WO2008066366A1

WO2008066366A1 - Data input device

Info

Publication number: WO2008066366A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eui-Jin Oh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-01
Filing date: 2007-12-03
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2009-06-01
Also published as: KR20080050352A; KR20080050351A

Abstract

There are provided a data input device. The data input device includes an input unit provided such that a movement input, a center input and a center movement input are individually performed, the movement input being performed through a horizontal movement in a predetermined input area, the center input being performed through any one of an ascent/descent and a selection of a center input key provided at one side of the input unit, and the center movement input being performed by horizontally moving the input unit in the state that the center input is performed; a sensor unit for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit, a movement path, an ascent/descent or a selection of the center input key; and a control unit for extracting an input instruction corresponding to the movement input, the center input or the center movement input from a memory unit to execute the input instruction, based on the result of the sensor unit. Accordingly, various functions of a mouse used in a desktop computer can be unlimitedly performed with one finger at a minimum input space by individually performing various input operations or combining two or more input operations in one input unit. In addition, and each of all the characters to be inputted can be inputted through only one operation by combining the respective input operations.

Description

Description DATA INPUT DEVICE

Technical Field

[1] Aspects of the present invention relate to a data input device, and more particularly, to a data input device, which can unlimitedly perform various functions of a mouse used in a desktop computer with one finger at a minimum input space by individually performing various input operations or combining two or more input operations in one input unit, and input each of all the characters to be inputted through only one operation by combining the respective input operations. Background Art

[2] Recently, with the development of software and semiconductor and information processing technologies, demands of miniaturization and multi-function capabilities have been gradually increased. Accordingly, the importance of input devices applied to various types of information devices has also been increased. However, it is difficult to develop miniaturized and multi-functional input devices.

[3] In general, input devices include a keyboard for input various characters, a mouse device for selecting and executing a predetermined file, and the like. Among these input devices, a touch screen mode applied to personal data assistants (PDAs) or a keypad mode is used for the keyboard.

[4] However, since the touch screen mode or key pad mode has a slow input speed and repetitive inputs, it is difficult to input characters, and accuracy is lowered.

[5] In addition, it is difficult to implement miniaturization because of characteristics of the mouse device. Although the mouse device is applied to a compact terminal, the mouse device performs only some functions of a general mouse device, and the functions may not be easily used.

[6] For example, in order to use a mouse device in a portable terminal such as a notebook computer or PDA, a mouse pointer is moved through one hand, and a left/ right button function is performed through the other hand. That is, both hands should be used to perform functions of the mouse device in the portable terminal. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a data input device, which can minimize an input space and perform all the functions of a mouse input device with only one hand by individually performing various input operations or by combining two or more input operations in one input unit. [8] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a data input device, which can easily adjust an input capacity by individually performing input operations or by combining the respective operations, and can input each of all the characters through only one operation. Technical Solution

[9] In order to accomplish the above and other objects, there is provided a data input device 1.

[10] The data input device 1 includes an input unit 10 provided such that a movement input M, a center input C and a center movement input CM are individually performed, the movement input M being performed through a horizontal movement in a predetermined input area A, the center input C being performed through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit 10 itself and a selection of a center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit 10, and the center movement input CM being performed by horizontally moving the input unit 10 in the state that the center input C is performed; a sensor unit 20 for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit 10 , a movement path, an ascent/descent or a selection of the center input key 11 ; and a control unit 30 for extracting an input instruction corresponding to the movement input M, the center input C or the center movement input CM from a memory unit 35 to execute the input instruction, based on the result of the sensor unit 20.

[11] The data input device 1 further includes a contact unit 13 protruding toward the sensor unit 20 at a bottom side of the input unit 10, wherein the center input C is sensed through a contact of the contact unit 13 to the sensor unit 20 due to the descent of the input unit 10, and the center movement input CM is sensed through the movement of a contact point due to the horizontal movement in the state that the contact unit 13 comes in contact with the sensor unit 20.

[12] The data input device 1 further includes a contact unit 13 protruding from a bottom side of the input unit 10 to come in contact with the sensor unit 20, wherein the center input C is sensed through any one of press, pressure, contact and touch, and the center movement input CM is sensed through the movement of the contact point of the contact unit 13 in the state that the center input C is sensed.

[13] The sensor unit 20 may have a predetermined sensing area at a lower portion of the input unit 10 and can be provided as any one of a touch pad, a touch screen, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor.

[14] The data input device 1 further includes a return unit 37 provided between the input unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 to move up the input unit 10 to an original position after the descent of the input unit 10.

[15] The input unit 10 can be provided such that a direction press input P is performed by inclining the input unit 10 in each radial direction from the horizontal position or by selecting any one of a plurality of direction press portions 15 provided to correspond to the respective radial directions, and the input unit 10 further includes a direction press sensor unit 25 for sensing a selection of each of the direction press portions 15 such that the control unit 30 extracts an input instruction corresponding to the corresponding radial direction from the memory unit 35 to execute the input instruction.

[16] The data input device 1 further includes a direction touch sensor portion 27 for sensing a contact or touch to each of the radial directions in each of the direction press sensor portions 25 to correspond to each of the radial directions at the top of the input unit 10 such that a direction touch input T is performed.

[17] One or more of the movement input M, the center input C, the center movement input CM and the direction press input P can be provided to perform multiple inputs of two or more steps in accordance with a difference of movement distances, movement strengths or pressing pressures.

[18] In a mouse input mode, a movement of a mouse pointer can be performed through the movement input M, and a function of a mouse left button is performed through the center input C due to the descent of the input unit 10.

[19] The center input C can be provided to perform mutiple inputs of two or more steps in accordance with a strength of the press pressure or a difference of press distances, and a function of a mouse right button is performed through the two-stepped center input C.

[20] The function of the mouse right button can be performed through the direction press input P or direction touch input T in a predetermined radial direction or a predetermined input key provided at a base 110 on which the input unit 10 is mounted.

[21] The direction press input P can be provided to be performed in four radial directions, a scroll-up/down or shortcut key function is performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 12 or 6 o'clock, a function of the mouse right button is performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 3 o'clock, and a function of a mouse scroll button is performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 9 o'clock.

[22] The scroll-up/down or shortcut key function can be performed by performing a direction touch input T in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction or by rotating the input unit 10 itself in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[23] The direction press input P can be provided to be performed in four radial directions, in a mouse input mode, a movement of the mouse pointer is performed through the movement input M, the function of the mouse left button is performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 9 o'clock, the function of the mouse right button is performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 3 o'clock, and the scroll-up/down function is performed through the direction press input P of 12 or 6 o'clock.

[24] In a mouse input mode of a three-dimensional graphic operation, a three-dimensional horizontal movement of an object can be performed through the movement input M, a three-dimensional rotation of the object can be performed through the direction press input P in each of the radial directions, an enlargement of the object can be performed through the center input C, and a two-dimensional rotation of the object can be performed through the rotation of the input unit 10 itself or the direction touch input T provided at the top of the input unit 10.

[25] When the movement of the mouse pointer is performed through the movement input C in a mouse input mode, the horizontal movement distance of the input unit 10 and the movement distance of the mouse pointer are symmetrically matched at a ratio of 1:1, but the mouse pointer continuously moves in a corresponding direction although the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is stopped at a boundary of the input area A.

[26] In a mouse input mode, a movement of the mouse pointer can be performed through the movement input M, a selection of an object can be performed through the center input C, and a drag function can be performed through the center movement input CM.

[27] In a mouse input mode, a one-time click function of the mouse left button can be performed through the one-stepped center input C, and a two-time click (double click) function of the mouse left button can be performed through the two- stepped center input C.

[28] The input unit 10 has a plurality of direction indication positions r disposed in a radial shape with a predetermined reference position S, and in a character input mode, one or more of a center movement input CM, a direction press input P, a direction touch input T and a movement center input MC through a descent contact after moving in each of the radial direction may be performed in each of the direction indication positions r, and different characters are assigned to the respective direction indication positions r for each input operation.

[29] The center movement input CM includes one or more of an outer movement toward each of the direction indication positions, an inner movement and a tangent direction movement from each of the direction indication positions.

[30] In a character input mode, a cursive-script-type character input for inputting a character by tracing a movement path of the input unit 10 is performed.

[31] In order to accomplish the above and other objects, there can be provided a data input device 1.

[32] A data input device 1 includes, a base 110; an input unit 10 provided on the base

110, the input unit 10 being provided such that a center input C, a movement center input MC, a center movement input CM, a direction press input P and a direction movement input M are individually performed, the center input C being performed through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit 10 itself and a selection of a center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit, the movement center input MC being performed by performing the center input C after horizontally moving the input unit 10 to any one of four direction indication positions r disposed in a radial shape from a reference position S provided in a predetermined input area A, the direction press input P being performed by inclining the input unit 10 itself to each of the direction indication positions r from a horizontal position, and the direction movement input P being performed by horizontally moving the input unit 10 to the front/rear/left/right from each of the direction indication positions r ; a sensor unit 20 for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit 10, a movement path, an ascent/ descent or a selection of the center input key 11 ; and a control unit 30 for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit 10 for each of the direction indication positions r from a memory unit 35 to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit 20.

[33] In order to accomplish the above and other objects, there can be provided a data input device 1.

[34] A data input device 1 includes a base 110; two input units 10 provided on the base

110, each being provided such that a direction movement input M is performed, the direction movement input M being performed by horizontally moving the input unit 10 to four directions of the front/rear/left/right at four direction indication positions r disposed in a radial shape from a reference position S provided in a predetermined input area A; a sensor unit 20 for sensing the direction indication position r at which the direction movement input M is performed and a movement direction of the input unit 10 at the corresponding direction indication position r; and a control unit 30 for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit 10 for each of the direction indication positions r from a memory unit 35 to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit 20.

[35] In order to accomplish the above and other objects, there can be provided a data input device 1.

[36] A data input device 1 includes a base 110; an input unit 10 provided on the base

110, the input unit 10 provided such that a center input C, a movement input M and a movement center input MC are individually performed, the center input C being performed through through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit 10 itself and a selection of a center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit 10, the movement input M being performed by horizontally moving the input unit 10 to any one of eight direction indication positions r disposed in a radial shape from a reference position S provided in a predetermined input area A, and the movement center input MC being performed by performing the movement input M and then the center input C; a sensor unit 20 for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit 10, a movement path of the input unit 10, an ascent/descent of the input unit 10 or a selection of the center input key 11 ; and a control unit 30 for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit 10 for each of the direction indication positions r from a memory unit 35 to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit 20. [37] Here, two input units 10 can be provided on the base 110.

Advantageous Effects

[38] Accordingly, the data input device according to the present invention can un- limitedly perform various functions of a mouse used in a desktop computer at a minimum input space by individually performing various input operations or combining two or more input operations in one input unit. [39] Further, when characters are inputted using the data input device according to the present invention, each of all the characters to be inputted can be inputted through only one operation by combining respective input operations.

Brief Description of the Drawings [40] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: [41] FIG. 1 is a view schematically illustrating the configuration and concept of a data input device according to the present invention; [42] FIG. 2 is a view showing the configuration of a data input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [43] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing various embodiments of an input unit in the data input device according to the present invention; [44] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a movement input, a momvent center input and a center input, performed in the data input device according to the present invention; [45] FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating functions assigned to respective input operations in a mouse input mode of the data input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [46] FIGs. 6 to 8 are operational views showing input operations of an input unit and performed results in a mouse input mode; [47] FIG. 9 is a conceptual view illustrating functions assigned to respective input operations in a mouse input mode according to another embodiment of the present invention; [48] FIG. 10 is a conceptual view illustrating functions assigned to respective input operations when performing a three-dimensional graphic operation using the data input device according to the present invention;

[49] FIG. 11 is a conceptual view illustrating a horizontal movement within an input area and a maintanence movement at a boundary of the input area in a mouse input mode of the data input device according to the present invention;

[50] FIGs. 12 to 15 are conceptual views illustrating basic input operations when performing a character input using the data input device according to the present invention;

[51] FIGs. 16 to 18 are conceptual views showing various embodiments performed by combining two or more input operations when inputting a character using the data input device according to the present invention; and

[52] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing various embodiments of a direction press input in the data input device according to the present invention.

