Control devices for electronic devices

Abstract

To provide an operating device for electronic equipment that eliminates the need to change the grip of a rod-shaped implement such as a writing implement. [Solution] An operating device for electronic devices, having a groove into which at least the central portion of a wand-shaped tool can be inserted, the groove being configured so that the wand-shaped tool held in the hand of the user of the operating device can be inserted without having to change the grip of the tool.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] When working at a desk using a computer, one may use an operating device such as a mouse while using a writing implement, but the writing implement gets in the way when operating the mouse, making it difficult to quickly take out the writing implement when needed, which is inconvenient.

[0003] In response to this, a mouse has been proposed in which a hole or adhesive is provided on the top or side of the mouse to integrate it with a writing implement (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2003-050672 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the prior art of Patent Document 1, a hole or adhesive is provided on the top or side of the mouse to fix and remove the writing implement, and when fixing and removing the writing implement to and from the mouse, the user has to switch between the writing implement and the operating device, which is cumbersome. If the writing implement is frequently used while using the mouse, this has a significant impact on work efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for an operation device that does not require the user to change the grip of a rod-shaped implement such as a writing implement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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) The operating device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the groove has a shape in which an opening of the groove widens in a cross section of the groove in the longitudinal direction. (5) An operating device according to any one 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) The operating device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the width of the end portion of the groove in the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the central portion of the groove. (7) The operating device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the height of the end portion of the groove in the longitudinal direction is greater than the height of the center portion of the groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating device for electronic devices that does not require changing the writing implement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a conventional mouse operated with a hand while holding a rod-shaped tool, a knock-type ballpoint pen, in the hand. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device having a groove when the operation device is a mouse. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the present operation device with a retractable ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool, inserted into the groove. [Figure 4] 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. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device having grooves when the operation device is a controller. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the present operation device with a knock-type ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool, inserted into the groove. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation device when operated with a hand holding a rod-shaped tool. [Figure 8] 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. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of an operation device that is a mouse having a groove whose width at the ends in the longitudinal direction is wider than that at the center. [Figure 10] 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 operation device) relative to the bottom of the groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to an operating device for an electronic device, having a groove into which at least the central portion of a wand-shaped tool can be inserted, the groove being configured to allow the wand-shaped tool held in the hand of a user of the operating device to be inserted without having to change the grip of the wand-shaped tool.

[0011] Conventionally, for example, when a user of a personal computer performs office work, he or she may alternate 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, the user may use a writing implement to write letters or figures, check work, etc. In this case, the user may release the writing implement from their hand and place it on the desk, use that hand to operate the mouse, release the mouse, pick up the writing implement with that hand, check or take notes, and 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.

[0012] However, since repeatedly switching between writing implements and operating the mouse as described above is troublesome and time-consuming, people often operate the mouse with the same hand while holding the writing implement without switching between them.

[0013] When a user holds a rod-shaped implement such as a writing implement in one hand and operates an operating device such as a mouse with that hand without changing the grip of the implement, the rod-shaped implement is positioned between the operating device and the hand, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a conventional mouse operated with a hand that holds a rod-shaped implement such as a knock-type ballpoint pen.

[0014] In Figure 1, the retractable ballpoint pen is positioned between the mouse and the hand, causing it to touch the mouse. In this case, to avoid misoperation of the operating device 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 lead to reduced operating efficiency and accuracy, as well as misoperation and fatigue for the operating device user. Furthermore, when placing a writing tool on a desk, 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 misoperation of the mouse, fatigue in the hands and arms, and mental fatigue, all of which can reduce work efficiency.

[0015] In contrast, the present operation device has a groove into which at least the central 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 changing the grip of the tool. This allows the user to operate the device while holding the rod-shaped tool, such as a writing tool, in their hand, eliminating the need to change the grip of the rod-shaped tool between using the writing tool and using the operation device. This improves the work efficiency of the user of the operation device. While there are some individual differences in how a rod-shaped tool, such as a writing tool, is held and the size of the hand varies, the present operation device allows at least the central portion of the rod-shaped tool to be inserted into the groove by simply shifting the rod-shaped tool slightly in the hand, without changing the grip of the tool.

