WO2010002081A1

WO2010002081A1 - Pointing device of hemisphere shape using photoelectric element

Info

Publication number: WO2010002081A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/007695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang Seop Han
Original assignee: Chang Seop Han
Priority date: 2008-06-29
Filing date: 2008-12-25
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: KR100906571B1; KR20080072803A

Abstract

The present invention provides a pointing device having a hemispheric operat ion portion and a photoelectric sensor, which comprising : a hemispheric operation portion which controls the quantity of Iight passing through a hole in accordance with its direction; at least one light emitting source that is located inside of the hemispheric operation port ion; a center piIlar and a center f ixing port ion that Iimits the movement of the center of the hemispheric operation portion; a light sensing guide portion located outside of the hemispheric operation portion which guides the movement of the hemispheric operation portion in an arc or a curvature; and, at least two photoeIectr ic sensors which are located in the Iight sensing guide portion and which detect the quantity of light passing through that is controlled by the hemispheric operation portion.

Description

POINTING DEVICE OF HEMISPHERICAL SHAPE USING PHOTOELECTRIC ELEMENT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a hemispherical pointing device using photoelectric elements, and more particularly, to a pointing device, including a hemispherical manipulation unit that permits a vertically variable amount of light passing therethrough, at least one light-emitting element disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit, a center pillar and a center fixture unit limiting movement of the center of the hemispherical manipulation unit, and an optical detection guide unit disposed on an upper side of the hemispherical manipulation unit and configured to detect the amount of light and correctly guide movement of an arc shape of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[2]

Background Art

[3] Today, things having a similar configuration are as follows.

[4] L A mouse device (FIG. 8)

[5] 2. A touchpad mouse device (FIG. 9)

[6] 3. A joystick (FIG. 10)

[7] There are a variety of existing pointing devices which can calculate two-dimensional direction vectors of an analog method. The pointing device of the present invention can replace the above devices and may be fabricated at a lower cost. The present invention provides an improved pointing device that can be manipulated conveniently when being fabricated in a small size.

[8]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hemispherical pointing device using photoelectric elements, and more particularly, to a pointing device, including a hemispherical manipulation unit that permits a vertically variable amount of light passing therethrough, at least one light-emitting element is disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit, a center pillar and a center fixture unit limiting movement of the center of the hemispherical manipulation unit, and an optical detection guide unit disposed on an upper side of the hemispherical manipulation unit and configured to detect the amount of light and correctly guide movement of an arc shape of the hemispherical manipulation unit. [10]

Technical Solution

[11] To achieve the above object, a hemispherical pointing device of the present invention includes a lower plate in which at least one light-emitting element and a center fixture unit of a hemispherical manipulation unit (FIGS. 2 and 3) are installed, and an upper plate having a circular hole through which a central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit can project upwardly and having an optical detection guide unit disposed on its lower side, wherein at least one light-emitting element is disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit (FIGS. 1 and 7<4>) and is supplied with power so that it output light having a specific intensity at a fixed position.

[12] Furthermore, the hemispherical manipulation unit is placed on a center fixture unit.

In coupling between the center fixture unit and the hemispherical manipulation unit's center pillar, one of the center fixture unit and the hemispherical manipulation unit's center pillar has an embossed hemispherical end portion, and the other thereof is brought in contact with the embossed hemispherical end portion in the form of an engraved hemispherical end portion (FIG. 14), so will be able to manipulate the hemispherical manipulation unit little more softly.

[13] Furthermore, the hemispherical manipulation unit may include at least two holes each having a vertically variable area, at least one lense having a vertically different light transmittance , or at least one window dyed to have a vertically different light transmittance(FIG. 15) such that the amount of light, passing vertically to the hemispherical manipulation unit, can change depending on the manipulation of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[14] Furthermore, the hemispherical manipulation unit is spaced apart from the lower plate at a manipulating operation distance, which is adjustably installed according to uses (Z of FIG. 1), and the hemispherical manipulation unit is brought in contact with the optical detection guide unit around the center fixture unit. Accordingly, the hemispherical manipulation unit can move curvilinear forms in arc form and make clear a variation in the amount of passing light when it is manipulated.

