input device

Abstract

An input device includes a tracking target portion having a plurality of light emitting portions provided on an outer surface thereof, a housing constituting an outer surface of the tracking target portion, a first substrate which is a rigid substrate provided inside the housing, at least one light source mounted on a first surface of the first substrate, and a first light guide member which guides light from the at least one light source to positions of the plurality of light emitting portions on the outer surface of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an input device having a target tracking portion. Background Technology

[0002] The technology of providing a light-emitting unit to an input device and tracking the position or posture of the input device by detecting the light from the light-emitting unit using a camera already exists. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-164932 discloses an input device for game operation, which has a spherical light-emitting unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Multiple light-emitting portions have been arranged on the outer surface of an input device. When a flexible substrate is used as the substrate on which light sources (specifically, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each light-emitting portion are mounted, a high degree of freedom in the position of the light-emitting portions can be ensured, thereby easily ensuring the stability of the light-emitting portions detected by a camera. However, in terms of ease of assembly and cost, the use of a flexible substrate is not necessarily preferred.

[0004] The input device disclosed herein includes: a tracking target portion having a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed on its outer surface; a housing constituting the outer surface of the tracking target portion; a first substrate, which is a rigid substrate disposed inside the housing; at least one light source mounted on a first surface of the first substrate; and a first light guide member that guides light from the at least one light source to the positions of the plurality of light-emitting portions on the outer surface of the housing. Therefore, the assembly of the input device can be simplified, and costs can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of a system using an input device proposed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the input device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a side view of the input device.

[0008] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the tracking target portion included in the input device.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a side view of the substrate and light guide components.

[0010] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the tracked target portion captured by line VI-VI. And...

[0011] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the light guide component. Detailed Implementation

[0012] In the following sections, embodiments of the input devices proposed in this disclosure will be explained. Figure 2 The directions represented by Z1 and Z2 are called the up direction and down direction, respectively. Figure 2 The directions represented by X1 and X2 are called the right direction and the left direction, respectively. Figure 3 The directions represented by Y1 and Y2 are called the forward direction and the backward direction, respectively. These directions correspond to the directions seen from the user when the user holds and uses the input device 100, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0013] [System Overview]

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, for example, input device 100 is used with head-mounted display (HMD) 2. HMD 2 is mounted on the user's head, and input device 100 is held by the user's right hand and / or left hand. HMD 2 includes a forward-pointing camera 2a. Multiple light-emitting parts H (described later) are provided to input device 100. The position of the light-emitting parts H is detected by camera 2a, and the position and orientation of input device 100 (i.e., the position and orientation of the user's hand) are calculated based on the position of the light-emitting parts. Input device 100 includes multiple operating parts (e.g., operation buttons, joysticks, touch sensors, etc.) operated by the user's fingers, as described later. Video images (e.g., game images) created based on the position of input device 100, the orientation of input device 100, operations performed on the operating parts, etc., are displayed on the display portion of HMD 2.

[0015] The position and orientation of the input device 100 can be calculated by an information processing device mounted on the HMD 2, or by an external information processing device (e.g., a gaming device or personal computer separate from the HMD 2). The input device 100 may include a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer or gyroscope). The information processing device can calculate the position and orientation of the input device 100 not only based on the position of the light-emitting portion H, but also based on the output from the motion sensor. Furthermore, video images can be created by the information processing device mounted on the HMD 2, or by an external information processing device. In the case where an external information processing device calculates the position of the input device 100 and creates video images, the image information acquired by the camera 2a is wirelessly or wired to the external information processing device, and the created video image information is wirelessly or wired from the external information processing device to the HMD 2. Note that, with Figure 1Unlike the system shown, input device 100 can be used separately from HMD 2. In this case, a camera used to track the position and orientation of input device 100 can be attached to an external display device (e.g., a television or personal computer monitor), and video images created based on the position and orientation of input device 100 are displayed on that external display device.

[0016] [Overall configuration of input devices]

[0017] The shape of the input device 100 for the right hand is symmetrical to that of the input device 100 for the left hand. The left input device 100 and the right input device 100 may differ from each other in the number or type of operating components arranged in the operation section 11A. The right input device 100 will be described in detail below.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 10 of the input device 100 includes a handle 11B and an operating portion 11A, on which a plurality of operating components are arranged. The main body 10 has the operating portion 11A on its upper part. The handle 11B extends downward from the operating portion 11A. The operating components arranged on the operating portion 11A can be operated with the thumb or index finger while holding the handle 11B. For example, the handle 11B is held by the thenar eminence, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger.

