JP5200262B2 - Laser pointer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser pointer that can irradiate a screen or the like with laser light and can give a required command to a personal computer for presentation or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a laser pointer that is used in a place such as a presentation or a conference and indicates a part of a screen projected on a screen by a projector, an OHP, or the like with a laser beam is well known.

  In addition, not only simply irradiating laser light, but also capable of performing remote operations such as changing the display screen by wireless communication with a personal computer or other information processing apparatus has been developed. In the laser pointer disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, a pen-shaped housing is provided with an operation unit for laser irradiation (press button), an operation unit for page feed command, and an operation unit for page return command. In addition, by operating each operation unit, it is possible to irradiate a laser beam or to give a page feed or page return command to the information processing apparatus.

JP 2006-330208 A

  In the laser pointer of the above example, since three or more operation units are densely arranged, sometimes a push error occurs. In particular, release the finger from the laser irradiation operation unit to operate the page feed command / page return command operation unit, or conversely release the finger from the page feed command / page return command operation unit. When operating the operation unit for irradiation, there is a possibility that the operation unit may be mistaken, forcing the user to check the position of the operation unit at a glance.

  In addition, in the laser pointer of the above example, the laser irradiation operation unit protrudes from the housing. Therefore, when the laser pointer is placed on the table, the laser irradiation operation unit comes into contact with the table and the laser beam is emitted. There is a risk of fire. Therefore, in order to prevent such an erroneous operation, it has been required to attach another part (such as a clip) for guarding the operation unit for laser irradiation to the housing.

  The present invention made in view of the above is intended to provide a convenient laser pointer that can be easily operated without checking the position of the operation unit at a glance and that there is no risk of unexpected laser light emission. .

  In the present invention, a main body having a gripping part to be gripped by a user, a command operating unit provided in the main body and operated to issue a predetermined command toward the information processing apparatus, and the main body are provided. An irradiation operation unit that is operated to irradiate a laser beam and is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the command operation unit at a predetermined distance and whose tip does not protrude from the surface of the main body; A laser pointer comprising a concave portion formed on the surface and continuously adjacent to the peripheral edges of the command operation unit and the irradiation operation unit was configured. Here, the operation unit is a concept including a push button, a touch button, a track pad or touch panel, a lever, a switch, and the like. The information processing apparatus is a personal computer, a multi-function television receiver, a disk reproducing apparatus, a recording apparatus, or the like. The predetermined command is a command for switching display of a slide or a page, a command for reproducing an image and / or sound, a command for recording, etc., but the command is transmitted wirelessly or wired. It doesn't matter.

  According to the present invention, the command operation unit and the irradiation operation unit can be distinguished and recognized, and the finger is moved from the irradiation operation unit to the command operation unit by tracing the concave portion with a finger, or vice versa. A finger can be moved from the operation unit to the irradiation operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to easily operate without checking the positions of these operation parts at a glance, and it is not necessary to keep an eye on the screen, materials, or audience in a presentation or a meeting. In addition, when the laser pointer is placed on the table, the possibility that the operation unit for irradiation touches the table and is erroneously operated is reduced. Although the irradiation operation unit does not protrude from the surface of the main body, a depression adjacent to the periphery of the irradiation operation unit exists on the surface of the main body, so that the irradiation operation unit can be operated without difficulty through the depression.

  If the concave portion surrounds the command operation portion and the irradiation operation portion over substantially the entire circumference, it becomes easier to operate.

  If the command operation unit is biased laterally with respect to the irradiation operation unit and is in front of the irradiation operation unit when viewed from the user side, the command unit is used with the thumb while holding the grip unit. It is convenient to selectively operate the operation unit or the irradiation operation unit.

  The distance between the center of the command operation unit and the center of the irradiation operation unit is preferably about 20 mm or less.

  A second command operation unit that is provided in the main body and is operated to issue a command different from a case where the command operation unit is operated toward the information processing apparatus; If the operation unit is biased laterally with respect to the irradiation operation unit and is in front of the irradiation operation unit when viewed from the user side, the command operation is performed with the thumb of the user holding the grip unit. It is convenient to selectively operate the control unit, the second command operation unit, or the irradiation operation unit. The command issued when the second command operation unit is operated is, for example, a command having the opposite meaning to the command issued when the command operation unit is operated.

  The command operation unit and the second command operation unit are spaced apart from each other about the irradiation operation unit, and the distance between the center of the command operation unit and the center of the second command operation unit is approximately It is preferable that it is 16 mm or more and about 22 mm or less.

  The irradiation operation unit is a push button, and if the long diameter of the periphery of the irradiation operation unit is about 10 mm or less and the long diameter of the periphery of the recess is about 15 mm or more, even a person with a relatively thick finger can appropriately perform irradiation. The operation unit can be pressed.

According to the present invention , information is provided by detecting the position of the user's finger that touches the surface of the laser pointer, which is disposed at a position close to the irradiation operation unit in the main body with a tip recessed from the surface of the main body. When a cursor operation unit that can issue a command related to the operation of the cursor displayed on the display screen toward the processing device is further provided, the cursor operation unit and the surface of the main body are inclined so as to be continuous. The second recess provided is further provided at a position at least interposed between the cursor operation unit and the irradiation operation unit . In this way, it is possible to switch smoothly between the recesses from the irradiation operation unit and the second recesses at a position surrounded by the recesses or the second recesses. And only by the user's clear will to move the finger beyond the second recess, the user can easily switch between the cursor operation unit and the illumination operation unit without looking at the laser pointer. The operation can be performed.