[15] Furthermore, at least one elastic member or at least one restoring spring is disposed between the hemispherical manipulation unit and the lower plate so that the hemispherical manipulation unit can return to an equilibrium position after it is manipulated (FIG. 5).

[16] Furthermore, in order to fix the elastic member or the spring, prevent the rotating movement of the hemispherical manipulation unit, and fix the optical detection guide unit, at least one post (R of FIG. 5) for preventing rotating movement is disposed in the lower plate, at least one fixture hole (U of FIG. 4) is formed in the optical detection guide unit, and at least one post guide hole (O of FIG. 2) for preventing the rotating movement is formed in the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[17] Furthermore, the optical detection guide unit (FIG. 4) has a circular hole having a diameter smaller than that of the hemispherical manipulation unit in order for the hemispherical manipulation unit to project. Further, an inner surface of the optical detection guide unit, which is disposed over the hemispherical manipulation unit and brought in contact with the hemispherical manipulation unit, has a curved surface so that it can be closely adhered to the hemispherical manipulation unit. Further, two light passages, each having a horizontally short arced gate(W of FIG. 7), are disposed at a right angle, to the center, to the closely adhered surface of the optical detection guide unit, at least one light reception element is disposed within each of light passages, thereby being capable of calculating two-dimensional vector by detecting the amount of light passing in an X axis and a Y axis.

[18] In addition, in order to prevent alien substance, from the manipulation unit of the upper plate, from being cut in a light passing portions and generating failure or malfunction, foreign substance discharge grooves are formed around the light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit, so that alien substance can be discharged toward the lower plate.

[19] Further, windows through which light can pass are formed at respective light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit and the gate of respective light passages of the optical detection guide unit in order to prevent alien substance from entering the light passages. Respective light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit and respective light passages's gate of the optical detection guide unit are spaced apart from each other at a specific interval in order to prevent friction therebetween.

[20] Further, the circular projection unit (V of FIG. 4) at the top surface of the optical detection guide unit is inserted into the circular hole of the upper plate. The light- emitting element is fixed by a support (Y of FIG. 7) at a specific height from the lower plate in order to prevent the light-emitting element from moving when it is disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[21] Further, a rubber pad may be added to the central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit in order to prevent sliding, or a stick type manipulation unit (FIG. 6) may be disposed on the central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit in order to help manipulation.

Advantageous Effects

[22] The present invention relates to a hemispherical pointing device using photoelectric elements, and more particularly, to a pointing device, including a hemispherical manipulation unit that permits a vertically variable amount of light passing therethrough , at least one light-emitting element disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit, a center pillar and a center fixture unit limiting movement of the center of the hemispherical manipulation unit, and an optical detection guide unit disposed on an upper side of the hemispherical manipulation unit and configured to detect the amount of light and correctly guide movement of an arc shape of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[23] The hemispherical manipulation unit constructed as described above enables ergonomic curved motion manipulation at a fixed position and can move without being fixed. Accordingly, malfunction can be prevented because a user can correctly recognize an operation of the hemispherical pointing device. Further, the hemispherical pointing device of the present invention can calculate analog two-dimensional direction vectors accurately by detecting the amount of light. Further, if the pointing device is fabricated in a small size, a user can simply manipulate the pointing device using only one finger. Moreover, the pointing device of the present invention has a fast response speed because it has a short movement distance as compared with an existing joystick device, does not need a wide flat surface for movement as compared with an existing mouse device, and can perform a correct operation by recognizing a user behavior correctly as compared with an existing touchpad mouse device. Accordingly, the hemispherical pointing device of the present invention can be installed in a variety of small-sized terminal devices.

