KR100359195B1 - One-touch Type Window Control(OWC) Device - Google Patents

Abstract

The one-touch window control (OWC) device according to the present invention designates one of the icons on the window generated on the display screen of the computer to which the mouse is connected and performs its function. The mouse generates a control signal for performing the function of the designated icon as well as a control signal for moving the cursor on the window to designate the selected icon. The OWC device is connected to a computer with the mouse and has a circuit for generating an icon designation / execution signal for automatically designating a particular icon of the icons to perform the function of the designated icon.

Description

One-touch window control device {One-touch Type Window Control (OWC) Device}

This patent application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 1999-35570, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a window display control device for a computer, and in particular, configured to automatically specify and perform one of the icons displayed on the computer display of an application, namely the window control function. It relates to a one-touch window control (OWC) device.

Conventional personal computer (PC) mouse control systems include sensors, mouse controllers, communication links, data interfaces, drivers, and software. The sensors are movement detectors for detecting the movement of the mouse, and also button switches for detecting the button state. The mouse controller reads the state of the sensor. When the sensor senses the movement of the mouse, the mouse controller sends a packet of data to a computer data interface controller. The computer mouse driver receives the data packet, decodes information from the received data packet, and performs an action based on the information. Typically, the mouse driver invokes a mouse cursor routine when the mouse is moved and sends a message to the software when the button is pressed or released from the pressed state.

A popular type of PC mouse is the PS / 2 mouse. The PS / 2 mouse is connected to a computer using a 6 pin connector as a PS / 2 keyboard. Data is transmitted using a synchronous serial protocol similar to the protocol used by the PS / 2 keyboard. The mouse data is processed using a keyboard controller.

The data packet format of the PS / 2 mouse composed of 3 bytes is configured as follows.

D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

XV XV YS XS 1 0 R L

2.X7 X6 X5 X4 X3 X2 X1 X0

3.Y7 Y6 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0

here,

L is the left button state;

R is the right button state;

X0-X7 moves in the X direction;

Y0-Y7 moves in the Y direction;

XS, YS are moving data code bits (1 = negative); And

XV and YV are moving data overflow bits (1 = occurrence of overflow).

When the PS / 2 mouse sends information to the computer, the PS / 2 mouse must send three consecutive data packets in a row. Each data packet has different information about the pressed button, the movement and the direction of movement.

Another popular type of mouse is the "serial mouse." The serial mouse takes a standard RS-232 output signal (+/- 12V) as an input signal. The serial mouse sends data to the computer at a logic level state that the RS receiver chip of the computer can understand. The serial mouse sends a three byte data packet. This data packet is sent to the computer whenever the mouse state changes, that is, whenever the mouse is moved and the button is pressed.

The data packet format of the serial mouse is configured as follows.

D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

1.X 1 LB RB Y7 Y6 X7 X6

2.X 0 X5 X4 X3 X2 X1 X0

3.X 0 Y5 Y4 Y3 Y2 Y1 Y0

here,

LB is the left button state;

RB is the right button state;

X0-X7 moves in the X direction;

Y0-Y7 moves in the Y direction.

In addition to the mice described above, there are other types of mice, such as bus mice. Basically, the operation of the mouse is similar in that the mouse sends a data packet to the computer processing it.

Looking at the patent related to the conventional mouse as follows.

US Pat. No. 5,376,946 to Mikan discloses a computer mouse simulator device in which a touch screen device is connected to a conventional mouse port, which includes an EPROM and a firmware program. A converter receives a signal generated by the touch screen device and converts the received signal into a mouse compatible format or mouse compatible protocol that can be used to communicate directly through a dedicated mouse port of a computer.

Barry's U. S. Patent No. 5,786, 805 discloses a method and apparatus for providing a cursor control function with sticky properties to enhance object selection on a computer display screen. A computer system with a graphical user interface that supports the selection and dragging of graphic objects in the patent uses a pointing device, such as a mouse, which is a pointing device. Is able to automatically adjust the sensitivity of the pointing device on the object or in a predetermined range around the object, in effect creating a tacky object. In the '805 patent, by modifying the interaction between the pointing device and the cursor, a series of difficult coordinations for positioning the cursor in a narrow area and selecting a graphic object to cause a dragging operation is more likely. Simplified and natural In other words, if it is difficult to move a cursor to select a small graphic object in a window environment, a modification is made to a computer system so that when the cursor reaches the graphic object, the cursor sticks to the graphic object so that the graphic on the window is moved with a mouse. The object can be manipulated more easily.