[0019] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, for example, operation buttons 13, 14, 15 and operation lever 16 are arranged as operation components on the operation portion 11A. Operation button 13 is arranged on the front surface 11a of the operation portion 11A (see...). Figure 3 ), and is operated, for example, by the index finger. Operation buttons 14, 15 and operation lever 16 are arranged on the rear surface 11b of the operating portion 11A (see...). Figure 2 And, for example, operated by the thumb. The operating lever 16 is an operating member that can tilt radially or slide. The operating members disposed on the operating portion 11A are not limited to those in the embodiments described herein. For example, a touch sensor, a trigger button, and a button providing the touch sensor may be disposed on the operating portion 11A. Furthermore, the number of operating members disposed on the operating portion 11A may be one or two, or may be four or more.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the input device 100 includes a target tracking section 30, on which a plurality of light-emitting portions H are arranged (in... Figure 2In the diagram, the luminescent portion is indicated by a black circle. The tracking target portion 30 is formed to be separate from the body 10. That is, the tracking target portion 30 includes a portion extending into an arc or ring shape, and at least its middle portion is separated from the handle 11B (there is a space between the middle portion and the body 10). Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the tracking target portion 30 is located on the right side of the body 10 and is connected to the top and bottom of the body 10. The tracking target portion 30 extends from the top of the body 10 to the lower side while bending, so as to expand outward in the left-right direction. The middle portion of the tracking target portion 30 separates to the right from the handle 11B.

[0021] The position and shape of the target part 30 are not limited to Figure 2 In the embodiments shown, it is sufficient to ensure that the position of the light-emitting portion H can be stably detected by a camera mounted on the HMD 2. The tracking target portion 30 can be located on the left side of the main body 10, or above, below, behind, or in front of the main body 10. The shape of the tracking target portion 30 can be a straight, extending rod-like shape, or it can be a ring-like shape, rather than a curved rod-like shape. In the case where the shape of the tracking target portion 30 is ring-like, the tracking target portion 30 can be arranged to surround the user's hand or wrist that grips the handle 11B.

[0022] The light-emitting portion H can be disposed on the main body 10. In the example of the input device 100, when the user holds the handle 11B with their right hand, the left side surface 11c of the main body 10 is not covered by the user's hand. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, multiple light-emitting portions H can be disposed on the left side surface 11c. Alternatively, multiple light-emitting portions H can also be disposed on the front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the operation portion 11A.

[0023] [Target Tracking Section]

[0024] The structure of the tracking target portion 30 will be described in detail below. The directions stated in the following description are for illustrating the relative positional relationships between the components (parts, components, and sections) of the tracking target portion 30 and are not intended to limit the position of the tracking target portion 30 in the input device 100.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the tracking target portion 30 includes: a housing 31 that forms the outer shape of the tracking target portion 30 (see...). Figure 3The housing 31 includes a rear housing 31A and a front housing 31B assembled in a front-rear direction. The substrate 32 is a rigid substrate, such as a paper phenolic substrate, a paper epoxy board, or a glass epoxy board. A plurality of light sources S are mounted on the substrate 32. Specifically, the light sources S are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of light sources S are arranged along the extension direction of the tracking target portion 30. In the example of the input device 100, the plurality of light sources S are mounted on a surface 32a of the substrate 32 (pointing to...). Figure 5 The rear surface of the substrate 32 (referred to as the rear surface) is mounted on the substrate 32, and multiple light sources S are also mounted on another surface 32b of the substrate 32 (pointing to the rear surface). Figure 5 The front surface of the middle (called the front surface).

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, a substrate 19 is housed in the operation section 11A, and a switch or sensor is mounted on the substrate 19 for detecting the movement (operation performed by the user) of operating components, including the operation button 13. The substrate 32 in the tracking target section 30 is a substrate separate from the substrate 19 in the operation section 11A. That is, the substrate 32 is formed by a different process than that used to form the substrate 19. The substrate 32 is bent to conform to the shape of the tracking target section 30. Specifically, in the rear view of the input device 100, the substrate 32 extends while bending in a direction from the upper part of the main body 10 toward the lower part of the main body 10.

[0027] Light guide members 33A and 33B, which guide light from the light source S to the light-emitting portion H on the outer surface of the housing 31, are disposed inside the housing 31. In the example of the input device 100, light guide member 33B is disposed on the front side of the substrate 32, and light guide member 33A is disposed on the rear side of the substrate 32. Light guide member 33A guides light from the light source S mounted on the rear surface 32a to the light-emitting portion H, and light guide member 33B guides light from the light source S mounted on the front surface 32b to the light-emitting portion H. The end surfaces (light-emitting surfaces) 33b of light guide members 33A and 33B are disposed at the light-emitting portion H. The housing 31 is formed, for example, of an opaque material. In this case, only the light-emitting portion H of the housing 31 is formed of a light-transmitting material. The housing 31 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material.

[0028] As described above, in the input device 100, the light source S is mounted on a rigid substrate 32, and the light from it is guided by light guide members 33A and 33B to the position of the light-emitting portion H. This structure simplifies the assembly of the input device and reduces its cost compared to a structure where a flexible wiring board with a light source mounted on it is disposed along the inner surface of the housing 31.

[0029] like Figure 6As shown, housing 31 has a rear inclined wall 31a and a front inclined wall 31b located in front of the rear inclined wall 31a. When facing each other in the front-rear direction, the two inclined walls 31a and 31b extend in the same direction (the extension direction of the tracking target portion 30). The two inclined walls 31a and 31b have substantially the same length. In the example of input device 100, the rear inclined wall 31a is part of the rear housing 31A, and the front inclined wall 31b is part of the front housing 31B. Unlike the example of input device 100, the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b can be integrally formed.

[0030] The orientation of the rear inclined wall 31a differs from that of the front inclined wall 31b. One of the two inclined walls 31a and 31b is inclined relative to the other. In the example of the input device 100, the rear inclined wall 31a points to the rearward and right sides, and the front inclined wall 31b points to the frontward and right sides. The housing 31 is curved in the region between the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b. The rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b can be curved smoothly. The respective widths Wa and Wb of the inclined walls 31a and 31b (see...) Figure 3 They can be different from each other. For example, the width of the inclined surface pointing to one side of camera 2a can be wider than the width of the inclined surface pointing to the other side. Figure 1 In the system shown, camera 2a is located behind input device 100. Therefore, for example, the width Wa of the rear tilt wall 31a can be wider than the width Wb of the front tilt wall 31b. Therefore, when the input device 100 is photographed by camera 2a mounted on HMD 2, the detection accuracy of the light-emitting portion H provided on the rear tilt wall 31a can be improved. In a system where the camera is located in front of the input device 100, compared to... Figure 1 Unlike other systems, the width Wb of the front inclined wall 31b can be wider than the width Wa of the rear inclined wall 31a.

[0031] Each of the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b is provided with a plurality of light-emitting portions H arranged in the extending direction of the tracking target portion 30. That is, the plurality of light-emitting portions H are arranged in two rows on the tracking target portion 30.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, substrate 32 is disposed between rear inclined wall 31a and front inclined wall 31b. The rear surface 32a of substrate 32 faces the inner surface of rear inclined wall 31a, and the front surface 32b of substrate 32 faces the inner surface of front inclined wall 31b. Substrate 32 is inclined relative to both inclined walls 31a and 31b.

[0033] According to this arrangement of the substrate 32, the light-emitting portions H on the two inclined walls 31a and 31b can be illuminated by only one substrate 32, thereby reducing the number of components. In addition, since the light source S is mounted on the rear surface 32a and the front surface 32b of the substrate 32, the width of the substrate 32 can be reduced compared to a structure in which the substrate 32 is configured to point in the left and right direction, for example.

