JPH1097377A - Coordinate input device for computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coordinate input device using a pointing device which can be placed at a position accordant with the aptitude of 80 operator and can improve its operability against either of right-handed and left-handed operators. SOLUTION: This input device uses a pointing device and can be freely loaded into and unloaded from a personal computer. That is, the input device consists of a pointing device operation part 2, a control means which generates the control data needed for the shift control of a cursor in response to the operation of the part 2, and a unit main body 1 including the switches 3a and 3b equivalent to the right and left click buttons. Then the input device is connected to the computer via a connector 4 in a loadable/unloadable way. Furthermore, the front-rear relation is secured between the part 2 and both switches 3a and 3b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate input device for operating a cursor on a display screen using a pointing device, particularly to a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, particularly in a small personal computer, a mouse other than a cursor key of a keyboard is used as a coordinate input device for selecting an icon on a display screen of a display device or performing a cursor operation for activating a program. , Trackballs, sticks and other pointing devices are used. The pointing device can operate the cursor on the display screen without operating the keyboard.
It is a device effective for a graphical user interface.

[0003] Specifically, since the occupied area of a stick-type device is small, there is a structure in which the keyboard is embedded in the center of a keyboard 81 on a main body 80 of a personal computer as shown in FIG. Since the operator operates the stick-type operation unit 82 in the center,
The operability is almost the same in both right-handed and left-handed cases. In this method, a switch (selection switch) 83a corresponding to a left and right click button is provided in front of the keyboard 81.
And a switch (cancel switch) 83b.

In a trackball type device, for example, a trackball type operation unit is provided at the right corner of the main body 80 of a personal computer, and switches corresponding to left and right click buttons are provided near the operation unit (see FIG. 1). Not shown). Therefore, there is a problem that the operability is good for a right-handed operator but difficult to operate for a left-handed operator.

[0005]

As described above, the pointing device is a useful device mounted on a main body of a personal computer and capable of easily performing a cursor operation. However, there is a problem in operability depending on the mounting location. In particular, since operators are right-handed and left-handed, operability may be significantly reduced if the operators are not mounted in places suitable for their respective suitability.

[0006] In a portable (notebook) personal computer, mounting restrictions are great.
In a trackball type device, an operation unit may be arranged at the right corner. In the case of a stick-type device, the device can be arranged at the center. However, the device cannot always be arranged at the center due to restrictions such as the length of the stick and the area of the keyboard. Therefore, in the conventional method, the pointing and
Implementing a device is difficult in practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a coordinate input device using a pointing device so that the coordinate input device can be arranged at a position suitable for the operator, thereby improving the operability of the cursor.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a coordinate input device using a pointing device and having a structure detachable from a personal computer. That is,
A connector body comprising: an operation section of a pointing device; control means for generating control data necessary for controlling the movement of the cursor in accordance with operation of the operation section; and switch means corresponding to left and right click buttons. It is a single device that is detachably connected to a computer via a means.

In such a unit-type coordinate input device, the unit main body has a structure in which the operation unit and the switch means are arranged so as to be in a front-to-back relationship with each other. Therefore, by arranging the connector for connecting to the unit main body at a predetermined position on the computer side, it is possible to set the operation unit of the unit main body to be located on the right side with respect to the computer. Conversely, it can be set so that the operation unit of the unit main body is located on the left side of the computer.

[0010] Further, since the operation section and the switch means are arranged so as to face each other, the unit main body can be provided in a limited space such as a plane of a display of a personal computer. In this case, for example, by disposing the operation unit on the screen side of the display and disposing the switch unit on the back side, the operator can operate the switch unit as necessary while operating the operation unit with one hand. Is possible.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a unit main body showing a main part of a coordinate input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a personal computer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an internal circuit of a unit main body related to the present embodiment. (Structure of Apparatus) The coordinate input apparatus according to the present embodiment has the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a single unit body 1 incorporates, for example, a trackball type pointing device. FIG. 1A shows the unit body 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, a connector 4 for connecting to a personal computer, which will be described later, is provided on the left side portion with the operation unit 2 facing the front, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, switches 3a and 3B corresponding to left and right click buttons are provided on the back side of the front surface on which the operation unit 2 is disposed. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the connector 4 is on the left side and the operation unit 2 is on the front, the upper switch 3a corresponding to the left click button is a selection switch, and the lower switch 3a corresponding to the left click button. The switch 3a is a cancel switch.

