JPH06348408A - Mouse - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability and the efficiency of various work by providing a one-dimensional specifying means for specifying only a one-dimensional vari able and sending a variable signal to the external in accordance with the vari able specified by the specifying means. CONSTITUTION:This mouse 11 includes a one-dimensional variable specifying mechanism for specifying a one-dimensional variable in addition to functions equal to that of a conventional mouse. Namely the mouse 11 is constituted of a dial 6 for specifying the one-dimensional variable and a mouse button 4 and connected to a host device such as a computer through a cable 12. In the mouse, the operation of the dial 6 and the moving operation of the mouse body can be individually and independently executed, and when a ball is rotated by setting up an operator's hand on the mouse 11 and moving the mouse 11, a two-dimensional variable can be specified. When the dial 6 is picked with a thumb and a forefinger and rotated in the arrow Y1 direction while holding the hand on the mouse 11, an one-dimensional variable can be specified.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mouse, and more particularly to a mouse used as a pointing device such as a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mouse of this type has a switch and a ball, and a signal corresponding to the rotation of the ball is sent to a host device. A perspective view of the conventional mouse is shown in FIG. 6 and a bottom view thereof is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the mouse 20 sends information on the amount of movement as a pulse signal to a host device such as a computer through a cable 21. That is, when the mouse is moved, the ball 8 attached to the bottom surface is moved according to the moving direction and the moving amount.
(See FIG. 7) rotates. The rotation amount of the ball 8 is detected by the movement amount detection circuit inside the mouse, and the information of the movement amount is sent to the host device as a pulse signal.

The movement amount detection circuit is composed of, for example, two rotary encoders for detecting the rotation of the ball 8 in the X and Y directions. Then, the rotation of the ball 8 is divided into two pieces of information, a variable in the X direction and a variable in the Y direction, and sent as a pulse signal to the host device. On the host device side such as a computer, the mouse cursor on the display is displayed in synchronization with the movement amount of the mouse.

After moving the mouse cursor on the display, the operator selects a menu, inputs screen coordinates, draws, and operates a rectangular work area called a window by pressing the cursor button 7.

Here, an operation for drawing work will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an operation for moving a figure on the display, and shows a case where the figure C is moved.

First, "move" is selected from the operation menu. Specifically, "move" is specified from the operation menu of the application software.

Next, the figure to be moved is specified. This is performed by surrounding the figure C with a rectangular designated frame as shown in FIG. This designated frame is generated by determining the position of one vertex P1 of the rectangle (designated frame start point), and then moving the mouse to determine the position of the diagonal point P2 (designated frame end point). The position of each point is determined by clicking the left mouse button. This completes the specification of the moving target graphic.

Next, the position of the moving destination is designated. When the figure to be moved is specified, the figure C becomes movable,
Move on the display in synchronization with the movement of the mouse. Then, by operating the mouse to move the figure C to a desired position and clicking the left button, the figure C moves as shown by an arrow Y1 in FIG. 8B. The position of the mouse cursor at this time is the position of the start point of the designated frame.

On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an operation for enlarging a figure on the display, and shows an example for enlarging the figure C.

First, "enlarge / reduce" is selected from the operation menu. Specifically, "enlarge / reduce" is designated from the operation menu of the application program.

Next, the figure to be enlarged or reduced is specified. This is done by surrounding the figure C with a rectangular designated frame as shown in FIG. 9 (a).
The designation method is the same as in the case of FIG.

When the figure to be enlarged / reduced is specified, the figure C is in the enlargeable / reducible state, and is enlarged or reduced on the display in synchronization with the movement of the mouse. In this case, the area between the designated frame start point and the designated frame end point may be used as a reference, and the enlarged or reduced designated frame end point may be moved to a target position and the left button may be clicked. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, the point P2 which is the designated frame end point is moved to the point P3 on the extension line of the diagonal line from the point P1 which is the designated frame start point to the point P2. If specified, the figure C will be enlarged. In the case of reduction, a point at a position closer to the point P1 from the point P2 may be designated.

The above is the enlargement / reduction based on the similar shape. However, if the operation menu includes "vertical double" and "horizontal double", it is possible to enlarge / reduce only in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0015]

When the scaling ratio is specified by the conventional mouse described above, only one-dimensional variable (scalar amount) is extracted from the two-dimensional variable (vector amount) which is the movement amount of the mouse. The conversion is performed as follows.
Therefore, the two-dimensional movement amount of the mouse body is not proportional to the enlargement / reduction ratio, and it is difficult to specify a one-dimensional variable.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional mouse, when it is necessary to move and enlarge a figure, two operations of moving the figure and then enlarging it, or enlarging and then moving it individually are performed. There must be. This will be described with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10A, three figures A, B and C are displayed on the display. Now, consider an operation in which the figure C is moved between the figures A and B, and then the figure C is enlarged so as to be in contact with each figure so as to be as shown in FIG. In this case, when moving the figure C, the position of the moving destination must be specified in consideration of the enlargement performed thereafter. Therefore, it is necessary to repeatedly perform the moving operation and the enlarging operation.

