U.S. patent application number 09/783986 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-12 for input device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Fujita, Akihiro, Kobachi, Mitsuo.
Application Number | 20010007449 09/783986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11684164 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010007449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobachi, Mitsuo ; et
al. |
July 12, 2001 |
Input device
Abstract
The input device of the present invention includes: a base
having a slide surface; a movable body slidable on the slide
surface; a light-emitting element for emitting light; a reflective
portion which is provided for the movable body and has a reflective
surface for reflecting the light emitted by the light-emitting
element; and a plurality of light-receiving elements for receiving
the light reflected by the reflective portion.
Inventors: |
Kobachi, Mitsuo; (Mie-ken,
JP) ; Fujita, Akihiro; (Nara-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
|
Family ID: |
11684164 |
Appl. No.: |
09/783986 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09783986 |
Feb 16, 2001 |
|
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09006219 |
Jan 13, 1998 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0421 20130101;
G01S 7/4813 20130101; G06F 3/03548 20130101; G01S 7/4811
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 1997 |
JP |
9-008110 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An input device comprising: a base having a slide surface; a
movable body slidable on the slide surface; a light-emitting
element for emitting light; a reflective portion which is provided
for the movable body and has a reflective surface for reflecting
the light emitted by the light-emitting element; a plurality of
light-receiving elements for receiving the light reflected by the
reflective portion; and a fixing portion provided on the base,
wherein the movable body is supported by an elastic structure
including an elastic body which expands/shrinks with a sliding of
the movable body, wherein the elastic structure is linked to the
base via the fixing portion, wherein the light-emitting element and
the plurality of light-receiving elements are connected to the
base, and wherein a variation of a total amount of light received
by the plurality of light-receiving elements from the light
reflected by the reflective portion as the movable body, which has
at least a portion thereof in contact with the slide surface and
which slides on the slide surface, is detected as a direction and
an amount of two-dimensional movement of the movable body.
2. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion
has a guide portion for guiding the movement of the movable body
which is slidable on the slide surface.
3. An input device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic body
is a spiral spring.
4. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
light-receiving elements detect the light reflected by the
reflective surface onto a first plane, and wherein a spot diameter
x of the light reflected by the reflective surface onto the first
plane satisfies a relationship: d.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2r+2l.sub.max,
where d is a distance between two adjacent light receiving elements
of the plurality of light-receiving elements; r is a diameter of a
circle encircling and inscribing the plurality of light-receiving
elements; and l.sub.max is a maximum movement distance of the
movable body.
5. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the reflective
surface has a reflection pattern, and wherein when the reflected
light is imaged by the plurality of light-receiving elements, the
reflection pattern is turned into an imaging pattern which is
symmetric in any of the upward, downward, leftward and rightward
directions with respect to the light-receiving surfaces of the
light-receiving elements.
6. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the reflective
surface has a reflection pattern in which a reflectivity in a
center of the reflective surface is different from a reflectivity
in an outer periphery of the reflective surface.
7. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
includes an operating portion to which a force is applicable by an
operator.
8. An input device according to claim 7, wherein the operating
portion includes at least one protrusion.
9. An input device according to claim 8, wherein the operating
portion has an anti-slipping property.
10. An input device according to claim 1, wherein at least one mark
indicating an operation direction of the operating portion is
provided for the movable body.
11. An input device according to claim 10, wherein the mark is one
of a convex one and a concave one which is formed when the movable
body is molded from a resin.
12. An input device according to claim 10, wherein the mark is one
of a picture, a character and a pattern.
13. An input device according to claim 1, wherein an indicator of a
pointing device is provided for the movable body.
14. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
structure and the movable body are molded by either one of
an-insert molding technique and a two-color molding technique, and
form a hermetic structure under an upper surface of the movable
body.
15. An input device according to claim 14, wherein when the elastic
structure and the movable body are molded by either one of the
insert molding technique and the two color molding technique, at
least a part of the surface of the movable body is covered with the
same material as that of the elastic structure.
16. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the material of
the elastic structure is the same as that of the movable body.
17. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the material of
the elastic structure is the same as that of the fixing
portion.
18. An input device according to claim 7, wherein the material of
the elastic structure is the same as that of the operating
portion.
19. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
comes into contact with the base in accordance with a force applied
by the elastic structure.
20. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
includes at least three protrusions contacting the base, and
wherein the at least three protrusions are one of spherical and
hemispherical.
21. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes
at least three protrusions contacting the movable body, and wherein
the at least three protrusions are one of spherical and
hemispherical.
22. An input device according to claim 1, wherein a flat plate is
provided between the movable body and the base such that the
movable body smoothly slides on the base.
23. An input device according to claim 1, wherein a lubricant is
applied between the movable body and the base such that the movable
body smoothly slides on the base.
24. An input device according to claim 1, wherein a stopper portion
for restricting the movement of the movable body is provided for
the base.
25. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
moves in two orthogonal directions.
26. An input device according to claim 1, further comprising a
pressure-sensitive sensor for detecting a force applied to the
movable body in a Z-axis direction, wherein the slide surface
includes an X axis and a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis, and
wherein the Z axis is orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis.
27. An input device according to claim 26, wherein the position of
an object to be displayed on a display device is controlled in
response to a detection signal output by the pressure-sensitive
sensor.
28. An input device according to claim 27, wherein a flat plate is
disposed between the movable body and the base such that the
movable body smoothly slides relative to the base, and wherein the
pressure-sensitive sensor is disposed between the flat plate and
the base.
29. An input device according to claim 26, wherein the
pressure-sensitive sensor is disposed at a contact between the
movable body and the base.
30. An input device according to claim 26, wherein the input device
starts to operate as a pointing device in response to a detection
signal output by the pressure sensitive sensor.
31. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the slide surface
is planar.
32. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the slide surface
is curved.
33. An input device according to claim 7, wherein the operating
portion is concave.
34. An input device according to claim 7, wherein the operating
portion is convex.
35. An input device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one
mark is colored.
36. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
structure, the fixing portion and the movable body are molded by
either one of an insert molding technique and a two-color molding
technique, and form a hermetic structure under an upper surface of
the movable body.
37. An input device according to claim 36, wherein when the elastic
structure, the fixing portion and the movable body are molded by
either one of the insert molding technique and the two-color
molding technique, at least a part of the surface of the movable
body is covered with the same material as that of the elastic
structure.
38. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
includes an operating portion to which a force is applicable by an
operator.
39. An input device according to claim 38, wherein the material of
the elastic structure is the same as that of the operating portion,
and wherein the material of the elastic structure is the same as
that of the fixing portion.
40. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
is pressed against the base by a force applied by the elastic
structure.
41. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the
light-emitting element and the plurality of light-receiving element
are integrally molded with the base.
42. An input device according to claim 26, wherein the base has an
upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the
pressure-sensitive sensor is placed on either one of the upper
surface and the lower surface of the base.
43. An input device according to claim 26, wherein the
pressure-sensitive sensor is disposed on a part of the movable body
which is in contact with the base.
44. An input device according to claim 30, wherein the start signal
is output to a computer having a power save function.
45. An input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable body
is supported by the elastic structure at an outer periphery of the
movable body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an input device which can
perform a two-dimensional or three-dimensional input operation by
moving a cursor on a screen for personal computers, entertainment
systems, portable terminal units and the like. More specifically,
the present invention relates to technologies allowing for
downsizing, reduction in thickness of and improvement of the
operating performance of an input device.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Various input devices are known for display devices such as
those for personal computers (hereinafter, such input devices will
also be referred to as "pointing devices"). These pointing devices
have various types of operating systems including a resistive
pressure-sensitive system, a distortion system, an electrostatic
capacitive system, and a membrane switch. However, each of these
types of pointing devices has its own advantages and disadvantages,
and no pointing device has been found which can simultaneously meet
the requirements of excellent operating performance, reliability
(environment resistance) and durability. Thus, a strong demand
exists for a pointing device that can simultaneously meet these
requirements.
[0005] In order to satisfy such a demand, the present applicant
developed improved applications of optical pointing devices
(Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 7-66071 and 7-161157).
[0006] The pointing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
No. 7-66071 is a highly reliable and durable pointing device which
can optically perform a two-dimensional input operation without
requiring any contact for performing a detection. The pointing
device is also excellent in operating performance because the
pointing device uses an elastic structure made of rubber.
[0007] FIG. 34 schematically illustrates the detection principles
of the pointing device. The pointing device includes: an operating
portion 101 which is operated by the tip of a finger of an
operator; a fixing portion 106; an elastic structure 102 for
elastically supporting the operating portion 101 and for connecting
the operating portion 101 and the fixing portion 106 to each other;
a reflective plate 103 which is disposed on the lower surface of
the operating portion 101; a single light-emitting element 104;
four light-receiving elements 105; and a sensor portion which is
fixed below the operating portion 101.
[0008] The light emitted upward from the light-emitting element 104
is reflected by the reflective plate 103 so as to be detected by
the light-receiving elements 105. As shown in FIG. 34, when the
operating portion 101 is moved to any of forward, backward,
leftward and rightward directions, the position of the light (i.e.,
the location of the light spot) received by the light-receiving
elements 105 is varied, so that the amounts of the light received
by the four light-receiving elements 105, i.e., photodiodes PD1 to
PD4, are also varied. The pointing device utilizes this principle
for determining the direction and the amount of displacement of the
operating portion 101, that is to say, the movement direction and
the movement distance of a cursor 111 of a computer 110 or the
like, in accordance with the equations shown in FIG. 34. In other
words, this pointing device may function as an input device for the
cursor 111.
[0009] On the other hand, the pointing device described in Japanese
Patent Application No. 7-161157 is a pointing device which can
perform a three-dimensional input operation. The pointing device
can also perform a two-dimensional input operation (i.e., an
operation performed in an X direction and a Y direction) by
utilizing substantially the same configuration as that of the
previously described pointing device. In performing the
three-dimensional input operation, the pointing device calculates
the movement amount of a cursor in a Z direction in accordance with
the increase of the size of a spot of light received by the
light-receiving elements when the operating portion is pushed
downward. The size of the light spot is increased because the
reflective plate 123 is also pushed down as the operating portion
is pushed down, as shown in FIG. 35. In addition, since the
increase of the size of the light spot varies the total amount of
light to be detected by the four light-receiving elements, the
pointing device can easily calculate the coordinate of the cursor
in the Z direction.
[0010] Although the above input devices preform adequately, further
improvements in operating performance, reliability (environment
resistance), durability and size reduction would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides an input device which is easy
to use, durable, reliable, provides improved operating performance
and has a reduced size.
[0012] The input device of the present invention includes: a base
having a slide surface; a movable body slidable on the slide
surface; a light-emitting element for emitting light; a reflective
portion which is provided for the movable body and has a reflective
surface for reflecting the light emitted by the light-emitting
element; and a plurality of light-receiving elements for receiving
the light reflected by the reflective portion.
[0013] In one embodiment, the movable body is supported by an
elastic structure including an elastic body which expands/shrinks
with a sliding movement of the movable body, and the elastic
structure is linked to the base.
[0014] In another embodiment, the input device further includes a
fixing portion having a guide portion for guiding the movement of
the movable body such that the movable body is slidable on the
slide surface. The movable body is supported by an elastic
structure including an elastic body which expands/shrinks with the
sliding movement of the movable body. The elastic structure is
linked to the fixing portion.
[0015] In still another embodiment, the elastic body is a spiral
spring.
[0016] In still another embodiment, the plurality of
light-receiving elements detect the light reflected by the
reflective surface onto a first plane, and a spot diameter x of the
light reflected by the reflective surface onto the first plane
satisfies a relationship: d.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2r+2l.sub.max, where d
is a distance between two adjacent light-receiving elements of the
plurality of light-receiving elements; r is a diameter of a circle
encircling and inscribing the plurality of light-receiving
elements; and l.sub.max is a maximum movement distance of the
movable body.
[0017] In still another embodiment, the reflective surface has a
reflection pattern. When the reflected light is imaged by the
plurality of light-receiving elements, the reflection pattern is
turned into an imaging pattern which is symmetric in any of the
upward, downward, leftward and rightward directions with respect to
the light-receiving surfaces of the light-receiving elements.
[0018] In still another embodiment, the reflective surface has a
reflection pattern in which a reflectivity in a center of the
reflective surface is different from a reflectivity in an outer
periphery of the reflective surface.
[0019] In still another embodiment, the operating portion includes
at least one protrusion.
[0020] In still another embodiment, the operating portion includes
an anti-slipping film.
[0021] In still another embodiment, at least one mark indicating an
operation direction of the operating portion is provided for the
movable body.
[0022] In still another embodiment, the mark is one of a convex one
and a concave one which is formed when the movable body is molded
from a resin.
[0023] In still another embodiment, the mark is one of a picture, a
character and a pattern.
[0024] In still another embodiment, an indicator of a pointing
device is provided for the movable body.
[0025] In still another embodiment, the material of the elastic
structure is the same as that of the movable body.
[0026] In still another embodiment, the material of the elastic
structure is the same as that of the fixing portion.
[0027] In still another embodiment, the material of the elastic
structure is the same as that of the operating portion.
[0028] In still another embodiment, the movable body comes into
contact with the base in accordance with a S97517 force applied by
the elastic structure.
[0029] In still another embodiment, the movable body includes at
least three protrusions contacting the base. The at least three
protrusions are one of spherical and hemispherical.
[0030] In still another embodiment, the base includes at least
three protrusions contacting the movable body. The at least three
protrusions are one of spherical and hemispherical.
[0031] In still another embodiment, a flat plate is provided
between the movable body and the base such that the movable body
smoothly slides relative to the base.
[0032] In still another embodiment, a lubricant is applied between
the movable body and the base such that the movable body smoothly
slides on the base.
[0033] In still another embodiment, a stopper portion for
restricting the movement of the movable body is provided for the
base.
[0034] In still another embodiment, the light-emitting element and
the plurality of light-receiving elements are fixed on the
base.
[0035] In still another embodiment, the movable body moves in two
dimensional directions.
[0036] In still another embodiment, the input device further
includes a pressure-sensitive sensor for detecting a force applied
to the movable body in a Z-axis direction. The slide surface
includes an X axis and a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis, and the Z
axis is orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis.
[0037] In still another embodiment, the position of an object to be
displayed on a display device is controlled in response to a
detection signal output by the pressure-sensitive sensor.
[0038] In still another embodiment, a flat plate is disposed
between the movable body and the base such that the movable body
smoothly slides relative to the base. The pressure-sensitive sensor
is disposed between the flat plate and the base.
[0039] In still another embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor
is disposed at a contact between the movable body and the base.
[0040] In still another embodiment, the input device starts to
operate as a pointing device in response to a detection signal
output by the pressure-sensitive sensor.
[0041] In still another embodiment, the slide surface is
planar.
[0042] In still another embodiment, the slide surface is
curved.
[0043] In still another embodiment, the operating portion is
concave.
[0044] In still another embodiment, the operating portion is
convex.
[0045] In still another embodiment, the at least one mark is
colored.
[0046] In still another embodiment, the elastic structure, the
fixing portion and the movable body are molded by either one of an
insert molding technique and a two-color molding technique, and
form a hermetic structure under an upper surface of the movable
body.
[0047] In still another embodiment, when the elastic structure, the
fixing portion and the movable body are molded by either one of the
insert molding technique and the two-color molding technique, at
least a part of the surface of the movable body is covered with the
same material as that of the elastic structure.
[0048] In still another embodiment, the movable body includes an
operating portion to which a force is applicable by an
operator.
[0049] In still another embodiment, the material of the elastic
structure is the same as that of the operating portion, and the
material of the elastic structure is the same as that of the fixing
portion.
[0050] In still another embodiment, the movable body is pressed
against the base by a force applied by the elastic structure.
[0051] In still another embodiment, the light-emitting element and
the plurality of light-receiving elements are integrally molded
with the base.
[0052] In still another embodiment, the base has an upper surface
and a lower surface, and the pressure-sensitive sensor is placed on
either one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the
base.
[0053] In still another embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor
is disposed on a part of the movable body which is in contact with
the base.
[0054] In still another embodiment, the start signal is output to a
computer having a power save function.
[0055] Hereinafter, the functions or the effects to be attained by
the present invention will be described.
[0056] The input device of the present invention is an optical
input device of a non-contact type, and thus provides excellent
durability. In addition, the input device provides excellent
reliability (or environment resistance).
[0057] Moreover, the movable body (operating portion) can slide
two-dimensionally (i.e., in the X and Y directions). Thus, as
compared with an input device which rocks in the vertical
direction, the input device (i.e., the pointing device) can be
downsized with a reduced thickness.
[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the
reflective surface moves with the movable body (i.e., the operating
portion) and is disposed so as to face the light-emitting element
and the light-receiving elements. Thus, by providing the
above-described characteristics for the reflection pattern thereof,
a pointing device exhibiting linear detection characteristics over
a wide range with respect to the displacement can be easily
realized. As a result, an input device which can perform a
two-dimensional input operation with improved detection precision
and enhanced operating performance can be realized.
[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the tip
of an operator's finger does not slip on the operating portion.
Thus, the operator can easily apply force with certainty to the
operating portion. As a result, the operating performance is
further improved.
[0060] Moreover, if the indicators indicating the operating
directions and the like are provided for the operating portion by
using colored marks, pictures or the like, then the operator is
much less likely to perform an erroneous operation. As a result,
the operating performance is further improved.
[0061] In addition, if the elastic structure, the operating portion
and the fixing portion are formed by an insert molding technique, a
two-color molding technique or the like so as to realize a hermetic
structure under the surface of the operating portion, then a
dust-proof construction is realized. As a result, the reliability
(environment resistance) of the input device can be improved.
[0062] Furthermore, if the elastic structure, the operating portion
and the fixing portion are positioned and configured to satisfy
such a positional relationship that the operating portion comes
into contact with or is pressed against the base by the force
applied by the elastic structure when the elastic structure, the
operating portion and the fixing portion are fixed onto the base,
then various assembly defects such as backlash and lifting of the
operating portion and the fixing portion can be eliminated. As a
result, the assembly precision can be improved and the costs can be
reduced.
[0063] Moreover, if the movable body (operating portion) and the
base are in contact with each other via at least three spherical
protrusions or hemispherical protrusions, then the slide resistance
of the operating portion against the base can be reduced. As a
result, the operating performance is further improved.
[0064] Furthermore, if a sheet-shaped flat plate is provided or a
lubricant is applied between the operating portion and the base for
smoothly sliding the operating portion, then the slide resistance
can be further reduced. As a result, the operating performance is
further improved.
[0065] Moreover, if a pressure-sensitive sensor for detecting the
force in the Z-axis direction which is applied onto the movable
body is further provided, an input device which can perform a
three-dimensional input operation, while attaining all the
advantages of the input device for the two-dimensional input
operation, is realized.
[0066] In such a case, since the pressure-sensitive sensor can
precisely detect a force applied in the Z-axis direction, it is not
necessary to perform a subtle input operation in the Z direction
while relying on the human sense of touching or subtly pushing down
the operating portion with the tip of a finger. Thus, since such an
operation requires no special training, even a child or an old man
can easily perform a three-dimensional input operation.
[0067] Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the
advantages of (1) providing an input device such as a pointing
device which can perform a two-dimensional and/or a
three-dimensional input operation, can be downsized with a reduced
thickness and can improve the operating performance thereof, and
(2) providing an input device which enables even a child to easily
perform the three-dimensional input operation without requiring any
special training.
[0068] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and
understanding the following detailed description with reference to
the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
1.
[0070] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the input device of the
present invention according to input device Example 1.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A
shown in FIG. 2.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the input device of the
present invention according to input device Example 1.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating the input device of the
present invention according to input device Example 1.
[0074] FIG. 6 is a right side view illustrating the input device of
the present invention according to input device Example 1.
[0075] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the
movement direction of an operating portion and that of a light spot
in the X-axis direction, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a
relationship between the movement direction of the operating
portion and that of the light spot in the Y-axis direction in the
input device of the present invention according to input device
Example 1.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a
movement distance and a subtracted output.
[0077] FIG. 9A is a view illustrating an exemplary disposition of a
reflective plate 3, FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a normal
reflection pattern, and FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating a
reflection pattern where the reflectivity in the center region of
the reflective plate 3 is different from the reflectivity in the
peripheral region of the reflective plate 3.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating relationships between the
subtracted outputs and the movement distances for the reflection
patterns shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, respectively.
[0079] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view and a plan view for
exemplifying an optimum diameter of a light spot.
[0080] FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating how photodiodes PD1 to
PD4 detect the light reflected by the reflective plate 3 on a plane
100, and FIG. 12B is a graph illustrating relationships between the
movement distances of the operating portion 1 and the subtracted
outputs for the light spots of various sizes of the reflected
light.
[0081] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
1.
[0082] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
2.
[0083] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
3.
[0084] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
4.
[0085] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
5.
[0086] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating
portion of the input device according to operating portion Example
6.
[0087] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are plan views illustrating various
types of marks contributing to the improvement of the operating
performance of the operating portion 1.
[0088] FIGS. 20A to 20E are cross-sectional views illustrating
various configurations including the elastic structure 2, the
operating portion 1 and the fixing portion 6.
[0089] FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembly
in which the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the
fixing portion 6 have been assembled, and FIG. 21B is a
cross-sectional view illustrating the appearance of the input
device after the base 4 has been attached to the assembly shown in
FIG. 21A.
[0090] FIG. 22A is a plan view illustrating an assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been assembled, and FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional
view taken along the broken line B-B of the assembly shown in FIG.
22A.
[0091] FIG. 23A is a plan view illustrating an assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been assembled, and FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional
view taken along the broken line C-C of the assembly shown in FIG.
23A.
[0092] FIG. 24 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the
input device of Example 3 for improving the slidability of the
operating portion.
[0093] FIG. 25 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the
input device of Example 4 for improving the slidability of the
operating portion.
[0094] FIG. 26A is a plan view illustrating an assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been assembled, and FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional
view taken along the broken line D-D of the assembly shown in FIG.
26A.
[0095] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
2.
[0096] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
3.
[0097] FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
4, and
[0098] FIG. 29B is a view illustrating a spiral spring 2'.
[0099] FIGS. 30A and 30B are views illustrating the spiral spring
2' connected to the operating portion 1.
[0100] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
5.
[0101] FIG. 32A is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the
detection principle of a pressure-sensitive sensor, and
[0102] FIG. 32B is a graph illustrating a relationship between an
applied load and an output voltage.
[0103] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
6.
[0104] FIG. 34 is an illustrative drawing explaining the detection
principle of a pointing device which can perform a two-dimensional
input operation.
[0105] FIG. 35 is an illustrative drawing explaining the detection
principle of a pointing device which can perform a
three-dimensional input operation.
[0106] FIG. 36 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the
input device shown in FIG. 31 or 33 with a computer having a power
save function.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0107] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention
will be specifically described in the following examples with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 1
[0108] FIGS. 1 through 12 illustrate an embodiment of the input
device of the present invention according to input device Example
1. In input device Example 1, the present invention is applied to a
pointing device which can perform a two-dimensional input
operation.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the pointing device P includes: a
square-shaped base 4 when it is seen from above; an operating
portion 1, i.e., a movable body which can slide on the base 4 in an
X-axis direction (corresponding to the lateral direction in FIG. 1)
and in a Y-axis direction (corresponding to the depth direction in
FIG. 1) which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction; a fixing
portion 6 provided along the periphery of the base 4; an elastic
structure 2 which elastically supports the operating portion 1 and
connects the operating portion 1 to the fixing portion 6; and a
sensor S which is placed under a lower surface of the operating
portion 1 between the base 4 and the operating portion 1 and is
electrically and mechanically connected to the base 4. The
operating portion 1 is formed in a disk shape with a concave
portion formed in a center region of an upper surface thereof. The
elastic structure 2 includes elastic bodies such as blade
springs.
[0110] In addition, six protrusions 10 are formed on the lower
surface of the operating portion 1 so as to come into contact with
an upper surface of the base 4 as shown in FIG. 2. These
protrusions 10 are provided for reducing the slide resistance
between the operating portion 1 and the base 4 and for improving
the operating performance thereof. Furthermore, a reflective plate
3 for reflecting downward the light emitted by a light-emitting
element to be described later is formed in the center region on the
lower surface of the operating portion 1.
[0111] Herein, the light reflective detector previously suggested
by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-75008
is used as the sensor S. The light reflective detector includes a
single light-emitting element (light-emitting diode LD) and four
light-receiving elements (hereinafter, referred to as "photodiodes"
PD1 to PD4) which are disposed over or under the light-emitting
element LD. The base 4 is a printed wiring board (PWB) and the
sensor S is soldered to the base 4 so as to be electrically
connected thereto. Alternatively, the sensor S may be integrally
molded and fixed with the base 4. Furthermore, the sensor S may
also be molded so as to simultaneously function as the base 4. The
elastic structure 2 is made of a material such as rubber.
[0112] In the above-described configuration, when an operator
places the tip of his finger on the concave portion of the
operating portion 1 and applies some force thereto, the operating
portion 1 slides in the direction in which the force is applied. In
this case, the reflective plate 3 is also moved in the same
direction in accordance with the movement of the operating portion
1.
[0113] The light emitted upward by the light-emitting element LD of
the sensor S is reflected downward by the reflective plate 3. The
reflected light is received by the four photodiodes PD1 to PD4 (see
FIGS. 7A and 7B), which photoelectrically convert the received
light and then output electric signals corresponding to the amount
of the received light. Herein, when the operating portion 1 slides,
the total amount of the light received by the four photodiodes PD1
to PD4 is varied. According to the present invention, the direction
and the amount of the two-dimensional movement of the operating
portion 1 are detected by paying particular attention to this
variation.
[0114] Next, the principle of how the two-dimensional movement of
the operating portion 1 is detected will be described with
reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8. As described above, the light
emitted by the light-emitting element is reflected by the
reflective plate 3, thereby forming a light spot over the four
photodiodes PD1 through PD4.
[0115] For example, it is assumed that a light spot is located as
indicated by the broken line in FIG. 7A in the initial state where
the operating portion 1 is not displaced. In such a case, when an
operator moves the operating portion 1 in the positive direction of
the X direction with a finger, the light spot is also moved in the
same positive direction of the X direction.
[0116] Similarly, in the initial state as indicated by the broken
line in FIG. 7B, when the operator moves the operating portion 1 in
the positive direction of the Y direction with a finger, the light
spot is also moved in the same positive direction of the Y
direction.
[0117] Exemplary data about the movement amount of the operating
portion 1 in the X-axis and the Y-axis directions and subtracted
outputs in such a case are shown in FIG. 8.
[0118] The subtracted output may be calculated in the following
manner.
[0119] Assuming that the photo current values of the photodiodes
PD1 through PD4 are represented by Isc(PD1), Isc(PD2), Isc(PD3) and
Isc(PD4), respectively, the subtracted output AX in the X-axis
direction is given by the following Equation (1).
AX=Isc(PD3)+Isc(PD4)-{Isc(PD1)+Isc(PD2)} (1)
[0120] Similarly, the subtracted output AY in the Y-axis direction
is given by the following Equation (2).
AY=Isc(PD2)+Isc(PD4)-{Isc(PD1)+Isc(PD3)} (2)
[0121] As described above, an S-shaped curve such as that shown in
FIG. 8 is obtained by the pointing device of the present invention
for the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. By synthesizing
the vectors of the output X in the X-axis direction and the output
Y in the Y-axis direction, the data about the two-dimensional
direction within the range of 360.degree. and the amount and the
speed of an arbitrary movement are produced. As a result, the
pointing device of the present invention can perform an input
operation for a display device for a computer or the like.
[0122] However, it should be noted that in order to move the light
spot in the same direction as the movement direction of the
operating portion 1 and to obtain the relationship shown in FIG. 8
between the movement distance and the subtracted output, the sensor
S and the reflective plate 3 are required to be configured so as to
satisfy such a positional relationship that the operating portion 1
is moved in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the
light-emitting element.
[0123] Next, an exemplary reflector as the reflective plate 3 will
be described in detail. According to the present invention, in
order to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting element
and to form a uniform imaging pattern in all directions (including
upward, downward, leftward and rightward directions) on the surface
of the light-receiving elements (i.e., the photodiodes PD1 to PD4)
when the reflected light is imaged by the light-receiving elements,
the reflection pattern of the reflective plate 3 is selected to be
a circle shape or a square shape which is two-dimensionally
symmetrical in all directions (including upward, downward, leftward
and rightward directions). The reflection pattern is
two-dimensionally symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of
the light which has been emitted by the light-emitting element and
vertically incident on the reflective plate 3.
[0124] The reflective plate 3 is fabricated by a metal evaporation
technique in many cases. Alternatively, the reflective plate 3 may
also be formed as a reflective seal, a reflective coating or the
like.
[0125] Moreover, in order to enlarge the region in which the
relationship between the subtracted output and the movement
distance linearly varies in the curve shown in FIG. 8, the
reflectivity in the center region of the reflective plate 3 may be
different from the reflectivity in the peripheral region of the
reflective plate 3.
[0126] Furthermore, the reflection pattern, formed by the
reflective plate 3 when the reflective plate 3 reflects the light
from the light-emitting element to form a light spot on the
light-receiving surface of the photodiodes PD1 to PD4, may-have a
variable reflectivity distribution where the reflectivity varies
from the center region toward the peripheral region of the
reflective plate 3.
[0127] FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary disposition of the
reflective plate 3, FIG. 9B illustrates a normal reflection
pattern, and FIG. 9C illustrates a reflection pattern where the
reflectivity in the center region of the reflective plate 3 is
different from the reflectivity in the peripheral region of the
reflective plate 3.
[0128] FIG. 10 illustrates the relationships between the subtracted
output and the movement distance for the reflection patterns shown
in FIGS. 9B and 9C, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, in the case
of the reflection pattern RPC shown in FIG. 9C, the region where
the relationship between the subtracted output and the movement
distance linearly varies is wider than that of the reflection
pattern RPB shown in FIG. 9B. Thus, even when the operating portion
1 is moved over a long distance, the detection precision does not
deteriorate. As a result, the operating performance of the
operating portion 1 is improved.
[0129] The below-described relationship is required to be satisfied
by the size of the reflective plate 3, the movement distance of the
operating portion 1 and chip of the light-receiving elements, in
order to obtain X and Y data in the two-dimensional directions. The
relationship will be described with reference to FIG. 11.
[0130] The maximum distance over which the operating portion 1 can
move, i.e., the maximum distance over which the reflective plate 3,
moving together with the operating portion 1, can move in the X
direction from the center portion will be denoted by l.sub.max. The
radius of the circle encircling and inscribing the four photodiodes
PD1 to PD4 will be denoted by r. The spot diameter of the light
which has been reflected by the reflective plate 3 and received by
the photodiodes PD1 to PD4 on the same plane will be denoted by x.
And the gap between two adjacent ones of the photodiodes PD1 to PD4
will be denoted by d. For example, d may be a distance between the
photo-diode PD1 and the photodiode PD2. W is the width of the
photodiode.
[0131] The spot diameter x of the reflected light is determined so
as to satisfy the following relationship (3).
d.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2r+2l.sub.max (3)
[0132] FIG. 12A illustrates how the photodiodes PD1 to PD4 detect
the light reflected by the reflective plate 3 on the plane 100.
FIG. 12B illustrates the relationships between the movement
distance of the operating portion 1 and the subtracted output for
the light spots of various sizes of the reflected light. If the
spot diameter of the reflected light is small (for example, if d
<x), the region where the relationship between the movement
distance and the subtracted output linearly varies becomes narrow
as indicated by the curve SD. On the other hand, if the spot
diameter of the reflected light is large (for example, when
x<2r+2l.sub.max), there appears a flat region where no
subtracted output is obtained when the operating portion 1 is
located near the center region as indicated by the curve LD. In
order to realize optimum characteristics for the subtracted output
as indicated by the curve OD, the input device of the present
invention is required to satisfy the relationship (3). In order to
satisfy the relationship (3), the size of the reflective plane, the
light-emitting element, and/or the reflective plane, the
light-emitting element and the photodiodes are adjusted.
[0133] If the operating performance of the operating portion 1
(i.e., the pointing device) is to be improved, then it is necessary
to construct the pointing device such that the force, applied by an
operator with the tip of a finger placed on the operating portion
1, is easily transmitted to the operating portion 1. In other
words, the operating portion 1 is required to be configured so that
the finger tip does not slip on the surface of the operating
portion 1. Hereinafter, various examples of the operating portion 1
will be described.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 1
[0134] FIG. 13 illustrates the operating portion 1 of the input
device according to operating portion example 1. The operating
portion 1 includes a concave portion 11 in the upper surface
thereof onto which the tip of a finger is placed, in the same way
as the operating portion 1 shown in FIG. 1. In such a
configuration, a force easily can be applied with certainty onto
the operating portion 1, thereby improving the operating
performance of the operating portion 1.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 2
[0135] FIG. 14 illustrates the operating portion 1 according to
operating portion Example 2. The operating portion 1 includes: a
concave portion 11 in the upper surface thereof; and a protrusion
12 formed within the concave portion 11. In such a configuration, a
force easily can be applied with certainty onto the operating
portion 1, thereby improving the operating performance of the
operating portion 1, in the same way as the operating portion 1
shown in FIG. 13.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 3
[0136] FIG. 15 illustrates the operating portion 1 according to
operating portion Example 3. The operating portion 1 includes: a
concave portion 11 in the upper surface thereof; and a film 13,
which is made of a different material from that of the operating
portion 1, has an excellent anti-slipping property or has excellent
durability and environment resistance, and is formed over the
entire upper surface of the operating portion 1 so as to cover the
concave portion 11. In such a configuration, a force easily can be
applied with certainty onto the operating portion 1, thereby
improving the operating performance of the operating portion 1, in
the same way as the operating portion 1 shown in FIGS. 13 or
14.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 4
[0137] FIG. 16 illustrates the operating portion 1 according to
operating portion Example 4. The operating portion 1 has a convex
upper surface 14. In such a configuration, a force easily can be
applied with certainty onto the operating portion 1, thereby
improving the operating performance of the operating portion 1, in
the same way as the operating portion 1 shown in FIGS. 13, 14 or
15.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 5
[0138] FIG. 17 illustrates the operating portion 1 according to
operating portion Example 5. The operating portion 1 includes a
convex upper surface 14 and a protrusion 15 formed on the convex
upper surface 14. In such a configuration, a force easily can be
applied with certainty onto the operating portion 1, thereby
improving the operating performance of the operating portion 1, in
the same way as the operating portion 1 shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15
or 16.
OPERATING PORTION EXAMPLE 6
[0139] FIG. 18 illustrates the operating portion 1 according to
operating portion Example 6. The operating portion 1 includes: a
convex upper surface 14; a protrusion 15 formed on the convex upper
surface 14; and a film 16, which is made of a different material
from that of the operating portion 1, has an excellent
anti-slipping property or has excellent durability and environment
resistance, and is formed over the entire upper surface 14 of the
operating portion 1. In such a configuration, a force easily can be
applied with certainty onto the operating portion 1, thereby
improving the operating performance of the operating portion 1, in
the same way as the operating portion 1 shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15,
16 or 17.
[0140] Next, various other measures for improving the operating
performance of the operating portion 1 to be operated by an
operator will be described. Herein, the operating performance is
improved by providing some indicator or indicia for the operating
portion 1. Hereinafter, various examples thereof will be
described.
[0141] Operating portion Examples 1 to 6 of the operating portion 1
may have any of the marks or indicia shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B and
19C.
[0142] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C show various marks contributing to
the improvement of the operating performance of the operating
portion 1.
[0143] In FIG. 19A, four arrow indicators 17 indicating the
operating directions of the operating portion 1 are provided for
the upper surface of the operating portion 1 at four positions
dividing the circumference of the operating portion 1 into four
equal parts. Specifically, the indicators 17 may be formed in a
convex shape or a concave shape when the operating portion 1 is
molded from a resin.