As shown in FIG. 3, a coordinate detecting circuit 4 and a control circuit 10 for detecting a position coordinate corresponding to a moving position of a cursor in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 2 are provided inside the unit main body 1. I have. The control circuit 10 includes the connector 4
To the personal computer (a data processing device including a CPU) via a PC, coordinate data according to the detection result of the coordinate detection circuit 4 and the selection switch 3
a or the input signal from the cancel switch 3b is output. Here, coordinate data and input signals output from the control circuit 10 to the computer main body are collectively referred to as control data required for cursor operation. Further, the control circuit 10 inputs a command from the computer main body via the connector 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer of this embodiment is assumed to be a portable (notebook) personal computer.
, A keyboard 81 and a display device 86 are mounted. The display device 86 includes a housing 86a and a display screen 86b including a liquid crystal display (LCD).

In this embodiment, mounting portions 90a and 90b for mounting the unit body 1 are provided by utilizing the space of the housing 86a of the display device 86.
The mounting portions 90a and 90b are disposed relatively on the right and left sides when the display screen 86b is located at the center when viewed from the operator. Hereinafter, the right mounting part 90a and the left mounting part 9
0b. Right mounting part 90a and left mounting part 90b
Are provided with computer-side connectors 91a and 91b which are connected to the connector 4 of the unit body 1 and communicate control data necessary for cursor operation. (How to Use Unit Main Unit 1) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a unit unit independent of the computer main unit 80 is assumed as the unit main unit 1 incorporating a pointing device. When the operator activates the computer main body 80 and operates a cursor displayed on the display screen 86b, the operator connects the unit main body 1 to the computer main body 80 and performs an operation of moving the cursor using the operation section 2 of the unit main body 1. Hereinafter, referring to FIG.
How to use the unit body 1 will be described.

First, as a method of connecting the unit main body 1 to the computer main body 80, when the operator is, for example, right-handed or when the display screen 86b is set at the center, the pointing device is disposed relatively on the right side. Will be described. In this case, FIG.
As shown in (A), the unit main body 1 is mounted on the right mounting part 90a of the computer main body 80 such that the operation unit 2 of the unit main body 1 is in the same direction as the display screen 86b.
At this time, the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b of the unit body 1 are arranged on the back side of the display screen 86b, as shown in FIG.

Thus, the operator can display the display screen 86b.
While operating, for example, while operating the operation unit 2 with the right thumb, the selection switch 3a or the cancel switch 3b can be operated with the right index finger. In response to the operation of the operation unit 2 by the operator, the control circuit 10 of the unit body 1 outputs control data necessary for cursor operation to the computer-side connector 91a of the right-side mounting unit 90a via the connector 4. The computer main body 80 receives control data from the unit main body 1 via the computer-side connector 91a and executes cursor movement control.

On the other hand, a case will be described in which it is more convenient for a left-handed operator to arrange the pointing device relatively on the left side when the display screen 86b is at the center, for example. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5C, the operation unit 2 of the unit main body 1 displays the display screen 86b.
The unit main body 1 is mounted on the left mounting portion 90b of the computer main body 80 in the same direction as the above. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 3D, on the back side of the display screen 86b,
The selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b of the unit main body 1 are in a state where they are arranged. However, the vertical relationship between the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b is reversed.

As a result, the operator can display the display screen 86b.
For example, while operating the operation unit 2 with the thumb of the left hand, the operator can operate the selection switch 3a or the cancel switch 3b with the index finger of the left hand. In response to the operation of the operation unit 2 by the operator, the control circuit 10 of the unit main body 1 outputs control data necessary for cursor operation to the computer-side connector 91b of the left mounting unit 90b via the connector 4. The computer main body 80 inputs control data from the unit main body 1 via the computer-side connector 91b, and executes cursor movement control.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1E, the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b of the unit body 1 are provided.
The unit main body 1 may be mounted on the left mounting part 90b of the computer main body 80 such that the direction of the unit main body 1 and the display screen 86b are the same. Naturally, as shown in FIG.
On the back side of the display screen 86b, the operation unit 2 of the unit body 1 is provided.
Is placed.

The unit main body 1 may be mounted on the right mounting portion 90a of the computer main body 80 such that the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b of the unit main body 1 are in the same direction as the display screen 86b. However, the vertical relationship between the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b is reversed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a pointing device can be provided at a location suitable for an operator's operation among a plurality of preset locations of a personal computer. For example, a right-handed operator can arrange the pointing device on the right side of the display screen 86b, and a left-handed operator can arrange the pointing device on the opposite left side. Therefore, the pointing device can be provided at a position that is easy for the operator to operate, so that the operability can be improved as a result. Further, the operation unit 2 and the switch 3 of the unit body 1
Since the units a and 3b have a front-back relationship, the mounting unit on the computer side on which the unit body 1 is mounted only needs to have space for the operation unit 2 or the switches 3a and 3b. Can be.

In this embodiment, the unit main unit 1 is provided not on the computer main unit 80 but on the display device 86.
Although the structure for mounting is described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other place may be used as long as a mounting space can be secured. (Second Embodiment) In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, an attitude sensor 11 is provided inside a unit main body 1. The posture sensor 11 detects the posture of the unit body 1, that is, the connection direction of the connector 4, and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 10. The control circuit 10 recognizes the attitude of the unit body 1 as shown in FIG. 2A based on the vertical and horizontal directions shown in FIG. 4 has a function of executing control data output switching in accordance with the connection direction.
The attitude sensor 11 has a metal ball movable in the vertical direction and a switch circuit for outputting an upper or lower detection signal according to the attitude of the metal ball.

Based on the detection signal from the attitude sensor 11, the control circuit 10, as shown in FIGS.
It is recognized that the unit main body 1 is in the normal state and the connection direction of the connector 4 is in the normal state on the left side with respect to the front. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, when the unit main body 1 is mounted on the left mounting portion 90b of the computer main body 80, the up / down relationship between the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b is reversed. Further, the upper, lower, left, and right relations of the operation unit 2 are reversed. The control circuit 10 controls the unit body 1 based on a detection signal from the posture sensor 11.
Recognizing that the posture of the person has reversed with respect to the normal state,
A coordinate conversion process is performed so that the coordinates of the coordinate data according to the operation of the operation unit 2 are in the normal state, and a process of switching the switch relationship between the selection switch 3a and the cancel switch 3b is executed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, regardless of whether the unit main body 1 is mounted on the right mounting section 90a or the left mounting section 90b of the computer main body 80, the operator can operate the operation section 2 and the switches 3a and 3b. Each operation can be performed similarly. In other words, even if the mounting direction of the unit main body 1 changes, the operator can always output the control data in the normal state to the computer main body side by operating the operation unit 2 and the switches 3a and 3b without being conscious. it can.

The computer main body 80, not the control circuit 10, recognizes the attitude of the unit main body 1 in response to the detection signal of the attitude sensor 11 so that the control data from the unit main body 1 is always in the normal state. May be provided. (Third Embodiment) In a third embodiment, a unit body 6
0, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
A pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball and the computer body 80, not the device itself.
And an adapter for connecting the

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the PS / 2 adapter comprises a unit body 60 corresponding to the unit body 1 of the first embodiment. Computer side connectors 91a, 91b
Is provided. The PS / 2 adapter does not have an internal circuit as shown in FIG. 3, but instead has a PS / 2 connector 61 built-in. PS /
The 2 connector 61 is a connector for connecting to a pointing device such as a mouse of the PS / 2 interface specification and inputting / outputting an interface signal (control data of the present embodiment) from the pointing device.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a serial adapter is provided on the unit main body 60 with the computer side connectors 91a and 91a of the computer main body 80.
b, and has a PS / 2 serial conversion circuit 63 and a serial connector 62 built therein. The serial connector 62 is a connector for connecting to a pointing device such as a mouse of a serial interface specification and inputting / outputting an interface signal (control data of the present embodiment) from the pointing device. The PS / 2 serial conversion circuit 63 is a circuit for converting an interface signal of the serial interface specification into an interface signal of the PS / 2 interface specification.

By providing such a PS / 2 adapter or serial adapter, a pointing device such as a mouse corresponding to each interface specification can be used as a single unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the PS / 2 adapter is mounted on the right mounting portion 90a of the computer main body 80, the mouse having the PS / 2 interface specification can be used.
By connecting to the two connectors 61, the mouse can be used as a pointing device.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the serial adapter is mounted on the right mounting portion 90a of the computer main body 80, a mouse of a serial interface specification is connected to the serial connector 62, and the mouse is connected to a pointing device. Can be used as In this case, the PS / 2 serial conversion circuit 63
A mouse with a serial interface specification can be used as a mouse with a PS / 2 interface specification.

As described above, by using the adapter of the present embodiment, a pointing device such as a standard mouse having a predetermined interface specification can be handled similarly to the unit main body 1 of the first embodiment. Can be. Therefore, a pointing device such as a standard mouse can be used by a usage method suitable for the operability of the operator.

