JPH03125214A - Method and device for informing cursor position, input device, and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the work efficiency of the title devices by producing the sounds, the light and/or the vibrations in accordance with the control signal produced when a cursor is kept under the prescribed conditions on a screen. CONSTITUTION:A control means 10 outputs the specific sound information to a sound information generating means 12 in accordance with the specific conditions set by a specific operation of a pointing device 11. The means 12 reproduces the received sound information to produce a sound of the specific sound volume and sound quality. As a result, no load is applied to the shift operation of the device 11 during the reproduction of the sound information. Thus the fatigue of an operator can be reduced to his/her operations and a cursor is operated with high efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a cursor position notification device, method, input device, and information processing device used in information processing devices such as terminal devices and workstations, and particularly to a cursor position notification device, method, input device, and information processing device.

The present invention relates to a cursor position notification device, method, input device, and information processing device that allow a user to operate a cursor reliably and efficiently.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, input confirmation to a user regarding the operation of a pointing device input device such as a mouse (hereinafter referred to as feedback) is based on input that moves on the display screen of a display terminal device in response to the movement of the pointing device input device. This was done by visually confirming a predetermined figure (hereinafter referred to as a cursor) indicating possible positions.

The mouse control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-293624 improves this point and includes means for generating a control signal on the display terminal according to the position of the cursor, and a means for controlling the movement of the mouse according to the control signal. 5. Feedback is aided by applying resistance to the hand of the user operating the mouse according to the position of the cursor movement.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the conventional technology described above, resistance is added to the hand due to the motion resistance of the input device as an aid to feedback to the operation of the input device, so when using the device for a long time, the user feels fatigue in the arm and work efficiency gradually decreases. There was a problem with that.

In addition, the hand is usually insensitive to resistance and the response to feedback is delayed, making it impossible to improve work efficiency.

Additionally, due to the resistance of mouse movement, when providing feedback assistance, it is not possible to distinguish between multiple types of feedback, and the user must rely heavily on visual feedback.

There was a problem in that it was not possible to dramatically improve work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cursor position notification device, a cursor position notification method, an input device, and an information processing device that efficiently assist in providing feedback for operations.

The present invention further provides a cursor position that allows easy identification of multiple types of feedback information! An object of the present invention is to provide a d notification device, a cursor position notification method, an input device, and an information processing device.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the cursor position notification device of the first invention of the present application includes: A cursor position notification device having an input device for controlling the movement of a cursor on the screen of an information processing device having a display screen. When the cursor is on the screen under predetermined conditions,
The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a control means for generating a control signal, and a notification means provided in the input device and generating sound, light and/or vibration in response to the control signal.

As the notification means for generating sound, a speaker, a bell, etc. can be used. Further, the sound may be a word meaning an audio warning.

The input device is, for example, a mouse.

The cursor position notification method of the invention of Application 2 is a cursor position notification method for notifying the movement of a cursor on the screen of an information processing device having one display screen, wherein the cursor is under a predetermined condition on the screen. When,
generating a control signal in the input device in response to the control signal;

and a notification stage that generates light and/or vibration.

An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is an input device for controlling movement of a cursor by a control signal generated when the cursor is under a predetermined condition on the screen of an information processing device having a display screen, comprising: It is characterized by having a notification means that generates sound, light and/or vibration in response to a control signal. In the input device, there are a plurality of types of the control signal and the notification means, and different types of the notification means may notify depending on the type of the signal. As different types of notification means, for example, the frequency, waveform, amplitude 1, intensity, rhythm, harmony, repeating pattern, difference in color of light, etc. of sound or vibration can be used.

Further, a main body case that houses the notification means.

A slit may be formed for transmitting the notification from the notification means.

The information processing device of the invention of the fourth aspect of the present application is characterized by having these cursor position notification devices or input devices.6 The information processing device of the fifth invention of Mizuhara is characterized by: a display screen and a display screen on the screen. and an input device for controlling movement of a cursor.

When the cursor is on the screen under predetermined conditions,
a control means for generating a control signal; a setting means for setting the control signal generation condition; and a notification means provided in the input device and generating sound, light and/or vibration in response to the control signal. It is characterized by having the following.

Note that the predetermined conditions include, for example, a case where the cursor exists at a predetermined position on the display screen, a case where an error occurs, and the like.

[Effect]

The control means monitors the position of a cursor operated by the input device, and when the cursor is under a predetermined condition, the control means generates a control signal, and in response to the control signal, the notification means within the input device generates a sound, Generate light and/or vibration.

If there are multiple types of control signals and notification means,
Control signals can be identified by differences in the frequency, waveform 5 amplitude, etc. of the sound or vibration from the notification means.

Since the notification means is provided in the input device, the notification from the input device can be directly received.

Since no resistance is applied to the operation of the input device, fatigue on the operator's arm is reduced and work efficiency is improved.

In addition, when using a sound generating means as a notification means, the sense of sound is more acute than the sense caused by resistance being applied to the hand due to the motion resistance of the input device, so the response to feedback is quick and work efficiency is improved. It is possible to improve the

In addition, when using vibration generating means as a notification means,
Even if there is a lot of noise in the surroundings, the notification signal is not confused with the noise, so it is easy to identify the notification signal.

If a slit is formed in the main body case that houses the notification means to convey the notification from the notification means, the notification signal will be transmitted more clearly, making it easier to identify the notification signal, and therefore making the notification means more compact. can be achieved.

〔Example〕

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a cursor position notification device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a control means that generates a control signal when the cursor position is within a predetermined area. The predetermined area can be set by operating the pointing device 11.

The pointing device 11 is an input device for controlling cursor movement, and coordinates are input by movement.

Reference numeral 12 denotes sound information generation means or notification means for reproducing sound information output from the control means 10, and includes a speaker.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a sound information signal line for transmitting sound information to the sound information generating means.

The control means 10 outputs specific sound information to the sound information generation means 12 in accordance with a specific condition set by a specific operation of the pointing device 11.

The sound information generating means 12 reproduces the specified sound information and generates sound with a specific volume and quality.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the control means 10.

Reference numeral 2o denotes an output control means that monitors the input operation of the pointing device 11, operates the switching means 23 when a specific condition occurs, and outputs sound information to the sound information signal line 13.

21 is an oscillator that oscillates at a predetermined frequency.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an amplifying means for amplifying the output of the oscillator 21 into a signal capable of driving the sound information generating means 12.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a switching means that performs on/off control of sound information output according to the control of the output control means 20.

The output control means 20 monitors the input operation of the pointing device 11, and turns on the switching means 23 when the cursor position is within a predetermined area. The switching means 23 outputs the sound information output from the oscillator 21 to the sound information generating means 12 in the pointing device 11 when turned on.

In this embodiment, a plurality of types of sound information can be outputted by combining the on/off states of the switching means 23 and changing the sound generation time using the output control means 20.

Another embodiment of the control means 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, 30 is a D/A section that converts input digital data into an analog signal.

D<, The digital data input to the QS 30 is output as sound information, and is reproduced by the sound information generating means 12 under the control of the output control means 20.

The D/A section 30 outputs sound information corresponding to the input digital data. Therefore, the sound information generating means 11 can reproduce the volume, sound quality, and type of sound information according to the type of digital data.

According to this embodiment, no load is placed on the operation of moving the pointing device 11 while the sound information is being reproduced, so that the user's operational fatigue is reduced and efficient cursor operation is possible.

Furthermore, the feedback assistance using sound information of this embodiment can be applied to input methods other than the method of moving the pointing device 11.

Furthermore, there is no need to operate the pointing device while watching the cursor position on the display terminal device, and the position of the pointing device 11 can be confirmed by hearing, thereby improving the reliability of the operation.

In this embodiment, at least two or more sound information generating means 12 are provided in the pointing device 11, and by using the control means 10 that can control the plurality of sound information generating means 12, two or more sound information can be generated at the same time. They may be reproduced by separate sound information generating means.

In this case, due to the difference in the installation position on the pointing device 11, even when a plurality of pieces of sound information are played simultaneously by the respective sound information generating means 12, it becomes easy to identify the plurality of pieces of sound information, improving usability. do.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a pointing device control device that performs feedback using vibration information.

In FIG. 4, 41 is a power source for operating the vibration generating means, and 40 is a vibration generating means using a motor.

The control means 10 monitors the movement operation of the pointing device 11, and turns on/off the switching means 23 when the cursor is within a predetermined area.

When the switching means 23 is turned on, the power source 41 is turned on to the vibration generating means 4.
0 to generate vibration.

The generated vibrations are transmitted to the user as feedback for the operation of the pointing device 11. When the switching means is turned off, the vibration means 40 stops and no vibration occurs.

According to this embodiment, since feedback to the user's pointing device operation is transmitted through vibration, reliable feedback can be provided even in a noisy operating environment where it is difficult to identify five-note information, and reliability is improved.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pointing device.

