External input device, smartphone, information transmission method, and control method
The external input device on the smartphone's back converts wheel rotations to scroll inputs, addressing unintended function activations and maintaining visibility, ensuring accurate input conversion.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROBO GARAGE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure JP2024043055_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
External input device, smartphone, information transmission method, control method 【0001】 The present invention relates to an external input device capable of scroll input. 【0002】 In recent years, viewing short videos using smartphones has become popular, and flick input is used to switch to playing the next or previous video. However, the flick input often becomes a touch input, and there is a problem that the comfort of video viewing is lost because functions unintended by the user are activated. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a hexagonal columnar roller arranged to contact the screen is externally attached to the front surface of a smartphone, and the user rotates this roller to replace the flick operation. 【0003】 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-182141 【0004】 However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the roller is arranged on the screen side, there is a problem that the visibility of the screen is impaired even though it is arranged at the edge of the screen. Also, when a menu or the like is arranged at the edge of the screen, there still remains a problem that the roller may touch and activate that menu. 【0005】 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device in a smartphone in which incorrect flick operations do not occur. 【0006】 In order to solve the above problems, an external input device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a mounting portion for mounting on a smartphone, a communication portion for communicating with the smartphone, a main body portion including the communication portion, a wheel rotatably attached to the main body portion and not contacting the screen of the smartphone, and a control portion for controlling to transmit rotation information based on the rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication portion, and is attached at the upper right of the back surface when the surface having the display portion of the smartphone is used as the front surface, at a position where a part of the end portion of the wheel is visible when viewed from the front surface side of the smartphone. 【0007】To solve the above problems, a smartphone according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a display unit for displaying images, a wheel whose outer edge is exposed to the outside only in part, a receiving unit for receiving the rotation of the wheel as a scroll input for the display on the display unit, and a display control unit for executing a scroll display on the display unit based on the scroll input received by the receiving unit. 【0008】 To solve the above problems, an information transmission method for an external input device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a mounting part for attaching to a smartphone; a communication part for communicating with the smartphone; a main body part equipped with the communication part; a wheel rotatably attached to the main body part and not in contact with the screen of the smartphone; and a control unit that controls the transmission of rotation information based on the rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part, wherein the external input device is mounted on the upper right of the back surface when the side with the display part of the smartphone is the front surface, and the end of the wheel is partially visible when viewed from the front surface of the smartphone, and the control unit performs a connection step of connecting to the smartphone via the communication part, a detection step of detecting the rotation of the wheel, and a transmission step of transmitting information indicating the direction of rotation of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part. 【0009】To solve the above problems, a smartphone control method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a mounting part for attaching to a smartphone; a communication part for communicating with a smartphone; a main body part equipped with the communication part; a wheel rotatably attached to the main body part and not in contact with the screen of the smartphone; and a control unit that controls the transmission of rotation information based on the rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part, wherein an external input device is connected to the upper right of the back surface when the side with the display part of the smartphone is considered the front surface, and the end of the wheel is partially visible when viewed from the front surface of the smartphone, wherein the smartphone's computer performs a connection step of connecting to the external input device; a receiving step of receiving information from the external input device indicating the rotation direction of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel; and a display step of performing a scrolling display of the display on the smartphone's monitor based on the rotation direction of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel. 