  Furthermore, in order to realize a user's intuitive use of the cursor operation unit while effectively using a limited space such as the surface of the laser pointer, the cursor operation is performed by pressing the cursor operation unit. It would be desirable if another command could be issued.

And in order to be able to carry out easily and quickly from the operation of the cursor operation unit to various related operations, the present invention is different from the case where the cursor operation unit is operated outside the second recess. It is characterized in that click buttons operated in order to issue different commands to the information processing apparatus are provided continuously.

  As a specific example for effectively providing the click button described above, the cursor operation unit is assumed to have a circular shape in plan view, and the second recess is surrounded over substantially the entire circumference of the cursor operation unit. And a plurality of click buttons provided radially from the center of the cursor operation unit.

  In the main body, the surface opposite to the surface on which the operation unit for irradiation is provided, is recessed so that the thickness dimension between both surfaces is smaller than that of the other region in the region substantially opposite to the operation unit for irradiation. If the finger rest portion is formed, the index finger can be put on the finger rest portion, the thumb can be put on the operation portion, and the grip portion can be gripped by the remaining fingers. If used in this way, the main body is less likely to shake during operation of the irradiation operation unit, and the sense of stability increases. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the approximate position of the operation unit for irradiation by relying on the position of the finger rest. That is, the frequency of checking the position of the operation unit with the eyes is reduced.

  If the gripping part of the main body has a shape that is gradually curved downward toward the front as viewed from the user side, it is easy to grip this with the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, and fits well to the user's hand .

  If the outer shape of the periphery of the irradiation operation unit is larger than that of the command operation unit, it can be determined by touch that which operation unit is the irradiation operation unit (or command operation unit).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a convenient laser pointer that can be easily operated without confirming the position of an operation unit that is frequently operated at a glance, and that there is no risk of unexpected laser light emission.

The perspective view which shows the laser pointer of 1st embodiment of this invention. The top view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The bottom view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The front view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the laser pointer according to the same embodiment, taken along the line A-B-C-D-F. The GG line | wire back sectional view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The figure which shows the usage condition of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the radio | wireless receiver used in combination with the laser pointer of the embodiment. The top view which shows the result of the investigation regarding the suitable arrangement | positioning of an operation part, and the distance between operation parts. The side view which shows the result of the investigation regarding the line with the least blurring. The side view which shows the result of the investigation regarding the line with the least blurring. The table | surface which shows the result of having measured the relationship between the distance from the front end of a laser pointer to a gravity center, and the amount of muscle activities when this laser pointer is used. The table | surface which shows the result of having measured the amount of muscle activities when the laser pointer of the embodiment and the existing laser pointer are used. The top view which shows one of the modifications of the embodiment. The figure which shows the usage condition of the laser pointer of 2nd embodiment of this invention. The external view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The front view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The left view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The right view of the laser pointer of the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the receiver used in combination with the laser pointer of the embodiment.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The laser pointer 1 of the present embodiment can irradiate a laser beam and can give a required command to the information processing apparatus 6.

  In general, in a presentation or a meeting, an information processing apparatus 6 is used for displaying slides, pages, reproducing images and / or sounds, and recording / recording. Specifically, the information processing device 6 is a personal computer, a multi-function television receiver, a disk reproducing device, a recording device, or the like. As shown in FIG. 7, a projector 7, a monitor, Connect devices such as an amplifier, speaker, camera, and microphone.

  In addition, a wireless receiver 5 that receives a wireless signal transmitted from the laser pointer 1 is connected to the information processing apparatus 6. However, this is not the case when the information processing device 6 itself has the receiver 5 incorporated therein or when the laser pointer 1 and the information processing device 6 are connected by wire.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the laser pointer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 2 having a grip portion 23 to be gripped by a user, an irradiation operation portion 30 provided on the upper surface of the main body 2, and a command operation portion 31. And a second command operation unit 32.

  The main body 2 has a shape that is gently curved at an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction while extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear portion (front of the hand as viewed from the user) from the portion where the bending starts is the grip portion 23. The main body 2 incorporates a wireless transceiver 41 for transmitting a wireless signal toward the information processing apparatus 6, a laser element 42 for oscillating laser light, a control circuit 43 for controlling the transceiver 41 and the laser element 42, and the like. ing. The transceiver 41, the laser element 42, the control circuit 43 and the like are located in the first half of the main body 2. In addition, a battery box 25 that houses batteries is provided in a lower region of the rear half of the main body 2.