[0016] In the present application, the rod-shaped tool is not particularly limited, but refers to rod-shaped writing tools 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.

[0017] With this operation device, even if you operate it while holding a writing implement such as a pen, the operation efficiency and operation accuracy do not substantially decrease. Furthermore, even if you operate this operation device while holding a writing implement, there is no need to protect the operation device 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 prevent incorrect operation of the operation device and the accumulation of fatigue by the user.

[0018] The operation device is an input device for electronic devices, preferably a mouse, a controller, a tablet, or a smartphone. A mouse is an input device used for general computer operation. The controller can be a drone controller, a game console controller, a medical device controller, a car controller, a construction machine controller, etc.

[0019] 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 limited, and a cord may not be required when connected wirelessly. In either a wired or wireless connection, one or more repeater devices may be interposed between the manipulation device and the electronic device. Using a repeater device can improve the 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 radio wave 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.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 having the groove 10 when the operation device is a mouse. Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 in a state where a retractable ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool 50, is inserted into the groove 10. Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 in use, where the operation device 100 is operated with a hand holding the rod-shaped tool 50.

[0021] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 having the groove 10 when the operation device 100 is a controller. Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 in a state where a retractable ballpoint pen, which is a rod-shaped tool 50, is inserted into the groove 10. Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of the appearance of the operation device 100 in a state where the operation device 100 is operated with a hand holding the rod-shaped tool 50.

[0022] A game player may take notes on the steps and methods for winning a game. When the operation device 100 is a controller, the game player can operate the game controller and take notes without having to change writing implements.

[0023] When using a drone camera to take photographs, inspect, carry out construction work, transport, etc. at a construction site, 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.

[0024] 2 and 3 and 5 and 6, the present manipulation 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 exemplified in FIGS. 3 and 4 and 6 and 7.

[0025] 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 into the groove 10 without changing the way the tool is held. A user who wishes 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 way the tool is held in the hand, and can operate the operating device 100. The operating device 100 can have the groove 10 at a position corresponding to a right-handed person who uses the right hand or a left-handed person who uses the left hand.

[0026] 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 between the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse as viewed by the operator of the operating device 100 to between 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 have a configuration symmetrical to that of the right-handed mouse, i.e., the groove 10 may extend diagonally to the left from between the center and rear of the inside of the top surface of the mouse as viewed by the operator of the operating device 100 to between 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 to the rear of the right-side holding portion of the controller as viewed by the operator of the operating device 100, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. If the operating device 100 is a controller for a left-handed person, the groove 10 may be configured symmetrically to that of the right-handed controller, 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.

[0027] The operating device 100 may include one or more operating parts such as a button, a scroll wheel, a trackball, a lever, a cross key, etc. The groove 10 may be configured in the main body of the operating device 100 as exemplified in Figures 2 to 4 and 5 to 7, or may be configured in the operating part to the extent that it does not affect the function of the operating part, or may be configured in the main body and the operating part.

[0028] The groove 10 is preferably configured so that the rod-shaped tool 50 held between the index finger and thumb of the hand of a 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 in a portion corresponding to a direction from between the index finger and thumb to between the middle finger and index finger of the hand of a 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 smoothly inserted into the groove 10, and the operating device 100 can be more easily operated without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

[0029] The groove 10 is preferably configured so that the 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 a direction from between the index finger and thumb of the hand of a user who intends to operate the operating device 100 to the tip, first joint, second joint, or base of the middle finger and the index finger. By having the groove 10 have the above-described preferred configuration, the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand during use can be smoothly inserted into the groove 10, and the operating device 100 can be more effectively operated without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

[0030] More preferably, the groove 10 is 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 can be inserted without changing the grip of the tool. In this case, the groove 10 is located at least in a portion corresponding to a direction from between the index finger and thumb of the hand of the user who intends to operate the operating device 100 to the tip of the middle finger, the first joint, or the second joint and the index finger. By having the groove 10 have the above-described preferred configuration, the rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand in the operating state can be smoothly inserted into the groove 10, and the operating device 100 can be more effectively operated without changing the grip of the rod-shaped tool 50.