US Pat. No. 5,689,284 to Herget discloses a method for directly manipulating images on a computer monitor with a mouse. In this patent, the image on the monitor is divided into nine areas, and depending on which area of the mouse cursor the mouse clicks, different functions, i.e., enlarge or reduce, shift or scroll the image. ) Operation is performed by the movement of the mouse cursor. At this time, the operation of the function is performed by pressing a mouse key, that is, by clicking.

U.S. Patent No. 5,886,685 to Best discloses a foot operated computer mouse that can operate a conventional computer mouse using the foot of a computer user, having a cavity equipped with a computer mouse. ) Is disclosed. In addition, the '685 patent discloses means for detachably attaching the foot of the computer user onto the housing, thereby allowing the computer user to use a conventional computer mouse while moving the foot of the user on a substantially flat surface.

US Patent No. 5,394,044 to Hill discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a cursor on a graphical display screen by a pointing device, such as a mouse with a mouse drive. The mouse device converts the movement of the mouse's trackball caused by hand manipulation into the corresponding measurement movement of the cursor on the display screen. The mouse driver has a first mode in which the cursor is moved on the display screen only by a distance proportional to the movement trajectory of the mouse ball. In addition, the mouse driver operates when one of the control buttons of the mouse is operated, and the short movement of the mouse until the movement of the mouse ball is stopped and the pressing state of a predetermined one of the control buttons is released. It has a second mode in which the movement of the cursor caused by the distance continues to progress in the same direction. Yamada U.S. Patent No. 5,635,954 discloses a mouse cursor control system for use in a display device wherein the display screen is divided into multiple split screens and a switch-mounted mouse moves the cursor between the multiple split screens. Is disclosed. In the '954 patent, when the switch of the mouse is pressed, the first position of the mouse is stored, and when the mouse is moved from the first position to the second position when the switch is released, the cursor moves a predetermined position. The screen is moved to a predetermined position of the split screen that belongs to the distance range. However, in the case of the '954 patent, the mouse cursor control system cannot be used in a general window environment because it is mainly applied to a graphic user interface system and requires specific control software.

Nettekoven, U.S. Patent No. 5,823,488, relieves tension and pain in the arms (left or right arm), wrists and shoulders while using a computer mouse device, adjustable to adult size, with left or right hand Arm / wrist positioning and rest devices that can be used are disclosed.

US Patent No. 5,565,887 to McCambridge et al. Discloses a method and apparatus for moving a cursor on a computer screen. In the '887 patent, the routine allows the user to move the cursor on a computer screen in a straight line, i.e., only at right angles, horizontal or vertical, even if the user moves the pointing device unsteadily in the horizontal or vertical direction.

However, in the prior art as described above, a conventional mouse is displayed between a small icon scattered in various areas on a display screen or symbol shapes for controlling a window (hereinafter, the two terms are referred to as "icon"). It was inconvenient to move the and repeatedly select a related icon among a plurality of icons. In other words, in order to control an icon on a window of a computer display screen with a mouse, first, by operating a mouse, the cursor is moved to a position of a specific icon, and then a plurality of controls of the mouse are performed without any fluctuation while the cursor is fixed in the icon. You must click on a specific button correctly. For example, to close an application in use, the user must move the mouse cursor to the symbol "x" in the small box in the upper right corner, "??". At this time, the user can move out of the currently running program by placing the cursor on the symbol "??" and then clicking the left button of the mouse.

Thus, despite the frequent use of window manipulations such as minimizing or closing the upper right window, the mouse must be operated in the same manner as above each time, which requires a lot of time and effort and inefficient operation. Will result. In addition, in order to accurately perform such a series of mouse movements, concentration is required as well as unnecessary time. Since the above additional time is required to close the application program, there is a problem that other people can view the information displayed on the window screen even if the user does not want to share the contents on the window screen with others.

Accordingly, the present invention devised an OWC device by removing the problems and disadvantages according to the limitations of the prior art, the object of the present invention, by pressing a specific button of a plurality of control buttons, each of the plurality of control buttons SUMMARY To provide a one-touch window control (OWC) apparatus and method for automatically designating an icon corresponding to the specific button and performing a function thereof so as to correspond to a specific icon frequently used on a display screen.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an OWC device in which hardware can be easily and directly connected between a conventional computer mouse and a computer CPU by simply installing OWC driver software without changing existing software.

1 is a connection block diagram showing a one-touch window control (OWC) device of the present invention connected between a conventional computer mouse and a personal computer (PC).

2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a control operation inside the OWC device.

2B is a block diagram illustrating the functionality of the OWC device.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating the OWC protocol for the OWC device used in the PS / 2 type mouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates, as a table, one of the OWC protocols for the OWC device used in a conventional serial mouse according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

4B is a diagram illustrating a predetermined path movement of a cursor used in the OWC apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

5A is a conventional processing block diagram illustrating a mouse interrupt process and a mouse driver routine.

5B is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the OWC driver between the mouse interrupt handler processing and the mouse driver routines.

6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a processing routine performed by the OWC driver according to the present invention.

7 is a flowchart for explaining an OWC initialization module.

8 is a flowchart for explaining an OWC_main module.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an OWC_daemon module used in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

10 is a flowchart for explaining the OWC_daemon module used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a schematic diagram showing a state transition when each switch of the OWC device is operated.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described herein, and in part will be apparent from the following description, and may be learned by practice of the invention. The above and other advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

In order to achieve the above advantages of the present invention, in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, an OWC system uses a mouse to generate a data packet for providing a window control function for specifying and performing one of the icons displayed on a computer display screen. Used on a computer The OWC system includes an OWC device coupled to the computer to output the data packet, the OWC device having at least one control switch to cause generation of a predetermined signal from the OWC device to control a mouse cursor. do. The predetermined signal includes the data packet having a modifiable bit. The OWC device also includes a data generator that generates the predetermined signal in response to the control switch and is coupled to the control switch.

According to one aspect of the invention, the control switch of the OWC device controls a unique window control function. The unique window control functions assigned to the control switch include a "TOP WINDOW MINIMIZE" function, a "TOP WINDOW MAXIMIZE" function, a "MINIMIZE ALL WINDOW" function, and It contains at least one of the "RESTORE" functions. The OWC device is preferably included in at least one of peripheral input devices of a computer such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the data packet generated by the OWC device includes at least 3 bytes having a bit pattern that does not conflict with a bit pattern generated by a mouse, while at the same time having a function associated with the icons. Allows you to specify and execute automatically.

In addition, the data packet generated by the OWC device simulates a predetermined path movement of the mouse cursor in a predetermined period. The predetermined path movement is recognized by the computer as a window control command for specifying and performing a function related to one of the window icons. The predetermined path movement generated by the OWC device is preferably selected to prevent manual operation of the mouse within the predetermined period. The data generator of the OWC device includes at least one of a memory, programmable logic and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an OWC driver configured to be performed between a mouse interrupt handler and a mouse driver.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a window control function performed using a one-touch window control (OWC) system for a computer equipped with a mouse. In the method, the mouse generates a data packet for providing a window control function for specifying and performing one of the icons displayed on the computer display screen. In addition, an OWC device is coupled to the computer to output the data packet, the OWC device including at least one control switch causing generation of a predetermined signal from the OWC device to control a mouse cursor; In response to generating the predetermined signal and coupled to the control switch.

The method includes, in response to the control switch of the OWC device, transmitting to the computer at least one data packet including a predetermined path movement of the mouse within a predetermined period of time without actually moving the mouse; Decompressing and decrypting predetermined path movement data of the mouse by an OWC driver; Comparing the decrypted predetermined path movement data with one of preset window control functions; Controlling a window function according to the predetermined path movement data.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a control signal for moving the cursor on the window and a control signal for performing a function of the designated icon to designate a selected one of the icons on the window created on the display screen of the computer A one-touch window control (OWC) method is provided for automatically designating and performing one of the icons on a window of the computer to which a mouse to be generated is connected, and the one-touch window control (OWC) method is provided. Pressing a predetermined button among a plurality of control buttons of a one-touch window control (OWC) device; Generating a specific icon designation / execution signal corresponding to the predetermined button; Transmitting the generated specific icon designation / performance signal to the computer; Causing the computer to automatically designate a corresponding one of the icons and perform a function of the designated icon. It is desirable to achieve the designation of the selected icon and the performance of its function by pressing the control button associated with the selected icon only once.

According to another embodiment of the invention, each of said plurality of control buttons of said OWC device is preferably assigned a unique window control function controlled by itself. The unique window control function assigned to the plurality of control buttons may include at least one of a "TOP WINDOW MINIMIZE" function, a "TOP WINDOW MAXIMIZE" function, a "MINIMIZE ALL WINDOW" function, and a "RESTORE" function. It may be. The OWC device is preferably included in at least one of peripheral input devices of a computer such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the OWC device may be disposed in at least one of peripheral input devices of a computer such as a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

According to the present invention, after simply installing the OWC driver without modifying existing mouse hardware or software, the <MINIMIZE TOP WINDOW> function and <CLOSE TOP WINDOW (Top Various window control operations such as Close Window)> function can be performed easily and quickly.

In addition, a personal computer system typically includes a mouse connected to a computer body, and is designed to transmit a cursor control signal of the mouse to a computer through a connector of the mouse.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention in the claims.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the one-touch window control (OWC) device 3 of the present invention connected between a conventional computer mouse 5 and a personal computer (PC) 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the personal computer 1 has a mouse interface card mounted therein and a conventional mouse port 2 for connecting to the OWC device 3. The OWC device 3 is preferably connected in series with the conventional computer mouse 5 via the mouse port 2 to the computer 1. In this connection, the connector 4 attached to the cable of the OWC device is connected at its other end to the mouse port 2. The connector 4 is also connected in series with the connector 6 of the conventional computer mouse 5. The pins of the connector 4 are connected to the connector socket of the dedicated mouse port 2. The pins of the connector 6 of the conventional computer mouse 5 are connected to the connector socket of the connector 4. The mouse 5 is a control signal for moving a cursor on a window created on a display screen of the computer 1 to designate a selected icon among the icons on the window, and a control signal for performing a function of the designated icon. Generates.

The OWC device 3 is equipped with a plurality of switches for initiating or performing predetermined mouse movements or for controlling the switches. For example, the switch S1 of the OWC device 3 may be used to "closing" an application. The switch S2 of the OWC device 3 may be designated as a function of "maximizing" the application program. Similarly, the switches S1 and S2 may be assigned different window special functions or application program special functions.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the OWC device 3 connected to the computer 1 allows the computer to automatically designate a related icon among icons, as well as perform the function of the designated icon. It plays the role of generating icon designation / execution signal. In addition, the OWC device 3 is provided with a plurality of control buttons 7 such that each of these buttons causes the OWC device 3 to generate the icon designation / performance signal when the button is pressed. . The plurality of control buttons 7 may be controlled by hand or foot or any other suitable means.

The OWC device 3 may be manufactured as a separate controller connected to the mouse port 2 of the computer 1. The OWC device 3 may be additionally installed in an existing computer system without additional purchase of expensive hardware. Alternatively, the OWC device 3 may be integrated into the mouse 5 in which an OWC button is added. As a result, when the user presses the OWC button, the OWC driver detects whether the button is embedded in the mouse or the keyboard and sends an appropriate signal to the program.

2A is a schematic diagram showing the control operation inside the OWC device 3. When a specific switch of the plurality of control buttons 7 is pressed, a specific icon designation / execution signal corresponding to each control button 7 is selected and transmitted to the computer 1. Each control button 7 has one or more predetermined window control functions. In this regard, the function corresponding to each control button may be a flash memory, a programmable logic array (PLA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a read-only memory (ROM) or the related art. It may be preprogrammed in any other suitable manner known to the skilled person. With reference to FIG. 2A, preprogrammed information 32 may be stored in the OWC device 3 and then output by pressing one of the control buttons 7. Alternatively, the storage information 32 may be stored in the computer 1 or may be accessed according to the operation of the button of the OWC device 3.

2B shows in block diagram form the function of the OWC device 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The OWC device 3 comprises a switch 30 connected to the microcontroller 45, an RS-232 level converter 46 connected to the microcontroller 45 for converting the signal level of the microcontroller output, the micro A data selector 47 for routing the output signal from the controller 45 and the mouse output signal received from the serial connector 26, and + for converting the + 12V received from the computer 1; 5V power converter 49 is provided.

In more detail, one of the main functions of the microcontroller 45 is to cause an output of a data packet corresponding to each switch 30. The RS-232 level converter 46 converts the TTL logic signal into an equivalent RS-232 signal. The microcontroller 45 may be a microprocessor or a programmable logic array (PLA) or other suitable device known to those skilled in the art.

In the normal operating mode, a mouse connected to the computer 1 via the OWC device 3 communicates with the computer 1 without any interaction by the OWC device 3. When the switch 30 of the OWC device 3 is pressed, the switch signal has priority over the mouse signal. As a result, the data selector 47 performs the above selection function.

3 is a table showing the OWC protocol for PS / 2 mice. The OWC protocol is a predetermined icon designation / performance signal transmitted to a PC when a plurality of respective control buttons of the OWC device 3 are pressed according to the present invention. As mentioned above, the common PS / 2 mouse sends three bytes of data packets, bit D3D2 of the first byte is set to a logic level "10". The OWC device 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention transmits a replaceable bit format. The OWC protocol used here, i.e., bit D3D2 of the first (first) byte of three bytes transmitted from the OWC device 3 to the computer 1, is a control signal of a conventional computer mouse 5 It is set to a logic level other than " 10 ", such as " 01 " shown in FIG.

First, when a user presses a specific button among a plurality of control buttons 7 installed on the OWC device 3, the user corresponding to each control button 7 of the OWC device 3 shown in Figs. In response to the protocol, an icon designation / performance signal, which is specific information, is transmitted to the computer 1.