The connectors 61 and 62 corresponding to the interface specifications, which are the functions of the adapter of the present embodiment,
It may be arranged inside the unit body 1 of the first embodiment described above. In this case, of course, a means for switching between an interface signal when functioning as a pointing device of the unit body 1 and an interface signal when a pointing device such as a standard mouse is used and outputting the signal to the computer is required. Become. (Fourth Embodiment) In a fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a mounting portion 102 for mounting a trackball 100 or a mouse pad 101 is provided on the near side of a keyboard 81 of a computer main body 80. Structure. The mounting portion 102 is provided with a computer-side connector (not shown) so that the trackball 100 and the mouse pad 101 can be detachably mounted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a pointing device such as a trackball 100 or a mouse pad 101 is used.
Along with the device members, a PS / 2 adapter 90 having the same function as in the third embodiment is prepared.

With such a structure as in the present embodiment, when using the trackball 100 as a pointing device, the operator can use the mounting portion 1 of the trackball 100.
02 to be operated. When a mouse is used, the trackball 100
And the mouse pad 101 are exchanged, and the mouse is operated on the mouse pad 101. Further, when a mouse having a PS / 2 interface specification is used, for example, a PS / 2 adapter 90 is mounted on the mounting section 102, and the PS / 2 adapter provided on the PS / 2 adapter 90 is provided.
A mouse is connected to the connector 61 for operation.

[0034]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an operator such as a right-handed or left-handed operator is particularly suitable for a portable (notebook) personal computer in which a mounting space for a pointing device is limited. The pointing device can be arranged at a position suitable for the operation of the user. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pointing device with excellent operability regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed. In addition, the detachable pointing device adapter makes it possible to handle a pointing device such as a standard mouse as a single unit so as to suit the operational suitability of the operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing an appearance of a coordinate input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing the appearance of a personal computer related to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an internal circuit of a unit main body related to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal circuit of a unit main body related to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining how to use the unit main body related to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the appearance of an adapter unit related to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the appearance of an adapter unit related to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing the appearance of a personal computer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the appearance of an adapter unit related to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an appearance of a personal computer on which a conventional pointing device is mounted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Unit main body (pointing device main body) 2 ... Operation part 3a ... Switch (left click button) 3b ... Switch (right click button) 4 ... Connector 10 ... Control circuit 11 ... Attitude sensor 60 ... Adapter unit 61 ... PS / 2 Connector 62: Serial connector 63: PS / 2 serial conversion circuit 80: Computer body 81: Keyboard 86: Display device

Claims (7)

[Claims] An operation unit for performing a movement operation of a cursor displayed on a display screen of a computer; control means for generating control data necessary for controlling the movement of the cursor in accordance with an operation of the operation unit; A coordinate input device comprising: switch means for selecting or canceling an icon or the like on a display screen, wherein the control means is built-in, and the operation unit and the switch means are attached to a computer interface. It comprises a unit body provided with a connector means for detachable connection, and has a structure in which the operation unit and the switch means are arranged in the unit body such that the front side and the back side are mutually in a relation. A coordinate input device, characterized in that: 2. A coordinate input device having a connector for outputting control data necessary for controlling the movement of a cursor to the outside has a structure in which the coordinate input device is detachably connected via the connector. A computer system having a function of executing movement control of a cursor displayed on a display screen in accordance with an input operation, wherein the control data is arranged at a plurality of predetermined locations and connected to a connector of the coordinate input device. A computer system comprising: a mounting portion for removably mounting the coordinate input device provided with a computer-side connector for inputting a coordinate. 3. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a posture detecting unit built in the unit main body for detecting a posture of the unit main body when the unit main body is connected to a predetermined portion of the computer via the connector unit. The means recognizes a change in the connection direction of the connector means based on the detection result of the attitude detecting means, and executes an output switching process so as to normally output the control data to the computer in accordance with the change. 2. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate input device has a function. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said coordinate input device includes a posture detecting means for detecting a posture of said coordinate input device when said computer is connected to a predetermined portion of said computer via said connector. By inputting the detection result of the means and recognizing a change in the connection direction of the coordinate input device, the control data from the coordinate input device becomes normal via the computer-side connector in accordance with the change. 3. The computer system according to claim 2, further comprising a function of optimizing the computer system. 5. An adapter device removably provided on the mounting portion and having a connector for connecting to the computer-side connector and an interface connector for connecting to a pointing device having a predetermined interface specification. 3. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the computer system can be used. 6. A pointing device provided at a location different from the mounting portion for connecting to a pointing device having a predetermined interface specification, and a structure for holding the pointing device. The computer system according to claim 2, further comprising a mounting unit. 7. A function of converting an interface signal from a pointing device having a predetermined interface specification connected to the computer-side connector into a signal having a predetermined appropriate interface specification. A computer system according to claim 2 or claim 5.