JP4239837B2 - pointing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pointing device that enables a track ball to be operated by the same finger in a variety of operations related to a GUI. <P>SOLUTION: The pointing device includes: a sphere 2 whose front part protrudes almost by a hemisphere so as to be rotated by a finger A, with an irregular pattern on its surface; a pivot 6 for receiving the sphere 2; an optical coordinate signal generation means 3 for detecting the directions of rotation and the amount of movement of the sphere 2 in vertical and horizontal directions; a rocking plate 7 that rocks freely relative to a case 5 in the longitudinal direction of the sphere 2; first switches S1 provided in series while having different operating pressures to depress the sphere so as to produce positive instruction signals; second switches S2 that are operated at higher operating pressure than the first switches S1 to produce signals for retaining the signals of the first switches S1 that have been turned on earlier, until the next time the switches S1 turn on after being turned off; switches S3 provided in the vicinity of the sphere 2 to produce passive instruction signals; and switches S4 provided in the vicinity of the sphere 2 and operated by the same finger A that rotates the sphere 2, to change the above signals and coordinate signals into different signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pointing device for operating a pointer of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) in a computer.

  A mouse is generally used as a device for controlling a GUI pointer in a computer.

  The mouse is provided with a ball rotatably accommodated in a case, and the rotation of the ball is detected by the two rotation / pulse encoders provided with the axes orthogonal to each other. The position is controlled.

  When the mouse case moves on the mouse pad or the top surface of the desk as the reference surface, the ball on the bottom surface of the case is rotated in contact with the pad or the desk, and the rotation of the ball is the mouse case. It is measured as the moving direction and moving amount.

  The mouse structure is turned upside down, the case supporting the ball is fixed below, and the upper ball is rotated with the palm or fingertip to measure the rotation direction and amount of the ball. , Called trackball.

  There are two types of trackballs: a type in which the ball is placed on a desk and the ball is rotated from the top, and a type in which the ball is held with a hand and rotated with the thumb.

  Patent documents 1, 2, 3, and 4 are related to a method of rotating a ball with a thumb by gripping with a hand.

  Although it is not a trackball of a type in which the case is gripped by hand, Patent Document 5 discloses a device in which the ball and the left and right buttons are operated with the thumb.

  Although not necessarily operated with the thumb, a signal is generated by providing a switch under the ball and pressing the ball, which is disclosed in Patent Documents 6 and 7.

  Patent Document 8 discloses a means for operating two contacts by pressing a switch corresponding to the left button.

JP-A-6-35601

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-305937

JP 2001-282386 A

JP 2002-108558 A

JP 2001-331237 A

JP-A-6-141226

JP-A-9-44300

JP 7-234757 A

  A mouse as a pointing device is excellent in functionality, and is highly compatible with the body with respect to fine control of the pointer. At present, there is no excellent pointing device that can replace the mouse.

  However, the disadvantage of the mouse is that it uses the field of gravity for the rotation of the ball and uses the horizontal plane below the ball in the field of gravity for the opponent to move relative to the ball. There is a disadvantage that the mouse cannot be used when the operator is physically or physically unable to use the horizontal plane.

  For example, there is a case where the user's posture is in a fallen state in outer space.

  Recently, computers have become smaller and monitors can also be of the eyeglass type (overhead monitor), and there are those commonly used as wearable computers that are worn on the body, but the purpose of using such wearable computers is Assumes a unique situation in the environment of the computer user.

  For example, when a worker performs a special work in a moving body with a specific acceleration, suspended from the outer wall of a building or a quay of a rocky place, suspended from the ceiling, etc. One purpose is to refer to a manual concerning the work by a wearable computer worn by the worker.

  In addition, the mouse is not easy to use when the sick person is lying on the bed upward, and a man-machine interface suitable for use by the sick person who is sleeping is desired.

  Therefore, it is considered to control the wearable computer by voice. However, the operating system (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) is enlarged, and an existing OS cannot be easily used.

  This voice interface cannot be practically used in hospital rooms or the like that accommodate a plurality of patients.

As a pointing device that replaces this mouse, there is a trackball.
There are two types of trackballs: a type in which the ball is placed on a desk and the ball is rotated from the top, and a type in which the ball is held with a hand and rotated with the thumb.

  Patent documents relating to this include the aforementioned patent documents 1 to 4.

  In all of these Patent Documents 1 to 4, the ball is rotated by the thumb, but other operations necessary as a pointing device, for example, at least an active instruction related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer The operation of the left button that generates the left click signal with the OS as Windows (hereinafter abbreviated as a Microsoft trademark) uses another finger, and the right click signal is also generated with the thumb. Different fingers are used.

  If the finger that moves the pointer is different from the finger that generates the left click signal, the momentary operation will be confused, and the pressing direction of the force that presses the switch between the thumb and the other finger will be different. In this state, the thumb is free to move with the root floating. In this state, the force to grip the case is weaker than the force toward the root direction of the thumb.

  In this state, if you operate the switch on the case with another finger, for example, the index finger or the middle finger, the force is directed toward the base of the thumb. The tip of the turning thumb comes to lift from the ball.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228688 discloses a trackball that is not a type of a trackball that is gripped by a hand, but that operates the ball and left and right buttons with thumbs.

  As shown in Patent Document 5, when the finger that moves the ball is moved to the left button every time a left click signal is generated to move the pointer, the finger is moved to the ball every time the finger is returned from the left button to the ball. When the ball touches, the ball moves, causing the pointer to shift in position and reducing operability.

  In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to generate a click signal for the left button in the trackball without releasing the finger from the ball.

  Patent Documents 6 and 7 disclose that a switch is provided under the ball and a signal is generated by pressing the ball.

  The above problem can be solved by generating a left button click signal by pressing the ball with a finger that rotates the ball. However, another type of trackball that rotates the ball with a finger is used. One challenge remains.

  When a ball is rotated with a finger, a relatively small-diameter ball is used. Therefore, when the ball is rotated up and down and left and right, there is a limit to the amount of rotation that can be performed continuously at one time. End up.

  The same situation occurs in the case of a mouse, but in a mouse, the horizontal plate is usually wide, and when the limit of the horizontal plate is reached, such as at the end of the mouse pad, the mouse is moved to the horizontal plate. The mouse is lifted up and pulled back in the direction opposite to the direction of movement, the mouse is returned to the horizontal plate, the mouse is continuously moved in the same direction, and then the pointer is moved in the same direction.

  When the mouse is dragged in the above-described situation, if the left switch is kept pressed, the drag state is continued even if the mouse is lifted from the horizontal plate.

  However, in the case of the trackball, the switches shown in Patent Documents 5 and 6 are equivalent to the left button, and the thumb is separated from the ball while the switch on the lower surface of the ball is turned on to take over the rotation of the ball. It is impossible.

  As for the drag operation, there is a software called “click lock” that solves the above-mentioned problems in terms of software.

  For example, you can place a pointer on an icon that needs to be dragged and left-click, hold the left-click on for the duration of the left-click, and then move the index finger that generates the left-click signal to the switch. Release from the operation to keep on, generate the left click signal again at the position where the drop is required, and drop the icon at the current pointer.

  In this case, the time for confirming the click lock is set by a software timer. Therefore, it does not surely reflect the operator's intention to operate, and the click lock by this software is not used. Control is often performed against the intention of the operator.

  Also, if the instruction given to the pointer is set to execute an instruction with a single click, if the index finger is released from the switch with the intention of performing a click lock, the operation will be single if it is earlier than the set time of the timer for the click lock. It can be interpreted as a click and execute an instruction.

  Therefore, when the click lock is performed, it is necessary to sufficiently increase the operation time of the left click, and an unnecessary time is generated for the movement operation of the pointer, resulting in a problem that the operability is lowered.

  According to the present invention, a second switch that operates by pressing the ball is provided for the purpose of the operator, and the on operation of the first switch corresponding to the left button is maintained by the operation of the switch. To solve the problem by removing the finger from the ball.

  In addition, although the means which presses the switch applicable to a left button and act | operates two contacts is disclosed by patent document 8, while the switch of the said patent document 8 is not linked with a ball | bowl, it act | operates later. The action of the contact is to output the same click signal as the signal of the first switch that operates first, and as a result, a double click signal is generated. Yes.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a right button switch on the front part of the case, and the switch is also operated with the thumb, and a mode changeover switch that is operated with the same finger is provided on the front of the case. Two switches that operate by pressing, the right button switch, and the coordinate signal that moves the pointer generated by the rotation of the ball is changed to another signal, all operations are multifunctional only with the same finger It is to provide a pointing device that can be operated.

  As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a pointing device capable of performing various operations related to a GUI by operating only the same finger of one hand on a trackball.

  According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.

(1) A rotatable sphere, coordinate signal generating means for detecting the direction and amount of rotation of the sphere and controlling a GUI (graphical user interface) pointer in the computer, and an instruction signal relating to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer In a pointing device comprising an instruction signal generating means for generating a signal, it protrudes from the surface of the case almost near the hemisphere so that it can be rotated by a finger on the flat surface of the front surface of the case, and is provided rotatably. A sphere with a distinct regular pattern, a pivot that rotatably receives the rear surface of the sphere in the case, and an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere behind the pivot by an optical sensor. The optical coordinate signal generating means for detecting the rotation direction and the amount of movement related to the upper and lower and left and right, and the pivot and the optical coordinate signal generating means are attached, A swing plate that can swing in the front-rear direction of the sphere with respect to the base, and a series of motion pressures are provided between the swing plate and the case, and the pointer is moved by pressing the sphere. A first signal generating pushbutton switch for generating an active instruction signal relating to the coordinate point to be pointed, and an operating pressing force higher than the operating pressing force of the first signal generating pushbutton switch; A second signal generation push button switch for generating a signal to hold the signal of the first signal generation push button switch generated in the first operation until the next operation after the first signal generation push button switch is restored; The first instruction signal generating means comprising the first instruction signal generating means and a push button switch provided in the vicinity of the sphere, and operating the passive instruction signal relating to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere Second instruction signal generating means generated in the above-mentioned manner, and a push button switch provided in the vicinity of the sphere, operated by the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere, and each signal generated by each of the signal generating means and the coordinate signal And a mode switching signal generating means for generating a mode switching signal for changing to another signal.

(2) A rotatable sphere, a coordinate signal generating means for detecting a rotation direction and an amount of rotation of the sphere, and controlling a GUI (graphical user interface) pointer in the computer, and an instruction signal relating to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer In a pointing device comprising an instruction signal generating means for generating a signal, it protrudes from the surface of the case almost near the hemisphere so that it can be rotated by a finger on the flat surface of the front surface of the case, and is provided rotatably. A sphere with a distinct regular pattern, a pivot that rotatably receives the rear surface of the sphere in the case, and an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere behind the pivot by an optical sensor. The optical coordinate signal generating means for detecting the rotation direction and the amount of movement related to the upper and lower and left and right, and the pivot and the optical coordinate signal generating means are attached, A swing plate that can swing in the front-rear direction of the sphere with respect to the base, and a series of motion pressures are provided between the swing plate and the case, and the pointer is moved by pressing the sphere. A first signal generating pushbutton switch for generating an active instruction signal relating to the coordinate point to be pointed, and an operating pressing force higher than the operating pressing force of the first signal generating pushbutton switch; A second signal generation push button switch for generating a signal to hold the signal of the first signal generation push button switch generated in the first operation until the next operation after the first signal generation push button switch is restored; The first instruction signal generating means comprising the first instruction signal generating means and a push button switch provided in the vicinity of the sphere, and operating the passive instruction signal relating to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere Second instruction signal generating means generated in the above-mentioned manner, and a push button switch provided in the vicinity of the sphere, operated by the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere, and each signal generated by each of the signal generating means and the coordinate signal A mode switching signal generating means for generating a mode switching signal for changing to another signal, and a push button switch provided near the sphere, and operated by the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere, the pointer points By providing one or a plurality of function signal generating means for generating a signal for achieving a required function for an application program for executing an active window.

