KR20240163425A - Pointing device having control unit and method of controlling plurality of pointing device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A pointing device equipped with a control unit and a method for controlling multiple pointing devices using the pointing device are provided. A pointing device having a control unit includes a first pointing device comprising a first USB receiver that is connected to a computer and transmits a signal, and a first pointer main body that transmits a pointing signal to the first USB receiver, and a control unit that is installed in the computer and matches a first pointing image with a corresponding coordinate when a pointing signal is input through the first USB receiver and displays it on the screen of the computer, wherein, when the second USB receiver of the second pointing device comprising a second USB receiver and a second pointer main body that transmits a pointing signal to the second USB receiver is connected to the computer while the first USB receiver is connected to the computer, the control unit selectively receives the pointing signal of the second pointing device transmitted to the second USB receiver among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver, and outputs a first pointing image different from the pointing signal of the first pointing device input to the OS of the computer from the first USB receiver. Transmits the coordinate signal of the second pointing image.

Description

{Pointing device having control unit and method of controlling plurality of pointing devices using the same}

The present invention relates to a pointing device that outputs a pointing image on a computer screen to indicate a target and a method for controlling the pointing device, and more specifically, to a pointing device equipped with a control unit and a method for controlling a plurality of pointing devices using the pointing device.

As the size of display devices such as computer screens increases, the uses of display devices are expanding. For example, display devices with sufficiently large screens are effective for presentations, etc., because they have advantages not only in size but also in image quality. As a result, display devices are recently replacing beam projectors.

However, since the display device is actually connected to a computer and operates as a computer screen, an appropriate input device may be required to use it for presentations, etc. In other words, it may be difficult to use it for presentations, etc., because it is difficult for the presenter to intuitively point to the screen from the podium with a general input device (mouse, keyboard, etc.).

For this reason, motion-based pointing devices (e.g., Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1234094) that can point to conventional computer screens or TV monitors have also been developed. These pointing devices enable the presenter to intuitively point to each part of the computer screen, like conventional laser pointers.

However, since these computer screen-based pointing devices actually operate by inputting signals to the computer, malfunctions may occur if signal processing, etc., is inadequate. In addition, there are situations where multiple pointing is required, such as when multiple presenters use one screen at the same time during a presentation or when multiple conference participants simultaneously point to one screen for brainstorming, but technology that can effectively respond to such situations has not yet been developed due to difficulties in signal processing, etc.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1234094, (February 19, 2013)

The technical problem of the present invention is to solve such problems by providing a pointing device equipped with a control unit that can use two or more pointing devices simultaneously on a single screen through effective control, and also to provide a method for controlling multiple pointing devices by controlling multiple pointing devices simultaneously on a single screen using the pointing device equipped with such a control unit.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A pointing device equipped with a control unit according to the present invention comprises: a first pointing device comprising a first USB receiver that is connected to a computer and transmits a signal, and a first pointer body that transmits a pointing signal to the first USB receiver; And a control unit installed in the computer, when a pointing signal is input through the first USB receiver, and matches a first pointing image with the corresponding coordinates and displays it on the screen of the computer, wherein, when the second USB receiver of the second pointing device, which is composed of a second USB receiver and a second pointing body that transmits a pointing signal to the second USB receiver while the first USB receiver is connected to the computer, the control unit selectively receives the pointing signal of the second pointing device transmitted to the second USB receiver among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver, and transmits a coordinate signal of the second pointing image that is different from the first pointing image by the pointing signal of the first pointing device input from the first USB receiver to the OS of the computer.

The above control unit can assign the first pointing image and the second pointing image, which are distinct from each other, to the first pointing device and the second pointing device, respectively, and display them on the screen of the computer by matching each of the coordinates of the first pointing image and the coordinates of the second pointing image.

The first USB receiver and the second USB receiver each include a memory, and the control unit can transmit and record a key value capable of distinguishing a pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and a pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver in the memory.

The above memory may be a volatile memory in which the key value is erased when power is cut off.

The above control unit can receive the coordinate signal of the first pointing image from the OS of the computer.

The first pointer body and the second pointer body can transmit together the pointing signal and the pointing start signal for displaying the first pointing image and the second pointing image on the screen of the computer.

The first pointer body and the second pointer body may include a touch sensor that generates the pointing start signal.

A method for controlling a plurality of pointing devices according to the present invention comprises: when a plurality of pointing devices, each of which comprises a USB receiver and a pointer body that transmits a pointing signal to the USB receiver, are simultaneously connected to a computer; in the method for controlling a plurality of pointing devices, when a first USB receiver of a first pointing device is inserted into one of the USB ports of the computer and a second USB receiver of a second pointing device is inserted into the other of the USB ports of the computer, (a) a step of a control unit installed in the computer selectively receiving a pointing signal of the second pointing device transmitted to the second USB receiver from among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver; And (b) the control unit includes a step of transmitting a coordinate signal of a second pointing image, which is different from the first pointing image by the pointing signal of the first pointing device input from the first USB receiver to the OS of the computer, according to the input pointing signal.