[24]

Brief Description of Drawings

[25] Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[26] FIG. 1 is a lateral sectional view showing an overall configuration of a hemispherical pointing device (including other components);

[27] FIG. 2 is a top view of a hemispherical manipulation unit;

[28] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the hemispherical manipulation unit;

[29] FIG. 4 is a top and bottom views of an optical detection guide unit;

[30] FIG. 5<1> is an exemplary view showing restoring springs disposed between the hemispherical manipulation unit and a lower plate, and FIG. 5<2> is an exemplary view showing elastic members disposed between the hemispherical manipulation unit and the lower plate;

[31] FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing that a stick type manipulation unit is attached to the top of the hemispherical manipulation unit;

[32] FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing a change in the amount of passing light depending on the manipulation of the hemispherical manipulation unit;

[33]

[34] FIG. 8 shows an existing mouse device;

[35] FIG. 9 shows an existing touchpad mouse device;

[36] FIG. 10 shows an existing joystick device;

[37] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the hemispherical pointing device is disposed in a mobile phone;

[38] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the hemispherical pointing device replaces a touchpad mouse device;

[39] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the hemispherical pointing device replaces a joystick device.

[40] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing that a center fixture unit and the hemispherical manipulation unit's center pillar are coupled;

[41] FIG. 15 is an exemplary view showing a light passing portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit, wherein <1> shows that a hole having a vertically variable area is disposed, <2> shows that a lense having a vertically different light transmittance is disposed, and <3> shows that a window dyed to have a vertically different light transmittance is disposed;

[42]

[43] <Description of reference numerals of principal elements in the drawings>

[44] A: rubber pad for slide prevention

[45] B: hemispherical manipulation unit

[46] C: center fixture unit

[47] D: upper plate

[48]

[49] E: lower plate

[50] F: a restoring spring or an elastic member

[51] G: optical detection guide unit

[52] H: hole (of the hemispherical manipulation unit) having a vertically variable area

[53] I: light reception element

[54] J: foreign substance discharge grooves

[55] K: light-emitting element

[56] L: pillar disposed at the center of the hemispherical manipulation unit

[57] M: light passages

[58] N: a post for preventing rotating movement, disposed in the lower plate (disposed at specific intervals) [59] O: a post guide hole (of the hemispherical manipulation unit) for preventing rotating movement

[60] P: foreign substance discharge grooves (hole: penetrated toward the lower plate)

[61] Q: surface (having a curved surface shape), which is brought in contact with the hemispherical manipulation unit of the optical detection guide unit

[62] R: a post for preventing rotating movement, disposed in the lower plate

[63] S: a restoring spring

[64] T: an elastic member

[65] U: fixture hole of the optical detection guide unit (into which the post for preventing rotating movement are put)

[66] V: circular projection unit of a top surface of the optical detection guide unit

[67] W: horizontally short arced gate of light passage

[68] Y: support for installing the light-emitting element

[69] Z: manipulating operation distance

[70]

Mode for the Invention

[71] The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[72] The present invention relates to a hemispherical pointing device using photoelectric elements. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pointing device, including a hemispherical manipulation unit that permits a vertically variable amount of light passing therethrough, at least one light-emitting element disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit, a center pillar and a center fixture unit limiting movement of the center of the hemispherical manipulation unit, and an optical detection guide unit disposed on an upper side of the hemispherical manipulation unit and configured to detect the amount of light and correctly guide movement of an arc shape of the hemispherical manipulation unit. A more detailed description necessary to implement the pointing device is given below.

[73] If central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit is manipulated, the amount of respective light detected by the two light reception elements of the optical detection guide unit is changed. For example, a change in the amount of light detected by one of the two light reception elements is described below.

[74] <4> of FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a top surface of the hemispherical manipulation unit and shows an internal construction of the light-emitting element.

[75] <1> of FIG. 7 shows an operation of the hemispherical manipulation unit in an equilibrium state (the amount of passing light is middle)

[76] <2> of FIG. 7 shows an operation of the hemispherical manipulation unit in a falling state (the amount of passing light is great) [77] <3> of FIG. 7 shows an operation of the hemispherical manipulation unit in a rising state (the amount of passing light is small) [78] In this case, a microprocessor, an AD converter, etc. may be used to detect the amount of light, received by the light reception elements, as an electrical value, to digitize the electrical value by perform AD conversion of the electrical value [79]

Present Value of the amount of light passing (PvL) Value of the amount of light passing from equilibrium CvLE) Declination of the amount of light (Ld)

PvL - vLE = Ld

< - ~ Ld ~ + >

[80] ,and decide the sign and the magnitude of a directional vector in one of the two axes

(X axis and Y axis) using upper formula. The two light reception elements may be used to calculated two-dimensional direction vectors of the two axes (X axis and Y axis).

