WO2009038432A2

WO2009038432A2 - Multi-functional mouse

Info

Publication number: WO2009038432A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/005629
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eui Jin Oh
Original assignee: Eui Jin Oh
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-09-22
Publication date: 2009-03-26
Also published as: WO2009038432A3; KR20090030697A

Abstract

The present invention relates, in general, to a multi-functional mouse that enables a variety of functions to be rapidly performed in a graphical user interface environment, and, more particularly, to a multi-functional mouse that further includes second mouse pointer movement detection units in a lower casing in contact with a mouse pad, thereby enabling a variety of functions to be designated through the tilting of the mouse. The present invention provides a multi-functional mouse having a plurality of sensors for detecting the movement of the mouse, the mouse including a first mouse pointer movement detection unit for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; a tilting detection unit for detecting the tilting of the mouse in a radial direction; a lower casing disposed such that a surface on which the tilting detection unit is disposed forms a predetermined inclination with a surface on which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit is disposed; an upper casing equipped with manipulation input units for receiving manipulation signals; an interface unit for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit for enabling corresponding signals to be transferred through the interface unit in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit, the tilting detection unit and the manipulation input units.

Description

Description MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MOUSE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a multi-functional mouse that enables a variety of functions to be rapidly performed in a graphical user interface environment, and, more particularly, to a multi-functional mouse that further includes tilting detection units in a lower casing in contact with a mouse pad, thereby enabling a variety of functions to be designated through the tilting of the mouse. Background Art

[2] A computer mouse, along with a keyboard, is a basic input device of a computer. In particular, a computer mouse is used to execute a specific instruction by moving a mouse pointer corresponding to a current mouse position on a computer screen and selecting a menu item using a button in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment. A general mouse for performing such a function includes a ball or optical sensor for detecting a trajectory of the mouse in a lower casing and buttons for performing selection or a wheel for performing a scroll function in an upper casing.

[3] Recently, with the rapid development of programs greatly depending on the utilization of a mouse, the functions of a mouse have been diversified. That is, as users' various demands for Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, three-dimensional design drawings, the implementation of virtual reality and on-line games such as Lineage, are increasing, various graphics-related functions are increased, so that there is a growing tendency for the utilization of a mouse to increase.

[4] However, an existing program execution method uses an inconvenient method of entering shortcut keys using a keyboard in order to execute a program conveniently and rapidly because existing mice have only simple functions of moving and selecting a pointer, selecting shortcut menu options, and scrolling an activated window. In order to make up for this deficiency, the existing program execution method is configured in such a way as to arrange shortcut menus in a window and allow them to be selected using a mouse. However, this method also has the inconvenience of performing selection by moving a pointer using the mouse and then moving the pointer to an original position in order to perform a subsequent task.

[5] A conventional technology for solving the above problem includes Korean Patent

No. 10-0656924 entitled "Mouse and Special Function Input Method using the Mouse," which discloses a method of assigning a special function key to an input signal corresponding to each combination of two selected from among two buttons and a wheel. Furthermore, Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2007-0034776 entitled "Quick Input System for Mouse" discloses a method of providing a quick input device in the upper casing of a mouse, receiving a trigger input for quick input after switching to a switching mode, and performing a previously stored repetitive operation.

[6] However, since the conventional technologies are confined to the simple provision of several function buttons or a function of performing designated processes, it is difficult to apply them to graphics-based complicated tasks. That is, in the conventional technologies, shortcut keys capable of convenient use of only several limited functions are added to a mouse, so that it is impossible to rapidly execute complicated functions, such as the rotation or movement of an activated object, the switching of a task mode, and the rapid selection of various menu options in CAD drawings, 3D design drawings, the implementation of virtual reality or a Lineage game.

[7] In particular, although a mouse is enabled to perform a variety of functions by adding buttons, the index finger must be repeatedly used in order to press buttons, thus resulting in the side effect of causing lots of inconvenience to a user's finger. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional mouse that, in a graphical user interface environment, enables the rapid execution of various functions that are included in the preparation of a CAD drawing or 3D design drawing, the implementation of virtual reality, or execution of an on-line game such as Lineage.

[9] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional mouse that enables complicated functions useful to users to be easily performed through new function assignment means, rather than simply including only special keys.

[10] A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional mouse that enables rapid task switching without requiring the movement of a mouse pointer to respective menu option positions in the performance of complicated functions such as the rotation or movement of an object, the switching of a task mode and the rapid selection of various menu options,, thereby being capable of minimizing the movement of a mouse pointer. Technical Solution

[11] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a multifunctional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse including a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse in a radial direction; a lower casing (101) disposed such that a surface on which the tilting detection unit (160) is disposed forms a predetermined inclination with a surface on which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed, thus being inclined in a radial direction; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[12] Preferably, the tilting detection unit (160) includes a plurality of tilting detection units (160) radially arranged around the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) at a center of the lower casing (101).

[13] Furthermore, the tilting detection units (160) are provided in multiple stages so that different inputs can be made depending on extent of tilting.

[14] Additionally, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a multi-functional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse including a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; an inclined movement detection unit (180) including a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad and a second movement detection unit (170) for detecting movement of the mouse; a lower casing (101) disposed such that a surface on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclination with a surface on which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding transfer signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the second movement detection unit (170), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[15] Preferably, the inclined movement detection unit (180) is attached to the lower casing

(101) so that the inclined movement detection unit (180) can be disposed in any one of front, rear, left and right directions around a portion of the lower casing (101) in which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed.

