JP7828102B2 - Control devices for electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operating device for electronic devices.

When working at a desk using a computer, you may need to use a mouse or other operating device while using a writing utensil, but the writing utensil gets in the way when using the mouse, making it difficult to quickly remove the writing utensil when needed, which can be inconvenient.

In response to this, a mouse has been proposed that is integrated with a writing implement by providing holes or adhesives on the top or side of the mouse (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-050672

However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, a writing instrument is attached and detached by providing holes or adhesives on the top or side of the mouse, which means that attaching and detaching the writing instrument to and from the mouse requires the user to switch between the writing instrument and the operating device each time, which is cumbersome. If a user frequently uses a writing instrument while using the mouse, this can have a significant impact on work efficiency.

Therefore, there is a demand for an operating device that does not require users to change hands when holding a stick-shaped tool such as a writing implement.

The gist of the present invention is as follows.
(1) An operating device for an electronic device,
a groove into which at least a central portion of a rod-shaped tool can be inserted;
The groove is configured so that the wand-shaped tool held in the hand of the user of the operation device can be inserted without changing the grip of the wand-shaped tool.
Operating device.
(2) The operating device described in (1) above, wherein the groove is configured so that the rod-shaped tool held between the index finger and thumb of the user of the operating device and the middle finger and index finger can be inserted without changing the grip.
(3) The operating device described in (1) above, wherein the groove is configured so that the rod-shaped tool held between the index finger and thumb of the user of the operating device and the tip, first joint, second joint, or base of the middle finger and the index finger can be inserted without changing the grip.
(4) An operating device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the groove has a shape in which the opening of the groove widens in a longitudinal cross section of the groove.
(5) An operating device described in any of (1) to (3) above, wherein the groove has a shape in which the corners of the opening of the groove are rounded and the opening widens in a longitudinal cross section of the groove.
(6) An operating device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the width of the longitudinal end of the groove is wider than the width of the central part of the groove.
(7) An operating device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the height of the longitudinal end of the groove is greater than the height of the central part of the groove.

The present invention provides an operating device for electronic devices that eliminates the need to change writing implements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a conventional mouse operated by a user holding a knock-type ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool, in the hand. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device having a groove when the operation device is a mouse. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device with a knock-type ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool, inserted into the groove. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device in use when the operation device is operated by a hand holding a rod-shaped tool. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device having grooves when the operation device is a controller. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device with a knock-type ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool, inserted into the groove. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device when it is operated with a hand holding a rod-shaped tool. Fig. 8(A) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of a groove in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 8(B) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a groove in which the opening widens in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 8(C) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a groove in which the opening widens with rounded corners in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of an operation device that is a mouse having a groove whose width at the longitudinal ends is greater than that at the center. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a groove in which the height H1 of the end portion in the longitudinal direction is greater than the height H2 of the center portion in terms of the height of the top of the groove (the surface of the operating device) relative to the bottom of the groove.

The present disclosure relates to an operating device for electronic devices, which has a groove into which at least the center portion of a wand-shaped tool can be inserted, and which is configured so that the wand-shaped tool held in the hand of a user of the operating device can be inserted without having to be re-held.

Traditionally, computer users performing office work, for example, have alternated between using a mouse and a writing implement such as a pen to take notes in addition to operating the mouse. For example, while operating the mouse, a writing implement may be used to write letters or figures, or to perform checking work. In this case, the user would release the writing implement from their hand and place it on the desk, then use that hand to operate the mouse, release the mouse, pick up the writing implement in that hand, and use it to check or take notes, then release the writing implement from their hand, place it on the desk, and use that hand to operate the mouse again, repeating the process.

However, repeatedly switching between writing implements and operating the mouse as described above is tedious and time-consuming, so people often hold the writing implement in their hand and operate the mouse with the same hand without switching implements.

When a user holds a rod-shaped implement such as a writing implement in their hand and operates an operating device such as a mouse with that hand without changing their grip, the rod-shaped implement is positioned between the operating device and their hand, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a conventional mouse operated with a hand holding a rod-shaped implement such as a knock-type ballpoint pen.

