JPH08161103A - Three-dimensional information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a three-dimensional (3D) information input device capable of inputting data by easy operation without restricting its using place in respect to a 3D information input device for inputting a spatial direction and a spatial position to a computer. CONSTITUTION: Indications for the movement and rotation of the origin of 3D coordinate axes can be executed by easy operation without restricting its using place by arranging a 1st indicating means consisting of switches 3 to 6 for indicating the movement of the position of the origin of 3D coordinate axes in a plane consisting of (x) and (y) axes, a 2nd indicating means consisting of switches 7, 8 for indicating the movement of the origin along a (z) axis, a 3rd indicating means consisting of switches 9, 10 for indicating the rotation of the (x) and (y) axes around the (z) axes, and 1st and 2nd inclination sensors 11, 12 for rotating the (y) and (z) axes around the (x) axis and rotating the (z) and (x) axes around the (y) axis on a base part 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional information input device for inputting a current spatial direction and spatial position into a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the capabilities of computers have increased, it has become possible to easily handle three-dimensional images. Under such a background, various 3D position moving devices and viewpoint changing devices are provided so that the 3D image can be easily pointed and moved, and the 3D image can be viewed from various angles. Has been devised.

A conventional three-dimensional information input device will be described below. As shown in FIG. 13, when the base portion 31 is placed in contact with the upper surface of a desk or the like and the grip portion 32 is rotated about the support column 33 as an axis, the rotation amount can be measured by the rotation sensor 34. Reference numeral 35 is a support column base. Rotation sensor 34 and switches 36, 37, 38, 39, 4
0, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are connected to the control device 46, and these pieces of information are sent to a computer or the like through the line 47.

With respect to the three-dimensional information input device including the above-mentioned components, the relationship and operation of each component will be described.

When the grip portion 32 is moved in the front-back and left-right directions while being parallel to the base portion 31, the support pillar 33 and the support pillar base portion 35 also operate in the same manner, and the switches 36, 37, 38, 3 respectively.
9 closes. Further, when the grip portion 32 is tilted in the front-rear and left-right directions, the support pillar 33 and the support pillar base portion 35 operate in the same manner, and the switches 40, 41, 42, and 43 are closed. Also,
When the grip 32 is lifted, the support column 33 and the support column base 3
5 operates similarly, and the switch 44 is closed. Further, when the grip portion 32 is pushed down, the support pillar 33 and the support pillar base portion 35 operate in the same manner, and the switch 45 closes. That is, when the position of the origin of a three-dimensional coordinate axis (hereinafter referred to as coordinate axis) consisting of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis existing in a three-dimensional space is moved along the x-axis or the y-axis, the grip portion 32 is used as a base. Three
Switch 3 by operating in the front-back and left-right directions while being parallel to 1.
6, 37, 38, 39 are closed and transmitted to the control device 46. Further, when the position of the origin is moved along the z axis, the grip portion 32 is lifted or pushed down to close the switch 44 or the switch 45, and the control device 46 is transmitted.
When the y-axis and the z-axis of the coordinate axes are rotated about the x-axis and when the z-axis and the x-axis of the coordinate axes are rotated about the y-axis, the grip portion 32 is tilted in the front-rear and left-right directions and the switch 40 is rotated. , 41, 42, 43 are closed and transmitted to the control device 46. When the x-axis and the y-axis of the coordinate axes are rotated about the z-axis, the grip portion 32 is rotated about the support column 33, the rotation sensor 34 measures the rotation amount, and the rotation amount is transmitted to the control device 46. The control device 46 sends these three-dimensional information to the computer or the like via the line 47. Therefore, when the three-dimensional information input device is installed on a desk or the like, it is possible to give an instruction to move the position of the origin of the coordinate axes and an instruction to rotate the coordinate axes.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, the support pillar base portion 35 has a large number of switches 36.
No. 45 is pushed, the structure is complicated, and when the position of the origin of the coordinate axes is moved along the x-axis or the y-axis, the grip 32 is moved in parallel with the base 31. Otherwise, an unintended switch may be closed to cause an abnormality such as instructing the rotation of the coordinate axes, which causes a problem of difficulty in operability. Furthermore, if the base 31 is not installed on a desk or the like, the operation is not possible. Since this is not possible, there is a problem that the place of use is limited.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axis in the three-dimensional space and the instruction of rotation around the origin of the coordinate axis can be easily performed with a simple structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional information input device that can be operated and can be operated regardless of the place of use.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, a three-dimensional information input device of the present invention has a base portion which is held by both hands or one hand, and the origin of coordinate axes is a plane consisting of an x axis and ay axis. First indicating means for moving within, a second indicating means for moving the origin position along the z axis, and x
Third instruction means for rotating the axes and the y-axis about the z-axis, fourth instruction means for rotating the y-axis and the z-axis about the x-axis, and the z-axis and the x-axis for the y-axis It is provided with a fifth indicating means for rotating it as a center.