[16] Preferably, the inclined movement detection unit (180) is configured such that that a plurality of the tilting detection units (160) is disposed in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170), and a surface of a portion of the lower casing (101) on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclined or hemispherical shape in a direction of the tilting detection units (160) so that the surface of the lower casing (101) enables tilting in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170).

[17] Additionally, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a multi-functional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse including a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; an inclined movement detection unit (180) including a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad and a second movement detection unit (170) for detecting movement of the mouse; a lower casing (101) including a bottom surface and one side of the mouse, wherein the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is attached to the bottom surface, and the inclined movement detection unit (180) including the tilting detection unit (160) and the second movement detection unit (170) is attached to the one side; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding transfer signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the second movement detection unit (170), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[18] Preferably, the inclined movement detection unit (180) is configured such that that a plurality of the tilting detection units (160) is disposed in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170), and a surface of a portion of the lower casing (101) on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclined or hemispherical shape in a direction of the tilting detection units (160) so that the surface of the lower casing (101) enables tilting in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170).

[19] Preferably, the one side of the mouse on which the inclined movement detection unit

(180) is provided is disposed in any one of front, rear, left and right directions around the bottom surface of the mouse.

[20] Preferably, the multi-functional mouse further includes a function switching button

(125) for enabling the control unit (110) to output another transfer signal in response to a signal detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), wherein a signal that is detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) after the function switching button (125) has been pressed is configured to correspond to an instruction to move a 3D object image.

[21] Furthermore, the tilting detection unit (160) includes any one of an optical sensor, a laser sensor, a push switch and a pressure sensor. Advantageous Effects

[22] Accordingly, as described above, the present invention enables various functions to be rapidly executed without requiring the manipulation of shortcut keys in the preparation of a CAD drawing or 3D design drawing, the implementation of virtual reality, or the execution of an on-line game such as Lineage. [23] Furthermore, according to the present invention, various input means are provided in a lower casing and a user can easily perform desired complicated functions by simply tilting the input means. [24] Furthermore, the present invention enables switching between tasks to be rapidly performed without requiring the movement of a mouse pointer to respective menu option positions in the performance of functions, such as the rotation or movement of an object, the switching of a task mode, and the rapid selection of various menu options, thereby being capable of minimizing the movement of a mouse pointer.

Brief Description of the Drawings [25] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [26] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units with a lower casing in Fig. 1 ; [27] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the multi-functional mouse according to Figs. 1 and 2 and a computer connected thereto; [28] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [29] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units with a lower casing in Fig. 4; [30] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the multi-functional mouse according to Figs. 4 and 5 and a computer connected thereto; [31] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [32] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units with a lower casing in Fig. 7; [33] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [34] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units with a lower casing in Fig. 9; [35] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the multi-functional mouse in which switching keys are provided inside the first mouse pointer movement detection surface of Fig. 9; [36] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-functional mouse according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which detection units are combined with a lower casing; [37] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-functional mouse according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which detection units are combined with a lower casing; [38] Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a lower casing illustrating another embodiment of the tilting detection units according to the present invention; [39] Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a lower casing showing still another embodiment of the tilting detection units according to the present invention; [40] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; [41] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; [42] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; [43] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention and an exploded perspective view of the lower casing there; [44] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse equipped with function buttons according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; [45] Fig. 21 is a side view of a multi-functional mouse according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; and [46] Figs. 22 to 25 are views showing examples of screens when the multi-functional mouse according to the present invention is applied to a 3D drawing design program.

Mode for the Invention [47] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to enable those having ordinary skill in the art to easily practice the present invention. [48] Fig. l(a) is a perspective view of the lower casing 101 of a multi-functional mouse

100, including four tilting detection units 160, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. l(b) is a perspective view of the upper casing 102 thereof.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units 150 and 160 with the lower casing 101 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the multi-functional mouse of Figs. 1 and 2 and a computer connected thereto. [49] The multi-functional mouse 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 includes the lower casing 101 provided with curved tilting detection surfaces 21 formed at upper, lower, left and right positions around a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10; the upper casing 102 configured to be used as a grip by a user, and provided with manipulation input units 150 including two buttons and one wheel; the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 configured to detect the movement of the mouse by radiating the light of a light-emitting unit 151 onto a mouse pad through the optical path 154 of an optical guide 153 and receiving reflected light using an optical sensor 152, and attached inside the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10; the four tilting detection units 160 configured to guide the light of the light-emitting unit 151 so that the light is radiated onto a mouse pad through an optical path 164 formed in each optical guide 163 and to sense reflected light using an optical sensor 162, and positioned in the respective tilting detection surfaces 21; an interface unit 130 configured to transmit signals to the computer 200; and a control unit 110 configured to store code data corresponding to signals sensed by the detection units 150 and 160 and signals input from the manipulation input units 120, receive the signals sensed by the detection units 150 and 160 and the signals input from the manipulation input units 120, and transmit corresponding code values to a computer 200 through the interface unit 130.

[50] Furthermore, the multi-functional mouse according to Fig. 1 further includes a function switching button 125 on one side of the upper casing 102. Here, in the state in which the function switching button 125 has been pressed, the control unit 110 detects the movement of the mouse using the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150, and transmits code data different from that in the state in which the function switching button 125 has not been pressed to the computer. That is, in the state in which the function switching button 125 has not been pressed, the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 performs a general function of moving a mouse pointer on a computer monitor. In contrast, in the state in which the function switching button 125 has been pressed, the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 performs another special function, such as the movement of an object on a screen.

