Mouse and computer system

Abstract

The controlled device can be controlled by simple operation input using a mouse. [Solution] A mouse for controlling a controlled device, comprising: a top panel portion where the mouse user's hand comes into contact; a display portion that displays an operation image on the top panel portion; a detection portion that detects the position where the user touches their finger on the top panel portion while the operation image is displayed; a data creation portion that creates operation data indicating the operation content based on the position detected by the detection portion; and a communication portion that transmits the operation data to the controlled device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouse and a computer system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A mouse is known as an input device for controlling a controlled device such as a computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5559407 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, applications executed by controlled devices such as computers have become more diverse, and the operations that users must input into input devices to control the controlled devices have become more complex and various operations have been required. For example, applications have sometimes been executed by switching between keyboard operations and mouse operations multiple times. Therefore, it has been desired to simplify user input operations and improve the work efficiency for controlling controlled devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these points, and has as its object to enable a controlled device to be controlled by simple operation input using a mouse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mouse for controlling a controlled device, the mouse having a top panel portion that is contacted by the hand of a user of the mouse, a display portion that displays an operation image on the top panel portion, a detection portion that detects the position where the user touches the top panel portion with their finger while the operation image is displayed, a data creation portion that creates operation data indicating the operation content based on the position detected by the detection portion, and a communication portion that transmits the operation data to the controlled device.

[0007] The device may further include an operation receiving unit that receives a display operation to display the operation image on the display unit, and a display control unit that displays the operation image on the display unit in response to the operation receiving unit receiving the display operation.

[0008] The display control unit may cause the display unit to display the operation image selected from a plurality of image candidates based on the content of the display operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit.

[0009] The display control unit may acquire type data indicating the type of function being executed by the controlled device, and display the operation image selected from a plurality of operation image candidates based on the type data on the display unit.

[0010] The display control unit may cause the display unit to display the operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers when the type data indicates that a spreadsheet function is being executed on the controlled device.

[0011] The display control unit may cause the display unit to display the operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers, on the condition that a cell in a tabular file displayed by a spreadsheet function being executed on the controlled device is selected.

[0012] When the type data indicates that a communication function is being executed on the controlled device, the display control unit may display the operation image on the display unit for adjusting at least one of the volume of the sound output from the controlled device and the brightness of the image displayed by the controlled device.

[0013] The display unit may have a light-emitting device that emits light corresponding to the operation image, and the top panel may transmit at least a portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting device.

[0014] The display unit may further include a memory unit that stores the display position on the top panel of each of the plurality of operation images, and the display unit may display one operation image selected from each of the plurality of operation images at the display position stored in the memory unit.

[0015] The device may further include an acquisition unit that acquires first setting data for setting the display position of each of the plurality of operation images, and a memory control unit that stores the first setting data acquired by the acquisition unit in the memory unit.

[0016] The operation control device may further include an acquisition unit that acquires second setting data linking a position on the top panel with an operation content corresponding to that position in one of the operation images selected from a plurality of candidates, a memory unit that stores the second setting data, and a memory control unit that stores the second setting data acquired by the acquisition unit in the memory unit, and the data creation unit may create the operation data indicating the operation content linked to that position in the second setting data based on the position detected by the detection unit.

[0017] The device may further include a connector for connecting a cable for connecting the mouse to the controlled device, and a bottom member in which the connector is housed, and the bottom member may have a bottom area that comes into contact with a flat surface while the mouse is operated, and a recess that houses the cable when connected to the connector and is shaped so that the cable can rotate horizontally around the connection point with the connector as the center of rotation.

[0018] The connector may be located below the center of gravity of the mouse.

[0019] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising a computer and a mouse for operating the computer, the mouse having a top panel portion that is contacted by a user's hand, a display portion that displays an operation image on the top panel portion, a detection portion that detects the position where the user touches the top panel portion with their finger while the operation image is displayed, a data creation portion that creates operation data indicating the operation content based on the position detected by the detection portion, and a communication portion that transmits the operation data to the computer, the computer executing driver software for transmitting type data indicating the type of function being executed by the computer to the mouse, and the display portion displaying the operation image selected from a plurality of operation image candidates based on the type data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to control a controlled device by a simple operation input using a mouse. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a computer system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a mouse 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows a first example in which the display unit 130 according to the present embodiment displays an image for operation. [Figure 4] 10 shows a second example in which the display unit 130 according to the present embodiment displays an image for operation. [Figure 5] 1 shows an example of the operation flow of the computer system S according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of the configuration of the bottom surface of a mouse 100 according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] <Example of computer system configuration> 1 shows an example of the configuration of a computer system S according to this embodiment. The computer system S performs calculation processing, data processing, screen display processing, etc. by executing programs, applications, etc. The computer system S includes a computer 10 and a mouse 100 for operating the computer 10. In addition to the mouse 100, the computer system S may also include an input device such as a keyboard, and may further include external peripheral devices such as an external storage device and a printer.

[0023] Since the computer 10 is a well-known device, a description of its internal configuration will be omitted. The computer 10 executes driver software for transmitting and receiving data to and from the mouse 100. When the computer 10 executes a predetermined function, it transmits type data indicating the type of function being executed by the computer 10 to the mouse 100 ((1) in FIG. 1).

[0024] The predetermined function executed by the computer 10 may be, for example, a spreadsheet function when spreadsheet software is being executed, a communication function when network-based conference system software is being executed, or a video playback function when video playback software is being executed. The type data is data indicating the type of such a function. The type data may indicate, for example, whether a spreadsheet function, a communication function, or a video playback function is being executed. The computer 10 may transmit setting data to the mouse 100 for setting the mouse 100. Details of the setting data will be described later.

[0025] The mouse 100 controls a controlled device such as a computer 10. The mouse 100 is connected to the computer 10 via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with the computer 10. The mouse 100 includes a main body 110 and a top panel 120. The top panel 120 is a member provided on the main body 110 so as to be contacted by the hand of a user of the mouse 100. In other words, the user operates the computer 10 via the mouse 100 by contacting the top panel 120 with their hand.

[0026] The top panel 120 has a display unit 130 that displays an image for operation. The display unit 130 displays the image for operation on at least a part of the surface of the top panel 120. The display unit 130 displays the image for operation based on type data transmitted from the computer 10 ((2) in FIG. 1). The display unit 130 displays the image for operation on the surface facing the user. The image for operation is an image that shows the operation content for operating software running on the computer 10 using characters, symbols, figures, etc.

[0027] The mouse 100 accepts operation input from the user to the display unit 130. Here, the mouse 100 accepts operation input corresponding to an operation image displayed on the display unit 130 ((3) in FIG. 1). Upon accepting the operation input, the mouse 100 transmits operation data indicating the user's operation content to the computer 10 ((4) in FIG. 1).

[0028] The computer 10 executes software processing based on the received operation data ((5) in FIG. 1). As described above, in the computer system S, the mouse 100 displays an operation image based on the type data on the display unit 130 and accepts operation input corresponding to the operation image. This allows the mouse 100 to provide the user with operation input functions corresponding to the software being executed by the computer 10, in addition to normal operation inputs such as "right click," "left click," and "scroll." The detailed configuration of such a mouse 100 will be described next.

[0029] <Example of Mouse 100 configuration> 2 shows an example of the configuration of the mouse 100 according to this embodiment. The mouse 100 further includes a communication unit 210, a detection unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240. The communication unit 210, the detection unit 220, the storage unit 230, and the control unit 240 are housed inside the main body 110.

[0030] The communication unit 210 communicates with the computer 10 to exchange data. The communication unit 210 communicates with the computer 10 via a connection cable or wireless communication. The communication unit 210 receives, for example, first setting data, second setting data, type data, etc. from the computer 10. The first setting data and second setting data are data for setting the operation of the mouse 100, and will be described in detail later. The communication unit 210 also transmits operation data to the computer 10.

[0031] The detection unit 220 detects the position where the user touches the top panel 120 with their finger while an operation image is displayed on the display unit 130. The detection unit 220 is, for example, a touch sensor provided inside the top panel 120. The display unit 130 may also be a touch panel display. In this case, the detection unit 220 is provided inside the display unit 130.

[0032] The storage unit 230 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. For example, when a CPU functions as the control unit 240 of the mouse 100, the storage unit 230 may store information such as an OS (Operating System) that causes the CPU to function, programs, etc. The storage unit 230 may also store various information including a database that is referenced when a program is executed.

