JPH07175584A - Pointing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the pointing device which is easily reducible in size and eliminates the need for moving the body of the device at the time of coordinate specification. CONSTITUTION:A position sensor 10 consists of elastic rubber 1 and pressure sensing elements which are installed on its bottom surface. Those pressure sensing elements output voltages V1-V4 which are proportional to detected pressure respectively. If vibration is generated by pressing on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, a CPU 12 calculates the coordinate values of projection of the pressed point on the installation plane of the pressure sensing elements from the ratio of the voltages V1-V4 generated by the pressure sensing elements. The coordinates are specified based on the coordinate values.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pointing device suitable for an auxiliary input device such as a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a keyboard has been used as a main input device of a personal computer or a workstation, and a pointing device has been used as an auxiliary input device. The pointing device is mainly used for designating coordinates of a cursor (pointer) displayed on the screen, and can be roughly classified into the following two types. Absolute coordinate detection type (touch screen, tablet, etc.) This is a device in which an area corresponding to the display on the display is provided outside and the coordinates on the screen are input by designating the area. The input operation is performed by touching a transparent electrode provided on the screen on the touch screen, or by touching a plate-shaped input device with a pen-shaped input device on the tablet. Relative coordinate detection type (mouse, track ball, etc.) It supplies the moving distance and direction (that is, the movement vector per unit time) corresponding to the plane movement of itself to the personal computer as pulse information. It is a device that specifies the coordinates by moving the cursor displayed on the display correspondingly.

[0003]

However, the above absolute coordinate detection type pointing device has drawbacks in that the device itself is complicated and expensive, and it is not suitable for downsizing due to its structure. For example, in the touch screen, the device itself cannot be downsized because the transparent electrode is attached to the display screen. Similarly, the tablet is not suitable for miniaturization because it is necessary to make the screen and the touch area correspond one-to-one.

Further, the relative coordinate detection type pointing device has the following drawbacks, for example. The mouse needs a certain amount of space to move the main body in a plane, and further needs two encoders to detect each component of the x and y axes in the moving direction. The track ball has a fixed body and only the ball rotates, so there is no need for a space to move it, but two encoders are required to detect each component of the x and y axes of the ball rotation direction. It is similar to the mouse in that

Therefore, in order to downsize the relative coordinate detection type pointing device, there is a problem that the ball rotation detection mechanism must be manufactured precisely. In addition, there is a problem that reliability is poor due to the fact that it has a movable part, and that dust and dirt are easily wiped off to cause a failure. Recently, there is a method of detecting each component of the x and y axes in the moving direction by an optical method, but there is a drawback that a dedicated pad is required. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pointing device that can be easily downsized and does not need to move the main body when designating coordinates. It is in.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 1, the pressures at different positions on the plane are mutually detected and the pressures at the positions are detected. At least three pressure detecting means for outputting respective signals, and an elastic member having a convex shape and attached to the plane so that the bottom surface covers the detection positions of the at least three pressure detecting means. And a coordinate value obtained by projecting a vibration point generated on the exposed surface of the elastic member by the operator onto the plane, from a ratio of respective detection signals by the at least three or more pressure detecting means. Is provided and the coordinates are designated based on the coordinate values.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention of the first aspect is characterized in that the coordinate calculation by the first computing means is performed every predetermined time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention according to claim 3, the pressures at different positions on the plane are mutually detected, and at least signals corresponding to the pressures at the positions are output. Three or more pressure detecting means, a convex shape, an elastic member attached to the plane so that the bottom surface covers the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detecting means, and the elasticity by the operator. The coordinate value obtained by projecting the vibration point generated by the pressure on the exposed surface of the member on the plane is obtained every predetermined time from the ratio of each detection signal by the at least three or more pressure detecting means, and at the predetermined time. The present invention is characterized by including a second calculation means for calculating a moving component of the coordinate value, and performing coordinate designation based on this moving component.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the second or third aspect, a time for calculating the moving speed of the coordinate value and controlling the predetermined time in accordance with the moving speed. It is characterized in that it is provided with an interval control means. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the first or third aspect of the invention, the elastic member and the at least three or more pressure detecting means are joined by an adhesive layer having elasticity. It has a feature. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the first, third or fifth aspect, the at least three or more pressure detecting means are four, and the detection positions thereof are respectively the elastic members. Are located on the axes orthogonal to each other at the center of the bottom face and are equidistant from each other from the center of the bottom face. According to the invention of claim 7, claims 1, 3,
The invention described in 5 or 6 is characterized in that the at least three or more pressure detecting means are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. In the invention according to claim 8, in the invention according to claim 7, there are provided hollow chambers below the bottom surface of the elastic member and opening at different positions on the plane, respectively. Each of the three or more pressure detecting means is housed in the hollow chamber and detects the internal pressure of the hollow chamber. According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, each of the hollow chambers is filled with a liquid substance. According to the invention of claim 10, in the invention of claim 7,
A hollow chamber under the bottom surface of the elastic member, which opens at different positions on the plane, and pressure transmission for guiding the internal pressures in the hollow chamber to each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. And a pressure path, and each of the at least three pressure detection means detects the internal pressure of the pressure transmission path. According to the invention of claim 11, in the invention of claim 10,
A liquid substance is filled in each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path. The invention described in claim 12 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 10 or 11, the pressure transmission path is made of a rigid body.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the first or third aspect, the exposed surface of the elastic member is covered with a high elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than the elastic member. It is characterized by that. According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the first or third aspect of the invention, a small piece of a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than the covering member is discretely provided on the semi-exposed surface of the elastic member. It is characterized by being placed in. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the first or third aspect, an enclosure that is gripped by an operator is provided, and the elastic member is exposed and installed in the enclosure. It has a feature.