[51] It is preferred that the tilting detection surfaces 21 of the lower casing 101 adjoin the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 and be formed to be curved in a direction toward the outer circumference of the lower casing 101. Alternatively, each of the tilting detection surfaces 21 may form a flat surface and forms a predetermined inclined angle with the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10. It is preferred that the optical guide 163 of each of the tilting detection units 160 be formed so that light incident on the mouse pad through the optical path 164 formed in the optical guide 163 be reflected from the mouse pad and be then received by the optical sensor 162 only when the corresponding tilting detection surface 21 is brought into contact with a mouse pad. Preferably, the lower casing 101 includes through holes 30 through which light is incident on and reflected from the mouse pad in connection with the detection units 150 and 160.

[52] The mouse including the lower casing 101 constructed as described above detects the movement of the pointer when the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 is brought into contact with a mouse pad, and detects tilting through the tilting detection units 160 above the corresponding tilting detection surfaces 21 when the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 is tilted up, down, right or left.

[53] In this case, although slight light may be detected by the detection units through the detection surfaces which are not in contact with the mouse pad, the control unit 110 may select an inclined direction by determining priority based on the intensities of a detection signals depending on the sensitivity of signals sensed by the optical sensors.

[54] The multi-functional mouse 100 constructed as described above is connected to the computer 200 through the interface unit 130, and is configured to transfer code signals from the control unit 110 to the computer 200. The computer 200 executes respective preset instructions in response to the received code signals, and displays them on a monitor 400. The code signals include detection signals from the manipulation input units 150, detection signals from the tilting detection units 160, detection signals from the first mouse pointer movement detection units 160 when the function switching button 125 has not been pressed, and detection signals from the first mouse pointer movement detection units 160 when the function switching button 125 has been pressed. In this case, it is preferred that the code signals transferred from the multifunctional mouse 100 and the instructions corresponding to the code values be set using a dedicated mouse driver program and the set values thereof be enabled to be previously designated by a user. That is, it is preferred that, since the multi-functional mouse 100 according to the present invention includes a variety of functions as compared with a typical mouse, the set values be designated to be suitable for a user, so that the functions can be sufficiently utilized.

[55] Although the tilting detection units 160 according to Figs. 1 and 2 are configured to detect tilting by receiving light reflected from a mouse pad using the optical sensors 162, the tilting may be detected by checking pressure applied to the tilting detection surfaces 21.

[56] Alternatively, the optical sensor 162 of the tilting detection units 160 may be configured to detect the movement of the pointer in the same manner as the optical sensor 152 of the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150. That is, when each of the tilting detection surfaces 21 is tilted to be brought into contact with a mouse pad and then the mouse is moved, the optical sensor 162 detects the movement of the pointer.

[57] Furthermore, the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 may be configured to detect the rotation of the mouse by further including an optical sensor 155 within a predetermined distance to the optical sensor 152. That is, when the mouse is rotated after the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 has been brought into contact with the mouse pad, such rotation is detected using the spaced optical sensors 152 and 155.

[58] The multi-functional mouse according to the first embodiment may be configured to further include a second movement detection unit (not shown) for detecting the movement of the mouse near the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and to, when the function switching button 125 has been pressed, block a signal detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and allow a signal detected by only the second movement detection unit (not shown) to be processed by the control unit 110. When the function switching button 125 has been pressed, the multifunctional mouse constructed as described above may detect the movement of the mouse using the second movement detection unit (not shown) and move a selected object across a screen.

[59] Furthermore, the control unit 110 may be configured to, when the mouse is tilted between the adjoining tilting detection units 160, calculate an inclined direction based on the intensities of detection signals transferred from the adjoining tilting detection units 160 and transfer a signal corresponding to a tilt angle to the computer.

[60] Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view of the lower casing 101 of a multi-functional mouse

100 including an inclined movement detection surface 22 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4(b) is a perspective view of the upper casing 102 thereof. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of a first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and an inclined movement detection unit 180 with the lower casing 101 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the multifunctional mouse according to Figs. 4 and 5 and a computer connected thereto.

[61] The lower casing 101 according to Figs. 4 and 5 includes the curved inclined movement detection surface 22 that adjoins a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 on the basis of a longitudinal border line. Furthermore, the inclined movement detection surface 22 includes the inclined movement detection unit 180 for detecting the movement and tilting of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad.

[62] The inclined movement detection unit 180, as shown in the portion A and B of Fig.

5, includes a second movement detection unit 170 so that light radiated by a light- emitting unit 171 to a mouse pad 500 and then reflected from the mouse pad 500 is received by an optical sensor 172, thereby detecting the movement of the mouse. The inclined movement detection unit 180 includes barrier walls 175 so that reflected light is received by a tilting detection unit 160 only when the inclined movement detection surface 22 is tilted, thereby detecting front, rear, left or right tilting on the basis of the through holes 30. The portion B of Fig. 5 indicates that, when the inclined movement detection surface 22 is tilted on the basis of the through holes 30, reflected light blocked by the barrier walls 175 passes through a passage 166 and is then received by the tilting detection unit 160.

[63] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the multi-functional mouse of Figs. 4 and 5 in a block diagram.

[64] From the construction of Fig. 6, it can be seen that the multi-functional mouse according to the second embodiment includes the inclined movement detection unit 180 including the tilting detection unit 160 and the second movement detection unit 170 for detecting the movement of the mouse in the state in which the second movement detection unit 170 is brought into contact with the inclined movement detection surface 22.

