Scroller

Abstract

To provide a scroller that enables scrolling display of a display area of ​​an image or information displayed on a display screen of an information device with the same operability while switching between vertical and horizontal movement, even in an environment where it is difficult to secure a space for operating a keyboard or a mouse. [Solution] The scroller 1000 of the present invention comprises a gripping member 100 and a wheel 200 attached so as to be rotatable relative to the axis of the gripping member 100 and movable a predetermined distance along the axis of the gripping member 100. The display area for images and information is moved by the rotation of the wheel, and the position of the wheel 200 relative to the gripping member 100 allows the direction of movement of the display area to be switched between vertical and horizontal depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel 200.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scroller that is operated to move a display area displayed on a screen of a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer). Note that "scrolling" in this application means moving the display area of ​​an image or information displayed on a display screen in a horizontal or vertical direction. [Background technology]

[0002] With the widespread use of PCs (including desktop PCs, laptop PCs, and other information terminals), the majority of everyday tasks are now performed using PCs. To operate such PCs, a keyboard is required for inputting data, and just like a keyboard, a mouse is becoming increasingly important. When viewing images or information displayed on a display screen, it is particularly convenient to use a mouse to input movement commands and move the display area up, down, left, or right.

[0003] Incidentally, Patent Document 1 is disclosed as prior art. Patent Document 1 is a wireless remote control for remotely operating an air conditioner or the like, and is formed into a cylindrical shape to reduce the size of the remote control body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jikkai Showa 60-174380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when using a keyboard or mouse to input data, you have to place them on the desk, which requires a certain amount of space on the desk nearby. As a result, it can be difficult to secure space when working while keeping paper documents at hand. Also, when using a laptop PC in a location without a desk, it can be difficult to operate with a mouse.

[0006] Therefore, we provide a scroller that enables users to move the display area of ​​images and information displayed on the display screen of information devices even in environments where it is difficult to secure space on a desk to operate a mouse, or in places where there is no desk at all. Also, the scroller can be operated naturally even when attached to a support member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A scroller that moves the display area of ​​an image or information displayed on a display screen in the left-right or up-down direction, the scroller has a gripping member as a first rotating body and a wheel rotating body as a second rotating body, The wheel is provided at a substantially central portion of the gripping member so that an axis of the gripping member and an axis of the wheel are aligned, A scroller is provided, characterized in that the gripping member and the wheel are relatively movable.

[0008] Furthermore, a scroller is provided that detects that the scroller is attached to a support member and reverses the relationship between the rotation direction of the wheel and the direction of scroll movement, and the relationship between vertical scrolling and horizontal scrolling depending on the position of the wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0010] Even when attached to the support member, the scroll wheel can be operated in the same direction as when not attached, allowing scrolling in the same direction as before attachment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

[0013] 1 shows a scroller 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The scroller 1000 comprises a cylindrical gripping member 100 that constitutes the main body, and a wheel 200 attached to approximately the center 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 so as to be movable left-right along the axis of the gripping member 100.

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

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

[0016] In this embodiment, the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 have the same length and outer diameter, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the length and outer diameter dimensions 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 and outer diameter dimensions of the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 different, it becomes easier to distinguish the left and right directions of the scroller 1000 when holding the scroller 1000.

[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, when viewed in a cross section cut along a plane passing through the axis of the gripping member 100, it has an approximately rectangular structure with a slightly narrower central portion.

[0018] Furthermore, the grip member 100 may be provided with a left grip 106 having a number of small protrusions at approximately the left tip of the left handle 113, protruding by a predetermined width in the outer circumferential direction from the left handle 113. Similarly, a right grip 105 without small protrusions may be provided at approximately the right tip of the right handle 114, protruding by a predetermined width in the outer circumferential direction from the right handle 114.

[0019] The left grip 106 and the right grip 105 may be made of a different material from the left and right handles, i.e., a non-slip rubber material. The small protrusions may be provided on either the left or right grip, or alternatively, the small protrusions may be provided only on the right grip. Providing small protrusions on only one of the grips makes it easier to distinguish between left and right when holding the scroller 1000 in your hand.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the guide groove 110 when the gripping member 100 is viewed from the back.

[0021] 3, an opening 107 is formed in the guide groove 110 along the axis on the circumferential surface of the guide groove 110. Through this opening 107, clamping plates 10901 and 10902 are provided to protrude outside the guide groove 110 and transmit a switching operation to a gear a10801 of a gear mechanism 108 (see FIG. 4) described later and a detection switch 109 (see FIG. 5) described later.

[0022] The left-right length of the opening 107 is such that it is possible for the gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 and the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 to protrude, and also such that the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 can move laterally along the axis of the gripping member 100 by switching operation using the lateral movement of the wheel 200 (see Figures 7 and 8) described below.

[0023] The position where the opening 107 is opened in the guide groove 110 is preferably approximately 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. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the position in the circumferential surface direction of the guide groove 110 is opened on the back side, but this is not limited to this.

[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 has a pair of gear frames 10807 arranged on the left and right ends, which support two stays 10808 arranged on the lower end of the gear frame 10807 and a shaft that penetrates and supports the gear a 10801 arranged on 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 substantially triangular shape with the attachment parts for the pair of stays 10808 as the base and the axis of the gear a 10801 as the apex.