[0034] Furthermore, even when the housing 31 is formed of a transparent or translucent material, the substrate 32 also serves as a light-shielding member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting portion H on the rear tilted wall 31a and the light-emitting portion H on the front tilted wall 31b from overlapping in the image acquired by the camera of the HMD 2. For example, when an image of the tracking target portion 30 is acquired with the camera positioned behind it, the light-emitting portion H on the rear tilted wall 31a is included in the image, but the light-emitting portion H on the front tilted wall 31b is shielded by the substrate 32 and therefore not included in the image. As a result, the accuracy of calculating the position and orientation of the input device 100 based on the position of the light-emitting portion H can be improved.

[0035] Note that in Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 32 is disposed at the boundary between the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b. That is, the position of the substrate 32 in the front-rear direction substantially matches the position of the boundary between the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b. However, the position of the substrate 32 may deviate from the boundary between the rear inclined wall 31a and the front inclined wall 31b.

[0036] [Light guide component]

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the light guide member 33A has multiple light guide portions 33a that guide light from the light source S to the light-emitting portion H. The light guide portions 33a are respectively disposed on the multiple light sources S. That is, each light source S corresponds to one light guide portion 33a.

[0038] In the example of input device 100, each light guide portion 33a has a cylindrical shape and extends vertically from the corresponding light source S in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 32. Therefore, each light guide portion 33a guides light from a corresponding one of the light sources S to a corresponding one of the light-emitting portions H. According to this structure, since the light sources S correspond one-to-one with the light-emitting portions H, the brightness of the light-emitting portions H can be easily ensured. Furthermore, since the light guide portions 33a extend vertically, light from the light sources S can be efficiently guided to the light-emitting portions H. Figure 6 As shown, the rear inclined wall 31a is inclined relative to the substrate 32. The end surface (light-emitting surface) 33b of the light guide portion 33a can be inclined relative to the substrate 32 to align with the rear inclined wall 31a.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the light guide member 33A has a connecting portion 33c that connects multiple light guide portions 33a. The multiple light guide portions 33a and the connecting portion 33c are integrally formed. According to this structure, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of steps required to assemble the input device 100.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, in the input device 100, the connecting portion 33c has a plate-like shape disposed along the substrate 32. The connecting portion 33c extends from the base of each light guide portion 33a to the adjacent light guide portion 33a. The light guide member 33A has dimensions corresponding to the substrate 32. In other words, the light guide member 33A has a length substantially the same as the substrate 32. In addition, light guide portions 33a corresponding to all light sources S mounted on the rear surface 32a of the substrate 32 are formed on a single light guide member 33A.

[0041] The connecting portion 33c is fixed to the base plate 32 or the housing 31 (specifically, the rear housing 31A) using a fixing tool such as screws. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting portion 33c includes a support portion 33d that is pressed onto the substrate 32. Therefore, the position of the light guide member 33A relative to the substrate 32 can be stabilized.

[0042] A light guide member 33B is disposed on the front side of the substrate 32. The front light guide member 33B has the same structure as the rear light guide member 33A described above. That is, the light guide member 33B also has multiple light guide portions 33a, connecting portions 33c, and supporting portions 33d. Since the position (vertical position) of the light guide portion 33a of the front light guide member 33B corresponds to the position of the light-emitting portion H on the front inclined wall 31b, the position of the light guide portion 33a of the front light guide member 33B can be different from the position of the light guide portion 33a of the rear light guide member 33A in the vertical direction, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0043] [Example of a modified light guide component]

[0044] The shape of the light guide component is not limited to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shape in the illustrated embodiment. The light guide member can be configured to guide light from one light source S to at least two light-emitting portions H. According to this structure, the number of light sources S can be reduced.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a side view of the substrate and light guide component having this structure. Figure 7In the target tracking portion 30, a light guide member 133A is disposed behind the substrate 32, and a light guide member 133B is disposed in front of the substrate 32. Both light guide members 133A and 133B have a base 133a, which has an incident surface facing a light source S. Furthermore, both light guide members 133A and 133B have two light guide portions 133b extending from the base 133a in opposite directions. The end surface (light-emitting surface) 133c of the light guide portion 133b corresponds to the position of the light-emitting portion H. The number of light guide portions 133b included in each light guide member 133A and 133B can be greater than two.

[0046] The tracking target portion 30 may include a plurality of light guide members 133A behind the substrate 32. In this case, adjacent light guide members 133A may be connected to each other. In other words, each light guide member may include a plurality of bases 133a, a plurality of light guide portions 133b extending from each base 133a, and a connecting portion connecting adjacent bases 133a. Similarly, the tracking target portion 30 may include a plurality of light guide members 133B in front of the substrate 32. In this case, adjacent light guide members 133B may be connected to each other.

