JP2000089896A - Code input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a simple key input operation and high speed typing by installing a key input part where keys in the range operation by the right hand or left hand are arranged in the same key array as a keyboard. SOLUTION: The code input device has keys obtained by adding two keys to the keys within the range operated by the right hand of a regular keyboard. The range operated by the left hand is made to overlap the keys of the range operated by the right hand in terms of mirror symmetry so that they are overlapped as much as possible. When the keys overlap each other, codes are allocated to one key and individual keys are installed only when they are not overlapped. A right/left system switch key 2 selecting the code of the key to which two codes are allocated and a space input key 3 are also installed. Since the hand/finger function of a human is generally superior in a symmetric operation, key arrangement where the keys of the range operated by the left hand are made to be mirror symmetry can comparatively easily be operated even by the right hand.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a code input method for inputting codes such as alphabets and numbers with one hand.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Input terminals of computers and word processors generally use a keyboard that uses both hands. This kind of keyboard usually has 26 alphabet keys,
It has control keys such as alphanumeric keys and CTRL key, and many keys such as numeric keypad. In addition, it is difficult to reduce the size of the keyboard because a certain key pitch is required for a person to operate the keys without difficulty. If the size is forcibly reduced, the operability is significantly reduced.

[0003]

As an attempt to reduce the size of the keyboard, examples have been proposed in which unnecessary keys such as a numeric keypad are omitted or the size of a key that is not frequently used is reduced. Since only 26 keys are required, there is a limit to downsizing.

On the other hand, input terminals for operating a computer, a word processor or the like with one hand have also been proposed. However, these conventional input terminals for one-hand operation do not have a unified key arrangement, and are usually used for two-hand operation. It was generally different from the key arrangement of the keyboard. For this reason, the operator has to learn the key arrangement of the input terminal for one-handed operation, and it takes time to learn the key operation, and there is a problem that key input errors increase and high-speed typing is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a code input device in which key input operation is easy and high-speed typing is possible.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a key input keyboard operated by both hands, which is within a range operated by the right hand,
Or, press one of the keys in the range
A key input unit arranged in the same key layout as the keyboard,
Switching means for switching codes of at least some of the keys in the key input unit, and a key arrangement in which keys not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard are mirror-symmetrical, and the key input unit The code arrangement is superimposed on the key arrangement to share the code, and the shared code is switched by the switching means.

Further, according to the present invention, of the keys in a code input keyboard operated by both hands, either a key in a range operated by a right hand or a key in a range operated by a left hand is replaced with the keyboard. A key input unit arranged in the same key arrangement as above, and a key arrangement in which keys not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard are mirror-symmetrical with the key arrangement of the key input unit are superimposed. , And a code selection contact is provided corresponding to each shared code, and the code selection is performed by turning on / off these code selection contacts.

The present invention is also directed to a keyboard for inputting a code operated by both hands, the key being operated within a range operated by a right hand or the key operated within a range operated by a left hand. A key input unit arranged in the same key arrangement as above, and switching means for switching codes of at least some of the keys in the key input unit, and a key not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard The key arrangement is superimposed on the key arrangement of the key input unit to share the code, and the shared code is switched by the switching unit.

Further, according to the present invention, of the keys in a code input keyboard operated by both hands, one of a key in a range operated by a right hand and a key in a range operated by a left hand is changed to the keyboard. A key input unit arranged in the same key arrangement as above, and a key is shared by superimposing a key arrangement of keys not included in the key input unit and a key arrangement of the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard, A code selection contact is provided corresponding to each shared code, and the code selection is performed by turning on / off these code selection contacts.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a code input device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of a first embodiment of a code input device according to the present invention. The code input device in FIG. 1 is for inputting alphabets and the like, and is characterized in that it can be operated only with the right hand. The code input device of FIG. 1 has a number of keys obtained by adding two keys to a range of keys that can be operated with the right hand of the normal keyboard shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the key arrangement and key operation of the code input device of FIG. 1 will be described in detail. Human finger functions are generally excellent in symmetrical movements, and it is empirical to draw mirror-symmetric characters and figures at the same time with writing tools in both hands and to simultaneously bend with fingers in symmetrical positions of both hands. Easy. That is, the operation acquired by one of the right and left hands can be relatively easily imitated with respect to the procedure of the other hand, even if there is a difference in the force generated by the dominant hand.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the range of operation of the ordinary keyboard shown in FIG. 1 with the right hand, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the range of operation with the left hand. FIG. 3 (c) is a mirror-symmetrical drawing of the range operated by the left hand shown in FIG. 3 (b). FIG. 1 shows the mirror arrangement of the mirror-symmetrical key and the key arrangement of the range operated by the right hand in FIG. 3A so that the two overlap as much as possible. In addition,
In FIG. 1, for convenience, keys in a range originally operated with the left hand are represented by lowercase letters, and characters at the home position are represented by italics.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, all but the four keys are superimposed. In the present embodiment, when keys overlap, they are assigned to one key, and only keys that do not overlap are provided alone. Specifically, codes “Y” and “/” originally operated with the right hand and codes “B” and “Q” originally operated with the left hand are provided with unique keys.