[0033] The storage unit 230 may also store intermediate data, calculation results, thresholds, reference values, setting values, parameters, etc. that are generated (or used) during the operation of the mouse 100. For example, the storage unit 230 stores first setting data and second setting data.

[0034] The control unit 240 controls each unit of the mouse 100. For example, the control unit 240 controls the communication unit 210 to send and receive various information. The control unit 240 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 240 has an acquisition unit 241, a memory control unit 242, a display control unit 243, an operation reception unit 244, and a data creation unit 245. In other words, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory unit 230 to function as the control unit 240 having the acquisition unit 241, the memory control unit 242, the display control unit 243, the operation reception unit 244, and the data creation unit 245.

[0035] The acquisition unit 241 acquires various data via the communication unit 210. For example, the acquisition unit 241 acquires first setting data and second setting data transmitted from the computer 10. The acquisition unit 241 supplies the acquired first setting data and second setting data to the storage control unit 242. The storage control unit 242 stores the first setting data and second setting data acquired by the acquisition unit 241 in the storage unit 230. The acquisition unit 241 also acquires type data transmitted from the computer 10. The acquisition unit 241 supplies the acquired type data to the display control unit 243.

[0036] The display control unit 243 acquires the type data from the acquisition unit 241, and displays an operation image selected from a plurality of operation image candidates based on the acquired type data on the display unit 130. Information on the plurality of operation image candidates is stored in, for example, the storage unit 230. Information on the plurality of operation image candidates may be received from the computer 10.

[0037] It is preferable that the correspondence data indicating the correspondence between the type data acquired from the acquisition unit 241 and the operation image to be selected is stored in the storage unit 230. This allows the display control unit 243 to select an appropriate operation image by reading out the correspondence data from the storage unit 230.

[0038] Furthermore, the display control unit 243 displays the operation images on the display unit 130 based on the first setting data. The first setting data is data for setting the display position of each of the plurality of operation images on the top panel unit 120. This allows the display unit 130 to display one operation image selected from each of the plurality of operation images at an appropriate display position stored in the storage unit 230. Note that the first setting data may include correspondence data.

[0039] For example, when the type data indicates that a spreadsheet function is being executed on the computer 10, the display control unit 243 causes the display unit 130 to display an operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers. FIG. 3 shows a first example of an operation image displayed by the display unit 130 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a second example of an operation image displayed by the display unit 130 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3(A) shows a first example of an operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers as rectangles. The display unit 130 may display multiple numbers as shown in FIG. 3(A), or may display only the numbers without displaying rectangles. The operation image in FIG. 3(A) is an example of an image showing a numeric keypad.

[0040] FIG. 3(B) shows a second example of an operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers. FIG. 3(B) is an operation image in which multiple circles and ellipses are displayed in multiple corresponding areas. The operation image in FIG. 3(B) is an example of an image showing a numeric keypad in a graphic form. FIG. 3(C) shows a third example of an operation image showing multiple areas corresponding to multiple numbers. FIG. 3(C) is an operation image in which multiple areas separated by multiple lines are displayed. The operation image in FIG. 3(C) is an example of an image showing a number pad.

[0041] The display control unit 243 may cause the display unit 130 to display an operation image showing a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of numbers, on the condition that a cell of a table-format file displayed by a spreadsheet function executed on the computer 10 is selected. Even in this case, the display control unit 243 causes the display unit 130 to display any of the operation images shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(C). In this way, when the computer 10 is executing spreadsheet software and is waiting for the input of numbers, the display control unit 243 causes the display unit 130 to display an operation image showing a numeric keypad.

[0042] When the type data indicates that a communication function is being executed on the computer 10, the display control unit 243 may cause the display unit 130 to display an image for operation for adjusting at least one of the volume of sound output from the computer 10 and the brightness of an image displayed by the computer 10. Fig. 3(D) shows an example of an image for operation for adjusting the volume of sound output from the computer 10 and the brightness of an image.

[0043] When the type data indicates that a function using the up, down, left, and right arrow keys is being executed, the display control unit 243 may display an operation image for selecting an arrow key on the display unit 130. Fig. 4(E) shows an example of an operation image for selecting an arrow key. In other words, the operation image in Fig. 4(E) is an example of an image showing a cross key.