[0047] [Other embodiments]

[0048] The input devices proposed in this disclosure are not limited to the input device 100 described above.

[0049] For example, a light source S can be mounted on the rear surface 32a of the substrate 32. Furthermore, light from this light source S can be used to illuminate multiple light-emitting portions H. Similarly, a light source S can be mounted on the front surface 32b of the substrate 32. Furthermore, multiple light-emitting portions H can be illuminated by light from this light source S.

[0050] The position of the tracking target portion 30 is not limited to the position shown in the example of the input device 100. For example, the tracking target portion 30 may be located to the left, above, below, behind, or in front of the main body 10. Furthermore, the orientation and shape of the tracking target portion 30 are not limited to those shown in the example of the input device 100. For example, the tracking target portion 30 may be arranged to extend in a horizontal direction. In the case where the substrate 32 is horizontally arranged, one of the two light guide members 33A and 33B is positioned above the substrate 32, while the other is positioned below the substrate 32. Therefore, the above description of the tracking target portion 30 can be explained while making appropriate modifications according to the orientation of the tracking target portion 30.

[0051] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the input device 100 may not include finger-operated components, such as operation buttons 13, 14, 15 or a joystick 16. In this case, by moving the input device 100 while holding the handle 11B, the user's movements can be reflected in the video image displayed on the HMD2. Additionally, the input device 100 can be mounted on the arm or wrist. In this case, the input device 100 does not need to include the handle 11B.

[0052] The camera used to track the position and orientation of the input device 100 does not need to be mounted on the HMD 2. For example, as described above, the camera can be connected to the display device if the video image created based on the position and orientation of the input device 100 is displayed on an external display device (e.g., a television or personal computer monitor).

[0053] Furthermore, the camera used to track the position and orientation of the input device 100 is not limited to a specific type. The camera may include an image sensor for detecting visible light, or it may include an infrared image sensor. Additionally, the camera may have a sensor mounted therein that is only used to output information about pixels that have changed throughout the viewing angle.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on design requirements and other factors, various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may be made, as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

[0055] This disclosure includes subject matter relating to the subject matter disclosed in Japanese priority patent application JP 2019-050279 filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 18, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: The target tracking section has multiple light-emitting parts on its outer surface; The housing that forms the outer surface of the part tracking the target; The first substrate is a rigid substrate disposed inside the housing; At least one light source is mounted on a first surface of the first substrate; and A first light guide member guides light from at least one light source to the positions of multiple light-emitting portions on the outer surface of the housing; A light source is mounted on a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the first surface of the first substrate; and The second light guide member is disposed on the side of the first substrate opposite to the first light guide member, and guides light from the light source on the second surface to a plurality of light-emitting portions on the outer surface of the housing.

2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: The user-operated portion; and The second substrate arranged in the operating section, wherein The first substrate is separated from the second substrate.

3. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising: The main body with operating components; and Handle, among which, The tracking target portion has an arc or ring shape, and at least the middle part of the tracking target portion is separated from the main body.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein, The first substrate is bent to conform to the shape of the tracking target portion.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple light-emitting parts include a first light-emitting part and a second light-emitting part. The first light source and the second light source are mounted on the first substrate. The first light guide component includes a first light guide portion that guides light from a first light source to a first light-emitting portion and a second light guide portion that guides light from a second light source to a second light-emitting portion. The first light guide section is connected to the second light guide section.

6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein, The first light guide component has dimensions corresponding to those of the first substrate.

7. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, The first light guide component directs light from the light source to at least two light-emitting parts.

8. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple light sources are mounted on each of the first and second surfaces of the first substrate.

9. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes: a first wall extending along the extension direction of the tracking target portion and having a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed thereon; and a second wall formed along the first wall and having a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed thereon. One of the first and second walls is inclined relative to the other, and The first substrate is disposed between the first wall and the second wall.

10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein, The first surface of the first substrate faces the inner surface of the first wall, and The second surface of the first substrate faces the inner surface of the second wall.

Images