The above control unit can assign the first pointing image and the second pointing image, which are distinct from each other, to the first pointing device and the second pointing device, respectively, and display them on the screen of the computer by matching each of the coordinates of the first pointing image and the coordinates of the second pointing image.

The above control unit can, prior to step (a), transmit and record a key value capable of distinguishing between a pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and a pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver in the memory of the first USB receiver and the second USB receiver.

The above memory may be a volatile memory in which the key value is erased when power is cut off.

The above control unit can receive the coordinate signal of the first pointing image from the OS of the computer.

The above control unit can display the first pointing image or the second pointing image on the screen when a pointing start signal is input from the first pointer body of the first pointing device or the second pointer body of the second pointing device.

The above pointing start signal may be a signal transmitted from a touch sensor included in the first pointer body or the second pointer body.

According to the present invention, one or more pointing devices can be used to intuitively point to a screen on a computer screen (or can be applied to other forms of display devices such as equivalent TV monitors). The present invention can be used not only without actual malfunction through effective control and processing of device input signals, but also enables multiple pointing, in which two or more pointing devices are used simultaneously on a single screen without collision. Therefore, it can meet various user needs. For example, the present invention can be utilized in various forms, such as a presentation by multiple presenters using a single screen, or a brainstorming session by multiple participants in which multiple conference participants participate through a single screen.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a pointing device equipped with a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example in which the pointing device of FIG. 1 is configured in multiple units.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the pointer body and USB receiver of the first pointing device of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating an expansion method of the pointing device of Figure 1.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling multiple pointing devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and the present embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a pointing device having a control unit according to the present invention and a method for controlling multiple pointing devices using the same will be described in detail. In order to make the explanation concise and clear, a pointing device having a control unit will first be described in detail, and then a method for controlling multiple pointing devices based on the pointing device will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a pointing device equipped with a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the pointing device of FIG. 1 is configured in multiple units.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pointing device (1) (hereinafter, “pointing device”) equipped with a control unit according to the present invention is connected to a computer (2) and displays a pointing image (31) on a screen (3) of the computer (2). The pointing image is intuitively displayed on the screen (3) according to the three-dimensional movement of the pointer body (see 110 and 210 of FIGS. 1 and 2).

The present invention includes a control unit (400) that controls such a pointing device. One or more pointing devices can be applied to the control unit (400) at the same time. That is, it can be configured with the control unit (400) and the first pointing device (100) (see FIG. 1), and it can also be configured with the control unit (400) and the first pointing device (100) and the second pointing device (200) (see FIG. 2). That is, the pointing device (1) according to the present invention can be configured with a plurality of pointing devices that are connected to the same computer (2) at the same time.

Referring to Fig. 2, a plurality of pointing images (31, 32) are displayed on the screen (3) without collision by the control of the control unit (400). The control unit (400) is installed in the computer (2) and can process pointing signals transmitted by a plurality of pointing devices separately from the OS (operating system) of the computer (2). Therefore, the signal processing speed is increased and signal collision is prevented. In addition, if the number of pointing signals processed by the control unit (400) separately from the OS is increased, the number of simultaneously connected pointing devices can be further increased (see Fig. 4). Therefore, the present invention is very effective in controlling a plurality of pointing devices simultaneously.

The pointing device (1) of the present invention is configured as follows. The pointing device includes a first pointing device (100) composed of a first USB receiver (120) that is connected to a computer (2) to transmit a signal, and a first pointer body (110) that transmits a pointing signal to the first USB receiver (120), and a control unit (400) that is installed in the computer (2) and matches a first pointing image (31) with the corresponding coordinates when a pointing signal is input through the first USB receiver (120) and displays it on the screen (3) of the computer, wherein, as in FIG. 2, the control unit (400) controls a second pointing device (200) composed of a second USB receiver (220) and a second pointer body (210) that transmits a pointing signal to the second USB receiver (220) while the first USB receiver (120) is connected to the computer (2). When the second USB receiver (220) is connected to the computer (2), the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) is selectively received among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220), and the coordinate signal of the second pointing image (32) is transmitted, which is different from the first pointing image (31) by the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) input from the first USB receiver (120) to the OS (22) of the computer (2).

In this embodiment, the control unit (400) can assign a first pointing image (31) and a second pointing image (32) that are distinct from each other to the first pointing device (100) and the second pointing device (200), and display them on the screen (3) of the computer (2) by matching each of the coordinates of the first pointing image (31) and the coordinates of the second pointing image (32). Accordingly, the plurality of pointing images can be easily distinguished with the naked eye, and each image can also be transformed.

In addition, the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220) each include a memory (see 122 of FIG. 3), and the control unit (400) can transmit and record a key value that can distinguish the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) in each memory. Accordingly, even if pointing signals are input to multiple USB receivers, each signal can be independently processed by distinguishing the signals with the key value transmitted to each USB receiver.

Although the first pointing device (100) and the second pointing device (200) are illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention is not limited to the drawing, and more pointing devices such as the third pointing device (see 300 of FIG. 4) and the fourth pointing device (not shown) can be simultaneously connected to the computer (2) and used in substantially the same manner as the second pointing device (200). Therefore, the second pointing device is only one example. However, it is desirable to appropriately adjust the number of devices in order to maintain processing speed, etc.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operational effects of the present invention will be described in more detail based on one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the pointer body and USB receiver of the first pointing device of Figure 1.

First, the configuration of the first pointing device (100) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The configuration of the first pointing device (100) described below is substantially the same as that of other pointing devices [such as the second pointing device (200), the third pointing device (see 300 of FIG. 4), etc.], so that even without a separate description thereafter, the configuration of other pointing devices will be understood based on the first pointing device (100).

However, the first pointing device (100) is distinguished from other pointing devices in that it is the pointing device that is first connected to the computer (2), and therefore, there is a difference in the way the pointing signal is processed in the OS (22) of the computer (2), so this point will be described again later.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first pointing device (100) is composed of a first USB receiver (120) that transmits a signal to a computer (2) and a first pointer body (110) that transmits a pointing signal to the first USB receiver (120). The first USB receiver (120) is inserted into a USB port (21) of the computer (2) and wirelessly receives a pointing signal transmitted by the first pointer body (110) and transmits it to the computer (2). The first USB receiver (120) can be inserted into any one of a plurality of USB ports (21) formed in the computer (2).

The first pointer body (110) can transmit a pointing signal generated according to the direction of orientation, movement, etc. of the body itself to the first USB receiver (120). The pointing signal may be a signal that can convert the direction of orientation or movement of the pointer body into coordinates or movement of coordinates on the screen (3) of the computer (2). For example, the first pointer body (110) may include a motion detection sensor that converts the movement or posture of the first pointer body (110) into a signal, such as a three-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis gyro sensor, and may convert three-dimensional movement into a signal. Such a signal may be converted into coordinate information that designates a specific point on the screen (3) of the computer (2) as a coordinate or converts coordinates on the screen (3) through appropriate processing (e.g., mapping three-dimensional coordinates into two-dimensional coordinates on the computer screen). The pointing signal may be a signal that includes such coordinate information.

However, the pointing signal need not be limited in that way, and it is also possible to generate it in a variety of ways. For example, it is possible to generate the pointing signal in a vision manner using a camera, or to generate the pointing signal by combining a motion detection sensor and vision recognition. The pointing signal of the present invention is not particularly limited in its formation method, etc., as long as it is a signal that can change the direction or movement of the pointer body into coordinates or coordinate conversion of the computer (2) screen (3).

Referring to Fig. 3, the first pointer body (110) may be formed in a bar-like shape that is easy to hold by hand. A wireless communication unit (112) that transmits a pointing signal is formed at the front end of the first pointer body (110), and various operation buttons (111) may be arranged on the outer surface. For example, the operation buttons (111) may include various buttons such as a power button, a screen-turning button, and a screen operation button having the same function as an input button of a mouse.

In addition, a touch sensor (113) may also be arranged on the first pointer body (110). The touch sensor (113) may be used to determine whether to display a first pointing image (see 31 of FIG. 1) on a computer screen (see 3 of FIG. 1) through a simple touch. That is, the first pointer body (110) may transmit a pointing signal and a pointing start signal that displays the first pointing image (31) on the computer screen (3) together, and the first pointer body (110) may include a touch sensor (113) that generates the pointing start signal. Displaying here means displaying an image that was not on the screen.

Since the configuration of the first pointer body (110) is equally applied to the second pointer body (see 210 of FIG. 2), the second pointer body (210) can also transmit a pointing start signal that displays a pointing signal and a second pointing image (see 32 of FIG. 2) on the computer screen (see 3 of FIG. 2). In addition, the second pointer body (210) can also include a touch sensor that generates the pointing start signal. This can be equally applied to other pointer bodies such as the third pointer body (see 310 of FIG. 4).

The pointing device is formed with a structure in which a pointer body and a USB receiver are paired. A pair of a first USB receiver (120) may be formed with a first pointer body (110). The first USB receiver (120) may include a wireless receiver (121) and a memory (122), and may be formed to be removably attached to a USB port (21) of a computer (2). The wireless receiver (121) serves to receive a signal (such as a pointing signal and a pointing start signal) transmitted from the first pointer body (110), and the memory (122) may serve to temporarily store the received signal. This structure may also be equally applied to other USB receivers.

The key value transmitted by the control unit (400) can be recorded in the memory of the USB receiver. The key value can be transmitted to multiple USB receivers and used to distinguish each USB receiver, and at the same time, can be used to distinguish the pointing signal transmitted to each USB receiver. For example, the key value can be assigned to different values to different USB receivers.

That is, the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (see 220 of FIG. 2) each include a memory, and the control unit (400) can transmit and record a key value that can distinguish between a pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and a pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) in each memory. This structure can also be equally applied to other USB receivers, such as the third USB receiver (see 320 of FIG. 4).

The key value recorded in the USB receiver may be added to, for example, a pointing signal transmitted to the USB receiver and (temporarily) stored in memory. For example, if the pointing signal is in the form of a data string including certain coordinate information, etc., it is possible to distinguish the pointing signal transmitted to a specific USB receiver by adding different key values when the data string is recorded in the memory. In this way, by transmitting or assigning different key values to the USB receiver, it is possible to distinguish multiple pointing signals transmitted to the computer (2) through the USB receiver.

However, the pointing signal does not necessarily have to be distinguished by a key value, and for example, if it can be distinguished by a manufacturing number or another serial number that each USB receiver has, it is possible to distinguish it by utilizing that. Therefore, the present invention does not have to be understood as being limited to a method using a key value.

In this way, a first pointing device (100) can be formed by a pair of a first pointer body (110) and a first USB receiver (120). The first USB receiver (120) can be connected to the computer by being inserted into one of a plurality of USB ports (21) installed in the computer. As described above, the above-described structure is equally applicable to the second pointing device (see 200 of FIG. 2), the third pointing device (see 300 of FIG. 4) and other additional pointing devices, so the structures thereof will not be described separately and will be understood based on the above-described contents.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the control unit (400) is installed in the computer (2). The computer (2) is basically equipped with an OS (Operating System) (22), and the OS (22) is configured to process signals for basic input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard. As shown in FIG. 1, the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) initially connected to the computer (2) is processed by the OS (22), but as shown in FIG. 2, the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) connected to the computer (2) thereafter is processed by the control unit (400). Therefore, since the signals from both sides do not collide, multi-pointing is possible, and if the number of signals processed by the control unit (400) is increased, the number of additional pointing devices such as a third pointing device (see 300 of FIG. 4) can also be increased.

The control unit (400) may be formed as a program capable of such signal processing, for example. The control unit (400) may be installed in the computer (2) and loaded onto the computer (2) together with the OS (22) when the pointing device operates. The control unit (400) may perform one or more operations related to signal processing and conversion, and such operations need not be limited within the necessary limits, such as operations related to the aforementioned pointing signal, operations for setting the reference position of coordinates on the screen, etc. The operation function may be built into the program, but may also be added to the program through an update. The control unit (400) may be formed as such a program and may be driven by the computer (2) to generate coordinates for displaying the pointing image of the second pointing device (200).

The control unit (400) may also have an image processing function. The control unit (400) may be formed by combining multiple programs so that it can simultaneously perform image processing as well as the aforementioned signal processing. Therefore, the control unit (400) is capable of image processing that overlays a specific pointing image on the corresponding coordinates when a coordinate signal is provided. In particular, the coordinate signal by which the control unit (400) can display a pointing image is not limited to the coordinate signal generated by itself (the coordinate signal of the second pointing image generated from the pointing signal of the second pointing device), but also includes the coordinate signal provided from the OS (22) (the coordinate signal of the first pointing image generated from the pointing signal of the first pointing device), so that the first pointing image (31) can be matched and displayed by receiving the coordinate signal of the OS (22).

That is, the control unit (400) is installed in the computer (2) and, when a pointing signal is input through the first USB receiver (120), matches the first pointing image (31) with the corresponding coordinates and displays it on the screen (3) of the computer (2). In other words, the pointing signal transmitted from the first pointing device (100) is processed in the OS (22) to generate a coordinate signal, but the control unit (400) can match the first pointing image (31) to the corresponding coordinate signal and transform and display it as multiple images on the screen (3). At this time, the control unit (400) can receive the coordinate signal of the first pointing image (31) from the OS (22) of the computer (2). The control unit (400) can perform this function while the first pointing device (100) is connected to the computer (2) alone (see FIG. 1).

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 2, when the second USB receiver (220) of the second pointing device (200) is connected to the computer (2) while the first USB receiver (120) is connected to the computer (2), the control unit (400) selectively receives the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) (i.e., the pointing signal of the first pointing device) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) (i.e., the pointing signal of the second pointing device), and transmits a coordinate signal of the second pointing image (32) that is different from the first pointing image (31) by the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100).

That is, when a second USB receiver (220) is additionally mounted on the computer (2), the control unit (400) selectively processes the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) transmitted through the second USB receiver (220) and independently generates coordinates (coordinates of the second pointing image) different from the coordinates generated by the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) processed by the OS (22) (i.e., coordinates of the first pointing image). By matching the second pointing image (32) that is distinct from the first pointing image (31) to the corresponding coordinates, two independent pointing images can be displayed on the screen (3) at the same time, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The control unit (400) can distinguish the pointing signal of the second USB receiver (220) by the key value as described above. However, this is only an example, and if the pointing signal can be distinguished from the hardware (USB receiver) itself, the pointing signal can be distinguished in that way, and if the computer (2) can distinguish the connection order of the USB receivers on its own, the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver according to the connection order can be processed by the OS (22) (since there are no other pointing signals), and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver can be selectively processed by the control unit (400). In this way, even if a third USB receiver and additional USB receivers are installed, they can be distinguished and processed by the control unit (400).

However, in this embodiment, the method of distinguishing the pointing signal by the key value transmitted by the control unit (400) to each USB receiver will be described in more detail. In such a case, the control unit (400) can transmit and record the key values that are distinguished from each other in the memory of the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220) while the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220) are inserted into the USB port (21) of the computer (2). At this time, the key values can be modified in various ways as long as they are in a form that can be distinguished from each other, and therefore, there is no need to be particularly limited within such a limit.

For example, the control unit (400) may have an operation function that automatically generates key values, and may automatically generate key values that are distinguished from each other and transmit them to the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220). This operation may be performed automatically when the second USB receiver (220) is inserted, or may be performed manually by a user. The transmitted key values may be transmitted to the memory of each USB receiver and used to distinguish signals in various ways, such as being added to the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220). Therefore, the control unit (400) may distinguish the pointing signal transmitted from the second pointing device (200) through the key values transmitted to the USB receiver as described above, and may selectively receive and process the pointing signal independently.

This operation can be repeated substantially identically when another USB receiver, such as a third USB receiver (see 320 of FIG. 4) of a third pointing device (see 300 of FIG. 4), is added. Through this, the control unit (400) can selectively receive pointing signals of other USB receivers [such as the second USB receiver (220) and the third USB receiver (320)], excluding the pointing signal (a signal processed by the OS) of the first USB receiver (120), and transmit coordinate signals corresponding to each. That is, the control unit (400) can selectively receive and process pointing signals of the remaining pointing devices, such as the second pointing device (200) and the third pointing device (300) that are connected the second time or later, in addition to the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) that is first connected to the computer (2).

Since the control unit (400) has a function of generating coordinates corresponding to the pointing signal through signal operation, it is also possible to generate two or more coordinates by operating two or more pointing signals. Therefore, it is not limited to the second pointing device (200) as in Fig. 2, and it is also possible to input and process pointing signals of a greater number of pointing devices at the same time (see Fig. 4). However, since the load may increase in order to process a number of signals input continuously, it is desirable to adjust the number of pointing devices applied simultaneously as described above.

In this way, when an additional pointing device, such as a second pointing device (200), is connected to the computer (2), the control unit (400) can selectively process the corresponding pointing signal to additionally display another independent pointing image, such as a second pointing image (32), on the screen (3). Since the pointing images provided by the control unit (400) can be selected in various ways, the pointing images can be distinguished and output in various forms without being limited to the illustrated shape. Accordingly, multiple pointing is possible without a problem, where multiple pointing images are displayed simultaneously on one screen (3) and each pointing device user independently operates each of them.

In the case where the key value is transmitted to each USB receiver as in this embodiment, the memory of each USB receiver can delete the key value when the power is cut off. That is, the memory (see 122 of FIG. 3) of each USB receiver including the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220) can be a volatile memory in which the key value is deleted when the power is cut off. Accordingly, since the key value is not permanently stored in the USB receiver, the pointing device can be connected to other computer devices in the same manner and used universally.

Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating an expansion method of the pointing device of Figure 1.

In this way, by connecting one or more pointing devices to the computer (2), multiple pointing images can be displayed simultaneously on the computer (2) screen (3). Referring to Fig. 4, a third pointing device (300) structurally identical to the second pointing device (200) described above can be additionally connected to the USB port (21) of the computer (2), thereby allowing multiple independent pointing images, such as the first pointing image (31), the second pointing image (32), and the third pointing image (33), to be displayed simultaneously on the computer (2) screen (3).

The first pointing device (100), the second pointing device (200), and the second pointing device (200) all have substantially the same structure as the first pointer body (110) and the first USB receiver (120), the second pointer body (210) and the second USB receiver (220), and the third pointer body (310) and the third USB receiver (320), and can be classified into the first pointing device (100), the second pointing device (200), and the third pointing device (300) in the order of connection to the computer (2).

Among these, since the first pointing device (100) is first connected to the computer (2) in the absence of any other pointing device, the pointing signal transmitted through the first USB receiver (120) of the first pointing device (100) can be automatically processed in the OS (22) of the computer (2). For example, the pointing signal can be a signal similar to or identical to a mouse signal, a keyboard signal, or the like, which is a signal of a basic input device processed in the OS (22), and therefore, if the first pointing device (100) is connected to the computer (2) without any other input device, the pointing signal can be automatically processed in the OS (22).

Accordingly, the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) initially connected to the computer (2) is processed by the OS (22), and when the second pointing device (200) is additionally connected to the computer (2), multiple pointing signals are distinguished through key value transmission, etc. as described above, and the control unit (400) can selectively receive only the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) that is not processed by the OS (22) to generate a coordinate signal. This processing is equally performed when another pointing device, such as the third pointing device (300), is additionally connected, so that the OS (22) and the control unit (400) process the pointing signals in parallel to prevent collisions due to signal confusion. In addition, since the control unit (400) can process the remaining pointing signals that are not processed by the OS (22) through signal conversion at once, it is also possible to display a larger number of pointing images on the computer (2) screen (3). In this way, a plurality of pointing images can be displayed and manipulated on the screen.

Hereinafter, a method for controlling multiple pointing devices of the present invention based on the pointing device of the present invention described above will be described in more detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling multiple pointing devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the control method of multiple pointing devices described uses the pointing device equipped with the aforementioned control unit, so the description of the related configuration will not be repeated and will be replaced with the aforementioned description. In this embodiment, the methodological contents that are different from the aforementioned embodiment will be mainly described. However, parts that are not arranged in the content may be cross-referenced with the aforementioned embodiment. The description will proceed based on the flow chart of Fig. 5, and other drawings may be referred to as needed.

Referring to FIG. 5, a method for controlling multiple pointing devices may include the following steps. The method for controlling multiple pointing devices includes a method for controlling multiple pointing devices, which controls each pointing device when multiple pointing devices, each pointing device being configured with a USB receiver and a pointer body that transmits a pointing signal to the USB receiver, are simultaneously connected to a computer.

When the first USB receiver (see 120 of FIG. 1) of the first pointing device (see 100 of FIG. 1) is inserted into one of the USB ports (see 21 of FIG. 1) of the computer (see 2 of FIG. 1), and the second USB receiver (see 220 of FIG. 2) of the second pointing device (see 200 of FIG. 2) is inserted into another one of the USB ports (21) of the computer (2),

A step [(a)] (S300) in which a control unit (see 400 of FIG. 2) installed in a computer (2) selectively receives a pointing signal of a second pointing device (200) transmitted to a second USB receiver (220) among the pointing signals transmitted to a first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signals transmitted to a second USB receiver, and

The control unit (400) includes a step [(b)] (S400) of transmitting a coordinate signal of a second pointing image (see 32 of FIG. 2) different from the first pointing image (see 31 of FIG. 1) by the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) input from the first USB receiver (120) to the OS (see 22 of FIG. 2) of the computer (2) according to the input pointing signal.

The coordinate signal transmitted in this manner is simultaneously displayed on the computer (2) screen (3) together with the first pointing image (31) as a second pointing image (32) different from the first pointing image (31) as described above (S500). Hereinafter, each step will be described in more detail through an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling when a plurality of pointing devices are simultaneously connected to a computer (2), and it is assumed that only one pointing device is initially connected to the computer (2). That is, the first pointing device (100) may be already connected to the computer (2) by inserting the first USB receiver (120) into the USB port (21) of the computer (2). In this state, the control unit (400), as described above, receives the coordinate signal of the first pointing image (31) from the OS (22) of the computer (2) and matches only the first pointing image (31) to the corresponding coordinates and displays it. Such a situation is illustrated in Fig. 1.

That is, the control unit (400) is loaded and operated on the computer (2) together with the OS (22) even when multiple pointing devices are not connected, and displays various types of first pointing images (31) by matching them to the coordinates of the first pointing device (100) provided from the OS (22). As described above, the first pointing device (100) can sense the three-dimensional movement and orientation of the first pointer body (see 110 of FIG. 1) to generate intuitive coordinate information, so that the user can intuitively manipulate the first pointing image (31) by pointing the computer (2) screen (3) with the first pointer body (110) as if using a laser pointer.

At this time, for the second user, a second USB receiver (220) of a second pointing device (200) can be additionally inserted into the USB port (21) of the same computer (2) (S100). Such a situation is illustrated in Fig. 2.

In this way, when the first USB receiver (120) is inserted first and the second USB receiver (220) is inserted again, the control unit (400) can, for example, transmit and record a key value that can distinguish the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) in the memory of the first USB receiver (120) and the second USB receiver (220) before transmitting the pointing signal (i.e., before step (a)) (S200).

However, it is not necessary to be limited to this, and if there is no need to distinguish the USB receiver or the pointing signal transmitted therefrom by key values as described above (e.g., if the pointing signal can be distinguished from the hardware (USB receiver) itself, or if the computer can distinguish the connection order of the USB receiver on its own, etc.), this step may be omitted. Therefore, the technical idea of the present invention need not be limited to this embodiment.

Thereafter, the control unit (400) selectively receives the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver (120) and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver (220) (S300). That is, as described above, since the pointing signals transmitted from each USB receiver can be distinguished from key values transmitted to different USB receivers, the control unit (400) can selectively receive the pointing signal.

Thereafter, the control unit (400) transmits a coordinate signal of the second pointing image (32) that is different from the first pointing image (31) according to the input pointing signal (the pointing signal of the second pointing device) (S400). As described above, the first pointing image (31) is a pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) input to the OS (22) of the computer (2), so the control unit (400) processes the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) independently of the OS (22) to generate the coordinates of the second pointing image (32). This situation is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Therefore, as in FIG. 2, the control unit (400) assigns a first pointing image (31) and a second pointing image (32) that are distinct from each other to the first pointing device (100) and the second pointing device (200), respectively, and matches each of the coordinates of the second pointing image (32) and the coordinates of the second pointing image (32) to display them on the screen (3) of the computer (2) (S500). That is, the coordinates of the pointing signal of the first pointing device (100) processed by the OS (22) and the coordinates of the pointing signal of the second pointing device (200) processed by the control unit (400) are simultaneously displayed as the first pointing image (31) and the second pointing image (32) on the same screen (3).

The control unit (400) can receive the coordinate signal of the first pointing image (31) from the OS (22) of the computer (2). That is, the first pointing image (31) is processed by matching only the image to the coordinate signal provided from the OS (22) and displaying it, and the second pointing image (32) is generated by processing other images together with the coordinate signal generated by the control unit (400). Since the OS (22) and the control unit (400) actually divide and process the coordinate signal in this way, the signal processing is fast and signal collisions, etc. do not occur.

This method of controlling multiple pointing devices can be expanded as shown in Fig. 4. As described above, a third pointing device (300) of the same structure can be additionally connected in the same manner, or another pointing device can be additionally connected, so that multiple people can display and operate multiple pointing images on the same screen (3). In this way, multiple pointing devices can be controlled.

Meanwhile, the control unit (400) may control to notify the user of whether or not to start pointing before starting pointing. That is, the control unit (400) may control to display the first pointing image (31) or the second pointing image (32) on the screen (3) when a pointing start signal is input from the first pointer body (110) of the first pointing device (100) or the second pointer body (210) of the second pointing device (200). The same can be done for the third pointing image (33).

That is, as described above, each pointer body can transmit a pointing signal and a pointing start signal that displays a pointing image on the computer screen (3) together, and can display the pointing image on the screen (3) only after the pointing start signal is transmitted. Displaying it on the screen here means displaying it on the screen (3) from a state where there was no image. This control is useful because it has the effect of informing the user of the starting position of the pointing image, and also gives the user preparation time to make a choice, such as changing the shape of the pointing image, before moving the pointing image.

The pointing start signal may be a signal transmitted from a touch sensor (see 113 of FIG. 3) included in the first pointer body (110) or the second pointer body (210) (or equivalently, each pointer body such as the third pointer body (310)) as described above. That is, before indicating the screen (3) with each pointing device, the touch sensor of the pointing body is simply touched to first confirm the starting position of each pointing image, and then the pointing image can be manipulated more accurately.

Through such control, as shown in Fig. 4, multiple pointing devices can be used simultaneously to display multiple pointing images on the computer (2) screen (3) without any problem. Accordingly, the present invention can be utilized in various forms, such as a presentation by multiple presenters using a single screen, or a brainstorming session by multiple participants in which multiple conference participants participate through a single screen.

As described above, when the key value is transmitted to the USB receiver to distinguish the pointing signal, the memory of each USB receiver can be formed as a volatile memory in which the key value is erased when the power is cut off, so that after the computer (2) is shut down, the pointing device can be connected to another computer device, etc., and the device can be reused by assigning a different key value. Therefore, the present invention can be applied universally to multiple computers, thereby increasing its usability. In this way, a plurality of pointing devices can be controlled.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

1: Pointing device with control unit 2: Computer
21: USB port 22: OS (Operating System)
3: Screen 31: First pointing image
32: 2nd pointing image 33: 3rd pointing image
100: First pointing device 110: First pointer body
111: Control button 112: Wireless communication unit
113: Touch sensor 120: 1st USB receiver
121: Wireless receiver 122: Memory
200: Second pointing device 210: Second pointer body
220: 2nd USB receiver 300: 3rd pointing device
310: 3rd pointer body 320: 3rd USB receiver
400:Control Unit

Claims (14)

A first pointing device comprising a first USB receiver that is connected to a computer and transmits a signal, and a first pointer body that transmits a pointing signal to the first USB receiver; and
Including a control unit installed in the above computer and, when a pointing signal is input through the first USB receiver, matching the first pointing image to the corresponding coordinates and displaying it on the screen of the above computer,
The above control unit, when the second USB receiver of the second pointing device, which is composed of the second USB receiver and the second pointer body that transmits the pointing signal to the second USB receiver, is connected to the computer while the first USB receiver is connected to the computer,
A pointing device having a control unit that selectively receives the pointing signal of the second pointing device transmitted to the second USB receiver among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver, and transmits a coordinate signal of a second pointing image different from the first pointing image by the pointing signal of the first pointing device input to the OS of the computer from the first USB receiver. In the first paragraph,
The above control unit,
A pointing device having a control unit that assigns the first pointing image and the second pointing image, which are distinct from each other, to the first pointing device and the second pointing device, respectively, and displays them on the screen of the computer by matching each of the coordinates of the first pointing image and the coordinates of the second pointing image. In the second paragraph,
The above first USB receiver and the above second USB receiver each include a memory,
A pointing device having a control unit, wherein the control unit transmits and records a key value that can distinguish between a pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and a pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver in the memory. In the third paragraph,
A pointing device equipped with a control unit, wherein the above memory is a volatile memory in which the key value is erased when power is cut off. In the second paragraph,
The above control unit,
A pointing device equipped with a control unit that receives a coordinate signal of the first pointing image from the OS of the computer. In the first paragraph,
The above first pointer body and the above second pointer body,
A pointing device having a control unit that transmits the pointing signal and a pointing start signal that displays the first pointing image and the second pointing image on the screen of the computer together. In Article 6,
The above first pointer body and the above second pointer body,
A pointing device having a control unit, the control unit including a touch sensor that generates the pointing initiation signal. When a plurality of pointing devices, each of which comprises a USB receiver and a pointer body that transmits a pointing signal to the USB receiver, are simultaneously connected to a computer, a method for controlling multiple pointing devices for controlling each pointing device is provided.
When the first USB receiver of the first pointing device is inserted into one of the USB ports of the computer, and the second USB receiver of the second pointing device is inserted into another of the USB ports of the computer,
(a) a step of the control unit installed in the computer selectively receiving the pointing signal of the second pointing device transmitted to the second USB receiver among the pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and the pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver; and
(b) A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, comprising a step of the control unit transmitting a coordinate signal of a second pointing image, which is different from the first pointing image by the pointing signal of the first pointing device input from the first USB receiver to the OS of the computer, according to the input pointing signal. In Article 8,
The above control unit,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, wherein the first pointing image and the second pointing image, which are distinct from each other, are allocated to the first pointing device and the second pointing device, respectively, and the coordinates of the first pointing image and the coordinates of the second pointing image are matched to each other and displayed on the screen of the computer. In Article 9,
The above control unit,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, wherein, prior to step (a), a key value capable of distinguishing a pointing signal transmitted to the first USB receiver and a pointing signal transmitted to the second USB receiver is transmitted and recorded in the memory of the first USB receiver and the second USB receiver. In Article 10,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, wherein the above memory is a volatile memory in which the key value is erased when power is cut off. In Article 9,
The above control unit,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices that receives coordinate signals of the first pointing image from the OS of the computer. In Article 8,
The above control unit,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, wherein when a pointing start signal is input from the first pointer body of the first pointing device or the second pointer body of the second pointing device, the first pointing image or the second pointing image is displayed on the screen. In Article 13,
The above pointing start signal is,
A method for controlling multiple pointing devices, the method comprising: transmitting signals from a touch sensor included in the first pointer body or the second pointer body.

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