[0015] Thereby, compared with the conventional keyboard,
13 keys can be reduced. In the following, the three-row key group shown in FIG.

In addition, the code input device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a left / right system switching key 2 for selecting a code to which two codes are assigned, and a space input key 3.

When operating the keys in the key input unit 1 of FIG. 1, the following procedure is performed. Originally, the key of the range operated by the right hand is pressed as it is. In addition, as described above, since the human finger function is generally excellent in symmetric operation, the key arrangement in which the keys in the range operated by the left hand are mirror-symmetrical can be operated relatively easily even with the right hand. Are known. Therefore, when the key in the range operated by the left hand is originally pressed, the key at the mirror symmetry position is pressed with the right hand after pressing the left / right system switching key 2 in FIG.

It is desirable that the left / right system switching key 2 and the space input key 3 are arranged at positions where they can be operated by the thumb with the index finger placed on the home position key "Jf". As a result, the left / right switching key 2 and the space input key 3 can be operated while the index finger is at the home position.

The timing of pressing the left / right system switching key 2 and the other keys may be simultaneous or a certain time difference may be allowed. Also, before pressing the key in the range operated by the left hand, the left / right switching key 2 may be always pressed, or once the left / right switching key 2 is pressed, the left / right switching key 2 is pressed until the next pressing. For example, the key operation with the same hand may be performed continuously.

As described above, the code input device according to the first embodiment has a key arrangement in which a key of a range operated by the left hand in a normal two-handed keyboard is mirror-symmetrical, and a key of a range operated by the right hand. When the arrangement is superimposed, each superimposed code is assigned to one key, so that the number of keys can be reduced,
Even if you use the right hand to operate the keys in the range that you originally operate with your left hand, you only need to move your fingers as you have already learned key typing, so the time required to learn key typing is short, and as a result, high speed typing Is possible, and key input errors are reduced.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the number of keys is further reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.
It is a figure showing key arrangement of an embodiment. When the mirror symmetric key arrangement in the range originally operated by the left hand and the key arrangement in the range originally operated by the right hand are superimposed, some of the keys “q” and “b” do not overlap as shown in FIG. A key must be provided separately.

Therefore, the code input section 1b of the code input device shown in FIG. 4 shifts the first row of the mirror symmetric key arrangement (FIG. 3C) within the range originally operated by the left hand slightly to the left, and shifts the third row to the third row. In a state shifted slightly to the right, the code is shared by superimposing the key arrangement in a range that can be operated by the right hand as shown in FIG. 3A. As a result, both key arrangements are completely overlapped, and two codes are assigned to all keys. As a result, two keys can be reduced as compared with FIG.

However, if the keys are arranged as shown in FIG.
For some keys, the way in which the finger moves differs from the way in which the finger should move. For example, since the key “v” originally moves the finger inward with respect to the home position key “f” of the left hand, when the mirror symmetric key arrangement is performed, the finger is moved outward with respect to the home position “f”. Need to move. However, in the case of FIG. 4, the finger must be moved inward with respect to the home position “f”, which is opposite to the original movement of the finger.

However, since the types of keys that need to be moved in a direction different from the original movement are limited, learning of key typing is relatively easy, and key input mistakes increase and key typing is not performed. There is no slowdown.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment is characterized in that keys are arranged in a rectangular shape.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.
It is a figure showing key arrangement of an embodiment. The key input unit 1b of the code input device of FIG. 5 arranges the keys in a rectangular shape with the key arrangement slightly shifted left and right while maintaining the same key arrangement as in FIG.