  The irradiation operation unit 30 is operated for the purpose of irradiating laser light. On the other hand, the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are operated for the purpose of controlling the function of the software executed on the information processing apparatus 6. The operation on the second command operation unit 32 has the opposite meaning to the operation on the command operation unit 31. For example, when the software is presentation software that sequentially displays a plurality of slides or pages, the operation on the command operation unit 31 means that the slide or page is switched to the next one, and the operation on the second command operation unit 32 Means to return the slide or page to the previous one. When the software is a reproduction software that reproduces images and sounds, an operation on the command operation unit 31 means reproduction of images and sounds, and an operation on the second command operation unit 32 stops reproduction of images and sounds. Or rewind. When the software is a recording / recording software for recording an image or sound, an operation on the command operation unit 31 means recording or recording, and an operation on the second command operation unit 32 stops recording or recording. Means. If the information processing device 6 is a computer in which a general-purpose OS is installed, an operation on the command operation unit 31 is synonymous with a click on the main button of the (wireless) mouse, and an operation on the second command operation unit 32 is performed. Is equivalent to clicking the secondary mouse button. In a presentation or a meeting, the operation frequency of the irradiation operation unit 30 and the command operation unit 31 is relatively high, and the operation frequency of the second command operation unit 32 is considered to be lower than that.

  The irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are electrically connected to the control circuit 43. When the irradiation operation unit 30 is operated, the control circuit 43 drives the laser element 42 to oscillate the laser beam and irradiates it forward. When the command operation unit 31 is operated, the control circuit 43 transmits a predetermined command, that is, a signal for instructing a slide or page advance, reproduction of an image or sound, recording or recording, or the like via the transceiver 41. In turn, when the second command operation unit 32 is operated, the control circuit 43 sends a command different from the command via the transceiver 41, that is, slide or page reverse feed, image or audio playback stop or rewind. , Send a signal to command recording or stop recording. The information processing apparatus 6 that has received these signals via the receiver 5 executes the above-described software function in accordance with the instruction.

  In the present embodiment, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are each a push button. The irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are located in the front half of the main body 2, in other words, in the vicinity of the front end of the gripping unit 23. The irradiation operation unit 30 is on the central axis in the left-right direction of the main body 2. The command operation unit 31 is biased to the right from the central axis of the main body 2, and the second command operation unit 32 is biased to the left from the central axis of the main body 2. In addition, the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are located behind the irradiation operation unit 30. In general, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are dispersed in a shape located at the apex of the isosceles triangle in plan view.

  The irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 have a substantially circular shape in plan view. The planar view diameter of the irradiation operation unit 30 is, for example, about 8 mm to about 10 mm. The planar view diameter of the command operation unit 31 is smaller than that of the irradiation operation unit 30, for example, about 5 mm. The diameter in plan view of the second command operation unit 32 is smaller than that of the command operation unit 31, for example, about 4 mm.

  The separation distance between the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 will be considered. The result of investigating the movable range of the thumb in a state where the main body 2 (the grip portion 23) is gripped for a plurality of subjects is shown in FIG. In the figure, the outer solid line R1 represents the average of the movable range of the subject's thumb, and the inner broken line R2 represents the average of the range in which the subject felt that the irradiation operation unit 30 was easily operated with the thumb. The grid drawn in the figure has a side of 5 mm. According to this investigation result, when the irradiation operation unit 30 is disposed within the range of the curve R2, the distance from the center of the irradiation operation unit 30 to the center of the command operation unit 31 or the second command operation unit 32 is It can be said that it is preferable to be within about 20 mm. In addition, it can be said that the distance between the center of the command operation unit 31 and the center of the second command operation unit 32 is preferably about 16 mm or more and about 22 mm or less.

  In the present embodiment, the tips, that is, the upper ends of the operation units 30, 31, 32 are positioned so as not to protrude from the surface, that is, the upper surface of the main body 2. Then, on the upper surface of the main body 2, concave portions 21 and 22 adjacent to the peripheral edges of the operation portions 30, 31 and 32 are formed. The inner circumferences of the recesses 21 and 22 are substantially bowl-shaped when viewed in cross section, and surround the peripheral edges of the operation parts 30, 31 and 32 over the entire circumference. In particular, the recesses around the irradiation operation unit 30 and the recesses around the command operation unit 31 are continuous, forming an integrated recess 21 that surrounds both operation units 30 and 31. The recess 21 is isolated from the recess 22 around the second command operation unit 32.

  Since the irradiation operation unit 30 is located in front of the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32, the irradiation operation unit 30 is highly likely to be pressed by the thumb belly. In order to allow a user with a relatively thick thumb to properly press down the irradiation operation unit 30, it is necessary that the recesses 21 around the irradiation operation unit 30 be expanded to some extent. When the irradiation operation unit 30 has a diameter in plan view of about 10 mm or less, it is desirable that the periphery of the concave portion 21 has a diameter in plan view of about 15 mm or more. In this embodiment, the planar view diameter of the periphery of the recessed part 21 is set to about 20 mm.

  An energization confirmation lamp 27 is embedded in the recess 21 around the irradiation operation unit 30. The lamp 27 is in the vicinity of the front edge of the recess 21. This lamp 27 is electrically connected to the control circuit 43. The control circuit 43 energizes the lamp 27 to light it while the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31 or the second command operation unit 32 is being pressed.