In Figure 1, the knock-type ballpoint pen is positioned between the mouse and the hand, causing it to touch the mouse. In this case, to avoid operating the operating device incorrectly due to the rod-shaped tool hitting the mouse, the user holds the rod-shaped tool and the operating device in an unusual manner, such as by shielding the operating device with the hand holding the operating device. This can easily reduce the operating efficiency and accuracy of the operating device, leading to incorrect operation of the operating device and accumulated fatigue for the user. Furthermore, when placing a writing tool on a desk away from the hand, the user must be careful not to make noises around the desk each time they place the writing tool, which can lead to reduced work efficiency. Furthermore, operating a mouse while holding a writing tool can lead to operating errors, fatigue in the hands and arms, and mental fatigue, all of which can reduce work efficiency.

In contrast, this operation device has a groove into which at least the center portion of a rod-shaped tool can be inserted, and the groove is configured so that the rod-shaped tool held in the user's hand can be inserted without having to be changed. This allows the user to operate the device while holding a rod-shaped tool such as a writing tool in their hand, eliminating the need to change the grip of the rod-shaped tool when using a writing tool or other rod-shaped tool and when using this operation device. This improves the work efficiency of users of this operation device. While there may be some individual differences in the way rod-shaped tools such as writing tools are held and the size of hands, this operation device allows at least the center portion of the rod-shaped tool to be inserted into the groove without having to be changed, simply by slightly shifting the rod-shaped tool in the hand, regardless of individual differences.

In this application, the term "rod-shaped implement" is not particularly limited, but includes rod-shaped writing implements such as mechanical pencils, ballpoint pens, pens, markers, pencils, markers, correction pens, and pen-shaped erasers, as well as rod-shaped devices such as touch pens, stylus pens, and pointers.

With this operation device, even when operating while holding a writing implement such as a pen, there is no substantial decrease in operation efficiency or operation accuracy. Furthermore, even when operating this operation device while holding a writing implement, there is no need to operate the operation device in a way that protects it to avoid operating it incorrectly. There is also no need to hold the writing implement in an unusual way. Therefore, with this operation device, it is possible to reduce the risk of operating the operation device incorrectly and the accumulation of fatigue among users.

The operation device is an input device for electronic devices, and is preferably a mouse, a controller, a tablet, or a smartphone. A mouse is an input device used for general computer operation. A controller can be a drone controller, a game console controller, a medical equipment controller, a car controller, a construction machinery controller, etc.

The manipulation device can be connected to the electronic device operated by the manipulation device via a wired or wireless connection. While Figure 2 and other figures illustrate an example of a wired connection in which the manipulation device has a cord, the presence or absence of a cord is not essential, and a cord may be unnecessary if the connection is wireless. In either a wired or wireless connection, one or more repeater devices may be used between the manipulation device and the electronic device. Using repeater devices can ensure a good connection between the manipulation device and the electronic device even when the distance between the manipulation device and the electronic device is long or when there are factors that weaken radio waves, such as walls, roofs, floors, pillars, or other obstructions. The manipulation device may be integrated with or separate from the electronic device operated by the manipulation device. If the manipulation device is a mouse or controller, the manipulation device may be separate from the electronic device operated by the manipulation device. If the manipulation device is a tablet, smartphone, or other device, the manipulation device may be integrated with the electronic device operated by the manipulation device. If the manipulation device and the electronic device are integrated, the outer frame of the electronic device held by the user's hand may have a groove into which at least the center of a wand-shaped tool can be inserted.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 having the groove 10 when the operation device is a mouse. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 with a rod-shaped tool 50, a knock-type ballpoint pen, inserted into the groove 10. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 in use, operating it with the hand holding the rod-shaped tool 50.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 having the groove 10 when the operation device 100 is used as a controller. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 with a rod-shaped tool 50, a knock-type ballpoint pen, inserted into the groove 10. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of the operation device 100 when operated with the hand holding the rod-shaped tool 50.

Game players often take notes on the steps and methods for winning a game. If the operation device 100 is a controller, the game player can operate the game controller and take notes without having to change writing implements.

When using a drone camera to take photographs, inspect, carry out construction work, transport, etc. at construction sites, two people may work together, with one person operating the drone and the other writing on documents. If the operation device 100 is the drone controller, the drone operator can operate the drone controller and take notes without having to switch writing implements.

As illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the operating device 100 has a groove 10 into which at least the central portion 51 of a rod-shaped tool 50 can be inserted. "The central portion 51 of the rod-shaped tool 50 can be inserted" means that the central portion 51, which is the rod-shaped portion sandwiched between the tip portions on both sides of the rod-shaped tool 50, can be inserted into the groove 10, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 and 5 to 7, the groove 10 is configured so that the wand-shaped tool 50 held in the hand of the user of the operating device 100 can be inserted without changing the grip. A user wishing to operate the operating device 100 can insert at least the central portion 51 of the wand-shaped tool 50 into the groove 10 without changing the grip of the wand-shaped tool 50 when holding it in their hand, and operate the operating device 100. The operating device 100 can have the groove 10 in a position that corresponds to a right-handed person who uses the right hand or a left-handed person who uses the left hand.

For example, if the operating device 100 is a mouse for right-handed users, the operating device 100 may have a groove 10 extending diagonally to the right from the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse, as viewed from the operator of the operating device 100, toward the center and front of the outside, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. If the operating device 100 is a mouse operated with the left hand of a left-handed user, the groove 10 may be configured symmetrically to that of a right-handed mouse, i.e., the groove 10 may extend diagonally to the left from the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse, as viewed from the operator of the operating device 100, toward the center and front of the outside. For example, if the operating device 100 is a controller for right-handed users, the operating device 100 may have a groove 10 extending from the front of the right-side holding portion of the controller toward the rear, as viewed from the operator of the operating device 100, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. If the operating device 100 is a controller for left-handed users, the groove 10 may be configured symmetrically to that of the right-handed controller described above, i.e., the groove 10 may extend from the front to the rear of the left-side holding portion as viewed from the operator of the operating device 100.

The operating device 100 may include one or more operating units such as a button, scroll wheel, trackball, lever, or cross key. The groove 10 may be configured on the main body of the operating device 100 as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 and 5 to 7, or may be configured on the operating unit to the extent that it does not affect the function of the operating unit, or may be configured on both the main body and the operating unit.

The groove 10 is preferably configured so that the rod-shaped tool 50 held between the index finger and thumb of the hand of the user of the operating device 100 and between the middle finger and index finger can be inserted without changing the grip. In this case, the groove 10 is located at least partially in a location corresponding to the direction from between the index finger and thumb to between the middle finger and index finger of the hand of the user who intends to operate the operating device 100. By having the groove 10 have the above-described preferred configuration, the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand when in use can be inserted smoothly into the groove 10, allowing the operating device 100 to be operated more easily without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

The groove 10 is preferably configured so that a rod-shaped tool 50 held between the index finger and thumb of a user of the operating device 100 can be inserted without changing the grip of the tool. In this case, the groove 10 is located at least partially in a location corresponding to the direction from between the index finger and thumb of the user's hand attempting to operate the operating device 100 to the tip, first joint, second joint, or base of the middle finger and the index finger. The groove 10 having the above-described preferred configuration allows the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand during use to be inserted smoothly into the groove 10, enabling the operating device 100 to be more easily operated without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

More preferably, the groove 10 is configured so that a rod-shaped tool 50 held between the index finger and thumb of the hand of a user of the operating device 100 can be inserted without changing the grip of the tool. In this case, the groove 10 is located at least partially in a position corresponding to the direction from between the index finger and thumb of the hand of the user attempting to operate the operating device 100 to the tip of the middle finger, the first joint, or the second joint of the index finger. The groove 10 having the above-described preferred configuration allows the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand during use to be inserted smoothly into the groove 10, enabling the operating device 100 to be more easily operated without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

The length (longitudinal dimension) of the groove 10 need only be such that at least the central portion 51 of the wand-shaped tool 50 can be inserted without having to be re-held, but may be, for example, 5 to 90 mm, 10 to 70 mm, or 20 to 50 mm. By having the groove 10 have the above-mentioned exemplary lengths, at least the central portion 51 of a wand-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used length can be inserted into the groove 10 more stably.

The height (depth) of the groove 10 need only be such that at least the central portion 51 of the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand of the user of the operating device can be inserted without having to change hands, but may be, for example, 5 to 30 mm, 7 to 10 mm, or 10 to 15 mm. The height (depth) of the groove 10 is the height (depth) at approximately the midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the groove 10. By having the groove 10 have the above-mentioned exemplary height (depth), a rod-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used thickness will not be inserted too deeply into the groove 10 and protrusion from the groove 10 can be eliminated or minimized, thereby further improving the user's work efficiency.

The width of the groove 10 need only be such that at least the central portion 51 of the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand of the user of the operating device can be inserted without having to change hands, but may be, for example, 5 to 30 mm, 7 to 25 mm, or 10 to 20 mm. The width of the groove 10 is the width at approximately the middle position in the height (depth) direction of the groove 10. By making the groove 10 have the above-mentioned exemplary width, it becomes easier to insert a rod-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used thickness into the groove 10 and to determine the position of the rod-shaped tool 50, thereby further improving the user's work efficiency.

