WO1995012159A1

WO1995012159A1 - Ten-keys with mouse function

Info

Publication number: WO1995012159A1
Application number: PCT/JP1993/001539
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shigeru Hayashi
Original assignee: Shigeru Hayashi
Priority date: 1993-10-25
Filing date: 1993-10-25
Publication date: 1995-05-04
Also published as: TW258804B; AU5286493A

Abstract

This ten-keys improves the operationality of a computer and enhances the functions. Mouse operation buttons (2) and ten- and function-keys (3) are housed in a body (1). By unifying these two functional units in one structure, different operations can be executed with one hand without moving the hand. This body (1) has a ten- and function-key lock button (4), mouse stand (10), and stand operation buttons (12). The locking button (4) is used for enabling/disabling the keys (3). The stand operation button (12) is operated to detach the mouse stand (10) from the body (1), facilitating input of numeric data through the keys (3).

Description

Specification

Numeric keypad with mouse function

The present invention relates to a numeric keypad with a mouse function. More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer peripheral device provided with a mouse function and a numeric keypad function integrally and connected to a personal computer, for example.

Background art

Conventionally, a mouse is connected to a personal computer or the like, and is used to select and execute commands that are being driven by a personal computer, and to select and set coordinate points. This mouse function is an effective and convenient peripheral device for utilizing the characteristics of personal computers. In particular, it is frequently used in drawing graphics using a personal computer, and is an indispensable tool for efficient drawing.

Also, the functions of host devices such as personal computers have been remarkably developed and evolved. Not only high-speed processing, but also the work area on the computer has been expanded, the user's operation burden has been reduced, and input / output operations on the computer have been simplified. For example, instead of typing commands using the conventional keyboard, there is a tendency to use icons to select and execute icon menus on the screen. More specifically, it is the trend of the spread of Windows (Windows). Many users are welcome to use the simpler operation of sequentially executing processes by selecting menus with the mouse and proceeding with new screen development.

However, with the development of host devices and software as described above, it is necessary to evolve peripheral devices in order to make full use of the functions possessed by the host.

Conventionally, numerical input and macro processing input for functions have been performed using separate operating devices. For example, when using the mouse to select a menu on the display screen and enter a value or select a function, release the mouse and enter it from the keyboard. Such a useless operation that does not involve actual processing is a barrier to making full use of the functions of the evolving host device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device capable of improving the efficiency of functions and saving space and making the most of the characteristics of a computer. Disclosure of the invention

In order to achieve this object, a numeric keypad with a mouse function according to the present invention has a mouse operation means for operating a mouse function, and numerical value input means for inputting a numerical value. The structure is large enough to be operated with one hand, and the mouse operation means and numerical value input means can be operated without moving the position of one hand. It is characterized by. Further, it is convenient that the above-mentioned numeric keypad with a mouse function further has a numeric keypad lock function, and the function of the numerical value input means can be set to be enabled or disabled by operating the numeric keypad lock means. Further, it is more convenient if at least two numeric key lock means are provided, and the function of the numerical value input means can be switched to the function of the function key by operating the numeric keypad means.

In addition, a mouse base is provided so that it can be stored in the structure. When using the mouse function, the mouse base is stored in the structure, and when using the numerical input means, the mouse base is moved out of the structure. It is convenient if it is possible to prevent the movement of the structure. Further, a stepladder operating means may be provided, and by operating the stepladder operating means, it is preferable that the mouse stand can be taken out of the structure by one-handed operation.

Action

According to the numeric keypad with a mouse function of the present invention, the mouse operation means and the numerical value input means are housed in an integrated structure that can be operated with one hand, so that the two functions can be operated with one hand without moving the hand position. It becomes possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a numeric keypad with a mouse function according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view when the mouse stand of FIG. 1 is stored in a main body.

(Explanation of code)

1 body

2 Mouse button

3 Numeric keys / function keys

4 Numeric keypad lock button

5 Code

6 Trackball cover

7 Trackball

1 0 Mouse stand

1 2 Stepladder operation button Best mode for carrying out the invention

Next, an embodiment of a numeric keypad with a mouse function according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

The numeric keypad with a mouse function of the present invention includes a main body connection code 5, mouse buttons 2a, 2b, 2c of a mouse function section, a trackball cover 6, a trackball 7, and a numeric keypad function of a numeric key function section and a function function section. It has three keys, a numeric keypad / function key lock button 4, a mouse pad 10, and a stepladder operation button 12.

The main unit 1 is a housing that holds the following functional units, mouse buttons 2, numeric keypad Z function keys 3, and the like. The main body 1 of this embodiment is a molded product made of resin, and is composed of two parts, an upper part and a lower part. The trackball 7 and circuit components mounted on the board (not shown) are incorporated inside these components, and the upper and lower two components are assembled by screwing from below. The main body 1 is shaped so that it can be easily moved by holding with one hand and various buttons 2, 12 and 13 on the surface can be operated.

The mouse buttons 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c are operation units that are set by clicking the mouse. O 95/12159

1

Specification

Numeric keypad with mouse function

Technical field

Background art

Conventionally, a mouse is connected to a personal computer or the like, and is used to select and execute commands that are being driven by the personal computer, to select and set coordinate points, and so on. This mouse function is an effective and convenient peripheral device for utilizing the characteristics of a personal computer. In particular, it is frequently used in drawing graphics using a personal computer, and is an indispensable tool for efficient drawing.

Also, the functions of host devices such as personal computers have been remarkably developed and evolved. Not only high-speed processing, but also the work area on the computer has been expanded, the user's operation burden has been reduced, and input / output operations on the computer have been simplified. For example, instead of typing commands using the conventional keyboard, there is a tendency to use icons to select and execute icon menus on the screen. More specifically, it is the trend of the spread of Windows (Windows). Simpler operations, in which the process is executed sequentially by selecting menus with the mouse and work is advanced on a new screen, are welcomed by many users.

However, with the development of host devices and software as described above, it is necessary to evolve peripheral devices in order to make full use of the functions of the host.

Conventionally, numerical input and function macro processing input have been performed using separate operating devices. For example, when using the mouse to select a menu on the display screen and enter a value or a function, release the mouse and enter it from the keyboard. Such a useless operation that does not involve actual processing is a barrier to making full use of the functions of the evolving host device. The table 10 is provided with a panel rotation force in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 around the fixed axis. To store the mouse base 10 in the main body 1, press the mouse base 10 into the bottom of the main body 1 by applying a force in the direction opposite to the arrow. It has a mechanism that locks automatically when the mouse base 10 is pushed into the bottom of the main body 1. The appearance when the mouse stand 10 is settled in the main body is as shown in Figs. Alternatively, the stepladder operation is performed by operating the stepladder operation buttons 12.

The stepladder operation buttons 12 are operation buttons for releasing the lock that fixes the mouse stand 10 to the main body 1. By operating this button 12, the mouse stand 10 is pushed out from the bottom of the main body 1 by the pushing force of the panel, and the mouse stand 10 is in a stepladder state.

The numeric keypad with a mouse function configured as described above has a mouse function and a numeric keypad / function key function as an integrated structure, and all of these can be operated with one hand.

While the mouse is operating, the numeric keypad function key lock button 4 can be used to activate the numeric keypad function key function and disable the operation of the numeric keypad function key. If you want to operate only the numeric keypad / function key 3, use the numeric keypad Z function key lock button 4 to unlock the keypad / function key function. Good. By preventing the main unit from moving, the operation of the numeric keypad and the function keys is facilitated.

As described above, by making the computer peripherals multifunctional and compact, applications that do not require a keyboard are made more effective. This effect has the effect of increasing application development, making it easier for users with little computer knowledge to operate the computer, and making the computer familiar. In addition, tools that have been made smaller and more efficient can exert their effects even more when they are used by connecting them to small computers such as laptops and notebooks.

The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the mouse stand is a separate part such as a rubber stand, and the tip of the main body is placed on this rubber stand. It is good. It is also possible to connect the main unit and the computer wirelessly by communication using light or radio waves.

Industrial applicability

As is clear from the above description, the numeric keypad with a mouse function of the present invention includes the mouse operating means and the numerical value input means in an integrated structure that can be operated by one hand, and positions these two functional parts by hand position. One-handed operation is possible without moving. This eliminates useless operations and enables efficient computer operation. It is also suitable for menu selection screens such as Windows and can enhance the functions of personal computers such as laptops.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the function of the numerical value input means can be set to valid or invalid by operating the numeric keypad, so that unnecessary erroneous numerical input during mouse operation can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the function of the numerical value input means can be switched to the function of the function key by operating a plurality of numeric keypads, so that the number of functions is further increased and the range of use is expanded. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a mouse base that can be stored is provided, the mouse base is stored in the structure when the mouse function is used, and the mouse base is moved out of the structure when using the numerical value input means, and the numerical value is input. The movement of the structure at the time can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the stepladder operation means is provided so that the mouse table can be taken out of the structure with one hand, so that the operation of switching between different functions of the mouse and the numerical value input can be performed with one hand. Become.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A mouse operation means for operating a mouse function;

Numerical value input means for inputting a numerical value,

The mouse operation means and the numerical value input means are housed in a single structure, and the structure has a size that can be operated with one hand. A numeric keypad with a mouse function that can be operated without moving the position of one hand.

2. The numeric keypad with a mouse function according to claim 1, further comprising numeric keypad locking means, and enabling the function of the numerical value input means to be enabled or disabled by operating the numeric keypad locking means. Numeric keypad with mouse function.

3. The ten-key lock means is provided at least two, and the function of the numerical value input means can be switched to the function of a function key by operating these ten-key lock means. The numeric keypad with the mouse function according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The numeric keypad with a mouse function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mouse base, the mouse base is configured to be housed in the structure, and the mouse base is used for the mouse function. When the mouse pad is retracted, the mouse base is stored in the structure, and when the numerical value input means is used, the mouse base is moved out of the structure to prevent the structure from moving. Characteristic numeric keypad with mouse function.

5. The numeric keypad with a mouse function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a stepladder operating means, and operating the stepladder operating means to move the mouse pad out of the structure. A numeric keypad with a mouse function, characterized in that the one-handed operation enables the user to take out the camera.