Scroller

Abstract

This device provides a scroller that allows users to scroll through images and information displayed on information devices' screens with the same operability, switching between vertical and horizontal movement, even in environments where it is difficult to secure space for operating a keyboard and mouse. [Solution] The scroller 1000 of the present invention consists of a gripping member 100 and a wheel 200 mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the axis of the gripping member 100 and movable along the axis of the gripping member 100 for a predetermined distance. The display area for images and information is moved by the rotation of the wheel, and the vertical and horizontal movement direction of the display area can be switched depending on the position of the wheel 200 relative to the gripping member 100 and the rotation direction of the wheel 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scroll bar for performing an operation to move a display area displayed on a screen in a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer). In the present application, "scroll" means moving and displaying the display area of an image or information displayed on a display screen for displaying an image or information in the left - right or up - down direction.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the spread of PCs (including desktop PCs, notebook PCs, and other information terminals), in daily work, PCs are often used for most of the work. And when operating such a PC, a keyboard is required for input work, and the necessity of a mouse is also increasing as well as that of the keyboard. Especially when browsing an image or information displayed on a display screen, it is convenient to operate the mouse to input a movement instruction to move the display area in the up - down, left - right directions.

[0003] As a prior art, Patent Document 1 is disclosed. Patent Document 1 is a wireless remote control for remotely operating an air conditioner or the like, which forms the remote control in a cylindrical shape for the purpose of miniaturizing the remote control body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when using a keyboard and mouse for input, these must be placed on a desk, which requires a certain amount of space on the desk near the user. As a result, it can be difficult to secure space when working while keeping paper documents or other items close at hand. Also, when using a laptop PC in a place without a desk, using a mouse can be difficult.

[0006] Therefore, we provide a scroller that allows users to move the display area of ​​images and information displayed on the screens of information devices, even in environments where it is difficult to secure space to operate a mouse on a desk, or even in places where there is no desk at all. Furthermore, the invention provides a scroller that allows for natural operation even when attached to a support member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a scroller in which a wheel is mounted on a cylindrical gripping member so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member and so as to be movable a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the gripping member, enabling vertical or horizontal scrolling of the display screen by rotating the wheel relative to the axis of the gripping member, and enabling switching between vertical and horizontal scrolling by moving the wheel laterally relative to the axis of the gripping member.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a scroller that detects when the scroller is attached to a support member and reverses the relationship between the wheel's rotation direction and the scroll's movement direction, as well as the relationship between vertical and horizontal scrolling based on the wheel's position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Since the scroller can be gripped and operated, there is no need to set up workspace on the desk.

[0010] Even when attached to a support member, the scroll function can be operated in the same direction as before attachment, allowing for scrolling in the same direction as when it was not attached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the scroller. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the gripping member seen from above. [Figure 3] It is a partially enlarged view of the guide groove portion of the gripping member. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the gear mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view showing the transmission arm that transmits the switching to the detection switch. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the wheel of the first embodiment seen from the right side. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the wheel of the first embodiment seen from the left side. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the wheel of the second embodiment seen from the right side. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the bearing detection button. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the wheel of the second embodiment seen from the left side. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the gear mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the tip of the arm and the bearing. [Figure 19] It is a block diagram of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart of the second embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart of the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A scroll bar according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications can be made to the following embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. (First Embodiment)

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a scroll bar 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The scroll bar 1000 includes a cylindrical gripping member 100 that constitutes a main body portion, and a wheel 200 attached to a substantially central portion in the left - right direction of the gripping member 100. The wheel 200 is attached so as to be rotatable coaxially with the axis of the gripping member 100 and movable in the left - right direction on the axis of the gripping member 100.

[0014] Next, the gripping member 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. For the sake of explanation, the wheel 200 is not shown. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the gripping member 100 as seen from the side for a front view when operating a button provided on the scroll bar 1000, with its longitudinal direction being the left - right direction.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, when the longitudinal direction of the gripping member 100 is the left - right direction, a guide groove 110 is formed in a substantially central portion, a left handle 113 is formed on the left - end side thereof, and a right handle 114 is formed on the right - end side thereof.

[0016] In this embodiment, the length and outer diameter of the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 are the same, but this is not the only option. In other words, the length and outer diameter of the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 may or may not be the same. By making at least one of the length or outer diameter of the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 different, it becomes easier to determine the left-right direction of the scroller 1000 when gripping it.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the outer diameter of the guide groove 110 is narrower than the outer diameters of the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 because it is sandwiched between the left guide groove wall 111 of the left handle 113 and the right guide groove wall 112 of the right handle 114. Although not shown, a cross-section taken from a plane passing through the axis of the gripping member 100 reveals a roughly rectangular structure that is slightly narrower in the center.

[0018] Furthermore, the gripping member 100 may be equipped with a left grip 106 having numerous small protrusions located approximately at the left tip of the left handle 113, so as to protrude outward from the left handle 113 by a predetermined width. Similarly, a right grip 105 without small protrusions may be equipped approximately at the right tip of the right handle 114, so as to protrude outward from the right handle 114 by a predetermined width.

[0019] Furthermore, the left grip 106 and right grip 105 may be made of a different material from the left and right handles, i.e., a non-slip rubber material. Also, the small protrusions may be provided on either the left or right grip, or instead of the above, the small protrusions may be provided only on the right grip. By providing the small protrusions on only one of them, it becomes easier to determine the left or right direction when gripping the scroller 1000 by hand.

[0020] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the area around the guide groove 110 when the gripping member 100 is viewed from the rear.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the guide groove 110 has an opening 107 along its axis on its circumferential surface. Clamping plates 10901 and 10902, which transmit switching operations to the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 (see Figure 4) and the detection switch 109 (see Figure 5), are provided to protrude to the outside of the guide groove 110 through this opening 107.

[0022] The length of the opening 107 in the left-right direction is such that, in addition to the distance that allows the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 and the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 to protrude, it also ensures that the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 can move laterally along the axis of the gripping member 100 by switching operations caused by the lateral movement of the wheel 200 (see Figures 7 and 8), which will be described later.

[0023] The preferred location for opening the opening 107 in the guide groove 110 is approximately in the center between the left guide groove wall 111 and the right guide groove wall 112 in the axial direction of the guide groove 110. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the opening in the circumferential direction of the guide groove 110 is located on the back side, but this is not limited to this configuration.

[0024] Next, the gear mechanism 108 will be described in detail using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gear mechanism 108. The gear mechanism 108 is supported by a pair of gear frames 10807 located at the left and right ends, which support two stays 10808 located at the lower end of the gear frame 10807 and a shaft that passes through and supports the gear a10801 located at the upper end of the gear frame 10807. In other words, when the gear mechanism 108 is viewed from the side, the gear frame 10807 has a roughly triangular shape with the mounting portions of the pair of stays 10808 as its base and the axis of the gear a10801 as its apex.

[0025] Furthermore, gear b10802 is mounted on the portion of the shaft that supports gear a10801 through which gear b10802 protrudes outward from one of the gear frames 10807. Additionally, gear c10803 is mounted so as to engage with gear b10802 at the point where the axis of encoder 10805, which is mounted between a pair of stays 10808, protrudes outward from the gear frame 10807. Furthermore, a gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 is provided between the two stays 10808, which processes the rotation signal output from the encoder and outputs that signal to the control unit B102, which will be described later.

[0026] Power is supplied to the gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 and encoder 10805 from the power supply unit B106 located inside the gripping member 100, which will be described later.

[0027] Here, we will describe in detail how the movement of the wheel 200 when it rotates relative to the axis of the gripping member 100 is transmitted to the encoder 10805 via the gears of the gear mechanism 108. In the scroller 1000, the internal gear 210, which is ring-mounted on the inner circumference of the wheel 200 (described later), is engaged with the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108. For example, when the wheel 200 rotates relative to the gripping member 100, the movement is transmitted in the following order from (1) to (6). (1) The wheel 200 is rotated relative to the gripping member 100. (2) The relative rotation of the wheel 200 is transmitted to the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 engaged with the wheel 200 via the internal gear 210 mounted on the wheel 200, causing the gear a10801 to rotate. (3) The rotation of gear a10801 is transmitted to gear b10802, which is located on the extension of the axis of gear a10801 and passes through the gear frame 10807, causing it to rotate. (4) Gear c10803, which is engaged with gear b10802, rotates. (5) The transmission shaft 10804, which is the axis of gear c10803, rotates in conjunction with gear c10803. (6) Rotational motion is transmitted to the encoder 10805, which is connected to the transmission shaft 10804.

[0028] Furthermore, the gear frame 10807 has a structure that is roughly triangular when viewed from the side, in order to ensure the strength of the gear mechanism 108 and to effectively utilize the narrow space inside the gripping member 100. This makes it possible to suitably protrude the gear a10801 located at the top of the gear mechanism 108 from the opening 107 made in the guide groove 110.

[0029] Next, the method of attaching the gear mechanism 108 to the gripping member 100 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member 100 near the guide groove 110. Inside the gripping member 100, a gear rail 115 is attached at a position opposite the guide groove 110. More specifically, the gear rail 115 is a plate-shaped member extending in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, and may be integrally formed so that the side surface extending in the axial direction of the gripping member 100 connects with the gripping member 100, or it may be formed as a separate part and then bonded or fitted inside the gripping member 100. Its bottom surface is formed by two arcs and a plane connecting them, which are formed to conform to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the gear frame 10807.

[0030] Furthermore, rail ends 116 extending toward the opening 107 are provided at both the left and right axial ends of the gripping member 100 of the gear rail 115. The distance between the rail ends 116 at both ends, i.e., the length of the gear rail 115, is approximately the same as the distance between the gear frames 10807 at both ends of the gear mechanism 108. As a result, even if the wheel 200 (see Figures 7 and 8), which will be described later, moves in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, the pair of gear frames 10807 of the gear mechanism 108 are restrained by the rail ends 116, thereby restricting the axial movement of the gripping member 100 of the gear mechanism 108.

[0031] Furthermore, the movement of the gripping member 100 of the gear mechanism 108 in the outer circumferential direction is restricted by the engagement of the gear mechanism 108 with the internal gear 210 of the wheel 200, which will be described later, from the outside. In other words, the gear mechanism 108 does not move along the gear rail 115.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a detection switch 109 is provided inside the vicinity of the guide groove 110 to detect the axial movement of the gripping member 100 of the wheel 200 (described later) and to switch the direction of movement of the display screen to left / right or up / down. The detection switch 109 is equipped with a transmission arm 10903 (see Figure 6) which is inserted into the detection switch 109 in a manner that allows it to move in accordance with the left / right movement of the wheel 200 relative to the gripping member 100.

[0033] Figure 6 is a magnified view of a portion of the transmission arm 10903, which transmits the switching operation to the detection switch 109, showing the shape of an end of the transmission arm 10903 that is different from the end inserted into the detection switch 109. As shown in Figure 6, clamping plates 10901 and 10902 are formed at the end of the transmission arm 10903 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the transmission arm 10903, more specifically toward the outside of the guide groove 110. The distance between clamping plates 10901 and 10902 is formed to be slightly wider than the thickness of the clamping ring 211 of the wheel 200, which will be described later.

[0034] As a result, when the wheel 200 (see Figure 7) moves in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 move due to the narrowing ring 211 of the wheel 200. In response to this movement, the transmission arm 10903 moves relative to the detection switch 109, so that the detection switch 109 can detect the movement of the wheel 200. This makes it possible to switch the direction of movement of the display screen due to the rotation of the wheel 200, i.e., to switch between left-right and up-down directions, as will be described later.

[0035] The internal structure of the detection switch 109 may be, for example, a slide switch that enables detection by the movement of a movable contact piece with a metal part on three metal terminals, but any structure of the detection switch is acceptable as long as it can detect the movement of the wheel 200.

[0036] Next, the wheel 200 will be described using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the wheel 200 from the right side, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wheel 200 from the left side. Note that for explanatory purposes, the gripping member 100 is omitted from Figures 7 and 8.

[0037] The wheel 200 consists of a cylindrical housing 213, a left rim handle 201 and a right rim handle 202 provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of both the left and right ends of the housing 213 and projecting outward in the direction of the wheel 200 by a predetermined width, and an internal gear 210 and a clamping ring 211 formed inside.

[0038] The outer circumferential surfaces of the left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 are provided with multiple projections 203 extending in the left-right direction. Although Figures 7 and 8 show the wheel 200 as a single unit, it may also be formed by dividing it into upper and lower halves along a plane containing the wheel's axis, covering the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100, and then joining the two halves together. The left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 may be made of a non-slip rubber material or the like.

[0039] Next, the internal structure of the wheel 200 will be explained using Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, a right side wall 205 is formed on the right side of the wheel 200, extending from the right end of the right rim handle 202 toward the axis of the wheel 200. Furthermore, a right recessed portion 208 is formed at a predetermined distance from the right side wall 205 of the wheel 200, reaching a right recessed wall 209 formed with a predetermined thickness. The inner diameter of the right recessed portion 208 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the right handle 114 of the gripping member 100. Furthermore, a through hole 212 is formed in the right recessed wall 209, which reaches the left recessed wall 207, as will be described later.

[0040] The inner diameter of the through hole 212 is formed to have a slight gap with respect to the outer diameter of the guide groove 110, and serves as a guide when the wheel 200 rotates around the axis of the gripping member 100 and when it moves in the axial direction of the gripping member 100. In order to facilitate the rotation of the wheel 200 around the axis of the gripping member 100 and when it moves in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, a material suitable for sliding may be attached to the inner diameter portion of the through hole 212, i.e., the inner diameter portion of the right recessed wall 209.