As shown in Figure 8 (A), the groove 10 has a concave shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 10, allowing at least the central portion 51 of the rod-shaped tool 50 to be inserted.

Preferably, the groove 10 has a shape in which the opening 11 of the groove 10 widens in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 10. Figure 8(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the groove 10 in which the opening 11 widens in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown schematically in Figure 8(B), the groove 10 has a shape in which the opening 11 widens, making it easier for the user to smoothly insert the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the user's hand when gripping the operating device 100. Furthermore, when the user releases the operating device 100, the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the user's hand does not get caught in the opening 11 of the groove 10, and the rod-shaped tool 50 can be smoothly removed from the groove 10.

More preferably, the groove 10 has a shape in which the corners of the opening 11 of the groove 10 are rounded and the opening 11 widens in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 10. Figure 8(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a groove 10 in which the corners of the opening 11 are rounded and the opening 11 widens in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown schematically in Figure 8(C), the groove 10 has rounded corners of the opening 11 so that the opening 11 widens, making it easier for the user to insert the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand when gripping the operating device 100. Furthermore, when the user releases the operating device 100, the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand does not get caught in the opening 11 of the groove 10, allowing the rod-shaped tool 50 to be removed more smoothly from the groove 10.

Preferably, the width of the longitudinal ends of the groove 10 is wider than the width of the central portion of the groove 10. Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of an operating device 100, which is a mouse, having a groove 10 in which the width W1 of the longitudinal ends is wider than the width W2 of the central portion. Different users may hold the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 in different ways. However, as shown in Figure 9, by making the width W1 of the longitudinal ends of the groove 10 wider than the width W2 of the central portion of the groove 10, it is possible to better accommodate variations in the angle of the rod-shaped tool 50 in the width direction of the groove 10 due to differences in how users hold the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 and differences in the size of their hands.

Preferably, the height (depth) of the longitudinal ends of the groove 10 is greater than the height (depth) of the center of the groove 10. Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a groove 10 in which the height (depth) H1 of the longitudinal ends is greater than the height (depth) H2 of the center, relative to the height (depth) of the top 13 of the groove 10 (the surface of the operating device 100) relative to the bottom 12 of the groove 10. In Figure 10, the bottom 12 of the groove 10 has a convex shape from both ends toward the center. While different users may hold the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 differently, as illustrated in Figure 10, by having the height (depth) H1 of the longitudinal ends greater than the height (depth) H2 of the center, it is possible to better accommodate variations in the angle of the rod-shaped tool 50 in the height (depth) direction of the groove 10 due to differences in how users hold the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 and differences in the size of their hands.

100: This operation device 10: Groove 11: Opening of groove 12: Bottom of groove 13: Top of groove 50: Rod-shaped tool 51: Central portion of rod-shaped tool W1: Width of end portion in longitudinal direction of groove W2: Width of central portion in longitudinal direction of groove H1: Height (depth) of end portion in longitudinal direction of groove
H2 Height (depth) of the center of the groove in the longitudinal direction

Claims (7)

An operating device for an electronic device,
a groove into which at least a central portion of a rod-shaped tool can be inserted;
the operating device is a mouse,
When the mouse is for a right-handed user, the groove extends obliquely to the right from between the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse toward between the center and front of the outside, as viewed from the mouse user;
When the mouse is for a left-handed user, the groove extends diagonally left from between the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse toward between the center and front of the outside, as viewed from the mouse user;
the groove is configured so that the user can operate the mouse with a central portion of the rod-shaped tool held in the user 's hand inserted into the groove.
Operating device. The operating device of claim 1, wherein the groove has a shape in which the opening of the groove widens in a longitudinal cross section of the groove. The operating device of claim 1, wherein the groove has a shape in which the corners of the opening of the groove are rounded and the opening widens in a longitudinal cross section of the groove. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the width of the groove at the end in the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the groove at the center. The operation device according to claim 1 , wherein a depth of the groove at an end portion in the longitudinal direction is greater than a depth of the groove at a central portion. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the depth of the groove at an approximate midpoint in the longitudinal direction is 5 to 30 mm. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the groove has a width of 5 to 30 mm at an approximately midpoint in the depth direction.