[53] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[54] Hereinafter, a data input device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[55] Referring to FIG. 1, the data input device according to the present invention includes an input unit 10 provided such that a movement input M, a center input C and a center movement input CM can be individually performed; a sensor unit 20 for sensing a movement of the input unit 10; and a memory unit 30 for extracting an input instruction corresponding to each input operation from a memory unit 35 and executing the input instruction based on the sensing result of the sensor unit 20.

[56] The input unit 10 is provided such that a movement input M, a center input C and a center movement input CM can be individually performed.

[57] Hereinafter, the respective input operations through the input unit 10 will be described with reference to (d) of FIG. 1.

[58] The movement input M refers to an input operation in which the input unit 10 moves in a horizontal direction with respect to a base 110 or a reference surface within a predetermined input area A.

[59] The movement input M means a horizontal movement of the input unit 10 in the state that the center input C is not performed. The movement input M is different from a center movement input CM or a movement center input MC in that the center movement input CM or the movement center input MC is performed by combining the center input C and the horizontal movement of the input unit 10. [60] The direction of the movement input M is not limited particularly. As shown in (d) of FIG. 1, the movement input M may be performed in a radial direction toward a predetermined direction indication position (r , r ...) or may be performed in a front/ rear/left/right direction. Alternatively, the movement input M may be performed in all directions like a mouse or stylus pen, which is one of input devices.

[61] The center input C refers to an input operation performed by moving in an up/down direction of the input unit 10 or by selecting a center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit 10.

[62] As described above, the center input C divides a simple horizontal movement of the input unit 10 into the movement input M and the center movement input CM or movement center input MC.

[63] The center input C may be performed using various methods. For example, the input unit 10 itself may move up and down with respect to the base 110 as shown in (b) of FIG. 1, and the input unit 10 may include a pressure sensor 23 for sensing pressure toward the input unit 10 at one side of the input unit 10. As shown in (c) of FIG. 2, the input unit 10 may include a center input key sensor 21 for sensing selection of the center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit 10.

[64] The center movement input CM refers to an input operation in which the input unit

10 performs the aforementioned horizontal movement in the state that the center input C has been performed.

[65] Referring to (d) of FIG. 1, the center movement input CM refers to an input operation in which a center input C is first performed, for example, the input unit 10 moves down, and a horizontal movement is then performed. On the contrary, the movement center input MC refers to an input operation in which a horizontal movement is first performed and a center input C is then performed.

[66] Meanwhile, a direction press input P and a direction touch input T may be additionally performed, which will be described together herein.

[67] The direction press input P refers to an input operation in which the input unit 10 itself is inclined in a predetermined radial direction as shown in (b) of FIG. 1, or a direction press portion 15 provided at one side of the input unit 10 to correspond to each radial direction is selected as shown in (a) of FIG. 2.

[68] In this case, there may be further provided a direction press sensor (not shown) for sensing an inclination of the input unit 10 or a selection of each of the direction press portions 15. Thus, the control unit 30 extracts an input instruction corresponding to the corresponding radial direction at which the direction press input P is performed from the memory unit 35 and executes the extracted input instruction.

[69] Hereinafter, a structure for performing the direction press input P will be described in detail. [70] Referring to FIG. 19, the direction press input P may be performed by inclinding the input unit 10 in a predetermined direction indication position (r , r , ...) with respect to a contact unit 13 (here, the contact unit 13 includes not only a means that comes in contact with the sensor unit 20 but also all types of means for spacing the input unit 10 apart from the base 110 at a predetermined distance to support various input operations such as a movememnt of the input unit 10) as shown in (a) of FIG. 19, or by pressurizing a top side of the input unit 10 or pressing the direction press portion 15 provided at the top of the input unit 10 as shown in (b) of FIG. 19.

[71] Alternatively, the input unit 10 and the contact unit 13 may be inclined together in a predetermined direction indication position (r , r ,...) as shown in (c) of FIG. 19, or only an input top (18) provided at an upper portion of the input unit 10 may be inclinded as shown in (d) of FIG. 19.

[72] Similarly, as shown in (e) of FIG. 19, only the input unit 10 may be independently inclined in a predetermined direction indication position (r , r , ...) in the state that the contact unit 13 and the input unit 10 are inclined together. In this case, this is the same result as two different types of direction press inputs P are simultaneously applied.

[73] Alternatively, as shown in (f) of FIG. 19, the direction press portion 15 provided at the top of the input unit 10 may be selected in the state that the contact unit 13 and the input unit 10 are inclined together.

[74] Particularly, since the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 such as the movement input M and the direction press input P are inputted together in (d) of FIG. 19, the input unit 10 horizontally moves to the left from a reference position S and the input top 18 is inclined in a right direction, thereby performing the direction press input P.

[75] As described above, the direction press input P may be simultaneously inputted in the state that the input unit 10 performs a horizontal movement (including a movement input M, a center movement input CM and a movement center input MC). That is, two independent operations may be performed together.

[76] Thus, when the data input device according to the present invention is used as a mouse, and a left button function of the mouse is assigned to the direction press input P, it is possible to perform a left button function input of the mouse in the state that the input unit 10 moves, thereby simultaneously performing a left button function of the mouse and a mouse pointer movement such as a text drag or a file movement. If a right button function of the mouse is additionally assigned to the the direction press input P, it is possible to perform a right button function input of the mouse in the state that the input unit 10 moves.

[77] Meanwhile, when an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like is used as the sensor unit 20, the sensor unit 20 may simultaneously sense the movement input M and direction press input P of the input unit 10 by sensing an inclination of the input unit 10, an inclination of the input top 18 and the like.

[78] The direction touch input T refers to an input operation in which direction touch sensor portions 27 (see FIG. 5) are provided on the top of the input unit 10, and a contact or touch of a finger in a corresponding radial direction is sensed.

[79] Here, the direction touch sensor portion 27 may be provided to each of the direction press portions 15 or may be provided at the top of the input unit 10 to correspond to each radial direction without the direction press portions 15. Alternatively, the respective direction touch sensor portions 27 may be independently separated to be disposed along an edge of the top of the input unit 10 or may be connected to one another to have a circular strip shape.