[Action]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator presses the exposed surface of the elastic member, vibration occurs around the pressing point. This vibration propagates through the elastic member as an elastic wave, its magnitude is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and is detected by each pressure detecting means. And
The coordinate value obtained by projecting the compression point on the bottom surface of the elastic member is calculated by the ratio of each detection signal of the pressure detection means based on a predetermined formula, and the coordinate designation is performed based on this coordinate value.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the coordinates are specified every predetermined time, so that the coordinates can be continuously specified.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operator presses the exposed surface of the elastic member to move the pressing point in accordance with the direction / amount to be moved. This causes vibration around the compression point, and the vibration point also moves. This vibration propagates through the elastic member as an elastic wave, its magnitude is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and is detected by each pressure detecting means. The coordinate value obtained by projecting the compression point on the bottom surface of the elastic member is calculated at predetermined time intervals by the ratio of each detection signal of the pressure detection means based on a predetermined formula, and the movement component at this predetermined time is obtained. The coordinate designation is performed based on this movement component.

According to the invention described in claim 4, since the predetermined time changes in accordance with the moving speed of the coordinate value, the moving vector can be calculated more finely when the moving speed is high. On the other hand, when the moving speed is low, the number of times the coordinate value is calculated can be reduced. According to the invention described in claim 5, it is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy. According to the invention described in claim 6, the pressure detection positions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the bottom surface. Therefore, even when the pressure vibration generating point on the exposed surface moves, the damping property of the elastic member can be made equivalent to each pressure detecting means. Further, if the moving direction of the pressure vibration point passes through the apex of the elastic member and coincides with either one of the installation axes of the detection position, the propagation distance of the elastic wave can be minimized. According to the invention described in claim 7, since it is possible to use the semiconductor manufacturing technique, it is possible to manufacture the semiconductor device with extremely small size and high accuracy. According to the invention described in claim 8, similarly to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detection means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy. . According to the invention described in claim 9, the pressure change in each of the hollow chambers can be detected by each pressure detecting means with a low loss rate. According to the invention described in claims 10 to 12, the pressure detecting means can be arranged regardless of the position where the pressure should be detected. In particular, if each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path is filled with a liquid substance, the pressure change inside them can be detected by each pressure detection means at a low loss rate. If the pressure transmission path is provided so as to face the center of the plane, the pressure detection means can be integrated. According to the invention of claim 13, the coating of the high-elasticity member reduces the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface, and the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction increases correspondingly. The level of the output signal can be increased. According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the vibration is discretely generated on the exposed surface of the elastic member, but the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface can be reduced by the arrangement of the high elastic member. Therefore, the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction can be increased accordingly,
The level of the signal output from each pressure detecting means can be increased. According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the operator can easily specify the coordinates by holding the casing and pressing the elastic member.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A-1: Structure of the First Embodiment First, the structure of the first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a pointing device P of this embodiment.
It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of D. As shown in this figure, a substantially hemispherical elastic rubber 1 is provided so as to project at the center of the upper surface of the casing M of the pointing device PD, and forms a part of the position sensor. On the other hand, the cord C is pulled out from the back side of the casing M, and a pulse indicating the information of the designated coordinates or a signal indicating that a click operation has been performed (all of which will be described later) is supplied to a personal computer (not shown). There is.

A-1-1: Position Sensor The position sensor 10 calculates the coordinates of the pressure vibration generated by the operator pressing the elastic rubber 1.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are a perspective view and a perspective see-through view showing the structure of the position sensor, respectively, and FIG. 3 (a) is a partial cross section for explanation. As shown in these drawings, the position sensor 10 includes pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to
It is composed of S ₄ and a hemispherical elastic rubber 1. In addition,
Here, the shape of the elastic rubber 1 will be described as an ideal hemispherical surface. Each of the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ is installed on the bottom surface (flat surface) L of the elastic rubber 1 and has a voltage V ₁ to V ₁ proportional to the detected pressure.
V ₄ is output as a detection signal, and an example of the configuration will be described later. These pressure sensitive elements S ₁
Position detected by ~S ₄ Q ₁ ~Q ₄ of coordinates (x, y), the radius of the elastic rubber 1 r, when the center of the bottom surface L is the origin (0, 0), respectively (a, 0), ( 0, a), (-a, 0), (0, -a) ... (p) (where r>a> 0). That is, the pressure sensitive element S
_The coordinates at which the pressure should be detected by _{1 to} S ₄ are x, and
It is on the y-axis and is equidistant from the origin by a distance a.

Next, the joint between the pressure sensitive element and the elastic rubber 1 will be described by taking the pressure sensitive element S ₁ as an example. Figure 4
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the configuration of pressure-sensitive element S ₁ . The semiconductor substrate 2 is adhered to the bottom surface L of the elastic rubber 1 by the adhesive layer 3 having elasticity, and the semiconductor substrate 2 has the detection position Q.
Pressure sensitive element S ₁ for detecting the pressure at _1, is formed with a hollow chamber 4 ₁ which is open at the detection position. The pressure sensitive element S ₁ is composed of a thin portion (thickness of about several tens of μm) 5 ₁ used as a diaphragm and a strain gauge 6 ₁ formed on the surface of the thin portion 5 ₁ . Pressure-sensitive element S ₁
It is formed by known semiconductor etching techniques, in particular, strain gauge 6 _1, impurities (e.g., boron)
Piezoresistive element (p
Mold resistance layer). When such strain gauge 6 is distorted, its resistance value changes according to the strain. Similarly, the pressure sensitive elements S _{2 to} S ₄ are connected to the semiconductor substrate 2
It is formed on the upper side, and its resistance value changes in proportion to the pressure at the detection positions Q _{2 to} Q ₄ .

In the position sensor 10 having such a structure, when pressure vibration is generated on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, the pressure vibration propagates as an elastic wave in the elastic rubber 1 and becomes a slight vibration at the detection position Q, resulting in a hollow. varying the respective pressure in the chamber ₄₁ to _4. At this time, each of the strain gauges 6 _{1 to} 6 ₄ is distorted by the pressure difference between each internal pressure of the hollow chambers 4 ₁ to 4 ₄ and the external pressure via the atmospheric pressure release port 7, so that each resistance value thereof is It will change according to the pressure oscillation. At both ends of the strain gauge ₆₁ through 65 _4, (not shown) Aluminum electrode for directing the external circuits are deposited, are the resistance / voltage conversion respectively by known circuits, the voltage is, the detection position Q ₁
The detected voltage V ₁ proportional to the pressure at Q ₄ is output.

[0021] Here, if necessary, each of the hollow chamber ₄₁ to ₄ simply without the depleted, low thermal expansion liquid (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.), or liquid material (e.g., gelatin Etc.) may be filled. As a result, the microtremors generated at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ can be converted into the detection signals more accurately with a low loss rate.

A-1-2: Principle of coordinate detection by the position sensor Next, the principle of coordinate detection by the position sensor 10 having such a configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the principle of coordinate detection. In this figure, FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are used.
The position sensor 10 shown in FIG. 3 is simplified for the sake of explanation.
It is assumed that the operator presses the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 with the finger 40 as shown in FIG. In this case, at the point P _n on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1, pressure vibration is generated in the finger 40 by the pressure vibration wave generated from the finger tip artery, that is, the finger tip pulse wave. Here, the point P _n is the center of gravity (center) of vibration. That is, the point P _n is on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 and is the center of the pressing action of the finger 40.

Next, the vibration at this point P _n is time t = n
Suppose that it occurred in. This vibration propagates through the elastic rubber 1 and is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance, and the pressure sensitive element S ₁
It is detected as a detection signal having a voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ by to S _4.

By the way, the equation expressing the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 is
It looks like this:

[Equation 1] (However, z> 0) Therefore, the coordinates (x, y, z) of an arbitrary point P _n on the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 are the x,
the value of y-coordinate, respectively x _n, When y _n, comprising the formula (1) as follows.

[Equation 2]

The respective distances between the point P _n and the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ of the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ are calculated from the equation (2) and the above-mentioned coordinates of each detection position (p). It becomes like the following formula.

[Equation 3]

Next, since the vibration generated at the point P _n is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance of the elastic rubber 1, the values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ detected by the respective elements are mutually different. , Point P
_It is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between _n and the detection position of the corresponding element. Therefore, the following equation holds.

[Equation 4] Then, from equation (4), of the point P _n x, y coordinate values x _n,
y _n is as follows.

[Equation 5] In this way, when pressure vibration occurs at the point P _n on the hemisphere of the elastic rubber 1, the detection voltages V _{1 to} V _{4 of the} pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ are detected.
From this, the coordinate values x _n and y _n of the point P _n can be obtained.
This point P _n, the plane of the detection position of the sensitive element S ₁ ~S ₄ (x-y plane), i.e., the coordinates of P _'n that the vertical projection to the bottom surface L of elastic rubber 1 (see FIG. 5 ) Is none other than seeking. In equation (5), the coordinate value x _n is calculated from the voltages V ₁ and V _{3 of the} pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ and S ₃ installed on the x-axis,
In addition, the coordinate value y _n is set to the pressure sensitive element S ₂ , which is installed on the y axis,
Since the voltages can be independently calculated from the voltages V ₂ and V _{4 of} S ₄ , mutual influences can be eliminated in the coordinate calculation.

As can be seen from a detailed examination of the equation (4), the voltage required to obtain the coordinate values x _n and y _n is three of the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S _4. In this case, the calculation of one coordinate value is affected by the other coordinate value. For example, the coordinate values x _n by only pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to S _3, in order to calculate the y _n first calculates the coordinate values x _n from the voltage V _1, V _3, then the coordinate values x _n Equation (4)
, The coordinate value y _n can be calculated from the voltage V _2, but the coordinate value y _n depends on the voltages V _{1 to} V ₃ and is output to the pressure sensitive element. This is because accurate coordinate calculation cannot be performed when there is a difference in characteristics.