The bit pattern or series of bytes predetermined to correspond to each button 7 (e.g., S1, S2, ...) is hereinafter referred to as "OWC protocol". The icon designation / performance signal includes the OWC protocol. In this case, signals generated by the OWC device 3 while pressing the specific control button 7 should not interfere with the function of the conventional computer mouse 5. The bit patterns shown in FIG. 3 are the OWC protocols illustrated under the assumption that the PS / 2 mouse is used.

The reason why bit D3D2 of the first byte of the three bytes is set to "01" is that D3D2 of the first byte of the three bytes when the control signals consisting of the three bytes are output from the PS / 2 mouse. Is usually set to "10".

Of the remaining bits of the first byte of the PS / 2 protocol, D7D6 is used for overflow, D5D4 is for sign, and D1D0 is for indicating right / left control button states.

As a result, the remaining bit values except bit D3D2 of the first byte can be used as a code for the OWC device 3 by these combinations. That is, for example, if all the remaining bit values are 0, the operation of the <Top Window Minimize> icon means operation of the icon, and if only the least significant bit of the remaining bit values is 1, the operation of the <Top Window Maximize> icon.

When using the above-described OWC protocol, when a particular button S1 of the plurality of buttons is pressed, a bit pattern signal of the first byte as shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted to the computer 1. This signal is recognized as S1 by the OWC driver 12 in FIG.

If the button S1 is a control button for operating the <Top Window Minimize> icon, the OWC driver 12 calls the window manager and other routines as shown in FIG. It will perform the function. In order to achieve the above functions, it is preferable that the OWC driver 12 for the PS / 2 mouse incorporates the OWC protocol for the PS / 2 mouse illustrated in FIG.

4A is a table showing one of the OWC protocols used in the conventional mouse according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In some mouse devices other than the PS / 2 mouse, there may be no unused or unchanged bits as in the PS / 2 mouse. In particular, the three bytes transmitted from the OWC device 3 to the personal computer 1 through the mouse port 2 may not have a bit pattern that can be arbitrarily used by the OWC device 3. In the case of such a mouse device, a different protocol should be used to control the window function or other functions of the application program. Moreover, the protocol used in FIG. 4A may also be used for the PS / 2 mouse.

In the OWC protocol according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined path-based one-touch window control (PPB-OWC: Predetermined-Path Based One-Touch Window Control) (hereinafter, referred to as "PPB-OWC") protocol is used. Used. The PPB-OWC protocol indicates that when a control button S1 of the OWC device 3 is pressed, a series of data packets containing pre-programmed mouse movements will be sent from the OWC device 3 to the computer 1. in need. The OWC driver 12 performed by the computer 1 may read the mouse movement and transmit an appropriate signal to the window control program, for example, to close or maximize the window.

The PPB-OWC protocol typically uses fixed micromovement of the mouse within a period of time that cannot be repeated by humans.

4B illustrates one of certain path movements of a cursor used in the OWC protocol according to the second embodiment of the present invention. For example, a three-byte data packet sent to the computer 1 when the control button S1 is pressed is moved 1 pixel to the right, upward, as shown by the arrow 22 in FIG. 4B for purposes of illustration. Movement of the cursor 20 which consists of two pixel shifts of and one pixel shift to the left. In practice, the arrow 22 is not shown, but shows the movement of the cursor 20. Since the movement of the cursor 20 is displayed in units of pixels, the movement of the cursor cannot be easily observed. Moreover, the movement of such a cursor must be completed within a predetermined period of time, for example 50 ms. The movement of the fine cursor cannot be repeated by a person, but can be easily generated and read by a computer. Each control button is assigned a corresponding signal sequence that is decoded by the OWC driver 12.

An example of the PPB-OWC protocol is a cycle based OWC (CB-OWC) protocol (hereinafter, referred to as "CB-OWC"). The CB-OWC protocol is based on various cycles of returning to the current position of the mouse cursor through a series of cursor paths, ie a series of (dx, dy) signals. The cursor starts from the current position of the mouse cursor on the window of the display screen and moves around in different directions and returns to the current position within a predetermined period.

Referring to FIG. 4A, when the control button 7 of the OWC device 3 is pressed, the OWC device 3 transmits a series of cursor position signals (dx, dy), i.e., icon designation / execution signals. To send). For example, when the control button S1 for the operation of the <Top Window Reduce> icon is pressed in the control button 7, the OWC device 3 becomes (dx = 1, dy = 0) → (dx = -1, dy = A series of signals such as 0) is transmitted to the computer 1 (ie, East to West cycle).

