Connection device

Abstract

To provide a connection device which facilitates switching of connection to a master unit.SOLUTION: A connection device that is communicably connected to a master unit having a plurality of host functions in wireless communication or wired communication, by the wireless communication or wired communication includes: a plurality of communication means for being communicably connected to the master unit by the wireless communication or the wired communication; and switching means for switching the communication means to communicate with the master unit by one communication means among the plurality of communication means, wherein the switching means has an operation unit which is rotatable around a central axis, and is configured to switch the communication means to communicate with the master unit by rotating the operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device that is connected to a computer or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an optical mouse is known as a connection device connected to a computer (see Patent Document 1). As shown in Fig. 8, an optical mouse 910 includes a main body 912 and a connection line 914. The main body 912 includes an operation unit 922 and a port 924.

[0003] The port 924 is electrically connected to a power supply switching means installed in the main body 912. The power supply switching means switches and electrically connects the wired module and the wireless module. The wired module and the wireless module are each electrically connected to an inverter circuit. The inverter circuit is electrically connected to a coulomb measurement module. The coulomb measurement module is electrically connected to a battery module.

[0004] The connection line 914 electrically connects the optical mouse 910 to the computer. The connection line 914 is a data line with USB connectors 942 and 944 formed on both ends.

[0005] The power supply switching means controls switching between the wired and wireless working states of the optical mouse 910. When the computer and the optical mouse 910 are electrically connected via the connection line 914, the power supply switching means detects an electrical signal from the computer and turns on the wired module and turns off the wireless module, thereby placing the optical mouse 910 in the wired working state. When the computer and the optical mouse 910 are not electrically connected via the connection line 914, the power supply switching means does not detect an electrical signal from the computer and turns on the wireless module and turns off the wired module, thereby placing the optical mouse 910 in the wireless working state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-32265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the optical mouse 910 switches between a wired operation state and a wireless operation state depending on whether or not the power supply switching means detects an electrical signal from the computer, i.e., whether or not the computer and the optical mouse 910 are connected via the connection line 914, so it is cumbersome to perform this switching while operating the optical mouse 910. Note that this problem is not limited to mice, but is common to all connectable devices that can be connected to a host device such as a computer, such as keyboards, headphones, microphones, tablets, etc.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that can easily switch its connection to a parent device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The connection device of the present invention is a connection device that can be communicatively connected via wireless or wired communication to a parent device that has multiple host functions for wireless or wired communication, and is equipped with multiple communication means for communicatively connecting to the parent device via wireless or wired communication, and a switching means for switching the communication means so that communication with the parent device is performed using any one of the multiple communication means, and the switching means has an operating unit that can be rotated around a central axis, and is configured to switch the communication means for communicating with the parent device by rotating the operating unit.

[0010] According to this configuration, the switching means for switching the communication means has an operating part that can rotate around a central axis, so that the communication means can be easily switched by rotating the operating part.

[0011] In addition, in the connection device, the operation unit is configured to be positionable at a plurality of angular positions set at predetermined angles when rotated around a central axis, one communication means is assigned to each angular position, and the operation unit may be communicatively connected to the parent unit using the communication means assigned to the positioned angular position.

[0012] According to this configuration, the communication means can be easily switched by rotating the operation unit and positioning it at a desired angular position.

[0013] In addition, in the connection device, the operation unit may be configured to switch the multiple communication means forward in a predetermined order by rotating in one direction around the central axis, and to switch the multiple communication means backward in an order opposite to the forward order by rotating in the other direction around the central axis.

[0014] According to this configuration, the communication means can be easily switched by appropriately using forward and reverse feed.

[0015] In the connection device, the operation unit may include a mark portion disposed on a radially outer edge portion centered on a central axis in association with the switching order of the communication means.

[0016] According to this configuration, the mark associated with the switching order allows the user to grasp the switching of communication means at the time of the switching operation.

[0017] The connecting device may also include a mouse body having the multiple communication means built in and configured to enable predetermined input to the parent device via the communication means, and a ball that is at least partially exposed to the mouse body and supported so as to be able to roll freely, and the operating unit may be positioned near the ball on the mouse body.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the connected device is a mouse having a mouse body and a ball, the operation unit is located near the ball, so that the communication means can be easily switched by operating the operation unit even while operating the mouse. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection device that can easily switch the connection to the parent device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a mouse as a connected device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the mouse. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the mouse. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the mouse with a portion of the case cut away. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating the connection of the mouse to a computer. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a block diagram for explaining the switching means and communication means of the mouse. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of a keyboard as a connection device according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conventional mouse. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A connection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B. Connection device 1 is a connection device that can be communicatively connected via wireless or wired communication to a master device having multiple host functions for wireless or wired communication. In this embodiment, the master devices are multiple computers. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the master devices include three computers C1, C2, and C3. The host function of the master device is a function that is the main focus of communication, and is a function that establishes and manages communication.

