JP5001023B2 - Pointing device and signal processing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pointing device and a signal processing method thereof, and more particularly to a pointing device used as input means for a personal computer, a mobile phone, etc. and a signal processing method thereof.

  As represented by a magnetic detection type pointing device, a pointing device is generally one in which an operation unit including a magnet is moved and a movement amount of the operation unit is detected by a magnetic sensor such as a hall sensor. Such a pointing device is used as an effective input means for moving a cursor or the like in a state close to a human sense (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, such a pointing device is generally provided with a dead zone (a range in which the target does not respond to the input signal) in order to prevent malfunction due to an offset signal of a magnetic sensor or the like or an assembly error of a mechanism part (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

  In recent years, with the downsizing / thinning of electronic devices such as digital home appliances, the demand for downsizing / thinning of pointing devices is increasing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-287991 JP 2005-284443 A

  However, if the mechanism of the magnetic detection type pointing device is reduced in size and thickness, the size of the magnet and the arrangement relationship between the magnet and the magnetic sensor are limited, and an appropriate sensor output cannot be obtained, leading to a decrease in operational feeling. It is regarded as a problem.

  In addition, in a magnetic detection type pointing device that has been reduced in size and thickness, the dead zone setting and signal processing methods such as those in the past may cause the movement to deteriorate only in a predetermined direction, and the sensor output may have a predetermined value (threshold value). It is also regarded as a problem that the operation feeling is lowered, for example, the operation object moves greatly at the moment of exceeding.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pointing device and a signal processing method thereof that achieve a smaller size and a thinner thickness than those in the past and have a high operational feeling. It is to provide.

The present invention has been made to achieve such an object, and the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a swingable operation member having a magnet and movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction. In a pointing device having a sensor unit to detect, a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the sensor output of the sensor unit, and an output control unit that outputs a result of signal processing of the signal processing unit, the signal processing unit includes: Sensor output reading means for reading the sensor output of the sensor unit that is output by detecting the movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction, a predetermined value on the X-axis set by an external input , and a predetermined value on the Y-axis Corresponding to a value and a predetermined movement in the X-axis direction of the operation member, corresponding to a sensor output in the X-axis direction output from the sensor output reading means and a predetermined movement in the Y-axis direction of the operation member and, wherein the sensor Based on the sensor output of the Y-axis direction outputted from the force reading means, a threshold determining means for determining a threshold for each of the sensor outputs of the X-axis direction of the sensor output and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit, the When the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is smaller than the absolute value of the threshold value, the sensor output of the sensor unit is set to zero, and when the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is larger than the absolute value of the threshold value, Sensor conversion means for converting the sensor output of the sensor unit based on the sum or difference of the sensor output and the threshold value is provided.

Further, the invention according to claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the positive direction of the predetermined value on the X axis X0, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y-axis Y0, the respective sensor output of the sensor unit corresponding to a predetermined movement to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the operation member when the X1, Y1, the threshold for the X1, on the X-Y plane and of the circle of radius X0 around the origin (0, 0), the value of X-coordinate of the intersection between the origin (0,0) and connecting a point (X1, Y1) straight, the threshold for the Y1 and that the center on the the X-Y plane is set to a value of Y coordinate of the intersection of the circle of radius Y0 at the origin (0,0), and connecting it straight to the said origin point (X1, Y1) It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the X axis is X4, The predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the Y axis is Y4, and corresponds to the predetermined movement of the operating member in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. wherein each of the sensor output of the sensor unit when the X1, Y1, wherein the threshold for each of X1 and the Y1, a line connecting a point (X0,0) points (0, Y0), or the points A straight line connecting (0, Y0) and point (X4,0), or a straight line connecting point (X4,0) and point (0, Y4), or point (0, Y4) and point (X1,0) X-coordinate and Y-coordinate values of the intersection of one of the straight lines connecting the origin and the straight line connecting the origin (0, 0) and the point (X1, Y1) Characterized in that it.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the output control unit sets a movement amount or a movement speed of the operation target according to a sensor output of the sensor unit. It is characterized by changing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least the operation member is moved in a predetermined direction, the movement of the operation member in the predetermined direction is detected by a sensor unit, and the operation member is moved in the predetermined direction. In a pointing device signal processing method for reading a sensor output output from the sensor unit, a sensor output reading step of reading the sensor output of the sensor unit detected by detecting movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction Corresponding to a predetermined value on the X axis and a predetermined value on the Y axis set by an external input , and a predetermined movement in the X axis direction of the operation member, and is output from the sensor output reading step. corresponding to a predetermined movement in the Y-axis direction of the X-axis direction of the sensor output and the operation member, the sensor output of the Y-axis direction outputted from the sensor output reading step Hazuki, a threshold determination step of determining a threshold value for each of the sensor outputs of the X-axis direction of the sensor output and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit, the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit, than the absolute value of the threshold Is smaller, the sensor output of the sensor unit is set to zero, and when the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is larger than the absolute value of the threshold, the sensor output and the threshold based on the sum or difference And a sensor conversion step for converting the sensor output of the sensor unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, When the sensor outputs of the sensor unit corresponding to predetermined movements of the operation member in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are X1 and Y1, respectively, the threshold for X1 is set on the XY plane. X is the value of the X coordinate of the intersection of a circle with a radius X0 centered at the origin (0,0) and a straight line connecting the origin (0,0) and the point (X1, Y1), and the threshold value for Y1 Is the value of the Y coordinate of the intersection of the circle whose center on the XY plane is the origin (0, 0) and radius Y0 and the straight line connecting the origin and the point (X1, Y1). It is characterized by.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the X axis is X4, The predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the Y axis is Y4, and the operation member corresponds to the predetermined movement in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. When the sensor outputs of the sensor unit are X1 and Y1, the threshold for each of the X1 and Y1 is a straight line connecting the point (X0,0) and the point (0, Y0), or a point ( 0, Y0) and a straight line connecting point (X4,0), a straight line connecting point (X4,0) and point (0, Y4), or a point (0, Y4) and point (X1,0) The value of the X and Y coordinates of the intersection of one of the connected straight lines and the straight line connecting the origin (0, 0) and the point (X1, Y1). It is characterized in.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pointing device and a signal processing method therefor that are smaller and thinner than conventional ones and have a high operational feeling. In addition, by incorporating a pointing device with such a dramatic improvement in operational feeling into an electronic device, it can be used as an alternative to a mouse in an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a game machine, a notebook PC, or a TV remote control.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Example 1>
A pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a magnetic detection type pointing device as a first embodiment of a pointing device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a sensor unit, 11a to 11d are hall sensors inside the sensor, 2 is a differential amplifier, 3 is a signal processing unit, 4 is an output control unit, and 5 is a movable range of the operation member. Although the magnetic detection type pointing device will be described as an example here, it is needless to say that it can be used with other types of pointing devices.

  2A and 2B are configuration diagrams of the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a schematic top view, and FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view. ing. In the figure, reference numeral 11a denotes a first hall sensor arranged on the X axis, 11b a second hall sensor arranged on the X axis, 11c a third hall sensor arranged on the Y axis, and 11d an Y axis. Fig. 5 shows a fourth Hall sensor arranged.

  The symbol Px indicates the distance between the center of the magnetic sensing part of the first Hall sensor 11a arranged on the X axis and the center of the magnetic sensing part of the second Hall sensor 11b, and Py is the third distance arranged on the Y axis. The distance between the center of the magnetic sensing part of the Hall sensor 11c and the center of the magnetic sensing part of the fourth Hall sensor 11d is shown.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a cuboid magnet that is unipolarly magnetized. a is the length of the cuboid magnet 12 in the X-axis direction, b is the width of the cuboid magnet 12 in the Y-axis direction, and L is the height of the cuboid magnet. The magnet shape, the number of magnetizations, and the magnetization direction shown here are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. d indicates the distance from the plane including the magnetic sensitive surfaces of the four Hall sensors 11a to 11d to the surface of the rectangular magnet 12 facing the Hall sensor.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a sensor unit including four Hall sensors 11a to 11d. Reference numeral 14 denotes a substrate on which the sensor unit is mounted. In the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 2, four Hall sensors 11 a to 11 d are sealed in one package, but four may be mounted on the substrate 14 separately.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pointing device of the first embodiment includes a swingable operation member (not shown) provided with a magnet, and a predetermined direction of the operation member (here, 2 in the X and Y directions). Sensor unit 1 for detecting movement to the axis), differential amplifier 2 for differentially amplifying the sensor outputs of the hall sensors 11a to 11d in the respective axis directions of the sensor unit 1, and differential outputs of the respective axes. The signal processing unit 3 that performs signal processing and the output control unit 4 that outputs the signal processing result of the signal processing unit 3 are configured.

  The operation member corresponds to the operation portion of the pointing device, and can be composed of hard resin, metal, or the like. Also, the operation member can take various shapes in order to improve the operation feeling.

  The signal processing unit 3 and the output control unit 4 can be configured as a normal integrated circuit using silicon or the like. Further, the signal processing unit 3 and the output control unit 4 may be sealed in four Hall sensors 11a to 11d and one package. Such a pointing device is used as an operation input means such as a personal computer or a mobile phone.

  The sensor unit 1 is composed of four Hall sensors 11a to 11d that are arranged symmetrically two by two along the X axis and the Y axis (11a and 11b are arranged in the X axis direction, and 11c and 11d are arranged in the Y axis direction, respectively). Become. The sensor outputs of the hall sensors 11a to 11d in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction due to the movement of an operating member (not shown) having a magnet 12 disposed above the hall sensors 11a to 11d are output by the differential amplifier 2. Amplify differentially. The sensor output (analog value) differentially amplified by the differential amplifier 2 is converted into an X coordinate value and a Y coordinate value by being input to the signal processing unit 3, and the converted function calculation output value is output. By input to the control unit 4, the amount of movement of the cursor or the like to be operated is determined.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of a signal processing unit of the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a sensor output reading unit, 32 denotes a threshold value determination unit, and 33 denotes a sensor output conversion unit.

  The sensor output reading unit 31 reads the current sensor output (X1, Y1) at the operation point detected by each of the magnetic sensors 11a to 11d in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit 1. The threshold determination unit 32 uses the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction at the time of the operation to use the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction. The threshold Y2 is determined by arithmetic processing. The sensor output conversion unit 33 converts the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs using the threshold value X2 with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the threshold value Y2 with respect to the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction obtained by the arithmetic processing. The converted function operation output value is transferred to the output control unit 4.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the calculation processing method in the signal processing unit of the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The feature of this arithmetic processing method is that a predetermined value (threshold value) in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, a predetermined value (threshold value) in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, and the X axis direction and Y axis direction of the operation unit When the sensor outputs of the sensor unit corresponding to the predetermined movement to X1 are X1 and Y1, respectively, the predetermined value (threshold value) for X1 is centered on the origin (0, 0) on the XY plane. The X coordinate value of the intersection of the circle with the radius X0 and the straight line connecting the origin (0, 0) and the point (X1, Y1) is used, and a predetermined value (threshold value) for Y1 is the center on the XY plane. Is the value of the Y coordinate of the intersection of the circle with the origin (0, 0) and the radius Y0 and the straight line connecting the origin and the point (X1, Y1).

  In the signal processing unit 3 shown in FIG. 1, first, in step S1, the power of the pointing device is turned on. Next, in step S2, the current sensor output (X1, Y1) at the operation point detected by the magnetic sensors 11a to 11d in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit 1 is read.

  Next, in step S3, using the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction at the time of the operation, the threshold value X2 with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction. Threshold Y2 for

  It is determined by processing. However, X0 is a threshold when the operation unit moves on the X axis (on the Y = 0 straight line) in the positive direction, and Y0 is when the operation unit moves on the Y axis (on the X = 0 straight line) in the positive direction. The threshold value is shown. Here, the threshold value X0 when the operation unit moves on the X axis in the positive direction and the threshold value Y0 when the operation unit moves on the Y axis in the positive direction may be set by external input.

  Next, in step S4, the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs are converted using the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the threshold value Y2 for the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction obtained in the calculation process of step 3. . The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the threshold Y2 or less (| Y1 | ≦ Y2) with respect to the sensor output Y1 in the direction, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, 0) in step S4.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the sensor output Y1 in the direction is equal to or smaller than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 | ≦ Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, 0). If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, and if X1 is a positive value, X5 = X1-X2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), in step S4, the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, Y1 ± Y2). If the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value, Y5 = Y1 + Y2, and if Y1 is a positive value, Y5 = Y1-Y2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X axis and Y axis are converted as (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, Y1 ± Y2). . If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, X5 = X1-X2 if X1 is a positive value, and Y5 = if the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value. If Y1 + Y2 and Y1 are positive values, Y5 = Y1-Y2. Here, X5 and Y5 are sensor outputs in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, respectively, after being converted in step S4.

Next, in step S <b> 5, the function calculation output value is transferred to the output control unit 4.
By executing such arithmetic processing, the sensor output after the arithmetic processing can be made closer to a desired sensor output than the conventional pointing device.

  FIG. 5 shows the difference in magnetic flux density [mT] between the X axis and the Y axis when the operation unit is moved along a locus of a circle having a radius of 1.0 mm in the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a simulation result.

  The differential magnetic flux density referred to here is a value obtained by subtracting the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11a from the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11b on the X axis, and applied to the Hall sensor 11c on the Y axis. This is a value obtained by subtracting the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11d from the magnetic flux density.

  The parameter values in FIG. 2 used when the simulations in FIGS. 5 to 7 are performed will be described below. The distance Px = 3.25 [mm] between the center of the magnetic sensing part of the first hall sensor 11a arranged on the X axis and the center of the magnetic sensing part of the second hall sensor 11b, and the third arranged on the Y axis. It is assumed that the distance Py = 3.25 [mm] between the magnetic sensor center of the hall sensor 11c and the magnetic sensor center of the fourth hall sensor 11d. The length a = 3.00 [mm] in the X-axis direction of the rectangular magnet 12, b is the width 3.00 [mm] in the Y-axis direction of the rectangular magnet 12, and L is the height of the rectangular magnet 0.80 [mm]. mm]. The distance d from the magnetic sensing parts of the four hall sensors 11a to 11d to the surface of the rectangular parallelepiped magnet 12 facing the hall sensor is set to 3.00 [mm].

  As shown in FIG. 5, it can be seen that when the operation unit including the magnet is moved along the locus of the circle with the above-described parameters, the difference magnetic flux density with respect to the X axis and the Y axis also changes in a circle. Since the Hall sensor outputs an output voltage proportional to the applied magnetic flux density, it goes without saying that the difference output voltage of the Hall sensor also changes in a circle.

  FIG. 6 shows the sensor output [code] for each of the X axis and Y axis when the operation unit is moved along a circular trajectory having a radius of 1.0 mm when the sensor unit outputs 1 code per 1 mT difference magnetic flux density. It is a figure which shows a simulation result. Naturally, the sensor output from the sensor unit also changes in a circle.

  FIG. 7 shows a threshold value X0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the X axis (Y = 0 straight line), and a positive value on the Y axis (on the X = 0 straight line). It is a figure which shows the simulation result of the sensor output [code] in each of the X-axis and Y-axis at the time of performing the signal processing of Example 1 as threshold value Y0 = 4 [code] when moving in the direction.

  As can be seen from FIG. 7, according to the pointing device provided with the dead zone setting means or the signal processing method of the pointing device according to the present invention, the conventional pointing device provided with the dead zone setting means shown in Comparative Example 1 below. In addition, with respect to the signal processing method, it is possible to realize a pointing device with extremely high operational feeling without impairing the characteristics of the sensor output before the signal processing.

<Comparative Example 1>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the calculation processing method in the signal processing unit of the conventional pointing device, and FIG. 9 is a radius of 1.0 mm in the parameters of FIG. 2 similar to those of the first embodiment described above. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of the sensor output [code] in each of the X-axis and Y-axis at the time of performing the conventional signal processing when moving an operation part with the locus | trajectory of this circle. The configuration in this case is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 8, first, in step S1, the pointing device is powered on. Next, in step S2, the current sensor outputs (X1, Y1) at the time of operation detected by the magnetic sensors 11a to 11d in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit 1 are read.

  Next, in step S3, the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs are converted using the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the threshold value Y2 for the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction. The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the threshold Y2 or less (| Y1 | ≦ Y2) with respect to the sensor output Y1 in the direction, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, 0) in step S4.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the sensor output Y1 in the direction is equal to or smaller than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 | ≦ Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, 0). If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, and if X1 is a positive value, X5 = X1-X2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), in step S4, the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, Y1 ± Y2). If the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value, Y5 = Y1 + Y2, and if Y1 is a positive value, Y5 = Y1-Y2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X axis and Y axis are converted as (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, Y1 ± Y2). . If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, X5 = X1-X2 if X1 is a positive value, and Y5 = if the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value. If Y1 + Y2 and Y1 are positive values, Y5 = Y1-Y2.

  Here, X5 and Y5 are sensor outputs in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction after being converted in step S3, respectively. Further, the threshold value X2 for the X-axis sensor output and the threshold value Y2 for the Y-axis sensor output shown here are preset real numbers. At this time, the threshold value X2 for the X-axis sensor output and the threshold value Y2 for the Y-axis sensor output may be set by external inputs.

  Next, in step S4, the function calculation output value is transferred to the output control unit 4. At this time, the threshold value X2 for the X-axis sensor output is set to 4 [code], and the threshold value Y2 for the Y-axis sensor output is set to 4 [code].

  As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 9, the pointing device having the dead zone setting means and the signal processing method thereof according to the present invention are the pointing device having the conventional dead zone setting means and the signal processing thereof shown in Comparative Example 1. It can be seen that the sensor output after signal processing can be significantly improved compared to the method.

<Example 2>
A magnetic detection type pointing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration in this case is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the calculation processing method in the signal processing unit of the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The feature of this arithmetic processing method is that a predetermined value (threshold value) in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, a predetermined value (threshold value) in the negative direction on the X axis is X4, and a predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis. (Threshold value) is Y0, a predetermined value (threshold value) in the negative direction on the Y axis is Y4, and sensor outputs of the sensor unit corresponding to predetermined movements in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction of the operation unit are X1, respectively. When Y1 is set, a predetermined value (threshold value) for each of X1 and Y1 is a straight line connecting point (X0,0) and point (0, Y0), or point (0, Y0) and point (X4). 0), a straight line connecting point (X4,0) and point (0, Y4), or a straight line connecting point (0, Y4) and point (X1,0), and the origin ( 0, 0) and the value of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the intersection of the straight line connecting the points (X1, Y1).

  In the signal processing unit 3 shown in FIG. 1, first, in step S1, the power of the pointing device is turned on. Next, in step S2, the current sensor output (X1, Y1) at the time of operation detected by each of the magnetic sensors 11a to 11d in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the sensor unit 1 is read.

Next, in step S3, using the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction at the time of the operation, the threshold value X2 with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction. Threshold Y2 for
In the first quadrant (X1> 0, Y1> 0)

  In the second quadrant (X1 <0, Y1> 0)

  In the third quadrant (X1 <0, Y1 <0)

  In the fourth quadrant (X1> 0, Y1 <0)

  It is determined by processing. However, X0 is a threshold value when the operation unit moves on the X axis in the positive direction, Y0 is a threshold value when the operation unit moves on the Y axis in the positive direction, and X4 is a threshold value when the operation unit moves on the X axis in the negative direction. A threshold when moving, Y4 indicates a threshold when moving in the negative direction on the Y axis.

  Here, the threshold value X0 when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the X axis, the threshold value Y0 when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the Y axis, and the operation unit moves in the negative direction on the X axis. The threshold value X4 and the threshold value Y4 when moving in the negative direction on the Y axis may be set by external input.

  Next, in step S4, the X-axis and Y-axis sensor outputs are converted using the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction and the threshold value Y2 for the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction obtained in the calculation process of step 3. . The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the threshold Y2 or less (| Y1 | ≦ Y2) with respect to the sensor output Y1 in the direction, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, 0) in step S4.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis If the sensor output Y1 in the direction is equal to or smaller than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 | ≦ Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, 0). If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, and if X1 is a positive value, X5 = X1-X2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value X2 (| X1 | ≦ X2) with respect to the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction, and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (0, Y1 ± Y2) in step S4. If the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value, Y5 = Y1 + Y2, and if Y1 is a positive value, Y5 = Y1-Y2.

  The absolute value | X1 | of the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction is larger than the threshold value X2 for the sensor output X1 in the X axis direction (| X1 |> X2), and the absolute value | Y1 | of the sensor output Y1 in the Y axis direction is the Y axis When the sensor output Y1 in the direction is larger than the threshold Y2 (| Y1 |> Y2), in step S4, the sensor outputs on the X and Y axes are converted to (X5, Y5) = (X1 ± X2, Y1 ± Y2). . If the sensor output X1 in the X-axis direction is a negative value, X5 = X1 + X2, X5 = X1-X2 if X1 is a positive value, and Y5 = if the sensor output Y1 in the Y-axis direction is a negative value. If Y1 + Y2 and Y1 are positive values, Y5 = Y1-Y2. Here, X5 and Y5 are sensor outputs in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction after being converted in step S4.

Next, in step S <b> 5, the function calculation output value is transferred to the output control unit 4.
By executing such arithmetic processing, the sensor output after the arithmetic processing can be made closer to a desired sensor output than the conventional pointing device.

  FIG. 11 shows a simulation result of the differential magnetic flux density on each of the X and Y axes when the operation unit is moved along a locus of a circle having a radius of 1.0 mm in the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  The differential magnetic flux density referred to here is a value obtained by subtracting the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11a from the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11b on the X axis, and applied to the Hall sensor 11c on the Y axis. This is a value obtained by subtracting the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall sensor 11d from the magnetic flux density. The parameter values in FIG. 2 used when performing the simulations in FIGS. 11 to 14 will be described below. The distance Px = 2.50 [mm] between the magnetic sensitive center of the first hall sensor 11a arranged on the X axis and the magnetic sensitive center of the first hall sensor 11b, and a third arranged on the Y axis. A distance Py = 2.50 [mm] between the center of the magnetic sensing part of the hall sensor 11c and the center of the magnetic sensing part of the fourth hall sensor 11d is set. The length a = 1.50 [mm] of the cuboid magnet 12 in the X-axis direction, b is the width 1.50 [mm] of the cuboid magnet 12 in the Y-axis direction, and L is the height of the cuboid magnet 0.8 [ mm]. The distance d from the magnetic sensing parts of the four Hall sensors 11a to 11d to the surface of the rectangular parallelepiped magnet 12 facing the Hall sensor is d = 2.00 mm [mm].

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the operation unit having a magnet is moved in a circular locus having a radius of 1 mm with the above-described parameters, the magnetic flux density difference with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis changes like a diamond with rounded corners without drawing a circle. I understand that Since the Hall sensor outputs an output voltage proportional to the applied magnetic flux density, it goes without saying that the difference output voltage of the Hall sensor also changes like a diamond with rounded corners.

  FIG. 12 shows the sensor output [code] for each of the X axis and Y axis when the operation unit is moved along a circular trajectory having a radius of 1.0 mm when the sensor unit outputs 1 code per 1 mT difference magnetic flux density. It is a figure which shows the simulation result. Naturally, the sensor output from the sensor unit also changes in a diamond with rounded corners.

  FIG. 13 shows the threshold value X0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the X axis and the threshold value Y0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the Y axis. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of sensor output [code] in each of the X-axis at the time of performing the signal processing of Example 2, and a Y-axis.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, according to the pointing device having the dead band setting means and the signal processing method thereof according to the present invention, the pointing device having the conventional dead band setting means shown in Comparative Example 2 and the signal processing method thereof. On the other hand, it is possible to realize a pointing device with extremely high operational feeling without impairing the characteristics of the sensor output before signal processing.

  What should be noted here is that the sensor output subjected to the signal processing of the second embodiment of the present invention changes closer to a circle than the change in the differential magnetic flux density. Therefore, when the difference magnetic flux density changes close to a rhombus when the operation unit provided with the magnet moves along a circular locus, the signal processing shown in the second embodiment performs a feeling of operation of the pointing device more. It can be seen that is improved.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a simulation result of sensor output [code] on each of the X axis and the Y axis obtained by performing signal processing by the signal processing method described in the first embodiment with the parameters in FIG. 2 described in the second embodiment. It is.

  As can be seen from FIG. 14, the signal processing method of Example 1 does not deteriorate the operational feeling as in Comparative Example 2 using the conventional signal processing method, but does not improve it.

