JP4510610B2

JP4510610B2 - pointing device

Info

Publication number: JP4510610B2
Application number: JP2004376612A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 保小池; 孝夫遠藤; 武志西野; 修二中村; 安功谷津田
Original assignee: Fujitsu Component Ltd
Current assignee: Fujitsu Component Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-27
Filing date: 2004-12-27
Publication date: 2010-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-27
Also published as: JP2006185072A

Description

本発明は、パソコン等でディスプレイ上に表示されたカーソルや図形を任意の位置に移動させるポインティングデバイスに関する。 The present invention relates to a pointing device that moves a cursor or figure displayed on a display of a personal computer or the like to an arbitrary position.

デスクトップ型のパソコンでは殆どの場合ポインティングデバイスとしてはマウスが使用され、その他、ジョイスティックやトラックボールなどが使用されることもある。一方、ノート型パソコンでは殆どの場合、本体に組み込まれたタッチパッドを使用することが多い。操作感という点ではマウスが優れておりノート型パソコンでも使用できる、すなわち、ノート型パソコンと共に携行できる小形軽量の操作感のよいポインティングデバイスの開発が望まれている。 In most desktop computers, a mouse is used as a pointing device, and a joystick or a trackball is also used. On the other hand, in most cases, a notebook personal computer uses a touch pad incorporated in the main body. In terms of operational feeling, a mouse is excellent and can be used in a notebook computer, that is, it is desired to develop a small and lightweight pointing device that can be carried with a notebook computer and that has a good operational feeling.

このようなポインティングデバイスとして特許文献１に記載の装置がある。特許文献１のポインティングデバイスは被移動体の移動量を検出する移動量検出部と被移動体が押圧されたことを検出する押圧検出部を有し、押圧されている場合に移動量を出力するようにされている。しかし、この特許文献１のポインティングデバイスでは、押圧検出部が上下方向の支持をおこなうスプリングに設けられており押圧検出精度が経時的に劣化する虞があり、移動量を出力すべき場合に出力されない可能性がある。また、被移動体は支柱を有さないで上下方向に延伸するコイルスプリングでのみ支持されていて、被移動体の上下の動き、前後左右の動きはこれらのコイルスプリングの付勢力に抗しておこなわれる。したがって、被移動体の姿勢が不安定になり被移動体が使用者の意図どおりに移動しない可能性がある。 As such a pointing device, there is an apparatus described in Patent Document 1. The pointing device of Patent Document 1 has a movement amount detection unit that detects the movement amount of the moving object and a pressure detection unit that detects that the moving object is pressed, and outputs the movement amount when the movement object is pressed. Has been. However, in the pointing device of Patent Document 1, the pressure detection unit is provided on a spring that supports the vertical direction, and there is a possibility that the pressure detection accuracy may deteriorate over time, and is not output when the movement amount should be output. there is a possibility. In addition, the movable body is supported only by a coil spring extending in the vertical direction without having a support, and the vertical movement of the movable body and the movement in the front, rear, left, and right are resisted against the biasing force of these coil springs. It is carried out. Therefore, there is a possibility that the posture of the moving object becomes unstable and the moving object does not move as intended by the user.

特許文献２に記載のポインティングデバイスは、被移動体の下面に隙間をあけて互いに直交する軸まわりを回転するローラを配設し、被移動体を押し下げ、水平移動させるとローラが回転して電気パルスを発生するようにされていて、この電気パルスから移動量、方向を算出して表示するものである。しかし、この引用文献２のポインティングデバイスでは被移動体は水平方向に延伸するスプリングでのみ支持されていて、被移動体の上下の動き、前後左右の動きはこれらのコイルスプリングの付勢力に抗しておこなわれる。したがって、被移動体の姿勢が不安定になり、被移動体を押圧して移動させてもローラが回転せず移動量が出力されない可能性がある。 In the pointing device described in Patent Document 2, a roller that rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to each other with a gap formed between the lower surface of the moving body is disposed, and when the moving body is pushed down and moved horizontally, the roller rotates to electrically A pulse is generated, and the movement amount and direction are calculated from the electric pulse and displayed. However, in the pointing device of the cited document 2, the moving object is supported only by the spring extending in the horizontal direction, and the vertical movement and the front / back / left / right movement of the moving object resists the biasing force of these coil springs. It is done. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the posture of the moving object becomes unstable, and the roller does not rotate and the movement amount is not output even if the moving object is pressed and moved.

特開２０００−１６３２１０号公報JP 2000-163210 A 特開平９−２４４７９５号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-244795

本発明は上記問題に鑑み、作動が安定し、操作感がよく、コンパクトに形成できるポインティングデバイスを提供することを目的とする。 In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a pointing device that is stable in operation, has a good feeling of operation, and can be formed compactly.

請求項１の発明によれば、ポインティングデバイスであって、
基板の上に立設された複数の固定支柱の周囲に配設されたコイルスプリングで支持される上下移動板と、
上下移動板の上に水平移動可能に配設される水平移動板と、
水平移動板の水平移動量を検出する水平移動量検出手段と、
操作者が水平移動板に触れているか、否か、を検出可能な接触感知手段と、
を具備し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていることが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていないことが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示しない、
ものであって、
接触感知手段が、基板と上下移動板の間に配設された感圧センサと使用者が水平移動板に接触した時に感圧センサを押圧するように水平移動板から上下移動板を貫通して延伸している押圧手段とを含む、感圧式タッチセンサから成る、
ようにされているポインティングデバイスが提供される。 According to invention of Claim 1, it is a pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal moving plate through the vertical moving plate so as to press the pressure sensitive sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical moving plate and when the user contacts the horizontal moving plate. Comprising a pressure sensitive touch sensor,
A pointing device is provided.

請求項２の発明によれば、ポインティングデバイスであって、
基板の上に立設された複数の固定支柱の周囲に配設されたコイルスプリングで支持される上下移動板と、
上下移動板の上に水平移動可能に配設される水平移動板と、
水平移動板の水平移動量を検出する水平移動量検出手段と、
操作者が水平移動板に触れているか、否か、を検出可能な接触感知手段と、
を具備し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていることが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていないことが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示しない、
ものであって、
接触感知手段が、基板と上下移動板の間に配設された静電センサと使用者が水平移動板に接触した時に静電センサを押圧するように水平移動板から上下移動板を貫通して延伸している押圧手段とを含む静電式タッチセンサから成る、
ようにされているポインティングデバイスが提供される。 According to invention of Claim 2, it is a pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal movement plate through the vertical movement plate so as to press the electrostatic sensor when the user touches the horizontal movement plate and the electrostatic sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical movement plate. An electrostatic touch sensor including a pressing means,
A pointing device is provided.

請求項３の発明によれば、ポインティングデバイスであって、
基板の上に立設された複数の固定支柱の周囲に配設されたコイルスプリングで支持される上下移動板と、
上下移動板の上に水平移動可能に配設される水平移動板と、
水平移動板の水平移動量を検出する水平移動量検出手段と、
操作者が水平移動板に触れているか、否か、を検出可能な接触感知手段と、
を具備し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていることが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていないことが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示しない、
ものであって、
接触感知手段が、基板と上下移動板の間に配設されたホールセンサと使用者が水平移動板に接触した時にホールセンサに接近するように水平移動板から上下移動板を貫通して延伸している部材の先端に配置されたマグネットとを含む、ホール式タッチセンサから成る、ようにされているポインティングデバイスが提供される。 According to invention of Claim 3, it is a pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal movement plate through the vertical movement plate so as to approach the hall sensor when the user touches the horizontal movement plate and the hall sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical movement plate. There is provided a pointing device adapted to comprise a Hall-type touch sensor including a magnet disposed at the tip of the member .

請求項４の発明によれば、ポインティングデバイスであって、
基板の上に立設された複数の固定支柱の周囲に配設されたコイルスプリングで支持される上下移動板と、
上下移動板の上に水平移動可能に配設される水平移動板と、
水平移動板の水平移動量を検出する水平移動量検出手段と、
操作者が水平移動板に触れているか、否か、を検出可能な接触感知手段と、
を具備し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていることが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていないことが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示しない、
ものであって、
接触感知手段が、基部に固定されている発光手段と、発光手段が発光した光を受光する基部に固定されている受光手段と、上下移動板の基板側に配置され使用者が水平移動板に接触した時に基板向かって移動せしめられて受光手段の受光する光量を変化せしめる光路変換部材とを含む、光学式タッチセンサから成る、
ようにされているポインティングデバイスが提供される。 According to invention of Claim 4, it is a pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means is disposed on the base plate side of the vertical movement plate, the light emitting means fixed to the base, the light receiving means fixed to the base for receiving the light emitted by the light emission means, and the user moves to the horizontal movement plate. An optical touch sensor including an optical path conversion member that is moved toward the substrate and changes the amount of light received by the light receiving means when contacted.
A pointing device is provided.

請求項１−４の発明は、ポインティングデバイスであって、
基板の上に立設された複数の固定支柱の周囲に配設されたコイルスプリングで支持される上下移動板と、
上下移動板の上に水平移動可能に配設される水平移動板と、
水平移動板の水平移動量を検出する水平移動量検出手段と、
操作者が水平移動板に触れているか、否か、を検出可能な接触感知手段と、
を具備し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていることが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示し、
操作者が水平移動板に触れていないことが検出された場合には、水平移動量検出手段で検出した水平移動板の移動量に基き被移動体の移動量、方向を計算して表示しない、
ものでありますが、
接触感知手段そのものの中にバネのような弾性部材を含んでおらず経時変化がおきにくく、また、使用者が直接触れるところに接触感知手段が設けられていないので汚損、損傷等が発生しにくいのであります。 The invention of claim 1-4 is a pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
It is a thing,
The contact sensing means itself does not include an elastic member such as a spring, so that it does not easily change over time, and since no contact sensing means is provided where the user directly touches, contamination, damage, etc. are unlikely to occur. It is.

特に、請求項１，２，３の発明では、押圧部材等の信号の発生に直接寄与する部位が水平移動板に直接とりつけられており、直接に指が接触するところにセンサ類があるわけではないにもかかわらず水平移動板そのものの動きを捉えるので感度がよいのであります。 In particular, in the first, second, and third aspects of the invention, the part that directly contributes to the generation of the signal such as the pressing member is directly attached to the horizontal moving plate, and the sensors are not located where the finger directly contacts. The sensitivity is good because it captures the movement of the horizontal moving plate itself.

以下、添付の図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
図１は、本発明のポインティングデバイスの第１の実施の形態の上面図であり、図２は図１のII-II線に沿って見た断面図である。ベース板１０に４本の支柱１１が立設されている。支柱１１を周囲するように支持スプリング１２が配設されている。支持スプリング１２の上に中央部分に開口部２１を有する上下移動板２０が載置されている。上下移動板２０はこの支持スプリング１２によって上下方向の基準位置にあるように常時付勢される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of the pointing device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. Four support columns 11 are erected on the base plate 10. A support spring 12 is disposed so as to surround the column 11. A vertical movement plate 20 having an opening 21 at the center is placed on the support spring 12. The vertical movement plate 20 is always urged by the support spring 12 so as to be at the reference position in the vertical direction.

上下移動板２０の上には開口部２１を挟んで一対の第１軸支持部材２２が一体形成されて配設されている。第１軸支持部材２２に一対の第１支持棒２３が取り付けられている。第１支持棒２３に第１水平移動プレート２４が摺動可能取り付けられている。第１水平移動プレート２４の両側の第１軸支持部材２２との間には第１水平スプリング２６が配設されていて、第１水平移動プレート２４は上下移動板２０上で第１支持棒２３の延伸方向における基準位置に常時付勢される。第１水平移動プレート２４の中央部分には開口２５が形成されている。 A pair of first shaft support members 22 are integrally formed on the vertically moving plate 20 with the opening 21 interposed therebetween. A pair of first support bars 23 are attached to the first shaft support member 22. A first horizontal movement plate 24 is slidably attached to the first support rod 23. A first horizontal spring 26 is disposed between the first horizontal movement plate 24 and the first shaft support members 22 on both sides of the first horizontal movement plate 24, and the first horizontal movement plate 24 is arranged on the vertical movement plate 20 with the first support rod 23. Is always urged to the reference position in the extending direction. An opening 25 is formed in the central portion of the first horizontal movement plate 24.