【0010】 In the above-described external input device, the mounting portion may be configured to attach the external input device to a surface other than the surface on which the smartphone's monitor is located. 【0011】 In the above-mentioned external input device, the main body may be a smartphone case. 【0012】 In the above-described external input device, the main unit is a mobile battery, and the main unit may further include a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit for charging a smartphone from the rechargeable battery. 【0013】 In the above-mentioned external input device, the communication unit may be powered by a battery. 【0014】 In the above-described external input device, the external input device may include a receiving unit that receives power from a smartphone, and the communication unit and control unit may be driven based on the power received by the receiving unit. 【0015】The above-mentioned external input device may also include a battery for driving the communication unit and the control unit, a conversion unit for converting the rotation of the wheel into electricity, and a charging unit for charging the battery with electricity. 【0016】 An external input device according to one aspect of the present invention can accept input only of wheel rotation and transmit that information to a smartphone, thereby preventing input errors such as flick input being converted to touch input on a smartphone. 【0017】 (a) is an external perspective view of the external input device. (b) is a front view of the external input device. (c) is a rear view of the external input device. (d) is a left side view of the external input device. (a) is a front view of the smartphone with the external input device attached. (b) is a rear view of the smartphone with the external input device attached. This diagram shows how the smartphone is used with the external input device attached. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the external input device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the smartphone. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the external input device. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the smartphone. This is a diagram showing a modified example 1 of the external input device. This is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the external input device. This is a diagram showing a modified example 3 of the external input device. This is a diagram showing a modified example 4 of the external input device. This is a diagram showing a modified example 5 of the external input device. 【0018】 <Embodiment> An example of an external input device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. 【0019】 <Appearance and Usage of External Input Device 100> Figure 1 is an external view showing the appearance of the external input device 100 according to the present invention. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the external input device 100, Figure 1(b) is a front view of the external input device 100, Figure 1(c) is a rear view of the external input device 100, and Figure 1(c) is a left side view of the external input device 100. 【0020】 The external input device 100 shown in Figure 1 is an input device that is attached externally to information processing equipment (computer systems) that do not have components capable of rotational input, such as smartphones and tablet terminals. 【0021】 As shown in Figure 1(a), the external input device 100 comprises a main body 10, a wheel 11 rotatably connected to the main body 10, and a mounting portion 12 provided on the main body 10. 【0022】 As shown in Figures 1(b) and 1(c), the wheel 11 is a disc-shaped component that receives input from the user. The wheel 11 is connected to the main body 10 via an axle 13 and rotates around the axle 13. The diameter of the wheel 11 should be longer than the long axis of the main body 10. For example, the radius d1 of the wheel 11 may be about 10 mm, but is not limited to 10 mm; it should be a size that is easy for the user using the external input device 100 to operate, and may be in the range of 8 to 20 mm. Also, as shown in Figure 1(d), the thickness d2 of the wheel 11 should be a thickness that makes it easy to rotate; for example, d2 may be about 1 mm, but is not limited to this; may be in the range of 1 to 5 mm. 【0023】 The main body 10 is a housing that indicates the shaft 13 to which the wheel 11 is connected. 【0024】 The main body 10 and the wheel 11 may, for example, be made of resin, but the material is not limited to resin; for example, it may be made of wood or metal. 【0025】 The mounting portion 12 has the function of attaching the external input device 100 to the smartphone. The mounting portion 12 may also function as an adhesive portion for attaching the external input device 100 to the smartphone. That is, the mounting portion 12 may be, for example, double-sided tape or a sticker. 【0026】 Figure 2 shows an example of an external input device 100 being attached to a smartphone 200. Figure 2(a) is a front view of the smartphone 200 with the external input device 100 attached, and Figure 2(b) is a rear view of the smartphone 200 with the external input device 100 attached. In this embodiment, the side of the smartphone with the screen (touch panel) is considered the front. 