[0025] Gear b 10802 is provided on the shaft that penetrates and supports gear a 10801 and protrudes outward from one gear frame 10807. Furthermore, gear c 10803 is provided so as to engage with gear b 10802 at the point where the axis of encoder 10805 provided between a pair of stays 10808 protrudes outward from the gear frame 10807. Furthermore, gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 is provided between the two stays 10808, which processes the rotation signal output from the encoder and outputs the signal to control unit B 10802, which will be described later.

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

[0027] Here, we will explain in detail how, when the wheel 200 rotates relatively around the axis of the gripping member 100, the movement is transmitted to the encoder 10805 via each gear of the gear mechanism 108. In the scroller 1000, an internal gear 210 attached to the inner periphery of the wheel 200 (described later) is engaged with a gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108, and when the wheel 200 rotates relative to the gripping member 100, for example, the movement is transmitted in the order of (1) to (6) below. (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 that is engaged with the internal gear 210 that is attached to the wheel 200, causing the gear a10801 to rotate. (3) The rotation of the gear a 10801 is transmitted to the gear b 10802, which is provided on the extension of the axis of the gear a 10801 that passes through the gear frame 10807, and causes the gear b 10802 to rotate. (4) Gear c10803, which is engaged with gear b10802, rotates. (5) The transmission shaft 10804, which is the axis of the gear c10803, rotates in conjunction with the gear c10803. (6) The rotational motion is transmitted to the transmission shaft 10804 and the encoder 10805 which is axially connected to it.

[0028] In addition, the gear frame 10807 has a structure that is approximately 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, so that the gear a10801 at the top of the gear mechanism 108 can be suitably protruded from the opening 107 opened in the guide groove 110.

[0029] Next, a method for attaching the gear mechanism 108 to the gripping member 100 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member 100 near the guide groove 110. A gear rail 115 is attached inside the gripping member 100 at a position facing the guide groove 110. More specifically, the gear rail 115 is a plate-like member extending in the axial direction of the gripping member 100, and may be formed integrally with the gripping member 100 so that the side surface extending in the axial direction of the gripping member 100 is connected to the gripping member 100, or may be formed as a separate part and then adhered or fitted to the inside of the gripping member 100. In addition, the bottom surface is formed by two arcs formed to follow the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the gear frame 10807 and a flat surface connecting the two arcs.

[0030] Furthermore, rail ends 116 extending toward the opening 107 are provided on both left and right ends of the gear rail 115 in the axial direction of the gripping member 100. The distance between the rail ends 116 at both ends, i.e., the length of the gear rail 115, is made approximately the same as the distance between the gear frames 10807 at both ends of the gear mechanism 108. As a result, even if a 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 stopped by the rail ends 116, and therefore, movement of the gear mechanism 108 in the axial direction of the gripping member 100 is restricted.

[0031] Furthermore, movement of the gear mechanism 108 toward the outer periphery of the gripping member 100 is restricted by engagement of the gear mechanism 108 from the outside with an internal gear 210 of a wheel 200, which will be described later. That is, the gear mechanism 108 does not move on the gear rail 115 .

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

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

[0034] As a result, when wheel 200 (see FIG. 7) moves in the axial direction of gripping member 100, clamping plates 10901 and 10902 move due to pinching ring 211 of wheel 200. In response to this movement, transmission arm 10903 moves relative to detection switch 109, enabling detection switch 109 to detect the movement of wheel 200. This makes it possible to switch the movement direction of the display screen by rotating wheel 200, i.e., between left and right and up and down, 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 a three-pole metal terminal, but the detection switch may have any structure as long as it is capable of detecting the movement of the wheel 200.

[0036] Next, the wheel 200 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the wheel 200 as seen from the right side, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the wheel 200 as seen from the left side. For the sake of explanation, the illustration of the gripping member 100 is omitted in Figures 7 and 8.

[0037] The wheel 200 is composed of a cylindrical housing 213, a left rim handle 201 and a right rim handle 202 provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of both the left and right ends of the housing 213 and protruding toward the outer periphery of the wheel 200 by a predetermined width, an internal gear 210 formed inside, and a clamping ring 211.

[0038] The outer peripheral surfaces of the left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 are provided with a plurality of protrusions 203 extending in the left-right direction. Although Figures 7 and 8 show the wheel 200 formed as a single unit, it may alternatively be formed by dividing the wheel into upper and lower halves on a plane including the axis of the wheel, and then fitting the upper and lower halves together to cover the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100. The left rim handle 201 and the right rim handle 202 may also be formed from a non-slip rubber material or the like.

[0039] Next, the internal structure of the wheel 200 will be described with reference to 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 position 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, the right recessed wall 209 is formed with a through-hole 212 that reaches the left recessed wall 207, which will be described later.

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

[0041] A ring-shaped sandwiching ring 211 having a predetermined thickness is provided on the inner side of the right recessed wall 209. The clamping ring 211 is provided so as to be inserted between the clamping plates 10901 and 10902 provided on the gripping member 100 when the wheel 200 is attached to the gripping member 100 (see FIG. 3). This makes it possible to detect which end the wheel 200 is positioned at when the wheel 200 moves left and 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 provided on the gripping member 100, and may be, for example, about 2 millimeters. The inner diameter of the clamping ring 211 is formed larger than the inner diameter of the right recessed wall 209 so as not to come into contact with the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100.

[0042] An internal gear 210 is provided on the inner periphery of the wheel 200, behind the clamping ring 211, to engage with gear a10801 of the gear mechanism 108 (see Figure 4) provided in the gripping member 100 and transmit the rotational movement of the wheel 200 to the gear mechanism 108.

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

[0044] The spacing between the internal gear 210 of the wheel 200 and the clamping ring 211 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 wheel 200 moves toward the axial direction of the gripping member 100.

[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 as viewed from the left side. As shown in Figure 8, on the left side of the wheel 200, a left side 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 position a predetermined distance from the left side wall 204 of the wheel 200, reaching a left recessed wall 207 which is also formed with 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 so as to have a slight gap with respect to the outer diameter of the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100, 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. Therefore, the inner diameter of the left recessed wall 207 provided on the left side surface and the inner diameter of the right recessed wall 209 provided on the right side surface 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 surface of the wheel 200 and the inner diameter surface of the right recessed wall 209 on the right side surface slide along the guide groove 110 of the gripping member 100, allowing the wheel 200 to rotate about the axis of the gripping member 100 and move along the axis of the gripping member 100. As with the right recessed wall 209 on the right side surface, a lubricating member may be attached to the inner diameter portion of the left recessed wall 207 to facilitate rotation and sliding.

[0048] Next, the relationship between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200 when the wheel 200 moves left and right on the axis of the gripping member 100 will be described. For convenience, the state in which the wheel 200 moves leftward along the axis of the gripping member 100 and the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100 and the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 abut is defined as the "left wheel state," and similarly, the state in which the wheel 200 moves rightward along the axis of the gripping member 100 and the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100 and the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 abut is defined 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 come into contact with each other, so the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 does not move further leftward beyond the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100. In addition, in the right wheel state, the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 come into contact with the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100, so the right recessed wall 209 of the wheel 200 does not move further rightward beyond the right guide groove wall 112 of the gripping member 100. The distance that 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] This distance relationship can be expressed by the following formula: (Number 1) L=kh (1) L: distance that 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 left recessed wall 207 to right recessed wall 209 of wheel 200 Furthermore, if the depth of the left recessed wall 207, that is, the predetermined distance from the left side wall 204 to the left recessed wall 207, is defined as LC, it is desirable that the relationship between LC and L be as follows. (Number 2) LC>L (2) Similarly, if 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, is defined as RC, it is preferable that the relationship between RC and L be as follows. (Number 3) RC>L (3)

[0051] The above formulas (2) and (3) will be explained in more detail. When the wheel 200 is in the left wheel state, the left guide groove wall 111 of the gripping member 100 and the left recessed wall 207 of the wheel 200 abut against each other, and the left side wall 204 is positioned further to the left, beyond the vertical plane of the left guide groove wall 111, by a distance of 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 rightward from the right recessed wall 209 by a distance RC.

[0052] Similarly, when the wheel 200 moves to the right wheel state, 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 a 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 rightward 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 makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the guide groove 110 and maintain a good operating environment.

[0054] Next, the signal processing performed inside the scroller 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the signal processing of this embodiment. Note that the signal processing is performed inside the scroller 1000, more specifically, by a main board (not shown) provided inside the gripping member 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the main board is provided with at least a rotation speed detection unit B101, a rotation direction detection unit B103, a movement direction detection unit B104, a control unit B102, an output unit B105, and a power supply unit B106.

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

[0056] The rotation direction detection unit B103 receives a signal from a gear mechanism auxiliary board 10806 provided in the gear mechanism 108, detects the direction in which the wheel 200 is rotating relative to the grip member 100, and outputs the result 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 and processes signals from the rotation speed detection unit B101, the rotation direction detection unit B103, and the movement direction detection unit B104, and outputs the results to the output unit B105. Details of the signal processing by the control unit B102 will be described later.

[0059] The output unit B105 converts the signal received from the control unit B102 into a wireless signal or an optical signal and transmits it, or transmits it to a display device such as a PC via a signal line. The wireless method may be either an infrared method or a radio wave method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0060] The power supply unit B106 is composed of a battery or a battery, 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 control executed by the control unit B102 will be shown using Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the first embodiment. The control unit B102 executes, for example, the operation steps shown in this flowchart. First, in step 1F1000 "relative rotation", a signal from the rotation speed detection unit B101 is received to determine whether or not relative rotational movement is detected between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200. If no relative rotational movement is detected (N judgment), the system waits, and if a relative rotational movement is detected (Y judgment), 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 determines whether the detection switch 109 determines whether the wheel position is on the left side of the gripping member 100, i.e., "left wheel state", or on the right side of the gripping member 100, i.e., "right wheel state". Note that in this case, the display screen moves vertically (up and down), and in the case of "right wheel state", the display screen moves left and right. 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 and acquires the rotation direction of the wheel 200. Note that this "relative rotation direction" refers to the direction of rotation between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200, and means in which direction the gripping member 100 or the wheel 200 is rotated with the other one as the reference. In other words, it refers to the rotation direction of the wheel 200 when the gripping member 100 is rotated with the orientation of the gripping member 100 fixed, or the rotation method of the gripping member 100 when the wheel 200 is fixed and the gripping member 100 is rotated, or the rotation direction between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200 when neither is fixed and they rotate 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 wheel 200 rotates clockwise when the wheel 200 is held, i.e., when the wheel 200 is fixed, and when the two 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, when the gripping member 100 is held, i.e., when the gripping member 100 is fixed, the wheel 200 rotates clockwise, when the wheel 200 is held, i.e., when the wheel 200 is fixed, the gripping member 100 rotates counterclockwise, and when the two are rotated without being fixed, the gripping member 100 rotates counterclockwise and the wheel 200 rotates clockwise.

[0066] Therefore, if the "relative rotation direction" in step 1F2100 is determined to be a forward rotation, the relative rotation speed is acquired in step 1F2110, and a signal to move the display screen vertically downward at a speed corresponding to the acquired relative rotation speed is output in step 1F2111.

[0067] That is, in step 1F2110 "obtain relative rotation speed", the control unit B102 obtains the relative rotation speed between the grip member 100 and the wheel 200 from the rotation speed detection unit B101. Then, a signal is generated to move the display screen vertically downward at a speed according to the obtained relative rotation speed, and is sent to the output unit B105 (step 1F2111).

[0068] On the other hand, if the "relative rotation direction" in step 1F2100 determines that the rotation is reverse, the relative rotation speed is acquired in step 1F2120, and a signal to move the display screen vertically upward at a speed corresponding to the acquired relative rotation speed is output to the output unit 105 in step 1F2121. If it is determined in step 1F2000 that the wheel position is in the right wheel state, the flow proceeds from step 1F2000 in FIG. 10 to the right side, but the direction of movement of the screen changes to the left and right, so the explanation is omitted as it is the same as in the case of the left wheel.

[0069] As a result of the above, the screen scrolls in response to the operation of the scroller 1000 in the following four ways: <1> When rotated forward with the left wheel: Scrolls the screen vertically downwards (1F2111). <2> When rotated in reverse while in left wheel mode: Scrolls the screen vertically upwards (1F2121). <3> When rotated forward with the right wheel: Scrolls the screen horizontally to the right (1F2211). <4> When rotating in the reverse direction with the right wheel: Scrolls the screen horizontally to the left (1F2221).

[0070] Next, a method of operating the scroller 1000 will be described. The scroller 1000 is held and used by a user. That is, the user holds the left handle 113 of the gripping member 100 with the left hand and the right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 with the right hand, or holds the left end of the gripping member 100 in the palm of the left hand and the right end in the palm of the right hand, supporting the gripping member 100. Then, the user uses the free fingers of the left and right hands, for example, the thumbs, to move 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] The size of the scroller 1000 is not particularly limited, but to facilitate smooth operation, it is desirable that the left handle 113 and the right handle 114 have a diameter that is easy to grip, for example, 4 to 5 cm. 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 to 14 cm. It is also desirable that the left rim handle 201 of the wheel 200 is positioned at least 5 cm from the left end of the gripping member 100, and the right rim handle 202 is positioned at least 5 cm from the right end of the gripping member 100.

[0072] Up to this point, the operation of gripping both ends of the gripping member 100 and rotating the wheel relative to the gripping member has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the left handle 113 or right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 may be gripped with one hand while the wheel 200 is rotated with the other hand, or the wheel 200 may be gripped with one hand while the left handle 113 or right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 is rotated with the other hand. In other words, regardless of the method of rotation, the display area of ​​the display screen is moved (scrolled) by causing a relative rotation between the gripping member 100 and the wheel 200.

[0073] 1 and 2, the left end of the gripping member 100 is provided with a left grip 106 having many small protrusions, and the right end is provided with a right grip 105 having no small protrusions, so that when a user grips the scroller 1000, the user can grasp the scroller 1000 without mistaking the left or right orientation of the scroller 1000 by sight or touch. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left handle 113 and right handle 114 of the gripping member 100 may be provided with four buttons, main button 101 to main button 4 104.

[0074] A brief description will be given of each button provided on the left handle 113 and right handle 114 of the scroller 1000. The first main button 101 and the second main button 102 are provided on the circumferential surface of the left handle 113 so as to protrude vertically outward from the axis of the left handle 113. The third main button 103 and the fourth main button 104 are provided 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, the first main button 101, the second main button 102, the third main button 103, and the fourth main button 104 will hereinafter be collectively referred to as the "four main buttons" unless otherwise specified. Each of the four main buttons is electrically connected to the control unit B102.

[0075] The structure of the four main buttons can be, for example, such that they operate by using the elasticity of a spring or the like to turn on when pressed and off when not pressed.As long as the on / off operation described above is possible, the structure of the buttons is not particularly important.

[0076] The four main buttons may be configured so that the commands assigned to each button are activated by pressing the button alone, by pressing multiple buttons simultaneously, or by pressing and holding a button while rotating wheel 200.

[0077] For example, pressing any of the main buttons alone can set the page to "forward / back" if a web page is being viewed, to "mute / unmute" the playback sound if audio is being played, or to "stop / resume" the video if a video is being played. Also, by rotating wheel 200 while pressing and holding a button, the user can fine-tune the setting value to suit their preferences, such as "zooming in / out the display screen" or "increasing / decreasing the volume" according to the amount of rotation of wheel 200. (Second Example)

[0078] The second embodiment of the present invention allows the scroller to be supported by a support member for use. That is, the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment may be held with both hands in use, as with the scroller 1000 according to the first embodiment, or may be attached to a support member so that it is held at a predetermined height. The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 23. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and numbers, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment is attached to a support member ST300. As shown in Fig. 11, the scroller 2000 according to the second embodiment is held at a predetermined height by the support member ST300. As shown in Fig. 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 may support the scroller 2000 at any position, but considering operability, left-right weight balance, etc., it is preferable to position the support member ST300 at approximately the center in the left-right direction of the scroller 2000. Therefore, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the support member ST300 is attached to approximately the center of the scroller 2000, i.e., approximately the center of the wheel 600.

[0081] 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 at approximately the center in the left-right direction by the support member ST300. In this case, the wheel 600 is fixed by the support member ST300 and 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 grip member 400, not the wheel 600.

[0082] Meanwhile, as described above, the scroller 2000 of the second embodiment can be used not only by being attached to the support member ST300, but also by being detached from the support member ST300 and held by the user's hand.

[0083] This can lead to the following problem: For example, if a user holds the scroller 2000 in their hand, fixes the gripping member 400, and rotates the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000 counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, the relative rotation directions of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 are reversed when compared with when the user fixes the wheel 600 of the scroller 2000 to the support member ST300 and similarly rotates the gripping member 400 counterclockwise as viewed from the right side. Therefore, even if the user rotates in the same direction, the scrolling direction (movement direction) of the display screen is reversed, which may confuse the user.

[0084] Similarly, for example, 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 user fixes the wheel 600 and moves the gripping member 400 to the left in the same manner, the relative movement directions of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 are reversed. As a result, even though the wheel 600 or the gripping member 400 is moved to the left in the same manner, the movement direction of the display screen is different, which is undesirable and causes confusion for the user. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is desirable to detect that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300 and reverse the output relative to the input.

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

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

[0087] As shown in Fig. 12, a recessed groove 605 for attaching the support member ST300 to the wheel 600 is provided in the approximate center in the left-right direction of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 620 of the wheel 600. The recessed groove 605 is a recess with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth, and is desirably formed over more than half the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 620 of the wheel 600 to ensure reliable engagement with the support member ST300. At both ends of the recessed groove 605, there are further provided mating holes a606 (see Fig. 15) and b607 engraved in the axial direction of the wheel 600. Furthermore, there are provided bearing detection buttons 608 (see Fig. 15) and 609 at two predetermined locations on the bottom surface of the recessed groove 605.

[0088] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the recessed groove 605 provided in the approximate center of the wheel 600. Note that only the positions of the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 are shown. Details of the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 will be described later.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, the recessed groove 605 is a groove provided in the housing 620 of the wheel 600, extending over half the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 620, and is provided with a fitting hole a606 and a fitting hole b607 at both ends thereof. The orientation of the recessed groove 605 provided in the housing 620 relative to the circumferential direction of the wheel 600 may be arbitrary, but when the wheel 600 is attached to the support member ST300, it is desirable for use that the four secondary buttons described below are positioned so that they are easily visible, i.e., directly in front of the user or slightly above that.

[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 FIG. 18), the fitting protrusion ST30201 and the fitting piece ST30202 provided on the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300 are engaged with the fitting hole a606 and the fitting hole b607 of the wheel 600, respectively. As a result, the scroller 2000 is supported on the support member ST300 via the wheel 600. At the same time, the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 are pressed down by the bearing ST302. Bearing detection button 608 and bearing detection button 609 can be placed anywhere between fitting hole a 606 and fitting hole b 607, but it is preferable to place them as far apart as possible. Placing them far apart prevents the user from accidentally pressing both bearing detection buttons at the same time even if their fingertip accidentally touches them.

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

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

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

[0094] Although not shown, the pair of signal wires 614 of the bearing detection button 608 and the pair of signal wires of the bearing detection button 609 are connected in series. That is, one signal wire is connected to each of the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609. The other ends of the signal wires are connected to a left electrode 611 (described later) and a right electrode 613 (described later) on the other side.

[0095] Returning to Figure 12, the internal structure of wheel 600 will be described. A ring-shaped right electrode seat 612 that protrudes toward the inside of wheel 600 is mounted on the right side of the inner circumference of wheel 600, between clamping ring 211 and internal gear 210. A right electrode 613 is further provided on the inner circumferential surface of right electrode seat 612, extending over the entire inner circumferential surface.

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

[0097] Next, a gripping member 400 according to a 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 part of the configuration of the gear mechanism and the method of attaching the gear mechanism. Therefore, the configuration of the gear mechanism 500 according to the second embodiment will be described first with reference to Figure 16. The gear mechanism 500 has electrodes to which signal lines are connected for electrically detecting that the scroller 2000 has been attached to the support member ST300. Furthermore, the gear mechanism 500 has a configuration that enables the gear mechanism 500 to move within the gripping member 400 along the axis of the gripping member 400 in response to the movement of the wheel 600 along the axis of the gripping member 400. First, the connection of the signal lines will be described below.

[0098] In the gear mechanism 500, a left gear frame electrode 10809 and a right gear frame electrode 10811 are provided at the upper ends of a 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 following provides a detailed description of the gear frame electrodes attached to the pair of gear frames 10813. Since the attachment structures of the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 are the same, we will only explain the left gear frame electrode 10809 and will omit the explanation of the right gear frame electrode.

[0100] The upper end of the gear frame 10813, to which the left gear frame electrode 10809 is attached, has a generally arc-shaped groove formed therein that follows the contour of the gear frame 10813 in side view, while leaving wall portions of a predetermined width on the left and right sides. Furthermore, a left guide plate 10810 is attached to this groove. Like the gear frame 10813, the left guide plate 10810 also has a groove formed therein that follows the contour of the gear frame 10813 in side view, while leaving wall portions of a predetermined width on the left and right sides of the upper end.

[0101] Furthermore, a left gear frame electrode 10809 is attached to a groove in the left guide plate 10810. Although not shown, a signal line extending to a grip detection unit B201 (described later) is attached to the left gear frame electrode 10809. This allows the grip detection unit B201 to detect whether the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 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 seat 610 of the wheel 600 is inserted into the left guide plate 10810 of the gear mechanism 500, and the right electrode seat 612 of the wheel 600 is inserted into the right guide plate 10812 of the gear mechanism 500, so that the positional relationship between the wheel 600 and the gear mechanism 500 in the gripping member 400 in the axial direction of the gripping member 400 is fixed. In other words, even if one of the wheel 600 and 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. Therefore, the gear mechanism 500 is attached so as to be axially movable within the gripping member 400.

[0103] Next, a method for attaching the gear mechanism 500 to the gripping member 400 will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the inside of the gripping member 400 near the guide groove 110. In this embodiment, the gear mechanism 500 is configured to move on a gear rail 117 inside the gripping member 400 as the gear mechanism 500 moves in the axial direction of the wheel 600.

[0104] That is, the arcs at the lower ends of the pair of gear frames 10813 of the gear mechanism 500 are guided by a pair of arc-shaped recesses provided in the gear rail 117 and slide on the gear rail 117. Therefore, the length in the left-right direction (axial direction) of the gear rail 117 provided inside the gripping member 400 is set in consideration of the length necessary for movement of the gear mechanism 500 as the gripping member 400 moves in the axial direction relative to the wheel 600. Note that, although nothing equivalent to the rail ends 116 of the first embodiment is provided at either end of the gear rail 117, rail ends may also be provided in the present embodiment.

[0105] Furthermore, the gear rail 117 of the gripping member 400 may be processed to allow the bottom portion of the gear frame 10813 of the gear mechanism 500 to slide smoothly on the surface of the gear rail 117, in order to facilitate 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 seat 610 of the wheel 600 abuts against the left gear frame electrode 10809 of the gear mechanism 500, and the right electrode 613 of the right electrode seat 612 of the wheel 600 abuts against the right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500.

[0107] When 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 revolve along the left electrode 611 and the right electrode 613 of the wheel 600 .

[0108] With this configuration, signals from the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 are sent to the inside of the gripping member 400 via the gear mechanism 500 . Note that, because the left electrode base 610 of the wheel 600 is inserted between the wall portions of the left guide plate 10810, when the wheel 600 rotates, the left electrode base 610 slides against the wall portion of the left guide plate 10810. Similarly, because the right electrode base 612 of the wheel 600 is inserted between the wall portions of the right guide plate 10812, when the wheel 600 rotates, the right electrode base 612 slides against the wall portion of the right guide plate 10812. 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, the support member ST300 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The support member ST300 holds the scroller 2000 at a predetermined height. Fig. 11 shows the support member ST300 positioned so that it faces the user who operates the scroller 2000 from the rear side.

[0110] The support member ST300 is composed of a base pedestal ST310, a support column ST303 extending upward from the base pedestal ST310, and an arm ST301 extending rearward from the support column ST303. Base caps ST311 and ST312 are attached to both longitudinal ends of the base pedestal ST310, which is rectangular in plan view, and a base through-hole ST309 is provided along the longitudinal center line 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] A base screw ST306 having a screw through-hole ST307 through which a base rail ST308 passes is provided at the lower end of the support pillar ST303, and a support pillar nut ST305 is provided to be threaded onto the base screw ST306. As a result, the base rail ST308 can be fixed in the screw through-hole ST307 by rotating the support pillar nut ST305 in the tightening direction, and the base rail ST308 can be moved in the screw through-hole ST307 by rotating the support pillar nut ST305 in the loosening direction. In other words, the support pillar ST303 can be moved and fixed to any position along the base rail ST308 by tightening and loosening the support pillar nut.

[0112] Meanwhile, an arm ST301 is attached to the upper end of the support ST303. A groove ST313 is formed in the upper end of the support 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 can be changed by rotating the arm screw ST304. Meanwhile, one end of the arm ST301 is formed slightly thinner than the width of the groove ST313, and is provided with a hole (not shown) through which the arm screw ST304 passes. Thus, one end of the arm ST301 is fitted into the groove ST313 of the support ST303, and the arm screw ST304 passes through a hole (not shown) in the arm ST301 so as to be able to be screwed into the arm nut ST314 (not shown). This makes it possible to change and fix the angle between the support ST303 and the arm ST301 to any angle by rotating the arm screw ST304.

[0113] A bearing ST302 for attaching a wheel 600 is provided at the other end of the arm ST301. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the arm ST301 of the support member ST300 and the bearing ST302 provided therein. An arc-shaped accommodation portion ST30101 for accommodating the bearing ST302 is formed at the tip of the arm ST301 of the support member ST300. The accommodation portion ST30101 is also provided with side guides ST30102 (not shown) for holding the bearing ST302 from the left and right directions. One end of the accommodation portion ST30101 is provided with an arm opening ST30103 for passing through the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600.

[0114] Additionally, multiple locking protrusions ST30203 are formed on the outer periphery of the bearing ST302 at predetermined intervals toward the outside. These multiple locking protrusions ST30203 abut against the housing portion ST30101 of the arm ST301, providing resistance when the bearing ST302 rotates within the housing portion ST30101. This allows the scroller 2000 attached to the support member ST300 to be oriented in a desired direction about its axis and prevents the orientation from shifting during use. Note that recesses corresponding to the locking protrusions ST30203 may be formed in the housing portion ST30101 to provide a click when adjusting 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 having an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the recessed groove 605. In addition, one end of the fitting opening ST30205 is provided with a bearing opening ST30206 through which the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 passes.

[0116] In FIG. 18, the arm opening ST30103 of the arm ST301 and the bearing opening ST30206 of the bearing ST302 are approximately the same size, but this is not limited to this as long as the arm opening ST30103 of the arm ST301 is formed larger than the bearing opening ST30206 of the bearing ST302.

[0117] Furthermore, the fitting opening ST30205 is provided with a fitting protrusion ST30201 and a fitting piece ST30202 that protrude inward of the fitting opening ST30205. The fitting piece ST30202 is provided at the tip of a hold arm ST30204 that extends inward of the fitting 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, and when the recessed groove 605 of the wheel 600 enters the fitting opening ST30205, the fitting protrusion ST30201 fits into the fitting hole a606 of the wheel 600, and the fitting piece ST30202 fits into the fitting hole b607 of the wheel 600, thereby securely holding the wheel 600. For these reasons, the bearing ST302 is desirably made of an elastic material, such as plastic.

[0119] The support member ST300 described here is merely one example, and any configuration may be used as long as it includes at least an arm opening ST30103, a bearing opening ST30206, a fitting opening ST30205, a fitting protrusion ST30201, a fitting piece ST30202, and a hold arm ST30204 and holds the scroller at a predetermined height. That is, unlike the support member ST300, the support column ST303 does not have to be movable in the forward and backward directions, and the arm ST301 does not have to be attached to the support column ST304 with free angle adjustment. Alternatively, various adjustment functions may be provided, such as the ability to adjust the orientation left and right.

[0120] As described above, when the wheel 600 is attached to the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300, the fitting 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 of 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, i.e., 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 according to the relative rotation direction between the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 when the scroller 2000 is not attached to the support member ST300 is reversed. Note that this is what is meant by reversing the relationship between the rotation direction of the wheel and the movement direction of the display area.

[0123] Similarly, when it is determined that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300, the switching between the up-down movement and the left-right movement of the screen, which corresponds to the relative axial positions of the gripping member 400 and the wheel 600 when the scroller 2000 is not attached to the support member ST300, is reversed. Note that this is what is meant by reversing 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 caused by the rotation of the wheel.

[0124] In the second embodiment, two buttons, bearing detection button 608 and bearing detection button 609, are provided, which are connected in series inside wheel 600. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the two bearing detection buttons are also positioned at distances from each other. Therefore, even if one of the bearing detection buttons is accidentally pressed, no signal is generated, preventing erroneous detection. For example, when scroller 2000 is removed from support member ST300 and used, even if the user accidentally presses one of the bearing detection buttons, erroneous operation can be prevented. Although this embodiment provides two bearing detection buttons, the number may be two or more, or may be one.

[0125] In addition, the signal generated when the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 of the wheel 600 are pressed is sent via the left electrode 611 and the right electrode 613 to the left gear frame electrode 10809 and the right gear frame electrode 10811 of the gear mechanism 500 of the gripping member 400, and is further transmitted to the grip detection unit B206 described later.

[0126] 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 button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 have been pressed down, it transmits this as a signal to the control unit B102. Then, when the control unit B102 receives the signal from the grip detection unit B201, it transmits an output signal to the output unit B105 in response to this signal.

[0127] The scroller 2000 can have the following four combinations of movement directions for the display screen, including the case where the scroller is held by the user's hand and the three cases where the scroller is attached to the support member ST300: Types 2 to 4 may be preset or may be selectable by the user.

[0128] When the user selects which of the three types to use, the user may do so using the four main buttons of the grip member 100 or the four sub-buttons of the wheel 600, which will be described later. Type 1: When the bearing detection button is OFF, i.e. when the bearing is not attached to a 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 swapped. 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 display screen movement direction for each type.

[0129] [Table 1]

[0130] The above relationship is processed by the control unit B102. The processing of the control unit B102 in the second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 20 to 23. Figures 20 to 23 are flowcharts of the second embodiment. What makes this different 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 described above, there are three patterns when the determination of the bearing detection button 2F20000 is "ON," i.e., when it is determined that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300.

[0131] FIG. 20 is a flowchart when the bearing detection button 2F20000 is judged to be "OFF." The flow after the bearing detection button 2F20000 is the same as the processing flow of the scroller 1000 in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. 21 to 23 show only the flow after the bearing detection button 2F20000 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 is determined to be "ON."

[0132] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a type 2 flow in which the relationship between the "relative rotation direction" and the "screen movement direction" is reversed, in one of the cases where the bearing detection button 2F20000 is judged to be "ON."

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

[0134] Figure 22 is a flowchart of Type 3 in which the relationship between "position of left wheel and right wheel" and "vertical scroll and horizontal scroll" is reversed when the judgment of bearing detection button 2F20000 is "ON".

[0135] For example, if the wheel position is 2F23000 and it is determined to be a left wheel, the screen moves up and down in Type 1, but in Type 3 it moves horizontally. Also, if the wheel position is 2F23000 and it is determined to be a right wheel, the screen moves vertically downward. Other than the fact that the relationship between the wheel position and movement direction is swapped, this is the same as Type 1, so explanation will be omitted.

[0136] Figure 23 shows a Type 4 flowchart in which the bearing detection button 2F20000 is judged to be "ON," swapping the relationship between the "relative rotation direction" and the "screen movement direction," as well as swapping the relationship between the "position of the left and right wheels" and the "vertical and horizontal scrolling." In other words, the Type 4 flowchart is a combination of the Type 2 and Type 3 flowcharts, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

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

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

[0139] Specifically, when the wheel 600 is attached to the bearing ST302 of the support member ST300 and the bearing detection button 608 and the bearing detection button 609 are pressed simultaneously, the main button 1 101 is disabled and the secondary button 1 601 is enabled. Similarly, the main button 2 102, main button 3 103, and main button 4 104 are each disabled, and the corresponding secondary button 2 602, secondary button 3 603, and secondary button 4 604 are enabled.

[0140] The four sub-buttons are preferably configured so that they are biased outward by, for example, a spring or other elastic force, and operate so that they are on when pressed and off when not pressed. There are no particular limitations on the button structure as long as they are capable of the on / off operation described above. The four sub-buttons are configured so that their functions are enabled when it is detected that the scroller 2000 is attached to the support member ST300.

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

[0142] Using FIG. 11 , we will explain how the second embodiment is used. The user of the scroller 2000 faces the scroller 2000 from the rear side of the support member ST300, and a display device (not shown) is located in front of the scroller 2000. A keyboard (not shown) is also located within reach of the user. In this state, the scroller 2000 is located higher than the keyboard, so the keyboard does not get in the way when operating a mouse, as in the past. Furthermore, when switching from keyboard operation to mouse operation, the user must move their eyes to check the mouse position. However, with this embodiment, the position of the scroller 2000 does not move during the operation, so work using a personal computer is not interrupted and work efficiency is improved. This is particularly suitable for work using software such as spreadsheet software, which requires the user to move the display screen horizontally and vertically while working. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 100 gripping member (first embodiment) 108 Gear mechanism (first embodiment) 109 Detector 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 (Second embodiment) 500 Gear mechanism (second embodiment) 600 Wheel (Second Example) 1000 Scroller 2000 Scroller

Claims

1. A scroller that moves the display area of ​​an image or information displayed on a display screen in the left-right or up-down direction, the scroller has a gripping member as a first rotating body and a wheel rotating body as a second rotating body, The wheel is provided at a substantially central portion of the gripping member so that an axis of the gripping member and an axis of the wheel are aligned, A scroller characterized in that the gripping member and the wheel are relatively movable.

2. the wheel is relatively rotatable about an axis of the gripping member and relatively movable a predetermined distance in the axis direction; The rotation moves the display area left and right or up and down, Depending on whether the wheel is located to the left or right of the center of the gripping member, 2. The scroller of claim 1, wherein the movement of the display area by the rotation can be switched between left and right directions and up and down directions.

3. 2. The scroller according to claim 1, wherein the length of each end of the wheel in the axial direction is longer than the length of each end of the guide groove of the gripping member in the axial direction.

4. the length of each end of the guide groove of the gripping member in the axial direction is the length from the left guide groove wall to the right guide groove wall; 2. The scroller according to claim 1, wherein the length of each of the axial ends of the wheel is the length from the left side wall to the right side wall.

5. 2. The scroller according to claim 1, wherein the distance that the wheel can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member is defined as the "predetermined distance."

6. The scroller defines a distance that the wheel can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member as a "predetermined distance," The predetermined distance can be expressed by the formula (Equation 1): (Math. 1) L=kh...(1) L: The distance that the wheel can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member k: distance from the left guide groove wall to the right guide groove wall of the gripping member h: Distance from the left recessed wall of the wheel to the right recessed wall Furthermore, a predetermined distance from the left side wall of the wheel to the left recessed wall is defined as LC, and the relationship between LC and L can be expressed by the following equation (Equation 2): (Math. 2) LC>L...(2) Similarly, the predetermined distance from the right side wall of the wheel to the right recessed wall is defined as RC, and the relationship between RC and L can be expressed by the following equation (Equation 3): (Math. 3) RC>L...(3) According to the above formulas (1), (2), and (3), the distance (L) that the wheel can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member is less than the distance (L) that the wheel can move left and right in the axial direction of the gripping member. By increasing the predetermined distance (LC) from the left side wall of the wheel to the left recessed wall and the predetermined distance (RC) from the right side wall of the wheel to the right recessed wall, Whether the wheel is positioned on the left or right side of the guide groove of the gripping member, 2. The scroller according to claim 1, wherein the wheels are provided so as to always cover the guide grooves of the gripping members.

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