[0044] When the type data indicates that a function using a trackpad is being executed, the display control unit 243 may display an image for operation to indicate an area operable as a trackpad on the display unit 130. In this case, the image for operation does not have to be displayed on the display unit 130.

[0045] Note that, when the acquisition unit 241 has not acquired type data, the display control unit 243 may not display an image for operation on the display unit 130. Alternatively, when the acquisition unit 241 has not acquired type data, the display control unit 243 may display an image for operation for normal operation on the display unit 130.

[0046] For example, Fig. 4(F) is an example of the display unit 130 when the display control unit 243 is not displaying an operation image on the display unit 130. Fig. 4(G) shows an example of an operation image for normal operation. Figs. 4(F) and 4(G) show the normal operation state of the mouse 100. Note that the areas indicated by dotted lines in Figs. 4(F) and 4(G) indicate areas where the detection unit 220 detects contact with the user's finger, and the display unit 130 does not need to display the dotted lines.

[0047] The operation accepting unit 244 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 220 and accepts, as an operation input from the user, the position touched by the user's finger and the operation content corresponding to that position on the operation image displayed by the display unit 130. Here, the operation accepting unit 244 accepts the operation input from the user using second setting data. The second setting data is data that associates the position on the top panel unit 120 touched by the user's finger with the operation content corresponding to that position on one operation image selected from multiple candidates.

[0048] This allows the user to easily input into the mouse 100 an operation to cause the computer 10 to execute the action displayed at the position where the finger is touched, by touching the operation image displayed by the display unit 130 with the finger. For example, when the display control unit 243 selects and displays the operation image shown in Fig. 3(C) on the display unit 130 and the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has touched the first position a corresponding to the "0" key on the numeric keypad, the operation receiving unit 244 receives an operation input that the "0" key has been pressed.

[0049] In addition, when the display control unit 243 causes the display unit 130 to display the operation image shown in Figure 3 (D) and the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has contacted the second position b corresponding to the symbol indicating that the volume is to be increased, the operation receiving unit 244 receives an operation input to increase the volume.

[0050] When the display control unit 243 is not displaying an image for operation on the display unit 130 (the state of FIG. 4(F)), or when the display control unit 243 is displaying the image for operation shown in FIG. 4(G) on the display unit 130, if the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has contacted a position within the first area c, the operation reception unit 244 accepts an operation input of "right click." In this case, if the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has contacted a position within the second area d, the operation reception unit 244 accepts an operation input of "left click."

[0051] Then, when the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has touched the third position f in the third region e and then moved to the fourth position g, the operation reception unit 244 receives the operation input of "scroll down." Similarly, when the detection unit 220 detects that the user's finger has touched the fourth position g in the third region e and then moved to the third position f, the operation reception unit 244 receives the operation input of "scroll up."

[0052] The data creation unit 245 creates operation data indicating the operation content based on the position detected by the detection unit 220. The data creation unit 245 creates operation data indicating the operation content associated with the position detected by the detection unit 220 in the second setting data based on the position detected by the detection unit 220. For example, the data creation unit 245 converts the content of the operation input accepted by the operation acceptance unit 244 based on the detection result of the detection unit 220 into transmittable data to generate the operation data. Furthermore, the data creation unit 245 may refer to the second setting data and generate data indicating the operation content corresponding to the operation input accepted by the operation acceptance unit 244 as the operation data. The operation flow of the computer system S including the mouse 100 described above will now be described.

[0053] <An example of the operation flow of computer system S> 5 shows an example of the operation flow of the computer system S according to this embodiment. First, the computer 10 transmits the first setting data and the second setting data to the mouse 100 (S21). The mouse 100 stores the received first setting data and the second setting data in the storage unit 230 (S22).

[0054] Next, the mouse 100 transmits operation data to the computer 10 in response to the user's operation input such as "right click," "left click," "scroll," etc., and executes the control operation of the computer 10 (S23). The computer 10 then executes processing corresponding to the received operation data (S24). Note that when the computer 10 receives operation data from another input device such as a keyboard, it also executes processing corresponding to the operation data received from the other input device.