[0031] The length (longitudinal dimension) of groove 10 may be any length that allows at least central portion 51 of rod-shaped tool 50 to be inserted without changing grip, and may be, for example, 5 to 90 mm, 10 to 70 mm, or 20 to 50 mm. When groove 10 has the above-mentioned exemplary lengths, at least central portion 51 of a rod-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used length can be inserted into groove 10 more stably.

[0032] The height (depth) of groove 10 may be any dimension that allows at least central portion 51 of rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand of a user of the operating device to be inserted without changing the grip, but may be, for example, 5 to 30 mm, 7 to 10 mm, or 10 to 15 mm. The height (depth) of groove 10 is the height (depth) at approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction of groove 10. When groove 10 has the above-mentioned exemplary height (depth), a rod-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used diameter does not enter groove 10 too deeply and protrusion from groove 10 can be eliminated or reduced, thereby further improving the work efficiency of the user.

[0033] The width of groove 10 need only be a dimension that allows insertion of at least central portion 51 of rod-shaped tool 50 held in the hand of a user of the operating device without changing the grip, and may be, for example, 5 to 30 mm, 7 to 25 mm, or 10 to 20 mm. The width of groove 10 is the width at approximately the middle position in the height (depth) direction of groove 10. When groove 10 has the above-mentioned exemplary width, it becomes easy to insert a rod-shaped tool 50 of a commonly used thickness into groove 10 and to determine the position of rod-shaped tool 50, thereby further improving the user's work efficiency.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 8(A), the groove 10 has a recessed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 10, into which at least the central portion 51 of the rod-shaped tool 50 can be inserted.

[0035] 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. Fig. 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 Fig. 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.

[0036] 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. FIG. 8(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the 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 FIG. 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 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, allowing the rod-shaped tool 50 to be removed more smoothly from the groove 10.

[0037] Preferably, the width of the longitudinal end portions of the groove 10 is wider than the width of the central portion of the groove 10. Fig. 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 end portions 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 Fig. 9, by making the width W1 of the longitudinal end portions 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 the users' hands.

[0038] Preferably, the height (depth) of the longitudinal end of the groove 10 is greater than the height (depth) of the central portion of the groove 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the groove 10, in which the height (depth) H1 of the longitudinal end is greater than the height (depth) H2 of the central portion with respect 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 FIG. 10, the bottom 12 of the groove 10 has a convex shape from both ends toward the central portion. Although there may be differences in how the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 are held by different users, as exemplified in FIG. 10, by making the height (depth) H1 of the longitudinal end greater than the height (depth) H2 of the central portion, 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 the operating device 100 and the rod-shaped tool 50 are held by different users and differences in the size of the users' hands. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 operation devices 10 grooves 11 Groove opening 12 Bottom of groove 13 Top of groove 50 Rod-shaped tools 51 Center of rod-shaped tool W1 Width of the end of the groove in the longitudinal direction W2 Width of the center of the groove in the longitudinal direction H1 Height (depth) of the end of the groove in the longitudinal direction H2 Height (depth) of the center of the groove in the longitudinal direction

Claims

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 according to claim 1, wherein the groove is configured so that the wand-shaped tool held between the index finger and thumb of a user of the operating device and the middle finger and index finger can be inserted without changing the grip.

3. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the groove is configured so that the rod-shaped tool held between the index finger and thumb of a 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. The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the groove has a shape such that an opening of the groove widens in a cross section in the longitudinal direction of the groove.

5. The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the groove has a shape in which corners of an opening of the groove are rounded and the opening widens in a cross section in the longitudinal direction of the groove.

6. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the groove at the end in the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the groove at the center.

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the height of the end portion of the groove in the longitudinal direction is greater than the height of the central portion of the groove.

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