【0027】As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the external input device 100 is attached to the back of the smartphone 200. The mounting position of the external input device 100 on the smartphone 200 can be at the user's discretion, but it is preferable to mount it in a position where the user can easily rotate the wheel 11 of the external input device 100 with any finger when holding the smartphone 200. In this case, as shown in Figure 2(a), it is preferable to mount it so that a part of the wheel 11 of the external input device 100 protrudes from the outer edge of the smartphone 200 when viewed from the front. For example, the wheel 11 may be mounted so that it protrudes by about 1 mm, but it is not limited to this, and it may protrude by about 1 to 5 mm. When a user holds and operates the smartphone 200, the user's fingers are often located at the edges (near the sides) of the smartphone 200. Therefore, when considering that the user will be operating the wheel 11 with their fingers, the wheel 11 should be mounted in a position where it can be easily touched by any finger. Here, if the external input device 100 is relatively thin overall, it will help to reduce the overall thickness of the smartphone 200 when attached to it. However, if it is attached, for example, near the center of the back of the smartphone 200, the wheel 11 will be difficult to rotate. Therefore, if the external input device 100 is attached to the smartphone 200 so that a part of the wheel 11 protrudes slightly from the outer edge of the smartphone 200, it will be easier to rotate. 【0028】Furthermore, the external input device 100 is mounted to the smartphone 200 in a position that does not interfere with the functions of the smartphone 200. That is, it is mounted in a position that does not interfere with inputs to or outputs from the smartphone 200, such as the touch panel 221, camera 222, input / output ports, volume switch, and power switch of the smartphone 200. Therefore, the wheel 11 of the external input device 100 is mounted in a position that does not come into contact with the monitor (touch panel) of the smartphone 200. As a result, the external input device 100 is provided in a position that does not obstruct any part of the display screen of the smartphone 200. In other words, the wheel 11 does not come into contact with the monitor (touch panel) of the smartphone 200. The external input device 100 may be mounted to the upper right corner of the back surface when the side with the display (touch panel) of the smartphone is considered the front surface, as shown in Figure 2(b). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(a), the external input device 100 may be mounted in a position where a portion of the end of the wheel is visible when viewing the smartphone with the external input device 100 attached from the front side. Note that the illustrated mounting example is just one example of a mounting position that makes it easy for the user to operate the external input device 100, and other positions are also acceptable as long as it is easy for the user to input, that is, easy to rotate the wheel 11. 【0029】 Figure 3 shows one usage configuration of a smartphone 200 with an external input device 100 attached. 【0030】 Figure 3 shows a user holding a smartphone 200 with an external input device 100 attached in their right hand. As shown in Figure 3, the user can easily rotate the wheel 11 by placing their index finger 33 along the wheel 11 while holding the smartphone 200. This rotation of the wheel 11 of the external input device 100 can be used as a scroll input for the smartphone 200. 【0031】As mentioned earlier, in recent years, short videos have been posted to various video sites, and users can watch these uploaded short videos. At this time, users can switch to playing the next video by flicking from the bottom to the top of the screen, or return to playing the previous video by flicking from the top to the bottom of the screen. Rotating the wheel of the external input device 100 can be used as an alternative to this flick input. That is, as shown by arrow 31 in Figure 3, by rotating the wheel 11, in the case of a smartphone 200, as shown by arrow 32, it is possible to switch to playing the next video or the previous video on the screen. 【0032】 If a flick input on the touch panel is mistakenly converted to a touch input, video playback will stop. This means that the user's viewing of the video will be interrupted. Also, if a flick input on the touch panel is mistakenly converted to a double-click input, it may result in the user clicking "Like" (giving a high rating). In this case, the user may click "Like" even for videos they don't particularly like, leading to the problem of unintended ratings being given to videos. However, since the wheel 11 only rotates, the situation where a user's flick input on the smartphone 200's touch panel is mistakenly converted to a touch input will not occur. Therefore, the external input device 100 can provide the user with a comfortable viewing environment when playing short videos, etc. 【0033】 <Example of configuration of external input device 100> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the external input device 100. The external input device 100 is an input device that transmits the rotation of the wheel 11 as input to the smartphone 200. 【0034】 As shown in Figure 4, the external input device 100 comprises a wheel 11, a communication unit 110, a power supply unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 140. 【0035】The wheel 11 is a component that rotates relative to the external input device 100, and is an electronic component that transmits the direction and amount of rotation (or rotation speed or both) to the control unit 140 when the wheel 11 is rotated by the user. The amount of rotation may also be referred to as the rotation angle. 