[0055] The computer system S repeats the operations of S23 and S24 until the computer 10 executes the predetermined function (S25: No). If the computer 10 executes the predetermined function (S25: Yes), it transmits type data to the mouse 100 (S26). The computer 10 transmits type data to the mouse 100, for example, when executing a spreadsheet function of spreadsheet software, when a cell in a table-format file is selected, when a window for inputting numbers or the like becomes active, when a window with a volume control function becomes active, when a window with a brightness control function becomes active, etc.

[0056] In response to receiving the category data, the mouse 100 displays an operation image based on the category data on the display unit 130 (S27). Then, the mouse 100 accepts an operation input from the user (S28). The mouse 100 transmits operation data indicating the operation content of the operation input accepted from the user to the computer 10 (S29). The computer 10 executes a process corresponding to the operation content indicated by the operation data (S30).

[0057] When the execution of a predetermined function is completed, the computer 10 may transmit end data indicating that the execution of the predetermined function has been completed to the mouse 100. In response to receiving the end data, the mouse 100 can either not display an operation image on the display unit 130 or display an operation image for normal operation on the display unit 130, thereby returning to the initial state.

[0058] As described above, the mouse 100 according to this embodiment can transmit operation contents corresponding to functions being executed by the computer 10 as operation data to the computer 10, in addition to normal operation contents of an input device such as "right click," "left click," and "scroll."The mouse 100 allows the user to input operation contents corresponding to such functions being executed by the computer 10 by touching the display on the top panel 120 with a finger, in the same way as normal operation contents.

[0059] This allows the user to input operation details corresponding to the function being executed by the computer 10 into the mouse 100, for example, while performing normal operation input using the mouse 100, without using other devices such as a keyboard. Therefore, the user can easily control the computer 10 by simply inputting operations using the mouse.

[0060] <Other configurations> In the computer system S according to the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the computer 10 transmits the first setting data and the second setting data to the mouse 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The storage unit 230 of the mouse 100 may store the first setting data and the second setting data in advance. In this way, the mouse 100 can receive the type data and display an operation image based on the type data on the display unit 130.

[0061] In the computer system S according to the present embodiment, the mouse 100 displays an operation image based on the type data on the display unit 130 in response to receiving the type data from the computer 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the mouse 100 may display an operation image on the display unit 130 in response to an operation input by the user.

[0062] For example, when displaying an operation image for normal operation of mouse 100 shown in Fig. 4(G), display unit 130 displays an image display button for displaying another operation image. Fig. 4(G) shows an example in which display unit 130 displays first button 301 as the image display button. In this case, operation accepting unit 244 accepts a display operation for displaying another operation image on display unit 130 in response to detection by detection unit 220 that the user's finger has touched the position where first button 301 is displayed.

[0063] The display control unit 243 displays operation images on the display unit 130 in response to the operation receiving unit 244 receiving a display operation. The display control unit 243 may display different operation images in a predetermined order each time the user's finger touches the first button 301. For example, the display control unit 243 switches and displays the operation images in the order of FIG. 3(B), FIG. 3(D), FIG. 4(E), and FIG. 4(G) each time the user's finger touches the first button 301. Note that when the display control unit 243 displays the operation images of FIG. 3(B), FIG. 3(D), and FIG. 4(E), it is desirable that the display control unit 243 also displays the first button 301.

[0064] The display control unit 243 may display an operation image selected from a plurality of image candidates on the display unit 130 based on the content of the display operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 244. The display control unit 243 displays, for example, a plurality of image display buttons. Fig. 4(H) shows an example in which the display unit 130 displays a first button 301, a second button 302, and a third button 303 as a plurality of image display buttons.

[0065] The multiple image display buttons correspond to different operation images. For example, the first button 301 is a button for displaying the operation image of Fig. 3(A) on the display unit 130, the second button 302 is a button for displaying the operation image of Fig. 3(D) on the display unit 130, and the third button 303 is a button for displaying the operation image of Fig. 4(G) on the display unit 130.

[0066] In this way, the mouse 100 is configured to be able to accept operation input for displaying another operation image together with the operation image, so that the user can display an operation image according to the purpose on the display unit 130. Note that, although an example in which an image display button is displayed on the display unit 130 has been described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the image display button may be provided on the main body 110 of the mouse 100 as a physical button.