[0041] A ring-shaped clamping ring 211 having a predetermined thickness is provided on the inner side of the right recessed wall 209. The clamping ring 211 is positioned to be inserted between the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 on the gripping member 100 (see Figure 3) when the wheel 200 is attached to the gripping member 100. This allows detection of which end the wheel 200 is located at when the wheel 200 moves left or right along the axis of the gripping member 100. The thickness of the clamping ring 211 only needs to be such that it can be clamped between the pair of clamping plates 10901 and 10902 attached to the transmission arm on the gripping member 100; for example, a thickness of about 2 millimeters is sufficient. The inner diameter of the clamping ring 211 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the right recessed wall 209 so that it does not come into contact with the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100.

[0042] On the inner circumference of the wheel 200, beyond the clamping ring 211, there is an internal gear 210 that engages with the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 (see Figure 4) provided by the gripping member 100, and transmits the rotational movement of the wheel 200 to the gear mechanism 108.

[0043] The tooth width of the internal gear 210 should be longer than the sum of the tooth width of the gear a10801 provided in the gear mechanism 108 and the distance the wheel 200 travels in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, which will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, the spacing between the internal gear 210 and the clamping ring 211 of the wheel 200 is such that the clamping plate 10901 provided on the transmission arm 10903 (see Figure 6) does not interfere with the internal gear 210 as the gripping member 100 of the wheel 200 moves in the axial direction.

[0045] Next, the shape of the left end of the wheel 200 will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wheel 200 from the left side. As shown in Figure 8, on the left side of the wheel 200, a left wall 204 of a predetermined thickness is formed from the left end of the left rim handle 201 toward the axis of the wheel 200. Furthermore, a left recessed portion 206 is formed at a predetermined distance from the left wall 204 of the wheel 200, reaching a left recessed wall 207 of a predetermined thickness. The inner diameter of the left recessed portion 206 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left handle 113 of the gripping member 100.

[0046] A through-hole 212 is formed in the left recessed wall 207 such that there is a slight gap with respect to the outer diameter of the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100, and this serves as a guide when the wheel 200 rotates around the axis of the gripping member 100 and when it moves in the axial direction of the gripping member 100. Therefore, the inner diameter of the left recessed wall 207 provided on the left side and the inner diameter of the right recessed wall 209 provided on the right side are the same diameter as the through-hole 212.

[0047] As a result, the inner diameter surface of the left recessed wall 207 on the left side of the wheel 200 and the inner diameter surface of the right recessed wall 209 on the right side slide against the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100, enabling the wheel 200 to rotate relative to the axis of the gripping member 100 and to move along the axis of the gripping member 100. In addition, a lubricating member may be attached to the inner diameter portion of the left recessed wall 207, similar to the right recessed wall 209 on the right side, to facilitate rotation and sliding.

[0048] Next, we will explain the relationship between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200 when the wheel 200 moves left to right along the axis of the gripping member 100. For convenience, we define the state in which the wheel 200 moves to the left along the axis of the gripping member 100 and the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100 is in contact with the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 as the "left wheel state." Similarly, we define the state in which the wheel 200 moves to the right along the axis of the gripping member 100 and the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100 is in contact with the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 as the "right wheel state."

[0049] In the left wheel state, the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 and the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100 are in contact, so the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 cannot move further to the left beyond the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100. Similarly, in the right wheel state, the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 and the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100 are in contact, so the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 cannot move further to the right beyond the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100. The distance the wheel 200 moves from the left wheel state to the right wheel state, or from the right wheel state to the left wheel state, corresponds to the "predetermined distance" in the claims.

[0050] Furthermore, this relationship of distance can be expressed by the following equation. (Math 1) L=kh ···(1) L: The distance by which the wheel 200 can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member 100. k: Distance from the left guide groove wall 111 to the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100 h: Distance from the left recess 207 to the right recess 209 of wheel 200 Here, if we further define the depth of the left recessed wall 207, that is, the predetermined distance from the left wall 204 to the left recessed wall 207, as LC, then it is desirable to define the relationship between LC and L as follows. (Math 2) LC>L ···(2) Similarly, if we define the depth of the right recessed wall 209, that is, the predetermined distance from the right side wall 205 to the right recessed wall 209, as RC, then it is desirable to define the relationship between RC and L as follows. (Math 3) RC>L ···(3)

[0051] Let's explain equations (2) and (3) above in more detail. When the wheel 200 is in the left wheel position, the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100 and the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 are in contact, and the left side wall 204 is located further to the left, beyond the vertical plane of the left guide groove wall 111 by a distance LC. At this time, a space of distance L is created on the right side of the wheel 200, from the right recessed wall 209 to the right guide groove wall 112. Furthermore, this space is covered by the right recessed portion 208, which extends to the right from the right recessed wall 209 by a distance RC.

[0052] Similarly, when the wheel 200 moves to the right wheel position, the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100 and the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 come into contact, and the right side wall 205 is positioned further to the right, beyond the vertical plane of the right guide groove wall 112 by the distance RC. At this time, a space of distance L is created on the left side of the wheel 200, from the left recessed wall 207 to the left guide groove wall 111. Furthermore, this space is covered by the left recessed portion 206, which extends to the right from the left recessed wall 207 by a distance LC.

[0053] As a result, even when the wheel 200 moves between the left wheel state and the right wheel state, the guide groove 110 is always covered by the wheel 200. This structure prevents foreign matter from adhering to the guide groove 110, thus maintaining a good operating environment.

[0054] Next, the signal processing performed inside the scroller 1000 will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating the signal processing in this embodiment. The signal processing is performed inside the scroller 1000, more specifically by a main circuit board (not shown) located inside the gripping member 100. As shown in Figure 9, the main board is equipped with at least a rotation speed detection unit B101, a rotation direction detection unit B103, a movement direction detection unit B104, and a control unit B102, an output unit B105, and a power supply unit B106.

[0055] The rotation speed detection unit B101 receives a signal from the gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 provided on the gear mechanism 108, detects whether the wheel 200 is rotating relative to the gripping member 100, and if so, detects the rotation speed, and outputs it to the control unit B102.

[0056] The rotation direction detection unit B103 receives a signal from the gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 provided on the gear mechanism 108, detects the direction in which the wheel 200 is rotating relative to the gripping member 100, and outputs it to the control unit B102.

[0057] The movement direction detection unit B104 receives a signal from the detection switch 109, detects whether the wheel 200 is in the left wheel state or the right wheel state, and outputs the result to the control unit B102.

[0058] The control unit B102 receives signals from the rotation speed detection unit B101, the rotation direction detection unit B103, and the movement direction detection unit B104, processes them, and outputs the results to the output unit B105. Details of the signal processing of the control unit B102 will be described later.

[0059] The output unit B105 receives signals from the control unit B102, converts them into wireless or optical signals, and transmits them, or transmits them to a display device such as a PC via a signal line. Any wireless method is acceptable, including infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other radio wave methods.

[0060] The power supply unit B106 consists of batteries and supplies power to the rotation speed detection unit B101, rotation direction detection unit B103, movement direction detection unit B104, control unit B102, and output unit B105 of the main board, as well as to the gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 and detection switch 109.

[0061] Next, an example of the control performed by the control unit B102 is shown using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the first embodiment. The control unit B102 performs the operation steps shown in this flowchart, for example. First, in step 1F1000 "relative rotation," the rotation speed detection unit B101 receives a signal to determine whether or not a relative rotational movement is detected between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200. If no rotation is detected (N result), the system enters standby mode; if rotation is detected (Y result), the system proceeds to the next step.

[0062] In step 1F2000 "Wheel Position," the control unit B102 receives a signal from the movement direction detection unit B104, and the detection switch 109 acquires whether the wheel is on the left side of the gripping member 100, i.e., in the "left wheel state," or on the right side of the gripping member 100, i.e., in the "right wheel state." Here, in the case of the "left wheel state," the display screen is moved vertically (up and down), and in the case of the "right wheel state," the display screen is moved horizontally. The following describes the case where the left wheel state is determined in step 1F2000 "Wheel Position."

[0063] In step 1F2100 "Relative Rotation Direction," the control unit B102 receives a signal from the rotation direction detection unit B103 to determine the direction of rotation of the wheel 200. This "relative rotation direction" refers to the direction of rotation between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200, meaning the direction in which either the gripping member 100 or the wheel 200 is rotated relative to the other. In other words, it refers to the direction of rotation of the wheel 200 when the orientation of the gripping member 100 is fixed and the wheel 200 is rotated, or the method of rotation of the gripping member 100 when the wheel 200 is fixed and the gripping member 100 is rotated, or the direction of rotation between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200 when neither is fixed and they are rotated relative to each other.

[0064] In this embodiment, "forward rotation" specifically refers to the direction in which, when viewed from the right side (right handle 114) of the gripping member 100, the wheel 200 rotates counterclockwise when the gripping member 100 is held, i.e., when the gripping member 100 is fixed; the gripping member 100 rotates clockwise when the wheel 200 is held, i.e., when the wheel 200 is fixed; and when both are rotated without being fixed, the gripping member 100 rotates clockwise and the wheel 200 rotates counterclockwise.

[0065] On the other hand, "reverse rotation" refers to the direction in which, when viewed from the right side (right handle 114) of the gripping member 100, the wheel 200 rotates clockwise when the gripping member 100 is held, i.e., when the gripping member 100 is fixed; the gripping member 100 rotates counterclockwise when the wheel 200 is held, i.e., when the wheel 200 is fixed; and when both are rotated without being fixed, the gripping member 100 rotates counterclockwise and the wheel 200 rotates clockwise.

[0066] Therefore, if it is determined in step 1F2100 "Relative Rotation Direction" that the rotation is forward, the relative rotation speed is obtained in step 1F2110, and a signal is output in step 1F2111 to move the display screen vertically downward at a speed corresponding to the obtained relative rotation speed.

[0067] In other words, in step 1F2110 "Acquisition of relative rotational speed", the control unit B102 acquires the relative rotational speed between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200 from the rotational speed detection unit B101. Then, it generates a signal that moves the display screen vertically downward at a speed corresponding to the acquired relative rotational speed and transmits it to the output unit B105 (step 1F2111).

[0068] On the other hand, if reverse rotation is determined in step 1F2100 "Relative rotation direction", the relative rotation speed is acquired in step 1F2120, and a signal is output to the output unit 105 in step 1F2121 to move the display screen vertically upward at a speed corresponding to the acquired relative rotation speed. If the wheel position is determined to be the right wheel position in step 1F2000, the process will transition from step 1F2000 to the flow on the right in Figure 10. However, since the process is the same as the left wheel case except for the change in the direction of screen movement (left to right), the explanation will be omitted.

[0069] As a result of the above, there are four types of screen scrolling depending on the operation of the scroller 1000. <1> When the left wheel is rotated forward: The screen scrolls vertically downwards (1F2111). <2> When the left wheel is rotated in reverse: The screen scrolls vertically upwards (1F2121). <3> When the right wheel is rotated forward: The screen scrolls horizontally to the right (1F2211). <4> When the right wheel is rotated in reverse: The screen scrolls horizontally to the left (1F2221).

[0070] Next, the operation method of the scroller 1000 will be explained. The scroller 1000 is held and used by the user of the scroller 1000. That is, the user holds the left handle 113 of the gripping member 100 with their left hand and the right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 with their right hand, or they hold the left end of the gripping member 100 in the palm of their left hand and the right end in the palm of their right hand, gripping and supporting it. Then, using the free fingers of both hands, for example, the thumbs, the user moves the wheel 200 between the left wheel state and the right wheel state, or rotates the left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 of the wheel 200, thereby switching the scrolling direction of the display screen and moving (scrolling) the display screen.

[0071] While the size of the scroller 1000 is not particularly limited, it is desirable that the left handle 113 and right handle 114 have a diameter that is easy to grip, for example, 4-5 cm in diameter, in order to perform such operations smoothly. Furthermore, it is desirable that the length from the left end of the left handle 113 to the right end of the right handle 114 be 13-14 cm. In addition, it is desirable that at least the left rim handle 201 of the wheel 200 be positioned about 5 cm from the left end of the gripping member 100, and the right rim handle 202 be positioned about 5 cm from the right end of the gripping member 100.

[0072] Up to this point, we have described the operation of gripping both ends of the gripping member 100 and rotating the wheel relative to the gripping member, but this is not the only way. For example, one may grip the left handle 113 or the right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 with one hand and rotate the wheel 200 with the other hand, or one may grip the wheel 200 with one hand and rotate the left handle 113 or the right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 with the other hand. In other words, regardless of how the rotation is performed, the display area of ​​the display screen is moved (scrolled) by creating a relative rotation between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a left grip 106 with numerous small protrusions is provided at the left end of the gripping member 100, and a right grip 105 without small protrusions is provided at the right end. This allows the user to grip the scroller 1000 without mistaking its left or right orientation by sight or touch. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left handle 113 and right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 may be equipped with four buttons, from main button 101 to main button 4104.

[0074] This section briefly describes the buttons on the left handle 113 and right handle 114 of the scroller 1000. Main button 1 101 and main button 2 102 are mounted on the circumferential surface of the left handle 113 so as to protrude vertically outward from the axis of the left handle 113. Main button 3 103 and main button 4 104 are mounted on the circumferential surface of the right handle 114 so as to protrude vertically outward from the axis of the right handle 114. For convenience, unless otherwise specified, main button 1 101, main button 2 102, main button 3 103, and main button 4 104 will be collectively referred to as the "four main buttons." Each of the four main buttons is electrically connected to the control unit B102.

[0075] The structure of the four main buttons is not particularly restricted as long as they can operate in the following way: when the button is pressed, it is on, and when it is not pressed, it is off, for example, by using the elasticity of a spring.

[0076] The four main buttons should be designed so that the commands assigned to each button function when the button is pressed individually, when multiple buttons are pressed simultaneously, or when the wheel 200 is rotated while the button is held down.

[0077] For example, pressing any of the main buttons individually allows you to adjust settings such as "forward / backward" when browsing a webpage, "mute / unmute" the audio when playing audio, or "stop / resume" the video when playing a video. Furthermore, by pressing and holding a button while rotating the wheel 200, you can fine-tune settings such as "zoom in / out" the display screen or "increase / decrease the volume" according to the amount of rotation of the wheel 200, allowing the user to customize the settings to their liking. (Second example)

[0078] A second embodiment of the present invention enables the use of a scroller supported by a support member. That is, the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment may be used by gripping it with both hands, similar to the scroller 1000 according to the first embodiment, or it may be used by attaching it to a support member so that it is held at a predetermined height. The second embodiment will be described below using Figures 11 to 23. Note that parts identical to those in the first embodiment will use the same names and numbers, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0079] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment attached to the support member ST300. As shown in Figure 11, the scroller 2000 of the second embodiment is held at a predetermined height by the support member ST300. As shown in Figure 11, the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment is composed of a gripping member 400 and a wheel 600.

[0080] The support member ST300 can support the scroller 2000 at any position, but considering operability and left-right weight balance, it is desirable to position it approximately in the center of the scroller 2000 in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the support member ST300 is attached approximately in the center of the scroller 2000, that is, approximately in the center of the wheel 600.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be used with the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000 supported by the support member ST300 at approximately the center position in the left-right direction. In this case, since the wheel 600 is fixed by the support member ST300, the wheel 600 cannot rotate freely. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the scroller 2000 is supported by the support member ST300, the member that the user operates to move the screen on the scroller 2000 is the gripping member 400, not the wheel 600.

[0082] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the scroller 2000 of the second embodiment can be used not only by attaching it to the support member ST300, but also by removing it from the support member ST300 and using it by gripping it with the user's hand.

[0083] Therefore, the following problems may arise. For example, if a user grasps the scroller 2000 by hand and fixes the gripping member 400, and rotates the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000 counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, the relative rotation direction of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 will be reversed compared to if the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000 is fixed to the support member ST300 and the gripping member 400 is similarly rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side. Therefore, even if the user rotates in the same direction, the scrolling direction (movement direction) of the display screen will be reversed, which may cause confusion for the user.

[0084] Similarly, when a user holds the scroller 2000 by hand and moves the wheel 600 to the left in the axial direction of the scroller 2000, and when the wheel 600 is fixed and the gripping member 400 is moved to the left in the same direction, the relative direction of movement of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 is reversed. As a result, even though the wheel 600 or the gripping member 400 is moved to the left in the same direction, the direction of movement on the display screen is different, which can confuse the user and is undesirable. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is desirable to detect when the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300 and to invert the output relative to the input.

[0085] Therefore, in order to eliminate the phenomenon of reversal of the scrolling direction due to the relative differences in rotation and movement direction, the second embodiment is configured to detect whether or not the wheel 600 is attached to the support member ST300. The configuration is described below.

[0086] First, the wheel 600 according to the second embodiment will be described using Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wheel 600 of the second embodiment, seen from the right side. Note that the gripping member 400 is omitted.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, a recessed groove 605 for attaching the support member ST300 to the wheel 600 is provided approximately in the left-right center of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 620 of the wheel 600. The recessed groove 605 is a recess of a predetermined width and depth, and it is desirable that it be formed to extend beyond half the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 620 of the wheel 600 in order to ensure secure engagement with the support member ST300. At both ends of the recessed groove 605, fitting holes a606 (see Figure 15) and b607 are provided, which are further carved in the axial direction of the wheel 600. Furthermore, bearing detection buttons 608 (see Figure 15) and 609 are provided at two predetermined locations on the bottom surface of the recessed groove 605.

[0088] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the recessed groove 605 located approximately in the center of the wheel 600. Only the positions of the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 are indicated. Details of the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 will be described later.

[0089] As shown in Figure 13, the recessed groove 605 is a groove provided in the housing 620 of the wheel 600 that extends beyond half the circumference of the outer surface of the housing 620, and fitting holes a606 and b607 are provided at both ends thereof. The orientation of the recessed groove 605 in the housing 620 relative to the circumferential direction of the wheel 600 can be arbitrary, but for practical purposes, it is desirable that the groove be positioned so that the four sub-buttons described later are easily visible when the wheel 600 is attached to the support member ST300, i.e., directly in front of the user or slightly upward.

[0090] As will be described later, when the wheel 600 is attached to the tip of the arm ST301 of the support member ST300 (see Figure 18), the fitting projection ST30201 and fitting piece ST30202 provided on the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300 engage with the fitting holes a606 and b607 of the wheel 600, respectively. As a result, the scroller 2000 is supported by the support member ST300 via the wheel 600. At the same time, the bearing ST302 pushes down the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609. The bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 can be placed at any position between the fitting holes a606 and b607, but it is preferable to place them as far apart as possible. Placing them far apart prevents the user's fingertips from accidentally pressing both bearing detection buttons at the same time.

[0091] Next, the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 will be described using Figure 14. Since the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 have the same shape and structure, only the bearing detection button 608 will be described here, and the description of the bearing detection button 609 will be omitted.

[0092] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the bearing detection button 608. The bearing detection button 608 consists of a movable shaft 615, a spring 616, and a contact terminal 617, and is housed in a button chamber 619, which is a hole provided in the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 400. As shown in Figure 14, the movable shaft 615 is biased upward by the spring 616, and the operating part 618 provided at its upper end protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the recessed groove 605. It is desirable that the operating part 618 of the movable shaft 615 be at a height that fits inside the recessed groove 605. This is to prevent accidental contact with the operating part 618 and pressing down the bearing detection button 608.

[0093] Furthermore, a conductive contact terminal 617 is provided at the lower end of the movable shaft 615. In addition, a pair of signal lines 614 are provided at spaced positions below the movable shaft 615, and when the operating part 618 of the movable shaft 615 is pushed down by the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300 against the resistance force of the spring 616, the contact terminal 617 comes into contact with the pair of signal lines 614, and a signal flows to the signal lines 614 via the contact terminal 617.

[0094] Although not shown in the diagram, the pair of signal lines 614 of the bearing detection button 608 and the pair of signal lines of the bearing detection button 609 are connected in series. That is, one signal line from each of the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 is connected. The other end of each signal line is connected to the left electrode 611 (described later) and the right electrode 613 (described later).

[0095] Returning to Figure 12, the internal structure of the wheel 600 will be explained. On the right side of the inner circumference of the wheel 600, between the clamping ring 211 and the internal gear 210, a ring-shaped right electrode base 612 is mounted, protruding inward from the wheel 600. On the inner surface of the right electrode base 612, a right electrode 613 is provided, extending around the entire inner surface.

[0096] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the wheel 600 from the left side. Between the left side wall 204 of the wheel 600 and the internal gear 210, a left electrode base 610 is provided, projecting in an annular shape toward the inner circumference of the wheel 600. The inner surface of the left electrode base 610 is provided with a left electrode 611 around its entire circumference. The distance between the left electrode base 610 and the right electrode base 612 is configured to be the same as the distance between the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500 of the gripping member 400, which will be described later.

[0097] Next, the gripping member 400 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The gripping member 100 according to the first embodiment and the gripping member 400 according to the second embodiment differ only in a part of the gear mechanism configuration and the method of mounting the gear mechanism. First, the configuration of the gear mechanism 500 according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 16. The gear mechanism 500 is equipped with electrodes to which signal lines are connected for electrically detecting that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300. Furthermore, the gear mechanism 500 is configured to allow the gear mechanism 500 to move within the gripping member 400 along the axis of the gripping member 400 in response to the wheel 600 moving along the axis of the gripping member 400. The following section will first explain the connection of the signal lines.

[0098] In the gear mechanism 500, the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 are provided at the upper ends of the pair of gear frames 10813 of the gear mechanism 108 shown in the first embodiment. More specifically, the left gear frame electrode 10809 is provided at the upper end of the left gear frame 10813, and the right gear frame electrode 10811 is provided at the upper end of the right gear frame 10813.

[0099] The gear frame electrodes attached to the pair of gear frames 10813 will be described in detail below. Since the mounting structure of the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 are the same, the left gear frame electrode 10809 will be described, and the description of the right gear frame electrode will be omitted.

[0100] The upper end of the gear frame 10813 to which the left gear frame electrode 10809 is attached has a roughly arc-shaped groove formed to follow the outer shape of the gear frame 10813 when viewed from the side, while leaving walls of a predetermined width on both sides. Furthermore, the left guide plate 10810 is attached to this groove. The left guide plate 10810, like the gear frame 10813, also has a groove formed to follow the outer shape of the gear frame 10813 when viewed from the side, while leaving walls of a predetermined width on both sides of its upper end.

[0101] Furthermore, the left gear frame electrode 10809 is attached to the groove of the left guide plate 10810. Although not shown in the diagram, a signal line extending to the grip detection unit B201, which will be described later, is attached to the left gear frame electrode 10809. As a result, the grip detection unit B201 can detect whether the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 of the wheel 600 have been pressed down, via the left electrode 611 and the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right electrode 613 and the right gear frame electrode 10811.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, the left electrode base 610 of the wheel 600 is inserted into the left guide plate 10810 of the gear mechanism 500, and the right electrode base 612 of the wheel 600 is inserted into the right guide plate 10812 of the gear mechanism 500. This fixes the axial positional relationship between the wheel 600 and the gear mechanism 500 within the gripping member 400. In other words, even if one of the wheel 600 or the gripping member 400 moves axially relative to the other, the positional relationship between the wheel 600 and the gear mechanism 500 does not change. For this reason, the gear mechanism 500 is mounted so that it can move axially within the gripping member 400.

[0103] Next, we will explain how to attach the gear mechanism 500 to the gripping member 400 using Figure 17. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member 400 near the guide groove 110. In this embodiment, as the gear mechanism 500 moves in the axial direction of the wheel 600, the gear mechanism 500 is configured to move on the gear rail 117 inside the gripping member 400.

[0104] In other words, the arcs at the lower ends of the pair of gear frames 10813 of the gear mechanism 500 are guided by recesses on a pair of arcs provided on the gear rail 117 and slide along the gear rail 117. Therefore, the length of the gear rail 117 provided inside the gripping member 400 in the left-right direction (axial direction) is set considering the length required for the movement of the gear mechanism 500 as the gripping member 400 moves axially relative to the wheel 600. Although there are no rail ends 116 equivalent to those in the first embodiment provided at both ends of the gear rail 117, rail ends may be provided in this embodiment as well.

[0105] Furthermore, the gear rail 117 of the gripping member 400 may be machined so that the bottom surface of the gear frame 10813 of the gear mechanism 500 slides smoothly along the gear rail 117, facilitating the lateral movement of the gear frame 10813 along the gear rail 117. Alternatively, a material suitable for sliding may be attached to the surface of the gear rail 117.

[0106] As described above, the left electrode 611 of the left electrode base 610 of the wheel 600 is in contact with the left gear frame electrode 10809 of the gear mechanism 500, and the right electrode 613 of the right electrode base 612 of the wheel 600 is in contact with the right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500.

[0107] Then, as the wheel 600 rotates in the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 400, the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500 rotate along the left electrode 611 and the right electrode 613 of the wheel 600.

[0108] With this configuration, signals from bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 are sent to the inside of the gripping member 400 via the gear mechanism 500. Furthermore, since the left electrode base 610 of the wheel 600 is inserted between the walls of the left guide plate 10810, the left electrode base 610 slides against the wall of the left guide plate 10810 when the wheel 600 rotates. Similarly, since the right electrode base 612 of the wheel 600 is inserted between the walls of the right guide plate 10812, the right electrode base 612 slides against the wall of the right guide plate 10812 when the wheel 600 rotates. For this reason, it is desirable that the left guide plate 10810 and the right guide plate 10812 be made of a material that can withstand sliding, such as a lubricating material.

[0109] Next, returning to Figure 11, we will explain the support member ST300. The support member ST300 holds the scroller 2000 at a predetermined height. Figure 11 shows the support member ST300 positioned towards the user operating the scroller 2000 from the rear.

[0110] The support member ST300 consists of a base pedestal ST310, a support column ST303 extending upward from the base pedestal ST310, and an arm ST301 extending inward from the support column ST303. Base caps ST311 and ST312 are attached to both ends of the base pedestal ST310, which is rectangular in plan view, and base through holes ST309 are provided along the longitudinal centerline of the base pedestal ST310, extending to the vicinity of both base caps. Furthermore, a base rail ST308, made of a plate-like member of a predetermined thickness, is provided on the upper surface of the base through hole ST309 so as to coincide with the axis of the base through hole ST309.

[0111] The lower end of the support column ST303 is provided with a base screw ST306 having a screw through hole ST307 through which the base rail ST308 passes, and a support column nut ST305 that is screwed onto this base screw ST306. This allows the base rail ST308 to be fixed within the screw through hole ST307 by rotating the support column nut ST305 in the tightening direction, and the base rail ST308 to move within the screw through hole ST307 by rotating the support column nut ST305 in the loosening direction. In other words, the support column ST303 can be moved and fixed at any position along the base rail ST308 by tightening and loosening the support column nut.

[0112] Meanwhile, an arm ST301 is attached to the upper end of the support column ST303. A groove ST313 is formed in the upper end of the support column ST303, and an arm screw ST304 is provided so as to cross the groove ST313. Furthermore, an arm nut ST314 (not shown) is provided at the tip of the arm screw ST304. The width of the groove ST313 is changed by the rotation of the arm screw ST304. On the other hand, one end of the arm ST301 is formed to be slightly thinner than the width of the groove ST313, and a hole (not shown) is provided through which the arm screw ST304 passes. Thus, one end of the arm ST301 is fitted into the groove ST313 of the support column ST303, and the arm screw ST304 passes through the hole (not shown) in the arm ST301, and is further configured to be screwed into the arm nut ST314 (not shown). By rotating the arm screw ST304, the angle between the support column ST303 and the arm ST301 can be changed and fixed to any angle.

[0113] A bearing ST302 for mounting the wheel 600 is provided at the other end of the arm ST301. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the arm ST301 of the support member ST300 and the bearing ST302 housed within the arm ST301. An arc-shaped housing portion ST30101 for housing the bearing ST302 is formed at the tip of the arm ST301 of the support member ST300. The housing portion ST30101 is also provided with a side guide ST30102 (not shown) for holding the bearing ST302 from the left and right directions. An arm opening ST30103 is provided at one end of the housing portion ST30101 for the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 to pass through.

[0114] Furthermore, multiple locking protrusions ST30203 are formed on the outer circumference of the bearing ST302 at predetermined intervals toward the outside. These multiple locking protrusions ST30203 contact the housing portion ST30101 of the arm ST301, providing resistance when the bearing ST302 rotates within the housing portion ST30101. This allows the orientation of the scroller 2000 attached to the support member ST300 to be set to a desired orientation around its axis, and prevents the setting from shifting during use. Alternatively, recesses corresponding to the locking protrusions ST30203 can be provided in the housing portion ST30101 to allow for clicks when setting the orientation of the scroller 2000.

[0115] The bearing ST302 has a thickness that allows it to fit into a recessed groove 605 provided in the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000, and has a fitting opening ST30205 with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the recessed groove 605. One end of the fitting opening ST30205 is provided with a bearing opening ST30206 for the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 to pass through.

[0116] In Figure 18, the arm opening ST30103 of arm ST301 and the bearing opening ST30206 of bearing ST302 are shown to be approximately the same, but this is not limited to the case where the arm opening ST30103 of arm ST301 is formed to be larger than the bearing opening ST30206 of bearing ST302.

[0117] Furthermore, the mating opening ST30205 is provided with a mating projection ST30201 and a mating piece ST30202 that protrude inward from the mating opening ST30205. The mating piece ST30202 is provided at the tip of a holding arm ST30204 that extends inward from the mating opening ST30205.

[0118] As a result, when the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 is inserted into the fitting opening ST30205, the hold arm ST30204 elastically deforms, allowing the wheel 600 to be inserted into the fitting opening ST30205. Furthermore, once the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 enters the fitting opening ST30205, the fitting projection ST30201 engages with the fitting hole a606 of the wheel 600, and the fitting piece ST30202 engages with the fitting hole b607 of the wheel 600, thereby securely holding the wheel 600. For this reason, it is desirable that the bearing ST302 be made of an elastic material, such as plastic.

[0119] The support member ST300 described here is merely one example; any configuration is acceptable as long as it includes at least an arm opening ST30103, a bearing opening ST30206, a fitting opening ST30205, a fitting projection ST30201, a fitting piece ST30202, and a holding arm ST30204, and is capable of holding the scroller at a predetermined height. In other words, the support column ST303 does not need to be movable in the inward and forward directions as in the support member ST300, and the arm ST301 does not need to be able to be attached to the support column ST304 at any angle. Alternatively, various adjustment functions may be provided, such as the ability to adjust the orientation in the left-right direction.

[0120] As described above, when the wheel 600 is attached to the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300, the mating opening ST30205 of the bearing ST302 presses down the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609.

[0121] More specifically, the wheel 600 is attached to the support member ST300, and the fitting opening ST30205 of the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300 is pressed down by the two bearing detection buttons on the wheel 600. If it is detected that both the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 are pressed down, it is determined that the scroller 2000 is supported by the support member ST300, that is, the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300.

[0122] When it is determined that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300, the direction of vertical movement of the display screen, or the direction of horizontal movement of the display screen, corresponding to the relative rotation direction of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 as when it is not attached to the support member ST300, is reversed. This is what is meant by "reversing the relationship between the rotation direction of the wheel and the movement direction of the display area" as described in claim 2 of the patent claims.

[0123] Similarly, when it is determined that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300, the switching between vertical and horizontal movement of the screen, which corresponds to the axial relative position of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 as in the case when the scroller 2000 is not attached to the support member ST300, is reversed. The phrase "reversing the relationship between the position of the wheel relative to the gripping member and the direction of horizontal or vertical movement of the display area due to the rotation of the wheel" in claim 3 of the patent claims refers to this.

[0124] In the second embodiment, there are two bearing detection buttons, bearing detection button 608 and bearing detection button 609, which are connected in series inside the wheel 600. Also, as shown in Figures 12 and 15, the two bearing detection buttons are positioned far apart from each other. Therefore, even if one of the bearing detection buttons is accidentally pressed, no signal is emitted, thus preventing false detection. For example, when the scroller 2000 is removed from the support member ST300 and used, even if the user accidentally presses one of the bearing detection buttons, malfunction can be prevented. In this embodiment, there are two bearing detection buttons, but the number may be two or more, or it may be just one.

[0125] Furthermore, the signals from the pressing of the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 on the wheel 600 are sent via the left electrode 611 and right electrode 613 to the left gear frame electrode 10809 and right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500 of the gripping member 400, and are then transmitted to the gripping detection unit B206, which will be described later.

[0126] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a grip detection unit B201 is added. When the grip detection unit B201 detects that the bearing detection buttons 608 and 609 have been pressed down, it transmits this as a signal to the control unit B102. When the control unit B102 receives the signal from the grip detection unit B201, it transmits an output signal to the output unit B105 accordingly.

[0127] Furthermore, the combination of movement directions for the display screen of the Scroller 2000 can be divided into the following four types, including the cases in which the user holds it by hand and the three cases in which it is attached to the support member ST300. For types 2 to 4, one of them may be pre-set, or it may be possible for the user to select it.

[0128] When the user wants to choose which of the three types to use, they may select it using the four main buttons on the gripping member 100 or the four sub-buttons on the wheel 600, which will be described later. Type 1: When the bearing detection button is OFF. In other words, when it is not attached to the support member. Type 2: When the bearing detection button is ON, the relationship between the relative rotation direction and the movement direction of the display screen is reversed. Type 3: When the bearing detection button is ON, the relationship between the wheel position and the direction of movement of the display screen is reversed. Type 4: When the bearing detection button is ON, the relationship between the relative rotation direction and the movement direction of the display screen is reversed, and the relationship between the wheel position and the movement direction of the display screen is swapped. Table 1 shows the relationship between the direction of movement of the display screen for each type.

[0129] [Table 1]

[0130] The above relationship is processed by the control unit B102. Therefore, the processing of the control unit B102 in the second embodiment will be explained using Figures 20 to 23. Figures 20 to 23 are flowcharts of the second embodiment. The difference from the flowchart of the first embodiment is that the determination of the bearing detection button 2F20000 is placed between the relative rotation 2F10000 and the wheel position 2F21000. Also, as mentioned above, there are three types of patterns when the determination of the bearing detection button 2F20000 is "ON", that is, when it is determined that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300.

[0131] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the case when the bearing detection button 2F20000 is judged as "OFF". The flow from bearing detection button 2F20000 onwards is the same as the processing flow of the scroller 1000 in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. Note that the flowcharts shown in Figures 21 to 23, which represent the case where the bearing detection button 2F20000 is determined to be "ON," only show the flow after the bearing detection button 2F20000 is determined to be "ON" in the flowchart shown in Figure 20.

[0132] Figure 21 is a flowchart of Type 2, which is one case where the bearing detection button 2F20000 is determined to be "ON," and in which the relationship between "relative rotation direction" and "screen movement direction" is reversed.

[0133] For example, if the wheel position is 2F22000 and it is determined to be the left wheel, and the relative rotation direction is 2F22100 and it is determined to be forward rotation, then in Type 1 the screen is moved downwards, but in Type 2 the screen is moved upwards. Also, if the relative rotation direction is 2F22100 and it is determined to be reverse rotation, the screen is moved vertically downwards. This relationship is the same when the wheel position is 2F22000 and it is determined to be the right wheel, so the explanation for when it is determined to be the right wheel is omitted.

[0134] Figure 22 is a Type 3 flowchart where the relationship between the "positions of the left and right wheels" and the "vertical and horizontal scrolling" is reversed when the bearing detection button 2F20000 is set to "ON".

[0135] For example, if the wheel position is 2F23000 and it is determined to be the left wheel, Type 1 moves the screen vertically, but Type 3 moves the screen horizontally. Also, if the wheel position is 2F23000 and it is determined to be the right wheel, the screen moves vertically downwards. Aside from this reversal of the relationship between the wheel position and the direction of movement, it is the same as Type 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0136] Figure 23 is a Type 4 flowchart for the case where the bearing detection button 2F20000 is "ON," in which the relationship between "relative rotation direction" and "screen movement direction" is swapped, as well as the relationship between "left wheel and right wheel position" and "vertical scroll and horizontal scroll." In other words, since the Type 4 flowchart is a combination of the Type 2 and Type 3 flowcharts, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0137] In the second embodiment, in addition to the main buttons, the wheel 600 may be equipped with sub-buttons that have the same function as the main buttons. That is, when the scroller 2000 is used by gripping it, it is possible to use the four main buttons provided on each handle of the gripping member 400. However, when the scroller 2000 is mounted on the support member ST300, the main buttons also rotate when the gripping member 400 is rotated during the scroll operation, making it difficult to use the four main buttons. Therefore, when the scroller 2000 is mounted on the support member ST300, it would be desirable for the four sub-buttons to be able to substitute for the function of the four main buttons.

[0138] Here, using Figure 15, we will briefly explain the buttons provided on the left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 of the wheel 600. Sub-button 1 601 and sub-button 2 602 are provided on the circumferential surface of the left rim handle 201, projecting vertically from the axis of the left rim handle 201. Sub-button 3 603 and sub-button 4 604 are provided on the circumferential surface of the right rim handle 202, projecting vertically from the axis of the right rim handle 202. For convenience, sub-buttons 1 601, 2 602, 3 603, and 4 604 will be collectively referred to as the "four sub-buttons" unless otherwise specified.

[0139] In more detail, when the wheel 600 is attached to the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300, and the bearing detection button 608 and bearing detection button 609 are pressed simultaneously, the main button 1 101 is deactivated and the sub-button 1 601 is activated. Similarly, the main buttons 2 102, 3 103, and 4 104 are deactivated, and their corresponding sub-buttons 2 602, 3 603, and 4 604 are activated.

[0140] The structure of the four sub-buttons should preferably be biased outward by an elastic force such as a spring, so that they operate as "on" when pressed and "off" when not pressed. However, the structure of the buttons is not particularly limited as long as the above-described on / off operation is possible. The four sub-buttons are configured to activate their function when it is detected that the scroller 2000 has been attached to the support member ST300.

[0141] The signals from the four sub-buttons are transmitted via the left electrode 611 and right electrode 613 of the wheel 600 to the left gear frame electrode 10809 and right gear frame electrode 10811 provided on the pair of gear frames 10813 of the gear mechanism 500, and then transmitted to the control unit B102. More specifically, the left electrode 611 and right electrode 613 are provided with multiple electrodes corresponding to the four sub-buttons, and similarly, the left gear frame electrode 10809 and right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500 are provided with multiple electrodes, and these electrodes are connected to the control unit B102.

[0142] Figure 11 illustrates how the second embodiment is used. The user of the scroller 2000 approaches it from the back of the support member ST300, with a display device (not shown) positioned in front of it. A keyboard (not shown) is also positioned within the user's reach. In this configuration, the scroller 2000 is higher than the keyboard, preventing it from interfering with mouse operation as in conventional designs. Furthermore, while it is usually necessary to shift one's eyes to confirm the mouse's position when switching from keyboard to mouse operation, this embodiment ensures that the scroller 2000 does not move during operation, thus preventing interruptions to computer-based work and improving work efficiency. This embodiment is particularly suitable for tasks using software that involves moving the display screen horizontally or vertically, such as spreadsheet software. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 100 Gripping member (first embodiment) 108 Gear mechanism (first embodiment) 109 Detection switch 110 Guide groove 113 Left-hand drive 114 Right-hand drive 200 wheels 210 Internal gear 211 Clamping ring 212 Through hole ST300 Support Member 400 Gripping member material (second embodiment) 500 Gear mechanism (second embodiment) 600 Wheel (Second Embodiment) 1000 Scroller 2000 Scroller

Claims

1. A scroller that moves the display area of ​​images and information displayed on a screen in the left-right or up-down direction, The aforementioned scroller comprises a cylindrical gripping member and a cylindrical wheel attached to approximately the center of the gripping member. The wheel is rotatable relative to the axis of the gripping member and is also movable relative to the wheel over a predetermined distance in the direction of the axis. The aforementioned rotation moves the display area left-right or up-down, A scroller that allows the movement of the display screen by rotation to be switched between the left-right direction and the up-down direction, depending on which end of the gripping member the wheel is located at.

2. The aforementioned scroller can be supported by a support member via the wheel, When it is detected that the scroller is supported by the support member, The scroller according to claim 1, characterized in that the relationship between the rotation direction of the wheel and the movement direction of the display area is reversed.

3. The aforementioned scroller can be supported by a support member via the wheel, When it is detected that the scroller is supported by the support member, The scroller according to claim 1, characterized in that the relationship between the position of the wheel relative to the gripping member and the left-right or up-down movement direction of the display area due to the rotation of the wheel is reversed.

Images