If the control button S2 for operating the <Top Window Minimize> icon is pressed in the control button 7, the OWC device 3 is (dx = -1, dy = 0) → (dx = 1, dy = 0). Transmit a series of signals to the computer 1 (ie, West to East cycle). When the control button S3 for operating the <Top Window Restore> icon is pressed, the OWC device 3 recalls a series of signals such as (dx = 0, dy = 1) → (dx = 0, dy = -1). Transfer to computer 1 (ie North to South cycle). Then, when the control button S4 for operating the <Top Window Maximize> icon is pressed, the OWC device 3 generates a series of signals such as (dx = 0, dy = -1) → (dx = 0, dy = 1). Are transferred to the computer 1 (ie South to North cycle).

In other words, when the control button S1 is pressed, the OWC device 3 simulates the series of signals as if the mouse has moved with <Move mouse to East one unit> and <Move mouse to West one unit>. Transfer to the computer 1. Each button 7 of the OWC device 3 has a corresponding window control function corresponding thereto, and the unique window control function corresponds to each button one-to-one with a unique cycle type, and this corresponding relationship is consequently The CB-OWC protocol is configured.

The signal or cursor movement value (dx, dy) used in the cycle must be small enough so that the signals of the OWC device 3 do not interfere with the actual physical movement of the mouse by the user's mouse operation. In other words, the amount of change in the movement or direction of the mouse should be selected to such an amount that cannot be caused by human hand movement.

Slight movements of the mouse cursor caused by the OWC device 3, including cycle movements or predetermined path movements all made within the plurality of pixels, will not interfere with the use of the mouse. Conventional mice can be used without any degradation of functionality. When such a predetermined signal sequence dx, dy is received by the OWC driver 12, the OWC driver 12 recognizes the difference between the mouse movement and the artificial movement provided by the OWC device 3. It provides transparency of operation to existing mouse drivers and mouse users.

5A is a block diagram illustrating a conventional process between a mouse interrupt handler and a mouse driver routine. In the prior art, when the mouse interrupt handler 10 detects the movement of the mouse, the mouse interrupt handler 10 calls or executes the mouse driver 11.

5B is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the OWC driver 12 between the processing of the mouse interrupt handler 10 and the mouse driver routine 11. According to the present invention shown in Fig. 5B, the mouse interrupt handler 10 is similar to the prior art case shown in Fig. 5A in which the existing mouse interrupt handler 10 calls the existing mouse driver routine 11 directly. In contrast, when the OWC driver 12 is called, the OWC driver 12 calls the existing mouse driver routine 11 again. In this embodiment, the OWC device 3 transmits one or more signals including the data packet read by the mouse interrupt handler 10. At this time, the mouse interrupt processor 10 calls the OWC driver 12 to read the signal output from the OWC device 3 by the OWC driver 12. If, as a result of the reading, the signal of the OWC device 3 is a signal generated by the actual mouse 5, the OWC driver 12 sends the signal of the OWC device to the mouse driver routine 11. If a signal corresponding to one of the control buttons 7 is transmitted to the OWC driver 12, the OWC driver 12 transmits the corresponding operation signal to one or more application programs to execute a window operation, for example, a window operation. You may control maximize, minimize, close, etc. or other actions.

6 is a schematic block diagram showing a process routine performed by the OWC apparatus 3 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the OWC driver 12 may use the window if the function controlled by the OWC device 3 is related to a window control operation such as, for example, maximizing, minimizing, closing the window, or the like. The manager 13 can also be called. In contrast, however, the OWC driver 12 may determine that if the desired control function is specified as a control function of an application such as an open file, a close file, a print, or the like, and such control function. Program A 14 may be called. The OWC driver 12 may also be programmed to call program B 15 to execute any program, such as a game, or to start a music program.

For example, when S1 of the button 7 is a control button for the operation of the <Top Window Minimize> icon, the OWC driver 12 calls the window manager and other related programs 14 and 15, whereby the <Top Window Minimize> It will function as an icon.

The OWC device 3 and the OWC driver 12 are configured to generate and detect a PPB-OWC protocol that can be used with any type of mouse, but not limited to PS / 2 mice and serial type mice. desirable.

7 to 10 illustrate a flowchart of an initialization module of the OWC driver 12 shown in FIG. 6. The OWC driver 12 is preferably stored and executed in the computer 1 to process data packets generated by the OWC device 3.

11 is a state transition diagram when a button of the OWC device 3 is operated. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for an OWC initialization module called, for example, the OWC_init module 110. When executing the OWC driver 12, the OWC_init module 110 initializes all variables used in the OWC driver 12 in step 112.

8 illustrates a flowchart for the OWC_main module 120.