【0036】 The communication unit 110 is a communication interface that has the function of communicating with the smartphone 200. The communication unit 110 may be connected to the smartphone 200 by wire or wireless connection. For example, in the case of a wired connection, it may be connected by a USB® cable, and in the case of a wireless connection, it may be connected by Bluetooth®, but it is not limited to these. The communication unit 110 transmits information indicating the rotation direction and amount (or rotation speed) of the wheel 11 to the smartphone 200 according to instructions from the control unit 140. 【0037】 The power supply unit 120 provides the power necessary to operate each part of the external input device 100. The power supply unit 120 may be a commercial battery that can be freely attached to and detached from the external input device 100, or it may be a built-in rechargeable battery. As an example of a rechargeable battery, a lithium-ion battery may be used, but it is not limited to this. The power supply unit 120 may also receive power from an external device, such as a connected smartphone 200, and provide power to each part of the external input device 100. If the power supply unit 120 is a rechargeable battery, it may receive power from an external device via wired or wireless connection. When the power supply unit 120 is charged via a wired connection, and the external input device 100 communicates with the smartphone via a wired connection, the communication port may be shared or provided separately. 【0038】 The storage unit 130 may be a storage medium that stores data and programs required for the operation of the external input device 100. The storage unit 130 may store an operation program for transmitting information about the direction and amount of rotation (or rotation speed or both) of the wheel 11 when it is rotated to the smartphone 200. 【0039】The control unit 140 is a processor (microcomputer) that controls each part of the external input device 100. By executing the program stored in the storage unit 130, when the control unit 140 receives information on the rotation direction and the rotation amount (or rotation speed or both) from the wheel 11, it transmits the information to the connected smartphone 200 via the communication unit 110. 【0040】 The above is a configuration example of the external input device 100. 【0041】 <Configuration Example of Smartphone 200> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the smartphone 200. The smartphone 200 is an information processing device (computer) similar to a generally known smartphone. 【0042】 As shown in Fig. 5, the smartphone 200 includes a communication unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250. 【0043】 The communication unit 210 is a communication interface having a function of communicating with devices outside the smartphone 200. The communication unit 210 may communicate with an external device by wire or wirelessly. As an example of an external device, the communication unit 210 communicates with the external input device 100, receives the information transmitted from the external input device 100, and transmits the information to the control unit 250. 【0044】 The input unit 220 has a function of receiving an input from the user of the smartphone 200 and transmitting the input content to the control unit 250. The input unit 220 may be realized by, for example, a touch panel, hard keys, a microphone, etc., but is not limited thereto. 【0045】 The output unit 230 executes a specified output according to an instruction from the control unit 250. The output unit 230 may be realized by, for example, a monitor (touch panel), a speaker, etc., but is not limited thereto. The output unit 230 may, for example, play (display) a short video provided by a video distribution service. 【0046】The storage unit 240 is a storage medium that stores various data and various programs required for the operation of the smartphone 200. The storage unit 240 may be implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. 【0047】 The control unit 250 is a processor that controls each part of the smartphone 200. The control unit 250 realizes the functions to be performed as the smartphone 200 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 240. The control unit 250 receives information on the rotation direction and rotation amount (or rotation speed or both) of the wheel 11 of the external input device 100 transmitted from the communication unit 110, and outputs it as a scroll input for the output to be output to the output unit 230, causing the display content to be output. As an example, when the rotation direction is clockwise, it may be scrolled from the upper part of the screen to the lower part of the screen, and when the rotation direction is counterclockwise, it may be scrolled from the lower part of the screen to the screen information. The association between the rotation direction and the scroll direction may be reversed. Also, the control unit 250 may determine the scroll amount based on the rotation amount (or rotation speed) of the wheel 11. Further, the control unit 250 may determine the scroll speed in the scroll display based on the rotation speed of the wheel 11. 【0048】 The above is a configuration example of the smartphone 200. 【0049】 <Example of operation of the external input device 100> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the external input device 100. 【0050】 As shown in Fig. 6, first, the external input device 100 connects to the smartphone 200 so as to be communicable (step S601). The connection may be that the external input device 100 connects to the smartphone 200 so as to be communicable (pairing), or may be to perform communication settings so that the rotation input of the external input device 100 can be transmitted as a scroll input in the smartphone 200. 【0051】The control unit 140 of the external input device 100 detects the rotation of the wheel 11 when it rotates (step S602). It then determines the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation (or rotation speed) of the wheel 11 (step S603). 【0052】 Once the control unit 140 determines the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the wheel 11, it transmits this information to the smartphone 200 via the communication unit 110 (step S604), and then terminates the process. 【0053】 The external input device 100 performs the processing shown in steps S602 to S604 in Figure 6 each time the wheel 11 rotates. Since the wheel 11 is a component that accepts input only for rotation, it can accept input related to flicking (scrolling) operations. Therefore, the external input device 100 can be used as a component that can avoid erroneous inputs such as touch inputs or double-click inputs that may occur when input is made via a touch panel. 【0054】 The above is an example of the operation of the external input device 100. 【0055】 <Example of Smartphone 200 Operation> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of smartphone 200 operation. 【0056】 As shown in Figure 7, the smartphone 200 connects to the external input device 100 in a communicative manner (step S701). This connection may involve the smartphone 200 connecting to the external input device 100 in a communicative manner (pairing), or it may involve configuring communication settings so that the rotation input of the external input device 100 can be received as a scroll input on the smartphone 200. 【0057】 The communication unit 110 receives information from the external input device 100 regarding the rotation direction and amount (or rotation speed) of the wheel (step S702). The communication unit 110 transmits the received information to the control unit 250. 【0058】When the control unit 250 receives information on the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation, it determines the scroll direction based on the direction of rotation and the scroll based on the amount of rotation according to a predetermined algorithm (step S703). The control unit 250 then communicates to the output unit 230 to scroll the displayed content in the determined scroll direction by the determined amount of rotation. The output unit 230 displays the content specified by the control unit 250. The scroll display may be a scroll display to transition to the playback of the next video, as shown in Figure 3, or a scroll display to display the parts of the page being viewed that are not currently displayed, such as in web browsing. 【0059】 The above is an example of how the smartphone 200 operates. 【0060】 <Modification 1> Figure 8 shows a first modification of the usage form of the external input device 100. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the external input device 100 is directly attached (adhered) to the smartphone 200, but the external input device 100 may be provided on the smartphone case 800, as shown in Figure 8, instead of being directly attached to the smartphone 200. 【0061】When the external input device 100 is provided in a smartphone case 800, it can be provided from the outset in a position that does not obstruct the camera or other functions of the smartphone 200 in a smartphone compatible with the smartphone case. This eliminates the need to attach the external input device 100 to the smartphone 200, and the user does not have to worry about where to attach the external input device 100. In other words, when the external input device 100 is provided in a smartphone case 800, the position of the external input device 100 relative to the smartphone 200 can be fixed to the upper right corner of the back of the smartphone 200, and the external input device 100 can be provided in a manner that fixes the appearance of the external input device 100 so that a part of the wheel 11 protrudes. Furthermore, by providing the external input device 100 in a smartphone case 800, the external input device 100 can be given added value other than wheel input (scroll input), namely, value as a smartphone case. In this case, by designing the external input device to match the appearance of the smartphone case, it is possible to improve the appearance while minimizing the sense of incongruity caused by the presence of the external input device 100. 【0062】 <Modification 2> Figure 9 shows a second modification of the usage form of the external input device 100. As shown in Figure 9, the external input device 100 may be configured as part of a mobile battery 900 that supplies power to the smartphone 200. In this case, the mobile battery 900 is preferably a thin, flat plate, considering ease of use in conjunction with the smartphone 200, and is preferably in a form that can be attached to the smartphone 200. 【0063】In this case, the external input device 100 may be configured to use the power stored in the mobile battery 900 as driving power, and the mobile battery 900 can be used as the power supply unit 120. In this case, the mobile battery 900 as the main unit 10 naturally includes a charging circuit (discharging circuit) for charging a smartphone. The illustrated example shows a wired (cable 90) charging example, but this may also be wireless charging. The mobile battery 900 may also include a charging circuit for charging its internal battery when connected to a commercial power source, although this is not shown. Communication between the external input device 100 and the smartphone 200 may be performed via the cable connecting the mobile battery 900 and the smartphone 200, or via a separate path. When the external input device 100 is provided attached to the mobile battery 900, the external input device 100 can be provided in such a manner that its relative position to the smartphone 200 is determined to be at the upper right corner of the back surface of the smartphone 200, and a portion of the wheel 11 protrudes from it. 【0064】 Furthermore, by equipping the mobile battery 900 with an external input device 100, the mobile battery 900 can be given added value beyond that of a rechargeable battery. 【0065】 <Modification 3> Figure 10 shows a third modification of the usage of the external input device 100. 【0066】 In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the external input device 100 is provided on the back of the smartphone 200, but this is not limited to this, and it may be built into the smartphone 300. That is, as shown in Figure 10, the smartphone 300 may be designed and manufactured to incorporate a scrollable wheel 11 with a portion of it exposed. 【0067】 In this case, the power supply unit 120 of the external input device 100 can be replaced by the rechargeable battery of the smartphone 300. 【0068】The wheel 11 may be configured to allow switching to inputs other than scrolling, for example, to be used for changing the volume when listening to music. The configuration of the smartphone 300 is the same as that of the smartphone 200, except that the wheel 11 is built in. When the external input device 100 is configured to be built into the smartphone 300, it may be provided in a manner in which a part of the wheel 11 is exposed at the corner of the smartphone (upper left when viewed from the front side, and upper right when viewed from the back side), as shown in the figure. That is, when the external input device 100 is built into the smartphone 300, the relative position of the external input device 100 to the smartphone 200 is determined to be at the upper right corner when viewed from the back side of the smartphone 200, and the external input device 100 can be provided in a manner in which a part of the wheel 11 protrudes. 【0069】 <Modification 4> Figure 11 shows a fourth modification of the usage of the external input device 100. 【0070】 In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the external input device 100 is attached to the back of the smartphone 200. That is, in this case, the surface formed by the wheel 11 (the surface perpendicular to the axis 13) and the back of the smartphone 200 are parallel to each other. 【0071】 However, the external input device 100 does not have to be attached to the back of the smartphone 200. As shown in Figure 11, the external input device 100 may be attached to the side of the smartphone 200. In addition to the side, the external input device 100 may be attached at an angle to the surface (front or back) of the smartphone 200. 【0072】 Since the preferred direction of operation and the preferred finger movements vary from user to user, the way the external input device 100 is attached to the smartphone 200 can accommodate each user's individual preferences. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the external input device 100 may be attached to the side of the smartphone 200 at the upper right corner when viewed from the back. 【0073】<Modification 5> Figure 12 shows a fifth modification of the usage of the external input device 100. 【0074】 As shown in Figure 12, the smartphone 200 may be fitted with multiple external input devices 100. In this case, the multiple external input devices 100 may be fitted to the same surface or to multiple surfaces. That is, the multiple external input devices 100 may be fitted only to the back surface or to the back surface and the sides. 【0075】 As shown in Figure 12, by attaching multiple external input devices 100 to the smartphone 200, for example, multiple-directional scrolling input can be realized. For example, the rotation input of the wheel 11 of one external input device 100 may be used as vertical scrolling input for the smartphone 200 screen, and the rotation input of the wheel 11 of another external input device 100 may be used as horizontal scrolling input for the smartphone 200 screen. Furthermore, if a third external input device 100 is attached, it may be used, for example, as input for raising or lowering the volume of the sound or for adjusting the brightness of the smartphone screen. 【0076】 In this case, the external input device 100 should be mounted in a position that does not impair the functions of the smartphone 200, such as the camera, and in a position that allows the user to easily operate multiple external input devices 100. As shown in the above embodiment, it is preferable to mount it so that a part of the wheel 11 protrudes from the outer edge of the smartphone 200. 【0077】<Summary> Since the external input device 100 only accepts rotation of the wheel 11, it can provide an input device that does not cause erroneous inputs, which occur in devices that can perform multiple inputs, such as touch input, double-click, and flick input, where the input content changes depending on the input method, like a touch panel. In other words, the external input device 100 can provide an input device that does not cause erroneous inputs as an attachment to a smartphone 200, where the touch panel is the default input method for display content. As a result, the external input device 100 can provide users of the smartphone 200 with a comfortable viewing environment for short videos. Furthermore, by attaching the external input device 100 to the upper right corner of the back so that a part of the wheel 11 protrudes, it is possible to provide an external input device 100 that makes it easy for the user to operate the wheel 11 with their index finger when holding the smartphone. 【0078】 <Supplement> It goes without saying that the external input device according to the above embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment and may be implemented by other methods. Various modifications will be described below. 【0079】 (1) In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 12 is, for example, double-sided tape or a seal, but the mounting portion 12 is not limited to double-sided tape or a seal, as long as it can attach the external input device 100 to the smartphone 200. For example, the mounting portion 12 may be realized by a clip that can clamp and attach the smartphone 200. 【0080】 For example, the main body 10 of the external input device 100 may be configured to be attached to the smartphone 200 by fitting it onto the smartphone 200, such as by having a mounting portion 12 that can be attached to the corner of the smartphone 200 (for example, in the shape of the corner of a smartphone case). When the external input device 100 is realized in such a shape, the position of the wheel 11 relative to the smartphone 200 can be determined by the provider of the external input device 100. 【0081】(2) In the above embodiment, it is described that the user rotates the wheel 11 with their fingers, but the wheel 11 may be rotated with something other than the user's fingers. For example, the user may rotate the wheel 11 by rubbing the smartphone with the external input device 100 attached against their own arm. Alternatively, the user may rotate the wheel 11 by rubbing the smartphone with the external input device 100 attached against an object such as a desk or bag, or by rubbing it against their arm or leg. In other words, the user may change the way they rotate the wheel 11 depending on their situation. That is, the external input device 100 can be provided as a device that can easily accept input as scroll input even when the user's hands are occupied. 【0082】 (3) In the above embodiment, the external input device 100 may be equipped with a generator that generates power based on the rotation of the wheel 11. In this case, the power generated by the generator may be used as driving power, and the power generated by the generator may be configured to be stored in the power supply unit 120. That is, the external input device 100 may be equipped with a conversion unit that converts the rotational energy of the wheel 11 into electrical energy, and a charging unit that charges the battery of the power supply unit 120 with the electrical energy. 【0083】 (4) In the above embodiment, the external input device 100 is attached to the smartphone 200, but it is not necessary to attach it to the smartphone 200, as it is sufficient to transmit information about the rotation of the wheel 11 to the smartphone 200. For example, it is also possible to use the device by placing the smartphone 200 on a smartphone stand, setting the external input device 100 on a table or the like, and rotating the wheel 11 to watch a video. 【0084】 (5) In the above embodiment, the external input device 100 transmits the rotation direction of the wheel 11 and the amount of rotation or rotation speed to the smartphone 200, but it may transmit all of this information. In this case, the rotation direction of the wheel 11 may be controlled to define the scroll direction, the amount of rotation to define the scroll amount, and the rotation speed to define the scroll speed. 【0085】 (6) The programs of each embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “non-temporary tangible medium” capable of storing the program. The storage medium may include any suitable storage medium such as an HDD or SSD, or two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile. However, the storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing the program. 【0086】 The external input device 100 or smartphone 200 can realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by, for example, reading a program stored on a storage medium and executing the read program. Furthermore, the program may be provided to the external input device 100 or smartphone 200 via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The external input device 100 or smartphone 200 can realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by, for example, executing a program downloaded via the Internet or the like. 【0087】 Furthermore, this program can be implemented using, for example, scripting languages such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademarks), object-oriented programming languages such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademarks), and markup languages such as HTML5. 