  Further, a finger hook portion 24 is formed on the lower surface of the front half of the main body 2 so as to be recessed so that the thickness dimension between the upper and lower surfaces is smaller than that of other portions. The rear end edge of the finger-hanging portion 24 is located at a position substantially facing the irradiation operation portion 30 in the vertical direction. However, the rear end edge of the finger hooking portion 24 may be positioned at a location that substantially opposes the command operation portion 31 or the second command operation portion 32 in the vertical direction. The user can place his / her index finger on the finger rest portion 24 and hold the grip portion 23 with the remaining fingers to place the thumb on the operation portions 30, 31, and 32 and perform a pressing operation.

  The front end portion of the main body 2 and the portion biased downward from the laser light emission window 26 are cut off obliquely, and the dial 33 is projected from the inclined surface. The dial 33 is for selecting the projection shape of the laser light. The laser pointer 1 of the present embodiment can select a projection shape when a laser beam is irradiated on the screen 8 or the like from a plurality of modes. Specifically, any of the projected shapes of a point (point), a circle (ring), or a line L (line segment) can be taken. The user selects the projected shape of the laser light by rotating the dial 33. A display unit 29 for displaying the currently selected projection shape is provided at a position near the front end on the upper surface of the main body 2. The display unit 29 has a transparent portion that matches the projected shape of the laser light. In FIG. 2, the transparent portion is indicated by light ink. The user can see through the upper surface of the dial 33 through the transparent portion. The upper surface of the dial 33 is partially colored, and the color can be seen through the transparent portion of the currently selected projection shape.

  A storage space 28 communicating with the rear is provided in the rear end portion of the main body 2 and immediately above the battery box 25, and the receiver 5 can be stored in the storage space 28. A state in which the receiver 5 is stored in the storage space 28 is shown in FIG.

  Supplementing with respect to the receiver 5, as shown in FIG. 8, the receiver 5 projects a connection plug 52 (USB, IEEE 1394, etc.) for connecting to the information processing device 6 forward from a housing 51 incorporating a control circuit or the like. The signal received via the plug 52 is sent to the information processing device 6 and also supplied with power from the information processing device 6. The upper edge of the rear end portion of the casing 51 protrudes from the upper surface of the casing 51 to form a stopper 53. When the receiver 5 is inserted into the storage space 28 of the laser pointer 1 main body 2, this stopper 53 abuts against the edge of the entrance of the storage space 28 and prevents the receiver 5 from entering the interior of the storage space 28. To do. In addition, a part of the side surface of the housing 51 and a part immediately before the stopper 53 are cut out, and the user can easily grasp the cutout part 54 to insert and remove the receiver 5.

  The laser pointer 1 of this embodiment is designed so that the center of gravity is in the front half of the main body 2. Consider setting the center of gravity. About several test subjects, the main body 2 (the holding part 23) is hold | gripped, the posture which irradiates a laser beam is taken, and the mode is image | photographed from the side. At this time, the height position of the target irradiated with the laser light is indefinite. When a plurality of trials and photographing are performed for one subject and the captured images for a plurality of times and a plurality of persons are superimposed, as shown in FIG. 10, the center of the variation in the tilt angle of the main body 2, in other words, the most blurring. A few lines L are found. As shown in FIG. 11, the line L belongs to the front half of the main body 2 and is found to be at a position about 50 mm from the front end of the main body 2. Incidentally, the total length from the front end to the rear end of the main body 2 is about 125 mm. If the center of gravity is set in the vicinity of the line L, the center-of-gravity movement due to the variation in the inclination angle of the main body 2 for each individual use opportunity is reduced, so that improvement in usability can be expected.

  FIG. 12 shows the results of measuring the amount of muscle activity of the thumb extensor, flexor and ulnar carpal flexor in a state where the main body 2 is gripped for a plurality of subjects. In the figure, the value of the amount of muscle activity is an average value of a plurality of people. According to this measurement result, it can be determined that setting the center of gravity within the range of about 50 mm to about 60 mm from the front end of the main body 2 is effective in reducing the amount of muscle activity.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are provided in the vicinity of the center of gravity position of the main body 2. Strictly speaking, the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are in close proximity to the center of gravity of the main body 2, and the irradiation operation unit 30 is slightly deviated forward from the center of gravity of the main body 2. The center of gravity is set in the front half of the main body 2, the operation parts 30, 31, and 32 are arranged near the center of gravity, and the part after the operation part is used as the grip part 23, thereby reducing user fatigue during use. In addition, the entire length of the main body 2 is not unnecessarily increased.

  FIG. 13 shows the results of measuring the muscle activity of the thumb extensor, flexor, and ulnar carpal flexors for a plurality of subjects using the laser pointer 1 of the present embodiment and three existing laser pointers individually. Show. In the figure, the value of the amount of muscle activity is an average value of a plurality of people. The existing products (i), (b) and (c) all have a center of gravity in the latter half of the main body 2. It can be seen that the amount of muscle activity when using the laser pointer 1 of the present embodiment is less than the amount of muscle activity when using the existing product, and the burden on the user is small.