[0067] The above description has been given of an example of the mouse 100 according to this embodiment, in which an operation image is displayed on the display unit 130. Here, the display unit 130 may be a liquid crystal display, or alternatively, may be configured with a light-emitting device such as an LED. For example, the display unit 130 has a light-emitting device that emits light corresponding to the operation image. In this case, the light-emitting device is provided closer to the main body 110 of the mouse 100 than the top panel 120. As an example, when the display unit 130 displays the operation image shown in FIG. 3(B), at least 11 light-emitting devices are used.

[0068] The top panel 120 transmits at least a portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting devices. The top panel 120 has a plurality of through-holes formed therein for transmitting the light emitted by the light-emitting devices. The through-holes have shapes such as circles, ellipses, letters, symbols, and figures, and an image for operation is projected onto the surface of the top panel 120 by the plurality of lights that have transmitted through the top panel 120. In other words, the display control unit 243 lights up a predetermined combination of light-emitting devices to display the corresponding image for operation on the display unit 130. This allows the display unit 130 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0069] In the computer system S according to the present embodiment described above, the second setting data is data set for each operation image, and is data that links a position on the display unit 130 with the operation content corresponding to that position in each operation image. However, the second setting data may be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0070] In this case, the computer 10 receives input from the user in advance and acquires, as second setting data, data that links a position on the display unit 130 with the operation content that the user selects from multiple candidates as the one that he or she wishes to assign to that position.

[0071] The positions on the display unit 130 may be a plurality of predetermined positions, and the user may select only the operation content to be assigned to each position. For example, if the positions on the display unit 130 to which the user can assign operation content are determined as the first area c, the second area d, and the third area e shown in Fig. 4(F) and the operation content to which the user can assign is three, operation content A, operation content B, and operation content C, the user assigns operation content selected from a plurality of candidates to each position, such as operation content A to the first area c, operation content B to the second area d, and operation content C to the third area e.

[0072] In addition, the user may be allowed to select any position on the display unit 130, and an operation content selected from a plurality of candidates to be assigned to the position on the display unit 130 selected by the user may be assigned to the position.

[0073] <Example of a wired mouse 100> The above description has been given of an example in which the mouse 100 according to this embodiment is connected to the computer 10 via a wired or wireless connection. When the mouse 100 is connected to the computer 10 via a cable, a pulling force may be applied to the mouse 100 from the cable depending on the length and stiffness of the cable, the position of the mouse 100, and the like.

[0074] In other words, a user holding the mouse 100 may feel resistance as if being pulled by the cable. Therefore, the mouse 100 according to this embodiment may reduce the resistance felt by the user by providing a connector for connecting to the cable in an appropriate position. Such a mouse 100 will now be described.

[0075] Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the bottom surface of mouse 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of the configuration of the bottom surface of mouse 100 in a plan view. Fig. 6(B) shows a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 6(A). The bottom surface of mouse 100 includes connector 140 and bottom member 150. Connector 140 couples with a cable for connecting mouse 100 to a controlled device such as computer 10.

[0076] The bottom surface member 150 is a member on the bottom side of the main body 110, and houses the connector 140. The bottom surface of the main body 110 is a surface that is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane when the mouse 100 is operated. The bottom surface member 150 has a bottom surface region 151 and a recess 152.

[0077] At least a portion of bottom surface region 151 comes into contact with a flat surface while mouse 100 is operated. Recess 152 is provided in bottom surface region 151. Recess 152 is shaped to accommodate the cable when the cable is coupled to connector 140 and to allow the cable to rotate horizontally around the coupling portion with connector 140 as the center of rotation. In FIG. 6, the direction in which the cable rotates horizontally is indicated by an arrow. The width of recess 152 in the short direction of mouse 100 increases as it moves away from the position where connector 140 is coupled to bottom surface member 150 in the long direction of mouse 100.

[0078] Connector 140 is preferably provided below the center of gravity of mouse 100. In other words, the center of rotation when the cable rotates horizontally is preferably approximately the same as the center of gravity of mouse 100. This allows the cable itself to rotate horizontally, dispersing the force even if a force that pulls mouse 100 is generated by the cable. Therefore, mouse 100 can reduce the resistance felt by the user, making it easier to input operations to mouse 100.

[0079] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10. Computers 100 mice 110 Main body 120 Top plate 130 Display section 140 Connector 150 Bottom member 151 Bottom area 152 recess 210 Communications Department 220 Detector 230 Storage section 240 Control Unit 241 Acquisition Department 242 Memory control unit 243 Display control unit 244 Operation reception section 245 Data Creation Department 301 First button 302 Second button 303 Third button

Claims

1. 1. A mouse for controlling a controlled device, comprising: a top panel portion that comes into contact with the mouse user's hand; a display unit that displays an image for operation on the top panel; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the operation image; a detection unit that detects a position where the user touches the top panel with their finger while the operation image is displayed; a data creation unit that creates operation data indicating operation content based on the position detected by the detection unit; a communication unit that transmits the operation data to the controlled device; and the display unit has a plurality of light-emitting devices that emit light corresponding to the operation images; the top plate portion is formed with a plurality of through holes for transmitting at least a portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting device; the display control unit causes the operation image to be displayed on the display unit by a plurality of lights transmitted through the top panel unit by lighting up a predetermined combination of the light-emitting devices. mouse.

2. an operation receiving unit that receives a display operation for displaying the operation image on the display unit; the display control unit causes the display unit to display the operation image in response to the operation reception unit receiving the display operation; The mouse of claim 1 .

3. the display control unit causes the display unit to display the operation image selected from a plurality of image candidates based on the content of the display operation accepted by the operation accepting unit. The mouse of claim 2.

4. The display control unit acquires type data indicating a type of function being executed by the controlled device, and causes the display unit to display the operation image selected from a plurality of operation image candidates based on the type data. The mouse of claim 2.

5. the display control unit, when the type data indicates that a spreadsheet function is being executed on the controlled device, causes the display unit to display the operation image showing a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of numbers. The mouse of claim 4.

6. the display control unit causes the display unit to display the operation image showing a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of numbers on the condition that a cell of a table-format file displayed by a spreadsheet function executed on the controlled device is selected. The mouse of claim 5 .

7. When the type data indicates that a communication function is being executed in the controlled device, the display control unit displays the operation image for adjusting at least one of the volume of the sound output from the controlled device and the brightness of the image displayed by the controlled device on the display unit. The mouse of claim 4.

8. a storage unit that stores display positions of the plurality of operation images on the top panel, the display unit displays one operation image selected from each of the plurality of operation images at the display position stored in the storage unit. The mouse of claim 1 .

9. an acquisition unit that acquires first setting data for setting the display positions of the plurality of operation images; a storage control unit that stores the first setting data acquired by the acquisition unit in the storage unit; further comprising The mouse of claim 8.

10. an acquisition unit that acquires second setting data that associates a position on the tabletop with an operation content corresponding to the position in one of the operation images selected from a plurality of candidates; a storage unit that stores the second setting data; a storage control unit that stores the second setting data acquired by the acquisition unit in the storage unit; and the data creation unit creates the operation data indicating an operation content associated with the position in the second setting data, based on the position detected by the detection unit. The mouse of claim 1 .

11. a connector for coupling a cable for connecting the mouse to the controlled device; a bottom member in which the connector is housed; and The bottom member is a bottom surface area that contacts a flat surface while the mouse is being operated; a recess having a shape that accommodates the cable in a state where the cable is coupled to the connector and that allows the cable to rotate in a horizontal direction around a coupling portion with the connector as a rotation center; having A mouse according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The connector is provided below the center of gravity of the mouse. The mouse of claim 11.

13. A computer and a mouse for operating the computer, The mouse a top panel portion that comes into contact with the mouse user's hand; a display unit that displays an image for operation on the top panel; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the operation image; a detection unit that detects a position where the user touches the top panel with their finger while the operation image is displayed; a data creation unit that creates operation data indicating operation content based on the position detected by the detection unit; a communication unit that transmits the operation data to the computer; and the display unit has a plurality of light-emitting devices that emit light corresponding to the operation images; the top plate portion is formed with a plurality of through holes for transmitting at least a portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting device; the display control unit causes the operation image to be displayed on the display unit by a plurality of lights transmitted through the top panel unit by lighting up a predetermined combination of the light-emitting devices; the computer executes driver software for transmitting type data to the mouse indicating the type of function being performed by the computer; the display unit displays the operation image selected from a plurality of operation image candidates based on the type data. Computer system.

Images