JP2010238207A - Input device and program for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device that achieves an operation similar to that of a real keyboard even if the input device is a virtual input device having no real keyboard. <P>SOLUTION: A virtual keyboard device detecting spatial key input operation of a finger and outputting an input code corresponding to the key input operation includes: a finger sensor put on a mounting part of a user to output an operation signal 50 changing according to the key input operation; an operation decision part 341 identifying a key for the key input operation based on the operation signal 50; an operation strength decision part 342 detecting strength of the key input operation based on the operation signal 50; an input code determination part 344 identifying a capital letter/small letter allocated to the key based on the detected strength; and an operation pattern decision part 34 outputting the input code corresponding to an identified allocation target. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of an input device and a program for an input device, and more specifically, detects a detection signal that changes with spatial movement of a finger, and an input code corresponding to the detected detection signal Belongs to the technical field of an input device that outputs and a program for the input device.

  In general, in a so-called computer device or the like, a keyboard on which keys that are operated by a finger corresponding to each character are arranged is used as an input device when inputting characters such as alphabets. This keyboard requires a space for its arrangement, and it is desired to reduce the size of the keyboard from the viewpoint of space saving. On the other hand, considering that the keys on the keyboard are operated by fingers, there is a limit to downsizing the keyboard from the viewpoint of operability.

  Therefore, a virtual keyboard device that does not require a space for keyboard layout has been proposed as a kind of the input device. In this type of keyboard device, a sensor is attached to a finger, a spatial motion of the finger is detected by the sensor, and an input code corresponding to an operation signal indicating the detected motion is output. The prior art regarding such a virtual keyboard device is described in, for example, Patent Document 1 below.

  Various proposals have been made for improving the operability of a physical keyboard. For example, Patent Documents 2 and 3 listed below describe techniques for using keystroke information and improving key arrangement in a physical keyboard to obtain special effects.

  At this time, in the data input device for humans with limited hand functions described in Patent Document 1, a glove having a bending sensor for detecting the movement of the finger is attached to the hand, and according to the movement of the finger. Based on the detection signal from the bending sensor, the movement of the finger is recognized as a key input of the keyboard.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, in a keyboard having real physical keys, the keystroke speed and keystroke strength are detected, the psychological state of the user is identified from the results of both, and the key that has been The size of the character display corresponding to is changed. More specifically, when both the hit key speed and the hit key strength exceed the threshold, only the hit key strength exceeds the threshold, and neither the hit key speed nor the hit key strength exceeds the threshold. In this order, the character display is changed so as to become maximum, slightly larger, and normal.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, a character key in a keyboard having an actual physical key is constituted by a main key and an auxiliary key that is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the main key and is smaller than the main key. is doing. A plurality of types of keys assigned to the character key are identified and recognized depending on whether the main key and the auxiliary key are pressed simultaneously.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-528660 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-503350) JP 2005-173931 A JP 2005-266920 A

  However, each of the techniques described in each of the above patent documents is a technique applied to a physical keyboard, and cannot be directly applied to a virtual keyboard device.

  In other words, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 only enlarges the display of the same character, and does not disclose a technique for assigning a plurality of characters or symbols to the same key and sorting them. As for the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, when this is applied to a virtual keyboard device, it is necessary to use a complicated and different technique to determine whether a plurality of keys that do not physically exist are simultaneously pressed. To do. As described above, when simply applied to the virtual keyboard device, there is a problem that the processing becomes complicated even with the technique disclosed in any of the above patent documents.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an example of the purpose is a plurality of virtual input devices that do not have a real key and are assigned to one key. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device capable of realizing an operation closer to that of a real keyboard device by identifying a target to be assigned with a simple configuration and a program for the input device.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an input device that detects a spatial key input operation of a finger and outputs an input code corresponding to the detected key input operation. A plurality of assignment targets, which are either letters, symbols, or numbers, are assigned to the key that is the target of the key input operation, and is attached to a mounting portion provided on at least one of the user's finger or hand. Detection means such as a finger sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes in accordance with the key input operation; and a key such as an operation determination unit that identifies the key that is the target of the key input operation based on the output detection signal Based on the output state signal, an identification means, a state detection means such as an operation intensity determination unit that detects the state of the key input operation based on the output detection signal and outputs the state signal, and the like. Output means such as an input code determining unit for identifying the allocation target allocated to the identified key, and an operation pattern determining unit for outputting the input code corresponding to the identified allocation target Means.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 2 is the input device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects an acceleration in the key input operation of the mounting portion and detects the acceleration. The detection signal corresponding to the acceleration is output.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 3 is the input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intensity detecting means is set in advance with the amplitude of the output detection signal. The mode is detected by comparing with a threshold value, and the mode signal is output.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 4 is the input device according to claim 3, wherein the input code output unit or the like used for inputting the instruction for setting the threshold is set. Means for detecting the state by comparing the threshold value set based on the input instruction with the amplitude of the output detection signal, and detecting the state signal. Is configured to output.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state detection means performs the key input operation based on the output detection signal. When a preliminary motion immediately before the start is detected, the strength of the key input operation as the mode when the preliminary motion is detected is detected as being stronger than the strength when the preliminary motion is not detected. Composed.

  In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 6 is an input device that detects a spatial key input operation of a finger and outputs an input code corresponding to the detected key input operation. A detection means such as a finger sensor that is mounted on a mounting portion provided on at least one of the user's finger or hand and outputs a detection signal that changes in accordance with the key input operation; and the key input operation A computer included in an input device in which a plurality of assignment targets, which are either letters, symbols, or numbers, is assigned to the key that is the target of the key, is the target of the key input operation based on the output detection signal Key identification means for identifying the key, state detection means for detecting the state of the key input operation based on the output detection signal, and outputting the state signal, and the output state signal Zui, the identifying means for identifying the allocation target assigned to the identified key, and an output means for outputting the input code corresponding to the identified allocation target, to function as a.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the state of the key input operation is detected, the assignment target assigned to the key is identified based on the detected state, and the corresponding input code is output. In an input device that detects an action of a finger and outputs a corresponding input code, a plurality of assignment targets assigned to one key can be identified and an input code corresponding to these can be output with a simple configuration .

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the computer detects the state of the key input operation, identifies the assignment target assigned to the key based on the detected state, and outputs the corresponding input code. In an input device that detects spatial finger movement and outputs a corresponding input code because it functions, the input code corresponding to these by identifying a plurality of assignment targets assigned to one key with a simple configuration Can be output.

  Therefore, according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention, even an input device that detects a spatial finger motion and outputs an input code without having a real key is assigned to one key. It is possible to identify a plurality of assigned objects and output input codes corresponding to them, and to realize an operation closer to a real keyboard device with a simple configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the detection means detects the acceleration in the key input operation and outputs a corresponding detection signal. The mode of operation can be detected.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the state detection means compares the amplitude of the output detection signal with a threshold value to compare the intensity. Therefore, it is possible to directly determine the type of operation and its state using the same sensor signal, and to detect the state with a simpler configuration.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 3, the user can arbitrarily set a threshold value used for detecting the state, so that the user's habits, etc. Since the threshold can be arbitrarily set according to the above, the detection accuracy of the aspect can be increased for each user.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, since the strength as the mode of the key input operation is detected according to the presence or absence of the preliminary operation immediately before the key input operation, Since the intensity can be detected only by detecting the operation without providing a threshold or the like, the user's intention can be appropriately reflected.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a virtual keyboard apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other structure of a virtual keyboard apparatus. It is a figure which shows a finger sensor. It is a graph which shows the output voltage of the finger sensor in a stationary state. It is a graph which shows the output voltage of the finger sensor at the time of key depression. It is a figure which shows the structure of the input code output part containing a pattern judgment part. It is a flowchart figure which shows learning operation | movement of a virtual keyboard apparatus. It is a figure which shows the input system containing a virtual keyboard apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation pattern determination unit according to the embodiment, (a) is the block diagram, and (b) is a flowchart showing an operation of the operation pattern determination unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a virtual keyboard device.

(I) Outline of Virtual Keyboard Device First, an outline of a virtual keyboard device according to an embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the virtual keyboard device. In FIG. 1, fingers 14-1 to 14-5 and 14-6 to 14-10 of the left hand 10 </ b> L and the right hand 10 </ b> R as an example of a user's wearing part are respectively provided with finger sensors 16-as an example of detection means. 1 to 16-5 and 16-6 to 16-10 are mounted.

  The finger sensor 16 is a sensor that detects an operation signal that changes in accordance with the spatial motion of the finger, and includes, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. Details of the finger sensor 16 will be described later.

  For example, the backs of the left hand 10L and the right hand 10R are equipped with data collection units 18 and 20, respectively. The data collection units 18 and 20 have finger sensors 16-1 to 16-5 and 16-6 to 16 respectively. The operation signal from −10 is supplied via the harnesses 22-1 to 22-5 and 22-6 to 22-10. The data collection units 18 and 20 have radio units 24 and 26, respectively, and the operation signals from the radio units 24 and 26 are received by the radio unit 30 in the input code output unit 28 as an example of setting means. Is done. At this time, the operation signals collected by the data collection units 18 and 20 may be received by the input code output unit 28 via a wire (harness).

  The input code output unit 28 includes an operation pattern dictionary unit 32 and an operation pattern determination unit 34 in addition to the radio unit 30.

  The motion pattern dictionary unit 32 is a storage unit that stores pattern information indicating patterns of finger motion signals. On the other hand, the operation pattern determination unit 34 compares the operation signal corresponding to the pattern information stored in the operation pattern dictionary unit 32 with the operation signal supplied from the wireless unit 30 and corresponds to the detected operation signal. Output the input code.

  The outputted input code is transmitted from the radio unit 36 provided in the input code output unit 28 to the radio unit 40 of the character display 38. The character display 38 has a display unit 42, and a character code 44, for example, is displayed on the display unit 42 as an input code input by the operation of a finger. In this case as well, the input code output unit 28 and the character display 38 may be connected by wire (harness) and communicated.

  FIG. 2 shows another configuration of the virtual keyboard device.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, the data collection units 18 and 20 are attached to the left hand 10L and the right hand 10R, respectively, but in the configuration of FIG. 2, no data collection unit is provided. The operation signals from the finger sensors 16-1 to 16-5 and 16-6 to 16-10 are input to the input code output unit 28 via the harnesses 22-1 to 22-5 and 22-6 to 22-10. Is directly supplied to the operation pattern determination unit 34.

  In FIG. 3, an acceleration sensor is shown as an example of the finger sensor 16.

  In FIG. 3, a finger sensor 16 is a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects acceleration due to finger movement on each of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The Z axis indicates the direction 44 of gravitational acceleration.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the output voltage of the finger sensor 16 when the finger is stationary.

  In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the output voltage in the Z-axis direction differs from that in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the amount of gravitational acceleration (see reference numeral 46).

  FIG. 5 shows the output voltage of the finger sensor 16 when the key is depressed in the space.

  FIG. 5 shows the output voltage of each finger sensor 16 when the finger of the left hand 10L is operated so as to press down the key of the letter “Q” on the virtual keyboard according to the embodiment. The key arrangement of the virtual keyboard device according to the present invention employs a so-called JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) arrangement. In addition, the upper, middle, and lower graphs in FIG. 5 show the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction of each finger sensor 16 attached to the little finger 14-5, the ring finger 14-4, and the thumb 14-1, respectively. The output voltages in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction of the finger sensor 16 attached to other fingers are not shown.

  In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the operation of the little finger 14-5 is large during the time during which the key of the letter “Q” is depressed (the time indicated by reference numeral 48 in FIG. 5). That is, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the change in the output voltage in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction of the finger sensor 16 attached to the little finger 14-5 changes with the finger attached to the other finger. It can be seen that it is larger than the change in the output voltage of the sensor 16 in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of an input code output unit including the operation pattern determination unit 34.

  In FIG. 6, for example, when considering the left hand 10L, as described above, the finger sensor 16 is attached to each finger 14, and one finger sensor 16 has three axis (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) operation signals. Is output. Therefore, 5 × 3 = 15 operation signals 50 are supplied to the operation pattern determination unit 34.

  Here, in the virtual keyboard device according to the embodiment, learning is performed by mapping 15 motion signals 50, that is, 15 data, to each character 52 using a neural network, and the dictionary in the motion pattern dictionary unit 32. Create or update a pattern. This learning operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation pattern determination operation including a learning operation in the learning operation of the virtual keyboard device according to the embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the power is turned on in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the learning mode is determined by the input operator in step S12, the process proceeds to step S14, and the keyboard is connected to the input code output unit 28 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2).

  In step S16, the keyboard is pressed. In step S18, acceleration data of the finger sensor 16 at the time of key pressing is read. In step S20, data processing of a required portion of the acceleration data (for example, within ± 500 ms from the change point of the acceleration data). Data processing (see reference numeral 48 in FIG. 5) is performed.

  In step S22, learning is performed with a neural network. In step S24, a new dictionary pattern is constructed. In step S26, if the input operator does not finish learning, the process returns to step S16. In step S26, the input operator determines If learning ends, the process proceeds to step S28. If it is determined in step S12 that the learning mode is not determined by the input operator, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, acceleration data of the finger sensor 16 is read. In step S30, the acceleration data is compared with the data table value to determine whether or not the hand or finger has moved.

  If “No” in the step S30, the process returns to the step S28. If “Yes” in the step S30, the process proceeds to a step S32 to process data at a necessary portion of the acceleration data (for example, ± 500 ms from the change point of the finger sensor). Data processing (see reference numeral 48 in FIG. 5)).

  In step S34, the finger movement based on the acceleration data is compared with a dictionary pattern held as a database. In step S36, an input code corresponding to the closest input code is output. In step S38, the input code is a personal computer or the like. The character output device is transmitted to step S40.

  If it is determined in step S40 that the input operator does not continue the input, the power is turned off in step S42. If the input operator continues the input in step S40, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, when the input operator views the display screen 60 (see FIG. 8 to be described later) and an accurate character input is made based on the determination of the input operator, the process proceeds to step S28, while in step S44. If the input operator sees the display screen 60 (see FIG. 8 to be described later) and the input operator has not made an accurate character input, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the determination of the input operator in steps S12, S26, S40 and S44 will be described. An operation button is provided in the data collection unit 18 or 20, and the input operator (that is, the user) The operation corresponding to the determination is performed on the operation button, and the virtual keyboard device performs the determination according to the operation performed on the operation button.

  FIG. 8 shows an input system including a virtual keyboard device according to the embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the motion signal 50 from the finger sensor 16 worn on each finger is supplied to the motion pattern determination unit 34 via the A / D conversion unit 54, and the motion pattern determination unit 34 receives the motion signal from the finger sensor 16. The operation signal 50 is compared with the operation signal corresponding to the pattern information stored in the operation pattern dictionary unit 32, and an input code corresponding to the detected operation signal 50 is supplied to the personal computer 56. The detailed configuration and operation of the operation pattern determination unit 34 will be described in detail later.

  The personal computer 56 outputs the input code to the display device 58, and characters 59 indicated by the input code, for example, “A”, “B”, “C”,... Column 59 are displayed on the display screen 60 of the display device 58. The

(II) Configuration and Operation of Operation Pattern Determination Unit According to Embodiment Next, the configuration and operation of the operation pattern determination unit 34 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9A is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the operation pattern determination unit 34, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing the operation of the operation pattern determination unit 34.

  In the operation pattern determination unit 34 according to the embodiment described below, based on the operation signal 50 output from each finger sensor 16, the strength (strength in the key input operation for each finger. Executed strongly or weakly). Then, based on the strength / weakness associated with the detected intensity, a plurality of characters assigned to one key (for example, uppercase letters and lowercase letters of one alphabet are assigned to one key. Are distinguished from each other and a corresponding input code is output.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the operation pattern determination unit 34 according to the embodiment includes a sensor information buffer 340, an operation determination unit 341 as an example of a key identification unit, and an operation intensity determination as an example of an intensity detection unit. 342, an input code sensor correspondence data storage unit 343, and an input code determination unit 344.

  In this configuration, the sensor information buffer 340 has acceleration data corresponding to the motion signals 50 (a total of 15 motion signals 50 per hand) transmitted from each finger sensor 16 as a predetermined acceleration vector data. The time is accumulated (for example, 1 second), and then output in parallel to the operation determination unit 341 and the operation intensity determination unit 342 in time series. The predetermined time is a predetermined time corresponding to a necessary portion of the acceleration data to be processed in step S20 (for example, acceleration data at ± 500 ms from the time of change).

  On the other hand, the input code sensor corresponding data storage unit 343 stores a predetermined threshold value relating to the above-described intensity of the key input operation according to the embodiment for each key (input code).

  Here, in the case where two or more characters or symbols are assigned to one key, the threshold value is any of the assigned characters by comparison with the strength of the key input operation for the key. It is a threshold value for determining whether or not it has been input. More specifically, for example, in the case of a key corresponding to the letter “Q”, the action pattern determination unit 34 determines that the strength of the key input action is greater than a threshold value determined in advance corresponding to the letter “Q”. An input code corresponding to uppercase “Q” is output, while an input code corresponding to lowercase “q” is output when the intensity is equal to or lower than the threshold.

  When three or more characters or symbols are assigned to one key, the threshold value for the key is the number obtained by subtracting “1” from the number of assigned characters or symbols. Threshold values are stored (two if three characters or symbols are assigned).

  Next, the operation according to the embodiment in the operation pattern determination unit 34 will be described with reference to FIG. This operation is an operation executed in addition to the operation shown in FIG. 7 between the operation in step S36 and the operation in step S38.

  When the operation pattern determination unit 34 starts to input the operation signal 50, the operation determination unit 341 that has acquired the operation signal 50 via the sensor information buffer 340 performs the above-described operation signal 50 and operation as the steps S 34 and S 36. The operation signal corresponding to the pattern information stored in the pattern dictionary unit 32 is compared (step S34), and an input code corresponding to the operation signal corresponding to the pattern information closest to the input operation signal 50 is extracted. The data is output to the input code determination unit 344 (step S36).

  In the operations of steps S34 and S36, the operation signal 50 input every preset time (for example, 10 milliseconds) is compared with the operation signal corresponding to the pattern information stored in the operation pattern dictionary unit 32. (Step S34), the value indicating the degree of difference between the two (the “distance” as the pattern information between the motion signals) is less than a preset threshold value, and the motion signal corresponding to the pattern information is The corresponding input code is extracted (step S36).

  Next, in step S361, the motion determination unit 341 specifies which finger 14 is used when the extracted input code is input using the pattern information stored in the motion pattern dictionary unit 32 in the same manner. The result is output to the motion intensity determination unit 342.

  Next, in step S362, the motion intensity determination unit 342 acquires information indicating the finger specified by the operation in step S361 from the operation determination unit 341, and acquires the operation signal 50 via the sensor information buffer 340. The degree of change (more specifically, the absolute value of the amplitude) of the acquired motion signal 50 is calculated for each finger 14. As for the degree of change (absolute value of amplitude), since the action signal 50 is the action signal 50 detected as an acceleration of each finger as described above, the degree of change (absolute value of amplitude) is large. This means that the corresponding finger has moved strongly, that is, the strength of the key input operation is strong.

