 2, wherein the connecting means is connected to a keyboard and the first
A T-shaped holding shaft including a first shaft portion extending in the axial direction and a third shaft portion extending in the third axial direction, and the trackball with respect to the third shaft portion of the T-shaped holding shaft. A trackball having a torsion bar bearing for rotatably mounting a main body. 5. The trackball according to claim 2, wherein a holding shaft having a first shaft portion connected to a keyboard and extending in the direction of the first axis, and the track with respect to the first shaft portion of the holding shaft. A trackball having a torsion bar bearing for rotatably mounting a ball body. 6. A plane coordinate position detecting means for detecting a plane coordinate position for inputting information of a plane coordinate composed of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the plane coordinate position detecting means. A trackball comprising: a trackball body provided; a connecting means for connecting the trackball body to a keyboard so as to be linearly movable; and a movement amount detecting means for detecting a movement amount of the trackball body. . 7. The trackball according to claim 6, wherein the moving direction of the trackball with respect to the keyboard is a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. A trackball in the direction of one of the axes. 8. The trackball according to claim 7, wherein the connecting means is connected to a keyboard and the first
A T-shaped holding shaft comprising a first shaft portion extending in the axial direction and a second shaft portion extending in the second axis direction, and the trackball with respect to the second shaft portion of the T-shaped holding shaft. A trackball having a slide bearing for movably mounting a main body. 9. The trackball according to claim 7, wherein the connecting means includes a first shaft portion connected to a keyboard and extending in the direction of the first axis, and a third shaft portion extending in the direction of the third axis. A trackball having a T-shaped holding shaft and a slide bearing for movably mounting the trackball main body to a third shaft portion of the T-shaped holding shaft. 10. The trackball according to claim 7, wherein a holding shaft having a first shaft portion connected to a keyboard and extending in the direction of the first axis, and the track with respect to the first shaft portion of the holding shaft. A trackball, comprising: a slide bearing for movably mounting a ball body. 11. The trackball according to claim 8, further comprising a restoring unit that restores the trackball main body to an initial position. 12. A plane coordinate position detecting means for detecting a plane coordinate position for inputting information of a plane coordinate comprising a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the plane coordinate position detecting means. A trackball main body provided with the trackball main body; rotating means for mounting the trackball main body on the keyboard so that the trackball main body is independently rotatable around at least two axes of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis; A trackball, comprising: a rotation amount detecting means for independently detecting a rotation amount of rotation about an axis. 13. The trackball according to claim 12, wherein the rotating means has a trackball body attached to a keyboard so as to be independently rotatable around the three axes, and the rotation amount detecting means is 3 units. A trackball characterized by independently detecting the amount of rotation about one axis. 14. The trackball according to claim 13, wherein the rotating means is a first member rotatably mounted on a keyboard about one axis, and the one rotating member is provided on the first member. A second member rotatably attached about another axis perpendicular to the axial direction, and a further axis perpendicular to the one axis and the other axis with respect to the second member. A trackball comprising a third member rotatably mounted on a core and having a trackball body mounted thereto. 15. A plane coordinate position detecting means for detecting a plane coordinate position for inputting information of a plane coordinate composed of a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the plane coordinate position detecting means. A trackball main body provided with the trackball main body; rotating means for mounting the trackball main body on the keyboard so as to be independently rotatable around at least one of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis; A trackball having a rotation presence / absence detecting means for independently detecting presence / absence of rotation about an axis. 16. The trackball according to claim 15, wherein the rotating means has a trackball main body attached to a keyboard so as to be independently rotatable about the three axes, and the rotation presence / absence detecting means is 3 units. A trackball characterized by independently detecting the presence or absence of rotation about one axis. 17. The trackball according to claim 15, wherein the rotation presence / absence detection means includes two plates having their respective re-end ends attached to each other so that they can approach each other. A trackball, comprising: a contact switch provided at each end of the plate. 18. The trackball according to claim 15, wherein the rotation presence / absence detection means is provided with two pre-mounted ones whose upper, lower, left and right ends are mutually accessible. A trackball comprising a ball and a contact switch provided at each end of the plate.