  According to the present embodiment, the main body 2 having the grip portion 23 to be gripped by the user, and the command operation unit provided in the main body 2 and operated to issue a predetermined command to the information processing device 6 31 and an operation for irradiating a laser beam, which is provided on the main body 2, is spaced apart from the command operation unit 31 at a predetermined distance, and is arranged so that the tip does not protrude from the surface of the main body 2. The laser pointer includes an irradiation operation unit 30 and a concave portion 21 formed on the surface of the main body 2 so as to be adjacent to the peripheral edges of the command operation unit 31 and the irradiation operation unit 30. 1 is configured so that the command operation unit 31 and the irradiation operation unit 30 can be distinguished and recognized, and the finger is moved from the irradiation operation unit 30 to the command operation unit 31 by tracing the concave portion 21 with a finger, or Conversely, command operation It can be transferred finger irradiation operation section 30 from the section 31. Therefore, it is possible to easily operate without checking the positions of these operation parts at a glance, and it is not necessary to keep an eye on the screen 8, the material, or the audience in a presentation or a meeting. Since the recesses 21 around the irradiation operation unit 30 and the command operation unit 31 are isolated from the recesses 22 around the second command operation unit 32, it is erroneously intended to operate the command operation unit 31. The possibility of operating the second command operation unit 32 is small. When the laser pointer 1 is placed on the table, the possibility that the operation unit 30 for irradiation is in contact with the table and erroneously operated is also reduced. Although the irradiation operation unit 30 does not protrude from the surface of the main body 2, a recess 21 adjacent to the periphery of the operation unit 30 exists on the surface of the main body 2, so that the irradiation operation unit 30 can be operated without difficulty through the recess 21. .

  Since the concave portion 21 surrounds the command operation portion 31 and the irradiation operation portion 30 over substantially the entire circumference, the operation is easier.

  Since the command operation unit 31 is biased laterally with respect to the irradiation operation unit 30 and is in front of the irradiation operation unit 30 when viewed from the user side, the gripping unit 23 is being gripped. This is convenient for selectively operating the command operation unit 31 or the irradiation operation unit 30 with the thumb.

  The distance between the center of the command operation unit 31 and the center of the irradiation operation unit 30 is about 20 mm or less, and there is a problem in moving the thumb between the command operation unit 31 and the irradiation operation unit 30. Absent.

  A second command operation unit 32 that is provided in the main body 2 and is operated to issue a command different from that when the command operation unit 31 is operated toward the information processing device 6; Since the second command operation unit 32 is biased laterally with respect to the irradiation operation unit 30 and is in front of the irradiation operation unit 30 when viewed from the user side, the grip unit 23 is gripped. It is convenient to selectively operate the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, or the irradiation operation unit 30 with the thumb of the user.

  The command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are spaced apart from each other about the irradiation operation unit 30. The center of the command operation unit 31 and the center of the second command operation unit 32 are separated from each other. Is about 16 mm or more and about 22 mm or less, so that the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 can be distinguished from each other, and the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 There is no hindrance to move the thumb between.

  The irradiation operation unit 30 is a push button, the long diameter of the peripheral edge of the irradiation operation unit 30 is about 10 mm or less, and the long diameter of the peripheral edge of the recess 21 is about 15 mm or more. The irradiation operation unit 30 can be pressed down.

  In the main body 2, the surface opposite to the surface on which the irradiation operation unit 30 is provided, the portion substantially opposite to the irradiation operation unit 30, so that the thickness dimension between both surfaces is smaller than other portions. Since the finger-hanging portion 24 that is recessed is formed, the index finger is put on the finger-hanging portion 24, the thumb is placed on the operation portion 30, and the gripping portion 23 can be held with the remaining fingers. If used in this way, the main body 2 is less likely to be shaken when the operation unit for irradiation 30 is operated, and the sense of stability increases. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the approximate position of the operation unit 30 for irradiation by relying on the position of the finger hook unit 24. That is, the frequency with which the position of the operation unit 30 is visually confirmed is reduced.

  The grip portion 23 of the main body 2 has a shape that is gradually curved downward toward the front as viewed from the user side, so that it can be easily gripped by the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger, which is good for the user's hand. To fit.

  Since the outer shape of the periphery of the irradiation operation unit 30 is larger than that of the command operation unit 31, which operation unit is the irradiation operation unit 30 (or the command operation unit 31) is determined by touch. it can.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. In the embodiment described above, the recesses 21 and 22 formed in the main body 2 surround the operation parts 30, 31 and 32 over substantially the entire circumference, but as shown in FIG. 14 as a modified example of this embodiment, The aspect in which the concave portion 21 does not completely surround the operation portions 30 and 31 is not disturbed.

  In the above embodiment, the operation units 30, 31, and 32 are push buttons. However, the operation units 30, 31, and 32 are other than the push buttons, such as touch buttons, track pads or touch panels, levers, switches, and the like. Even if it exists, the effect peculiar to the present invention can be sufficiently obtained.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to components corresponding to the components in the above embodiment.

  The laser pointer 1 according to the present embodiment used in a presentation or a meeting, for example, displays a slide, a page, or the like while using a plurality of the laser pointers 1 as shown in FIG. Or it is provided to the laser pointer system S which uses the information processing apparatus 6 for reproducing | regenerating an audio | voice or recording / recording. Specifically, the information processing device 6 is a personal computer, a multi-function television receiver, a disk reproducing device, a recording device, or the like. As shown in FIG. Connect devices such as an amplifier, speaker, camera, and microphone. Further, a receiver 5 that receives a radio signal transmitted from the laser pointer 1 is connected to the information processing device 6.

  The laser pointer 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the main body 2 as in the first embodiment, is separated from the command operation unit 31 at a predetermined distance, and the tip protrudes from the surface of the main body 2. The irradiation operation unit 30 that is arranged so as not to be operated and is operated to irradiate the laser beam, and is formed on the surface of the main body 2 and is adjacent to the peripheral edges of the command operation unit 31 and the irradiation operation unit 30. And a continuous recess 21 as shown.

  Here, the laser pointer 1 according to the second embodiment is arranged at a position close to the irradiation operation unit 30 in the main body 2 with its tip recessed from the surface of the main body 2 and touching the surface of the user who touched the surface. It further includes a cursor operation unit 33 that can issue a command related to the operation of the cursor displayed on the display screen toward the information processing device 6 by detecting the position of the finger, and the cursor operation unit 33 and the main body The second concave portion 33 b provided to be inclined so as to be continuous with the surface of the second surface is further provided at a position at least interposed between the cursor operation portion 33 and the irradiation operation portion 30. Hereinafter, the configuration of the laser pointer 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the laser pointer 1 includes a main body 2 having a grip portion 23 to be gripped by a user, an irradiation operation portion 30, a command operation portion 31, and a second command provided on the upper surface of the main body 2. In addition to the operation unit 32, the operation unit 33 mainly includes a cursor operation unit 33, a first click button 34a, a second click button 34b, and a third click button 34c.

  The main body 2 has a shape that is gently curved at an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction while extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear portion (front of the hand as viewed from the user) from the portion where the bending starts is the grip portion 23. The main body 2 incorporates a wireless transceiver 41 for transmitting a wireless signal toward the information processing apparatus 6, a laser element 42 for oscillating laser light, a control circuit 43 for controlling the transceiver 41 and the laser element 42, and the like. ing. The transceiver 41, the laser element 42, the control circuit 43 and the like are located in the first half of the main body 2. In addition, a battery box 25 that houses batteries is provided in a lower region of the rear half of the main body 2.

  The irradiation operation unit 30 is operated for the purpose of irradiating laser light. On the other hand, the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are operated for the purpose of controlling the function of the software executed on the information processing apparatus 6. The operation on the second command operation unit 32 has the opposite meaning to the operation on the command operation unit 31. For example, when the software is presentation software that sequentially displays a plurality of slides or pages, the operation on the command operation unit 31 means that the slide or page is switched to the next one, and the operation on the second command operation unit 32 Means to return the slide or page to the previous one. In a presentation or a meeting, the operation frequency of the irradiation operation unit 30 and the command operation unit 31 is relatively high, and the operation frequency of the second command operation unit 32 is considered to be lower than that.

  Further, as described above, the laser pointer 1 has a cursor operation unit 33, a first click button 34a, a second click button 34b, and a function to function as a wireless mouse (pointing device) on the upper surface of the main body 2 as described above. A third click button 34c is further provided. The cursor operation unit 33 is arranged with the lens portion 33a at the tip thereof being recessed from the surface of the main body, and is displayed on the display screen toward the information processing device 6 by detecting the position of the user's finger touching the surface. A command related to the operation of the cursor can be issued. In other words, by detecting the position of the user's finger placed directly above the lens unit 33a, the function of changing the position of the cursor on the display screen 8 like the mouse is achieved. is there. The cursor operation unit 33 can issue a command different from the cursor operation when pressed. That is, pressing the cursor operation unit 33 means clicking the left button of an existing mouse. In the present embodiment, the long press of the cursor operation unit 33 means a click on the center button (scroll wheel) of the mouse.

  Thus, a second recess 33b is provided around the cursor operation unit 33 so as to be inclined so that the cursor operation unit 33 and the surface of the main body 2 are continuous. Three click buttons 34a, 34b, and 34c are provided around the cursor operation section 33 and the second recess 33b that are circular in plan view. Specifically, the first click button 34a on the right side around the cursor operation unit 33 is the right button of the mouse, the second click button 34b on the left end of the periphery is the Alt key and Tab key of the keyboard, and the surrounding left base end. The third click button 34c on the side corresponds to the hold of the left button. Thus, the laser pointer 1 corresponds to a command signal for moving the mouse cursor in accordance with the movement of the finger stroking the cursor operation unit lens 33a, and an operation applied to the cursor operation unit 33 or the click buttons 34a, 34b, 34c. A command signal is transmitted toward the information processing terminal 6. The cursor operation unit lens 33a and the click buttons 34a, 34b, and 34c are also configured so as not to protrude greatly from the main body surface.

  Further, the laser pointer 1 is activated on the left side of the main body 2 shown in FIG. 18 on the information processing terminal 6 so as to start, play / pause, and so-called media playback software that displays and plays content such as moving images and sounds. A start button 35a, a play / pause button 35b, and a stop button 35c that can perform operations such as stop are provided.

  In this embodiment, a power switch 36, a screen switching button 37, and an ID request transmission button 38 are provided on the right side of the main body 2 shown in FIGS. The power switch 36 is a normal switch for turning on / off the power of the laser pointer 1 itself. When the screen switching button 37 is pressed during execution of a slide show by presentation software or the like, the screen switching button 37 transmits a signal equivalent to pressing the B key of the keyboard. As a result, the screen display becomes black (darkens). To return to the original slide display, the screen switching button 37 may be pressed again.

