WO2002025421A1

WO2002025421A1 - User interface for multimode

Info

Publication number: WO2002025421A1
Application number: PCT/KR2001/000125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Ki Park
Original assignee: Park Young Ki
Priority date: 2000-09-20
Filing date: 2001-01-31
Publication date: 2002-03-28
Also published as: AU2001232372A1

Abstract

A user interface (100) for a multimode is disclosed. The user interface for the multimode can conveniently operate various application software for a computer. The user interface for the multimode includes: a pointer regulating part (110) for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode selection switch (120) for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user"s manipulation; a function button (140) section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit (150) for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

Description

USER INTERFACE FOR MULTIMODE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a user interface of a computer system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a user interface for a multimode.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a typical user interface of a computer system is a keyboard and a mouse. The mouse is a type of a pointing input device used in moving a cursor or a mouse pointer in a screen, which is connected to a host, such as the computer system.

The mouse is classified, according to its operation principle, into a wheel mouse, a ball mouse, an opto-mechanical mouse and an optocal mouse. The mouse is also classified into an one-button, two-button, and three-button mouse according to the number of its button. The mouse generates a predetermined event on a display through a simple operation, such as a button click, a drag & drop, and a double click. Thus, the mouse is widely used as an essential and convenient input device following a keyboard as a standard input device.

However, since a prior art mouse should be sliding up and down on the mouse pad to move the pointer on the screen to a desired position, it cannot be normally operated distant from the screen. As a result, there is a problem with the prior art mouse in that it is somewhat difficult to use the mouse at the position desired by the user. Further, since the prior art mouse includes one to three buttons, it is limited to perform its function by the button click. Particularly, the prior art mouse has inconvenience in driving an application software, such as an internet browser, a graphic software, a CAD, a game, etc.

In the meanwhile, although the keyboard is an essential interface in driving the application software, such as a word processing program, which requires an amount of character to be input, however, it has also inconvenience in driving the application software, such as a game, due to a plurality of keys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a user interface for a multimode which can conveniently operate various application software for a computer, such as an internet browser, a graphic software, a CAD, a game, etc. by use of one device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a user interface for a multimode which can easily operate various application software for a computer, holding it in user's hand.

To achieve the above and other objects, the presently claimed invention provides a user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode selection switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the presently claimed invention provides a user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode selection switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal output through the interface driving circuit to a computer; a power supply for providing a driving voltage with the pointer regulating part, the mode selection switch, the function button section, the interface driving circuit, and the wireless transmitter; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the presently claimed invention provides a user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; a microphone for converting a user's voice into an electric signal and outputting the converted signal; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal output through the interface driving circuit to a computer; a power supply for providing a driving voltage with the pointer regulating part, the mode selection switch, the function button section, the interface driving circuit, and the wireless transmitter; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a user interface for a multimode according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a user interface for a multimode according to the preferred second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a user interface for a multimode according to the preferred third embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a user interface for a multimode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of clarity, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a user interface for a multimode according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the user interface for the multimode 100 is connected to a computer system with a wire. The use interface 100 includes a pointer regulating part 110, a mode selection switch 120, a scroll regulating part 130, a function button section 140 and an interface driving circuit 150.

The pointer regulating part 110 outputs an X-axis and Y-axis position codes corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball 112. That is, the pointer regulating part 110 can conveniently move the pointer on the screen without movement of the user interface on a desk or a mouse pad, even when the user holds the user interface in his/her hand.

The mode selection switch 120 outputs a predetermined mode selection signal according to the user's manipulation. The mode selection switch 120 can select a general mode for performing a general function of a mouse, or an internet mode for use in driving an internet browser, or a graphic mode for use in driving a graphic application software, or a CAD mode for use in driving a CAD application software, or a game mode for use in driving a game. The mode selection switch 120 can also add a mode for use in driving a specific application software according to an applied example. Further, the mode selection switch 120 includes a setup mode for newly setting a function of a function button selected by the user.

The scroll regulating part 130 outputs a screen scroll signal by the user's manipulation. The scroll regulating part 130 moves the screen displayed on a monitor according to the direction and extent of the rotation by the user. The scroll regulating part 130 can be comprised of the up and down scroll dial and right and left scroll dial and also, it can be comprised of four push buttons, i.e., up/down/right/left scroll buttons.

The function button section 140 is comprised of a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode. That is, each function key of the function button section 140 has not a fixed function, but performs different function for each mode selected by the manipulation of the mode selection switch 120. The function button section 140 may be installed at the upper portion of the body of the user interface, and each position of the function keys may be arranged in consideration of use frequency. Particularly, the functions of the function keys for each mode are set by a separate setup operation of the user. That is, in order to drive various application software such as the internet browser, CAD, game, etc., the function keys each having different functions are necessary and further, the positions and kinds of the button keys can be adjusted according to individual taste. The above button setup operation is achieved by setting the each function of the function keys after placing the mode selection switch 120 at the setup mode. If the user adjusts the mode selection switch 120 to the setup mode, each function keys of the function button section 140 is converted into a zero setting state and thereafter, it is converted into the button for performing the function defined by the user. Thus, the user interface for the multimode according to the present invention can perform various application software and games by use of one device and it can be comprised of the function keys having different arrangement for each user.

In the meanwhile, the setup for the function keys may be also achieved by use of a setup key (SB) that is separately possessed. The setup key (SB) is used for newly setting the function of the function buttons selected by the user. That is, if the setup key (SB) is pushed after the mode selection switch is selected to a specific mode position, it is converted into the setup standby state for the corresponding mode. If the user selects the specific key and then, pushes a given function button, the function button is set to the button for performing the function of the specific key.

The interface driving circuit 150 outputs a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection signal and the function button code, to the computer.

In the meanwhile, the signal output through the user interface for the multimode 100, is input to the computer via a serial port. The controller of the computer outputs the signal for performing the corresponding function in response to the input of the corresponding signal. At this time, since the information on their own functions of the function buttons for each application software such as the internet browser, graphic application, game, etc., is still stored in the memory of the computer, the controller checks the kinds of the driving application software and the selected mode. After that, the controller controls the performance of the specific function in the driving application software according to the input signal of each function button. This procedure of the controller is stored as the program type in the memory, e.g., ROM.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the user interface for the multimode according to the preferred second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 2, the user interface for the multimode 100 is connected to the computer system wirelessly. The use interface 100 includes the pointer regulating part 110, the mode selection switch 120, the scroll regulating part 130, the function button section 140, the interface driving circuit 150, a wireless transmitter 170 and a power supply 180. The user interface 100 as shown in FIG. 2 wirelessly transmits the signals to the computer system regardless of the distance from the screen output unit such as a monitor and the computer and thus, the appearance can be prevented from being injured due to a coupling cable. The wireless transmitter 170 wirelessly transmits the signal output through the interface driving circuit 150 to the computer. The wireless transmitter 170 can perform a serial communication from the user interface 100 to a wireless receiver of the computer without cable communication.

The power supply 180 provides the driving voltage with the pointer regulating part 110, the mode selection switch 120, the function button section 140, the interface driving circuit 150, and the wireless transmitter 170.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the user interface for the multimode according to the preferred third embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 3, the user interface for the multimode 100 is connected to the computer system wirelessly and outputs the function signal via user's voice. The user interface 100 includes the pointer regulating part 110, the mode selection switch 120, the scroll regulating part 130, the function button section 140, the interface driving circuit 150, the wireless transmitter 170, the power supply 180, and a microphone 190. The user interface for the multimode as shown in FIG. 3 can perform the function by the button manipulation of the user as well as by the input of the user's voice.

The mode selection switch 120 outputs the general mode by the button as well as a voice mode signal selected by the user. That is, after the mode selection switch 120 is set to the voice mode position, a command is input by the user's voice.

The microphone 190 converts the user's voice into an electric signal and then outputs the converted signal. The voice command input through the microphone 190 is converted into the electric signal and then, transmitted to the computer via the wireless transmitter 170, passing through the interface driving circuit 150. Then, a voice recognition module of the computer recognizes the input voice command and outputs the recognition data signal. The controller outputs a predetermined controlling signal in response to the recognition data signal.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the user interface for the multimode according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the user interface as shown in FIG. 4 is one of the embodiments of the present invention and thus, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. With reference to FIG. 4, the user interface 100 includes a body 160, the mode selection switch 120, a plurality of function buttons Bl to B19, Ml, M2, and the scroll regulating part 130.

The body 160 has a holding arm 162 extending to both sides. The holding arm 162 allows the user to use the body 160 of the user interface 100, holding it in user's hand. The body 160 has a general configuration of a bat according to the applied example and the holding arm 162 has a configuration of wings of the bat.

Further, the body 160 has a center arm 164 downwardly extending from the center.

The plurality of the function buttons Bl to B19, Ml and M2 output a predetermined function code according to the selected mode. For example, in case of the general mode, the buttons Ml and M2 has left and right buttons functions of the general mouse, respectively. On the other hand, in case of the internet mode, they has a predetermined function as shown in Table 1. The function buttons Bl to B19, Ml and M2 respectively output the function code which is predetermined for each application software according to the selected mode such as a graphic mode and a CAD mode. TABLE 1

As apparent from the foregoing, the user interface for the multimode according to the embodiments of the present invention can drive various application software for the computer such as the internet browser, the graphics, the CAD, the game, etc., by use of the mode selection switch, the scroll regulating part, a plurality of the function buttons, and microphone which are installed at the user interface. As a result, it has an effect on the maximization of the utilization extent and convenience of the user interface.

Further, the user interface for the multimode according to the embodiments of the present invention is effective in that it results in providing the user with the convenience for performing the desired function, such as a pointer movement, a screen scroll, an application software driving, without a separate supporting device, e.g., the desk, the pad, etc., holding it the user's hand.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode selection switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

2. The user interface according to claim 1, further comprising a scroll regulating part for outputting a screen scroll signal by the user's manipulation.

3. The user interface according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a holding arm extending to both sides.

4. The user interface according to claim 1, further comprising a setup key for newly setting a function of a function button selected by the user.

5. A user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode selection switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal output through the interface driving circuit to a computer; a power supply for providing a driving voltage with the pointer regulating part, the mode selection switch, the function button section, the interface driving circuit, and the wireless transmitter; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

6. The user interface as according to claim 5, further comprising a scroll regulating part for outputting a screen scroll signal by the user's manipulation.

7. The user interface as according to claim 5, wherein the body comprises a holding arm extending to both sides.

8. The user interface as according to claim 5, further comprising a setup key for newly setting a function of a function button selected by the user.

9. A user interface for a multimode comprising: a pointer regulating part for outputting a position code corresponding to a direction and extent of rotation of a track ball as a user rotates the track ball; a mode switch for outputting a corresponding mode selection code by a user's manipulation; a function button section comprising a plurality of function keys, each function key outputting a function button code corresponding to the selected mode; an interface driving circuit for outputting a predetermined signal, corresponding to the input of the position code, the mode selection code, the function button code, to a computer; a microphone for converting a user's voice into an electric signal and outputting the converted signal; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal output through the interface driving circuit to a computer; a power supply for providing a driving voltage with the pointer regulating part, the mode selection switch, the function button section, the interface driving circuit, and the wireless transmitter; and a body in which the pointer regulating part, the function button section, and the interface driving circuit can be placed.

10. The user interface as according to claim 9, further comprising a scroll regulating part for outputting a screen scroll signal by the user's manipulation.

11. The user interface as according to claim 9, wherein the body comprises a holding arm extending to both sides.

12. The user interface as according to claim 9, further comprising a setup key for newly setting a function of a function button selected by the user.