(3) In the above item (1) or (2), the case is a flat case that can be grasped with a palm.

(4) In the above item (3), the case is 40 to 50 mm in width, 55 to 65 mm in length, 15 to 30 mm in depth (thickness) in front view, and rounded with a radius of about 10 mm at the corners of the four corners in front view. It is provided.

(5) In the above item (1) or (2), the case is the same as the keyboard case of the notebook computer.

(6) In any one of the above items (1) to (5), the sphere is obtained by polishing natural stone into a spherical shape.

(7) In any one of the above items (1) to (5), the sphere has a diameter of 15 to 25 mm.

(8) In any one of the above items (1) to (7), the pivotal support body is a low friction material in which a tapered surface having a diameter that expands forward is provided at the bottom of a cylindrical body having a diameter slightly larger than that of a sphere. A seat plate is provided.

(9) In any one of the above items (1) to (8), the optical coordinate signal generating means determines the resolution of the optical sensor that reads the irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere with respect to the moving distance of the sphere of 1 mm. The number of screen movement dots is 20 to 34 dots.

(10) In any one of the above items (1) to (9), the swing plate is provided with a flexible groove in the vicinity of a portion where the optical coordinate signal generating means is mounted and fixed to the case.

(11) In any one of the above items (1) to (10), the first instruction signal generating means switches the first signal generating push button switch and the second signal generating push button switch to operate each other's push buttons. Bonded with the protrusions facing each other.

(12) In any one of the above items (1) to (11), the second instruction signal generating means is provided in the upper right part of the front of the case.

(13) In any one of the above items (1) to (12), the mode switching signal generation means converts the signal of the first signal generation push button switch in the first instruction signal generation means to PgUp / PgDn (page up / An on / off signal generated by the second instruction signal generating means is converted into a toggle signal, and the signal PgUp / PgDn of the first signal generation push button switch is converted into a page down signal based on the toggle signal. Change the page up / page down designation signal to specify either up or down, and hold the signal of the first signal generation push button switch by the second signal generation push button switch. To the application program that executes the active window indicated by the pointer. When the signal is changed to a signal for designating the large / reduced mode and the signal is not output, a screen scroll mode is designated for the application program. The coordinate signal generating means generates the optical coordinate signal generating means when the coordinate signal for detecting the vertical rotation direction and the movement amount generated by the coordinate signal generating means is changed to a screen enlargement / reduction signal and in the screen scroll mode. A mode for changing the coordinate signal for detecting the rotation direction and movement amount related to the up and down direction to the vertical scroll signal of the screen, and the coordinate signal for detecting the rotation direction and movement amount related to the left and right to the left and right scroll signal of the screen, respectively. A switching signal is generated.

(14) In any one of the above items (1) to (13), the mode switching signal generating means is provided in the upper left part of the front of the case.

(15) In any one of the above items (1) to (14), the mode switching signal generating means is provided in front of the case with a plurality of push button switches.

(16) In any one of the above items (2) to (14), the plurality of function signal generating means are symmetrical to the push button switch of the second instruction signal generating means and the push button switch of the mode switching signal generating means. Alternatively, it is arranged asymmetrically in front of the case.

(17) In the above item (2), the function signal generating means generates a pasted function signal for the application program.

(18) In the above item (2), the function signal generating means generates a copy function signal for the application program.

(19) In the above item (2), the function signal generating means generates a deletion function signal for the application program.

(A) According to the invention described in claim 1, using only one kind of finger, not only pointing operation but also normal mouse operation left click (generation of active instruction signal), right click (passive instruction) Signal generation), drag-and-drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, and control signals for those functions are changed to signals that perform different functions using mode switching signals, and multi-function control is performed. Make it possible to do.

(B) According to the invention described in claim 2, using only one kind of finger, not only pointing operation but also normal mouse operation left click (generation of active instruction signal), right click (passive instruction) Signal generation), drag-and-drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, and control signals for those functions are changed to signals that perform different functions using mode switching signals, and multi-function control is performed. Enables the application program that executes the active window indicated by the pointer to generate a signal that achieves the required function, and performs various types of editing operations on word processing software (including text editors) For most applications, spreadsheets and other application programs, most of the editing work can be done by omitting character input. -It can be done without operating the board.

(C) According to the invention described in claim 3, by making the case large enough to be gripped by the palm, using only the thumb, left-clicking in normal mouse operation as well as pointing operation (active instruction) Signal generation), right-click (passive instruction signal generation), drag-and-drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, and control signals for these functions are performed by mode switching signals. By changing to a signal, multi-functional control can be performed.
In addition, the application program that executes the active window indicated by the pointer generates a signal that achieves the required function, and performs various types of editing operations such as word processing software (including text editors), spreadsheet software, etc. Most of the editing work can be done without operating the keyboard without entering characters.
By using a pointing device that can be operated with one hand, it is ideal for a sick person to operate a computer while lying in bed, and when operating with one hand in a futon, there is almost no audible click sound. Moreover, since each switch is a push button type, the click feeling can be sensed with the finger to be operated, and the pressing force of the push button switch that performs the left click and the pressing force of the push button switch that performs the click lock action Further, by giving a relatively large difference, it is possible to give a clear operation distinction and perform an operation as intended by the operator with only the sense of the finger to operate.
In addition, when performing editing work on a moving object such as an automobile, bus, train, airplane, etc., in a state where it is suspended on the outer wall of a building or a quay of a rocky place, suspended on the ceiling, etc. When a person performs a special work, it can be used as a man-machine interface for referring to a manual concerning the work by a wearable computer worn by the worker.