第１水平移動プレート２４の上には、一対の第２軸支持部材２７が一体形成されて、第１軸支持部材２２とは直角な方向に配設されている。第２軸支持部材２７に一対の第２支持棒２８が取り付けられている。第２支持棒２８に第２水平移動プレート３０が摺動可能に取り付けられている。第２水平移動プレート３０の両側の第２軸支持部材２７との間には第２水平スプリング２９が配設されていて、第２水平移動プレート３０は第１水平移動プレート２４上で第２支持棒２８の延伸方向における基準位置に常時付勢される。 A pair of second shaft support members 27 are integrally formed on the first horizontal movement plate 24 and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft support member 22. A pair of second support bars 28 are attached to the second shaft support member 27. A second horizontal movement plate 30 is slidably attached to the second support rod 28. A second horizontal spring 29 is disposed between the second horizontal movement plate 30 and the second shaft support members 27 on both sides of the second horizontal movement plate 30, and the second horizontal movement plate 30 is second supported on the first horizontal movement plate 24. The rod 28 is always urged to the reference position in the extending direction.

第２水平移動プレート３０の下面には円錐形状の押圧部材４２が取り付けられている。押圧部材４２は第１水平移動プレート２４に形成された開口部２５、および、上下移動板２０の開口部２１を通って下方に延伸している。一方、上下移動板２０の内側には押圧されると信号を発生する感圧センサ４１がセンサ支持部材１３に支持されて配設されている。
感圧センサ４１と押圧部材４２をまとめて感圧式タッチセンサと称し、参照符号４０を与える。 A conical pressing member 42 is attached to the lower surface of the second horizontal movement plate 30. The pressing member 42 extends downward through the opening 25 formed in the first horizontal movement plate 24 and the opening 21 of the vertical movement plate 20. On the other hand, a pressure-sensitive sensor 41 that generates a signal when pressed is supported on the inner side of the vertical movement plate 20 and supported by the sensor support member 13.
The pressure-sensitive sensor 41 and the pressing member 42 are collectively referred to as a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and a reference numeral 40 is given.

押圧部材４２は使用者が第２水平移動プレート３０に触らない場合は感圧センサ４１を押圧しないが、少しでも触れると感圧センサ４１を押圧し、感圧センサ４１が信号を発生するように、使用者が第２水平移動プレート３０に触れない場合には、極微小な隙間が、感圧センサ４１と押圧部材４２の先端の間に存在するようにされている。 The pressing member 42 does not press the pressure-sensitive sensor 41 when the user does not touch the second horizontal movement plate 30, but presses the pressure-sensitive sensor 41 when touched even a little so that the pressure-sensitive sensor 41 generates a signal. When the user does not touch the second horizontal movement plate 30, a very small gap exists between the pressure sensor 41 and the tip of the pressing member 42.

第１の実施の形態は上記のように構成され、使用者が第２水平移動プレート３０に触れると押圧部材４２の先端が感圧センサ４１に接触し、感圧センサ４１が信号電圧を発生するようにされている。感圧センサ４１が発生した信号電圧は制御部（図７参照）１００に送られる。制御部１００はこの信号が送られてくる間は後述する水平移動センサ８０が発生する信号を内部の演算回路（図示せず）に送り移動情報（距離、方向）を演算し、その結果が表示部２００に表示される。
一方、使用者が第２水平移動プレート３０に触れておらず、この信号が制御部１００に送られてこない場合は水平移動センサ８０が発生する信号を内部の演算回路（図示せず）に送らないようにされ、移動情報が表示部２００に表示されない。 The first embodiment is configured as described above, and when the user touches the second horizontal movement plate 30, the tip of the pressing member 42 contacts the pressure sensor 41, and the pressure sensor 41 generates a signal voltage. Has been. The signal voltage generated by the pressure sensor 41 is sent to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 7). While this signal is sent, the control unit 100 sends a signal generated by a horizontal movement sensor 80 (described later) to an internal arithmetic circuit (not shown) to calculate movement information (distance, direction), and displays the result. Displayed on the unit 200.
On the other hand, when the user does not touch the second horizontal movement plate 30 and this signal is not sent to the control unit 100, a signal generated by the horizontal movement sensor 80 is sent to an internal arithmetic circuit (not shown). The movement information is not displayed on the display unit 200.

図３は第２の実施の形態の構造を図２と同様な断面図で示したものである。第２水平移動プレート３０の取り付けまでは第１の実施の形態と同じであるが、第１の実施の形態と異なり、第２水平移動プレート３０の下側に先端が半球状の押圧部材５２がとりつけられている。また、上下移動板２０の内側には感圧センサ４１でなくて静電センサ５１が配設されている。
静電センサ５１と押圧部材５２をまとめて静電式タッチセンサと称し、参照符号５０を与える。 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the structure of the second embodiment. The process up to the mounting of the second horizontal movement plate 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, a pressing member 52 having a hemispherical tip is provided on the lower side of the second horizontal movement plate 30. It is attached. In addition, an electrostatic sensor 51 is disposed inside the vertical movement plate 20 instead of the pressure sensor 41.
The electrostatic sensor 51 and the pressing member 52 are collectively referred to as an electrostatic touch sensor and given a reference numeral 50.

静電センサ５０は静電量の変化により接触を感知し、その場合に信号を制御部１００（図７参照）に送るようにされているが、既に多くのものが開示されているのでその原理、構造の説明は省略する。また、静電センサ５１の信号が制御部１００へ送られてからの作動は第１の実施の形態と同じであるので説明は省略する。 The electrostatic sensor 50 senses contact by a change in electrostatic quantity, and in this case, a signal is sent to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 7). The description of the structure is omitted. Further, the operation after the signal of the electrostatic sensor 51 is sent to the control unit 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

図４は第３の実施の形態の構造を図２と同様な断面図で示したものである。第２水平移動プレート３０の取り付けまでは第１の実施の形態と同じであるが、第１の実施の形態とは異なり第２水平移動プレート３０の下側には、棒状のマグネット取り付け部材３３がとりつけられていて、その下端にマグネット６２が取り付けられている。上下移動板２０の内側には支持板１４が配設され、その上面のマグネット６２の下方の位置にホールセンサ６１が取り付けられている。ホールセンサ６１とマグネット６２をまとめてホール式タッチセンサと称し参照符合６０を与える。 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the structure of the third embodiment. The process up to the mounting of the second horizontal movement plate 30 is the same as in the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, a rod-shaped magnet mounting member 33 is provided below the second horizontal movement plate 30. The magnet 62 is attached to the lower end thereof. A support plate 14 is disposed inside the up-and-down moving plate 20, and a hall sensor 61 is attached at a position below the magnet 62 on the upper surface thereof. The hall sensor 61 and the magnet 62 are collectively referred to as a hall type touch sensor, and a reference numeral 60 is given.

ホール式タッチセンサ６０は静電量の変化により接触を感知し、その場合に信号を制御部１００（図７参照）に送るが、既に多くのものが開示されているのでその原理、構造の説明は省略する。また、ホール式タッチセンサ６０の信号電圧が制御部１００へ送られてからの作動は第１の実施の形態と同じであるので説明は省略する。 The hall-type touch sensor 60 senses contact by a change in electrostatic quantity, and in that case, sends a signal to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 7). Omitted. Further, since the operation after the signal voltage of the hall-type touch sensor 60 is sent to the control unit 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

次に光学式タッチセンサ７０を利用した第４の実施の形態について説明する。図５は第４の実施の形態の構造を図２と同様な断面図で示したものである。第２水平移動プレート３０の取り付けまでは第１の実施の形態と略同じであるが第２水平移動プレート３０の下側には何も取り付けられていない。上下移動板２０は中央部分の開口部２１を有しておらず、その部分の下側に、光路変換部材７１が取り付けられている。光路変換部材７１はプリズム部７２とレンズ部７３を有する。 Next, a fourth embodiment using the optical touch sensor 70 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the structure of the fourth embodiment. The process up to the attachment of the second horizontal movement plate 30 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but nothing is attached to the lower side of the second horizontal movement plate 30. The up-and-down moving plate 20 does not have the opening 21 at the center portion, and an optical path conversion member 71 is attached to the lower side of the portion. The optical path conversion member 71 has a prism part 72 and a lens part 73.