[0009]

In this structure, the position of the origin of the coordinate axis can be moved within the three-dimensional space by the first pointing means and the second pointing means, and the third pointing means, the fourth pointing means and the fifth pointing means. The pointing means can rotate the origin of the coordinate axes.

[0010]

EXAMPLES Example 1 An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a base, 2 is a cord,
3, 4, 5 and 6 are switches constituting a first pointing means (two-dimensional position pointing device) for instructing movement within the plane consisting of the x-axis and y-axis of the origin of the coordinate axes, and 7 and 8 are origins of the coordinate axes. The switches constituting the second instruction means for instructing the movement of the position of the above position along the z axis, and 9, 10 constitute the third instruction means for instructing the rotation around the x axis and the y axis of the coordinate axes about the z axis. The switches 11 and 12 are first and second tilt sensors that are arranged orthogonally to each other to form fourth and fifth indicating means. 1
3, 14, 15 are buttons, 16 is a calculator, arrows e, w,
s and n indicate the directions of inclination of the base 1.

With respect to the three-dimensional information input device including the above-mentioned constituent elements, the relation and operation of each constituent element will be described. Unlike the conventional example, the three-dimensional information input device of this embodiment does not need to be placed in contact with the upper surface of a desk or the like and can be held by both hands. The first indicating means is operated by the left thumb, and the origin of the coordinate axis is the y-axis positive direction when the switch 3 is closed, the y-axis negative direction when the switch 4 is closed, and the x-axis positive direction when the switch 5 is closed. When the switch 6 is closed, an instruction is transmitted to the computer 16 through the code 2 so as to move in the negative x-axis direction. The second instruction means is operated by the index finger of the left hand, and when the switch 7 is closed, the instruction is transmitted to the computer 16 through the code 2 so as to move in the z-axis positive direction and when the switch 8 is closed, the z-axis negative direction. When the base 1 is tilted in the direction of arrow n, the first tilt sensor 11 detects the tilt, and the y-axis and the z-axis of the coordinate axes are centered on the x-axis.
When the base portion 1 is tilted in the direction of arrow s so as to rotate in the p direction in FIG. 2A, an instruction is transmitted to the computer 16 to rotate in the m direction in FIG. In addition, the base 1 is indicated by an arrow e.
When tilted in the direction of, the second tilt sensor 12 detects the tilt, and the x-axis and z-axis of the coordinate axes are centered around the y-axis.
When the base portion 1 is tilted in the direction of arrow w so as to rotate in the p direction of (b), an instruction is transmitted to the computer 16 to rotate in the m direction of FIG. 2 (b). The third pointing device is operated by the index finger of the right hand, and when the switch 9 is closed, the x and y axes of the coordinate axes are centered on the z axis, and the p axis in FIG.
A command is transmitted to the computer 16 so as to rotate in the direction, and when the switch 10 is closed, the x axis and the y axis of the coordinate axes rotate in the m direction of FIG.
Also, signals can be sent to the computer 16 as needed by means of the buttons 13, 14, 15.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axis in the three-dimensional space and the rotation around the origin of the coordinate axis are easy operations, have a simple structure, and are easy to use. Can be realized without being limited.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the first indicating means is added to the structure of the above-described first embodiment and the four-way cross switch 17 is provided.
It is a structure that. The four-way cross-shaped switch 17 is formed by adding a cross-shaped operation unit to four well-known switches.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes in the plane consisting of the x axis and the y axis is instructed, the four switches 3,
It is possible to obtain an effect that an instruction operation can be performed without moving the thumb of the left hand to each of the buttons 4, 5, and 6 without moving the thumb greatly and carrying the thumb.

