JPS6240519A - Three-dimensional track ball - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To output three-dimensional information from a track ball by providing additionally a Z axis encoder which is orthogonal to Y and X axis encoders of a two-dimensional track ball device and also driven by an equal mechanism. CONSTITUTION:A roller 6 for catching a movement of a track ball 5 is provided on each three positions in Y, X and Z axis directions of the track ball 5, respectively. When the track ball 5 has been moved to the right and left, when it has been moved forward and backward, and when it has been rotated, its moving extent is detected by a Y axis encoder 1a, an X axis encoder 1b, and a Z axis encoder 1c, respectively, and inputted to a pulse generating circuit 3. The pulse generating circuit 3 mixes and modulates said each input and a fundamental clock 4, and outputs them as three-dimensional information consisting of X, Y and Z axis information.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Summary] The three-dimensional trackball of the present invention has a configuration in which a two-axis encoder is attached to a conventional trunk ball that outputs two-dimensional information on the X and Y axes. ing. Therefore, it is possible to output three-dimensional information of x, y, and z.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an improvement of a trackball device used as a pointer, and particularly to a three-dimensional trackball configured to output three-dimensional information of X, Y, and Z.

[Conventional technology]

As shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. 3, the conventional trackball includes a trackball 5 rotatably disposed on an operation console 10, and a Y-type sensor that detects the amount of movement of the trackball 5 in the front, back, left, and right directions. Axis encoder 1a and X-axis encoder 1
In response to inputs from these encoders la and tb, the pulse generating circuit 3 outputs X-axis information and Y-axis information shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4.

4 is a basic clock for the pulse generation circuit 3.

The amount of rotation of the trackball 5 is transmitted to the Y-axis encoder 1a+X-axis encoder 1b via the Y roller 6a and the X-axis roller 6b, which rotate in contact with the surface of the trackball 5, and the information is transmitted to the Y-axis encoder 1a+X-axis encoder 1b. It is input to circuit 3.

2a is a Y-roller drive shaft that transmits the rotation of the Y-roller 6a to the Y-axis encoder 1a; 2b is an X-roller drive shaft that transmits the rotation of the X-roller 6b to the X-axis encoder 1b;
7b is a bearing for the Y roller 6a, and 7b is a bearing for the X roller 6b.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, the conventional trackball device described above only outputs and obtains two-dimensional (X-axis, Y-axis) information. A compatible three-dimensional input device is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a trackball that allows input of the above three-dimensional information without changing the shape of a conventional trackball.

[Means for solving problems]

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the embodiment drawings, the present invention
A two-axis encoder 1c is added to a conventional two-dimensional trackball device having an axis encoder 1a and an X-axis encoder 1b, and is driven by the same mechanism as the Y-axis encoder 1a and the X-axis encoder 1b, although the arrangement positions are different. It has a structure with a .

[Effect]

In this configuration, the encoder information input to the pulse generation circuit 3 is the X-axis.

Since it is possible to input Z-axis information in addition to the Y-axis information, the functions of the trackball are significantly expanded and enriched.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a three-dimensional trackball device of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side view.

As shown in the figure, in the present invention, the trackball 5
Rollers 6a, 6b, and 6c that capture the movement of the trackball 5 in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction, respectively.

They are arranged at three positions in the X-axis direction.

When the trunk ball 5 is moved from side to side, the Y-axis encoder 1a detects the amount of movement, when the trunk ball 5 is moved back and forth, the X-axis encoder 1b detects the amount of movement, and when the trunk ball 5 is rotated, the Z-axis encoder 1c detects the amount of movement and generates a pulse. Input to circuit 3.

The pulse generation circuit 3 mixes and modulates each of these input values and the basic clock 4, and generates three-dimensional information consisting of X-axis information, Y-axis information, and Z-axis information as shown in the block diagram of FIG. Output.

Note that each of the encoders 1a+ 1b+ lc is driven by an equivalent mechanism.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention provides the
, and Z directions, three-dimensional information can be output from the trackball. This expands the functionality of the trackball and significantly improves its practicality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional trackball device according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional trackball device, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional trackball device, and Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional trackball device. A block diagram of each device is shown. In the figure, la, lb, and jc are encoder groups (la is Y
axis encoder, lb is the X-axis encoder + lc is the Z-axis encoder), 2a, 2b, 2c are the X, Y, and Z drive axes, 3 is the pulse generation circuit, 4 is the basic clock, 6at
6b. 6c is the X, Y, and Z rollers, and 7a, 7b, and 7c are the X, Y rollers. Each of the Z bearings and 10 indicate an operation console. -=>2Zl-j-t 7jS4fc1-a to F 1st
Figure 5 Ikarie Torazu 7. f"--le installation-7"・07709Mashini/lToler/7Osaru[,remaining]Fig.
fJ Figure 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a trackball configuration comprising an encoder group (1) and a pulse generation circuit (3), and obtaining desired information output by moving a spherical surface, the pulse generation circuit (3) The encoder group (1) that provides position information of the trackball (5) is arranged at a position where movement of the trackball (5) in each of the three directions of X, Y, and Z can be individually detected. A three-dimensional trackball characterized by: