JPH1124834A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input tablet which can be easily operated by a single hand like a mouse and also can generate the switch feeling at an input part to confirm the keying operation of an operator. SOLUTION: A sheet 22 having a resistor 21 formed on its lower surface is set opposite to a sheet 25 having a resistor 23 and a dot spacer 24 formed on its upper surface under a surface decorative panel 20 to form an X-Y data input part of light operating force. Then the contacts 26 and 27 formed on the lower and upper surfaces of the sheet 25 are placed opposite to a rigid substrate 29 having a dot spacer 28 to form a membrane switch of heavier operating force than the data input part. Thus, an input part of a double structure is obtained. Meanwhile, a vibration unit 13 is placed under the substrate 29 to form an X-Y tablet input part. A cursor is moved when the X-Y tablet input part is pressed light by a finger and moved, and a switch input operation is attained when the moved cursor position is pushed strong.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an input device for inputting position data and switching data which is built in or external to a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the operation of a personal computer has been
As represented by s95 (registered trademark), the cursor is moved to a predetermined position by moving a mouse for inputting position data, and the cursor position is determined by clicking a switch arranged near the index finger. ing.
With this operation method, anyone can easily operate the personal computer quickly with one hand. However, the mouse takes up a flat and wide area for use while moving on a desk, and is difficult to use with a portable notebook computer. For this reason, a conventional notebook computer uses a track bowl for moving a cursor by rotating the bowl in an arbitrary direction and a small tablet for inputting position data.

FIG. 12 shows an example of use of a small tablet used in a latest notebook personal computer. 1 is a screen of a notebook computer, 2 is a tablet, and 3 is an input switch. When moving characters and figures on the screen
As shown in, lightly hold the tablet 2 with your finger 4 to 5
By moving the cursor on the screen 1, the cursor on the screen 1 is moved from 7 to the figure 8 on the screen, and the switch 10 provided separately for moving the figure 8 on the screen is clicked (switched). The figure on the screen is moved to 9 by gently pressing the tablet 2 with the finger from 5 to 6, and the movement is completed by releasing the switch 10.

[0004]

However, in the conventional configuration, the tablet 2 is moved to move the cursor position.
In order to move the figure on the screen by gently pressing the finger with the finger and tracing it, another switch 10 must be operated. However, there is a problem that it is troublesome and requires a long working time.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides a tablet that can be easily and reliably operated with one hand, like a mouse.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve this problem, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] 1. An XY tablet input unit is constituted by a two-layer structure in which a membrane switch having a larger operation force than the XY data input unit is arranged below the XY data input unit with a small operation force. A vibration (shock) generating unit that holds and vibrates the operation unit of the input device via the rigid body is arranged to constitute the input device.

Thus, the XY data input unit detects the pressed position, and the membrane switch detects the pressed force, whereby the pressed position and the switching can be detected at the same location, and the vibration generating unit vibrates simultaneously with the switching. Thus, the input can be surely confirmed by vibration at the pressed place.

[0009] 2. An X-Y tablet input unit is formed by sandwiching a pressure-sensitive body whose resistance changes by pressing force between sheets having two resistance surfaces or a plurality of contacts facing each other, and
A detection unit for detecting a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive body is provided, and XY is provided.
The tablet is configured to perform switching by detecting a pressed position by detecting a resistance on a sheet, and detecting a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive body due to a pressed force.

Thus, the function of inputting the pressed position and the switching operation at the same place can be obtained in the XY tablet input unit having a single layer structure.

3. A vibration (shock) generating unit that operates in conjunction with switching of the input device via a rigid body is provided on the back surface of the XY tablet.

Thus, at the time of switching, a feeling due to vibration or impact is given to the operator, and the switching can be surely recognized by the operator.

4. An XY tablet that operates with a lighter operating force than the push switch is arranged on a part or all of the button top surface of the push switch, and the XY tablet is lightly touched.
The data is configured such that the push switch is switched by the pressing pressure.

Thus, at the time of switching, the tactile feeling of the push switch can be given to the operator, and the input of the switch can be surely recognized by the operator.

[0015] 5. The numeric keypad and calculation mark are displayed on the makeup panel of the XY tablet input unit, and the mode is switched by the changeover switch. In the tablet mode, the XY data is constantly transmitted with a light touch, and the switching data is transmitted by pressing. I do. On the other hand, the ten-key mode detects the position data from the XY tablet input unit with a light touch (does not transmit), converts the data into numeric key display mark data simultaneously with switching by pressing, and transmits the display data. It was done.

With the above configuration, the XY tablet can be used as a numeric keypad.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a two-layer structure in which a membrane switch having a larger operating force than the XY data input portion is arranged below the XY data input portion having a small operating force. Constitutes an input device by holding an XY tablet input unit, holding them in a rigid body, and arranging a vibration (shock) generating unit that vibrates the operation unit of the input device via the rigid body. .

Thus, the XY data input unit detects the pressed position and the membrane switch detects the pressed force, so that the pressed position and the switching can be detected at the same place, and the vibration generating unit vibrates simultaneously with the switching. Thus, input confirmation by vibration can be performed at the pressed position.

With this configuration, the cursor on the personal computer screen can be moved (position detection) by lightly pressing and moving the XY tablet input unit with a finger, and switch input (switching) can be performed by strongly pressing the position. By vibrating the vibration generating unit simultaneously with the switch input, the operator can confirm the input by the vibration at the pressed position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an XY tablet input unit in which a pressure-sensitive body whose resistance is changed by a pressing force is sandwiched between two resistance surfaces or a sheet having a plurality of contact points facing each other. Is formed, and a detection unit for detecting a resistance change of the pressure-sensitive body is provided to constitute an XY tablet, and a pressed position is detected by detecting a resistance on a sheet.
The switching is performed by detecting a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive body due to a pressing force.

With this configuration, the position detection with a light pressing force can be detected by detecting two resistances on the sheet, and the switching with a strong pressing force can be detected by a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive body.
With only a single layer structure of the tablet, there is an effect that position detection and switching can be input at the same place.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the X
-The tablet is provided with a vibration (shock) generating unit that operates in conjunction with switching of the input device via a rigid body on the back surface of the input unit.

With this rigid body, the vibration of the vibration unit
-There is an action to transmit to the surface of the Y tablet input unit, and the operator can obtain a feeling of the switching operation by vibration and tactile feeling, and can perform a reliable switch operation.

By combining the above-described configurations, there is an effect that the cursor can be moved on the personal computer screen by lightly pressing and moving the tablet with a finger, and a switch input can be made by strongly pressing the tablet as it is. Further, there is an effect that a feeling by vibration or impact is given to the operator at the same time as the switch input, and the switching is recognized by the operator.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an XY tablet which operates with a lighter operating force than the push switch is arranged on a part or all of the button top surface of the push switch. is there.

With the above configuration, there is an effect that the cursor can be moved on the personal computer screen by lightly pressing and moving the tablet with a finger, and a switch input can be made by a push switch by strongly pressing the tablet as it is. Further, by using a push switch having a tactile feeling, there is an effect that the tactile feeling is given to the operator at the same time as the switch input, and the switching is recognized by the operator. Further, by using a configuration in which the XY tablet is arranged only on a part of the button top surface, the push switch can be switched directly without passing through the XY tablet, so that it can be shared with another switch input.

The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is characterized in that:
The numeric keypad and calculation mark are displayed on the makeup panel of the tablet input unit, and the mode is switched by the changeover switch.
Data is always transmitted, and switching data is transmitted by pressurization. On the other hand, the ten-key mode detects the position data from the XY tablet input unit with a light touch (does not transmit), converts the data into numeric key display mark data simultaneously with switching by pressing, and transmits the display data. It was done.

With the above configuration, the ten-key data can be transmitted to the personal computer by the XY tablet, and the ten-key that takes up space is not separately required.

(Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a method for holding an XY tablet input unit according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a rigid substrate, on which an XY tablet input section 12 is fixed on the upper surface, and a vibration (shock) unit 13 composed of a plunger and a vibrator is fixed below. The rigid substrate 11 is held movably up and down with the case 15 via the damper 14 so that the vibration of the vibration (impact) unit 13 is transmitted to the entire XY tablet input unit 12 via the rigid substrate 11. It is configured. Note that the rigid substrate 11 may be formed integrally with the case 15.

With this configuration, the shock and vibration of the vibration unit can be uniformly transmitted to the entire operation surface of the XY tablet input unit.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a case where a vibration unit is attached to an XY tablet input section having a two-layer structure of an XY data input section and a membrane switch according to the present invention.

Under a decorative panel 20 on the front surface, a sheet 22 having a resistor 21 formed on the lower surface and a sheet 25 having a resistor 23 and a dot spacer 24 formed on the upper surface face each other.
An XY data input unit having a light operating force is constituted, and a seat 25 is provided.
A contact 26 formed on the lower surface of the tablet and a rigid substrate 29 having a contact 27 and a dot spacer 28 formed on the upper surface thereof are opposed to each other to constitute a membrane switch having a greater operating force than the tablet. The vibration unit 13 is formed below the rigid substrate 29 to form an XY tablet input unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing an embodiment of a method for detecting the input position and switching of the XY tablet input unit, and FIG. 4 shows the input / output of each terminal in FIG. It is displayed on the horizontal axis.

In FIG. 3, the terminals connected to the resistors of the XY data input section are orthogonal to each other between the opposing sheets, and the vertical direction is R1 and the horizontal direction is R3. The resistance R5
And R6 are much larger than R1 and R3.

In the case of no input, even if a voltage of V1 volt is applied to the terminal (a) and a voltage of 0 volt is applied to the terminal (b), the output of the terminal (c) and the terminal (d) is 0 because of the resistance R6. Become a bolt. When the tablet is pressed lightly, 3 in FIG.
When 0 is short-circuited, the output of the terminal (c) and the output of the terminal (d) are both approximately R1 and the voltage divided by the resistor R2 up to the short-circuit point, and V (c) = V (d) = V1 / R2 / R1 .

Next, V1 volt is applied to the terminal (c), and the terminal (d)
When a voltage of 0 volt is applied to the terminals (a) and (b)
Are almost the divided voltage of R3 and the resistor R4 up to the short-circuit point, and V (a) = V (b) = V1 · R4 / R3. Therefore, the pressed position can be specified by converting these voltages into position data by means such as AD conversion.

Next, by strongly pressing the same point, the contact 26 and the contact 27 of the membrane switch formed just below the XY data input section come into contact with each other to perform a switching operation. Also, by vibrating the vibration unit 13 below the rigid substrate 29 simultaneously with the switching, an input feeling can be given to the operator.

With the above configuration, the pressed position and the switching can be input at the same location, and an input feeling can be generated at the same location as a response to the input.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention.
When the finger is lightly moved on the panel, the position is detected by the XY data input unit 31 of the first stage, the position data is processed by the microcomputer 32, and the position data is transmitted to the personal computer 33. The personal computer 33 receives this and displays the movement of the cursor or the like on the screen 34. In addition, when strongly pressed, 2
The microcomputer 32 detects the presence / absence of switching with the membrane switch 35 at the stage, and transmits switching data to the personal computer 33, and simultaneously activates the vibration unit 36 or sounds the buzzer 37 for a short time. PC 3
3 receives the switching data, performs switching display on the screen 34, and displays the result after the work. If erroneous input data is transmitted to the personal computer 33,
Transmits the fact that there is an erroneous input to the microcomputer 32, and the microcomputer 32 receives the erroneous input and vibrates the vibration unit 36 in a different pattern from that at the time of switching, so that the operator recognizes the erroneous input. With the above configuration, there is an effect that the input of the position data and the switching data can be easily performed with one finger.

(Embodiment 2) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows an XY structure in which a pressure-sensitive body is sandwiched between sheets having two resistance surfaces opposed to each other according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional configuration diagram of a tablet input unit.

Sheet 42 having resistor 41 formed on the lower surface
And a pressure-sensitive body 45 whose resistance changes due to a pressing force between the sheets opposing a sheet 44 having a resistor 43 formed on the upper surface.
To form an XY tablet input unit. 46 is a rigid substrate for transmitting vibration, and 13 is a vibration (shock) unit.

FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a method (press change detection mode) for detecting a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive body of the XY tablet input unit in FIG. (The mode for detecting the input position of the XY tablet input unit is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.) FIG. 8 shows an equivalent circuit thereof and a processing block diagram of resistance change detection.

In FIG. 7, V1 volt is applied to the terminal (a).
When one end of the resistor R10 is set to 0 volt and the transistor 47 is turned on, an equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 8 is obtained.

In this circuit, the output voltage at the terminal (d) is: V (d) = V1 · R10 / (R7 + R8 + R9
+ R10).

Here, the resistance R7 decreases when pressure is applied, and increases when the pressure is reduced. R8 and R9 are
The resistance value changes by moving the pressed position of the XY tablet input unit.

Here, in the position input state where the finger is lightly traced on the XY tablet input section, the voltage of the terminal (d) changes frequently, and thus the pressure change detection mode for detecting the resistance change of the pressure-sensitive body. , The input position is detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this input position detection mode, when the position movement is stopped, the operation enters the pressure change detection mode,
The voltage (d) is read by the A / D converter 48 and stored by the microcomputer 49. Next, the position detection mode and the pressure change detection mode are alternately performed, and if there is a position movement again, the mode shifts to the position detection mode, and there is no position movement in the position detection mode, and the voltage of V (d) in the pressure change detection mode. Is greater than or equal to a specified value (when the output of the A / D converter has changed by a specified amount), the microcomputer 49 detects this by comparing it with previous data, and executes a switching operation assuming that a change in pressing has occurred. This switching operation refers to vibrating the vibration unit 50 or transferring switching data to the personal computer 51.

In the above, switching and execution between the position detection mode and the pressure change detection mode can be easily performed by the microcomputer 49. Also, it goes without saying that the switching may be recognized by the operator by a buzzer or a change in the display screen of the personal computer instead of the vibration unit.

In the first and second embodiments,
Although the XY tablet input unit of the resistance detection method (analog) was used, the contact of a sheet having a plurality of contacts in the X direction on the lower surface and the contact of a sheet having a plurality of contacts in the Y direction on the upper surface were opposed to each other. A switch is formed at the intersection, and a multi-contact type X-
Similar effects can be obtained by using a Y tablet input unit (digital). The microcomputer may be shared with the CPU in the personal computer.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of an XY tablet input unit using a push switch, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view thereof (FIG. 9). A
-A ').

An XY tablet 57 that operates with a lighter operating force than the push switch 55 is disposed on a part of the button top surface 56 of the push switch 55. When the XY tablet 57 is lightly touched, the position data is The switching (execution) data is transmitted by switching of the push switch 55 by transmitting and pressing pressure (pressing). Reference numeral 58 denotes another input button for switching the push switch 59. Reference numeral 60 denotes a guard integrally formed with the cover 61, which prevents a finger from touching the periphery of the XY tablet 57 and causing erroneous input.
Note that the button collar 62 is used to translate the button in parallel.
May be extended to form a hinge structure with its tip as a pivot point of the button. In the above, when the button 56 is directly switched, only the switching (execution) data is transmitted.

With the above configuration, there is an effect that the cursor can be moved on the personal computer screen by lightly pressing and moving the tablet with a finger, and a switch (execution) input can be made by a push switch by strongly pressing the tablet as it is. Further, by using a push switch having a tactile feeling, there is an effect that the tactile feeling is given to the operator at the same time as the switch input, and the switching is recognized by the operator. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the XY tablet is arranged only on a part of the button top surface, the push switch can be directly switched without passing through the XY tablet, so that another switch input can be shared.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 11 shows a ten-key pad according to the present invention.

In FIG. 11, a numeric keypad and a calculation mark are displayed on the decorative panel 20 of the XY tablet input unit, and the mode is switched by the changeover switch 63. The position data is detected (not transmitted), converted into data of a ten-key display mark simultaneously with switching by pressurization, and the display data is transmitted. The mode switching can be easily performed by switching the internal software routine of the control microcomputer 32 in FIG.

As described above, X, which is a peripheral device of the personal computer,
-A Y tablet can be used as a numeric keypad.

In the above, it goes without saying that the XY tablet may be of the capacitance type.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, the cursor on the PC screen is moved (position detection) by lightly pressing and moving the tablet with a finger, and switch input (switching) is made by strongly pressing the tablet. Since the pressed position detection and the switching position can be input at the same location, there is an effect that the position input and the switching input can be easily performed with one finger.

Further, by giving the operator an input feeling by vibration, impact or tactile feeling at the same time as the switch input, the switching can be recognized by the operator, and there is an effect that erroneous input can be prevented.

Further, even if an XY tablet is configured as a single peripheral device according to the present invention, it is not used by moving on a desk like a mouse, so that a flat and wide area is not required, and a place where it is placed can be selected. This has the effect.

In the third embodiment, the XY tablet is arranged only on a part of the button top surface, so that the push switch can be switched directly without the intervention of the XY tablet. Since the switch input and push switch can be shared, the number of parts is reduced.

A numeric keypad and a calculation mark are displayed on the makeup panel of the XY tablet, and the position data from the XY tablet is converted into display mark data by mode switching by a changeover switch. Is transmitted, there is an effect that the XY tablet can be used also as a numeric keypad.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a method for holding an XY tablet input unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a two-layer structure input unit and a vibration unit of a membrane switch which is an XY data input unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a method for detecting an input position and switching of an XY tablet input unit.

FIG. 4 shows input / output of each terminal in FIG. 3 with time on the horizontal axis.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of an XY tablet input unit according to the present invention in which a pressure-sensitive body is sandwiched between sheets having two resistance surfaces opposed to each other.

7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a method for detecting a change in resistance of a pressure-sensitive body of the XY tablet input unit in FIG. 6;

8 shows a processing block diagram of the equivalent circuit of FIG. 7 and resistance change detection.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an XY tablet input unit using a push switch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'of FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a ten-key structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a conventional notebook computer.

FIG. 13 shows how to use the XY tablet of the notebook computer of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 rigid board, 12 XY data input section, 13 vibration unit, 14, damper, 15 case, 20 decorative panel, 21 resistor, 22 sheet, 23 resistor,
24 dot spacers, 25 sheets, 26 contacts,
27 contacts, 28 dot spacer, 29 rigid substrate, 3
1 XY tablet input unit, 32 microcomputer, 33
PC, 34 screens, 35 membrane switches, 3
6 vibrating unit, 37 buzzer, 41 resistor, 42
Sheet, 43 resistor, 44 sheet, 45 pressure-sensitive body,
46 rigid substrate, 47 transistor, 48 A / D converter, 49 microcomputer, 50 vibration unit, 51
PC, 55 push switch, 56 button top, 57 XY tablet, 58 different input buttons,
59 push switch, 60 guard, 61 cover, 62 brim, 63 changeover switch

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An XY data input section having a light operating force,
An XY tablet input unit is configured by a two-layer structure in which a membrane switch having a greater operating force than the XY data input unit is arranged, and these are held by a rigid body, and the operation unit of the input device is held through the rigid body. An input device comprising a vibration (shock) generating unit that vibrates. 2. An X-Y tablet input section is formed by sandwiching a pressure-sensitive body whose resistance changes by pressing force between sheets having two resistance surfaces or a plurality of contact points facing each other. The X-Y tablet is configured by providing a detection unit for detecting a change in resistance of the sheet, and the pressing position is detected by detecting the resistance on the sheet, and switching is performed by detecting the resistance change of the pressure-sensitive body due to the pressing force. An input device characterized by performing. 3. A vibration which operates in conjunction with switching of an input device via a rigid body on a back surface of an XY tablet input unit.
3. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising a (shock) generating unit. 4. An input device, wherein an XY tablet that operates with a lighter operating force than a push switch is arranged on a part or all of a button top surface of the push switch. 5. A ten-key pad and a calculation mark are displayed on a makeup panel of an XY tablet input section, and the mode is switched by a changeover switch. To transmit switching data. On the other hand, in the numeric keypad mode, the position data from the XY tablet input unit is detected (not transmitted) with a light touch, converted to numeric keypad display mark data simultaneously with switching by pressing, and the display data is transmitted. An input device, characterized in that: