Operating device and its control method and control program

Abstract

This invention provides an operating device and its control method and program that can achieve a faster response speed than before. The operating device (10) includes a main body (10a), a detection unit (11), and an output unit (17). The detection unit (11) has electrodes (11a) and electrodes (11b) disposed on the main body (10a) at positions that contact the user's skin, and detects electromyographic signals by touching the skin of the electrodes (11a) and electrodes (11b). The output unit (17) outputs based on the electromyographic signals detected by the detection unit (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a mouse, keyboard, or other operating device for operating a personal computer (PC) or gaming device, and its control method and control program. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In recent years, operating devices such as mice and keyboards have been used for inputting commands to various devices, including PCs and gaming devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a computer mouse: by moving the mouse body, a cursor displayed on the computer screen is moved in any direction; while the cursor is aligned to any position, a click switch is operated with a finger, thereby outputting a click signal for computer control. The click switch is formed by a touch switch, which includes: an operating touch electrode that is touched by an operating finger; and a switching circuit that detects the change in electromagnetic signal generated when the finger touches the operating touch electrode and outputs a click signal. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-126934 [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, the aforementioned prior art computer mice have the following problems. Here, in recent years, operating devices such as mice are not only used as operating devices for operating PCs and the like in workplaces or homes, but also as operating devices for operating games such as e-sports, requiring faster response times.

[0005] Therefore, in the computer mouse disclosed in the aforementioned publication, since it is configured to detect changes in electromagnetic signals generated when a finger touches the touch electrodes and output a click signal, a time lag occurs from the moment the user becomes aware of the touch until the finger begins to move. Therefore, it is impossible to sufficiently achieve the high-speed response required by operating devices in recent years. The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and its control method and program that can achieve a higher response speed than before. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The operating device of the first invention is an operating device for operating various devices, and includes a main body, a detection unit, and an output unit. The detection unit has an electrode part disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects electromyographic signals from the skin upon contact with the electrode part. The output unit outputs based on the electromyographic signals detected by the detection unit. Here, output control, such as on / off switching, is performed using the electromyographic signals detected before the operation input made by the finger or other means of operating the operating device.

[0007] Here, the operating device includes, for example, a game controller, mouse, keyboard, etc. Furthermore, electromyographic (EMG) signals are electrical signals sent from the brain to nerves to induce muscle activity in the fingers, arms, or legs, and are detected before muscle activity, for example, by electrodes (sensors) positioned to contact the skin surface. Moreover, EMG signals are, for example, electrical signals that change when the brain issues a command to activate the muscles, detected from a state where the muscles are not engaged or inactive. In previous physical switches or electrostatic capacitive sensor switches, since the output is only triggered after a finger touches the switch, it is difficult to bridge the time lag from the moment a person becomes aware of the action until the finger begins to move.

[0008] Therefore, in this operating device, an electromyographic signal detected prior to the finger movement that operates a physical switch is used for output. In this way, compared to inputs based on previous physical switches or electrostatic capacitive switches, a faster response speed can be obtained by using an electromyographic signal detected prior to the operation signal output when operating a physical switch with a finger.

[0009] The operating device of the second invention is the operating device of the first invention, and further includes: a first filter section that removes the direct current (DC) component from the signal input from the electrode section. Thereby, by using the first filter section to remove the upstream DC component from the signal detected and input from the electrode section, the amplification of the subsequent stage can be improved, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0010] The operating device of the third invention is the operating device of the first or second invention, and further includes: a difference amplification unit that amplifies the difference in voltage detected by the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode unit. Thereby, for example, by amplifying the difference in voltage detected by the plurality of electrodes arranged along the muscles of the finger, electromyographic signals can be detected.

[0011] The operating device of the fourth invention is the operating device of the third invention, and further includes: a signal processing unit that converts the signal amplified in the difference amplification unit into a DC signal. Therefore, regarding electromyographic signals, since pulse-like signals are continuously emitted during muscle movement, they behave like alternating current (AC) signals, and thus the signal processing unit can convert them into DC signals.

[0012] The operating device of the fifth invention is the operating device of the fourth invention, and further includes: a second filter unit for removing noise from the DC signal. Thereby, by removing noise contained in the electromyographic signal, the electromyographic signal can be detected with high precision.

[0013] The operating device of the sixth invention is the operating device of the fifth invention, and further includes: a signal amplification unit that amplifies the signal output from the second filter unit. Thereby, the signal amplification unit can amplify the signal after it has been converted to a DC signal and noise has been removed.

[0014] The operating device of the seventh invention is the operating device of the third invention, and the amplification rate of the differential amplification unit is set to a value lower than the upper limit of the saturation voltage range. Therefore, when the surrounding environment changes or the contact state between the electrode and the skin changes, resulting in a larger signal input, the output signal can be desaturated.

[0015] The operating device of the eighth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and the output unit compares the electromyographic signal with a predetermined threshold value and outputs the signal. Thus, for example, if the detected electromyographic signal is greater than the predetermined threshold value, an ON signal can be output, and if the detected electromyographic signal is less than the predetermined threshold value, an OFF signal can be output.

[0016] The operating device of the ninth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and the electrode portion is arranged along the muscles of the user's hand when the user uses it. Thereby, the electrical signals transmitted from the user's brain to the muscles can be effectively detected by the electrode portion arranged along the muscles of the hand.

[0017] The operating device of the tenth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and the electrode part includes two electrodes arranged along the muscles of the user's hand and a reference electrode. Thereby, the two electrodes that touch the skin of the user's fingers and the reference electrode can be used to effectively detect electromyographic signals.

[0018] The operating device of the eleventh invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and the output unit performs on / off output based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit. Therefore, an operating device capable of performing on / off output at a higher speed than previously possible can be provided.

[0019] The operating device of the twelfth invention is the operating device of the first or second invention, and uses the electromyographic signal detected at the electrode section after a certain period of operation to perform calibration to adjust the amplification of the electromyographic signal. In this way, considering that the value of the detected electromyographic signal is prone to variation, calibration is performed to ensure that the magnitude of the electromyographic signal detected after a certain period of operation is approximately constant, thereby suppressing deviations in detection accuracy caused by individual differences in the user performing the operation.

[0020] The operating device of the thirteenth invention is the same as that of the twelfth invention, and calibration is performed when the power is turned on or at any other time. Therefore, by performing calibration at a predetermined time, such as when the power is turned on, a generally constant value can be detected for electromyographic signals that vary in strength from person to person.

[0021] The operating device of the fourteenth invention is the same as that of the twelfth invention, and the amplification rate of the electromyographic signal detected at the electrode section is set according to the magnitude of the signal obtained after calibration. In this way, when the value of the electromyographic signal detected due to individual differences is small, by setting a large amplification rate, the deviation in the magnitude of the electromyographic signal caused by individual differences can be suppressed.

[0022] The operating device of the fifteenth invention is the same as that of the twelfth invention, and a predetermined threshold value for comparison with the electromyographic signal is set according to the magnitude of noise contained in the signal obtained after calibration. Therefore, during calibration, output control can be performed by determining the noise level and setting an appropriate threshold value to prevent malfunctions.

[0023] The operating device of the sixteenth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and further includes: a physical switch operated by the user's finger. Thereby, by combining the output of the detection result based on electromyography (EMG) signals with a physical switch operated by a finger, even when EMG signals cannot be properly detected, the operating input can be detected and the output can be made via the physical switch.

[0024] The operating device of the seventeenth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and further includes: a contact detection sensor for detecting the user's finger. Thereby, by combining the output of the detection result based on electromyography (EMG) signals with a contact detection sensor (e.g., an electrostatic capacitance sensor or a pressure sensor) operated by the finger, even when EMG signals cannot be properly detected, the operating input can be detected and output can be made via the contact detection sensor.

[0025] The operating device of the eighteenth invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and the electrode part has a curved shape. Thereby, electromyographic signals can be detected efficiently and well in the electrode part having a curved shape that follows the shape of the user's finger holding the operating device.

[0026] The control method for the operating device of the nineteenth invention is a control method for operating various devices, and includes a detection step and a control step. In the detection step, an electromyography (EMG) signal is detected by touching an electrode portion, namely an electrode portion of the operating device located on the main body of the device at a position in contact with the user's skin. In the control step, an output is performed based on the EMG signal detected in the detection step. Here, output control, such as on / off, is performed using the EMG signal detected prior to the operation input made by a finger or the like when operating the operating device.

[0027] Here, the operating device includes, for example, a game controller, mouse, keyboard, etc. Furthermore, electromyographic (EMG) signals are electrical signals sent from the brain to nerves to induce muscle activity in the fingers, arms, legs, etc., and are detected before muscle activity, for example, by electrodes (sensors) positioned to contact the skin surface. Moreover, EMG signals are, for example, electrical signals that are detected from a state where muscles are not engaged or inactive, and that change occurs when the brain issues a command to activate the muscles.

[0028] In conventional physical switches or electrostatic capacitive sensor switches, since the output is only triggered after a finger touch is detected, it is difficult to compensate for the time lag from the moment a human becomes aware of the switch until the finger begins to move. Therefore, in this operating device, output control is performed using electromyographic (EMG) signals detected before the finger movement that operates the physical switch. This allows for a faster response speed compared to inputs based on conventional physical switches or electrostatic capacitive switches, by using EMG signals detected before the operation signal output when the physical switch is operated with a finger.

[0029] The control program for the operating device of the 20th invention is a control program for operating various devices, and it enables a computer to execute a control method for the operating device that includes a detection step and a control step. In the detection step, an electromyography (EMG) signal is detected by touching an electrode portion, namely an electrode portion of the operating device located on the main body of the device at a position in contact with the user's skin. In the control step, an output is performed based on the EMG signal detected in the detection step.

[0030] Here, output control, such as turning on / off, is performed using electromyographic signals detected before input from fingers or other objects used to operate the control device. The control device includes, for example, a game controller, mouse, or keyboard. Furthermore, electromyographic signals are electrical signals sent from the brain to nerves to induce muscle activity in the fingers, arms, or legs, and are detected before muscle activity, for example, by electrodes (sensors) positioned in contact with the skin surface.

[0031] Furthermore, electromyographic (EMG) signals are, for example, electrical signals that change when the brain issues a command to activate the muscles, detected from a state where the muscles are not engaged or inactive. In conventional physical switches or electrostatic capacitive sensor switches, since the output is only triggered after a finger touch is detected, it is difficult to bridge the time lag from when the user becomes aware of the switch until the finger begins to move. Therefore, in this operating device, EMG signals detected before the finger movement that operates the physical switch are used for output. Thus, compared to inputs based on conventional physical switches or electrostatic capacitive switches, by using EMG signals detected before the operation signal output when the physical switch is operated with a finger, a faster response speed can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] The operating device of the present invention can achieve a faster response speed than before.

Implementation Method

[0034] If Figures 1 to 6 are used to describe the operating device 10 and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the following will be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the necessary detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. The reason for this is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0035] Furthermore, the applicant has provided the accompanying drawings and the following description in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, but it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. The operating device 10 of this embodiment is a mouse for operating a personal computer (PC) or a game device, etc., as shown in FIG1, including a main body 10a, a switch (physical switch) 10b, a switch (physical switch) 10c, an electrode (electrode part) 11a, an electrode (electrode part) 11b, and a reference electrode (electrode part) 11c.

[0036] Furthermore, in the following description, the upper direction of FIG1 is indicated as the front of the operating device 10, the left and right direction of FIG1 is indicated as the side of the operating device 10, and the lower direction of FIG1 is indicated as the rear of the operating device 10. The main body 10a is a frame with a generally elliptical shape, and switches 10b, 10c, electrodes 11a, 11b, and a reference electrode 11c are arranged on its outer peripheral surface. Switches (physical switches) 10b and 10c are arranged in front of the main body 10a and are operated by pressing with the user's fingers.

[0037] For example, as shown in FIG2, switch 10b is operated by the index finger. For example, as shown in FIG2, switch 10c is operated by the middle finger. Furthermore, the operation of switches 10b and 10c can be input based on the electromyographic signals detected by electrodes 11a, 11b, and 11c described later, or it can be a structure in which input is performed when the operation based on the electromyographic signals is off.

[0038] Electrodes (electrode parts) 11a and 11b are dry electrodes for reading electrical signals (electromyography signals) from the user's skin. Two sets are provided along the front-rear direction of the operating device 10 when exposed to the surface of the main body 10a. As shown in FIG2, electrodes 11a and 11b are used when in contact with the user's finger skin. As shown in FIG2, electrodes 11a and 11b, positioned slightly to the left of the main body 10a, are arranged along the muscles that move the index finger F1. As shown in FIG2, electrodes 11a and 11b, positioned slightly to the right of the main body 10a, are arranged along the muscles that move the middle finger F2.

[0039] Electrodes 11a and 11b detect the brain's command to move the index finger F1 and / or the middle finger F2 as electrical signals (electromyographic signals). A reference electrode (electrode portion) 11c is disposed at the rear of the main body 10a, and the reference voltage of the electromyographic signals detected by electrodes 11a and 11b, which are respectively disposed at positions slightly to the left and right of the main body 10a, is detected.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the structure could be as follows: an identification circuit comprising electrodes 11a and 11b connected along the muscles of the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2, which identifies the finger performing the operation input based on the detection results of the electrodes 11a and 11b corresponding to multiple fingers. In this case, if an electromyographic signal is detected at the electrodes 11a and 11b corresponding to any one finger, it is determined that the action is that of the finger that detected the electromyographic signal; if an electromyographic signal is detected at the electrodes 11a and 11b of two fingers, it can be determined that the action is an unexpected action such as exertion of force by the entire hand.

[0041] Here, the electrodes 11a and 11b are preferably sized to span the muscles that allow the user's fingers to move. For example, as shown in FIG2, they are preferably arranged along the muscles that allow the index finger F1 and / or middle finger F2 to operate the operating device 10. In this way, even when the detected electromyographic signal is weak, the detection accuracy of the electromyographic signal can be improved by using electrodes 11a and 11b that span the muscles.

[0042] Furthermore, the electrodes 11a and 11b are preferably curved and have a thickness of at least a specified value. This allows the electrodes 11a and 11b to be embedded into the skin surface along the muscles of the user's fingers, facilitating the detection of electromyographic signals. Moreover, in the operating device 10 of this embodiment, the electrode portion disposed on each finger (index finger F1, middle finger F2) for detecting electromyographic signals consists of three parts: electrode 11a, electrode 11b, and reference electrode 11c. However, the number of electrodes can be four or more, or it can be two electrodes other than the reference electrode.

[0043] Furthermore, the electrode portions (electrode 11a, electrode 11b, and reference electrode 11c) are made of silver-silver chloride to prevent corrosion caused by salt. However, the electrode portions may also be made of a metal with low contact resistance, such as aluminum. Alternatively, the electrode portions may have a structure in which a plating is performed on the surface of a material other than a metal, such as resin. In addition, as shown in FIG3, the operating device 10 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 11, a high-pass filter (noise processing unit, first filter unit) 12, a differential amplification unit 13, a signal processing unit 14, a filter unit (noise processing unit) 15, a signal amplification unit 16, and an output unit 17.

[0044] The detection unit 11 includes electrode portions (electrode 11a, electrode 11b, and reference electrode 11c) disposed at a position on the main body 10a that contacts the user's skin, and detects electromyographic signals from the skin upon contact with the electrode portions. Furthermore, as shown in FIG3, the reference electrode (electrode portion) 11c is connected to GND (ground). Therefore, based on the potential of the finger skin detected at the reference electrode 11c, electromyographic signals are detected at electrodes 11a and 11b.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, a high-pass filter (noise processing unit, first filter unit) 12 is disposed directly downstream of the detection unit 11 to remove the DC component from the signal input from the electrode units (electrode 11a, electrode 11b, and reference electrode 11c). Here, biosignals such as electromyography signals are detected as weak voltage values ​​on the order of several mV, and therefore undergo amplification processing. At this time, even if the signal contains a small offset component, there is a risk that the signal may be too close to the upper and lower limits during amplification processing to be detected.

[0046] Therefore, by using the high-pass filter 12 to remove the DC component at the upstream side, the electromyographic signal can be appropriately detected during subsequent amplification processing. Furthermore, the high-pass filter 12 is adapted to each of the electrodes 11a and 11b. The differential amplification unit 13 amplifies the voltage difference detected by the plurality of electrodes 11a and 11b of the detection unit 11. The differential amplification unit 13 performs amplification processing, for example, at an amplification rate set in the range of 500 to 1000.

[0047] The signal processing unit 14 converts the signal amplified by the differential amplification unit 13 into a DC signal. More specifically, as shown in FIG3, the signal processing unit 14 includes a full-wave rectification unit 14a and a peak holding unit 14b. The full-wave rectification unit 14a converts the signal amplified by the differential amplification unit 13 into a positive signal.

[0048] The peak holding section 14b converts the positive signal converted by the full-wave rectifier 14a into a DC signal. In this way, since the electromyographic signal is detected as a pulsed signal during muscle movement, it behaves like an AC (alternating current) signal. Therefore, by converting it into a DC signal after it is converted into a positive signal by the full-wave rectifier 14a, the electromyographic signal can be DCized.

[0049] To remove AC noise (hum) from the DC-converted signal, the filter unit (noise processing unit) 15 performs noise processing again after the high-pass filter 12. More specifically, as shown in FIG3, the filter unit 15 includes a high-pass filter 15a and an offset correction unit 15b. The high-pass filter (noise processing unit, second filter unit) 15a is provided to remove AC noise (hum) from the signal DC-converted in the signal processing unit 14. This removes noise that is continuously and stably applied at a substantially constant voltage.

[0050] The offset correction unit 15b performs offset correction on the signal after AC noise has been removed. The signal amplification unit 16 amplifies the signal output from the filter unit 15 again, for example, using an amplification rate set in the range of 10 to 100. The output unit 17 outputs based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG3, the output unit 17 has a comparator circuit 17a.

[0051] The comparator circuit 17a compares a preset threshold value with the electromyographic signal amplified in the signal amplification unit 16, and outputs an on / off signal based on the comparison result. That is, the comparator circuit 17a outputs an on signal when the electromyographic signal is greater than the preset threshold value, and outputs an off signal when the electromyographic signal is less than the threshold value.

[0052] <Noise Removal Processing from Electromyography Signals> Here, as a problem when detecting electromyography signals, there is overlap with AC noise. When monitoring the voltage directly below electrodes 11a and 11b, AC noise of several tens of mV is sometimes detected, for example. The electromyography signal detected as a weak voltage is detected in a form that overlaps with the AC noise, so when the noise component is large, there is a risk of reduced detection accuracy of the electromyography signal. Therefore, generally, a method is used, for example, to remove AC noise (acoustic hum) in the frequency band of 60 Hz or 50 Hz using a notch filter.

[0053] However, in the detection using dry electrodes, when the electromyographic signal is abnormally low or when there is a lot of overlapping noise, there is a risk that the signal may disappear even if only slightly affected by the notch filter. That is, since the maximum frequency band of the electromyographic signal is around 60 Hz, when trying to remove AC noise, it will affect the detection of the electromyographic signal in any way.

[0054] In the operating device 10 of this embodiment, by converting the detected electromyographic signal into a DC signal as described above, a 60 Hz (50 Hz) AC noise (alternating current hum) is continuously emitted at a constant voltage, which appears to be a DC signal. Therefore, it can be removed by processing the noise using a high-pass filter 15a in the subsequent stage. On the other hand, since the electromyographic signal is generated irregularly from multiple frequency bands, it is not removed by the filter.

[0055] <Calibration> In the operating device 10 of this embodiment, considering the nature of the electromyographic signal whose intensity changes due to individual differences of the user or the skin condition (dry or / or wet) and contact state at the time of detection, calibration is performed, for example, when the power is turned on or after a predetermined time. That is, in the operating device 10 of this embodiment, the amplification (100x or 1000x) is set in such a way that the output is approximately equal for users whose electromyographic signal is detected at a relatively strong intensity as shown in FIG. 4(a) and users whose electromyographic signal is detected at a relatively weak intensity as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0056] Specifically, the potential of the stage following the signal amplification unit 16 is monitored, and calibration is performed when the power is turned on (or at any time). Calibration involves having the user exert maximum force for a certain period of time, and detecting the strength of the signal detected from the user at this time. Alternatively, the user can be asked to perform a normal switch-pressing action to obtain data on the strength of the electromyographic signals detected during normal actions.

[0057] Accordingly, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the amplification rates of the signal amplification unit 16 and the difference amplification unit 13 can be determined to be appropriate values ​​based on the strength of the detected electromyographic signal, so as to produce signals of approximately equal magnitude. Furthermore, during calibration, the noise level is detected, and the threshold value of the final stage comparator circuit 17a is set to a value that will not cause malfunction.

[0058] This allows for output control to prevent malfunctions of the operating device 10. Furthermore, the amplification process of the detected electromyographic signal is determined by multiplying the magnifications of the difference amplification unit 13 and the signal amplification unit 16. For example, after calibration and acquiring data on the strength of each user's signal, the output voltage of the difference amplification unit 13 is monitored, and the amplification rate of the difference amplification unit 13 is determined to be approximately half of the saturation voltage, as shown in FIG5.

[0059] This prevents output signal saturation even if the surrounding environment changes or the contact state between electrodes 11a and 11b and the skin changes, resulting in a larger signal input. Subsequently, by checking the signal of the stage following the signal amplification unit 16 and adjusting the amplification rate of the amplifier in the signal amplification unit 16, the normally input signal can be approximately half the amplifier's power supply voltage. Furthermore, the threshold value set in the final stage comparator circuit 17a is determined taking into account noise levels, etc.

[0060] <Control Method of Operating Device 10> In the operating device 10 of this embodiment, output control is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG6. That is, if the detection unit 11 (electrode 11a, electrode 11b) detects an electromyographic signal in step S11, then in step S12, the high-pass filter 12 performs processing to remove the DC component from the detected signal.

[0061] Next, in step S13, the difference amplification unit 13 amplifies the difference between the signals detected by electrodes 11a and 11b. Next, in step S14, the signal processing unit 14 converts the amplified signal from step S13 into a DC signal.

[0062] Next, in step S15, the filter unit 15 removes noise from the signal converted to a DC signal in step S14. Next, in step S16, the signal amplification unit 16 amplifies the signal after noise removal in step S15. Next, in step S17, the output unit 17 outputs an access signal or a disconnect signal based on the result obtained by comparing the amplified signal in step S16 with a predetermined threshold value.