【0088】 At least a portion of the processing in the external input device 100 or smartphone 200 may be implemented by cloud computing, which is comprised of one or more computers. Furthermore, each functional unit of the external input device 100 or smartphone 200 may be implemented by one or more circuits that implement the functions shown in the above embodiment, or the functions of multiple functional units may be implemented by one circuit. 【0089】(7) Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, but it should be noted that it will be easy for those skilled in the art to make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a way that is not logically contradictory, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the configurations shown in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. 【0090】 100 External input device 10 Main unit 11 Wheel 12 Mounting unit 13 Axle 110 Communication unit 120 Power supply unit 130 Storage unit 140 Control unit 200 Smartphone 210 Communication unit 220 Input unit 230 Output unit 240 Storage unit 250 Control unit
Claims
1. An external input device comprising: a mounting part for attaching to a smartphone; a communication part for communicating with the smartphone; a main body part equipped with the communication part; a wheel rotatably mounted to the main body part and not in contact with the screen of the smartphone; and a control unit that controls the transmission of rotational information based on the rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part, wherein the external input device is attached to the upper right of the back surface when the side with the display of the smartphone is the front surface, at a position where part of the end of the wheel is visible when viewed from the front surface of the smartphone.
2. The external input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting portion attaches the external input device to a surface other than the surface on which the smartphone's monitor is located.
3. The external input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body is a smartphone case.
4. The external input device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is a mobile battery, and the main body further comprises a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit for charging the smartphone from the rechargeable battery.
5. The external input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the communication unit is powered by power supplied from the storage battery.
6. The external input device according to claim 1, wherein the external input device includes a receiving unit that receives power supply from the smartphone, and the communication unit and the control unit are driven based on the power received by the receiving unit.
7. An external input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a battery for driving the communication unit and the control unit; a conversion unit for converting the rotation of the wheel into electricity; and a charging unit for charging the battery with the electricity.
8. A smartphone comprising: a display unit for displaying images; a wheel whose outer edge is partially exposed to the outside; a receiving unit for receiving the rotation of the wheel as a scroll input for the display on the display unit; and a display control unit for executing a scroll display on the display unit based on the scroll input received by the receiving unit.
9. An information transmission method for an external input device comprising: a mounting part for attaching to a smartphone; a communication part for communicating with the smartphone; a main body part equipped with the communication part; a wheel rotatably mounted to the main body part and not in contact with the screen of the smartphone; and a control unit that controls the transmission of rotation information based on the rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part, wherein the external input device is mounted on the upper right of the back surface when the side with the display part of the smartphone is the front surface, and the end of the wheel is partially visible when viewed from the front surface of the smartphone, the information transmission method comprising: a connection step in which the control unit connects to the smartphone via the communication part; a detection step in which the rotation of the wheel is detected; and a transmission step in which the control unit transmits information indicating the direction of rotation of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel to the smartphone via the communication part.
10. A control method for a smartphone to which an external input device is connected, the external input device being attached to the upper right of the back surface of the smartphone when the side with the display unit of the smartphone is considered the front surface, such that the end of the wheel is partially visible when viewed from the front surface of the smartphone, the control method comprising: a connection step in which the computer of the smartphone connects to the external input device; a receiving step in which the computer of the smartphone receives information from the external input device indicating the direction of rotation of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel; and a display step in which the computer of the smartphone performs a scrolling display of an object displayed on the monitor of the smartphone based on the direction of rotation of the wheel and the amount of rotation of the wheel.