The OWC_main module 120 is caused by the mouse interrupt handler. The function of the OWC_main module 120 is to inspect data packets input from the mouse port. If the data packet is generated by the OWC device 3, the OWC_main module 120 executes the OWC_daemon 150 of FIG. 9 to take a corresponding action.

Referring to FIG. 8, in step 122, the OWC_main module 120 checks a byte count value. And in step 124, if the byte count value is 1, i.e., the first byte, then the data packet is indicated by the first byte in step 126 and the module ends and exits. If, at step 128, the byte count value is two, i.e., the second byte, the data packet is marked with the second byte at step 130 and the module exits and exits. If, in step 132, the byte count value is 3, i.e., the third byte, then the data packet is marked with the third byte in step 134 and the module exits and exits. In step 136, the OWC_main module 120 checks whether all three bytes are from an OWC data packet. If all three bytes are the OWC data packet, the OWC_daemon module 150 is executed in step 138. In the OWC_main module 120, if the data packet did not originate in the OWC device 3, a reset routine is executed in step 140.

9 illustrates a flowchart of the OWC_daemon module 150 used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the OWC_daemon module 150 is used when the OWC device 3 is provided for a modified bit pattern based protocol.

Referring to FIG. 9, once the OWC_daemon module 150 is executed, it is determined in step 152 whether there is any data. If no data exists, the OWC_daemon module 150 waits until data exists. In step 152, if data exists, the data is compared, in step 154, with a predetermined function. If a matching relationship is established between the data and the predetermined function, the function is performed. For example, if the data is data for reducing all windows, then a data packet for performing the function is prepared in step 156. If the data is data for restoring a top window, then a data packet for performing the function is prepared in step 158. If the data is data for stopping the system, a data packet for performing the function is prepared in step 160. If the data is data for maximizing a top window, then a data packet for performing the function is prepared in step 162.

10 is a flowchart illustrating the OWC_daemon module 170 used in the second embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the OWC_daemon module 170 is used when the OWC device 3 is provided for a predetermined path based (PPB) -OWC protocol.

Referring to FIG. 10, once the OWC_daemon module 170 is executed, it is determined in step 172 whether there is any data. If no data exists, the OWC_daemon module 170 waits until data exists. In step 172, if data exists, the data is compared, in step 174, with a predetermined function. If a matching relationship is established between the data and the predetermined function, the function is performed in step 176. For example, in the OWC_daemon module 170 used in the second embodiment of the present invention, determination of the window control function will be described with reference to the state transition diagram shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 11, the initial state is designated as S0. If the input is, e. Also, if the input is W, E, N, S, the state Si will change to state S1.

According to FIG. 11, when the state S1 is changed to S0, a corresponding function for all reduce-all-window functions is performed. When the state S2 is changed to SO, the corresponding function is performed for the reduce-top-window function. When the state S3 changes to S0, a shutdown function is performed. When the state S2 is changed to SO, the corresponding function for the minimize-top-window function is performed.

As described above, in the present invention, the OWC device 3 can be easily connected directly between the existing computer mouse 5 and the computer 3. Alternatively, the OWC device 3 may be installed in a mouse or keyboard as one or more "hot keys" that generate a predetermined path signal detected by the mouse interrupt handler and send it to the OWC driver 12. Can be. The OWC driver can be simply installed to run between the mouse interrupt handler and the existing mouse driver without modification to the mouse hardware and / or software in the form of software or firmware.

In addition, the control software for controlling the size and operation of the window can be controlled by using one of a plurality of control switches installed in the OWC device 3. In the first embodiment of the present invention, which is usually used for a system using a PS / 2 mouse, the OWC device 3 instructs the data packet to instruct the OWC driver 12 to perform a predetermined window function. Use unused bits of. In a second embodiment of the present invention which can be used in a normal mouse, the OWC device 3 generates a specific movement signal of the mouse cursor within a fixed period which is not repeated by a human. Such movement of the cursor is detected by the OWC driver 12 to match the window control function with the particular movement.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, the foregoing disclosure is merely an application of the present invention, and specific embodiments disclosed herein as best mode for carrying out the present invention. It is not limited to.

In addition, those skilled in the art can readily understand that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention provided by the following claims. Could be.

As described above, according to the present invention, by reducing the moving radius of the user's hand and finger by a single one-touch button push operation as described above, physical and mental tension and fatigue are eliminated when the cursor and the icon are operated on the window. And productivity are improved. In addition, it is possible to immediately change the currently running window screen to a new or another window screen, thereby increasing job security. In addition, by using a user-friendly button (user-frienly button) having a one-touch window control function, anyone can easily use the PC can be extended to the base of the computer even children or the elderly.