[0144] In FIG. 19B, four character indicators 18 (U (up), D (down),
L (left) and R (right)) indicating the operating directions of the
operating portion 1 are provided for the operating portion 1. These
indicators 18 are formed as convex or concave characters when the
operating portion 1 is molded from a resin. Alternatively, the
indicators 18 may be pictures, patterns or the like, instead of
characters. These characters, pictures and/or patterns may be
colored.
[0145] In FIG. 19C, an indicator "P.D. (pointing device)" 19
indicating that the operating portion 1 is a pointing device is
provided for the operating portion 1. This indicator 19 is also
formed as convex or concave characters when the operating portion 1
is molded from a resin. Alternatively, a picture or a pattern
indicating that the input device of the present invention is a
pointing device may be provided for the operating portion 1,
instead of the characters 19. The characters, the picture and/or
the pattern may be colored.
[0146] Next, various examples of the method for fabricating the
input device of the present invention and exemplary structures for
realizing an excellent dust-proof property, reliability and
environment resistance will be described.
EXAMPLES OF FABRICATION METHOD AND STRUCTURES
[0147] FIGS. 20A to 20E illustrate various examples of the input
device of the present invention.
[0148] In FIG. 20A, the elastic structure 2, the operating portion
1 and the fixing portion 6 are molded by an insert molding
technique or a two-color molding technique. The elastic structure
2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing portion 6 form a hermetic
structure under the upper surface of the operating portion 1 (in
the Z-axis direction). Such a structure can inhibit or prevent dust
from penetrating from over the upper surface of the operating
portion 1 and deteriorating the operating performance of the input
device. Since the upper surface of the input device, from which
dust is ordinarily likely to penetrate, is hermetic, the
reliability (environment resistance) of the input device is
improved.
[0149] In FIG. 20B, when the elastic structure 2, the operating
portion 1 and the fixing portion 6 are molded by an insert molding
technique or a two-color molding technique, the upper surface of
the operating portion 1 is partially or entirely covered with a
film made of the same material as that of the elastic structure 2.
Thus, the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the
fixing portion 6 form a hermetic structure under the upper surface
of the operating portion 1 (in the Z-axis direction).
[0150] In FIG. 20C, when the elastic structure 2, the operating
portion 1 and the fixing portion 6 are molded by an insert molding
technique or a two-color molding technique, the operating portion 1
is made of the same material as that of the elastic structure 2. In
such an example, since the fabrication process and the resulting
structure are simplified, the costs can be reduced correspondingly.
When the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the
fixing portion 6 form a hermetic structure under the upper surface
of the operating portion 1 (in the Z-axis direction), it is
possible to inhibit or prevent dust from penetrating from over the
upper surface of the input device.
[0151] In FIG. 20D, when the elastic structure 2, the operating
portion 1 and the fixing portion 6 are molded by an insert molding
technique or a two-color molding technique, the fixing portion 6 is
made of the same material as that of the elastic structure 2. In
such an example, since the fabrication process and the resulting
structure are simplified, the costs can be reduced correspondingly.
When the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the
fixing portion 6 form a hermetic structure under the upper surface
of the operating portion 1 (in the Z-axis direction), it is
possible to inhibit or prevent dust from penetrating from over the
upper surface of the input device.
[0152] In FIG. 20E, when the elastic structure 2, the operating
portion 1 and the fixing portion 6 are molded by an insert molding
technique or a two-color molding technique, the operating portion 1
and the fixing portion 6 are made of the same material as that of
the elastic structure 2. In such an example, since the fabrication
process and the resulting structure are further simplified, the
costs can be further reduced correspondingly.
EXAMPLES CHARACTERIZED BY POSITIONAL RELATIONSHIP AND STRUCTURE OF
THE ELASTIC STRUCTURE, THE OPERATING PORTION AND THE FIXING
PORTION
[0153] FIG. 21A illustrates an assembly including in which the
elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing portion
6. FIG. 21B illustrates the appearance of the input device after
the base 4 has been attached to the assembly shown in FIG. 21A.
[0154] When the assembly shown in FIG. 21A is attached to the base
4, the operating portion 1 comes into contact with the base 4 in
accordance with the amount of force applied by the elastic
structure 2. When the force applied by the elastic structure 2 is
strong, the operating portion 1 is pressed against the base 4.
However, in the structure shown in FIG. 21B, the operating portion
1 can return to the initial position thereof. In addition, if the
elastic structure 2 has some rubber elasticity in the structure
shown in FIG. 21B, the elastic structure 2 may be operated
stably.
[0155] In this example, neither backlash nor lifting is caused
between the operating portion 1 and the fixing portion 6. Thus, no
assembly defect is caused when the input device is constructed. As
a result, the assembly precision and performance can be improved.
Next, various examples for improving the operating performance of
the operating portion 1 and for enabling a smooth sliding of the
operating portion 1, in particular, will be described.
IMPROVED SLIDABILITY EXAMPLE 1
[0156] FIG. 22A is a plan view illustrating the assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been formed. FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view
taken along the line B-B of the assembly shown in FIG. 22A.
[0157] At least three (six in FIGS. 22A and 22B) spherical or
hemispherical protrusions 10 are formed on the lower surface of the
operating portion 1 so as to come into contact with the sliding
surface which is the upper surface of the base 4.
[0158] Since the operating portion 1 and the base 4 come into
contact with each other via these points, the friction resistance
or the sliding resistance between the operating portion 1 and the
base 4 can be reduced. As a result, the operating performance of
the operating portion 1 is improved.
[0159] The shape of the protrusion 10 is not limited to a sphere or
hemisphere but may be any arbitrary shape so long as the protrusion
10 comes into contact with the base 4 via a small number of
points.
IMPROVED SLIDABILITY EXAMPLE 2
[0160] FIG. 23A is a plan view illustrating the assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been formed. FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view
taken along the line C-C of the assembly shown in FIG. 23A.
[0161] Though the protrusions 10 are provided on the lower surface
of the operating portion 1 in the input device shown in FIG. 22A,
the protrusions 10 are provided on the upper surface of the base 4
in the input device shown in FIG. 23A. At least three (six in FIGS.
23A and 23B) spherical or hemispherical protrusions 10 are formed
on the upper surface of the base 4 so as to come into contact with
the slide surface which is the lower surface of the operating
portion 1.
IMPROVED SLIDABILITY EXAMPLE 3
[0162] FIG. 24 illustrates the features of the assembly in Example
3 for improving the slidability of the operating portion 1. In
Example 3, a sheet shaped flat plate 20 is formed on the upper
surface of the base 4 in order to smoothly sliding the operating
portion 1, which is made of a material having a small friction
resistance, between the operating portion 1 and the base 4.
IMPROVING SLIDABILITY EXAMPLE 4
[0163] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been formed.
[0164] In Example 4, a lubricant 21 for smoothly sliding the
operating portion 1 is applied between the operating portion 1 and
the base 4. Since the slide resistance of the operating portion 1
can be further reduced by this example, the operating performance
of the operating portion 1 can be further improved. It is noted
that the lubricant 21 may be applied between the operating portion
1 and the base 4 in any of improved slidability Examples 1 to 3 for
improving the slidability of the operating portion 1.
EXAMPLE FOR RESTRICTING MOVEMENT AMOUNT OF OPERATING PORTION AND
FOR PREVENTING FRACTURE OF ELASTIC STRUCTURE
[0165] FIG. 26A is a plan view illustrating the assembly in which
the elastic structure 2, the operating portion 1 and the fixing
portion 6 have been formed. FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view
taken along the line D-D of the assembly shown in FIG. 26A.
[0166] The input device of this example includes stopper members 22
for restricting the range through which the operating portion 1 can
move. Thus, it is possible to prevent the elastic structure 2 from
being fractured by the movement of the operating portion 1.
Hereinafter, a specific example thereof will be described.
[0167] The fixing portion 6 includes sides which can come into
contact with the operating portion 1. Ring-shaped stopper members
22 are disposed in the vicinity of the sides of the fixing portion
6. Thus, the operating portion 1 does not come into direct contact
with the fixing portion 6. When the operating portion 1 comes into
contact with any of these stopper members 22, the movement of the
operating portion 1 is stopped. After the movement of the operating
portion 1 is stopped by the contact with the stopper member 22, the
spring of the elastic structure 2 is not pulled any longer. Thus,
it is possible to prevent the elastic structure 2 from being
fractured. It is noted that the ring shaped stoppers may be
provided for the side of the operating portion 1.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 2
[0168] FIG. 27 illustrates the input device of the present
invention according to input device Example 2. In Example 2, the
input device of the present invention is applied to a pointing
device which can perform a two-dimensional input operation.
[0169] The fixing portion 6 of the input device includes a slide
portion for enabling the operating portion 1 to slide in
two-dimensional directions.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 27, a slide guide groove 60 is provided for
the fixing portion 6. The slide portion 0 of the operating portion
1 which is inserted into the slide guide groove 60 slides in
accordance with the force applied to the operating portion 1. The
elastic structure 2 of Example 2 has an elastic body such as a coil
spring.
[0171] It is noted that the same members as those of the input
device shown in FIG. 1 will be identified by the same reference
numerals and the description thereof will be omitted in principle.
The input device shown in FIG. 27 can attain the same effects as
those attained by the input device shown in FIG. 1.
[0172] In the input device shown in FIG. 27, the operating portion
1 thereof may be modified as described in operating portion
Examples 1 to 6 of the operating portion 1. Also, in the input
device shown in FIG. 27, the slidability of the operating portion 1
may be improved as described in improved slidability Examples 1 to
4 for improving the slidability of the operating portion 1.
Moreover, the input device shown in FIG. 27 may be modified as
described in the example characterized by the positional
relationship and the structures of the elastic structure 2, the
operating portion 1 and the fixing portion 6. Furthermore, the
input device shown in FIG. 27 may be modified as described in the
example for restricting the movement amount of the operating
portion 1 and for preventing the fracture of the elastic structure
2. Optionally, the input device shown in FIG. 27 may be subject to
a part or all of the above-described modifications.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 3
[0173] FIG. 28 illustrates the input device of the present
invention according to input device Example 3. In Example 3, the
input device of the present invention is applied to a pointing
device which can perform a two-dimensional input operation.
[0174] The input device of Example 3 has substantially the same
configuration as that of the input device of input device Example 1
or 2, except that the operating portion 1 is attached to a base
having a curvature so as to be able to slide thereon.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 28, when the base 4 is seen at the front,
the base 4 has an arch shape with an upwardly convex center
portion. The operating portion 1 has an I-shape when it is seen at
the front and is attached to the base 4 so as to be able to slide
in any of the forward, backward, leftward and rightward directions
in FIG. 28.
[0176] The same members as those of the input device Example 1 or 2
will be identified by the same reference numerals and the detailed
description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0177] In the input device shown in FIG. 28, the operating portion
1 thereof may be modified as described in operating portion
Examples 1 to 6 of the operating portion 1. Also, in the input
device shown in FIG. 28, the slidability of the operating portion 1
may be improved as described in improved slidability Examples 1 to
4 for improving the slidability of the operating portion 1.
Moreover, the input device shown in FIG. 28 may be modified as
described in the example characterized by the positional
relationship and the structures of the elastic structure 2, the
operating portion 1 and the fixing portion 6. Furthermore, the
input device shown in FIG. 28 may be modified as described in the
example for restricting the movement amount of the operating
portion 1 and for preventing the fracture of the elastic FIG. 28
may be subject to a part or all of the above-described
modifications.
[0178] In order for the input device shown in FIG. 28 to maintain
sufficient linearity in the relationship between the subtracted
output and the movement distance, the radius of curvature of the
base 4 is preferably set at a sufficiently large value as shown in
FIG. 28, and the variation in outputs caused by the variation of
the reflection angle of the reflective surface is preferably
smaller than the variation in outputs caused by the movement on the
reflective surface.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 4
[0179] FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view of the input device of
the present invention according to input device Example 4. FIG. 29B
illustrates a spiral spring 2'.
[0180] The input device of input device Example 4 has the same
configuration as that of the input device shown in FIG. 28 except
for the elastic structure. In input device Example 4, the
concentric spiral spring 2' shown in FIG. 29B is used as an elastic
body for elastically supporting the operating portion l.
[0181] FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate the spiral spring 2' connected
to the operating portion 1, showing how the spiral spring 2' is
deformed by the displacement of the operating portion 1 and applies
a restoring force to the operating portion 1.
[0182] The same members as those of the input device shown in FIG.
28 will be identified by the same reference numerals and the
detailed description thereof will be omitted in the input device of
input device Example 4.
[0183] If the radius of curvature of the base 4 is small and the
angular movement direction of the light spot is reversed from the
movement direction shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B in input device
Examples 3 and 4, the detection principle disclosed in Japanese
Patent Application No. 8-75008 filed by the present applicant may
be applied.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 5
[0184] FIGS. 31 and 32A illustrate input device Example 5 of the
input device of the present invention. The input device of input
device Example 5 can perform a three-dimensional input
operation.
[0185] As shown in FIG. 31, the input device of input device
Example 5 includes a pressure-sensitive sensor 40 for detecting a
force applied in the Z direction, in addition to the members of the
input device for two-dimensional detection. In this example, in
order to detect a force applied in the Z direction, the
pressure-sensitive sensor 40 may be disposed between the flat plate
shaped sheet 41 constituting a slide surface (see FIG. 33) and the
base 4, may be disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface
of the base 4 or may be disposed on the upper surface of the
operating portion 1.
[0186] The same members as those of the input device for the
two-dimensional detection (e.g., the input device shown in FIG. 1)
will be identified by the same reference numerals and the detailed
description thereof will be omitted in principle in the input
device of input device Example 5.
[0187] The input device of input device Example 5 can input
two-dimensional data to a computer in the same way as the input
device for the two-dimensional detection (e.g., the input device
shown in FIG. 1). Thus, the input device of input device Example 5
can point to the position of an object which is two-dimensionally
displayed on the screen by a computer. Furthermore, since the input
device of input device Example 5 includes a pressure-sensitive
sensor 40 for detecting a force applied in the Z direction,
three-dimensional data may also be input to the computer. Thus, the
input device of input device Example 5 can point to the position of
an object which is three-dimensionally displayed on the screen by
the computer.
[0188] A sensor of a pressure-sensitive resistive type or a sensor
called a "distortion gauge" may be used as the pressure-sensitive
sensor 40. In either case, the sensor utilizes physical properties
for varying a resistance value in accordance with a force applied
to the sensor.
[0189] An exemplary configuration of the input device including a
pressure-sensitive sensor 40 of a pressure-sensitive resistive type
is shown in FIG. 32A. A relationship between the load applied onto
the operating portion 1 of the input device shown in FIG. 32A and
an output voltage resulting from the application of a voltage to
the sensor is shown in FIG. 32B. As shown in FIG. 32B, the
resulting output (output voltage) exhibits a linear characteristic
with respect to a load within a prescribed range.
[0190] Since the two-dimensional input operation (in the X and Y
directions) is performed in an optical slide manner, the tensile
strength of the elastic structure 2 is set at such a value as to
move the elastic structure 2 upon the application of a small
force.
[0191] In performing an input operation in the Z direction, if the
force applied in the Z direction is stronger than the force
required to perform a two-dimensional input operation, a pressure
sensitive region of the pressure-sensitive sensor 40 is used which
is able to recognize the input in the Z direction is used.
[0192] For example, if the force required for performing the
two-dimensional input operation is in the range from about 0 to
about 50 gf (=about 0.49 N), then the force required for performing
the input operation in the Z direction is set to be equal to or
larger than about 50 gf (=about 0.49 N). In such a case, the
pressure-sensitive sensor 40 is designed so as to detect a force of
50 gf (=about 0.49 N) or more.
[0193] The pressure-sensitive sensor 40 or the sensor S for
detecting a force in the Z direction may process a signal for the Z
direction. In response to the processed signal for the Z direction,
the two-dimensional data input to the computer may be corrected and
the movement of a cursor or the like of a display device may be
controlled. By performing such a correction, the cursor can be
finely moved and an input operation satisfying the human sense can
be performed.
[0194] In input device Example 5, when the cursor is moved
two-dimensionally, the movement amount and the movement speed of
the cursor may be increased in accordance with the magnitude of the
force applied in the Z direction. For example, in the case of
processing serial data of a PS/2 mouse interface, the number of
dots of the X- and Y-movement data, which is ordinarily composed of
three bytes, may be increased for increasing the movement amount
and accelerating the movement speed. Alternatively, the interval
between the transmission times of the X- and Y-movement data, which
is ordinarily composed of three bytes, may be shortened, thereby
accelerating the apparent movement speed.
[0195] In the illustrated example, the present invention is applied
to an input device including an operating portion 1 which slides on
a plane. Alternatively, the present invention is also applicable to
an input device including an operating portion which slides on a
surface having a curvature. Furthermore, the above-described
examples such as the example for improving the slidability of the
operating portion 1 are applicable to the pointing device of input
device Example 5.
[0196] The input device of input device Example 5 detects an input
in two-dimensional directions and an input in the Z direction in
accordance with detection methods using different detection means.
Thus, it is possible to perform an input operation in the
two-dimensional directions and an input operation in the Z
direction by distinguishing these operations from each other based
on the human sense. As a result, by using the input device of input
device Example 5, even a child or an old man can perform a
three-dimensional input operation with ease.
INPUT DEVICE EXAMPLE 6
[0197] FIG. 33 illustrates the input device of the present
invention according to input device Example 6. The input device of
input device Example 6 can perform a three-dimensional input
operation.
[0198] In input device Example 6, the movement amount is decreased
and the movement speed is decelerated or the operating portion 1 is
braked in accordance with the force applied in the Z direction, as
opposed to input device Example 5. In input device Example 6, in
order to detect the force applied in the Z direction, the
pressure-sensitive sensor 40 may be disposed between the flat plate
shaped sheet 41 constituting a slide surface and the base 4, may be
disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the base 4 or
may be disposed at the contact region between the operating portion
1 and the base 4.
[0199] Note that the operating portion 1 may be moved in an
accelerative manner in input device Examples 5 and 6.
[0200] FIG. 36 illustrates the input device shown in FIG. 31 or 33
and a computer having a power save function. The pressure-sensitive
sensor 40 detects a force applied in the Z direction and outputs
the detected force as a start signal for starting to operate the
input device as a pointing device to the computer having a power
save function. By utilizing such a system, the power consumption of
a computer and a monitor connected to the computer can be
minimized.
[0201] The input device of the present invention is an optical
input device of a non-contact type, and thus has excellent
durability. In addition, the input device has excellent reliability
(or environment resistance).
[0202] Moreover, the movable body (i.e., the operating portion) can
slide two-dimensionally (i.e., in the X and Y directions). Thus, as
compared with an input device rocking in the vertical direction,
the input device (i.e., the pointing device) can be downsized with
a reduced thickness.
[0203] Furthermore, in the input device of the present invention,
the reflective surface moves with the movable body (i.e., the
operating portion) and is disposed so as to face the light-emitting
element and the light-receiving elements. Since an appropriate
pattern is selected as the reflection pattern thereof, a pointing
device exhibiting linear detection characteristics over a wide
range with respect to the displacement easily can be realized. As a
result, an input device which can perform a two-dimensional input
operation with improved detection precision and enhanced operating
performance can be realized.
[0204] Furthermore, in the operating portion of the input device of
the present invention, the tip of an operator's finger does not
slip on the operating portion. Thus, the operator can easily apply
force with certainty to the operating portion. As a result, the
operating performance is further improved.
[0205] Moreover, in the input device of the present invention,
since the indicators instructing the operating directions and the
like are provided for the operating portion by using colored marks,
pictures or the like, the operator is much less likely to perform
an erroneous operation. As a result, the operating performance is
further improved.
[0206] In addition, in the input device of the present invention,
since the elastic structure, the operating portion and the fixing
portion are formed by an insert molding technique, a two-color
molding technique or the like so as to realize a hermetic structure
under the surface of the operating portion, a dustproof
construction is realized. As a result, the reliability (environment
resistance) of the input device can be improved.
[0207] Furthermore, in the input device of the present invention,
since the elastic structure, the operating portion and the fixing
portion are positioned and configured to satisfy such a positional
relationship that the operating portion comes into contact with or
is pressed against the base by the force applied by the elastic
structure when the elastic structure, the operating portion and the
fixing portion are fixed onto the base, various assembly defects
such as backlash and lifting of the operating portion and the
fixing portion can be minimized or eliminated. As a result, the
assembly precision can be improved and the costs can be
reduced.
[0208] Moreover, in the input device of the present invention,
since the movable body (i.e., the operating portion) and the base
are in contact with each other via at least three spherical or
hemispherical protrusions, the slide resistance of the operating
portion against the base can be reduced. As a result, the operating
performance is further improved.
[0209] Furthermore, in the input device of the present invention,
since a sheet-shaped flat plate is provided or a lubricant is
applied between the operating portion and the base for smoothly
sliding the operating portion, the slide resistance can be further
reduced. As a result, the operating performance is further
improved.
[0210] Moreover, in the input device of the present invention,
since a pressure-sensitive sensor for detecting a force applied in
the Z-axis direction which is applied onto the movable body (i.e.,
the operating portion) is further provided, it is possible to
realize an input device which can perform a three-dimensional input
operation while attaining all the effects of the input device for
the two-dimensional input operation. In such a case, since the
pressure-sensitive sensor can precisely detect a force applied in
the Z-axis direction, it is not necessary to perform a subtle input
operation in the Z direction while relying on the human sense of
touch or subtly pushing down the operating portion with the tip of
a finger. Thus, since such an operation requires no special
training, even a child or an old man can easily perform a
three-dimensional input operation.
[0211] Various other modifications will be apparent to and can be
readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is not intended
that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the
description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be
broadly construed.
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