In the code input device of FIG. 5, the width of each key is made sufficiently large with respect to the size of the finger. As a result, the position where the finger on the key top touches can be changed for each key, and an operation close to the key touching that the operator has learned becomes possible. That is, the keys in the range that can be operated with the right hand can be touched in the same manner as in FIG. 3A, and the keys in the range that can be operated in the left hand can be touched in the same manner as in FIG. 3B. .

Further, by arranging the keys in a rectangular shape, the horizontal length of the keys can be shortened, and the horizontal width of each key can be increased accordingly.

(Fourth Embodiment) In a fourth embodiment, the left / right system switching key 2 is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.
It is a figure showing key arrangement of an embodiment. The code input unit 1c of the code input device shown in FIG. 6 has the same key arrangement as in FIG. 5, and each key has a mountain shape with a raised central portion as shown in detail in FIG. . Each key is provided with one contact 11 and 12 along a left-right inclined surface. When the finger 10 touches either of the contacts 11, 12, a key code corresponding to each of the contacts 11, 12 is input. For example, FIG. 7 shows the key “Yt” of FIG.
7A, and FIG. 7A shows the code “Y”.
FIG. 7B shows an example of inputting a code “t”.

The key of the code input section 1c may have a valley shape with a concave central portion. FIG. 8 shows a state where the valley-shaped key “Yt” is pressed with the finger 10.
FIG. 8A shows an example of inputting a code “Y”, and FIG. 8B shows an example of inputting a code “t”.

Although the specific structure of the contacts 11 and 12 does not matter, for example, at least two sets of pressure detectors such as a distribution type pressure-sensitive rubber and a strain gauge are provided below each key, and these pressure detectors are detected. The pressing direction of each key may be determined based on the value.

The number of contacts provided on each key is not particularly limited. In addition, when the pressure detector is used as a contact, a large number of pressure detectors can be provided as long as the pressure can be operated by the finger, and the finger is moved if the finger pressing vector can be specified on the keyboard plane. It becomes unnecessary. In this case, in addition to placing the forefinger at the home position "J" or "K", the other fingers are placed at the corresponding home positions, and the typing operation is performed without moving each finger from each home position. The output code may be determined by associating the force vector direction obtained when the simulation is performed with the pressing vector when the finger is actually moved for typing.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which each key is used to select two codes. Normal keyboards include numeric keys, cursor movement keys, four arithmetic keys, Home key, and Page key.
Since there are keys that are not used in combination with the alphabet keys, such as the Up key and the Page Down key, these keys may be made selectable with the alphabet keys. In this case, it is necessary to select three or more types of codes with one key. Therefore, the area of the key top is widened, and three or more types of code selection contacts (such as pressure detectors) are provided within one key. May be provided.

However, when selecting various codes with one key, it is necessary to finely set the pressing direction of the finger within the same key, and high-speed typing becomes impossible.
Operability may be deteriorated.

In the fifth embodiment described below, a key for selecting a code is newly provided to improve operability.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a fifth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention. The code input device of FIG. 9 is characterized in that function keys Fn1 and Fn2 are newly provided as compared with FIG.

The function keys Fn1 and Fn2 in FIG.
Each is for selecting a different code set. The number of function keys Fn1 and Fn2 and the key arrangement are not particularly limited. Function key Fn1,
When one of Fn2 is pressed, the code set switches accordingly, and the state is maintained even when the finger is released from the function keys Fn1 and Fn2. In this state, the key input unit 1
When any key in d is pressed, a code corresponding to the code set is selected.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the function key Fn2 is depressed. In this case, a numeric code or an arithmetic operation code can be input as shown. On the other hand, when another function key Fn1 is pressed, another code set, for example, an alphabet code as shown in FIG. 1 is selected.

(Sixth Embodiment) In a sixth embodiment, a dedicated key for moving a cursor is provided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a sixth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention. The circular key 4 in FIG. 10 is for moving the cursor,
Pressure-sensitive switches are provided on the upper end, lower end, left end, and right end of this key (hereinafter, referred to as a cursor movement key) 4, respectively. For example, when the upper end of the cursor movement key 4 is pressed, the corresponding pressure-sensitive switch is turned on and the cursor moves upward, when the lower end is pressed, the cursor moves downward, and when the left end is pressed, the cursor moves to the left. To the right, and pressing the right end moves the cursor to the right.

The cursor movement key 4 shown in FIG. 10 is desirably arranged at a position where it can be operated with the thumb so that it can be operated without moving the index finger from the home position.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the first to sixth embodiments, examples have been described in which a mirror-symmetric key arrangement in a range operated by the left hand and a key arrangement in a range operated by the right hand in the keyboard are superimposed. However, the key arrangement in the range operated by the left hand and the key arrangement in the range operated by the right hand may be overlapped.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a seventh embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention. In the case of the present embodiment, the key “QAZ” originally operated with the little finger of the left hand is the key “YHN” operated with the right index finger, and the key “WSX” operated with the left ring finger is the key operated with the right index finger. The key "EDC" operated with the middle finger of the left hand is the key "IK," operated with the middle finger of the right hand, and the key "RFV" is operated with the index finger of the left hand.
Is assigned to a key "OL." Operated by the right ring finger, and a key "TGB" operated by the index finger of the left hand is respectively allocated to a key "P;/" operated by the little finger of the right hand.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the keys of the range operated by the left hand are superimposed on the keys of the range operated by the right hand without mirror symmetry, so that the key arrangement of the range operated by the left hand is visually recognized. When the key is recognized, the key in the range operated with the left hand can be operated without difficulty with the right hand.

(Eighth Embodiment) The first to eighth embodiments explained above.
In the seventh embodiment, an example is described in which a dedicated code input unit for operating with one hand is provided. However, a normal keyboard for two-handed operation may be operated with one hand.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a key arrangement of a seventh embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention. The code input device in FIG. 12 has a keyboard 20 for two-handed operation.
The keyboard 20 in FIG. 12 can be operated with both hands or one hand.

When operating the keyboard 20 of FIG. 12 with one hand, the one-hand mode key 5 on the keyboard 20 is pressed. In addition, instead of providing a dedicated one-handed mode key 5,
Normal keyboard 2 such as CTRL key 13 and ALT key 14
A plurality of keys provided at 0 may be simultaneously pressed to switch between the two-hand mode and the one-hand mode.

When the one-hand mode is selected, the keyboard 2
Only the keys in the code input section 1f (within the dotted frame in FIG. 11) are valid. In the one-hand mode, two keys are assigned to most of the keys in the dotted frame in FIG. 12, as in FIG. 1, and the desired code is operated by operating the left / right switching key 2 in FIG. Is selected. The left / right system switching key 2 does not necessarily need to be provided with a dedicated key, and a plurality of keys such as the CTRL key 13 and the ALT key 14 may be simultaneously pressed to switch the code.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the normal two-handed keyboard can be operated with one hand. Therefore, even when only one hand can be used, such as when eating or making a telephone call, the keyboard for two hands can be used. Can be operated, and the usability of the keyboard 20 is improved.

By the way, there are several methods for connecting the signal input device of the first to seventh embodiments to a computer or the like. For example, a variable corresponding to the signal input device is set using a control variable setting function prepared in an operation system (OS) on the computer side.

For example, when the code input device is provided with a dedicated left / right switching key 2, software for driving and controlling the code input device is registered in the OS of the computer, and then the code input device is operated by the OS. Specify with the control variable setting function above.

When a specific key (or key group) of a normal keyboard is used as a changeover switch, after registering a predetermined drive control application,
What is necessary is just to perform the operation specified by the application.

For example, in order to perform a normal two-handed keyboard operation with one hand, the application is started, and the key operation range with the left hand is mirror-symmetric or parallel by key operation specified in the application. A process of moving and superimposing the key operation range of the right hand on the right hand, or conversely, a process of superimposing the key operation range of the right hand mirror-symmetrically or in parallel and superimposing the key operation range on the left hand is performed.

Specifically, for example, when the key operation range with the left hand is overlapped with the key operation range with the right hand, after starting the application, an icon prepared by the application is selected by mouse operation or the like, or You can press CTRL and ALT keys and other specific keys at the same time.

Switching between the key operation range with the right hand and the key operation range with the left hand can be performed by specifying one of the hands with the left / right switching key 2 before the key input or by selecting a candidate at the time of key input. You may choose from. For example, when the left and right hand key operation ranges are overlapped in mirror symmetry, in FIG. 4, “Y” and “T” are assigned to the same key, and “;” and “A” are assigned to the same key. However, if the input mode is "Kana conversion mode", enter (1)
After pressing the "Y" key, left / right system switching key 2, and "A" key in this order, or (2) pressing the "Y" key and ";" key in that order, "ya" and "ta" are candidates. When it appears, "Y" may be selected after pressing the left / right system switching key 2.

In the above example, the case of kana conversion is considered, so that ";" is automatically read as "A". In the non-conversion mode in which a symbol is input, the above (2) is not appropriate. To input "A", it is better to press the switch key and then the "A" key as in (1).
In any case, these are defined in the drive control application for one-handed input.

In addition, connection of a signal input device via a mouse port, various I / O ports, or an IC card is also conceivable, but basically, after the drive control application is registered in the OS, What is necessary is just to actually perform the above-mentioned operation.

In the above-described first to seventh embodiments, the example in which the key is operated only with the right hand has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the key is operated only with the left hand. In this case, keys in a range operated by the right hand on the keyboard may be mirror-symmetrical and superimposed on keys in a range operated by the left hand.

Further, in the first to seventh embodiments described above, an example in which a code input device having a planar shape is used has been described. However, the code input device is made cylindrical or hemispherical, and the key input surface is made curved. It may be shaped. Thus, the size of the code input device can be reduced.

[0062]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a plurality of codes are assigned to one key while following as much as possible the conventional key arrangement that a human has already mastered. And the key operation can be easily learned, and high-speed typing can be performed.

Further, if a code contact capable of detecting the pressing direction or the pressing position of the finger is provided, the number of keys can be further reduced.

Further, since the code input device of the present invention can be made smaller than a conventional keyboard, it can be arranged at an arbitrary position for the operator, and the operability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an outline of a first embodiment of a code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a range operated by the right hand of the normal keyboard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a key arrangement diagram of a range operated by a right hand,
(B) is a key layout diagram of a range operated by the left hand, and (c) is a key layout diagram in which (b) is mirror-symmetrical.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a second embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a third embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a fourth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state where a mountain-shaped key “Yt” is pressed with a finger.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where a valley-shaped key “Yt” is pressed with a finger.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a fifth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a sixth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a key arrangement of a code input device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of an eighth embodiment of the code input device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Code input unit 2 Left / right switching key 3 Space input key

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A key arrangement in which a key within a range operated by a right hand or a key within a range operated by a left hand, among the keys in a code input keyboard operated by both hands, has the same key arrangement as the keyboard. A key input unit arranged in a row, and switching means for switching codes of at least some keys in the key input unit, wherein keys not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard are mirror-symmetrical. A code input device characterized in that the key arrangement is superimposed on the key arrangement of the key input section to share a code, and the shared code is switched by the switching means. 2. A key arrangement in which a key within a range operated by a right hand or a key within a range operated by a left hand among keys in a code input keyboard operated by both hands has the same key arrangement as the keyboard. A key input unit arranged in a row, and a key arrangement in which keys not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard are mirror-symmetrical and a key arrangement of the key input unit are superimposed to share a code, A code input device characterized in that a code selection contact is provided corresponding to each shared code, and the code selection is performed by turning on / off these code selection contacts. 3. A key arrangement in which a key within a range operated by a right hand or a key within a range operated by a left hand among keys in a keyboard for code input operated by both hands has the same key arrangement as the keyboard. A key input unit arranged in a row, and switching means for switching codes of at least some of the keys in the key input unit, and a key arrangement of keys not included in the key input unit among the keys in the keyboard. A code input device, wherein a code is shared by superimposing a key arrangement of the key input unit, and switching of the shared code is performed by the switching unit. 4. A key arrangement in which a key within a range operated by a right hand or a key within a range operated by a left hand among keys in a keyboard for code input operated by both hands has the same key arrangement as the keyboard. A key input section arranged in a row, and a key arrangement of keys not included in the key input section among keys in the keyboard and a key arrangement of the key input section are superimposed to share a code, and the shared A code input device comprising: a code selection contact provided corresponding to a code; and a code selection performed by turning on / off the code selection contact. 5. A key constituting the key input section has a mountain-shaped or valley-shaped shape, and the code-selecting contact is provided along an inclined surface of the mountain-shaped or valley-shaped key. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
Or the code input device according to 4. 6. A special code selector for selecting codes of these special keys by a key in the key input section when special keys other than keys whose codes can be switched by the switching means are included in the keyboard. 4. The code input device according to claim 1, further comprising means. 7. The code input device according to claim 1, wherein each key in said key input unit is arranged in a rectangular shape while maintaining the key arrangement of said keyboard. 8. The code input device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more keys for moving a cursor. 9. The one-hand mode selection means, wherein the key input unit is assigned to some keys in the keyboard, and selects whether to use the key assigned in the keyboard as the key input unit. The code input device according to claim 1, wherein the code input device is provided.