[0028] In this description, the point P 'coordinate values x _n of _n, the formula is used to determine the _{y n (1) ~ (5} ) is,
It is premised that the elastic rubber 1 has an ideal anti-sphere shape, that is, a shape obtained by cutting a sphere by a plane including its center. However, in consideration of the tactile sensation of the operator, it is desirable that the elastic rubber 1 has a substantially convex shape, as shown in FIG. 14A, rather than the hemispherical shape. Further, from an industrial viewpoint, it is difficult to manufacture the position sensor 10 while satisfying the ideal hemispherical shape. Rather, as shown in FIG. However, it is often produced with a deviation from the center of the sphere. Even in such a case, if the deviation amount is within the allowable range in the measurement accuracy, the coordinate values x _n and y _n can be obtained by using the expression (5) as an approximate expression.

Therefore, this approximation will be described. Now, the shape of the elastic rubber 1 is Δz from the center of the ideal sphere.
Consider the case of a pseudo hemisphere that is dislocated and cut. In this case, the detection position Q ₁ by the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄
Assuming that the radius of the elastic rubber 1 is r and the center is the origin (0, 0, 0), the coordinates (x, y, z) of Q ₄ to Q ₄ are respectively Q ₁ (a, 0, Δz) Q ₂ (0, a, Δz) Q ₃ (−a, 0, Δz) Q ₄ (0, −a, Δz). Therefore, the square of each distance between the point P _n and the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ can be obtained in the same manner as the equation (3), and each is given by the following equation.

[Equation 6] However, in these equations,

[Equation 7] I keep it. Even in this case, the vibration generated at the point P _n is attenuated in proportion to the square of the propagation distance of the elastic rubber 1, so that the values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ detected by the respective sensors are:
The distance between the point P _n and the detection position of the corresponding sensor is 2
It will be inversely proportional to the square. That is, the square of the distance in equation (6), since are equal to each other in the product of the detected voltage V ₁ ~V _4, x of the point P _n, y coordinate values x _n,
y _n is as follows.

[Equation 8] In Expression (8), (Δz) ² can be ignored if (Δz) is sufficiently small in the z-axis direction. Further, as can be seen from the equation (8), (z _n · Δz) can be ignored by increasing the sensor distance a from the origin within the range of the radius r. This makes equation (8) substantially equal to equation (5).

Further, in this example, in _order to obtain the coordinate values x _n and y _n of the point P ′ _n , the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ of the respective detection signals are substituted into the equation (5). It may be obtained by the method of. That is, a constant vibration is experimentally generated on the exposed surface of the elastic rubber 1, the relation between the coordinate to which the vibration is applied and the ratio of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ is measured in advance, and a table showing this relation is created. Keep it. In fact, the coordinate value x of the point P _'n
n, to obtain the y _n is possible by reading the coordinates corresponding to the ratio of the voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ from this table. As described above, the elastic rubber 1 in FIG. 3A does not need to have a hemispherical shape, and may have a convex shape that can be easily operated by the operator.

A-1-3: Principle of calculation of movement vector component by position sensor Next, at time t = n + 1 (that is, after one cycle of the sampling clock has elapsed), the operator operates as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Then, it is assumed that the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 by the finger 40 is moved to the compression point and the source of the pressure vibration is moved to the point P _{n + 1} . Also in this case, similarly, the coordinate values x _{n + 1} and y _{n + 1} of the point P ′ _{n + 1 obtained} by projecting the point P _{n + 1} on the surface L are obtained. Hereinafter, similarly, the coordinate values of the points P ′ _{n + 2} , P ′ _{n + 3} , ... At time t = n + 2, n + 3 ,.

Next, by subtracting the coordinate value obtained one cycle before the sampling clock from the obtained coordinate value,
That is, when each of x _{n + 1} −x _n y _{n + 1} −y _n is calculated, among the movement vectors of the compression point of the elastic rubber 1 on the hemisphere in one sampling period,
The components in the x and y axis directions can be obtained. Further, by obtaining the magnitude of this component, that is, the moving distance and dividing it by one cycle of the sampling clock, the speed of the moving vector at the time of the sampling can be calculated. The formula for obtaining this speed V is as follows, where Fs is the frequency of the sampling clock.

[Equation 9]

A-1-4: Clicking operation In this embodiment, when the arithmetic mean of the detected voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that a so-called clicking operation is performed. To be done. This is performed by further pressing the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 with a finger. At this time, as can be seen from the formula (5), the coordinates are calculated not by the absolute values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ but by the ratio, so that the coordinates designation is not affected unless the compression point is changed. Absent.

A-2-1: Another Example of Position Sensor Next, another example of the position sensor will be described. Figure 7
FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view for explaining the configuration of this example, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of main parts in the x-axis direction in FIG. 7A. In these figures, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 or 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The position sensor 10 as shown in these figures, the hollow chamber 4 ₁ is provided which opens at the detection position Q _1, a hollow tube 8 ₁ further opening in the side wall of the hollow chamber 4 ₁
Extend toward the center of the plane L and are connected to the semiconductor substrate 2. Similarly, at the detection positions Q _{2 to} Q ₄ , the hollow chamber 4 ₂
~ 4 ₄ are respectively provided, and hollow tubes 8 ₂ to 8 _{4 are} further provided.
Respectively extend in the center direction of the plane L. The semiconductor substrate 2 is provided with pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ , respectively, and is open-ended connected to hollow tubes 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ extending in four directions, respectively.

[0035] In this case, preferably, the hollow chamber ₄₁ to ₄ and a hollow tube 8 _{1-8 4,} a different configuration from the semiconductor substrate 2, it is better to form a rigid 9, for example hard plastic or metal . This allows the pressure-sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ to be collectively formed on the semiconductor substrate 2 without considering the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ , so that the number of pressure-sensitive elements in the same area can be obtained. Is increased, and the cost can be reduced accordingly. Also in this configuration, the hollow chamber 4 ₁
To to 4 ₄ and the hollow tubes 8 _{1-8 4} may be configured filled with low liquid or liquid material coefficients of thermal expansion.

As the position sensor 10, known strain gauges are directly attached to the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ on the bottom surface L,
A configuration in which vibration at that position is detected as strain is also possible, but in this configuration, the strain due to minute deformation when the elastic rubber 1 is pressed appears directly in the output, so it is desirable to bond as shown in FIG. It is better to detect as an elastic wave through the layer 3 and the hollow chamber 4. Further, the number of pressure-sensitive elements is "4" in the above-described embodiment, but may be "3" as described above. In short, each detection position of the pressure sensitive element may be the bottom surface of the hemisphere so that each distance between the detection position of the pressure sensitive element and each point on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 can be specified.

In the position sensor 10 according to the above-mentioned two examples, the elastic wave generated by the vibration at the point P _n is detected at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q _4.
The elastic rubber 1 propagates almost uniformly not only in the direction but also in all directions. Therefore, the pressure generated at the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ becomes smaller with respect to the magnitude of the vibration generated at the point P _n , and the respective values of the voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ tend to become smaller accordingly. . Therefore, in these embodiments, S / N
It has the drawback that the ratio tends to deteriorate. Therefore, next, two examples in which the S / N ratio is improved will be described.

A-2-2: Another Example of Position Sensor The inventor of the present application has shown that the member 81 (for example, hard plastic or metal) having a higher elastic modulus than the elastic rubber 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown, when coated on the hemispherical surface of elastic rubber 1, experiments that the output voltage V ₁ ~V ₄ by pressure-sensitive elements S ₁ to S ₄ becomes large as compared with the case without the cover member 81 I have confirmed it. This is because the surface acoustic wave propagating along the surface of the hemisphere becomes difficult to propagate due to the presence of the member 81,
It means toward the center direction of the elastic rubber 1, correspondingly, to contribute to the increase in pressure at each detection position Q ₁ to Q _4, it is believed to increase the output voltage of the pressure-sensitive element. In other words, it seems that the transfer function showing the propagation of the elastic wave from the hemisphere to the detection position is improved. Further, in this embodiment, the covering of the member 81 prevents the elastic rubber 1 from coming into direct contact with the operator, so that there is an advantage that the elastic rubber 1 is prevented from being deteriorated by sebum.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of small pieces 82 of the member 81 may be provided discretely on the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1. It does not matter whether the small piece 82 is embedded or attached to the hemispherical surface (the figure shows an example of attachment). At this time, in the transfer function of the elastic wave described above, the movement from the small piece 82 to the detection position is improved as compared with the movement from the exposed surface of the elastic rubber 1 to the detection position. _n is selectively limited to the place where the small piece 82 is installed (there is a tendency). Therefore, there is a problem that the coordinate value of the point P _n becomes a discrete value obtained by projecting the installation place of the small piece 82 on the bottom surface L, but the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S _{4 are present.}
Since the output voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ can be increased, it is effective when the resolution is relatively rough. In addition, this problem is caused by installing a large number of small pieces 82 efficiently.
Can be resolved.

A-3: Electrical Configuration of First Embodiment Next, the electrical configuration of the pointing device PD will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an A / D converter, which simultaneously samples each of the detection voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ by the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ at the timing of the clock CLK to perform A / D conversion. To do. Specifically, the A / D converter 11 samples and holds each of the detection voltages V _{1 to} V ₄ at the timing of the clock CLK, and these voltages are clocked by the clock C by the multiplexer.
A / A is switched sequentially at a timing sufficiently faster than LK.
Perform D conversion. Thus the number of voltage to be A / D converted is "4" of V ₁ ~V _4, the number of A / D converter 11 may be a "1". Then, the converted voltage is supplied to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12 via an interface (not shown) and a bus. 13 is a ROM (ramdom access Read Only Memory)
A program or the like for the CPU 12 to perform the calculation is stored. 14 is RAM (Ramdom Acces
s read / write memory), and stores calculated coordinates at each timing of the clock CLK. 15 is a timer,
The basic clock φ is generated and supplied to the CPU 12, and under the control signal S from the CPU 12, the clock CLK in which the dividing cycle of the basic clock φ is changed is output. 1
6 is a pulse generator, which generates a count pulse corresponding to the movement vector component obtained by the CPU 12,
A signal indicating that the click operation has been performed is generated and supplied to an external personal computer (not shown in this figure) via code C (see FIG. 1). In addition, this pulse generator 16
, When used as absolute coordinate detection type which will be described later, without generating a counting pulse, and supplies the coordinate information of the point P _'n to the PC.

The CPU 12 obtains the coordinate values x _n , y _n from the detected voltage sampled according to the above-mentioned equation (5), and if necessary, the previous coordinate values x _n-1 , y _n from each of the coordinate values. _n-1 is subtracted from each to obtain the x- and y-axis direction components of the movement vector per one cycle of the clock CLK. Further, when the calculated movement vector, that is, the movement speed is larger than the predetermined value, the CPU 12 instructs the timer 15 to halve the cycle of the clock CLK by the control signal S, while the movement speed is increased. , If it is smaller than the predetermined value, the timer 15
Is instructed by the control signal S to double, for example, the cycle of the clock CLK. The other operations of the CPU 12 will be described later.

B: Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the pointing device P having the above-mentioned configuration.
The operation of D will be described.

The pointing device PD according to this embodiment can be used in two ways: as an absolute coordinate detection type and as a relative coordinate detection type. Therefore, each method will be described separately. Each of these methods can be selected by a switch (not shown) or a command from the outside.

In the case of use as an absolute coordinate detection type In this case, it is assumed that the coordinate system of the bottom surface L and the cursor coordinate system on the personal computer side are preset in a mapping relationship, that is, in a one-to-one correspondence relationship. First, the operator is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the finger 40 is pressed against the hemispherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 and pressed. At this time, the elastic rubber is pressed so that the desired designated coordinates are the coordinates obtained by projecting the pressing point on the bottom surface L. As a result, the elastic rubber 1 vibrates around the compression point, and an elastic wave is generated by the vibration. Elastic wave is detected by the pressure-sensitive element S ₁ to S ₄ as the voltage V ₁ ~V _4, these voltages are converted to digital values. Then, the coordinate values x _n and y _n are respectively calculated by the CPU 12 from the converted detection voltage based on the equation (5),
Supplied to the personal computer side. Thereafter, this operation is clock CL
It is performed every K cycles, and the coordinate designation is sequentially performed. As described above, in the absolute coordinate detection type, the coordinate values obtained by vertically projecting the compressed points on the spherical surface of the elastic rubber 1 onto the installation planes (that is, the bottom surface L) of the detection positions Q _{1 to} Q ₄ are at every timing of the clock CLK. And is supplied to the personal computer side to specify it as cursor coordinates. In this absolute coordinate detection type, when the operator does not press the elastic rubber 1, no elastic wave is generated, so that the detection voltage V of the pressure sensitive element is detected.
_{1 to} V ₄ are equal to each other. At this time, as can be seen from the expression (5), the coordinate value becomes (0, 0), and the cursor returns to the origin.

When used as a relative coordinate detection type It is assumed that the cursor coordinate 30 on the personal computer side is set at the center of the screen in the initial state (that is, time t = n) as shown in FIG. In the state, it is assumed that the position of the desired cursor coordinate 31 is, for example, the upper right corner of the screen. Here, u indicates a vector from the cursor coordinates on the personal computer side to the cursor coordinates desired by the operator. In addition, in general, on the y-axis of the PC screen,
The downward direction is (+), but in this embodiment, the upward direction is (+) in order to make the position sensor 10 coincide with the coordinate system of the bottom surface L.

In this case, the operator performs an operation as shown in FIG. 6B in order to move the cursor coordinates to a desired position. That is, the operator presses an arbitrary point on the elastic rubber 1 with the finger 40 (-1), and then moves the pressing point so as to match the direction of the vector u (
-2). Then, the operator repeats the operations -1 and -2 while looking at the screen of the personal computer so that the cursor coordinate 30 becomes the desired coordinate. This operation is
The operation is such that the elastic rubber 1 is rotated in the direction of the vector u. Needless to say, the elastic rubber 1 does not actually rotate.

Next, the operation of the embodiment for such operation will be described. -1 At time t = n, the operator presses the elastic rubber 1 with the finger 40.
When pressure is applied, similarly to the absolute coordinate detection type, vibration centering on the compression point is generated, and elastic waves due to the vibration are detected by the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ , and the compression point is projected on the bottom surface L. The coordinate values x _n and y _n are calculated by the CPU 12. The coordinate value is temporarily stored in the RAM 14. -2 Next, after one cycle of the clock CLK has passed, that is, at time t = n + 1, the coordinate values x _{n + 1} and y _{n + 1} are similarly calculated and stored in the RAM 14, and The coordinate values calculated one cycle before CLK, that is, the coordinate values x _n and y _n are read from the RAM 14,
The following difference is required. That is, the CPU 12 calculates x _{n + 1} −x _n and y _{n + 1} −y _n , respectively, and obtains the movement vector components in the x and y axis directions per one cycle of the clock CLK, and the pulse generator 16 Supplied.

Then, in the pulse generator 16, the count pulse and the code indicating the moving direction are generated so as to correspond to the obtained vector component and are supplied to the personal computer side.
Specifically, the magnitude (absolute value) of the vector component is supplied as the number of pulses of the count pulse, and the moving direction of the vector is supplied as a code corresponding to the x and y axes, respectively. As a result, for the coordinate position of the cursor 30 at time t = n, the cursor 3 is moved by the amount corresponding to the obtained vector component.
0 moves.

Next, at time t = n + 2, the vector components of x _{n + 2} −x _{n + 1} y _{n + 2} −y _{n + 1} are calculated. Then, the count pulse and the code indicating the moving direction are supplied to the personal computer side so as to correspond to the obtained vector component, and the time t = n.
The cursor 30 moves by an amount corresponding to the obtained vector component with respect to the coordinate position of the cursor 30 at +1. Thereafter, similarly, at time t = n + i (i = 1, 2, 3, ...), x _{n + i} −x _{n + i−1} y _{n + i} −y _{n + i−1} are calculated, respectively, and then The count pulse and the code indicating the movement direction are supplied to the personal computer side so as to correspond to the obtained vector component, and the cursor coordinate 30 reaches the desired coordinate. Thus, the operator moves the compression point in correspondence with the direction of the vector u from the cursor coordinates on the personal computer side to the desired coordinates, and the compression point is adjusted so that the movement distance corresponds to the size of the vector u. By repeating the above movement, the cursor coordinates 30 on the personal computer side reach the desired coordinates.

Further, the CPU 12 outputs the control signal S according to the velocity V of the movement vector obtained by the equation (9), and controls the frequency division period of the clock CLK in the timer 15. That is, the CPU 12 belongs to which region of the speed V (0 ≦) V <V _MIN (α) V _MIN ≦ V <V _MAX (β) V _MAX ≦ V (γ) Determine whether. Where V
_MIN and V _MAX are preset threshold values. If the speed V belongs to the area (α), the current clock CLK
For example, if the speed V belongs to the area (β), the current clock CLK cycle is maintained. If the speed V belongs to the area (γ), the current clock CLK cycle is maintained. Is supplied to the timer 15 depending on the case.
As a result, in this embodiment, proper sampling is performed for the movement of the compression point.

In this relative coordinate detection type, when the operator does not press the elastic rubber 1, the movement vector becomes zero, so that the cursor is kept at the previous position. At this time, the speed V also becomes zero, so the clock C
The cycle of LK gradually becomes longer.

C: Other Embodiments In the above-described first embodiment, the pointing device PD is a stand-alone in consideration of a so-called desktop personal computer, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, an embodiment in which the pointing device PD and the personal computer body are combined will be described.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the second embodiment according to the present invention, in which the pointing device PD according to the present invention is incorporated in a so-called laptop personal computer 50 having a display section 17. Is. In this embodiment, as shown in this figure, the elastic rubber 1
Is provided so as to project in front of the keyboard 51.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of this embodiment. The difference between this figure and FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the first embodiment is that it is not necessary to supply the components of the movement vector, so that the pulse generator 16 is abolished while the display of the personal computer 50 is performed. Display unit 17 and input information to CPU
This is the point at which a keyboard 51 for supplying to 12 is arranged. Further, the CPU 12, ROM 13, and RAM 14 in this figure are shared with the personal computer 50. That is, these perform the conventional personal computer processing and
The coordinate calculation or the component calculation of the movement vector in the embodiment of FIG.
0 is specified.

Next, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of this embodiment, in which the pointing device PD is incorporated in a small portable electronic stationery having a display unit 17, that is, a so-called electronic notebook 60. As shown in this figure, the elastic rubber 1 is provided near the upper portion of the key switch group 61. The electrical configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG.

According to these second and third embodiments,
Since the pointing device PD can be configured without having a movable structure, there is an advantage that it does not hinder the miniaturization of the personal computer body or the electronic notebook body.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the output characteristic difference between the pressure sensitive elements S _{1 to} S ₄ can be canceled by the following method. In this method, the technique of obtaining the coordinate value of the point P ′ _n by the above-mentioned three pressure sensitive elements is used. First, three pressure-sensitive elements are selected from four, and the coordinate values x _n and y _n are calculated only by these pressure-sensitive elements. Next, another pressure sensitive element combination is selected, and similarly, the coordinate value x
_n, to calculate the y _n. There are 4 combinations (= ₄ C ₃ ) of selecting 3 out of 4 different ones.
The coordinate values x _n and y _n are calculated in the same manner by the two combinations. These four combinations by the coordinate values x _n calculated independently, y _n, if all the output characteristics of the pressure sensitive element S ₁ to S ₄ are identical, it should match each other. If they do not match, it can be considered that the output characteristics are different, and if the detected voltage is corrected in reverse from the calculated coordinates so that the calculated coordinates match, the individual differences in the pressure-sensitive element will occur. Differences in the output characteristics that accompany it can be canceled each other, and more accurate coordinate values can be obtained.

[0057]

The present invention described above has the following effects. Coordinates obtained by projecting the compression points on the installation plane of the pressure detection means can be specified directly, and since the structure has no movable mechanism, reliability can be improved and the coordinates can be specified. In this case, since the exposed surface of the elastic member is only pressed, there is an effect that a wide space is not required (Claim 1). Coordinates can be specified continuously (Claim 2)

Since the coordinates can be relatively designated based on the movement of the compression point projected on the installation plane of the pressure detecting means, and the structure has no moving parts, the reliability is high. In addition, since the exposed surface of the elastic member is only pressed when the coordinates are designated, there is an effect that a wide space is not required (claim 3).

Since the predetermined time changes to the moving speed of the coordinate value, the moving vector can be obtained more finely when the moving speed of the coordinate value is high, while the moving vector can be obtained when the moving distance of the plane is small. The number of times the value is calculated can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently specify coordinates for the moving speed (claim 4).

It is possible to prevent the minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (claim 5). The pressure detection positions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the bottom surface of the elastic member. Therefore, even when the pressure vibration generating point on the exposed surface moves, the damping property of the elastic member can be made equivalent to each pressure detecting means. Also, if the moving direction of the pressure vibration point passes through the apex of the elastic member and coincides with either of the installation axes of the detection position, the propagation distance of the elastic wave can be minimized, so that the pressure can be more accurately measured. It becomes possible to detect (Claim 6). Since it is possible to use the semiconductor manufacturing technology, it is possible to manufacture with extremely small size and high precision (claim 7). It is possible to prevent a minute displacement of the elastic member from being directly applied to the pressure detecting means, and it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy (claims 8 to 9). The pressure detecting means can be arranged regardless of the position where the pressure should be detected. In particular, if the pressure transmission path is provided so as to be directed to the center of the plane, the pressure detecting means can be integrated, so that a large number of pressure detecting means can be formed per unit area of the semiconductor substrate, which contributes to cost reduction. It is possible (claims 10 to 12). By covering the high-elasticity member, the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface becomes smaller, and the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction becomes larger accordingly.
The level of the signal output from each pressure detecting means can be increased (claim 13). Although the vibrations on the exposed surface of the elastic member are discrete, the surface acoustic wave propagating along the exposed surface can be made smaller by arranging the highly elastic member, so that the elastic wave traveling in the detection direction is increased accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to increase the level of the signal output from each pressure detecting means (claim 1
4). Since the operator can grip the enclosure and press the covering member with a finger or the like, it becomes easier to specify the coordinates (claim 15).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a pointing device PD according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a partially sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the position sensor in the embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the position sensor.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an essential part of the joint between the elastic rubber 1 and the semiconductor substrate 2 in the position sensor 10.

5 is a simplified perspective view for explaining the principle of coordinate detection by the position sensor 10. FIG.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are side views showing the operating state of the embodiment.

7 (a) is a plan view showing another example of the position sensor 10, and FIG. 7 (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the configuration of the joint between the elastic rubber 1 and the semiconductor substrate 2 in this example. Is.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partly in cross section, showing the configuration of another example of the position sensor 10.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of still another example of the position sensor 10.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing cursor coordinates on the personal computer side.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a pointing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a pointing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are perspective views showing modified configurations of the position sensor 10. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

S _{1 to} S ₄ ...... Pressure-sensitive element (pressure detecting means) 1 ・ ・ ・ Elastic rubber (elastic member) 2 …… Semiconductor substrate 3 …… Adhesive layer 4 …… Hollow chamber 8 …… Hollow tube (pressure transmission path) 10 ... Position sensor 12 ... CPU (first and second calculation means, time interval control means) M ... Case (main body) 81 ... Member (high elastic member) 82 ... Small piece (of high elastic member) Small piece)

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. At least three or more pressure detection means for mutually detecting pressures at different positions on a plane and outputting signals corresponding to the pressures at the positions, and a convex shape having a bottom surface. An elastic member that engages with the plane so as to cover the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detecting means, and coordinates that project a vibration point generated by pressing the exposed surface of the elastic member on the plane. A pointing device comprising: a first calculation means for calculating from a ratio of respective detection signals by the at least three or more pressure detection means, and performing coordinate designation based on the coordinate value. 2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinates are calculated by the first calculation means at predetermined time intervals. 3. At least three or more pressure detecting means for detecting pressures at different positions on a plane and outputting signals corresponding to the pressures at the respective positions, and a convex shape having a bottom surface. An elastic member that engages with the plane so as to cover the detection positions of the at least three or more pressure detecting means, and coordinates that project a vibration point generated by pressing the exposed surface of the elastic member on the plane. And a second calculating means for calculating the moving component of the coordinate value at a predetermined time from the ratio of each detection signal by the at least three pressure detecting means, and the moving component. A pointing device characterized by specifying coordinates based on. 4. The pointing device according to claim 2, further comprising time interval control means for calculating a moving speed of the coordinate value and controlling the predetermined time in accordance with the moving speed. 5. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member and the at least three or more pressure detecting means are joined by an adhesive layer having elasticity. 6. The at least three or more pressure detecting means are four, and their detection positions are on axes orthogonal to each other at the center of the bottom surface of the elastic member, and are equal to each other from the center of the bottom surface. Pointing device according to claim 1, 3 or 5, characterized in that it is located at a distance. 7. The pointing device according to claim 1, 3, 5 or 6, wherein the at least three or more pressure detecting means are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. 8. A hollow chamber, which is below the bottom surface of the elastic member and opens at different positions on the plane, respectively, and each of the at least three or more pressure detecting means comprises:
The pointing device according to claim 7, wherein the pointing device is housed in each of the hollow chambers and detects the internal pressure of each of the hollow chambers. 9. The pointing device according to claim 8, wherein each of the hollow chambers is filled with a liquid substance. 10. A hollow chamber under the bottom surface of the elastic member, the hollow chamber opening to different positions on the plane, and the internal pressures in the hollow chambers of the at least three or more pressure detecting means. 8. A pressure transmission path leading to each of the pressure transmission paths, wherein each of the at least three pressure detection means detects an internal pressure of the pressure transmission path.
The listed pointing device. 11. The liquid material is filled in each of the hollow chamber and the pressure transmission path.
The listed pointing device. 12. The pointing device according to claim 10, wherein the pressure transmission path is made of a rigid body. 13. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein an exposed surface of the elastic member is covered with a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the elastic member.
device. 14. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein small pieces of a highly elastic member having a higher elastic modulus than the covering member are discretely arranged on the exposed surface of the elastic member. 15. The pointing device according to claim 1, further comprising: an enclosure provided to be gripped by an operator, and the elastic member being exposed on the enclosure.
device.