(D) According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to provide a one-handed pointing device having an appropriate size capable of gripping the case with a palm.

(E) According to the invention described in claim 5, when editing work is performed on a mobile computer such as an automobile, a bus, a train, an airplane, etc., using a notebook computer, pointer movement, drag and drop, click lock Drag selection, drag range specification, pull-down menu operation by right-click, etc. can be performed only with the index finger operation, and using the keypad of the character input means, character input can also be performed with this pointing device .

(F) According to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to easily obtain a sphere with an irregular pattern.
By changing the type of natural stone, it is possible to seek changes in the color, gloss, pattern, and feel of the sphere, and to exhibit decorative and aesthetic effects that cannot be obtained with conventional balls. .

(G) According to the invention described in claim 7, it is possible to obtain an optimum circumference of the sphere according to the resolution of the optical sensor in the optical coordinate signal generating means.

(H) According to the invention described in claim 8, since the sphere is rotated by the belly of the finger and the sphere is pressed in the direction of the sphere, the sphere is smoothly rotated and the sphere is pressed in the direction of the sphere. By supporting centripetally with a tapered surface so that the sphere does not shake, the pressing force of the switch that operates when the sphere is lightly pressed is reduced, and a light click operation is performed, and the sphere is a natural stone Therefore, it is possible to make the sphere less likely to be damaged by receiving the friction surface on the surface.

(I) According to the invention described in claim 9, the number of dots on the left and right of the standard monitor screen (1024 dots) can be reduced by one rotation operation with respect to a diameter of 15 to 25 mm that is easy to rotate the sphere. Optimal resolution is obtained when moving the pointer.

(J) According to the invention described in claim 10, since the swing plate supporting the optical sensor of the optical coordinate signal generating means is provided with a flexible groove to be easily bent, a pivotal portion such as a movable shaft is provided. There is no need to provide.

(K) According to the invention described in claim 11, since the two push button switches having different operation pressing forces are bonded to each other, the two push buttons can be attached to the swing plate as one part, and the assembly work To make it easier.

(L) According to the invention described in claim 12, the right button and the position image on the mouse are easily operated correspondingly.

(M) According to the invention of the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the basic operation of the trackball type pointing device of the first and second aspects, it is possible to perform page scrolling, continuous left-right scrolling, and enlargement / reduction of the screen. Editing (including text editors) and spreadsheet software can be performed without operating the keyboard without entering characters.

(N) According to the invention of claim 14, the upper left part of the front of the case in the vicinity of the sphere can be operated with the same finger as the finger that operates the sphere, so that the operability can be improved at an optimum place. .

(O) According to the invention as set forth in claim 15, when a plurality of mode change switches are provided at a place suitable for operation with the same finger as that for operating the sphere, a large number of operation modes can be set. A multifunctional pointing device can be provided.

(P) According to the invention described in claim 16, by arranging the switches for performing the basic operation and the switches for performing the auxiliary operation in a symmetric arrangement or an asymmetric arrangement, the arrangement image of each switch can be easily remembered, and It is easy to operate and the operability of the pointing device can be improved.

(Q) According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, by giving the pointing device a pasting operation function, left click, right click, drag and drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, page scroll, continuous Coupled with operation functions such as left / right scrolling and screen enlargement / reduction, most editing operations of word processing software and spreadsheet software can be performed without operating the keyboard without entering characters.

(R) According to the invention of claim 18, by giving the pointing device a copy operation function, left click, right click, drag and drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, page scroll, continuous left and right Coupled with operation functions such as scrolling and screen enlargement / reduction, most editing operations of word processing software and spreadsheet software can be performed without operating the keyboard without inputting characters.

(S) According to the invention described in claim 19, by providing the pointing device with a deletion operation function, left click, right click, drag and drop, drag selection, drag range designation, click lock, page scroll, continuous left and right Coupled with operation functions such as scrolling and screen enlargement / reduction, most editing operations of word processing software and spreadsheet software can be performed without operating the keyboard without inputting characters.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 3 show a hand-held trackball type pointing device showing a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

  The pointing device (1) detects a rotating sphere (2) and a coordinate signal generating means for detecting the direction and amount of rotation of the sphere (2) and controlling a GUI (graphical user interface) pointer in the computer. 3) and two instruction signal generating means (4a) and (4b) for generating an instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer.

  The pointing device (1) includes a flat case (5) that can be gripped by the palm, and the front flat surface (5a) of the case (5) has a thumb (A ) Is provided with a sphere (2) that protrudes from the flat surface (5a) so that the front surface is substantially hemispherical, and has an irregular pattern on the surface.

  The case (5) has a rectangular shape slightly larger than the left and right dimensions (W) in the top and bottom dimensions (H) in the front view, and has a large roundness (R) at the corners (5b) at the front corners. The dimension (L) in the thickness direction is slightly larger than the diameter (D) of the sphere (2) provided in the center of the front, and each twill is moderately chamfered so that it is easy to grip with the palm. It has a shape.

  The specific example of each dimension is 55 to 65 mm in the upper and lower dimensions (H), 40 to 50 mm in the left and right dimensions (W), the roundness (R) in the corners of about 10 mm, the diameter of the sphere (2) (D ) Is preferably 15 to 25 mm, and the thickness (L) of the front and rear is preferably 15 to 30 mm.

  Each of these dimensions is used by gripping the case (5) by hand, so it is preferable to divide it into a size suitable for each person with a large hand, a medium person, and a small person. .

  However, since the diameter (D) of the sphere (2) is related to the resolution of the coordinate signal that moves the pointer, it is constant in the series of large, medium, and small types regardless of the size of the case (5). The diameter (D) is preferable.

  Sphere (2) is a natural stone polished into a spherical shape. It is a thing with an irregular pattern on the surface.

  On the rear surface of the sphere (2), there is provided a pivot (6) for receiving the sphere (2) in a rotatable manner within the case (5).

  The pivotal support (6) is a low friction material seat plate (6c) provided with a tapered surface (6b) that expands forward at the bottom of the cylinder (6a) having a diameter slightly larger than that of the sphere (2). It is equipped with.

  Behind this pivotal support (6), an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere is detected by an integrated optical sensor (3a), and the rotation direction and amount of movement of the sphere (2) in the vertical and horizontal directions are detected. Optical coordinate signal generating means (3) for engineering detection is provided.

  The optical sensor (3a) in the pivot (6) and the optical coordinate signal generating means (3) is swingable in the longitudinal direction of the sphere (2) with respect to the case (5). ).

  The optical coordinate signal generation means (3) determines the resolution of the optical sensor (3a) that reads the irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere (2), the number of dots of the screen moving the pointer with respect to the moving distance of the sphere, What set it as 20-34 dots is preferable.

  The lower end (7a) of the swing plate (7) is fixed to a step portion (8) provided at the lower portion of the case (5) via a screw (9), and slightly above the fixed lower end (7a). The upper part (7b) provided with a flexible groove (10) facing in the left-right direction and provided with the pivot (6) and the optical coordinate signal generating means (3) in the center is swingable back and forth. It is.

  The upper end (7c) of the upper part (7b) of the swing plate (7) and the step part (5c) provided at the inner upper part of the case (5) are connected in series with different operating pressures. A pair of push button switches (S1) (S2) is provided.

The pair pushbutton switch (S ₁₎ one of the push button switch in (S ₂₎ (S _1), by pressing the spherical body (2), an active command signal according to the coordinate point pointer points ( _First instruction signal generating means (4a) for generating g ₁ ) is constituted.

Here, the active instruction signal (g ₁ ) corresponds to a left click signal in a normal mouse among the two instruction signal generating means (4) for generating an instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer, This signal gives an active command to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer.

On the other hand, the other push button switch (S ₂ ) of the pair of push button switches (S ₁ ) (S ₂ ) is the push button switch (S ₁ ) constituting the first signal generating means (4a). The signal (g ₁ ) of the first instruction signal generating means (4a) generated earlier when the actuator is operated with an operating pressing force higher than the operating pressing force (the spring force is strong when the contact is turned on). After the first instruction signal generating means (4a) is once restored, the holding signal generating means (11) for generating the holding signal (n) to be held until the next operation is configured.

A second instruction signal generated by operating the passive instruction signal (g ₂ ) related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere (2) in the vicinity of the sphere (2), for example, in the upper right. The generating means (4b) is provided as a push button switch (S ₃ ).

Here, the passive instruction signal (g ₂ ) is a right click signal in a normal mouse among the two instruction signal generating means (4) for generating an instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer, and the pointer Is a signal that gives an auxiliary instruction for opening a passive command, for example, a pull-down menu and selecting an active command that can be performed next to the coordinate point indicated by.

In the vicinity of the sphere (2), for example, in the upper left, each signal (g ₁ ) generated by each of the signal generating means (4a), (4b), and (11) is operated with the same finger as the finger that rotates the sphere (2). ) (g ₂ ) (n) and a mode switching signal (m) for changing the coordinate signal (X) (Y) generated by the optical coordinate signal generating means (3) to a signal having another function. A mode switching signal generating means (12) for generating is provided with a push button switch (S ₄ ).

In FIG. 3, the screen is scrolled with respect to the pointing mode for controlling the pointer and the application software for executing the active window indicated by the pointer according to the operation state of each of the push button switches (S ₁ ) to (S ₄ ). An example of the time chart which performs scroll mode is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the push button switches (S ₁ ) to (S ₄ ) is configured as a basic operation mode in which an ON / OFF mode is configured with a normally open contact that turns off the contact when the operation button is released. Is done.

Further, the push button switches (S ₂ ) to (S ₄ ) other than the push button switch (S ₁ ) that operates first when the sphere (2) is pressed reverses on / off each time the push button is pressed. The toggle mode signal is output in parallel with the on / off mode signal.

  The conversion from the on / off mode to the toggle mode of the pushbutton switch is performed by using a flag for the on / off mode signal via a T flip-flop in terms of hardware, and at the rising edge of the on / off mode in terms of software. Can be easily performed by checking the flags.

The output of each toggle mode in each of the push button switches (S ₂ ) to (S ₄ ) is initialized at the head of the pointing mode, and always starts from OFF.

The pointing mode and the scroll mode are set by the toggle mode output signal (m) of the push button switch (S ₄ ) provided at the upper left of the case (5). The pointing mode is the off period of the signal (m), and the scroll mode is The signal (m) is on.

In this pointing mode, the ON signal (g ₁ ) of the push button switch (S ₁ ), which is the first signal generating means (4a) that operates when the sphere (2) is lightly pressed, is used as the left click signal.

Further, the ON signal (g ₂ ) of the push button switch (S ₃ ) as the second instruction signal generating means (4b) provided at the upper right of the case (5) is used as the right click signal.

  Similarly, in the pointing mode, the Y coordinate signal (Y) generated by rotating the sphere (2) in the vertical direction, generated by the optical coordinate signal generating means (3), the pointer in the vertical direction and the sphere ( The X coordinate signal (X) obtained by rotating 2) in the left-right direction is operated so as to move the pointer in the left-right direction.

Further, in the pointing mode, when the sphere (2) is lightly pressed to generate the ON signal (g ₁ ) of the push button switch (S ₁ ) and the left click signal is output, the sphere (2) is further strengthened. When the push button switch (S ₂ ) which is the hold signal generating means (11) is turned on and the hold signal (n) as the toggle mode signal is generated, the double push button switches (S ₁ ) (S ₃ ) Even if is turned off, the left click signal can be maintained in the drag state by setting the logical sum of the push button signal (g ₁ ) and the hold signal (n).

This situation is the same as the click lock state by the above software. However, in the case of the software, the time when the click lock state is set is set by the timer measured from the time when the left click signal is raised. In the present invention, the push button switch (S ₂ ) is determined when it is turned on so that the intention of the operator is surely reflected.

The hold signal (n) is forcibly cleared at the rise of the signal (g ₁ ) when the push button switch (S ₁ ) is turned on again. At that time, the signal (g ₁ ), the drag state is maintained until the signal (g ₁ ) is turned off, that is, until the push button switch (S ₁ ) generating the left click signal is turned off, and this push button switch (S ₁ Dropped when) is turned off.

  In this drag operation, selection by a pointer, range specification, and the like are similarly performed, and the start point and end point of the drag operation can surely reflect the intention of the operator.

During the drag operation period, the finger operating the sphere (2) is released from the rotation operation, and other switches, for example, the upper right push button switch (S ₃ ) and the upper left push button switch (S ₄ ). However, in order to prevent erroneous operation, it is preferable to set the invalid period to invalidate the operation of other switches.

By turning on the push button switch (S ₄ ) which is the mode switching signal generating means (12) provided at the upper left in the case (5), the mode switching signal (m) can be turned on to enter the scroll mode. .

Immediately after entering the scroll mode, the toggle mode output signal of the push button switch (S ₂ ) is initialized to the off state.

When switched to this scroll mode, the ON output signal (g ₁ ) of the push button switch (S ₁ ) operated by lightly pressing the sphere (2) acts as a page up / page down signal (g ₁ ′). The signal is output after being changed to a signal having a function different from that of the pointing mode.

In the pointing mode, the upper right push button switch (S ₃ ) that has output the right click signal outputs the toggle mode signal as the up / down switching signal (p).

Thus, when the up / down switching signal (p) is off, the page up / page down signal (g ₁ ') is defined in the standard keyboard for the application software that executes the active window indicated by the pointer. Output PgUp (page up) code.

When the up / down switching signal (p) is on, the page up / page down signal (g ₁ ') is defined in the standard keyboard for application software that executes the active window indicated by the pointer. PgDn (page down) code is output.

Thus, in the scroll mode, each time the sphere (2) is lightly pressed and the pushbutton switch (S ₁ ) is turned on (clicked), if the application software that executes the active window is a word processor, the editing screen is displayed. A page scroll mode is executed in which the page is scrolled upward or downward every page.

  In this scroll mode, the Y coordinate signal (Y) and X coordinate signal (X) generated by rotating the sphere (2) in the vertical direction generated by the optical coordinate signal generating means (3) are displayed on the active window. For the application software to be executed, the screen in the active window is changed to a signal that works so as to move substantially continuously in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and is output.

Further, in the scroll mode, when the sphere (2) is pressed strongly and the push button switch (S ₂ ) is turned on to generate a holding signal (n) as its toggle mode signal, the holding signal (n) is The Y coordinate signal (Y) obtained by rotating the sphere (2) up and down during the ON period is changed to a signal that enlarges or reduces the screen for application software that executes the active window. Output.

  Such a signal is output by counting the Y coordinate signal (Y) with an up / down counter and changing the overflow signal for each required number to a signal that changes the screen at the required enlargement or reduction rate. can do.

The holding signal (n) at this time is preferably reset to OFF by lightly pressing the sphere (2) to turn on (click) the push button switch (S ₁ ).

  When the hold signal (n) is reset to OFF, the state returns to the state in which the previous page scroll and screen scroll can be performed, and when the mode switching signal (m) is turned OFF, the pointing mode returns.

  The various operations in the above-described modes can be performed by using only one kind of finger, for example, only the thumb or the index finger, in principle.

The above-mentioned case (5), which is hand-held, is operated only with the thumb.
In the present invention, a plurality of push button switches are provided on the flat surface (5a) on the front surface of the case (5), and they are operated with a finger that rotates the sphere (2), that is, the thumb. Operation is possible.

  In a conventional mouse or the like, in addition to the push button switch that outputs a left and right click signal, a scroll wheel switch and a plurality of push button switches have been proposed, but in a right-handed mouse, The left button is operated with the index finger, the right button is operated with the middle finger, the wheel switch is operated with the index finger, the switch provided on the left side is operated with the thumb, and the switch provided on the right side is operated with the ring finger or the little finger.

  Each of these switches has a clear division of roles corresponding to the finger to be operated, so it is easy to consider that it is easy to use, but there are various ways to apply force to press each switch, especially The switch provided on the side of the mouse is difficult to operate, contrary to the action of gripping the mouse.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a function signal for achieving a required function is provided on the flat surface (5a) in front of the case (5) symmetrically with the push button switches (S ₂ ) (S ₄ ). A push button switch (S ₅ ) (S ₆ ) is provided.

The function signal generated by the push button switch (S ₅ ) at the lower right is a paste code (Ctrl + V) of a shortcut key (hereinafter abbreviated as a shortcut key) that is normally adopted in many application software, or Output the code corresponding to it.

Similarly, the function signal generated by the lower left push button switch (S ₆ ) outputs a shortcut key copy code (Ctrl + C) or a code corresponding thereto.

The deletion function in the shortcut key is selected from the pull-down menu by the push button switch (S ₃ ) on the upper right.

  In this way, most editing operations of word processing software (including text editors) and spreadsheet software can be performed without operating the keyboard without entering characters.

  This means that when the hand-held trackball type pointing device (1) according to the present invention is used for a notebook type personal computer to perform editing work on a mobile object such as a car, a bus, a train, an airplane, etc. Drag and drop, drag selection, drag range specification, page scroll, continuous left and right scroll, screen enlargement / reduction, pull-down menu operation by right click and deletion, copying by function key, pasting, etc. If the keypad of the character input means is used, it is possible to input characters with this pointing device (1), and almost all editing operations can be performed with the pointing device (1) according to the present invention. Can only be done.

  The above-mentioned various editing operations can be performed with only one kind of finger because the body function for operating the pointing device (1) can be used if only a part of the functions work. It is suitable for a disabled person and an elderly person who are partially damaged, a sick bed person and a disabled person whose operation posture is special, and the like to operate the computer.

In particular, it is most suitable for a sick person to operate a computer while sleeping in bed, and when the hand-held pointing device (1) of the present invention is operated with one hand in a futon, a click sound is almost audible. In addition, since each switch is a push button type, the click feeling can be sensed by the finger to be operated, and the push button switch (S ₁ ) for operating the left click and the push button for performing the click lock action. By giving a relatively large difference to the pressing force of the switch (S ₂ ), it is possible to give a clear operation distinction and perform the operation as intended by the operator only with the sense of the operating finger. it can.

  It is also effective as a pointing device for wearable computers that work in a special posture.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. On the flat surface (5a) on the front surface of the case (5), the function signal is asymmetric with the push button switches (S ₂ ) (S ₄ ). Push button switches (S ₅ ) (S ₆ ) (S ₇ ) for generating

  Note that switches having the same functions as those described above are given the same symbols.

As in FIG. 1, the push button switch (S ₅ ) is provided with a function for generating a paste shortcut key code, and the push button switch (S ₆ ) is provided with a function for generating a copy shortcut key code. The switch (S ₇ ) is provided with a function for generating a code for a deletion shortcut key to improve workability.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Like a notebook personal computer (13), a sphere (2) is formed below the keyboard (14) from the upper surface (16) of the case (15). And push button switches (S ₁ ) (S ₂ ) (not shown) on the bottom surface thereof as shown in FIG. 2, push button switches (S ₃ ) (S ₄ ) around the sphere (2), and Push button switches (S ₅ ), (S ₆ ) and (S ₇ ) for generating function signals may be provided so that the sphere (2) and each switch can be operated with only the index finger.

  Note that switches having the same function are denoted by the same symbols.

  However, it goes without saying that when the pointing device (1) of the present invention is incorporated in a notebook personal computer (13), it is difficult to obtain the effects related to the special posture of the operator as compared with the handheld type.

Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, the mode switching push button switch (S ₄ ) has been described as one, but a plurality of mode switching push button switches are provided, and a combination of these switches can be used. Various modes can be set to be multifunctional.

  A jog dial type switch can also be used as the mode changeover switch.

It is the perspective view seen from the front right direction of the handheld pointing device which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view in FIG. In the present invention, it is a time chart showing one embodiment of control for performing the pointing mode and the scroll mode. It is the perspective view seen from the front right direction of the handheld pointing device similar to FIG. 1 which shows the modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the front right direction of the pointing device applied to the notebook type personal computer which shows another embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Pointing device
(2) Sphere
(3) Coordinate signal generation means
(3a) Photoelectric sensor
(4) Instruction signal generating means
(4a) First instruction signal generating means
(4b) Second instruction signal generating means
(5) Case
(5a) Flat plane
(5b) Front corners
(5c) Step
(6) Pivot
(7) Swing plate
(7a) Lower end
(7b) Upper part
(7c) Upper end
(8) Step
(9) Screw
(10) Flexible groove
(11) Holding signal generation means
(12) Mode switching signal generation means
(13) Notebook PC
(S ₁ ) to (S ₇ ) push button switches
(g ₁ ) Active indication signal
(g ₂ ) Passive indication signal
(n) Holding signal
(m) Mode switching signal
(Y) Y coordinate signal
(X) X coordinate signal
(g ₁ ') Page up / page down signal
(p) Up / down switching signal
(H) Vertical dimension
(W) Left and right dimensions
(L) Thickness dimension
(R) Roundness
(D) Diameter
(A) Thumb

Claims (19)

A rotatable sphere, a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the sphere, and a coordinate signal generating means for controlling a GUI (graphical user interface) pointer in the computer, and an instruction signal relating to a coordinate point indicated by the pointer In a pointing device comprising instruction signal generating means,
A spherical surface that protrudes from the surface of the case almost near the hemisphere so that it can be rotated by a finger on the flat surface of the front surface of the case, is provided rotatably, and has an irregular pattern on the surface.
A pivot that rotatably receives the rear surface of the sphere in the case;
An optical coordinate signal generating means for detecting an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere with an optical sensor at the rear of the pivot, and detecting a rotation direction and a movement amount related to the upper and lower sides and the right and left sides of the sphere,
A swing plate that is attached to the pivotal support body and the optical coordinate signal generating means and is swingable in the longitudinal direction of the sphere with respect to the case;
A first signal generation push button that is provided in series between the swing plate and the case with different operating pressures and generates an active instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer by pressing the sphere. The first signal generation pushbutton switch signal generated by the switch and the first signal generation pushbutton switch is operated at an operation pressing force higher than the operation pressing force of the first signal generation pushbutton switch. A first instruction signal generation means comprising a second signal generation push button switch for generating a signal to be held until the next operation after the generation push button switch is restored;
A second instruction signal generating means provided as a push button switch in the vicinity of the sphere, and generating a passive instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere;
A mode switch provided as a push button switch in the vicinity of the sphere and operated with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere to change each signal and each coordinate signal generated by each signal generating means to another signal Mode switching signal generating means for generating a signal;
A pointing device comprising: A rotatable sphere, a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the sphere, and a coordinate signal generating means for controlling a GUI (graphical user interface) pointer in the computer, and an instruction signal relating to a coordinate point indicated by the pointer In a pointing device comprising instruction signal generating means,
A spherical surface that protrudes from the surface of the case almost near the hemisphere so that it can be rotated by a finger on the flat surface of the front surface of the case, is provided rotatably, and has an irregular pattern on the surface.
A pivot that rotatably receives the rear surface of the sphere in the case;
An optical coordinate signal generating means for detecting an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere with an optical sensor at the rear of the pivot, and detecting a rotation direction and a movement amount related to the upper and lower sides and the right and left sides of the sphere,
A swing plate that is attached to the pivotal support body and the optical coordinate signal generating means and is swingable in the longitudinal direction of the sphere with respect to the case;
A first signal generation push button that is provided in series between the swing plate and the case with different operating pressures and generates an active instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer by pressing the sphere. The first signal generation pushbutton switch signal generated by the switch and the first signal generation pushbutton switch is operated at an operation pressing force higher than the operation pressing force of the first signal generation pushbutton switch. A first instruction signal generation means comprising a second signal generation push button switch for generating a signal to be held until the next operation after the generation push button switch is restored;
A second instruction signal generating means provided as a push button switch in the vicinity of the sphere, and generating a passive instruction signal related to the coordinate point indicated by the pointer with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere;
A mode switch provided as a push button switch in the vicinity of the sphere and operated with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere to change each signal and each coordinate signal generated by each signal generating means to another signal Mode switching signal generating means for generating a signal;
A push button switch is provided in the vicinity of the sphere, and is operated with the same finger as the finger rotating the sphere to generate a signal that achieves a required function for an application program that executes an active window indicated by the pointer 1 A pointing device comprising one or more function signal generating means.   The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the case is a flat case that can be held by a palm.   The pointing according to claim 3, wherein the case has a width of 40 to 50 mm, a length of 55 to 65 mm, a depth (thickness) of 15 to 30 mm when viewed from the front, and has rounded corners with a radius of about 10 mm at the corners of the front view. device.   The pointing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the case is a flat case that can be grasped by a palm.   The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the spherical body is formed by polishing natural stone into a spherical shape.   The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the sphere has a diameter of 15 to 25 mm.   The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pivotal support body is provided with a seat plate made of a low friction material provided with a tapered surface that expands forward in the bottom of a cylindrical body having a diameter slightly larger than that of the sphere. device.   The optical coordinate signal generation means has a resolution of an optical sensor that reads an irregular pattern on the rear surface of the sphere, and the number of screen movement dots of the pointer is 20 to 34 dots with respect to a movement distance of 1 mm of the sphere. The pointing device according to any one of the above.   The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the swing plate is provided with a flexible groove in the vicinity of a portion where the optical coordinate signal generating means is mounted and fixed to the case.   11. The first instruction signal generation means is formed by bonding the first signal generation push button switch and the second signal generation push button switch with the push button operation protrusions facing each other. The pointing device described in.   The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second instruction signal generating means is provided in an upper right portion of the front of the case.   On / off generated by the second instruction signal generating means when the mode switching signal generating means generates the PgUp / PgDn (page up / page down) signal from the signal of the first signal generating push button switch in the first instruction signal generating means. A signal is converted into a toggle signal, and on the basis of the toggle signal, the signal PgUp / PgDn of the first signal generation push button switch is designated to be paged up or paged down. To the application program that executes the active window indicated by the pointer, the signal is changed to the page down designation signal and the signal holding the signal of the first signal generation push button switch by the second signal generation push button switch is also changed. Change the signal to specify the screen enlargement / reduction mode. In addition, when the signal is not output, the scroll mode of the screen is designated for the application program, and when the screen is in the enlargement / reduction mode, the optical coordinate signal generating means generates the up and down directions. When the coordinate signal for detecting the rotation direction and the movement amount is changed to the screen enlargement / reduction signal and the screen is in the scroll mode, the rotation direction and the movement amount relating to the vertical direction generated by the optical coordinate signal generating means are detected. A mode switching signal is generated for changing the coordinate signal to the vertical scroll signal of the screen and the coordinate signal for detecting the rotation direction and the movement amount related to the left and right to the horizontal scroll signal of the screen, respectively. Item 13. The pointing device according to any one of Items 1 to 12.   The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mode switching signal generating means is provided at an upper left portion of the front of the case.   The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the mode switching signal generating means has a plurality of push button switches and is provided in front of the case.   The plurality of function signal generating means are disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on the front face of the case with the push button switch of the second instruction signal generating means and the push button switch of the mode switching signal generating means. 14. The pointing device according to any one of 14.   The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the function signal generating means generates a pasted function signal for the application program.   3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the function signal generating means generates a copy function signal for the application program. 3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the function signal generating means generates a deletion function signal for the application program.

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