(Embodiment 3) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, this embodiment has a structure in which the joystick 18 is used as the first indicating means in the structure of the first embodiment. Generally, the joystick is an operation part added to four or more switches. When you operate it diagonally, you can close the two switches or close the diagonal switches to move diagonally. Can be indicated, and it is already well known in JP-A-56-35320. In addition, those using various principles such as those using pressure-sensitive resistors are known.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the origin of the coordinate axes in the plane consisting of the x-axis and the y-axis is instructed, the movement is performed along the x-axis or the y-axis. In addition to all movements, the effect that diagonal directions can be given is obtained.

(Embodiment 4) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, this embodiment has a structure in which the trackball 19 is used as the first indicating means in the structure of the first embodiment. A trackball is a control ball that is equipped with two or more sensors that measure the amount of rotation of the ball, and is already known. In addition to indicating the direction of movement, the movement speed depends on the amount of rotation per unit time. You can give instructions.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes in the plane consisting of the x-axis and the y-axis is instructed, it is instructed in an oblique direction. It is also possible to obtain the effect that the moving speed can be instructed.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment has a structure in which the second indicating means is two switches 20a and 20b operated by a lever type knob 20 in addition to the structure of the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when instructing the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes along the z axis, the left index finger is moved so that the two switches are moved. It is possible to obtain an effect that an instruction operation can be performed without releasing the hand from the knob 20 without pressing the buttons 7 and 8. The picking section 20
Needless to say, the shape is not limited to the lever type and may be a seesaw type or the like as long as the two switches 20a and 20b can be pressed.

(Embodiment 6) A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, in addition to the structure of the first embodiment, the second indicating means is provided with a variable resistor 21 having a knob portion 21a biased so that the operating portion returns to the middle point. It is a configuration.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes along the z-axis is instructed, the left index finger is moved to move the two switches 7. , 8 can be instructed without releasing the picking portion 21a, and since the variable resistor 21 is used, continuous information can be taken out, so that the moving speed can be instructed. Is obtained.

(Embodiment 7) A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the present embodiment has a configuration in which the third indicating means is two switches 22a and 22b operated by a lever type knob 22 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the instruction to rotate the x-axis and the y-axis about the z-axis is made, the right index finger is moved to move the two switches. It is possible to obtain an effect that an instruction operation can be performed without releasing the hand from the knob 22 without pressing the buttons 9 and 10. The picking section 2
It goes without saying that the shape of No. 2 is not limited to the lever type but may be a seesaw type as long as it can push the two switches 22a and 22b.

(Embodiment 8) An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, in addition to the structure of the first embodiment, the third indicating means is provided with a variable resistor 23 having a knob portion 23a biased so that the operating portion returns to the midpoint. It is a configuration.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes along the z-axis is instructed, the right index finger is moved to move the two switches. It is possible to perform an instruction operation without releasing the hand from the knob 23a without pressing the buttons 9 and 10. Further, since the variable resistor 23 is used, continuous information can be taken out, and thus the speed of movement can also be indicated. The effect is obtained.

(Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the variable resistor 2 having no end point in the structure of the first embodiment has the third indicating means.
The configuration is set to 4.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the movement of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes along the z axis is instructed, the index finger of the right hand is moved to move the two switches 9. , 10 can be instructed without releasing the hand from the operation unit, the speed of movement can be instructed by the rotation speed of the third instructing means, and the rotation amount of the third instructing means and the rotation amount of the coordinate axis can be set. The same effect can be obtained that an instruction operation that is easy for the operator to understand can be provided.

(Tenth Embodiment) The tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment has a structure in which the rotary encoder 25 is used as the third indicating means in the structure of the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, when the x-axis and the y-axis of the coordinate axes are rotated about the z-axis, the right index finger is moved to move the two switches 9, Even if the user does not press 10, the instruction operation can be performed without releasing the hand from the operation unit, and the speed of movement can be instructed by the rotation speed of the third instruction means. It goes without saying that the rotary encoder 25 may be one that can simply measure the amount of rotation or one that can directly connect the rotational position.

(Embodiment 11) The eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the base portion 26, the holding portion 27 provided on the base portion 26 and the third indicating means 28 which are easily held by the left hand can be operated in the configuration of the first embodiment. This is a configuration in which the right-handed grip portion 29 is added.