[0022] In this embodiment, the connection device 1 is a mouse, which is a type of pointing device, as shown in Fig. 1. The mouse 1 is used as a peripheral device of the parent device, for example, while placed on a desk.

[0023] The mouse 1 can be connected to a computer via a wired connection (cable), a 2.4 GHz wireless signal, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) as a communication means. The mouse 1 can connect to a parent device by switching between up to six channels, for example. In this embodiment, the mouse 1 can connect to a parent device by switching between channels set by one type of wired connection, one type of 2.4 GHz wireless signal, two types of Bluetooth, and two types of custom settings. The mouse 1 may also be able to connect to a parent device by switching between multiple channels, such as up to two channels, up to three channels, up to four channels, up to five channels, or up to seven or more channels.

[0024] 6B, the mouse 1 includes a plurality of communication means 2 for connecting to the parent device via wireless or wired communication, and a switching means 3 for switching the communication means 2 so as to communicate with the parent device via any one of the plurality of communication means 2. In this embodiment, the mouse 1 includes a mouse body 4 having the plurality of communication means 2 built therein and configured to enable predetermined input to the parent device via the communication means 2, and a ball 5 at least a portion of which is exposed to the mouse body 4 and supported so as to be able to roll freely (see FIG. 1).

[0025] In this embodiment, the multiple communication means 2 include a default communication means 2 and a communication means 2 set in a custom setting, but may be configured with either the default communication means 2 or a communication means 2 communicated in a custom setting. At least one communication means 2 among the multiple communication means 2 is a communication means selected by the user.

[0026] The mouse 1 is a trackball mouse that can be operated by the user's thumb touching the ball 5, but it may also be a trackball mouse that can be operated by the user's index finger or middle finger touching the ball 5. The mouse 1 may also be a mouse that can be operated by rolling the ball 5 on a desk or the like.

[0027] The ball 5 is used to control the position of a pointer on a display connected to a computer. The ball 5 is a sphere that is rotated by the user's finger. In this embodiment, the ball 5 is located on the left side of the mouse body 4. Furthermore, the ball 5 is supported by the mouse body 4 with a portion of the ball 5 corresponding to approximately half of its diameter inserted into the mouse body 4.

[0028] The mouse body 4 includes a case 6 that houses the communication means 2 and the switching means 3. The mouse body 4 also includes two main operation keys 40a, 40b and a wheel 41, each of which is disposed on the case 6. The mouse body 4 also includes five function buttons 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e, each of which is disposed on the case 6. The mouse body 4 also includes a speed setting switch 43 and a first display unit 44.

[0029] 2, the mouse body 4 also includes a power switch 45 and a ball push-out button 46 that can push out the ball 5. The mouse body 4 also includes a cable connection section 47 and a dongle storage section 48 that stores a wireless dongle D that can wirelessly communicate with the mouse 1 via a 2.4 GHz wireless signal. The mouse body 4 also includes a Bluetooth pairing button 49 and a second display section 50. The mouse body 4 also includes a control section 31 that controls wireless communication via the 2.4 GHz wireless signal or Bluetooth connection, and an antenna 52 that outputs a wireless signal (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0030] The case 6 has a bowl-shaped base 60 on which a hand is placed, and an extension 61 extending downward from the base 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). A battery B that serves as the power source for the mouse 1 is housed inside the case 6.

[0031] The placement unit 60 includes a first placement unit 601 constituting the upper part of the placement unit 60, and a second placement unit 602 constituting the lower part of the placement unit 60 (see FIG. 1).

[0032] The index finger, middle finger, and ring finger of the user's hand are mainly placed on the first placement portion 601. The first placement portion 601 is located on the far side of the placement portion 60.

[0033] The thumb of the user is primarily placed on the second placement portion 602. The second placement portion 602 extends continuously to the left, front, and right sides of the first placement portion 601. The second placement portion 602 has a flared shape that widens as it approaches the bottom.

[0034] A ball 5 is placed in the second placement portion 602. In this embodiment, the second placement portion 602 rotatably supports the ball 5 with a part of the ball 5 exposed. The second placement portion 602 also has an accommodating recess 6020 that opens outward and is recessed inward so that the ball 5 can be accommodated therein.

[0035] The extension portion 61 includes a flat bottom portion 610 that is placed on a desk or the like, and a peripheral wall portion 611 that extends upward from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 610 (see FIG. 2).

[0036] The bottom portion 610 is provided with a cover 612 that can be opened and closed when attaching or detaching the battery B. The bottom portion 610 is provided with the dongle storage section 48.

[0037] The peripheral wall 611 extends downward from a portion located on the rear side of the lower edge of the mounting portion 60 and a portion located on the ball 5 side of the mounting portion 60 (the portion on the right side in FIG. 2). The peripheral wall 611 has a shape that narrows as it moves downward. The cable connection portion 47 is disposed in the portion located on the rear side of the peripheral wall 611.

[0038] The main operation key 40a located on the left side corresponds to a left click, and the main operation key 40b located on the right side corresponds to a right click (see FIG. 1). The two main operation keys 40a, 40b are arranged side by side on the left and right sides at a location located at the back of the first placement portion 601.

[0039] The wheel 41 is a wheel that corresponds to a scrolling operation. The wheel 41 is formed in a disk shape. The wheel 41 is rotatable about its axis, and a portion of the wheel 41 protrudes upward from the first mounting portion 601 of the case 6. The wheel 41 is disposed between the left and right main operation keys 40a, 40b.

[0040] The function buttons 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e are buttons to which the user can assign desired functions. Functions that can be assigned to the function buttons 42a and the like include a function to move forward to a newer browsing history (corresponding to the "forward" button in a web browser) and a function to move back to an older browsing history (corresponding to the "back" button in a web browser).

[0041] In this embodiment, the function buttons 42a and 42b are arranged side by side (the side farther from the user and the side closer to the user) on the left side of the main operation key 40a located on the left side in the first placement portion 601 of the case 6. The function button 42c is arranged on the right side of the main operation key 40b located on the right side in the first placement portion 601 of the case 6. The function buttons 42d and 42e are arranged side by side on the right side of the ball 5 in the second placement portion 602 of the case 6. Furthermore, the function buttons 42d and 42e are arranged side by side on the front and back of the function buttons 42a and 42b.

[0042] The speed setting switch 43 is a switch that sets the speed of the pointer on the display. In this embodiment, the speed setting switch 43 is an operation piece that can be switched to one of three speed setting selection positions: low speed, medium speed, and high speed. In this embodiment, the speed setting switch 43 is located on the front side of the wheel 41 in the first mounting portion 601 of the case 6.

[0043] The first display unit 44 is an LED that displays the status of the mouse 1. Specifically, the first display unit 44 changes its light color depending on the remaining charge of the battery B and the connection destination (C1, C2, C3). In this embodiment, this LED flashes red when the remaining charge of the battery B is low. Furthermore, this LED emits light in white when connected to the C1 destination, blue when connected to the C2 destination, and green when connected to the C3 destination, so that the user can visually know from the mouse 1 which connection destination the mouse 1 is connected to. Furthermore, the first display unit 44 is located on the second placement portion 602 of the case 6, to the right of the ball 5 and in front of the function buttons 42d and 42e.

[0044] The power switch 45 is a switch that switches the power of the mouse 1 on and off. The power switch 45 is located on the front side of the case 6, specifically on the peripheral wall 611 of the case 6, closer to the front than the ball 5 (to the right in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the power switch 45 is a switch that can switch the mouse 1 on and off by sliding it horizontally (specifically, back and forth), but it may also be a switch that can switch on and off by pressing it. The power switch 45 may also be located on the bottom 610 of the case 6.

[0045] Ball push-out button 46 is a button that, when pressed, pushes ball 5 out of case 6 (see FIG. 2). Ball push-out button 46 is also disposed at a position on bottom 610 of case 6 corresponding to ball 5 (a position behind ball 5).

[0046] The cable connection section 47 is, for example, a USB port to which a USB connector of a cable can be connected. The dongle storage section 48 is a recess in which the wireless dongle D is stored.

[0047] The pairing button 49 is used during pairing when connecting the mouse 1 to a computer via Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the pairing button 49 is located on the bottom 610 of the case 6.

[0048] The second display unit 50 is a display unit that displays that the mouse 1 is connected to a computer via Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the second display unit 50 is an LED that emits white light. The second display unit 50 is disposed on the bottom 610 of the case 6.

[0049] The switching means 3 has an operation unit 30 that can rotate around a central axis, and is configured to switch the communication means 2 that communicates with the parent device by rotating the operation unit 30 (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the switching means 3 has a control unit 31 connected to the operation unit 30 in addition to the operation unit 30.

[0050] The operation unit 30 is disposed near the ball 5 of the mouse body 4 (see FIG. 1). Near the ball 5 of the mouse body 4 means a range that the user can reach with the thumb or index finger without removing their hand from the mouse 1 (for example, when the user places their hand on the mounting portion 60 of the case 6).

[0051] The operation unit 30 is a rotary switch. Specifically, the operation unit 30 has an operation main body 300 that is operated by the user, and a switch unit 301 that switches output when the operation main body 300 is rotated (see FIG. 5).

[0052] The operation main body 300 is a substantially plate-shaped member, and in this embodiment, is a substantially disk-shaped member. The operation main body 300 includes a substantially disk-shaped main portion 302 and a radial outer edge portion 303 centered on the central axis of the operation unit 30. The operation main body 300 also includes a shaft portion 304 that extends upward with the central axis of the operation unit 30 as its central axis.

[0053] The shaft portion 304 has a cylindrical portion 3041 and a lid portion 3042 that closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 3041. The lid portion 3042 has an engagement piece 3043 that extends downward at a position that includes the central axis of the shaft portion 304.

[0054] The switch unit 301 has output terminals equal in number to the communication means 2 (six in this embodiment) that can be switched by the operation unit 30. The switch unit 301 also includes a rectangular, plate-shaped base 3010 and a switching shaft 3011 that is provided on the base 3010 and extends upward.

[0055] The switching shaft 3011 is cylindrical. An engagement groove 3012 is provided at the upper end of the switching shaft 3011. An engagement piece 3043 of the shaft 304 of the operation body 300 fits into the engagement groove 3012.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operation unit 30 is disposed on the front side of the ball 5 of the mouse body 4 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the operation unit 30 is disposed on the side of the peripheral wall 611 of the case 6 where the ball 5 is disposed, on the front side of the ball 5.

[0057] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 is disposed below the ball 5 on the mouse body 4. Therefore, when operating the ball 5, erroneous operation of the operation unit 30 is unlikely to occur.

[0058] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 is arranged below the keys and buttons (main operation keys 40a, 40b and function buttons 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e) arranged on the mounting portion 60 of the case 6 of the mouse body 4. The operation unit 30 is also arranged closer to the user than the keys and buttons arranged on the mounting portion 60. Therefore, when operating the keys and buttons arranged on the mounting portion 60, erroneous operation of the operation unit 30 is unlikely to occur.

[0059] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 is disposed on the back side of the mouse body 4 relative to the power button 45. Therefore, when the power button 45 is operated, the operation unit 30 is less likely to be operated erroneously.

[0060] In this embodiment, the operation unit 30 has markings 3030 arranged on the radial outer edge 303 in association with the switching order of the communication means 2 (see FIG. 4). The radial outer edge 303 is an annular portion surrounding the main portion 302. Also, on the radial outer edge 303, convex portions 3030 protruding radially outward as markings 3030 and concave portions 3031 recessed radially inward are arranged side by side.

[0061] The marking portions 3030 are provided on the operation unit 30 in the same number (six in this embodiment) as the angular positions at which the operation unit 30 can be positioned. The multiple marking portions 3030 are arranged in the order of switching of the communication means 2. Furthermore, the marking portions 3030 are arranged in correspondence with the angular positions at which the operation unit 30 can be positioned. In this embodiment, the marking portions 3030 are provided at equal intervals around the circumference of the operation unit 30.

[0062] The recessed portion 3031 is disposed between the protruding portions 3030 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the radially outer edge portion 303. This allows the user to easily place their fingers on the recessed portion 3031 to rotate the operation unit 30. In this embodiment, the recessed portion 3031 is configured as a groove recessed radially inward in the radially outer edge portion of the operation unit 30. This groove extends along the central axis of the operation unit 30 (see FIG. 3).

[0063] The operation unit 30 is configured to be positionable at a plurality of angular positions set at predetermined angles when rotated around a central axis (see FIG. 4). In addition, one communication means 2 is assigned to each angular position of the operation unit 30, and communication is established with the parent unit via the communication means 2 assigned to the positioned angular position.

[0064] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 has electrical contacts at each angular position. That is, the positions of the electrical contacts of the operation unit 30 correspond to each angular position. In this operation unit 30, when the operation main body 300 is rotated, the electrical contacts are switched. When the switched electrical contacts are connected to the control unit 31, a signal (code) is output from the switch unit 301 to the control unit 31. Note that in this operation unit 30, codes are set in association with the electrical contacts. These codes are information indicating the communication means 2. In this way, when the operation main body 300 is rotated and the electrical contacts are switched, a code corresponding to the switched electrical contact is output from the operation unit 30.