Claims (20)

In a one-touch window control (OWC) system for a computer using a mouse that generates a data packet for providing a window control function for designating and performing one of icons displayed on a computer display screen, The OWC system includes an OWC device coupled to the computer to output the data packet, The OWC device includes at least one control switch for causing the generation of a predetermined signal including the data packet having a changeable bit from the OWC device to control a mouse cursor; And a data generator generating said predetermined signal in response to said control switch and coupled to said control switch. 2. The OWC system for a computer according to claim 1, wherein the control switch of the OWC device controls a unique window control function. delete delete 2. The OWC system of claim 1, wherein the OWC device is included in at least one of the peripheral input devices of the computer. The data packet of claim 1, wherein the data packet generated by the OWC device includes at least 3 bytes having a bit pattern that does not conflict with the bit pattern generated by the mouse, while at the same time automatically performing a function associated with the icons. OWC system for a computer, characterized in that to be specified and performed. The method of claim 1, wherein the data packet generated by the OWC device simulates a predetermined path movement of the mouse cursor in a predetermined period, the predetermined path movement being for designating and performing a function related to one of the window icons. OWC system for a computer, characterized in that recognized by the computer as a window control command. 8. The OWC system for a computer according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined path movement generated by the OWC device is selected to prevent manual operation of the mouse within the predetermined time period. 2. The OWC system of claim 1, further comprising an OWC driver configured to run between the mouse interrupt handler and the mouse driver. 2. The OWC system for a computer according to claim 1, wherein the data packet generated by the OWC device comprises bits of a first byte different from the data packet generated by the mouse. The OWC system of claim 1, wherein the data generator of the OWC device includes at least one of memory, programmable logic, and application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). OWC connected to the computer for outputting the data packet for use in a computer equipped with a mouse that generates a data packet for providing a window control function for specifying and performing one of the icons displayed on the computer display screen. At least one control switch having a device, said at least one control switch causing a generation of a predetermined signal from said OWC device to control a mouse cursor; A method of controlling a window control function using a one-touch window control (OWC) system that generates the predetermined signal in response to the control switch and allows the OWC device to have a data generator connected to the control switch. In In response to the control switch of the OWC device, transmitting at least one data packet including predetermined path movement data of the mouse within a predetermined period of time without actually moving the mouse; Decompressing and decrypting predetermined path movement data of the mouse by an OWC driver; Comparing the decrypted predetermined path movement data with one of preset window control functions; Controlling a window function in response to the predetermined path movement data. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the data packet generated by the OWC device includes at least 3 bytes having a bit pattern that does not conflict with the bit pattern generated by the mouse, while automatically retrieving the functionality associated with the icons. The method characterized in that it allows you to specify and perform. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined path movement generated by the OWC device is selected to prevent manual manipulation of the mouse within the predetermined period of time. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the OWC driver is configured to be performed between a mouse interrupt handler and a mouse driver. OWC connected to the computer for outputting the data packet for use in a computer equipped with a mouse that generates a data packet for providing a window control function for specifying and performing one of the icons displayed on the computer display screen. At least one control switch having a device, said at least one control switch causing generation of a predetermined signal from said OWC device to control a mouse cursor; A method of controlling a window control function using a one-touch window control (OWC) system that generates the predetermined signal in response to the control switch and allows the OWC device to have a data generator connected to the control switch. In In response to the control switch of the OWC device, sending at least one data packet to the computer including a change bit not used in the mouse; Decompressing the change bit by an OWC driver; Comparing the decompressed change bit with one of preset window control functions; Controlling a window function in response to the change bit. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the data packet generated by the OWC device includes at least 3 bytes having a bit pattern that does not conflict with the bit pattern generated by the mouse, while automatically handling functionality associated with the icons. The method characterized in that it allows you to specify and perform. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the change bit generated by the OWC device is selected to prevent manual manipulation of the mouse within the predetermined time period. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the OWC driver is configured to be performed between a mouse interrupt handler and a mouse driver. A window of the computer to which a mouse for generating a control signal for moving the cursor on the window and a control signal for performing a function of the designated icon is connected to designate a selected one of the icons on the window created on the display screen of the computer; In the one-touch window control (OWC) method for automatically designating and performing one of the icons on the screen, Pressing a predetermined button among a plurality of control buttons of a one-touch window control (OWC) device; Generating a specific icon designation / execution signal corresponding to the predetermined button; Transmitting the generated specific icon designation / performance signal to the computer; And causing the computer to automatically designate a corresponding icon among the icons and perform a function of the designated icon, whereby designation of the selected icon and execution of the function are performed by pressing the control button related to the selected icon only once. Achieved.