JP4171830B2 - pointing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pointing device used in a computer, for example, a laptop computer.
[0002]
[Background]
As a pointing device of a laptop computer, various devices such as a touch pad and a trackball are known. The touch pad inputs coordinate data to the computer by tracing the contact surface with a finger. In a trackball, coordinate data is input by rotating a ball attached to a computer casing. As described above, in these pointing devices, coordinate data is input by operating a member (for example, a contact surface or a ball) fixed to the housing.
[0003]
However, with a mouse that is normally used, it is possible to hold the mouse itself and move it horizontally. It is also possible to lift and stop the function. This is a factor for improving the operational feeling.
[0004]
For this reason, when an operator who is familiar with a mouse operates a pointing device for a laptop computer, due to the difference in operation feeling, the operation feels uncomfortable and the work efficiency decreases or the user feels tired. There is a problem.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a pointing device that can be operated with an operational feeling close to that of a mouse.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The pointing device of the present invention includes a housing, a position detection unit, and a movable unit, the movable unit is capable of relative movement with respect to the position detection unit, and the movable unit includes: It can be moved with one hand, the position detecting unit detects the position of the movable unit, and the position detecting unit is attached to the housing. Yes.
[0007]
The housing can constitute a part of a computer device. The computer device can be a laptop.
[0008]
The position detection unit may detect a position of the movable unit in a plane.
[0009]
The pointing device includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit in a position detection unit, the light emitting unit can emit light toward the movable unit, and the light receiving unit is reflected by the movable unit. And the position of the movable portion may be detected based on the received light.
[0010]
The pointing device includes a ball that is rotatably attached to the housing in the position detection unit, and the position detection unit detects the position of the movable unit by detecting the rotation of the ball. Also good.
[0011]
The pointing device may include a touch pad attached to the housing in a position detection unit, and the touch pad may detect the position of the movable unit in contact with the touch pad.
[0012]
The position detection unit may be configured such that the position of the movable unit cannot be detected by separating the position detection unit from the movable unit.
[0013]
The movable part may have a switch for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer.
[0014]
The movable part may have a wheel for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer.
[0015]
The movable part may include a wireless transmitter for sending the control signal to the computer.
[0016]
The movable part may include a signal line for sending the control signal to a computer. The signal line is connected to the computer.
[0017]
You may connect the said movable part and the said housing | casing with a connection tool.
[0018]
The housing may have a recess that can accommodate the movable part.
[0019]
The housing may include a main body and a lid that covers the main body, and the recess may be formed in the lid.
[0020]
The pointing device of the present invention may further include a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure from the movable unit.
[0021]
You may provide the operation area | region which can move the said movable part on the surface of the said housing | casing substantially parallel to this surface.
[0022]
The housing may include a switch for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer in the vicinity of the position detection unit.
[0023]
The computer of the present invention includes the pointing device described above.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The pointing device 1 mainly includes a housing 10, a position detection unit 20, and a movable unit 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0025]
The movable unit 30 is separated from the housing 10 and the position detection unit 20, and can thereby be moved relative to the position detection unit 20 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the movable part 30 can be moved with one hand. Specifically, the movable part 30 is formed in an arbitrary plate shape, for example. An example of the dimension of the movable part 30 is a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width of 30 mm, a length of 50 mm, and a thickness of 5 mm, but is not limited to this dimension. Usually, like the mouse, it is considered that the length direction of the movable portion 30 is used forward (that is, in the screen direction).
[0026]
The movable part 30 includes switches 31 and 32 and a signal line 33 (see FIG. 3). The switch 31 corresponds to a normal mouse left click button. The switch 32 corresponds to a normal mouse right click button. Since the switches 31 and 32 can be easily configured by using, for example, a piezoelectric sensor, an optical sensor, or a mechanical switch, detailed description thereof is omitted. The signal line 33 connects the movable part 30 and the housing 10. In this embodiment, the signal line 33 also has a function of a connector that connects the movable portion 30 and the housing 10. The signal line 33 is configured to send a control signal from the switches 31 and 32 to the housing 10 side.
[0027]
The position detection unit 20 includes a light emitting unit 21 and a light receiving unit 22 (see FIG. 2). That is, the position detection unit 20 uses an optical position detection unit. The light emitting unit 21 is configured to emit light upward in FIG. 2 using, for example, an LED. The light receiving unit 22 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 21 and reflected by the movable unit 30. The light receiving unit 22 can detect the position of the movable unit 30 (used in this specification to include the amount of movement) based on the received light change. Since such a light receiving unit 22 is already used in, for example, an optical mouse, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. With this configuration, the position detection unit 20 can detect the position of the movable unit 30 in the XY plane. Furthermore, with this configuration, the position detection unit 20 cannot detect the position of the movable unit 30 by being separated from the movable unit 30. This is because the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 decreases. As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 are attached to the housing 10. That is, the position detection unit 20 is attached to the housing 10.
[0028]
The housing 10 constitutes a part of a computer device, for example, the laptop computer 2. Therefore, the pointing device 1 in this embodiment is provided in the computer 2. A substrate and components (not shown) for configuring the computer device can be built in the housing 10.
[0029]
The housing 10 includes a main body 11 and a lid 12. An input key unit 111 is attached to the main body 11 in the same manner as a normal laptop computer. A display 121 is attached to the front surface of the lid 12 (the front surface in FIG. 1). As the display 121, for example, an arbitrary one such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display can be used. The front side of the display 121 is slightly recessed from the lid 12, and the recessed portion is a recess 122 (see FIG. 2). The recessed portion 122 can store and hold the movable portion 30 inside the recessed portion 122 in a state where the lid 12 is closed (a state where the lid 12 is in contact with the main body 11). In addition, an armrest is formed on the surface of the main body 11 of the housing 10 in the same manner as a normal laptop computer. This armrest portion is an operation region 114 in which the movable portion 30 can be moved substantially parallel to the surface of the main body 11 (see FIG. 1).
[0030]
Next, the operation of the pointing device 1 configured as described above will be described. First, when inputting XY coordinate data (that is, position data on a plane) to the computer, the movable unit 30 is held with one hand and is moved substantially parallel to the surface of the position detection unit 20. Then, the light receiving unit 22 receives the light from the light emitting unit 21 reflected by the movable unit 30 and detects the position of the movable unit 30. According to the detection result, XY coordinate data is input to the computer, and the computer displays the position of the pointer on the display 121, for example.
[0031]
Conventional touchpads and trackballs have a problem that they are very difficult to use because they have different feelings with the mouse. On the other hand, in the pointing device of this embodiment, the XY coordinate data can be input to the computer by moving the movable unit 30 in the same manner as the mouse. Therefore, the pointing device 1 can give the user a feeling of use similar to that of a mouse, and can exhibit the advantages of improving the efficiency of input work and reducing fatigue.
[0032]
Moreover, in the pointing device 1 of this embodiment, the position of the movable unit 30 can be detected by the position detection unit 20 by shifting the movable unit 30 from the position of the position detection unit 20 or by separating the distance therebetween. become unable. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the position information is input to the computer against the user's intention.
[0033]
Furthermore, in the pointing device 1 of this embodiment, by operating the switches 31 and 32 with a finger (for example, the index finger and the middle finger), a control signal can be sent to the computer in the same manner as the left and right click buttons of the mouse. The operational feeling of the switches 31 and 32 is similar to that of a mouse because they are integrated with the movable portion 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is an advantage that an operation feeling close to that of a mouse can be realized even in a click operation.
[0034]
A pointing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of this embodiment, members that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0035]
In the pointing device 1 of the second embodiment, switches 112 and 113 are provided in the main body 11 of the housing 10 instead of the switches 31 and 32 in the first embodiment. It is preferable to arrange the switches 112 and 113 in the vicinity of the position detection unit 20, for example, in front of the position detection unit 20 (on the side close to the lid 12), because the operational feeling approximates that of a mouse.
[0036]
Further, in the pointing device 1 of the second embodiment, since the switches 31 and 32 are removed from the movable part 30, it is not necessary to provide a signal line in the movable part 30. Therefore, in the second embodiment, instead of the signal line 33, a coupler 36 that connects the movable portion 30 and the housing 10 is used. With this connecting tool 36, loss of the movable part 30 can be prevented. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the switches 31 and 32 are removed from the movable part 30, the movable part 30 can be made lightweight. Therefore, fatigue during operation of the movable part 30 can be reduced.
Other configurations and advantages of the pointing device 1 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0037]
Next, a pointing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of this embodiment, members that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0038]
The pointing device 1 according to the third embodiment includes a wireless transmitter 36 and a power source 38 therein. The wireless transmitter 36 sends a control signal to the computer side by a predetermined protocol (for example, Bluetooth). That is, the control signal generated by the switches 31 and 32 can be transmitted wirelessly to the computer side. As such a wireless transmitter 36, a well-known one can be used. Moreover, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary to use the signal line 33, the coupling tool 36 is used similarly to 2nd Embodiment. Note that the power supply 38 may be omitted when power can be supplied from the outside by radio or battery.
Other configurations and advantages of the pointing device 1 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
Next, a pointing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of this embodiment, members that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0040]
The pointing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a pressure detection unit 40. The pressure detection unit 40 is installed on the surface of the housing 10, for example, above the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 in the position detection unit 20. The pressure detection unit 40 detects the pressure applied to the upper surface of the pressure detection unit by using appropriate detection means (not shown) such as a pressure sensor or a mechanical switch, and sends the detection result to the computer side as a control signal. To send. As the pressure detection unit 40, the same mechanism (capacitance type or pressure sensitive type) as that of a conventional touch pad can be used. In this embodiment, the protrusion 39 is provided on the lower surface of the movable portion 30.
[0041]
According to the fourth embodiment, the control signal can be transmitted to the computer by pressing the pressure detection unit 40 with the protrusion 39. For example, depending on the OS of the computer, a one-button mouse may be used. In this case, the pressure detection unit 40 can be used as a function similar to a mouse button without providing the switch 31 or the like. Of course, it is good also as a structure provided with switch 31 grade | etc., And the pressure detection part 40 simultaneously. In addition, when a capacitance type is used as the pressure detection unit 40, it is preferable to impart conductivity to the movable unit 30 and the protrusion 39.
Other configurations and advantages of the pointing device 1 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0042]
Next, a pointing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of this embodiment, members that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
In the pointing device 1 of the fifth embodiment, a ball 25 is used as the position detector 20 instead of the light emitter 21 and the light receiver 22. The ball 25 is attached to the main body 11 of the housing 10 in a rotatable state. Further, in this embodiment, the rotation of the ball 25 can be detected by an appropriate reading mechanism (not shown). Such a reading mechanism and a holding mechanism for the ball 25 may be the same as those used in the trackball, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0044]
According to the fifth embodiment, by moving the movable unit 30 while the movable unit 30 is in contact with the ball 25, the ball 25 can be rotated and XY coordinate data can be input to the computer. In the fifth embodiment, the XY coordinate data is not input by separating the movable portion 30 from the ball 25. Therefore, when the XY coordinate data is not input, erroneous input of the coordinate data can be prevented by keeping the movable part 30 away from the ball 25.
Other configurations and advantages of the pointing device 1 of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
The movable unit 30 may have a wheel (not shown) for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer instead of or in addition to the switch.
[0046]
Further, the description of each of the embodiments is merely an example, and does not indicate a configuration essential to the present invention. The configuration of each part is not limited to the above as long as the gist of the present invention can be achieved.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the pointing device which can be operated with the operation feeling close | similar to a mouse | mouth can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a computer including a pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of a computer including a pointing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a movable part used in a pointing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a movable part and a pressure detection part used in a pointing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a movable part and a position detection part used in a pointing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pointing device 10 Case 11 Main body 111 Input key part 112 * 113 Switch 114 Operation surface 12 Cover 121 Display 122 Recess 20 Position detection part 21 Light emission part 22 Light reception part 25 Ball 30 Movable part 31 * 32 Switch 33 Signal line (connection) Ingredients)
36 connector 37 wireless transmitter 38 power supply 39 protrusion 2 laptop computer

Claims (17)

A housing, a position detector, and a movable part;
The movable part is capable of relative movement with respect to the position detection part,
And the movable part can be moved with one hand,
Furthermore, the movable part is separated from the housing and the position detection unit, and can be separated from the position detection unit by holding it by hand,
The position detection unit detects the position of the movable unit,
And the said position detection part is attached to the said housing | casing ,
The housing constitutes a part of a computer device,
The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the position detection unit cannot detect the position of the movable part by being separated from the movable part held by the one hand . The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the computer apparatus is of a laptop type. Wherein the position detection unit, a pointing device according to claim 1 or 2 in which in the plane, for detecting the relative position of the position detection unit and the movable unit. The position detection unit includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, the light emitting unit can emit light toward the movable unit, and the light receiving unit is reflected from the movable unit, from the light emitting unit of receiving light and said light receiving unit, according to claim 1-3 pointing device according to any one of, characterized in that in order to detect the position of the movable part based on the received light. The position detection unit includes a ball rotatably attached to the housing, and the position detection unit detects the position of the movable unit by detecting the rotation of the ball. The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . 2. The position detection unit includes a touch pad attached to the casing, and the touch pad detects a position of the movable unit in contact with the touch pad. pointing device according to any one of 1-3. The movable portion is a pointing device of any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that a switch for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer. The movable section, claim 1-7 pointing device according to any one of which is characterized in that it has a wheel for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer. The pointing device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the movable unit includes a wireless transmitter for sending the control signal to the computer. The pointing device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the movable portion includes a signal line for sending the control signal to a computer, and the signal line is connected to the computer. Wherein A movable portion the housing, the pointing device of any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that it is connected by the connecting member. Wherein the housing, the pointing device of any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it has a recess capable of accommodating the movable portion. The housing includes a main body and a lid that covers the main body, and the recess is formed on a front surface of the lid that faces the main body in a closed state of the lid. Item 13. The pointing device according to Item 12. Further comprising a pressure detecting unit, the pressure detection unit, according to claim 1 to 1 3 pointing device according to any one of which detects a pressure from the movable portion. The surface of the housing, pointing device according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that it comprises an operating region capable of moving the movable portion substantially parallel to this surface. Wherein the housing, in the vicinity of the position detecting device, a pointing device of any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a switch for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the computer . Computer with a pointing device according to any one of claims 1-16.

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