[65] Although the mouse according to Figs. 4 and 5 includes the inclined movement detection surface 22 on the left side of a surface of the lower casing 101, the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 may be formed on the left side of the surface of the lower casing 101, and the inclined movement detection surface 22 may be formed on the right side of the surface of the lower casing 101.

[66] The multi-functional mouse having the above construction may enable a mouse pointer to be moved on a monitor 400 through the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150, may enable other special functions (for example, the movement of a 3D object) to be performed using the second movement detection unit 170, and may enable still other functions (for example, the tilting of a 3D object) to be performed by tilting the inclined movement detection surface 22 front and rear or left and right.

[67] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of the lower casing 101 of a multi-functional mouse

100 including an inclined movement detection surface 22 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of the upper casing 102 thereof. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of a first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and an inclined movement detection unit 180 with the lower casing 101 in Fig. 7.

[68] The lower casing 101 according to Figs. 7 and 8 includes the curved inclined movement detection surface 22 that adjoins a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 on the basis of a border line in a traverse direction. Furthermore, the inclined movement detection surface 22 includes the inclined movement detection unit 180 for detecting the movement and tilt of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad. Furthermore, the positions of the inclined movement detection surface 22 to which the inclined movement detection unit 180 is attached and the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 may be exchanged with each other. [69] Since the inclined movement detection unit 180 may have the same construction and operation as the inclined movement detection unit according to the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. However, since performing switching between tasks by tilting a mouse up and down is easier than performing switching between tasks by tilting the mouse left and right depending on the user or application, it is preferred that the above second and third embodiments be selectively used.

[70] Fig. 9(a) is a perspective view of the lower casing 101 of a multi-functional mouse

100 having one side formed of an inclined movement detection surface 22 to which an inclined movement detection unit 180 is attached according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9(b) is a perspective view of the upper casing 102 thereof. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the combination of detection units 150 and 180 with the lower casing 101 in Fig. 9.

[71] The lower casing 101 shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is configured such that the bottom surface of the mouse is formed as a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 and one side of the mouse is formed as the curved inclined movement detection surface 22.

[72] That is, the mouse according to the fourth embodiment includes a single inclined movement detection surface 22 in the same manner as the mouse according to the second and third embodiments, but differs from the mouse according to the second and third embodiments in that the mouse is set on its side so that the inclined movement detection surface 22 is brought into contact with a mouse pad. Accordingly, a user can use the mouse like the conventional mouse using the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10, and can perform special functions by bringing the inclined movement detection surface 22 into contact with a mouse pad. It is preferred that the inclined movement detection unit 180 be configured to detect a signal only at the moment when it is brought into contact with a mouse pad. Since the inclined movement detection unit 180 may be configured in the same manner as the inclined movement detection unit according to the second and third embodiments, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[73] The mouse may further include manipulation input units 121 on the surface of the upper casing 102 opposite the inclined movement detection surface 22. That is, a variety of setting tasks can be performed using the inclined movement detection unit 180 and the manipulation input units 121 by setting the mouse on its side.

[74] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-functional mouse including, in the multifunctional mouse according to Figs. 9 and 10, switching keys 122 on a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10. Referring to Fig. 11, when a user uses the mouse in the state in which an inclined movement detection surface 22 is brought into contact with a mouse pad, the user is enabled to switch between tasks by pressing the switching keys 122 formed on one side of the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10. That is, a user may previously designate task setting instructions corresponding to the switching keys 122 using a multi-functional mouse driver program installed in a computer, and may perform a task while moving or tilting a pointer using the inclined movement detection unit 180. Here, the user can perform the task while inputting the set instructions using the switching keys 122. For example, the switching keys 122 may be set so that they select instructions for the control of left and right scrolling, the rotation of a 3D image or the movement of a specific selected image portion across a screen according to the movement of the pointer input to the inclined movement detection unit 180. Although the above-described switching keys 122 may be operated in the same manner as the function switching button 125 of Fig. 1, they may enable a variety of tasks to be performed because they can be constructed using a plurality of keys as shown in Fig. 11.

[75] Since the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 is brought into contact with a mouse pad at normal times, the switching keys 122 should be formed not to project from the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10. That is, a surface on which the plurality of switching keys 122 is formed forms a concaved portion depressed in the inward direction of the mouse compared to the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10, while the switching keys 152 may be formed to project compared to the concaved portion.

[76] Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-functional mouse according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a lower casing 101 including a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10, first tilting detection surfaces 25a and second tilting detection surfaces 25b and detection units 150, 160a and 160b provided in the detection surfaces 10, 25a and 25b are attached to the lower casing 101.

[77] The lower casing 101 of the multi-functional mouse shown in Fig. 11 includes the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 disposed in a central surface; the four first tilting detection surfaces 25a configured to adjoin the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 in front, rear, left and right directions and to form curved surfaces; and the four second tilting detection surfaces 25b configured to adjoin the outer sides of the first tilting detection surfaces 25a, respectively, and to form curved surfaces.

[78] In this case, it is preferred that the first tilting detection surfaces 25a and the second tilting detection surfaces 25b be configured to form curved surfaces ranging from the four sides of the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 to the outer circumference of the lower casing 101. That is, it is preferred that the first tilting detection surfaces 25 a and the second tilting detection surfaces 25b, which are connected to each other, form seamless curved surfaces so that a user can easily tilt the mouse toward the tilting detection surfaces 25a and 25b.

[79] The multi-functional mouse shown in Fig. 12 includes the first tilting detection units

160a for detecting pressure applied to the first tilting detection surfaces 25a and the second tilting detection units 160b for detecting whether a mouse pad is brought into contact with the second tilting detection surfaces 26b.

[80] The second tilting detection units 160b may be configured to perform the same operation as the tilting detection units shown in Figs. 1 to 11, and the first tilting detection units 160a may also have a general construction capable of checking pressure applied when the first tilting detection surfaces 25a are brought into contact with a mouse pad. However, it is preferred that the first tilting detection surfaces 25a include flexible insertion edges 40 along the sides on they adjoin the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 and the second tilting detection surface 25b and the sides on which they adjoin neighboring first tilting detection surfaces 25 so that the applied pressure can be checked.

[81] The multi-functional mouse constructed as described above has a function of inputting predetermined signals by rapidly tilting the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 toward corresponding first tilting detection surfaces 25a while using the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 on a mouse pad. Although the conventional mouse was constructed to include a plurality of function keys in the upper casing in order to provide the function of the first tilting detection surfaces 25a, it is inconvenient in that the function keys must be individually pressed using fingers. However, the multi-functional mouse according to the present invention enables desired preset inputs to be easily performed only through slight tilting. Furthermore, the multi-functional mouse according to the present invention enables some other instructions to be input using the detection units 160b provided in the second tilting detection surfaces 25b, when it is tilted to positions after the first tilting detection surfaces 25 a.

[82] Although the multi-functional mouse shown in Figs. 12 and 13 includes the tilting detection units in two stages in each of the four radial directions, tilting detection units in three or more stages may be provided in each radial direction.

[83] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-functional mouse according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a lower casing 101 includes a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10, first tilting detection surfaces 25a and second tilting detection surfaces 25b and detection units 150, 160a and 160b provided in the detection surfaces 10, 25a and 25b are attached to the lower casing 101. [84] The multi-functional mouse shown in Fig. 13 is operated in the same manner as the multi-functional mouse of Fig. 12, but differs from the multi-functional mouse of Fig. 12 in that the second tilting detection units 160b are formed of sensors that detect pressure in the same manner as the first tilting detection units 160a. Furthermore, since the second tilting detection surfaces 25b include flexible insertion edges 40 on the outer circumferences thereof because the second tilting detection units 160b are attached onto the second tilting detection surfaces 25b.

[85] The multi-functional mouse, which detects tilting in two stages as shown in Fig. 12 or 13, may be configured to detect tilting by using pressure sensors or optical sensors as the detection units 160a and 160b attached to the first and second tilting detection surfaces 25 a and 25b.

[86] The multi-functional mouse constructed as described above may detect the path of the mouse using the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150, and may input eight types of different signals through two- stage tilting in each of the four directions.

[87] Furthermore, a control unit 110 may assign separate code values depending on durations by checking the durations during which the tilting detection surfaces 25 a and 25b are in contact with a mouse pad using the durations of detection signals transferred from the tilting detection units 160a and 160b.

[88] Furthermore, it is preferred that, in the case where a detection signal is received from one of the second tilting detection units 160b within a specific time interval after a detection signal is received from one of the first tilting detection units 160a, the control unit 110 recognize only the detection signal received from the second tilting detection units 160b. The reason for this is that, in a process of tilting the mouse toward the second tilting detection surfaces 25b, the first tilting detection surfaces 25a are temporarily brought into contact with a mouse pad.

[89] Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a lower casing 101 showing another embodiment of the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and the tilting detection units 160.

[90] An optical guide 156 shown in Fig. 14 is attached onto a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10, and includes an optical path 154a to perform guiding so that the light of a light-emitting unit 151 is radiated onto a mouse pad 500 and light reflected from the mouse pad 500 reaches a surface opposite a surface in contact with the mouse pad 500. Furthermore, a through hole 30a formed through the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 is formed to be suitable for the size of the optical path 154a. Optical guides 163 in which optical paths 164 are formed are attached above the through holes 30 of the lateral direction tilting detection surfaces 21 so that reflected light reaches optical sensors 162 through the through holes 30 as the mouse is tilted. It is preferred that the optical path 154a have a conical shape because reflected light must selectively enter the optical path 154a through the through hole 30 of one of the tilting detection surfaces 21 through the tilting of the mouse. Furthermore, an optical sensor 152 provided on the top of one side of the optical path 154a can detect the path of light when the first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 is brought into contact with a mouse pad.

[91] The tilting detection units 160 detects light that is incident on and reflected from the mouse pad 500 through the center through hole 30a and enters through the through hole 30 of a tilting detection surface 21, so that tilting is detected by the tilting detection unit 160 disposed in a direction opposite a tilting direction. Accordingly, it is preferred that a control unit 110 be configured to determine a mouse tilting direction depending on a detection signal transferred from the optical sensor 162 disposed in a direction opposite the mouse tilting direction.

[92] Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a lower casing 101 showing still another embodiment of the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 and the tilting detection units 160.

[93] The lower casing 101 of a multi-functional mouse shown in Fig. 14 includes a reflection plate 50 for controlling the reflection path of the light of a light-emitting unit 151 depending on the tilting of the mouse. That is, the lower casing 101 includes barrier walls 101a therein so that, in the state in which the lower casing 101 is not tilted, the light of the light-emitting unit 151 does not reach the tilting detection units 160. Fig. 15 (a) is a sectional view of the lower casing 101 in the state in which the mouse is not tilted. In this drawing, the light of the light-emitting unit 151 is incident on and reflected from a mouse pad 500 through a through hole 51 formed at the center of the reflection plate 50 and then reaches an optical sensor 152 disposed on the side of the light-emitting unit 151. The optical sensor 152 detects the reflected light, and outputs a detection signal based on the movement of a mouse pointer.

[94] Fig. 15(b) is a sectional view of the lower casing 101 in the state in which the mouse is tilted. In this case, the reflection plate 50 is not tilted. The light of the light-emitting unit 151 is radiated onto the reflection plate 50, is reflected through the gap between the barrier walls 101a and the reflection plate 50, and then reaches the tilting detection unit 160 provided on an inner side of a tilting detection surface 20 in a direction opposite the tilting direction. Accordingly, the tilting detection unit 160 formed of an optical sensor detects the tilting of the mouse based on the reflected light.

[95] When the mouse is tilted, light also reaches the optical sensor 152 of the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150. Accordingly, it is preferred that the control unit 110 of the mouse prefers selecting and processing a signal detected by the tilting detection unit 160 to selecting and processing a signal detected by the optical sensor 152.

[96] Pressing detection units 190 capable of detecting pressure applied by the reflection plate 50 when the mouse is pressed may be provided at portions of the barrier walls 101a adjacent to the reflection plate 50.

[97] Furthermore, it is preferred that the reflection plate 50 be connected to the lower casing 101 by an elastic body (not shown). That is, the elastic body prevents the reflection plate 50 from being separated from the lower casing 101 and returns the tilted mouse to its original position when a user removes his hand from the mouse.

[98] Fig. 16 shows a multi-functional mouse according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a lower casing 101 includes eight tilting detection surfaces 21a that adjoin the outer circumference of a first mouse pointer movement detection surface 10 disposed at the center of the lower casing 101 and are formed of curved surfaces respectively provided in the equally divided eight ranges of angles. Furthermore, tilting detection units 160 and 160c for detecting the tilting of the mouse are provided inside the eight tilting detection surfaces 21a, respectively. The tilting detection units 160 and 160c are configured such that the tilting detection units 160 formed of optical sensors alternate with the tilting detection units 160c formed of pressure sensors. Furthermore, the tilting detection units 160 formed of the optical sensors may be formed of the second movement detection units 170 of Figs. 4 to 10 for detecting the movement of the mouse. The lower casing 101 is not limited to the eight equally divided detection surfaces 21a, but four or more equally divided detection surfaces 21a may be formed in the lower casing 101. Furthermore, tilting detection units provided on the equally divided detection surfaces 21a may be formed of optical sensors, laser sensors, push switches or pressure sensors.

[99] Fig. 17 is a multi-functional mouse according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The tilt movement detection surfaces 22a of the multi-functional mouse are identical to the tilting detection surfaces 22 of Fig. 4, but respectively include tilting detection units 160 inside the tilting detection surfaces in front, rear, left and right directions around a second movement detection unit 170 attached to the center. That is, the second movement detection unit 170 and tilting detection units 160 of the inclined movement detection unit 180 of Fig. 4 are separated from each other, and four tilting detection units 160 are disposed inside curved and inclined detection surfaces 22a around the second movement detection unit 170 disposed at the center.

[100] The tilting detection units 160 shown in Fig. 17(b) are integrated with the second movement detection unit 170. The light of the light-emitting unit 151, which is guided to an optical path 174, is incident on and reflected from a mouse pad through through holes 30 and 31, and is then detected by the tilting detection units 160 or optical sensor 172 of the second movement detection unit.

[101] Fig. 18 is a multi-functional mouse according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The tilt movement detection surfaces 22a of the multi-functional mouse are identical to the inclined movement detection surfaces of Fig. 7. Since a second movement detection unit 170 and tilting detection units 160 provided inside the inclined movement detection surfaces 22a may be configured in the same manner as shown in Fig. 17, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[102] Fig. 19 is a multi-functional mouse according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Since the tilt movement detection surfaces 22a of the multi-functional mouse are identical to the inclined movement detection surfaces of Fig. 11 and a second movement detection unit 170 and tilting detection units 160 provided inside the inclined movement detection surfaces 22a may be configured in the same manner as in Figs. 17 and 18, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[103] From the multi-functional mice of Figs. 17 to 19, it can be seen that the tilting detection surfaces 22a are formed to include the tilting detection units 160 in four directions around the second movement detection unit 170. That is, a user can make a designated input using the second movement detection unit 17 while tilting the mouse toward the tilting detection surfaces 22a and moving the mouse and, in the meantime, can makes another designated input by tilting the mouse toward one of the tilting detection units 160 disposed inside the tilting detection surfaces 22a.

[104] It is preferred that the second movement detection unit 170 be configured to detect the movement of the pointer as shown in Figs. 4 to 11. A user may perform a moving task, different from that of a first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150, through the second movement detection unit 170 by moving the mouse on a mouse pad, and also makes instruction key inputs, such as another button operation, using the tilting detection units 160.

[105] Fig. 20 shows a multi-functional mouse according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a first function button 123 and a second function button 124 are provided on one side of any one of the multi-functional mice of Figs. 1 to 19. Each of the function buttons 123 and 124 are constructed to perform respective instructions in response to an upper input 123-1 or 124-1 and a lower input 123-2 or 124-2.

[106] The mouse constructed as described above may perform a variety of special instructions using the first function button 123 and the second function button 124, for example, enlargement/reduction instructions using the first function button 123 and an object rotation instruction on a 2D flat screen using the second function button 124.

[107] Fig. 21 is a side view of a multi-functional mouse according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 21 (a) is a side view of the mouse in the state in which an upper casing 102 is not tilted, and Fig. 21(b) is a side view of the mouse in the state in which the upper casing 102 is tilted rearward.

[108] The multi-functional mouse shown in Fig. 21 is constructed to have a structure in which the upper casing 102 is supported on a stick unit 104 protruding at the center of a lower support plate 103 having a predetermined width. The upper casing 102 is movably supported by the stick unit 104 so that it is tilted in a radial direction, and is also constructed to detect tilting in respective directions using sensors. Since the construction in which the upper casing 102 is coupled to the stick unit 104 and detects tilting using the sensors may be realized using the typical construction of a joystick, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[109] Furthermore, in order to detect movement based on the movement of the mouse on a mouse pad 500,the multi-functional mouse including the upper casing 102 and the lower support plate 103 may have through holes (not shown) formed in the lower support plate 103, and include first mouse pointer movement detection units 150 on the portions of the bottom surface of the upper casing 102 immediately above the through holes (not shown) or include the first mouse pointer movement detection units 150 on the lower support plate 103.

[110] Furthermore, the multi-functional mouse may be configured such that the upper casing 102 is fastened to the stick unit 104 and the lower support plate 103 is movably attached to the stick unit 104. That is, the multi-functional mouse may be configured such that the stick unit 104 is tilted depending on the tilting of the upper casing 102, but sensors (not shown) for detecting the tilting are disposed on portions where the stick unit 104 and the lower support plate 103 are coupled to each other.

[I l l] In the multi-functional mice according to the above-described first to twelfth embodiments, the first mouse pointer movement detection units 150 or the second movement detection units 170 may be formed of optical sensors or laser sensors to detect the movement of the pointer.

[112] Furthermore, the multi-functional mice according to the second to twelfth embodiments may further include the function switching button 125 of the first embodiment.

[113] Figs. 22 to 25 are diagrams showing examples of the screens of a typical 3D drawing design program.

[114] In detail, Fig. 22 is a screen showing an object 7-1 that is obtained by rotating an original object 6 in a 3D manner, Fig. 23 is a screen showing an object 7-2 that is obtained by translating the original object 6, Fig. 24 is a screen showing an object 7-3 that is obtained by rotating the original object 6 in a 2D plane, and Fig. 25 is a screen showing an object 7-4 that is obtained by reducing the original object 6.

[115] Each of the screens of Figs. 22 to 25 includes a file menu 1, a feature tool collection 2, a rotating icon 3, a screen moving icon 4, and a sketch tool collection 5. The tools 1 to 5 are tools that are frequently used when 3D drawings are created using a program, and are generally arranged on one side of a screen in the form of shortcut icons, as shown in Figs. 22 to 25. That is, a corresponding tool is executed by selecting a shortcut icon, as shown in the screen, rather than moving a mouse and selecting the corresponding tool from the file menu 1. However, this method has also the inconvenience of, after moving a mouse to a corresponding icon and selecting a corresponding icon, returning the mouse to a task position and then performing a previous task.

[116] Accordingly, the fact that a drawing task can be performed by easily selecting the tools 2 to 5 using the multi-functional mouse according to the present invention is described below with reference to an embodiment. Furthermore, in the following embodiment, a description is given using the multi-functional mouse of the first embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3, including the first function button 123 and the second function button 124 of Fig. 20.

[117] The following Table 1 shows an example in which, in the multi-functional mouse according to the embodiments of Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 20, when the mouse is moved in the state in which the function switching button 125 has been pressed, a signal detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 is made to correspond to an instruction for moving a selected object, a signal detected by the tilting detection units 160 is made to correspond to an instruction for rotating a selected object, a signal input by the first function button 123 is made to correspond to an enlargement/reduction instruction, and the second function button 124 is made to correspond to an instruction for rotating an object across the plane of the screen. Furthermore, a program must be set so that the instructions are executed in response to the respective signals.

[118] Table 1

[Table 1] [Table ]

[119] As in the Table 1, signals input to the mouse through the manipulation of a user are transferred to the computer 200 in the form of code data xl to xl5. The computer 200 performs functions corresponding to the received code data xl to xl5. In this case, function execution instructions corresponding to the code data xl to xl5 are included in a mouse driver program loaded on the computer 200. It is also preferred that instructions included in the mouse driver program be set by a user.

[120] In the Table 1, code data corresponding to the movement of the mouse that is detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 when the function switching button 125 has been pressed and when the function switching button 125 has not been pressed includes x4 and x5 or x6 and x7. x4 and x5 denote the movement values of a mouse pointer in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and x6 and x7 denote the movement values of a selected object in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[121] The computer in which the mouse driver program is installed executes a corresponding instruction in response to a code data signal transferred from the mouse, as described above, and the user of the mouse user can rapidly execute the instruction while minimizing the movement of a mouse point when creating a drawing.

[122] That is, the user performs a typical mouse pointer movement task using the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 in the state in which the function switching button 125 has not been pressed.

[123] Furthermore, the user performs a 3D graphics task while moving a 3D object through the first mouse pointer movement detection unit 150 in the state in which the function switching button 125 has been pressed (see Fig. 23). Fig. 23 shows a state in which the original object 6 has moved to the object 7-2 by moving the mouse rightward in the state in which the function switching button 125 has been pressed.

[124] Furthermore, an object on a screen can be rotated in the state in which the object is inclined by tilting the mouse front and rear or left and right (see Fig. 22). Fig. 22 shows the object 7-1 that is obtained by rotating the original object 6 through the tilting of the mouse in a forward direction.

[125] Furthermore, an object can be enlarged or reduced by selectively pressing two buttons 123-1 and 123-2 of the first function button 123 (see Fig. 25). Fig. 25 shows a state in which, when the two buttons 123-1 and 123-2 are set to an enlargement button 123-1 and a reduction button 123-2, respectively, the original object 6 has reduced to the object 7-4 by pressing the reduction button 123-2.

[126] Furthermore, an object on a screen can be rotated in a plane (that is, rotated in a 2D manner) by selectively pressing two buttons 124-1 and 124-2 of the second function button 124 (see Fig. 24). Fig. 24 shows a state in which, when the two buttons 124-1 and 124-2 are set to a right rotation 124-1 and a left rotation 124-2, respectively, the object 7-3 is obtained by rotating the original object 6 in a 2D plane through the pressing of the right rotation button 124-1.

[127] Although Figs. 22 to 25 show examples in which the multi-functional mouse according to the first embodiment, including the function buttons 123 and 124 of the eleventh embodiment, is applied to a program, the multi-functional mouse may also be applied to the multi-functional mice according to the second to tenth embodiments. For example, the multi-functional mice according to the second and eleventh embodiments can be set in a driver program such that it performs the object movement of Fig. 23 using the second movement detection unit 170 and the 3D object rotation of Fig. 22 using the tilting detection units 160, thereby executing the instructions of Figs. 22 and 23. In this case, Figs. 24 and 25 may be implemented using the function buttons 123 and 124, so that a description thereof is omitted here.

[128] Accordingly, in order to perform 3D movement and directional tilting instructions, a user can rapidly execute desired instructions only by simply manipulating a mouse without selecting additional shortcut key inputs or shortcut icons.

[129] Although the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described in order to illustrate the technical spirit of the present invention, the present invention is not limited only to the construction and operation identical to those of the specific embodiments, but various modifications may be implemented within the range that does not depart from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, those modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined based on the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A multi-functional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse comprising: a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse in a radial direction; a lower casing (101) disposed such that a surface on which the tilting detection unit (160) is disposed forms a predetermined inclination with a surface on which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed, thus being inclined in a radial direction; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[2] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 1, wherein the tilting detection unit (160) comprises a plurality of tilting detection units (160) radially arranged around the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) at a center of the lower casing (101).

[3] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 2, wherein the tilting detection units (160) are provided in multiple stages so that different inputs can be made depending on extent of tilting.

[4] A multi-functional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse comprising: a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; an inclined movement detection unit (180) comprising a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad and a second movement detection unit (170) for detecting movement of the mouse; a lower casing (101) disposed such that a surface on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclination with a surface on which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding transfer signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the second movement detection unit

(170), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[5] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 4, wherein the inclined movement detection unit (180) is attached to the lower casing (101) so that the inclined movement detection unit (180) can be disposed in any one of front, rear, left and right directions around a portion of the lower casing (101) in which the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is disposed.

[6] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 5, wherein: the inclined movement detection unit (180) is configured such that that a plurality of the tilting detection units (160) is disposed in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170), and a surface of a portion of the lower casing (101) on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclined or hemispherical shape in a direction of the tilting detection units (160) so that the surface of the lower casing (101) enables tilting in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170).

[7] A multi-functional mouse (100) having a plurality of sensors for detecting movement of the mouse, the mouse comprising: a first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) for detecting pointer movement of the mouse; an inclined movement detection unit (180) comprising a tilting detection unit (160) for detecting tilting of the mouse when the mouse is brought into contact with a mouse pad and a second movement detection unit (170) for detecting movement of the mouse; a lower casing (101) comprising a bottom surface and one side of the mouse, wherein the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) is attached to the bottom surface, and the inclined movement detection unit (180) comprising the tilting detection unit (160) and the second movement detection unit (170) is attached to the one side; an upper casing (102) equipped with manipulation input units (120) for receiving manipulation signals from a user; an interface unit (130) for transferring signals to a computer; and a control unit (110) for enabling corresponding transfer signals to be transferred through the interface unit (130) in response to signals detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), the second movement detection unit (170), the tilting detection unit (160) and the manipulation input units (120).

[8] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 7, wherein: the inclined movement detection unit (180) is configured such that that a plurality of the tilting detection units (160) is disposed in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170), and a surface of a portion of the lower casing (101) on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is disposed forms a predetermined inclined or hemispherical shape in a direction of the tilting detection units (160) so that the surface of the lower casing (101) enables tilting in radial directions around the second movement detection unit (170).

[9] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 8, wherein the one side of the mouse on which the inclined movement detection unit (180) is provided is disposed in any one of front, rear, left and right directions around the bottom surface of the mouse.

[10] The multi-functional mouse according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a function switching button (125) for enabling the control unit (110) to output another transfer signal in response to a signal detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150), wherein a signal that is detected by the first mouse pointer movement detection unit (150) after the function switching button (125) has been pressed is configured to correspond to an instruction to move a 3D object image.

[11] The multi-functional mouse according to claim 10, wherein the tilting detection unit (160) comprises any one of an optical sensor, a laser sensor, a push switch and a pressure sensor.