In FIG. 5, 50 indicates the pointing device 11
This is a slit provided in the. The sound information generated within the pointing device 11 is efficiently transmitted to the user.

According to this embodiment, the pointing device 11 can be made smaller because the sound can be clearly heard even when the small-sized sound information generating means 12 is used.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display terminal device (information processing device) using the pointing device control device of the present invention.

60 is a display terminal device; 61 is a CPU that controls the display terminal device 60; 62 is a ROM that stores information that does not need to be rewritten, such as programs; 63 is a RAM that stores information that needs to be rewritten, such as data; 64 is an input/output means; 65 is a display device;
66 is a keyboard.

The CPU 61 controls the display terminal device 60 according to the program in the ROM 62.

The display terminal device 60 interprets and executes commands input by the user through the pointing device 11 or the keyboard 66, and displays the results on the display device 65.

The CPU 61 uses the control means 10 to monitor input from the pointing device 11 and moves the cursor on the display device 65 in response to movement of the pointing device 11.

The control means 10 monitors the movement operation of the pointing device 11, and when the cursor position enters a predetermined area,
Using the sound information generating means 12, the user is notified by sound information that the cursor position has entered the predetermined area.

Note that the sound information can be played not only when the cursor is moved, but also during execution of a predetermined command or when an error occurs.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide feedback in the form of sound information to the user in response to the pointing device operation on the display terminal device, thereby improving usability.

Note that instead of or in addition to the sound information generating means 12 and the vibration generating means 40, light generating means such as a light emitting diode may be provided.

Further, the pointing device 11 may be provided with a stop switch for stopping the tapping of the sound information generating means 12, the vibration generating means 40, the light generating means, and the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The notification means uses sound, light, and/or vibration to notify that the cursor is under a predetermined condition, which causes less fatigue to the operator than when resistance is applied to each move.
Thereby, it is possible to improve work efficiency.

In addition, when using a sound generating means as a notification means, the sense of sound is more acute than the sense caused by resistance being applied to the hand due to the motion resistance of the input device, so the response to feedback is quick and work efficiency is improved. It is possible to improve the

Further, when a light generating means or a vibration generating means is used as the notifying means, even if there is a lot of noise in the surroundings, the notifying means will not be confused with the noise, so it is easy to identify the notifying signal.

When a slit for transmitting the notification from the notification means is formed in the main body case that houses the notification means, the notification signal is transmitted more clearly, so that the notification signal can be easily identified.

Also, if there are multiple types of control signals and notification means, the level of sound and vibration from the notification means.

Since control signals can be easily identified by differences in quality, quantity, etc., feedback can be provided without visual feedback, improving usability.

Further, since the notification means is provided in the input device, the notification from the input device can be directly received, so the notification signal is transmitted more clearly, and the notification signal can be easily identified.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the control means, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control means.
This figure is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment that performs feedback using vibration information, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a pointing device, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display terminal device a. 10... Control means, 11... Pointing device, 12... Sound information generation means. 13...Sound information signal line. Inspection 1 Intent 2 Figure 3 50---Pickpocket/Dou Tame Figure 4-t---t, Thick Figure 66-11 Keyboard

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A cursor position informing device having an input device for controlling movement of a cursor on the screen of an information processing device having a display screen, wherein the cursor moves on the screen under predetermined conditions. When in
A cursor position notification device comprising: a control means for generating a control signal; and a notification means provided in the input device for generating sound, light and/or vibration in response to the control signal. 2. In a cursor position notification method for notifying the movement of a cursor on the screen of an information processing device having a display screen, when the cursor is on the screen under a predetermined condition,
A cursor position notification method, characterized in that it comprises: means for generating a control signal; and a notification step for generating sound, light and/or vibration in the input device in response to the control signal. 3. A control signal generated when the cursor is under predetermined conditions on the screen of an information processing device having a display screen,
An input device for controlling movement of a cursor, characterized in that the input device comprises a notification means for generating sound, light and/or vibration in response to the control signal. 4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein there are a plurality of types of the control signal and the notifying means, and different types of the notifying means make notifications depending on the type of the signal. 5. The input device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a slit for transmitting notification from the notification means is formed in the main body case housing the notification means. 6. The cursor position notification device according to claim 1, or
An information processing device comprising the input device according to claim 3, 4, or 5. 7. In an information processing device having a display screen and an input device for controlling movement of a cursor on the screen, when the cursor is on the screen under a predetermined condition,
a control means for generating a control signal; a setting means for setting the control signal generation condition; and a notification means provided in the input device and generating sound, light and/or vibration in response to the control signal. An information processing device comprising: