JP2005134970A - Thumb input keyboard and camera with keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thumb input keyboard which is held in the hands and on which key input operation is done with the thumbs and a camera with the keyboard, the thumb input keyboard being easy to hold and facilitating the key input operation, and the camera having the keyboard. <P>SOLUTION: Two grip parts 3 that an operator grips to hold a keyboard main body 2 in both the hands are formed as parts projecting to this side from both right and left ends of the main body 2. An input key group 4 including alphabet keys is arranged on the top surface of the main body 2 and its arrangement area is an area that both the thumbs of both the hands reach when the operator grip the grip parts 3 in both the hands respectively with the top surface of the main body 2 up. The keyboard is easy to hold since the main body 2 is held by gripping the grip parts 3. Further, the input key group 4 is easy to operate since it is arranged in the area that the thumbs reach. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with a hand and performs a key input operation with the thumb of the hand.

  Conventionally, thumb input keyboards are known from Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below. In the keyboard of Patent Document 1, input key groups are arranged in each of the left and right areas in the range where the thumb can reach from both left and right ends on the surface of a substantially rectangular main body. In the keyboard of Patent Document 2, the main body can be opened and closed, and when it is opened, it becomes a long and narrow rectangle, and the input key group is arranged on each of the left side portion and the right side portion when opened in the horizontal direction. Yes. In the keyboard of Patent Document 3, all keys are divided into two groups, one operated with the left thumb and the one operated with the right thumb, and centered near both ends of one long side of a substantially rectangular keyboard surface. It arrange | positions along each of several concentric circles. In either keyboard, the operator holds the left and right ends of the keyboard body with both hands and operates the input keys with the thumbs of both hands.

Further, the QWERTY key is not arranged in the range where the thumb can reach when the camera is held with both hands or one hand.
JP 2000-267787 A JP 2002-27067 A JP 2001-175392 A

  However, in any of the keyboards of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the input key group is arranged near the edges of the left and right ends where the operator holds the keyboard body. There was a problem that it was difficult to operate nearby input keys, and it was easy to get tired if used for a long time. In either case, the keyboard body is held with both hands and the input keys are operated with the thumbs of both hands, and cannot be held with one hand and operated with the thumbs.

  In addition, when a communication function is added to the camera, it is necessary to input characters such as an e-mail address. However, when characters are input with conventional cameras, it is necessary to use a small number of keys, which is inconvenient. Also, there is a problem that portability and operability are impaired when a normal keyboard is attached to the camera.

  An object of the present invention is a thumb input keyboard that solves such a problem and is held by both hands and is operated by the thumbs of both hands. The thumb input is easy to hold and perform key input operations. To provide a keyboard, and to provide a thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with one hand and performs a key input operation with the thumb of one hand, and is easy to hold and perform a key input operation It is in.

  Further, it is possible to easily input characters without impairing portability and operability in the camera.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention,
A thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with both hands and performs key input operations with the thumbs of both hands, and the two grip portions that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with both hands are at the left and right ends of the keyboard body. It is formed as a part protruding from the front side of each, and in the surface of the keyboard main body, the area where the thumb of both hands reaches when the operator grips each of the two grip portions with both hands with the surface facing up The keyboard has a thumb input keyboard with multiple input keys including English keys.

  Further, a thumb input keyboard that is held by an operator with one hand and performs a key input operation with the thumb of one hand, and a grip portion that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with one hand is one in the width direction of the keyboard body. In the area of the keyboard main body, the alphabet key is located in the area where the thumb can reach when the operator grips the grip part with one hand on the surface of the keyboard body. The configuration of the thumb input keyboard with a plurality of input keys including

  In addition, a camera with a keyboard having the same configuration as the thumb input keyboard is employed.

  In any of the configurations of the thumb input keyboard of the present invention as described above, the keyboard body is provided with a grip portion for holding it by hand, so that it is easy to hold, and the grip on the surface of the keyboard body. Since a plurality of input keys are arranged in an area where the thumb can reach when the hand is held, it is easy to perform a key input operation with the thumb. Further, since the keyboard main body is held and operated, it can be operated in a free posture. Therefore, it is possible to provide a thumb input keyboard with excellent operability that does not get tired even if the operator uses it for a long time.

  In addition, it is possible to easily input a mail address and a text of a mail body also in the camera.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, a thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with both hands and performs key input operations with the thumbs of both hands, and a thumb input keyboard that holds with one hand and performs key input operations with the thumb of one hand (hereinafter referred to as two-handed respectively) An embodiment in which each of the keyboards (referred to as a one-handed thumb input keyboard) is easy to hold and perform key input operations is shown.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of the front surface side of a main body of a thumb input keyboard for both hands in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the housing of the keyboard main body (hereinafter abbreviated as the main body) 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1 of the present embodiment is formed in a shape that is substantially upside down of the concave character. Two grip portions 3, 3 that a (user) holds to hold the main body 2 with both hands are formed as portions that protrude from the left and right end portions of the main body 2 to the front side while being slightly extended. The “near side” is the near side as viewed from the operator holding the main body 2 during operation.

  In addition, the input key group 4 is arranged in a large area other than the grip portions 3 and 3 on the surface of the main body 2, and the arrangement area is such that the operator faces the surface of the main body 2 upward as shown in FIG. Thus, it is set as an area in which the thumbs of both hands reach when each of the grip portions 3 and 3 is gripped with both hands.

  Input key group 4 includes 26 alphabetic keys A to Z arranged in a QWERTY array, 10 numeric keys 0 to 9, cursor keys for moving the cursor in four directions, up, down, left and right, and backspace key (Bs), enter key (Enter), space key (Sp), character input mode switching key (character), shift key (Sft), and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an input key group 5 including, for example, numeric keys and cursor keys is also arranged on the back surface of the main body 2, and the arrangement area is such that the operator faces the back surface of the main body 2 upward. It is set as the area | region of the range which both thumbs reach when each of the grip parts 3 and 3 is grasped with both hands.

  The dimensions of the main body 2 are, for example, at most about 130 mm in width and about 85 mm in length, the diameter of input keys other than the cursor keys is about 5 mm, and the interval between the input keys is about 4 mm.

  The thumb input keyboard 1 is used as an input device in which the main body 2 is connected to a personal computer (not shown) by a signal cable 6 and data is input thereto.

  Next, FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal configuration of the thumb input keyboard 1. Inside the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1, a key input circuit 7, a G (gravity) sensor 8, a communication unit 9, and a control unit 10 are provided.

  The key input circuit 7 is connected to the input key groups 4 and 5 on the front side and the back side of the main body 2, and in accordance with the operation (pressing) of each key of the input key groups 4 and 5 according to the control of the control unit 10. Generates a key signal corresponding to the key.

  The G sensor 8 detects the direction of gravity applied to the main body 2, and thereby detects which of the front surface and the back surface of the main body 2 is upward and which is downward.

  The control unit 10 is composed of a microcomputer and controls the entire thumb input keyboard 1. In particular, the control unit 10 controls the key input circuit 7 on the basis of the detection result of the G sensor 8, so that it faces upward within the front and back surfaces of the main body 2. The input key group (4 to 5) arranged on the surface is activated, and a key signal is generated according to the operation of each key of the input key group so that an input is made. Further, the input key group arranged on the downwardly facing surface is turned off so that no key signal is generated and no input is made even if each key of the input key group is operated.

  The communication unit 9 transmits the key signal generated by the key input circuit 7 to a personal computer or the like of the other party to which the main body 2 is connected by the signal cable 6.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a state where the operator holds the main body 2 with both hands with the surface of the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1 facing upward, and operates the input key group 4 on the front side with the thumbs of both hands. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the back side of the main body 2 is held upward and the input key group 5 on the back side is operated. In either case, the operator holds the main body 2 by gripping the left and right grips 3 with the palms of both hands, so that it is easy to hold and can be held firmly. Further, since the input key groups 4 and 5 are arranged in a region where the thumbs of both hands that hold the left and right grip portions 3 on the front and back surfaces of the main body 2 can reach, the key input operation with the thumbs is easy. Furthermore, since the operator holds the main body 2 with both hands, the operator can operate in a free posture without being constrained by a desk or the like, and can operate easily without getting tired even for a long time.

  When the front input key group 4 is operated with the surface of the main body 2 facing upward as shown in FIG. 3, the front input key group 4 is activated based on the detection of the G sensor 8. However, since the input key group 5 on the back side is turned off, even if the key of the input key group 5 is unintentionally pressed with a finger other than the thumb, the input is not made and there is no problem.

  When the input key group 5 on the back surface is operated with the back surface of the main body 2 facing upward as shown in FIG. 4, the input key group 5 on the back surface is activated, but the input key group 4 on the front surface is Since it is turned off, even if the key of the input key group 4 is pressed, the input is not made and there is no problem.

  Then, normal data or the like can be input with the input key group 4 on the front surface, and input specialized for, for example, a game can be performed with the input key group 5 on the back surface, and the keyboard is suitable for each of two types of applications. Can be used properly.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the front side of the thumb input keyboard for one hand according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the housing of the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1 according to the present embodiment is formed in a substantially symmetrical mushroom shape, and one grip portion that an operator holds to hold the main body 2 with one hand. 3 is formed as a portion protruding to the near side at the center in the width direction of the main body 2. The input key group 4 is arranged on the surface of the main body 2 except for the grip part 3 and in the area on the back side of the grip part 3. As shown in FIG. When the grip portion 3 is gripped with one hand with the surface of 2 facing upward, the region is within the range where the thumb of one hand can reach.

  Input key group 4 includes alphabetical keys A to Z arranged in a QWERTY array, cursor keys, backspace key (Bs), enter key (Ent), space key (Sp), character input mode switching key (character), etc. Consists of. Each key in the first row from the back side of the alphabetic keys also has a function of inputting numerals, and each key in the second row also has a function of inputting symbols, and each number and symbol are printed in the vicinity of each.

  Note that the dimensions of the main body 2 are, for example, at most about 80 mm in width and about 100 mm in length, the diameter of input keys other than the cursor keys is 4.5 mm, and the interval between keys is about 3 mm.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an input switching shift key (Shift) 11 and a symbol key 12 are arranged on the back surface of the main body 2. When the front-surface alphabet key is pressed alone, the lower-case alphabetic character is input. However, when the front-surface alphabet key is pressed while the shift key 11 on the back surface is pressed, the upper-case alphabetic character is input. In addition, a symbol or a number can be input by pressing the alphabet key on the front surface while pressing the symbol key 12 on the back surface.

  This input switching is performed by the key input circuit 7 in the internal configuration of the thumb input keyboard 1 shown in FIG. That is, the key input circuit 7, the communication unit 9, and the control unit 10 similar to those described in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment are provided inside the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1. Are connected to an input key group 4 on the front surface of the main body 2 and a shift key 11 and a symbol key 12 on the rear surface. When the alphabetic key of the input key group 4 is pressed alone, the key input circuit 7 generates a lowercase alphabetic key signal, and the input is made. However, when the alphabetic key and the shift key 11 are pressed simultaneously, the uppercase alphabetic key A signal is generated and input is made. Further, when the alphabetic key and the symbol key 12 are pressed simultaneously, a symbol or numeric key signal is generated and inputted.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows a state where the operator holds the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1 with one hand and operates the input key group 4 to input characters on the personal computer screen 13. In this case, the operator holds the main body by holding the grip portion 3 with one hand with the surface of the main body 2 facing upward, and operates the input key group 4 with the thumb of the one hand. At this time, since the main body 2 is held by gripping the grip portion 3, it is easy to hold and can be held firmly. Further, since the input key group 4 is arranged in a region where the thumb of one hand that grips the grip portion 3 reaches on the surface of the main body 2, the key input operation with the thumb is easy. Furthermore, since the operator holds the main body 2 with one hand, it can be operated in a free posture without being constrained by a desk or the like, and can be easily operated without getting tired even for a long time. Moreover, since the shape of the main body 2 is symmetrical, it can be held and operated in the same manner with either the right hand or the left hand.

  In the second embodiment described above, the shape of the main body 2 of the thumb input keyboard 1 is bilaterally symmetric. However, as shown in the third embodiment in FIG. The thumb input keyboard 1 according to the third embodiment is configured to be held and operated with the right hand so that the grip portion 3 protrudes to the near side from the right side portion of the main body 2 in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the operator holds the grip portion 3 with the right hand and operates each key of the input key group 4 with the thumb of the right hand.

  By forming the grip portion 3 on the right side of the main body 2 in this way, the thumb of the right hand can reach the entire input key group 4 more easily and easily when operating with the right hand, and the operation becomes easy.

  In each of the above embodiments, the alphabetic keys are arranged in the QWERTY arrangement, but it is needless to say that the alphabetic keys may be arranged in other arrangements.

  FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a camera with a keyboard. This apparatus includes an input key group 4, an input key group 5, a key input circuit 7, a storage unit 16, a communication unit 9, a control unit 10, a display 14, and a camera 15. The arrangement of keys and the way of operation are the same as described in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram of the front side of the apparatus, and a display 14 is installed on the keyboard body 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the back side of the apparatus, and a camera 15 is installed on the keyboard body 2. The camera's shutter button is substituted with the “Ent” key on the front. Use the cross key on the front for zoom operation. Use the QWERTY keyboard to enter comments and email addresses.

  In this way, by arranging the keyboard on the camera, it is possible to attach a comment to the captured image and easily send it by e-mail. Also, the characters being input can be confirmed on the display.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a camera with a keyboard. The apparatus includes an input key group 4, a “Shift” key 11, a symbol key 12, a key input circuit 7, a communication unit 9, a control unit 10, a display 14, a camera 15, and a storage unit 16. The arrangement of keys and the way of operation are the same as described in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram of the front side of the apparatus, and a display 14 is installed on the keyboard body 2. FIG. 15 is a diagram of the back side of the apparatus, and a camera 15 is installed on the keyboard body 2. The camera's shutter button is substituted with the “Ent” key on the front. Use the cross key on the front for zoom operation. Use the QWERTY keyboard to enter comments and email addresses.

  In this way, by arranging the keyboard on the camera, it is possible to attach a comment to the captured image and easily send it by e-mail. Also, the characters being input can be confirmed on the display.

It is a top view of the surface side of the main body of the thumb input keyboard in Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the keyboard. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the main body of the keyboard is operated with the surface facing upward with both hands. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the main body of the keyboard is operated, hold | maintaining with both hands with the back facing up. It is a top view of the surface side of the main body of the thumb input keyboard in Example 2 of this invention. It is a top view of the back side of the main body of the keyboard. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the keyboard. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the main body of the keyboard is hold | maintained and operated with one hand. It is a top view of the surface side of the main body of the thumb input keyboard in Example 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the main body of the keyboard is hold | maintained and operated with one hand. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the front side of a main body of a camera with a keyboard according to a fourth embodiment. It is a top view of the back surface side of the main body of the camera with the keyboard. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera with the keyboard. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the front surface side of a main body of a camera with a keyboard according to a fifth embodiment. It is a top view of the back surface side of the main body of the camera with the keyboard. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera with the keyboard.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thumb input keyboard 2 Keyboard main body 3 Grip part 4,5 Input key group 6 Signal cable 7 Key input circuit 8 G (gravity) sensor 9 Communication part 10 Control part 11 Shift key 12 Symbol key 13 Personal computer screen 14 Display 15 Camera 16 Storage part

Claims (14)

  A thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with both hands and performs key input operations with the thumbs of both hands, and the two grip portions that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with both hands are at the left and right ends of the keyboard body. It is formed as a part protruding from the front side of each, and in the surface of the keyboard main body, the area where the thumb of both hands reaches when the operator grips each of the two grip portions with both hands with the surface facing up A thumb input keyboard comprising a plurality of input keys including alphabetic keys.   A plurality of input keys are arranged in an area where the thumb reaches both hands when the operator grips each of the two grip parts with both hands with the back side facing up on the back side of the keyboard body. Item 10. The thumb input keyboard according to Item 1. Detection means for detecting which of the front and back of the keyboard body is upward and which is downward;
Based on the detection result of the detection means, the input key arranged on the surface facing upward is operated and input is performed, and the input key disposed on the surface facing downward is not input even if operated. The thumb input keyboard according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that controls to prevent the thumb input.   A thumb input keyboard that an operator holds with one hand and performs a key input operation with the thumb of one hand, and a grip portion that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with one hand is part of the width direction of the keyboard body It is formed as a part protruding to the front side, and an alphabetic key is included in the area where the thumb of one hand reaches when the operator holds the grip part with one hand on the surface of the keyboard body with the surface facing up A thumb input keyboard, wherein a plurality of input keys are arranged.   At least one input switching input key is provided on the back side of the keyboard body, and input is performed when the input key on the front surface of the keyboard body is operated alone or when the input key is operated simultaneously with the input switching input key. 5. The thumb input keyboard according to claim 4, wherein information is switched.   6. The thumb input according to claim 5, wherein a lowercase alphabetic character is input when the alphabetic key on the surface of the keyboard body is operated alone, and an uppercase alphabetic character is input when operated simultaneously with the input key for switching the input. keyboard.   6. The thumb input keyboard according to claim 5, wherein an alphabetic character is input when an alphabetic key on the surface of the keyboard body is operated alone, and a symbol or a numeral is input when operated simultaneously with the input key for input switching.   The thumb input keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alphabetic keys are arranged in a QWERTY array.   A camera with a keyboard that the operator holds with both hands and performs the key input operation with the thumbs of both hands, and the two grip portions that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with both hands are at the left and right ends of the keyboard body. It is formed as a part protruding from the front side of each, and in the surface of the keyboard main body, the area where the thumb of both hands reaches when the operator grips each of the two grip portions with both hands with the surface facing up A camera with a keyboard, wherein a plurality of input keys including alphabetic keys are arranged.   A camera with a keyboard that an operator holds with one hand and performs key input operations with the thumb of one hand, and the grip part that the operator holds to hold the keyboard body with one hand is part of the width of the keyboard body It is formed as a part protruding to the front side, and an alphabetic key is included in the area where the thumb of one hand reaches when the operator holds the grip part with one hand on the surface of the keyboard body with the surface facing up A camera with a keyboard, characterized by multiple input keys.   At least one input switching input key is provided on the back side of the keyboard body, and input is performed when the input key on the front surface of the keyboard body is operated alone or when the input key is operated simultaneously with the input switching input key. The camera with a keyboard according to claim 10, wherein information is switched.   12. The keyboard-attached keyboard according to claim 11, wherein a lower case alphabet is inputted when the alphabet key on the surface of the keyboard body is operated independently, and an upper case alphabet is inputted when operated simultaneously with the input switching input key. camera.   12. The camera with a keyboard according to claim 11, wherein an alphabetic character is input when the alphabetic key on the surface of the keyboard body is operated alone, and a symbol or a numeral is input when operated simultaneously with the input key for switching the input.   The camera with a keyboard according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the alphabetic keys are arranged in a QWERTY array.

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