According to this embodiment, by pushing or pulling the right hand or the left hand, the x-axis and the y-axis of the coordinate axes are z-axis.
Since it can be rotated about the axis, the first embodiment
In addition to the effect described in (1), the effect of giving the operator a feeling of operation similar to a steering wheel operation of an automobile or the like is obtained.

[0044]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, there is provided a first part for moving the position of the origin of the coordinate axes in the plane consisting of the x axis and the y axis, with the base portion being held by both hands or one hand. Pointing means, second pointing means for moving the position of the origin along the z axis, third pointing means for rotating the x axis and the y axis about the z axis, and the y axis and the z axis. In the three-dimensional space of the position of the origin of the coordinate axes, the fourth instruction means for rotating about the x axis and the fifth instruction means for rotating the z axis and the x axis about the y axis are provided. It is possible to realize an excellent three-dimensional information input device that has a simple structure, can be easily operated, and can be operated regardless of the place of use, by instructing the movement and rotation about the origin of the coordinate axis. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a three-dimensional information input device according to a first embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of the same three-dimensional information input device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the three-dimensional information input device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an inclined surface of Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inside of a conventional three-dimensional information input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base part 3,4,5,6 switch (1st instruction | indication means) 7,8 switch (2nd instruction | indication means) 9,10 switch (3rd instruction | indication means) 11 1st inclination sensor (4th instruction | indication means) 12 2nd Inclination sensor (fifth indicating means)

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A base portion to be held by both hands or one hand,
First indicating means for moving the position of the origin of the three-dimensional coordinate axes (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) existing in the three-dimensional space provided on the base in a plane consisting of the x-axis and the y-axis; Second pointing means for moving the position of the origin along the z-axis, third pointing means for rotating the x-axis and the y-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate axes about the z-axis, and the three-dimensional coordinate axis a fourth indicating means for rotating the y-axis and the z-axis about the x-axis, and a fifth indicating means for rotating the z-axis and the x-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate axes about the y-axis. A three-dimensional information input device characterized by: 2. The first indicating means is a four-way switch, the second indicating means is a variable resistor or two switches, the third indicating means is a variable resistor or two switches or a rotary encoder, and the fourth indicating means is a second. 3. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 1, wherein the 1st tilt sensor and the 5th indicating means are respectively constituted by a 2nd tilt sensor arranged orthogonal to the 1st tilt sensor. 3. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 2, wherein the first indicating means is a joystick instead of a four-way switch. 4. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 2, wherein the first indicating means is a trackball instead of a four-way switch. 5. The first indicating means is a four-way switch or a joystick or a trackball, the second indicating means is two switches operated by a lever type knob or a seesaw type knob, and the third indicating means is variable. Resistor or two switches or rotary encoder,
The third instructing means according to claim 1, wherein the fourth instructing means is constituted by a first inclination sensor and the fifth instructing means is constituted by a second inclining sensor arranged orthogonal to the first inclining sensor.
Dimensional information input device. 6. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 5, wherein the second indicating means is constituted by a variable resistor in place of the two switches operated by the lever type knob or the seesaw type knob. 7. The first indicating means is a four-way switch or a joystick or a trackball, the second indicating means is a variable resistor or two switches, and the third indicating means is a lever type knob or a seesaw type knob. 2. The two switches to be operated, the fourth indicating means is a first tilt sensor, and the fifth indicating means is a second tilt sensor arranged orthogonal to the first tilt sensor. 3D information input device. 8. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 7, wherein the third indicating means is constituted by a variable resistor in place of the two switches operated by the lever type knob or the seesaw type knob. 9. The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 7, wherein the third indicating means is constituted by a rotary encoder instead of the two switches operated by the lever type knob or the seesaw type knob. 10. A four-way switch or joystick or trackball as the first indicating means, a variable resistor or two switches as the second indicating means, and a variable resistor or rotation operated by gripping the third indicating means with the right hand. Second encoder in which a fourth encoder is arranged orthogonally to the first inclination sensor, and a fifth indicator is arranged orthogonal to the first inclination sensor.
The three-dimensional information input device according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional information input device includes a grip portion that is configured by each of tilt sensors and that is held by the left hand.