[0065] In the operation unit 30 of this embodiment, the operation main body 300 can be rotated 360° with the engagement piece 3043 of the shaft 304 of the operation main body 300 fitted into the engagement groove 3012 of the switch unit 301 (see FIG. 5). In this way, by rotating the operation main body 300, the switching shaft 3011 of the switch unit 301 rotates, the switch unit 301 switches, and a corresponding signal is output from the switch unit 301 to the control unit 31.

[0066] Specifically, the operation unit 30 is configured so that the switching shaft 3011 of the switch unit 301 can be rotated and positioned in 60° increments, and the switch unit 301 outputs a signal at the position where it is positioned (six angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6). The operation unit 30 (specifically, a rotary switch) has output terminals corresponding to the angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, respectively (see FIG. 6B). The operation unit 30 outputs a signal via a wired connection at angular position P1, a 2.4 GHz wireless signal at angular position P2, and a Bluetooth signal at angular positions P3 and P4. Furthermore, signals corresponding to a connection that corresponds to a custom setting are output at angular positions P5 and P6.

[0067] The custom settings can be set arbitrarily by the user. That is, the user can set the communication means he or she desires through the custom settings. Note that the custom settings are not set when the mouse 1 is shipped.

[0068] This custom setting is performed by the user using an application on the parent device (a computer in this embodiment). This application has a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the user to select Custom Setting 1 or Custom Setting 2, and also allows the user to select either the 2.4 GHz wireless signal or Bluetooth.

[0069] In this embodiment, a part of the radial outer edge 303 of the operation unit 30 is exposed from the case 6 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the mark 3030 of the radial outer edge 303 corresponding to the communication means 2 with which communication is connected is exposed. For example, in the mouse 1 in the state of FIG. 4, an output corresponding to the angular position P6 is performed, and the display of the mark 3030 corresponding to the angular position P6 is visible, while the displays of the mark 3030 corresponding to the other angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are hidden by the case 6.

[0070] The operation unit 30 is arranged with its central axis positioned inside the case 6. Furthermore, the operation unit 30 is arranged with its central axis aligned perpendicular to the surface on which the mouse 1 is placed.

[0071] The operation unit 30 switches among the communication means in a predetermined order by rotating in one direction around the central axis. For example, the operation unit 30 can switch among the angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P1 by rotating in a forward (clockwise) direction. Furthermore, the operation unit 30 can switch among the communication means in a reverse order by rotating in the other direction around the central axis. For example, the operation unit 30 can switch among the angular positions P6, P5, P4, P3, P2, P1, and P6 by rotating in a reverse (counterclockwise) direction. In this way, the operation unit 30 can switch among the communication means 2 in both forward and reverse directions by rotating in both directions around the central axis.

[0072] In this embodiment, a visual confirmation portion (icon) that allows visual confirmation of the corresponding communication means 2 is displayed at each of angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 of the operation unit 30. Specifically, a visual confirmation portion indicating the corresponding communication means 2 is displayed at each of angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 on the upper surface 3032 of the protrusion 3030 serving as a mark portion of the operation unit 30. That is, the operation unit 30 has six display portions 3033 on which the visual confirmation portions are displayed. The display portions 3033 are also provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the operation unit 30.

[0073] In this operation unit 30, the display portion 3033 corresponding to the communication means 2 that is connected to the mouse 1 is exposed. For example, in the mouse 1 in the state shown in FIG. 4 , an output corresponding to angular position P6 is performed, and the display of the visual confirmation portion of the display portion 3033 corresponding to angular position P6 is visible, while the visual confirmation portions of the display portions 3033 corresponding to the other angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are hidden by the case 6. This makes it easy to check the current communication means 2 while operating the mouse 1. Note that the display portion 3033 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 3030 as a marking portion or on the underside of the operation unit 30, instead of or in addition to the upper surface 3032 of the protrusion 3030 as a marking portion.

[0074] In this embodiment, the radial outer edge 303 has a greater thickness along the central axis than a portion of the operation unit 30 that is positioned radially inward from the radial outer edge 303 (see FIG. 5). In this way, the portion that the user touches when operating the operation unit 30 is thicker, making it easier to operate the operation unit 30.

[0075] The control unit 31 has a processing unit 310 connected to the operation unit 30, a storage unit 311 connected to the processing unit 310, and a switching execution unit 312 connected to the processing unit 310 (see FIG. 6B).

[0076] The processing unit 310 acquires a code as an output signal output from the operation unit 30, analyzes the acquired code, and instructs the switching execution unit 312 to switch the communication means 2 according to the analysis result. This output signal is a signal indicating switching of the operation unit 30, and is a signal corresponding to the communication means 2. In this embodiment, the processing unit 310 has input terminals I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, and I6 connected to output terminals of the operation unit 30 (specifically, rotary switches).

[0077] Specifically, the processing unit 310 selects and acquires information stored in the storage unit 311 based on the code from the operation unit 30. Furthermore, the processing unit 310 outputs a switching signal related to switching of the communication means 2 to the switching execution unit 312 in accordance with the information acquired from the storage unit 311.

[0078] The storage unit 311 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between each of the angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 of the operation unit 30 and the communication means 2 to be switched. In this embodiment, at the time of shipment of the mouse 1, the storage unit 311 stores correspondence information indicating that the angular position P1 corresponds to a wired connection, the angular position P2 corresponds to 2.4 GHz wireless communication, and the angular positions P3 and P4 correspond to Bluetooth. At the time of shipment of the mouse 1, the storage unit 311 does not store correspondence information regarding the angular positions P5 and P6.

[0079] The switching execution unit 312 switches the communication means 2 in response to a switching signal from the processing unit 310.

[0080] By operating the GUI of an application that allows custom settings on the parent device, the user can output custom information determined by the user, such as custom setting 1 being compatible with Bluetooth, from the parent device to the mouse 1. In this case, the processing unit 310 of the control unit 31 of the mouse 1 stores this custom information in the memory unit 311 of the control unit 31. By performing such custom settings once, the user can connect the mouse 1 to a computer using the custom settings at any time.

[0081] In this embodiment, two types of custom settings are possible for the mouse 1. For example, both of the two types of custom settings may be compatible with 2.4 GHz wireless signals. Alternatively, both of the two types of custom settings may be compatible with Bluetooth. Furthermore, one custom setting may be compatible with 2.4 GHz wireless signals, and the other custom setting may be compatible with Bluetooth.

[0082] In the mouse 1 described above, when the electrical contact is switched by rotating the operation main body 300 in the operation unit 30, a signal (code) is output from the switch unit 301 to the control unit 31. The processing unit 310 of the control unit 31 identifies the communication means 2 corresponding to the output signal from the switch unit 301 based on the output signal and the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 311, and the processing unit 310 outputs a switching signal to the switching execution unit 312. This executes switching of the communication means 2. Below, the operation when connecting the mouse 1 to the computers C1, C2, and C3 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 6A.

[0083] When connecting the mouse 1 and computer C1 via wired communication, a cable with USB connectors on both ends is used. First, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned at the angle position P1 assigned to the wired connection. Specifically, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned so that the visual indicator indicating the wired connection can be seen from above the case 6. Then, one USB connector of the cable is connected to the USB port C1P of the computer C1, and the other USB connector of the cable is connected to the cable connection portion 47 of the mouse 1. This allows the mouse 1 and computer C1 to be connected via wired communication.

[0084] When connecting the mouse 1 and computer C2 via a 2.4 GHz wireless signal, the wireless dongle D included with the mouse 1 is used. First, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned at angular position P2, which is assigned to 2.4 GHz wireless communication. Specifically, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned so that the visual indicator indicating the 2.4 GHz wireless signal is visible from above the case 6. The power switch 45 of the mouse 1 is also turned on. Next, the wireless dongle D is removed from the dongle storage unit 48 of the mouse 1 and connected to the USB port C2P of the computer C2. This enables wireless communication between the antenna 52 of the mouse 1 and the wireless dongle D connected to the computer C2. In other words, the mouse 1 and computer C2 can be connected via a 2.4 GHz wireless signal.

[0085] When connecting the mouse 1 and computer C3 via Bluetooth, pairing is required the first time they are connected. First, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned at angular position P3 or P4, to which Bluetooth is assigned. Specifically, the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 is positioned so that the visual indicator indicating Bluetooth is visible from above the case 6. The power switch 45 of the mouse 1 is also turned on. The Bluetooth function of both the mouse 1 and computer C3 is then turned on, and pairing is completed by selecting the mouse 1 from a list of Bluetooth-enabled devices displayed on a display connected to the computer and pressing the pairing button 49 of the mouse 1. This enables wireless communication between the antenna 52 of the mouse 1 and the Bluetooth communication unit C3BT of the computer C3. In other words, the mouse 1 and the computer C3 can be connected via Bluetooth. After pairing is complete, connecting the mouse 1 and computer C3 via Bluetooth is possible simply by positioning the operation unit 30 of the mouse 1 at angular position P3 or P4, to which Bluetooth is assigned and where pairing is completed.

[0086] According to the mouse 1 described above, the switching means 3 for switching the communication means 2 has an operating unit 30 that can rotate around a central axis, so that the communication means 2 can be easily switched by rotating the operating unit 30.

[0087] In the mouse 1 of this embodiment, the communication means 2 assigned to the angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 can be selected by rotating the operating unit 30 and aligning it with the desired angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, thereby making it easy to switch between the communication means 2.

[0088] Furthermore, in the mouse 1 of this embodiment, the communication means 2 can be easily switched by appropriately using forward and reverse rotation when rotating the operation unit 30.

[0089] Furthermore, in the mouse 1 of this embodiment, the markings associated with the switching order allow the user to grasp the switching of communication means during the switching operation. Specifically, the protrusions 3030 serving as the markings can be recognized by touch (touching with the fingers), so the user can switch the communication means 2 without visually checking the operation unit 30 during the switching operation of the communication means 2.

[0090] In the mouse 1 of this embodiment, the switching means 3 is disposed near the ball 5, so that the communication means 2 can be easily switched by operating the switching means 3 even while operating the mouse 1. Specifically, the operation unit 30 is disposed on the side of the case 6 where the ball 5 is disposed, in front of the ball 5, so that the user can operate the operation unit 30 to switch the communication means 2 while keeping their hand on the mounting portion 60 of the case 6 of the mouse 1, by moving their thumb from the ball 5 to the switching means 3.

[0091] The connection device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment may be added to the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment may be deleted.

[0092] In the mouse 1 of the above embodiment, the operation unit 30 is located on the side of the peripheral wall 611 of the case 6 where the ball 5 is located, in front of the ball 5. However, the operation unit 30 may be located at a location other than the peripheral wall 611 of the case 6. For example, the operation unit 30 may be located on the second placement portion 602 of the case 6, in front of the ball 5.

[0093] Furthermore, in the mouse 1 of the above embodiment, the operating unit 30 was located on the side of the case 6 where the ball 5 is located, in front of the ball 5, but it may also be located on the side of the case 6 where the ball is located, behind the ball 5.

[0094] Furthermore, in the mouse 1 of the above embodiment, the operation unit 30 is disposed near the ball 5, but it may be disposed at a position away from the ball 5. For example, the operation unit 30 may be disposed on the opposite side of the case 6 from the side on which the ball is disposed (the right side in FIG. 1).

[0095] In the mouse 1 of the above embodiment, the operating unit 30 is arranged with the central axis of the operating unit 30 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the mouse 1 is placed, but the central axis of the operating unit 30 may also be arranged in a direction inclined relative to this perpendicular direction.

[0096] Furthermore, in the mouse 1 of the above embodiment, the operation unit 30 is arranged such that part of the radial outer edge 303 of the operation unit 30 is exposed from the case 6 and the central axis of the operation unit 30 is located inside the case 6, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the operation unit 30 may be arranged such that approximately half or more of the operation unit 30, including the radial outer edge 303 of the operation unit 30, is exposed from the case 6 and the central axis of the operation unit 30 is exposed from the case 6.

[0097] Although the connection device 1 in the above embodiment is a mouse, which is a type of pointing device, the connection device 1 may be any device that connects to a parent device and transmits or receives information unidirectionally or bidirectionally. For example, the connection device 1 may be a keyboard, tablet, touch pen, calculator, speaker, headphones, microphone, touchpad, numeric keypad, etc.

[0098] A configuration in which the connection device 1 is a keyboard will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. For example, the keyboard 1 includes a plate portion 70 in the shape of a plate, and a character key group 71 and an operation key group 72 provided on the plate portion 70. The keyboard 1 also includes a numeric key group 73 provided on the plate portion 70. In this keyboard 1, the character key group 71 includes a first character key group 711 and a second character key group 712 arranged with a gap in the left-right direction from the first character key group 711. The keyboard 1 also includes a switching means 3 provided on the plate portion 70.

[0099] The operation unit 30 of the switching means 3 is a rotary switch. The operation unit 30 is arranged with its central axis aligned horizontally. The operation unit 30 can be rotated forward and backward.

[0100] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 is disposed near the character key group 71, the operation key group 72, or the numeric key group 73 on the plate portion 70 of the keyboard 1. The vicinity of the key groups 71, 72, and 73 on the mouse body 4 refers to a range that the user can reach with their thumb, index finger, middle finger, or ring finger without removing their hands from the keyboard 1 while typing. In this way, even when the connected device 1 is a keyboard, the switching unit 3 that switches the communication means 2 has the operation unit 30 that can rotate around the central axis, so that the communication means 2 can be easily switched by rotating the operation unit 30.

[0101] 7, the operation unit 30 of the switching means 3 is disposed in the gap between the first character key group 711 and the second character key group 712. In this manner, in a configuration in which the operation unit 30 is provided in the gap between the first character key group 711 and the second character key group 712, the user can easily operate the operation unit 30 with their thumb.

[0102] In the configuration of FIG. 7, visual confirmation portions (icons) that allow the corresponding communication means 2 to be visually confirmed may be displayed at angular positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 3030 as a mark portion.

[0103] The operation unit 30 may be located, for example, at a location behind the numeric keypad 73 or at a location in front of the key groups 71, 72, and 73. In this way, by arranging the switching means 3 near the key groups 71, 72, and 73, the communication means 2 can be easily switched by operating the switching means 3 even while typing.

[0104] Furthermore, the operation unit 30 may be disposed on the outer surface 701 of the plate unit 70. For example, if the operation unit 30 is disposed in a position located on the front side of the outer surface 701 of the plate unit 70, the switching means 3 can be easily operated with the thumb while typing to switch the communication means 2. The operation unit 30 may be disposed with its central axis aligned in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0105] The connected device 1 may be a keyboard in which the first character key group 711 and the second character key group 712 are arranged with a gap between them, or a keyboard in which the character keys are arranged without any gap between them. In this case, the operation unit 30 may be arranged on the top surface 700 of the plate unit 70, the outer surface 701 of the plate unit 70, or the like. The keyboard does not necessarily have to include the numeric keypad 73.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the parent device connected to the mouse was a computer, but it may also be at least one of a computer, smartphone, tablet, Android-equipped display or monitor, head-mounted display, VR goggles, camera, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...connected device (mouse, keyboard), 2...communication means, 3...switching means, 4...mouse body, 5...ball, 6...case, 30...operation unit, 31...control unit, 40a, 40b...main operation keys, 41...wheel, 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e...function buttons, 43...speed setting switch, 44...first display unit, 45...power switch, 46...push button, 47...cable connection connection portion, 48...dongle storage portion, 49...pairing button, 50...second display portion, 52...antenna, 60...mounting portion, 61...extension portion, 70...plate portion, 71...character key group, 72...operation key group, 73...numeric key group, 300...operation main body portion, 301...switch portion, 302...main portion, 303...radial outer edge portion, 304...shaft portion, 310...processing portion, 311...storage portion, 312...switching execution portion, 601...first Mounting portion, 602...second mounting portion, 610...bottom portion, 611...peripheral wall portion, 612...lid, 700...top surface, 701...outer surface, 711...first character key group, 712...second character key group, 910...optical mouse, 912...main body, 914...connecting line, 922...operation portion, 924...port, 942, 944...USB connector, 3041...tubular portion, 3042...lid portion, 3043...engagement piece, 3010...base portion, 3011 ...Switching shaft, 3012...engagement groove, 3030...marked portion (protrusion), 3031...recess, 3032...upper surface, 3033...display portion, 6020...accommodating recess, B...battery, C1, C2, C3...computer, C1P...USB port, C2P...USB port, C3BT...BT communication unit, D...wireless dongle, I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, I6...input terminal, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6...angle position

Claims

1. A connection device that can be connected to a parent device having multiple host functions in wireless or wired communication by wireless or wired communication, a plurality of communication means for connecting to the parent device by wireless communication or wired communication; a switching means for switching the communication means so as to communicate with the master unit using any one of the plurality of communication means; The switching means has an operation unit that can rotate around a central axis, and is configured to switch the communication means for communicating with the parent device by rotating the operation unit.

2. the operation unit is configured to be positionable at a plurality of angular positions set at predetermined angles when rotated around a central axis, 2. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein one communication means is assigned to each angular position, and the connection device is connected to the master unit by the communication means assigned to the positioned angular position.

3. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is configured to switch the plurality of communication means forward in a predetermined order by rotating in one direction around a central axis, and to switch the plurality of communication means backward in an order opposite to the forward order by rotating in the other direction around the central axis.

4. The connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit includes markings arranged on a radially outer edge of the operation unit centered on a central axis in association with the switching order of the communication means.

5. a mouse body having the plurality of communication means built therein and configured to be able to input a predetermined value to a parent device via the communication means; a ball at least part of which is exposed to the mouse body and supported so as to be rollable; 5. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is disposed in the vicinity of the ball on the mouse body.

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