[81] Does generating direction-information which is necessary to actual operation using two-dimensional direction vectors, and the direction-information is output to external equipment through data communication.

[82] In addition, in the basic operating method, an instant change value in the amount of light can be further calculated. Accordingly, different software operations may be implemented depending on when the calculated instant change value in the amount of light is great (fast operation) and when the calculated instant change value in the amount of light is small (slow operation).

[83]

Industrial Applicability

[84] 1. Embodiment in which the hemispherical pointing device is disposed in a mobile phone (FIG. 11).

[85] 2. Embodiment in which a touchpad mouse device is replaced with the hemispherical pointing device (FIG. 12).

[86] 3. Embodiment in which a joystick device is replaced with the hemispherical pointing device (FIG. 13).

Claims

[1] A pointing device (FIG. 1), comprising: a lower plate in which at least one light-emitting element and a center fixture unit of a hemispherical manipulation unit are disposed; at least one light-emitting element disposed within the hemispherical manipulation unit; a center pillar and a center fixture unit for limiting movement of a center of the hemispherical manipulation unit; the hemispherical manipulation unit disposed between an optical detection guide unit and its center fixture unit and configured to permit a vertically variable amount of light passing therethrough; and the optical detection guide unit disposed on an upper side of the hemispherical manipulation unit and configured to detect an amount of light using at least two light reception elements (I of FIG. 4).

[2] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hemispherical manipulation unit is spaced apart from the lower plate at a manipulating operation distance (Z of FIG. 1).

[3] The pointing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one elastic member

(FIG. 5<2>) is disposed between the hemispherical manipulation unit and the lower plate.

[4] The pointing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one restoring spring

(FIG. 5<1>) is disposed between the hemispherical manipulation unit and the lower plate.

[5] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a circular projection unit (V of FIG. 4) at a top surface of the optical detection guide unit is inserted into a circular hole of the upper plate.

[6] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two holes (FIG.

15<1>), having a vertically variable area, are formed to the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[7] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one lense (FIG.

15<2>), having a vertically different light transmittance, is disposed to the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[8] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one window (FIG.

15<3>), dyed to have a vertically different light transmittance, is disposed to the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[9] The pointing device as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7, and 8, wherein foreign substance discharge grooves (J of FIG. 1) are disposed around the light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[10] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein two light passages(the gate) are disposed in the optical detection guide unit at a right angle to the center (FIG.

4).

[11] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a surface brought in contact with the hemispherical manipulation unit of the optical detection guide unit has a curved surface shape.

[12] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein respective light passages (M of FIG. 1) is formed in the optical detection guide unit between respective light reception elements and the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[13] The pointing device as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the light passages has a horizontally short arced gate (W of FIG. 7).

[14] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: one of both portions in which the center fixture unit is brought in contact with the hemispherical manipulation unit's center pillar has an embossed hemispherical end portion shape, and the other of the both portions in which the center fixture unit is brought in contact with the hemispherical manipulation unit's center pillar has an engraved hemispherical end portion shape (FIG. 14).

[15] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rubber pad (A of FIG. 2) for slide prevention is adhered to the central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[16] The pointing device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein: at least one post (R of FIG. 5) for preventing rotating movement is disposed in the lower plate, at least one fixture hole (U of FIG. 4) is formed in the optical detection guide unit, and at least one post guide hole (O of FIG. 2) for preventing rotating movement is formed in the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[17] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stick type manipulation unit

(FIG. 6) is adhered to the central convex portion of the hemispherical manipulation unit.

[18] The pointing device as claimed in any one of claim 6, 7, and 8, wherein respective light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit is spaced apart from respective light passage's gates of the optical detection guide unit at a specific interval in order to prevent friction therebetween.

[19] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is fixed by a support (Y of FIG. 7) when the light-emitting element is installed. [20] The pointing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein windows configured to prevent alien substance and having light pass therethrough are disposed in respective light passing portions of the hemispherical manipulation unit and respective light passage's gates of the optical detection guide unit.