[80] Hereinafter, the data input device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1 to 3.

[81] Referring to (a) of FIG. 1, an input unit 10 is provided in a disk shape, and a sensor unit 20 is disposed at a lower portion of the input unit 10 to form a predetermined input area A. Here, the input unit 10 may be provided in various shpes, e.g., a disk shape as shown in this figure, a polygonal plate shape, a hemispheric shape and the like.

[82] Referring to FIG. 3, an operation unit 17 for easily performing operations of the input unit 10 may be provided at the top of the input unit 10. As shown in this figure, the operation unit 17 may be provided in a rod shape or may be provided in various shapes such as a ring shape and a disk shape.

[83] The operation unit 17 may be fixed to the input unit 10. However, the operation unit 17 may be provided to be movable up/down from the input unit 10 as shown in (b) of FIG. 3, may be inclined in a predetermined direction on the top of the input unit 10 as shown in (c) of FIG. 3, and may be provided to be attachable/detachable as shown in (d) of FIG. 3.

[84] A contact unit 13 may be provided at a bottom side of the input unit 10 to protrude toward the sensor unit 20.

[85] In this case, the center movement C is sensed by contacting the contact unit 13 with the sensor unit 20 while the input unit moves down, and the center movement input CM is sensed by moving a contact point through a horizontal movement in the state that the contact unit 13 comes in contact with the sensor unit 20.

[86] The sensor unit 20 may provided in various types, e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor and the like.

[87] Meanwhile, when a touch pad or a touch screen is used as the sensor unit 20 in this embodiment, the input unit 10 is first spaced apart from the sensor unit 20 at a predetermined distance such that the contact unit 13 does not come in contact with the sensor unit 20. If the center input C is then performed by moving down the input unit, the contact unit 13 comes in contact with the sensor unit 20.

[88] Thus, before the center input C is performed (i.e., before the contact unit 13 comes into contact with the sensor unit 20 by moving down the input unit 10), no input instruction is performed by the horizontal movement of the input unit 10. After the contact unit 13 is sensed by the sensor unit 20, the sensor unit 20 senses the position of a contact point, the movement direction and path of the contact point, and the like.

[89] Accordingly, the control unit 30 determines input operations corresponding to the position of the contact point and the movement direction and path of the contact point, and extracts input instructions corresponding to the input operations from the memory unit 35 to execute the input instructions.

[90] Meanwhile, various modifications and changes can be made in this embodiment.

For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 1, a support unit 111 for restricting and supporting the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 may be further provided between the base 110 and the input unit 10, and the sensor unit 20 may be formed inside the support unit 111.

[91] A return unit 37 for allowing the input unit 10 to move up to its original position after the input unit 10 moves down may be further provided between the input unit 10 and the sensor unit 20.

[92] The return unit 37 is not limited to the example shown in this figure but may be formed in various types such as a coil spring, a plate spring and a rubber material.

[93] Meanwhile, as shown in (c) of FIG. 1, the center input C may be performed by pressurizing the pressure sensor 23 provided at the top of the input unit 10 as well as by moving down the input unit 10, and the center input C may be sensed by a touch, optical or magnetic sensor provided at the center of the top of the input unit 10.

[94] In this embodiment, the contact unit 13 always comes in contact with the sensor unit 20. For this reason, when only a horizontal movement of the input unit is performed, the sensor unit 20 can also senses the movement input M and peform a separate input instruction, unlike the embodiment shown in (a) of FIG. 1.

[95] In (a) to (c) of FIG. 2, a horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is sensed through a sensor except a contact sensor such as a touch pad or touch screen. That is, the center input C is sensed by moving down the input unit 10 or by selecting the center input key 11, and the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is sensed on an input space through a non-contact sensor such as an optical or magnetic sensor.

[96] In this case, the movement input M and the center movement input CM or movement center input MC can be all performed as shown in (c) of FIG. 1.

[97] Here, one or more of the movement input M, the center input C, the center movement input CM, the direction press input P and the direction touch input T may be provided to perform multiple inputs of two or more steps in accordance with a difference of movement distances, movement strengths, pressing pressures or the like.

[98] For example, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1, when the center input C is sensed by moving down the contact unit 13 and contacting the contact unit 13 with the sensor unit 20, a pressure sensor is used as the sensor unit 20, so that the center input C can be divided into multiple steps and sensed in accordance with a difference of pressures for moving down the contact unit 13. A two- stepped press switch may be provided at a bottom of the contact unit 13. A first-stepped input may be performed by contacting the contact unit 13 with the sensor unit 20, and a second- stepped input may be performed by sensing a press pressure of the contact unit 13.

[99] The control unit 30 extracts input instructions corresponding to the movement input M, the center input C and the center movement input CM from the memory unit 35 to execute the input instructions, based on the sensing result of the sensor unit 20.

[100] Input instructions are stored in the memory unit 35 to correspond to the respective input operations and directions in which the input operations are performed. For example, when a mouse is used as the data input device according to the present invention, a movement path of the input unit 10 may be extracted as it is, and inputted and performed as a pointer movement of the mouse.

[101] When the input unit 10 performs a center movement input CM in the direction of

12 o'clock from the reference position S, a character "A" may be inputted. When the input unit 10 performs a center movement input CM in the direction of 6 o'clock, a character "B" may be inputted (or a shortcut key function "cancel" may be performed).

[102] Here, another character or functional instruction may be assigned to the center movement input CM in the direction of 12 o'clock. That is, in the data input device according to the present invention, a different character or functional instruction may be performed for each input operation of the input unit 10, depending on the direction, movement path and position of an input operation. Mode for the Invention

[103] Hereinafter, it will be described in detail when a mouse is used as the data input device according to the present invention.

[104] (a) of FIG. 4 shows an example in which a movement of a mouse pointer and a function of a mouse left button are sequentially performed (i.e., a movement and then a click), and (b) of FIG. 4 shows an example in which a function of the mouse left button is first performed and a movement of the mouse pointer is then performed (i.e., a drag function).

[105] Referring to (a) of FIG. 4, a movement input M of horizontally moving the input unit 10 is performed in the state that a center input C is not performed, thereby performing the function of moving the mouse pointer to a desired position using the mouse (hereinafter, referred to as a "movement center input MC" by combining the two input operations for convenience of illustration).

[106] After moving the input unit 10, a center input C is performed by moving down the input unit 10, thereby performing the function of the mouse left button, which clicks a desired folder or icon in an output device such as a monitor.

[107] Here, a function of clicking the mouse left button twice (i.e., a double click) may be performed to execute the folder or icon. For example, the double click may be performed through a two- stepped input by dividing the center input C into multiple steps, or may be performed using a separate input key provided to the direction press input P in a predetermined radial direction or the base 110.

[108] (b) of FIG. 4 shows an example in which a center input C is first performed to select a desired folder or icon (i.e., the function of the mouse left button), and a movement input M is then performed to execute a drag function (hereinafter, referred to as a "center movement input CM" by combining the two input operations for convenience of illustration).

[109] Here, the aforementioned movement center input MC or center movement input

CM is not limited to configurations shown in FIG. 4, and various modifications and changes can be made. For example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 4, the center input C is not performed by moving down the input unit 10 but may be performed by providing a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, a press switch, a dome switch or the like, for sensing the center input C, on a top or inside of the input unit 10, or by providing a sensor for sensing a fine drop of the input unit 10 or a press pressure inside the input area A.

[110] Meanwhile, in the aforementioned embodiments, a function of a mouse right button may be using various methods. For example, when the center input C allows multiple inputs of two or more steps to be performed through any one of a strength of press pressure and a difference of press distances, the function of the mouse right button may be performed through a two-stepped center input C.

[I l l] Alternatively, the function of the mouse right button may be performed by performing a direction press input P or a direction touch input T or by selecting a predetermined input key (not shown) provided to a base (not shown) on which the input unit 10 is mounted.

[112] Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, for example, when the direction press input P is provided to be performed in four radial directions, a scroll-up/down or shortcut key function may be performed through the direction press input P in the direction of 12 or 6 o'clock.

[113] That is, when the function of scrolling up or down a page is performed because the page is long on a screen of a computer, a scroll-up function is performed by performing a directin press input P in the direction of 12 o'clock in the state that a center input C is performed in the corresponding page, or a scroll-down function is performed by performing a direction press input P in the direction of 6 o'clock in the state that a center input C is performed in the corresponding page.

[114] Meanwhile, when performing a direction press input P₄in the direction of 9 o'clock, a scroll wheel of a mouse is pressed to select a predetermined point, and the mouse is then moved to perform a scroll-up/down function, thereby performing a scroll button instruction.

[115] Here, the function of the mouse right button is performed through a direction press input P in the direction of 3 o'clock.

[116] Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, the scroll-up/down or shortcut key function may be performed by performing a direction touch input T in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when the input unit 10 can perform the direction touch input T or by rotating the input unit 10 itself in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. That is, if the direction touch input T is performed in the clockwise direction, the scroll-up function is performed, and if the direction touch input T is performed in the counterclockwise direction, the scroll-down function is performed.

[117] Here, the scroll-up/down function may be performed by rotating the input unit 10 itself in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[118] FIGs. 6 to 8 specifically show movement and drag functions of the mouse. The left side of FIG. 6 shows the movement of an actual mouse pointer displayed on a monitor, and the right side of FIG. 6 sequentially shows input operations of the input unit 10.

[119] Referring to FIG. 6, the mouse pointer is first moved to a predetermined position through a movement input M (®). After that, a start point for selecting a corresponding object is determined by performing a center input C (a function of the mouse left button, ©). The corresponding object is then selected by performing a center movement input CM (a drag function, ©). After releasing the center input C, the object is moved to a predetermined position by performing a movement input M (®).

[120] FIG. 7 shows a file selected and moved using the data input device according to the present invention.

[121] Referring to FIG. 7, the mouse pointer is first moved to a predetermined position through a movement input M (®). After that, a corresponding object is selected by performing a center input C (a function of the mouse left button, ©). The selected object is then moved by performing a center movement input CM (a drag function, ©). After releasing the center input C, the object is moved to a predetermined position by performing a movement input M (®).

[122] FIG. 8 shows a portion of a character string selected using the data input device according to the present invention.

[123] First, the mouse pointer is moved to a predetermined position through a movement input M (®). After that, a start point for selecting a corresponding character string is determined by performing a center input C (a function of the mouse left button, ©). The corresponding character string is then selected by performing a center movement input CM (a drag function, ©). After releasing the center input C, the character string is moved to a predetermined position by performing a movement input M (®).

[124] Meanwhile, when the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r ,

...) as shown in FIG. 9, the movement of the mouse pointer may be performed through a movement input M, the scroll-up function may be performed through a direction press input P in the direction of 12 o'clock, the function of the mouse right button may be performed through a direction press input P in the direction of 3 o'clock, the scroll- down function may be performed through a direction press input P in the direction of 6 o'clock, and the function of the mouse left button may be performed through a di rection press input P in the direction of 9 o'clock.

[125] Referring to FIG. 10, a three-dimensional programming (i.e., a graphic operation) of an object may be performed using the data input device according to the present invention.

[126] In FIG. 10, a three-dimensional horizontal movement of the object may be performed through a movement input M, a three-dimensional rotation function of the object may be performed a direction press input P to each direction indication position (r , r , ...), a three-dimensional enlargement function of the object may be performed through a center input C, and a two-dimensional rotation of the object may be performed through a rotation of the input unit 10 itself or a direction touch input T provided on the top of the input unit 10.

[127] In this case, a reduction function of the object may be performed by performing a direction touch input T in a predetermined radial direction, e.g., the direction of 6 o'clock, from the center of the input unit 10.

[128] Here, the three-dimensional horizontal movement of an object means that an object straightly moves on a three-dimensional space including x, y and z axes, and the three- dimensional rotation of an object means that when an object is rotated in the direction P , the object is rotated in the direction of 3 o'clock with respect to an axis passing between 12 and 6 o'clocks.

[129] In addition, the two-dimensional rotation of an object means that an object is rotated with respect to an axis on which a center input C is performed.

[130] Here, various functions may be added to the aforementioned embodiments by modifying input operations. For example, when a movement input M, a center movement input CM or movement center input MC, and the like are configured as multiple inputs, the movement speed of the mouse pointer may be faster when a two- stepped input is performed than when a one-stepped input is performed. [131] Various input window controls, such as the enlargement/reduction of an input window, the open/close of the input window and the view of a background screen, may be performed through respective two- stepped inputs.

[132] Alternatively, various types of shortcut keys such as "Space", "Esc" and "Shift" may be assigned to the respective two-stepped inputs, and scroll-up/down functions may be performed through the two-stepped inputs in a three-dimensional graphic operation.

[133] Alternatively, the function of the mouse left button or double click may be assigned to a two-stepped center input or a two-stepped direction press input P to easily perform the enlargement/reduction of an input window, the open/close of the input window, or the like.

[134] Meanwhile, in the aforementioned embodiments, when the data input device according to the present invention is used as a mouse, the input area A is narrower than the movement area of an actual mouse pointer. For this reason, it may be difficult to move the mouse pointer to a desired position.

[135] Thus, in the data input device according to the present invention, when the movement of the mouse pointer is performed through a movement input M, the distance of the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is the same in the absolute distance as that of the movement of the mouse pointer as shown in FIG. 11. However, when the movement of the input unit 10 cannot be performed any more at a boundary of the input area A, the mouse pointer can be continuously moved in a corresponding direction even though the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is stopped.

[136] That is, when the pressure of the movement input M is continuos even though the horizontal movement of the input unit 10 is not performed any more at the boundary of the input area A, the movement of the mouse pointer is continuously moved to the corresponding direction.

[137] Here, when a horizontal movement is performed in the input area A, more movements of the mouse pointer may be performed in proportion to the movement speed to a predetermined position.

[138] Alternatively, the movement areas of the input area A and the mouse pointer may be symmetrically matched at a ratio of 1:1.

[139] Thus, in the data input device having the aforementioned structure, when functions of a mouse are performed in a portable terminal, the movement and left/right buttons of a mouse pointer can be easily used with only one finger. That is, in order to use a mouse in a portable terminal such as a notebook computer or PDA, the mouse pointer is moved through one hand, and the other hand should be used to perform functions of mouse left/right buttons. In other words, both hads should be used to perform functions of the mouse in the portable terminal. [140] However, in the data input device according to the present invention, all inputs of the mouse, such as the movement of a mouse pointer, the left/right button press and the scroll, can be performed using one input unit 10.

[141] Since the input of the mouse left button can be performed through a center input C or a direction press input P while performing a movement input M, a file drage, a text input or the like, which is performed in a tesktop PC, can be performed using one finger. Similarly, the input of the mouse right button can be performed using one finger while performing the movement input M.

[142] Accordingly, the input unit 10 occupies a narrower space in the portable terminal than when both hands are used. Since only one hand is used on the subway, a handle can be holded with the other hand.

[143] In addition, in the data input device according to the present invention, while putting one finger on the input unit 10, a cursive script input can be performed by combining a movement input M and a center input C or direction press input P, and one of 24 alphabets in Korean or 26 alphabets in English can be inputted through one operation using a predetermined input method. Accordingly, a character input can be rapidly performed in a minimum input space.

[144]

[145] [Character Input Mode]

[146] Meanwhile, the data input device according to the present invention may be used as a character input device for inputting Korean characters, English characters, Japanes characters or the like.

[147] Hereinafter, methods for inputting characters in a character input mode will be described in detail with reference to FIGs. 12 to 17.

[148] FIGs. 12 to 15 show a method of inputting characters using respective direction indication positions (r , r , ...) disposed in a radial shape with respect to a reference position S.

[149] It will be apparent that the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) may be modified without limit. Hereinafter, it will be described as an example when the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) is 4 or 8.

[150] Referring to FIG. 12, an input unit 10 has a plurality of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) disposed in a radial shape with respect to the reference position S. One or more of a center movement input CM, a direction press input P, a direction touch input T and a movement center input MC may be performed in each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...). Different characters are assigned to the respective direction indication positions (r , r , ...) for each input operation.

[151] (a) of FIG. 12 shows a movement center input MC in which the input unit 10 moves to a predetermined direction indication position (r , r , ...) from the reference position S and a center input is then performed. At this time, different characters are assigned to the respective direction indication positions (r , r , ...). For example, if a contact of the input unit 10 is sensed in a direction ¹V₁" , "A" is inputted, and if a contact of the input unit 10 is sensed in a direction "r₃", "B" is inputted.

[152] As described above, if the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) is increased, the number of characters to be inputted through the movement center input MC is increased.

[153] (b) of FIG. 12 shows a center movement input CM in which a center input C is performed and the input unit 10 then moves to each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) from the reference position S.

[154] In this case, since the center movement input CM is divided into an outer movement M of moving to the each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) from the reference position S and an inner movement Mi of moving in the opposite direction as different input operations, different characters can be assigned. For this reason, a total of 8 characters can be inputted even when the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...).

[155] (c) of FIG. 12 shows a center movement input CM to a tangential direction from each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...). In this case, different characters can be assigned depending on directions of the center movement input CM.

[156] (d) of FIG. 12 shows a movement input M performed toward each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) from the reference position S. The movement input M is different from (b) of FIG. 12 in that the center input C is not combined. In this case, different characters can be assigned depending on directions of the movement input M.

[157] Meanwhile, (a) and (b) of FIG. 13 show character input examples through a direction press input P. (a) of FIG. 13 shows an example in which a direction press portion 15 provided to correspond to each of the the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) at one side of the input unit 10 is selected, and (b) of FIG. 13 shows an example in which a character input is performed by inclining the input unit 10 itself.

[158] (a) of FIG. 14 shows a method of performing a center movement input CM of the input unit 10 between the direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and (b) of FIG. 14 shows a method of performing a center movement input CM to another direction indication position (r , r , ...) by starting from any one of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) and passing through the reference position S.

[159] As described above, when performing the center movement input CM by passing through the reference position S, the input unit 10 may straightly move and may move to another direction indication position (r , r , ...) via the reference position S as shown in (c) of FIG. 14. More various input operations are shown in FIG. 15.

[160] (a) of FIG. 15 shows an example in which a center movement input CM is performed in a front/rear direction from each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and (b) of FIG. 15 shows an example in which a center movement input CM is performed in a left/right direction from each of the direction indication positions (r , r ,

[161] As shown in (c) of FIG. 15, a center movement input CM may be performed in the front/rear/left/right direction from each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...). As shown in (d) and (e) of FIG. 15, a center movement input CM may be performed in a circumferential direction between the direction indication positions (r , r , ...).

[162] Meanwhile, (c) of FIG. 13 shows a cursive-script- type character input in which a letter is inputted by tracing the movement path of a contact unit 13, like an electronic pen or stylus pen used in a touch pad or touch screen.

[163] The respective input operations described above may be used individually, or two or more of the respective input operations may be combined (Representative embodiments in which the respective input operations are will be described below).

[164] Charaters may be individually assigned to the respective input operations, which may vary depending on the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...). For this reason, if the number of input operations and the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) are appropriately combined, all the desired characters can be inputted through one-time input operations.

[165] Hereinafter, embodiments in which the respective input operations are combined will be described with reference to FIGs. 16 to 18.

[166] Referring to (a) of FIG. 16, two input units 10 are provided to the left and right in an input area A, and each of the input units 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...) with respect to a corresponding reference position S or S'.

[167] In each of the input units 10, center movement inputs CM may be performed in four directions of front/rear/left/right from each of the direction indication positions (r , r₂, ...).

[168] Thus, four characters are assigned to one direction indication position (r , r , ...), and the two input units 10 are provided. For this reason, 4 x 4 x2 = 32, i.e., a total of 32 characters may be assigned.

[169] Since the 24 alphabets in Korean or the 26 alphabet in English may be sufficiently assigned to the 32 characters, various types of instructions such as "Space", "Enter", and "Cancel" may be additionally assigned.

[170] Meanwhile, as shown in the left side of (a) of FIG. 16, when a movement center input MC is additionally performed for each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...), 20 characters may be inputted for each of the input units 10.

[171] Alternatively, even when one input unit 10 is provided, four front/rear/left/right center movement inputs CM are performed for each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and four center movement inputs CM, four movement inputs M and four direction press inputs P are all combined, thereby inputting a total of 28 characters. [172] (b) of FIG. 16 shows an example in which four direction indication positions (r , r ,

...), two center movement inputs CM in the front/rear directions and four movement center inputs MC in each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...) are combined.

In this case, 12 characters may be inputted with one input unit 10. [173] (c) of FIG. 16 and (a) of FIG. 17 has the same number of input characters as (b) of

FIG. 16. However, different input operations may be combined in (c) of FIG. 16 and

(a) of FIG. 17. [174] That is, (c) of FIG. 16 shows an example in which a center movement input CM is performed in a tangential direction from each of the direction indication positions (r , r

, ...), and (a) of FIG. 17 shows an example in which an center movement input CM is performed in the front/rear direction from each of the direction indication positions (r ,

V₂, . . .). [175] Meanwhile, (b) of FIG. 17 shows an example in which the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and four movement inputs M and eight center movement inputs CM are performed in a radius direction corresponding to each of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...). Accordingly, a total of 12 characters can be inputted. [176] (c) of FIG. 17 shows an example in which the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and four movement inputs M, four movement center inputs MC and eight center movement inputs CM are combined, thereby inputting a total of 16 characters. [177] (a) of FIG. 18 shows an example in which the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and four direction press inputs P, four movement inputs

M and four movement center inputs MC are combined, thereby inputting a total of 12 characters. [178] (b) of FIG. 18 shows an example in which the input unit 10 has eight direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and eight movement center inputs MC and eight movement inputs M are combined for each of the direction indication positions (r , r ,

...), thereby inputting a total of 16 characters. [179] Here, more input spaces may be assigned by performing a center movement input

CM, a direction press input P or a center movement input CM and then a direction press input P.

[180] Thus, double consonants, diphthongs and the like may be additionally assigned.

[181] Meanwhile, the aforementioned combination of the center movement input CM and then the direction press input P has an input operation different from a single direction press input P. That is, when the input unit 10 has four direction indication positions (r , r , ...), the center movement input CM and the direction press input P are individually performed, thereby inputting 8 characters. However, after moving in any one of the direction indication positions (r , r , ...), the number of direction press inputs P to be newly performed at the corresponding direction indication position (r , r , ...) is four, and thus a total of 16 characters may be additionally assigned.

[182] Thus, a new input operation can be configured by sequentially combining the aforementioned input operations.

[183] In the data input device according to the present invention, the number of characters to be inputted can be adjusted free by combining various input operations and adjusting the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) as necessary.

[184] For example, in the aforementioned eight embodiments, when the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) is four, an input capacity can be increased twice by dividing each input operation into two steps, by providing two input units 10, or by increasing the number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...) as eight.

[185] In addition, since each combined input operation may have a different number of direction indication positions (r , r , ...), an input capacity can be adjusted through a free design modification. For example, the movement input M or the center movement input CM may have 8 direction indication positions (r , r , ...), and the direction press input P may have four direction indication positions (r , r , ...). Industrial Applicability

[186] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process, may be implemented by one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

Claims

[1] A data input device, comprising: an input unit provided such that a movement input, a center input and a center movement input are individually performed, the movement input being performed through a horizontal movement in a predetermined input area, the center input being performed through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit itself and a selection of a center input key 11 provided at one side of the input unit, and the center movement input being performed by horizontally moving the input unit in the state that the center input is performed; a sensor unit for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit, a movement path, an ascent/descent or a selection of the center input key; and a control unit for extracting an input instruction corresponding to the movement input, the center input or the center movement input from a memory unit to execute the input instruction, based on the result of the sensor unit.

[2] The data input device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a contact unit protruding toward the sensor unit at a bottom side of the input unit, wherein the center input is sensed through a contact of the contact unit to the sensor unit due to the descent of the input unit, and the center movement input is sensed through the movement of a contact point due to the horizontal movement in the state that the contact unit comes in contact with the sensor unit.

[3] The data input device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a contact unit protruding from a bottom side of the input unit to come in contact with the sensor unit, wherein the center input is sensed through any one of press, pressure, contact and touch, and the center movement input is sensed through the movement of the contact point of the contact unit in the state that the center input is sensed.

[4] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor unit has a predetermined sensing area at a lower portion of the input unit and is provided as any one of a touch pad, a touch screen, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor.

[5] The data input device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a return unit provided between the input unit and the sensor unit to move up the input unit to an original position after the descent of the input unit.

[6] The data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit is provided such that a direction press input is performed by inclining the input unit in each radial direction from the horizontal position or by selecting any one of a plurality of direction press portions provided to correspond to the respective radial directions, and the input unit further includes a direction press sensor unit for sensing a selection of each of the direction press portions such that the control unit extracts an input instruction corresponding to the corresponding radial direction from the memory unit to execute the input instruction.

[7] The data input device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a direction touch sensor portion for sensing a contact or touch to each of the radial directions in each of the direction press sensor portions to correspond to each of the radial directions at the top of the input unit such that a direction touch input is performed.

[8] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 6 and 7, wherein one or more of the movement input, the center input, the center movement input and the direction press input is provided to perform multiple inputs of two or more steps in accordance with a difference of movement distances, movement strengths or pressing pressures.

[9] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 7, wherein, in a mouse input mode, a movement of a mouse pointer is performed through the movement input, and a function of a mouse left button is performed through the center input due to the descent of the input unit.

[10] The data input device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the center input is provided to perform mutiple inputs of two or more steps in accordance with a strength of the press pressure or a difference of press distances, and a function of a mouse right button is performed through the two- stepped center input.

[11] The data input device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the function of the mouse right button is performed through the direction press input or direction touch input in a predetermined radial direction or a predetermined input key provided at a base on which the input unit is mounted.

[12] The data input device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the direction press input is provided to be performed in four radial directions, a scroll-up/down or shortcut key function is performed through the direction press input in the direction of 12 or 6 o'clock, a function of the mouse right button is performed through the direction press input in the direction of 3 o'clock, and a function of a mouse scroll button is performed through the direction press input in the direction of 9 o'clock.

[13] The data input device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the scroll-up/down or shortcut key function is performed by performing a direction touch input in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction or by rotating the input unit itself in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[14] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 7, wherein the direction press input is provided to be performed in four radial directions, in a mouse input mode, a movement of the mouse pointer is performed through the movement input, the function of the mouse left button is performed through the direction press input in the direction of 9 o'clock, the function of the mouse right button is performed through the direction press input in the direction of 3 o'clock, and the scroll-up/down function is performed through the direction press input of 12 or 6 o'clock.

[15] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 7, wherein in a mouse input mode of a three-dimensional graphic operation, a three- dimensional horizontal movement of an object is performed through the movement input, a three-dimensional rotation of the object is performed through the direction press input in each of the radial directions, an enlargement of the object is performed through the center input, and a two-dimensional rotation of the object is performed through the rotation of the input unit itself or the direction touch input provided at the top of the input unit.

[16] The data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the movement of the mouse pointer is performed through the movement input in a mouse input mode, the horizontal movement distance of the input unit and the movement distance of the mouse pointer are symmetrically matched at a ratio of 1:1, but the mouse pointer continuously moves in a corresponding direction although the horizontal movement of the input unit is stopped at a boundary of the input area.

[17] The data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a mouse input mode, a movement of the mouse pointer is performed through the movement input, a selection of an object is performed through the center input, and a drag function is performed through the center movement input.

[18] The data input device as claimed in claim 10, wherein in a mouse input mode, a one-time click function of the mouse left button is performed through the one-stepped center input, and a two-time click (double click) function of the mouse left button is performed through the two- stepped center input.

[19] The data input device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 and 7, wherein the input unit has a plurality of direction indication positions disposed in a radial shape with a predetermined reference position, and wherein in a character input mode, one or more of a center movement input, a direction press input, a direction touch input and a movement center input through a descent contact after moving in each of the radial direction may be performed in each of the direction indication positions, and different characters are assigned to the respective direction indication positions for each input operation.

[20] The data input device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the center movement input includes one or more of an outer movement toward each of the direction indication positions, an inner movement and a tangent direction movement from each of the direction indication positions.

[21] The data input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a character input mode, a cursive- script- type character input for inputting a character by tracing a movement path of the input unit is performed.

[22] A data input device, comprising: a base; an input unit provided on the base, the input unit being provided such that a center input, a movement center input, a center movement input, a direction press input and a direction movement input are individually performed, the center input being performed through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit itself and a selection of a center input key provided at one side of the input unit, the movement center input being performed by performing the center input after horizontally moving the input unit to any one of four direction indication positions disposed in a radial shape from a reference position provided in a predetermined input area, the direction press input being performed by inclining the input unit itself to each of the direction indication positions from a horizontal position, and the direction movement input being performed by horizontally moving the input unit to the front/rear/left/right from each of the direction indication positions; a sensor unit for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit, a movement path, an ascent/descent or a selection of the center input key; and a control unit for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit for each of the direction indication positions from a memory unit to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit.

[23] A data input device, comprising: a base; two input units provided on the base, each being provided such that a direction movement input is performed, the direction movement input being performed by horizontally moving the input unit to four directions of the front/rear/left/right at four direction indication positions disposed in a radial shape from a reference position provided in a predetermined input area; a sensor unit for sensing the direction indication position at which the direction movement input is performed and a movement direction of the input unit at the corresponding direction indication position; and a control unit for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit for each of the direction indication positions from a memory unit to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit.

[24] A data input device, comprising: a base; an input unit provided on the base, the input unit provided such that a center input, a movement input and a movement center input are individually performed, the center input being performed through through any one of an ascent/descent of the input unit itself and a selection of a center input key provided at one side of the input unit, the movement input being performed by horizontally moving the input unit to any one of eight direction indication positions disposed in a radial shape from a reference position provided in a predetermined input area, and the movement center input being performed by performing the movement input and then the center input; a sensor unit for sensing a horizontal movement of the input unit, a movement path of the input unit, an ascent/descent of the input unit or a selection of the center input key; and a control unit for extracting a character assigned to each input operation of the input unit for each of the direction indication positions from a memory unit to execute the character, based on the result of the sensor unit.

[25] The data input device as claimed in claim 24, wherein two input units are provided on the base.