JPH07219705A - Face operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an input device which can be operated by the face and the like without using a hand as for the input of a personal computer and the like by fitting a track ball to the tip of a free arm, fitting switches to a frame and outputting a signal from a connector. CONSTITUTION:The track ball 2 with the high degree of freedom on use is fitted through the free arm 1 which can be used, by setting arbitrary position/ angle so that it can be operated only by motion above a neck as a coordinate input device, and the track ball 2 is operated by a lower chin, for example. The plural switches 4 are independently turned on/off and the spectacles-formed frame 3 where the switches 4 are arranged in positions in which the motion/ stiffness of the vicinity of the eyes and the muscle of a cheek can easily be grasped so that they can be operated by freely combining them independent of the motion of a neck is used by installing it on a head. Then, circuits are combined so that electric signals corresponding to a general mouse and the track ball can be outputted and the signals are outputted from the connector 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device which can be operated on the face or the like of a personal computer or the like without using hands.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Computer input devices that require a high degree of sensitivity, such as keyboards, mice, and trackballs, are extremely sensitive when the hands cannot be used due to operating environment conditions, injuries, or natural traits. It was difficult to operate.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to avoid the drawbacks of the present invention, in view of the fact that the recent advances in the OS of personal computers and the like have made it possible to perform most of the processing only with an input device called a mouse or a trackball. The aim is to develop an input device that reflects the intended movements of the operator who cannot use the hand with practical controllability even by only the movements of the facial muscles and neck, and intends to use it as a mouse or the like. .

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(B) The trackball, which has a high degree of freedom in use as a coordinate input device, can be operated only by moving from the neck upwards.
It is attached via a flexible arm that can be set and used at any position and angle, and this ball is operated with, for example, the lower jaw. (B) Multiple switches can be turned on and off independently, and a switch can be placed at a position where it is easy to capture movements and rigidity of the eyes and cheek muscles so that they can be operated independently of the movements of the neck described above. The arranged glasses-like frame is attached to the head and used. (C) A circuit is combined so that an electric signal corresponding to a general mouse or trackball can be output. The apparatus is configured as described above.

[0005]

Since the present invention has the above-described structure, even a person who cannot operate it by hand can input coordinates by moving the neck upward and inputting a plurality of switches by only slight movements of the facial muscles.
It can be operated independently and used in combination with a little practice.

[0006]

EXAMPLES In carrying out the present invention, the following changes may be used in combination. (A) The coordinate input section 8 and the switch input section 7 are used as independent input devices. (B) The free arm 1 is replaced with a part having another structure such as a rod antenna and a bending link mechanism, which has a degree of freedom in position setting. (C) The base of the universal arm 1 is provided as a product in a state in which it is fixed to a pedestal, a case, etc. by a detachable and accommodating method. (D) The trackball 2 can be used with any commercial product,
The mounting portion at the tip of the free arm 1 has a detachable structure, and the switch input portion can be separated by a connector or the like. (E) On the contrary, in order to simplify the horizontal composition, the switch is omitted as a dedicated trackball, and the function of the switch on the frame is completely substituted. (F) Further, for each of D and E, the connector for connection of each input section is also omitted and integrated with a cable to make an inseparable connection state. (G) Replace the frame 3 with other parts having a function of fixing to the head such as goggles, a helmet, and a headphone, or use a structure as an interlocking means for combining them with the frame 3 or the switch 4. Hold it directly. (H) Depending on the operational conditions, a switch for switching the left and right of the switch 4 or the like is inserted in the middle of the circuit. (I) The cable of the trackball 2 is made to pass through the free arm 1. The switch (4) has a function that allows the contact part with the face to slip or roll due to the relationship with the movement of the facial muscles, a structure that can be operated lightly and reliably, and withstands corrosion due to sweat, fat, cosmetics, etc. It is desired that the switch has a click so that an appropriate switch response is returned to the operator.In the example of the present invention, by using a limit switch with a lever having a roller at the tip, all of these can be achieved. However, a switch with a simple push-button structure can be substituted as long as it has the characteristics of appropriately overcoming these conditions and individual differences among operators.

[0007]

As described above, it is possible to provide a function as an input device that can be operated freely even under conditions where the hand cannot be used. In addition, it can greatly expand the utility of personal computers and the like as a useful tool as a means for rehabilitating people with handicap.

[0008]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of use of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram example of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1 is a free arm 2 is a trackball 3 is a frame 4 is a switch 5 is a connector 6 is a base 7 is a coordinate input section 8 is a switch input section 9 is a left / right selector switch arrangement example 10 is an output connector of the entire circuit Reference numeral 11 is an example of a base attachment portion of a free arm having an electrical connection portion 12 is an example of a frame-related component 13 is an example of a portable personal computer

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A trackball 2 is attached to the tip of a free arm 1. (B) Attach the switch 4 to the frame 3. (C) The circuits of a and b are integrated and a signal is output from the connector 10. The facial operation input device configured as described above. 2. The face operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment portion at the base of the free arm 1 also has an electrical connection portion.