上下移動板２０の内側には支持板１５が配設されている。支持板１５には中央部には開口部１６が設けられている。支持板１５の下側の側部に受光部材７４が適切な方法で取り付けられている。受光部材７４は受光素子７５を含み、また受光素子７５の受光した光量を電圧に変換する機能を有する。受光素子７４は静止時に光路変換部材７１のレンズ部７３の真下に位置するように配置されている。一方、支持板１５の別の側部にはＬＥＤ７６が配設されている。光路変換部材７１（プリズム部７２、レンズ部７３を含む）、受光部材７４（受光素子７５を含む）、ＬＥＤ７６をまとめて光学式タッチセンサと称し、参照符号７０を付与する。 A support plate 15 is disposed inside the vertical movement plate 20. The support plate 15 has an opening 16 at the center. A light receiving member 74 is attached to the lower side portion of the support plate 15 by an appropriate method. The light receiving member 74 includes a light receiving element 75 and has a function of converting the amount of light received by the light receiving element 75 into a voltage. The light receiving element 74 is disposed so as to be positioned directly below the lens portion 73 of the optical path conversion member 71 when stationary. On the other hand, an LED 76 is disposed on another side of the support plate 15. The optical path conversion member 71 (including the prism portion 72 and the lens portion 73), the light receiving member 74 (including the light receiving element 75), and the LED 76 are collectively referred to as an optical touch sensor, and a reference numeral 70 is given thereto.

光路変換部材７１のプリズム部７２は開口部１６を通って下方に延伸している。ＬＥＤ７６の発行した光はプリズム部７２の垂直面７２ａから光変換部材７１内に入射してプリズム部７２の傾斜面７２ｂの内側で反射し、さらに、上面７１ａの内側で反射してレンズ部７３で集光されて受光素子７５に達する。したがって、使用者が第２水平移動プレート３０に触れて第２水平移動プレート３０の垂直方向位置が変化すると受光素子７５が受光する光量が変化し、それに応じて受光部材７４は異なる信号電圧を発生する。この信号電圧が制御部１００へ送られてからの作動は第１の実施の形態と同じであるので説明は省略する。 The prism portion 72 of the optical path conversion member 71 extends downward through the opening 16. The light emitted from the LED 76 enters the light conversion member 71 from the vertical surface 72 a of the prism portion 72, is reflected on the inner side of the inclined surface 72 b of the prism portion 72, is further reflected on the inner side of the upper surface 71 a, and is reflected on the lens portion 73. The light is collected and reaches the light receiving element 75. Therefore, when the user touches the second horizontal movement plate 30 and the vertical position of the second horizontal movement plate 30 changes, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 75 changes, and the light receiving member 74 generates a different signal voltage accordingly. To do. Since the operation after the signal voltage is sent to the control unit 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

次に水平移動の検出について説明する。水平移動の検出は本発明のポイントではないので、どのような方法で検出してもよい。図６に示すのはその一例であって、第３の実施の形態において、タッチセンサと同様なホールセンサを利用したホール式水平移動センサ８０である。この例では、第２水平移動板３０の下側に４つのマグネット８２を取り付け（２個のみ図示）、対応して４つのホールセンサ８１を支持板上に取り付け（２個のみ図示）、水平移動したときの４つのホールセンサの出力の変化から水平移動量、方向を算出する。 Next, detection of horizontal movement will be described. Since detection of horizontal movement is not the point of the present invention, it may be detected by any method. FIG. 6 shows an example thereof. In the third embodiment, a hall type horizontal movement sensor 80 using a hall sensor similar to the touch sensor is shown. In this example, four magnets 82 are attached to the lower side of the second horizontal moving plate 30 (only two are shown), and correspondingly, four Hall sensors 81 are attached to the support plate (only two are shown) to move horizontally. The horizontal movement amount and direction are calculated from the changes in the outputs of the four Hall sensors.

本発明はパソコン等に使用されるポインティングデバイスに適用できる。 The present invention can be applied to a pointing device used for a personal computer or the like.

第１の実施の形態の構成の上面図である。It is a top view of the composition of a 1st embodiment. 図１のII-II線に沿って見た断面図である。It is sectional drawing seen along the II-II line of FIG. 第２の実施の形態の構成を図２と同様の断面図で示したものである。The structure of 2nd Embodiment is shown with sectional drawing similar to FIG. 第３の実施の形態の構成を図２と同様の断面図で示したものである。The structure of 3rd Embodiment is shown with sectional drawing similar to FIG. 第４の実施の形態の構成を図２と同様の断面図で示したものである。The structure of 4th Embodiment is shown with sectional drawing similar to FIG. 水平移動量の検出を例示する図である。It is a figure which illustrates detection of the amount of horizontal movement. 全体の流れを示す図である。It is a figure which shows the whole flow.

Explanation of symbols

１ポインティングデバイス
１０ベース板
２０上下移動板
２２第１軸支持部材
２３第１支持棒
２４第１水平移動プレート
２６第１水平スプリング
２７第２軸支持部材
２８第２支持棒
２９第２水平スプリング
３０第２水平移動プレート
４０感圧式タッチセンサ
４１感圧センサ
４２押圧部材
５０静電式タッチセンサ
５１静電センサ
５２押圧部材
６０ホール式タッチセンサ
６１ホールセンサ
６２マグネット
７０光学式タッチセンサ
７１光路変換部材
７２プリズム部
７３レンズ部
７４受光部材
７５受光素子
７６ＬＥＤ
８０水平移動センサ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pointing device 10 Base plate 20 Vertical movement plate 22 1st axis support member 23 1st support bar 24 1st horizontal movement plate 26 1st horizontal spring 27 2nd axis support member 28 2nd support bar 29 2nd horizontal spring 30 1st 2 Horizontally moving plate 40 Pressure sensitive touch sensor 41 Pressure sensitive sensor 42 Press member 50 Electrostatic touch sensor 51 Electrostatic sensor 52 Press member 60 Hall touch sensor 61 Hall sensor 62 Magnet 70 Optical touch sensor 71 Optical path conversion member 72 Prism Part 73 Lens part 74 Light receiving member 75 Light receiving element 76 LED
80 Horizontal movement sensor

Claims

A pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal moving plate through the vertical moving plate so as to press the pressure sensitive sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical moving plate and when the user contacts the horizontal moving plate. Comprising a pressure sensitive touch sensor,
A pointing device characterized by that.

A pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal movement plate through the vertical movement plate so as to press the electrostatic sensor when the user touches the horizontal movement plate and the electrostatic sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical movement plate. A pointing device comprising an electrostatic touch sensor including a pressing means .

A pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means extends from the horizontal movement plate through the vertical movement plate so as to approach the hall sensor when the user touches the horizontal movement plate and the hall sensor disposed between the substrate and the vertical movement plate. A pointing device comprising a hall type touch sensor including a magnet disposed at a tip of a member .

A pointing device,
An up-and-down moving plate supported by coil springs arranged around a plurality of fixed support columns erected on the substrate;
A horizontal movement plate disposed on the vertical movement plate so as to be horizontally movable;
Horizontal movement amount detecting means for detecting the horizontal movement amount of the horizontal movement plate;
Contact sensing means capable of detecting whether or not the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate;
Comprising
When it is detected that the operator is touching the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated and displayed based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means,
When it is detected that the operator does not touch the horizontal moving plate, the moving amount and direction of the moving object are calculated based on the moving amount of the horizontal moving plate detected by the horizontal moving amount detecting means, and are not displayed.
And
The contact sensing means is disposed on the base plate side of the vertical movement plate, the light emitting means fixed to the base, the light receiving means fixed to the base for receiving the light emitted by the light emission means, and the user moves to the horizontal movement plate. An optical touch sensor including an optical path conversion member that is moved toward the substrate and changes the amount of light received by the light receiving means when contacted.
A pointing device characterized by that.