JPH03263118A - Mouse - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the work efficiency by constituting the mouse so that a numerical input can be executed by ten keys provided on the mouse. CONSTITUTION:Ten keys are constituted by providing input keys of numerical values of '0'-'9' and a comma ',', and a period '.'. The ten keys 22 are connected to a computer main body 16 in parallel to ten keys 26 of a keyboard 24. An operator can execute not only a designating function on a screen but also a numerical input by the ten keys 22 by one piece of mouse 10. In such a way, the operator can execute the position designation and the numerical input with one hand, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a mouse, which is a type of terminal input device for a computer, and more particularly to a mouse that can input numerical values into a computer.

(Conventional technology) FIG. 3 shows the appearance of a conventional personal computer.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a computer main body, which includes a control section centered on a microprocessor, an arithmetic section, and a main storage section. Further, a floppy disk drive 36 is provided, and data can be written to and read from the floppy disk as a secondary storage means.

A display 32 is a type of output device, and is a CRT on which input data, calculation results, programs, etc. are output. In addition to the display 32, printers, CAD output devices, etc. are used as output devices on the computer main body 1.
It is possible to connect to 6.

24 is a keyboard, which is a type of input device, and can input characters,
It is comprised of character keys 38 for inputting symbols, etc., function keys 40 for inputting instructions for various functions, and a numeric keypad 26 particularly convenient for inputting numerical values.

Reference numeral 34 designates a mouse, which is also a type of input device, and by rolling a transferable ball (not shown) on the desk, a part of which is exposed at the bottom, a position on the screen of the display 32 can be specified. Function keys 42 are also provided on the top surface of the mouse 34.
・ is provided.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the above conventional computer system has the following problems.

Today's computer systems have a wide variety of input devices so that everyone can use them.

The mouse 34 was proposed to eliminate the trouble of operating the keyboard 24, and the position of the display 32 on the screen can be specified by rotating the ball of the mouse 34 while looking at the screen, rather than by operating keys. It is extremely convenient. However, although it has become easier to specify the position on the screen of the display 32, it is still necessary to use the numeric keypad 26 of the keyboard 24 to input a large number of numerical values, such as when inputting CAD data or tabulating data. After inputting information, the operator's hands must first operate the mouse 34 and then move to the keyboard 24 and operate the numeric keypad 26, resulting in extremely poor work efficiency.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mouse that can also input numerical values.

(Means for solving problems) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

In other words, it is characterized by having function keys and a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values.

(effect) The effect will be explained.

Numerical values can be entered using the numeric keypad provided on the mouse.

(Embodiments) Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the mouse of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side view thereof. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a standard personal computer system that can employ the mouse of this embodiment.

First, the configuration of the mouse 10 will be explained.

Reference numeral 12 denotes the mouse body, which is sized so that a normal adult can hold it with one hand. A connection cord 14 extends from the front end and is connected directly or indirectly to the computer main body 16. The upper surface 18 of the mouse body 12 is formed into a substantially flat surface, and the front end is formed into a slope higher than the rear end.

20... are function keys, and functions such as "'RETURN" are assigned to the two 6 function keys 20... provided on the top surface, and for example, when pressed, a function instruction is given to the computer main body 16. input is possible.

Note that the positions and number of the function keys 20 are not necessarily limited to two as illustrated.

22 is a numeric keypad, and input keys for numbers from "0" to "9" and commas "," and "period" are arranged.The numeric keypad 22 is connected to the computer main body 16 in parallel with the numeric keypad 26 of the keyboard 24. The numeric keypad 22 is not limited to the above-mentioned types of keys, and is connected to the mouse body 12.
The number of keys can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the

A ball 28 is disposed in a movable manner within the mouse body 12, and its lower end slightly protrudes from the bottom surface 30 of the mouse body 12. Therefore, by placing the mouse body 12 on the desk ring,
When the ball 28 is slid on the desk, the ball 28 rolls, and a signal corresponding to the rolling amount and transfer direction of the ball 28 is sent to the computer main body 16. The means for generating a signal accompanying the transfer of the ball 28 employs a potentiometer and the like, and has the same structure as a conventional well-known mouse, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the mouse 10 can be optionally connected directly or indirectly to the computer main body 16.

A method of using the mouse 10 configured as described above when connected in place of the mouse 34 of the personal computer system shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

Note that tabulation work will be given as an example of use.

While looking at the display 32, the operator slides the mouse 10 on the desk with one hand to move a cursor (not shown) to the position of a frame for inputting numerical values. Then, an appropriate numerical value is input into the frame by selectively pressing the numeric keypad 22. At this time, the RETURN function key 20 can also be pressed if necessary. If this work is done for all the areas within the table frame, the tabulation will be completed. All numerical data can be entered by moving the mouse 10 and using the numeric keypad 22 and/or function key 2.
Since this can be done only by operating 0, the operator must use display 3.
It becomes possible to input without taking one hand off the mouse 10 while looking at the screen 2.

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some of the character keys may also be provided on the mouse.
Of course, many more modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(Effects of the Invention) By using the mouse according to the present invention, an operator can use a single mouse to not only specify functions on the screen but also input numerical values using a numeric keypad. Therefore, the operator can designate a position and input numerical values with one hand, thereby improving work efficiency. It is especially effective when inputting a large number of numerical values, such as when inputting CAD data or creating statistical tables.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mouse according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a standard computer system. 10...Mouse, 22...Numeric keypad

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A mouse characterized by having function keys and a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values.