[0063] <Key Features> The operating device 10 of this embodiment is a device for operating various devices. As shown in FIG3, it includes a main body 10a (see FIG2, etc.), a detection unit 11, and an output unit 17. The detection unit 11 has electrodes 11a, electrodes 11b, and a reference electrode 11c disposed on the main body 10a at positions that contact the user's skin, and detects electromyographic (EMG) signals by touching the skin with electrodes 11a and electrodes 11b. The output unit 17 outputs based on the EMG signals detected by the detection unit 11. In this way, compared with inputs based on previous physical switches or electrostatic capacitive switches, by using EMG signals that are detected earlier than the operation signals output when operating physical switches with fingers, a faster response speed can be obtained than before.

[0064] [Other Embodiments] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0065] (A) In the described embodiments, examples of implementing the present invention as an operating device 10 and its control method have been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may also be implemented as a control program that causes a computer to execute the control method of the operating device 10.

[0066] The control program is stored in the memory (storage unit) of the operating device. The central processing unit (CPU) reads the control program stored in the memory and causes the hardware to execute each step. More specifically, by having the CPU read the control program and execute the steps, the same effect can be achieved. Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a recording medium for storing the control program of the operating device.

[0067] (B) In the described embodiment, an example of using the small electromyographic signals detected by electrodes 11a and 11b after amplification in two stages has been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when electromyographic signals with little noise can be detected, the amplification process can be a single stage. Alternatively, for example, in order to effectively perform noise processing, the amplification can be performed in three or more stages.

[0068] (C) In the described embodiment, examples of performing calibration at the start of use, taking into account the differences in electromyographic signals due to individual users, have been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as long as the detection accuracy of the electromyographic signals detected at the electrode section is improved, it is also possible to have an operating device that can be used without performing calibration.

[0069] (D) In ​​the described embodiment, examples are given below: electromyographic signals are detected by two sets of electrodes 11a and 11b arranged along the muscles of the user's fingers on the surface of the main body 10a of the operating device 10, and a common single reference electrode 11c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a structure with two sets of electrode portions including two electrodes and a reference electrode may also be used. In addition, the electrode portions arranged on the surface of the main body of the operating device may not be two sets, but may be one set or more than three sets.

[0070] (E) In the described embodiment, examples of implementing the present invention as an operating device 10 that outputs an on / off signal have been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the output signal is not limited to an on / off signal, and may also be an operating device that outputs various other signals.

[0071] (F) In the described embodiment, an example of an operating device 10 that outputs signals based on electromyographic signals detected in the detection unit 11 (electrode 11a, electrode 11b) has been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] For example, an operating device that combines a physical switch, including a pressure sensor, with an electrode section for detecting electromyographic signals can also be used to output the signal. In this way, if the detection intensity of the electromyographic signal is weak and does not exceed an arbitrarily set detection threshold, it will not be detected. Therefore, by setting an AND circuit between the physical switch and the detection section 11 for detecting electromyographic signals, control can be performed even in the worst case, so that the user can operate at a normal operating speed.

[0073] Furthermore, the processing of signals detected by electrodes 11a and 11b in the detection unit 11 can also be performed by a central processing unit (CPU) instead of the circuit shown in FIG3. Additionally, the detection unit 11 for detecting electromyographic signals can be used as an additional input unit rather than as a replacement for the previous physical switch. For example, by configuring a structure that makes the electromyographic signal effective only when the finger is fully extended, the device can operate using a physical switch when the finger is flexed, and detect the electromyographic signal and operate when the finger is extended, thus becoming an operating device including multiple input units. Furthermore, by setting multiple threshold values ​​set in the comparison circuit 17a, discrimination can be performed according to the signal strength, and discrimination can be performed for flexion and extension movements, etc.

[0074] (G) In the described embodiment, an example of removing noise components from the signal detected by the circuit-free detection unit 11 shown in FIG3 has been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] For example, the removal of noise components contained in the detected signal may be performed using a CPU. Specifically, the CPU may also perform frequency filtering to remove noise components from the signal. Additionally, smoothing processing such as moving average may be performed on the detected signal without impairing the responsiveness of the operating device. Furthermore, CPU refers to a microcomputer, processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0076] (H) In the described embodiment, the following example is given: After calibration is performed and data on the strength of each user's signal is acquired, the output voltage of the difference amplification unit 13 is monitored, and the amplification rate is determined in such a way that it is half of the saturation voltage. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amplification rate is not limited to approximately half of the saturation voltage, as long as it is set to a value smaller than the saturation voltage.

[0077] (I) In the described embodiment, the following example is given: As shown in FIG2, electrodes 11a and 11b arranged along the muscles of the index finger F1 and the middle finger F2 are used to detect electromyographic signals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electrodes may be arranged in an array on the muscles corresponding to each finger, and the flexion / extension movements of the finger muscles may be identified based on the signal intensity detected at each electrode.

[0078] (J) In the described embodiment, an example of arranging electrodes 11a and 11b for detecting electromyographic signals along the muscles of the finger has been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to arrange electrodes for electrostatic capacitance sensors in a position parallel to the electrodes for detecting electromyographic signals to determine whether electrodes 11a and 11b should be touched appropriately.

[0079] In this case, if at least one electrode of the electromyography sensor is detected as undetected, it is determined that the user's finger has not actually touched the electrode, and control is applied to prevent the detection of electromyography signals. Furthermore, in this case, the electrodes used for detecting electromyography signals can also be used as electrodes for the electromyography sensor. In addition to the electromyography sensor, other contact detection sensors such as pressure sensors can also be used to determine whether the electrode has been touched.

[0080] (K) In the described embodiment, examples of operating a PC or game device such as a mouse are given as examples of operating devices 10 for which the present invention is applied. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may also be applied to operating devices such as game controllers, touchpads of PCs, and other operating parts.

[0081] (L) In the described embodiment, an example of detecting electromyographic signals by electrodes 11a and 11b arranged along the muscles that allow the user's fingers to move has been given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the fingers, other areas such as the muscles of the arm, the muscles of the leg, and the abdominal muscles may also be used as sites for detecting electromyographic signals.

[0082] <Note> The operating device of the first invention is an operating device for operating various devices, and includes: a main body; a detection unit having an electrode part disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detecting an electromyographic signal from the skin upon touching the electrode part; and an output unit that outputs based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit.

[0083] The operating device of the second invention is the operating device of the first invention, and further includes: a first filter unit for removing DC components from the signal input from the electrode unit. The operating device of the third invention is the operating device of the first invention or the second invention, and further includes: a differential amplification unit for amplifying the voltage difference detected by the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode unit.

[0084] The operating device of the fourth invention is the operating device of the third invention, and further includes: a signal processing unit that converts the signal amplified in the difference amplification unit into a DC signal. The operating device of the fifth invention is the operating device of the fourth invention, and further includes: a second filter unit that removes noise from the DC signal.

[0085] The operating device of the sixth invention is the operating device of the fifth invention, and further includes: a signal amplification unit that amplifies the signal output from the second filter unit. The operating device of the seventh invention is the operating device of the third invention, and the amplification rate of the difference amplification unit is set to a value lower than the upper limit of the saturation voltage range.

[0086] The operating device of the eighth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to seventh inventions, and the output unit compares the electromyographic signal with a predetermined threshold value and outputs it. The operating device of the ninth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to eighth inventions, and the electrode unit is arranged along the muscles of the user's hand when used by the user.

[0087] The operating device of the tenth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to ninth inventions, and the electrode part includes two electrodes arranged along the muscles of the user's hand and a reference electrode. The operating device of the eleventh invention is the operating device of any one of the first to tenth inventions, and the output part performs on / off output based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection part.

[0088] The operating device of the twelfth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to eleventh inventions, and uses the electromyographic signal detected at the electrode section after a certain period of operation to perform calibration to adjust the amplification of the electromyographic signal. The operating device of the thirteenth invention is the operating device of the twelfth invention, and the calibration is performed when the power is turned on or at any time.

[0089] The operating device of the fourteenth invention is the operating device of the twelfth or thirteenth invention, and the amplification of the electromyographic signal detected by the electrode section is set according to the magnitude of the signal obtained after calibration. The operating device of the fifteenth invention is the operating device of any one of the twelfth to fourteenth inventions, and a predetermined threshold value for comparison with the electromyographic signal is set according to the magnitude of noise contained in the signal obtained after calibration.

[0090] The operating device of the sixteenth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to fifteenth inventions, and further includes: a physical switch operated by the user's finger. The operating device of the seventeenth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to sixteenth inventions, and further includes: a contact detection sensor for detecting the user's finger.

[0091] The operating device of the eighteenth invention is the operating device of any one of the first to seventeenth inventions, and the electrode portion has a curved shape. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] The operating device of the present invention can be widely used in operating devices that output various signals because it achieves a faster response speed than before. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0033] FIG1 is an external view showing the structure of an operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG2 is a diagram showing the state of a user using the operating device of FIG1. ​​FIG3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of the operating device of FIG1. ​​FIG4(a) is a diagram illustrating the calibration (for people with large detected electromyographic signals) performed when the operating device of FIG1 is powered on. FIG4(b) is also a diagram illustrating the calibration (for people with small detected electromyographic signals). FIG5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amplification rate set in the differential amplification unit included in the operating device of FIG3 and the saturation voltage range. FIG6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the control method of the operating device of FIG1.

Claims

1. An operating device for operating various devices, the operating device comprising: Main body; The device includes an electrode portion disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects electromyographic signals from the skin upon contact with the electrode portion; an output portion that outputs based on the electromyographic signals detected by the detection portion; and a physical switch operated by the user's finger, wherein the electrode portion is disposed along the muscles of the user's hand when the device is used by the user.

2. The operating device as described in claim 1, further comprising: The first filter section removes the DC component from the signal input from the electrode section.

3. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The differential amplification section amplifies the voltage difference detected by the multiple electrodes included in the electrode section.

4. The operating device as described in claim 3, further comprising: The signal processing unit converts the signal amplified in the differential amplification unit into a DC signal.

5. The operating device as described in claim 3, wherein, The amplification rate of the differential amplification section is set to a value lower than the upper limit of the saturation voltage range.

6. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The output unit compares the electromyographic signal with a predetermined threshold value and outputs the result.

7. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrode section includes two electrodes arranged along the muscles of the user's hand and a reference electrode.

8. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The output unit switches the output on / off based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit.

9. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, Using the electromyographic signal detected at the electrode section after a certain period of operation, calibration is performed to adjust the amplification of the electromyographic signal.

10. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A touch detection sensor detects the user's finger.

11. The operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrode portion has a curved shape.

12. An operating device for operating various devices, the operating device comprising: Main body; The system includes a detection unit with an electrode section disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects electromyography (EMG) signals upon contact with the skin via the electrode section; an output unit that outputs signals based on the EMG signals detected by the detection unit; a differential amplification unit that amplifies the voltage differences detected by the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode section; a signal processing unit that converts the amplified signal in the differential amplification unit into a DC signal; and a second filter unit that removes noise from the DC signal.

13. The operating apparatus as described in claim 12, further comprising: The signal amplification section amplifies the signal output from the second filter section.

14. An operating device for operating various devices, the operating device comprising: Main body; The detection unit has an electrode portion disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects an electromyographic signal upon contact with the skin of the electrode portion; and an output unit outputs based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit, wherein the amplification of the electromyographic signal is calibrated by using the electromyographic signal detected by the electrode portion after a certain period of operation, and the calibration is performed when the power is turned on or at any time.

15. An operating device for operating various devices, the operating device comprising: Main body; The detection unit has an electrode portion disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects electromyographic (EMG) signals upon contact with the skin via the electrode portion; and an output unit outputs based on the EMG signals detected by the detection unit, wherein calibration is performed to adjust the amplification of the EMG signals using the EMG signals detected by the electrode portion after a certain period of operation, and the amplification of the EMG signals detected by the electrode portion is set according to the magnitude of the signal obtained after calibration.

16. An operating device for operating various devices, the operating device comprising: Main body; The detection unit has an electrode portion disposed on the main body at a position in contact with the user's skin, and detects an electromyographic signal upon contact with the skin of the electrode portion; and an output unit outputs based on the electromyographic signal detected by the detection unit, wherein the amplification of the electromyographic signal is calibrated by using the electromyographic signal detected by the electrode portion after a certain period of operation, and a predetermined threshold value for comparison with the electromyographic signal is set according to the magnitude of noise contained in the signal obtained after calibration.

17. A method for controlling an operating device, comprising: The detection step involves detecting electromyographic (EMG) signals on the skin by touching the electrode portion, i.e., the electrode portion of the operating device located on the main body of the device at the position where it contacts the user's skin; and the control step involves outputting based on the EMG signals detected in the detection step, wherein the operating device includes a physical switch operated by the user's finger, and the electrode portion is arranged along the muscles of the user's hand when used by the user.

18. A control program, loaded via a computer, for executing a control method of an operating device, the control method of the operating device comprising: The detection step involves detecting electromyographic (EMG) signals on the skin by touching the electrode portion, i.e., the electrode portion of the operating device located on the main body of the device at the position where it contacts the user's skin; and the control step involves outputting based on the EMG signals detected in the detection step, wherein the operating device includes a physical switch operated by the user's finger, and the electrode portion is arranged along the muscles of the user's hand when used by the user.

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