On the contrary, when the figure C is enlarged and then moved between the figures A and B, the enlargement ratio of the figure C must be determined by measuring the distance between the figures A and B in advance. .

Therefore, there is a drawback in that the work efficiency is poor even if either of the above methods is adopted.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, and an object thereof is to provide a mouse capable of improving the operability and improving the efficiency of various operations.

[0021]

The mouse according to the present invention comprises:
It has a one-dimensional designating means for designating only one-dimensional variable and a two-dimensional designating means for designating two-dimensional variable, and sends out a variable signal according to the variable designated by these designating means to the outside. It is characterized in that it is processed by processing.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a mouse according to the present invention. In the figure, a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a one-dimensional variable specifying mechanism 10 for specifying a one-dimensional variable, in addition to a two-dimensional variable specifying mechanism 9 having a function equivalent to that of a conventional mouse. Has been done.

The two-dimensional variable designation mechanism 9 includes a movement amount detection circuit 2 for detecting the movement amount and direction of the mouse by the rotation of the ball, a cursor button 4, and a button depression detection for detecting depression of this button 4. The circuit 3 is included.

The one-dimensional variable designating mechanism 10 includes a dial 6 for designating a one-dimensional variable and a rotation angle detection circuit 5 for detecting the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the dial 6.
It is configured to include and.

The communication control circuit 1 sends each information from the movement amount detection circuit 2, the button press detection circuit 3 and the rotation angle detection circuit 5 to a host device via a cable (not shown). A capacitor inserted between each signal line and the ground (GND) is provided in the communication control circuit 1 in order to prevent chattering in each switch or the like.

Next, a specific structure of the mouse of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mouse of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mouse.

In FIG. 2, the mouse 11 of this embodiment is
Unlike a conventional mouse, it is configured to include a dial 6 for designating a one-dimensional variable and a mouse button 4, and is connected via a cable 12 to a host device (not shown) such as a computer.

A ball 8 is provided on the bottom surface side as shown in FIG. 3, and the rotation speed and direction of the ball 8 are converted into an X-axis component and a Y-axis component to convert the cable 1 into a cable 1.
2 is sent to a host device (not shown).

Further, FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the mouse 11, and the same parts as those of FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. In the figure, a rotary encoder 22 for detecting the X direction and a rotary encoder 23 for detecting the Y direction are provided in order to detect the rotational speed and the direction of the ball 8. The rotary shaft 2 of the encoder 22
20 and the rotary shaft 230 of the encoder 23 are in contact with the surface of the ball 8. Further, the rotating shafts 220 and 230 are arranged so that their axes are orthogonal to each other so that the X and Y directions of rotation of the ball 8 can be detected.

Therefore, if the mouse 11 is moved,
The ball 8 rotates depending on the amount and direction of the movement, and this rotation can be detected by the encoders 22 and 23 separately in the X and Y directions.

The dial 6 is arranged so that its side surface contacts the rotary shaft 500 of the rotary encoder 50. Therefore, when the dial 6 is rotated, its rotation direction and rotation angle can be detected by the encoder 50. The dial 6 may be made of resin or the like.

Further, a switch 40 is provided below the mouse button 4, and when the mouse button 4 is pushed in the direction of arrow Y2, the contact of the switch 40 is closed and a pulse is output.

Information from each of the encoders 22, 23 and 50 and the switch 40 is sent as a pulse signal through the communication control circuit 1 to the host device (not shown) via the cable 12.

Now, an application program using the mouse of this embodiment will be described.

The mouse of this embodiment is provided with one more rotary encoder than that of the conventional mouse for detecting the rotation amount of the dial. Therefore, the interface between this mouse and a host device such as a computer is not compatible with the conventional one. Therefore, it is necessary to create an application program dedicated to this mouse.

Since the conventional mouse has two rotary encoders in the X direction and the Y direction, 2 × 2 = 4 signal lines are required for the encoder. On the other hand, since the mouse of this embodiment is further provided with the rotary encoder for dialing, the number of signal lines for the encoder is increased by 2 and 2 × 3 = 6 are required. And
In addition to six signal lines for this encoder, two signal lines for mouse buttons and two signal lines for power supply and ground are required for a total of ten signal lines.

The six signal lines from the rotary encoder and the two signal lines for the mouse button transmit the pulse signal to the interface on the host device side. The interface connects the signal line from the mouse to the address space open to the user, and various operations can be realized by accessing this address space with an application program.

Therefore, in the application program, it is necessary to provide a subprogram called a driver for accessing the address space. Also,
It is also necessary to add to the application program a processing menu capable of simultaneously performing graphic movement processing and graphic enlargement processing with the mouse of this embodiment.

Two pulse signals are sent from each rotary encoder, and the movement amount (or rotation angle) can be detected by the number of the pulses, and the movement direction (or rotation direction) can be detected by the phase shift between the two pulses. ) Can be detected.

Returning to FIG. 2, with the mouse 11 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the operation of the dial 6 and the operation of moving the mouse body can be separately and independently performed.
That is, if the palm is placed on the mouse 11 and moved, the ball rotates and the two-dimensional variable can be designated. Also, a one-dimensional variable can be designated by holding the palm on the mouse 11 and pinching the dial 6 with the thumb and forefinger to rotate it as indicated by arrow Y1. That is,
It can be operated with one hand like a conventional mouse.

The mouse 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 again.

A graphic C shown in FIG.
Consider a case in which the state is moved to a state shown in FIG. According to the mouse of this embodiment, the figure C can be moved by moving the mouse body, and the figure C can be enlarged by rotating the dial. Therefore, the figure C can be enlarged while moving the figure C between the figures A and B, and the figure C can be expanded as shown in FIG.
And B can be enlarged so that it touches B.

Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the dial is rotated clockwise, the process is enlarged, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, the process is reduced. The enlargement process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the designated frame starting point P1 (0,
0), the designated frame end point P2 (10, 10) is designated ((a) in the figure), and when the dial is rotated clockwise by 2 pulses, the point P2 moves to the point P3 (12, 12). The figure C is enlarged ((b) of the same figure).

As described above, the dial 6 is used to specify a one-dimensional variable such as an enlargement / reduction ratio and a rotation angle, and the mouse body is used to specify a two-dimensional variable such as movement, range and position. Good, and by using them in combination, operability is improved and work efficiency is improved.

In short, since the present invention is provided with means for designating only one-dimensional variables, it is possible to easily designate one-dimensional variables, which has been difficult in the conventional mouse, and two-dimensional variables which have been conventionally required. The conversion process from the one to the one-dimensional variate becomes unnecessary.

Further, by separately providing means for designating the one-dimensional variable and the two-dimensional variable, it is possible to perform the processing performed by the two operations by one operation.

Further, it is expected that the combination of the one-dimensional variable designating operation and the two-dimensional variable designating operation will bring about the appearance of application software that realizes various and more complicated operations, not limited to the drawing operation.

[0050]

As described above, the present invention has the effect of improving the operability when the mouse is used by providing the means for designating only the one-dimensional variable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a case of performing a graphic enlargement process using a mouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is before enlargement;
(B) shows after expansion.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional mouse.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a conventional mouse.

8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing a case where a conventional mouse is used to perform a graphic movement process, in which FIG. 8A shows before movement and FIG. 8B shows movement.

9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing a case where a conventional mouse is used to perform graphic enlargement processing. FIG. 9A shows before enlargement and FIG. 9B shows after enlargement.

10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a case where a graphic moving process and a graphic enlarging process are performed, where FIG. 10A shows before processing and FIG. 10B shows after processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Communication Control Circuit 2 Moving Distance Detection Circuit 3 Button Press Detection Circuit 4, 7 Cursor Button 5 Rotation Angle Detection Circuit 6 Dial 8 Ball 12, 21 Cable 22, 23, 50 Rotary Encoder

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A one-dimensional designating means for designating only a one-dimensional variable is provided, and a variable signal is sent to the outside for processing in accordance with the variable designated by this designating means. Mouse to do. 2. A one-dimensional designating means for designating only one-dimensional variable and a two-dimensional designating means for designating two-dimensional variable, and a variable signal according to the variable designated by these designating means. A mouse characterized in that it is configured to send out to the outside for processing. 3. The one-dimensional designating means has a rotary dial and a rotary encoder for outputting a signal according to a rotation angle of the dial, and the output of the rotary encoder is the variable signal. The mouse according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The mouse according to claim 1, wherein the one-dimensional variable is a movement amount of a graphic on a display screen.