  The ID request transmission button 38 is used to cause the wireless transceiver 41 to transmit an ID request signal for requesting an ID from the receiver 5 when pressed when performing the above-described ID setting.

  The buttons and switches described above, that is, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, the cursor operation unit 33, the first click button 34a, the second click button 34b, and the third The click button 34 c, the start button 35 a, the play / pause button 35 b, the stop button 35 c, the power switch 36, the screen switching button 37, and the ID request transmission button 38 are electrically connected to the control circuit 43. That is, when the irradiation operation unit 30 is operated, the control circuit 43 drives the laser element 42 to oscillate the laser beam and irradiates it forward. Then, the command operation unit 31, the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, the cursor operation unit 33, the first click button 34a, the second click button 34b, and the third click button 34c, which are other buttons, When the start button 35 a, the play / pause button 35 b, the stop button 35 c, the power switch 36, the screen switching button 37, and the ID request transmission button 38 are operated, the control circuit 43 sends a signal related to a predetermined command via the transceiver 41. Send.

  In the present embodiment, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, the cursor operation unit 33, the first click button 34 a, the second click button 34 b, and the first provided on the upper surface of the main body 2. Each of the three click buttons 34c is a push button. The irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, the cursor operation unit 33, the first click button 34a, the second click button 34b, and the third click button 34c are the first half of the main body 2, In other words, it is located near the front end of the grip portion 23. The irradiation operation unit 30 and the cursor operation unit 33 are on the central axis in the left-right direction of the main body 2. The command operation unit 31 and the first click button 34a are biased to the right from the central axis of the main body 2, and the second command operation unit 32, the second click button 34b, and the third click button 34c are from the central axis of the main body 2. It is biased to the left. In addition, the command operation unit 31 and the second command operation unit 32 are located behind the irradiation operation unit 30 as in the first embodiment. In general, the irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, and the second command operation unit 32 are dispersed in a shape located at the apex of the isosceles triangle in plan view.

  The irradiation operation unit 30, the command operation unit 31, the second command operation unit 32, and the cursor operation unit 33 have a substantially circular shape in plan view. First, the planar view diameter of the cursor operation unit 33 that performs not only pressing but also a cursor operation is, for example, about 12 mm to 15 mm. The planar view diameter of the irradiation operation unit 30 is, for example, about 8 mm to about 10 mm. The planar view diameter of the command operation unit 31 is smaller than that of the irradiation operation unit 30, for example, about 5 mm. The diameter in plan view of the second command operation unit 32 is smaller than that of the command operation unit 31, for example, about 4 mm.

  In the present embodiment, the tips, that is, the upper ends of the operation units 30, 31, 32, 33, 34a, 34b, 34c are positioned so as not to protrude from the surface, that is, the upper surface of the main body 2. The upper surface of the main body 2 is formed with recesses 21 and 22 and second recesses 33b adjacent to the peripheral edges of the operation units 30, 31, 32, and 33. The recesses 21 and 22 and the second recess 33b have a substantially bowl-shaped inner periphery, and surround the peripheral edges of the operation units 30, 31, and 32 over the entire periphery. In particular, the recesses around the irradiation operation unit 30 and the recesses around the command operation unit 31 are continuous, forming an integrated recess 21 that surrounds both operation units 30 and 31. The recess 21 is isolated from the recess 22 around the second command operation unit 32 and the second recess 33b.

  Further, a finger hook portion 24 is formed on the lower surface of the front half of the main body 2 so as to be recessed so that the thickness dimension between the upper and lower surfaces is smaller than that of other portions. The rear end edge of the finger-hanging portion 24 is located at a position substantially facing the irradiation operation portion 30 in the vertical direction. However, the rear end edge of the finger hooking portion 24 may be positioned at a location that substantially opposes the command operation portion 31 or the second command operation portion 32 in the vertical direction. The user can place his / her index finger on the finger rest portion 24 and hold the grip portion 23 with the remaining fingers to place the thumb on the operation portions 30, 31, 32, and 33 to perform a pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the receiver 5 projects a connection plug 52 (USB, IEEE 1394, etc.) for connecting to the information processing apparatus 6 forward from a housing 51 containing a control circuit or the like. The signal received via the plug 52 is sent to the information processing apparatus 6 and is supplied with power from the information processing apparatus 6. A part of the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 51 is cut away so that the user can easily grasp the cutout portion 54 to insert and remove the receiver 5. In the present embodiment, the receiver 5 is provided with an ID request waiting button 55 for sequentially setting IDs for a plurality of laser pointers on the rear end face of the main body, and internally, via a plug 52 via a connection plug. The receiver 5 has a receiver-side transceiver 56 shown by a broken line for transmitting the received signal to the information processing apparatus 6 or for the receiver 5 itself to transmit with the laser pointer 1.

  With the above-described configuration, the laser pointer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with the second recess 33b at a position at least interposed between the cursor operation unit 33 and the irradiation operation unit 30. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the command operation unit 31 and the irradiation operation unit 30 can be distinguished and recognized, and the command operation can be performed from the irradiation operation unit 30 by tracing the concave portion 21 with a finger. The finger can be moved to the unit 31, or conversely, the finger can be moved from the command operation unit 31 to the irradiation operation unit 30. Therefore, it is possible to operate easily without confirming the positions of these operation parts at a glance.

  In particular, in the laser pointer 1 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects equivalent to those of the first embodiment as described above, the operation switching operation with the thumb between the irradiation operation unit 30 and the cursor operation unit 33 is also performed. The operation can be smoothly switched to the cursor operation unit 33 through the recess 21 from the irradiation operation unit 30, the surface of the main body 2, and the second recess 33b. Since it is made only by the clear intention of the user to move the finger beyond the second recess 33b, the user can easily connect the cursor operation unit 33 and the illumination operation unit 30 without looking at the laser pointer 1. A mutual switching operation can be performed.

  Furthermore, in order to realize a user's intuitive use of the cursor operation unit 33 while effectively using a limited space such as the surface of the laser pointer 1, in the present embodiment, the cursor operation unit 33 is pressed. Thus, for example, a command different from the cursor operation, such as a left click of the mouse, can be issued.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, when the cursor operation unit 33 is operated outside the second concave portion 33b in order to be able to easily and quickly perform various operations related to the cursor operation unit 33. The first click button 34a and the second and third click buttons 34b and 34c, which are click buttons operated to issue a command such as a right click of the mouse toward the information processing apparatus 6, are different from the first click button 34b and 34c. It is provided.

  In the present embodiment, as a specific example for effectively providing the above-described click buttons 34a, 34b, 34c so as to be easily operated, the second operation is performed over substantially the entire circumference of the cursor operation unit 33 having a circular shape in plan view. The depressions 33b are formed, and click buttons 33a, 33b, and 33c are provided radially from the center of the cursor operation unit 33, respectively.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment and modification of this invention were explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and modification, For example, the shape and function of each button provided in the laser pointer, laser pointer itself The specific configuration of each part, such as the shape, can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Laser pointer 2 ... Main body 21, 22 ... Recessed part 33b ... Second recessed part 23 ... Gripping part 24 ... Finger hook part 30 ... Irradiation operation part 31 ... Instruction operation part 32 ... Second instruction operation part 33 ... Cursor operation Part 34a, 34b, 34c ... click button 6 ... information processing apparatus

Claims (12)

A main body having a grip portion to be gripped by a user;
A command operation unit provided in the main body and operated to issue a predetermined command toward the information processing apparatus;
Irradiation operation unit that is provided in the main body, is spaced apart from the command operation unit at a predetermined distance, and is arranged so that the tip does not protrude from the surface of the main body, and is operated to irradiate laser light. When,
A concave portion formed on the surface of the main body and continuously adjacent to the peripheral edges of the command operation unit and the irradiation operation unit ;
The tip of the main body is arranged in a position close to the operation unit for irradiation and the tip is recessed from the surface of the main body. A cursor operation unit that can issue a command related to the operation of the displayed cursor is further provided,
A second recess provided to be inclined so that the cursor operation unit and the surface of the main body are continuous, further provided at a position interposed at least between the cursor operation unit and the irradiation operation unit;
A click button that is operated in order to issue a command to the information processing apparatus that is different from the case where the cursor operation unit is operated is continuously provided outside the second recess. laser pointer. The laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein the cursor operation unit can issue a command different from the operation of the cursor when pressed . The cursor operation part has a circular shape in plan view, and the second recess surrounds the entire circumference of the cursor operation part, and the click buttons radially from the center of the cursor operation part 4. A laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of laser pointers are provided . 4. The laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion surrounds the command operation portion and the irradiation operation portion over substantially the entire circumference . 5. The laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein the command operation unit is biased laterally with respect to the irradiation operation unit and is in front of the irradiation operation unit as viewed from a user side. . 6. The laser pointer according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the center of the command operation unit and the center of the irradiation operation unit is about 20 mm or less . A second command operation unit which is provided in the main body and is operated to issue a command different from a case where the command operation unit is operated toward the information processing apparatus;
7. The laser pointer according to claim 5, wherein the second command operation unit is laterally biased with respect to the irradiation operation unit, and is located in front of the irradiation operation unit when viewed from the user side . The command operation unit and the second command operation unit are spaced apart from each other about the irradiation operation unit, and the distance between the center of the command operation unit and the center of the second command operation unit is approximately The laser pointer according to claim 7, which is 16 mm or more and about 22 mm or less . The irradiation operation unit is a push button,
9. The laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein a major axis of the periphery of the irradiation operation unit is about 10 mm or less and a major axis of the periphery of the recess is about 15 mm or more . In the main body, the surface opposite to the surface on which the operation unit for irradiation is provided, is recessed so that the thickness dimension between both surfaces is smaller than that of the other region in the region substantially opposite to the operation unit for irradiation. The laser pointer according to claim 1, wherein a finger-hanging portion is formed . 11. The laser according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion of the main body has a shape that is gradually curved downward toward the front as viewed from the user side. Pointer. The laser pointer according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein an outer shape of a periphery of the irradiation operation unit is larger than that of the command operation unit .

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