<Comparative example 2>
A conventional pointing device and its signal processing method will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration in this case is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment. The calculation processing method in the signal processing unit 3 of the pointing device is the same as that in the case of the comparative example 1 described above.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the X-axis and Y-axis sensors when the conventional signal processing is performed when the operation unit is moved along a circular trajectory having a radius of 1.0 mm with the parameters in FIG. 2 similar to those in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of output [code].

  At this time, the threshold value X2 for the X-axis sensor output is set to 4 [code], and the threshold value Y0 for the Y-axis sensor output is set to 4 [code].

  As can be seen from FIG. 15, the conventional pointing device provided with the dead band setting means and the signal processing method thereof shown in Comparative Example 2 are compared with the pointing device provided with the dead band setting means and the signal processing method according to the present invention. Thus, it can be seen that the sensor output before signal processing is impaired.

It is a figure which shows the circuit structural example of the magnetic detection type pointing device as Example 1 of the pointing device which concerns on this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the magnetic detection type pointing device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention, (a) is a schematic top view, (b) has shown schematic sectional drawing. It is a block diagram of the signal processing unit of the magnetic detection type pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the arithmetic processing method in the signal processing part of the magnetic detection type pointing device which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. The magnetic detection type pointing device which concerns on Example 1 in this invention WHEREIN: The simulation result of the difference magnetic flux density [mT] in each of the X-axis and a Y-axis when an operation part is moved by the locus | trajectory of a circle with a radius of 1.0 mm is shown. FIG. The simulation result of the sensor output [code] in each of the X axis and the Y axis when the operation unit is moved along a circular trajectory having a radius of 1.0 mm when the sensor unit outputs 1 code per 1 mT difference magnetic flux density is shown. FIG. The threshold value X0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the X axis (on the Y = 0 straight line) and the threshold value on the Y axis (on the straight line of X = 0) moves in the positive direction. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of sensor output [code] in each of the X-axis and Y-axis at the time of performing the signal processing of Example 1 as threshold value Y0 = 4 [code]. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the arithmetic processing method in the signal processing part of the conventional pointing device. The sensor output in each of the X axis and the Y axis in the case where the conventional signal processing is performed when the operation unit is moved along the locus of a circle having a radius of 1.0 mm in the parameters of FIG. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of [code]. It is a figure for demonstrating the arithmetic processing method in the signal processing part of the pointing device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. In the magnetic detection type pointing device which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, it is a figure which shows the simulation result of the differential magnetic flux density in each of the X-axis and a Y-axis when moving an operation part by the locus | trajectory of a circle | round | yen of radius 1.0mm. . When the sensor unit outputs 1 code per 1 mT difference magnetic flux density, the simulation result of the sensor output [code] in each of the X axis and the Y axis when the operation unit is moved along a circular trajectory with a radius of 1.0 mm is shown. FIG. The threshold value X0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the X axis and the threshold value Y0 = 4 [code] when the operation unit moves in the positive direction on the Y axis are the signals of the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the simulation result of the sensor output [code] in each of the X-axis and Y-axis at the time of processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a simulation result of sensor output [code] on each of an X axis and a Y axis obtained by performing signal processing by the signal processing method described in the first embodiment with the parameters in FIG. 2 described in the second embodiment. Sensor output [code] for each of the X-axis and Y-axis in the case of performing conventional signal processing when the operation unit is moved along a locus of a circle having a radius of 1.0 mm, using the parameters in FIG. It is a figure which shows the simulation result.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sensor part 2 Differential amplification amplifier 3 Signal processing part 4 Output control part 5 The movable range 11a thru | or 11d of an operation member Hall sensor 12 Unipolar magnetized rectangular parallelepiped magnet 13 Sensor part 14 Board | substrate 31 Sensor output reading part 32 Threshold value determination Part 33 Sensor output converter

Claims (7)

A swingable operation member provided with a magnet, a sensor unit that detects movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction, a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the sensor output of the sensor unit, and a signal of the signal processing unit In a pointing device having an output control unit that outputs a processing result, the signal processing unit includes:
Sensor output reading means for reading the sensor output of the sensor unit that is output by detecting movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction;
The X output from the sensor output reading means corresponding to a predetermined value on the X axis and a predetermined value on the Y axis set by an external input, and a predetermined movement in the X axis direction of the operation member. Corresponding to the sensor output in the axial direction and the predetermined movement of the operating member in the Y-axis direction, based on the sensor output in the Y-axis direction output from the sensor output reading means, the X-axis direction of the sensor unit Threshold value determining means for determining a threshold value for each of the sensor output and the sensor output in the Y-axis direction;
When the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is smaller than the absolute value of the threshold value, the sensor output of the sensor unit is set to zero, and the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is larger than the absolute value of the threshold value A pointing device comprising: sensor conversion means for converting the sensor output of the sensor unit based on a sum or difference between the sensor output and the threshold value.   The predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, and it corresponds to the predetermined movement of the operation member in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. When the sensor outputs of the sensor unit are X1 and Y1, respectively, the threshold for X1 is set to a circle with a radius X0 centered on the origin (0, 0) on the XY plane and the origin ( 0,0) and the value of the X coordinate of the intersection of the straight line connecting the points (X1, Y1), the threshold value for Y1 is the radius at the origin (0,0) at the center on the XY plane 2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the Y coordinate value is an intersection of a circle of Y <b> 0 and a straight line connecting the origin and the point (X <b> 1, Y <b> 1). The predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the X axis is X4, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, and on the Y axis the predetermined value in the negative direction Y4, each sensor output of the sensor unit corresponding to a predetermined movement to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the operation member when the X1, Y1, wherein X1 and the said threshold value for each of Y1, point (X0,0) and the point (0, Y0) connecting the straight line, or a point (0, Y0) and a straight line connecting the point (X4,0), or point ( X4,0) and the point (0, Y4) or the straight line connecting the point (0, Y4) and the point (X1,0), the origin (0,0) and the point (X1, Y1) 2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value of the intersection point with the straight line connecting the two are connected.   The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit changes a moving amount or a moving speed of an operation target according to a sensor output of the sensor unit. At least the operation member is moved in a predetermined direction, the movement of the operation member in the predetermined direction is detected by the sensor unit, and the sensor output output from the sensor unit in response to the movement of the operation member in the predetermined direction In a pointing device signal processing method for reading
A sensor output reading step for reading the sensor output of the sensor unit that is output by detecting the movement of the operation member in a predetermined direction;
The X output from the sensor output reading step corresponding to a predetermined value on the X axis and a predetermined value on the Y axis set by an external input, and a predetermined movement in the X axis direction of the operation member. Corresponding to the sensor output in the axial direction and the predetermined movement of the operating member in the Y-axis direction, based on the sensor output in the Y-axis direction output from the sensor output reading step, the X-axis direction of the sensor unit A threshold value determining step for determining a threshold value for each of the sensor output and the sensor output in the Y-axis direction;
When the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is smaller than the absolute value of the threshold value, the sensor output of the sensor unit is set to zero, and the absolute value of the sensor output of the sensor unit is larger than the absolute value of the threshold value And a sensor conversion step of converting the sensor output of the sensor unit based on a sum or difference between the sensor output and the threshold value. The predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, and it corresponds to the predetermined movement of the operation member in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. When the sensor outputs of the sensor unit are X1 and Y1, respectively, the threshold for X1 is set to a circle with a radius X0 centered on the origin (0, 0) on the XY plane and the origin ( 0,0) and the value of the X coordinate of the intersection of the straight line connecting the points (X1, Y1), the threshold value for Y1 is the radius at the origin (0,0) at the center on the XY plane 6. The signal processing method for a pointing device according to claim 5, wherein the value of the Y coordinate of the intersection of the circle of Y0 and the straight line connecting the origin and the point (X1, Y1) is used. The predetermined value in the positive direction on the X axis is X0, the predetermined value in the negative direction on the X axis is X4, the predetermined value in the positive direction on the Y axis is Y0, and the predetermined value on the Y axis is negative. When the predetermined value of the direction is Y4 and the sensor outputs of the sensor unit corresponding to the predetermined movement of the operation member in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are X1 and Y1, respectively, The threshold value for each of Y1 is set to a straight line connecting point (X0,0) and point (0, Y0), or a straight line connecting point (0, Y0) and point (X4,0), or point (X4). , 0) and the point (0, Y4), or the line connecting the point (0, Y4) and the point (X1,0), the origin (0,0) and the point (X1, Y1) 6. The pointing device signal according to claim 5, wherein the value of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the intersection with the straight line connecting Processing method.

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