  As a result, in step S363, the motion intensity determination unit 342 calculates the absolute value of the amplitude as the calculated degree of change (intensity) as a threshold for the corresponding input code stored in the character code sensor corresponding data storage unit 343. And the comparison result is output to the input code determination unit 344.

  The input code determination unit 344 then obtains a comparison result that the calculated degree of change (intensity) is larger than the threshold value for the corresponding input code as the operation of steps S363, S364, and S365 from the operation intensity determination unit 342. If it is output (step S363; YES), an input code indicating the capital letter of the corresponding input code is output to the personal computer 56. On the other hand, when the comparison result that the calculated degree of change (intensity) is equal to or less than the threshold value for the corresponding input code is output from the action intensity determination unit 342 (step S363; NO), the input code determination unit 344 outputs an input code indicating a lowercase letter for the corresponding input code. Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step S38 shown in FIG.

  In the operations in steps S363 to S365, when three or more characters or symbols are assigned to one key, each of the plurality of threshold values and the degree of change (intensity) for the key are assigned. And a character or symbol output as an input code is determined according to the magnitude relationship with each threshold value.

  As described above, according to the operation of the operation pattern determination unit 34 according to the embodiment, the strength of the key input operation is detected, and uppercase / lowercase letters assigned to the key are identified based on the detected strength. In a virtual keyboard device that detects spatial finger movement and outputs the corresponding input code, a plurality of characters assigned to one key are identified with a simple configuration. Thus, input codes corresponding to these can be output.

  Therefore, even in a virtual keyboard device that detects the movement of a spatial finger and outputs an input code without having a real keyboard, a plurality of characters assigned to one key can be identified and used. The corresponding input code can be output, and an operation closer to the actual keyboard can be realized.

  Further, the finger sensor 16 detects the acceleration in the key input operation and outputs a corresponding operation signal 50, and the operation intensity determination unit 342 further includes the amplitude of the output operation signal 50 and the input code sensor corresponding data storage unit. Since the intensity of the key input operation is detected by comparing the threshold value stored in the H.343, the operation pattern and the intensity can be directly determined using the same operation signal 50, and the intensity can be determined with a simpler configuration. Can be detected.

(III) Modified Embodiment Next, a modified embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  First, as a first modification, the threshold value stored in the input code sensor correspondence data storage unit 343 can be changed (updated) by the user according to the usage status.

  In this case, for example, by providing an operation button or an update button for the input code output unit 28, the threshold value can be changed (updated) for each finger 14, for example.

  According to the first modification, the user can arbitrarily set the threshold used for detecting the strength of the key input operation, and therefore the threshold can be arbitrarily set according to the user's habit or the like. As a result, the detection accuracy of the intensity can be increased for each user.

  In the above-described embodiment, the input code to be output is determined by comparing the amplitude of the operation signal 50 as the strength of the key input operation with the threshold value stored in the input code sensor correspondence data storage unit 343. On the other hand, as a second modification, the presence / absence of a preliminary operation immediately before the key input operation is detected, thereby distinguishing the contents of the input code (for example, uppercase letters or lowercase letters assigned to the same key). It can also be configured as follows.

  More specifically, for example, when a capital letter is to be input, as a preliminary operation, the finger 14 is once moved in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input operation is performed and then moved in the direction in which the input operation is performed. The operation determination unit 341 and the input code determination unit 344 determine the presence or absence of the preliminary operation using the operation signal 50. Here, as the opposite direction, for example, when a key input operation is performed by pressing the finger 14 downward, the upward direction is the upward direction. When the preliminary operation is detected, an uppercase input code for the corresponding input code is output from the input code determination unit 344. On the other hand, when the preliminary operation is not detected, a lowercase input code is determined as the input code. Output from the unit 344.

  According to the second modification, the contents of the input code are switched according to the presence or absence of the preliminary operation immediately before the key input operation, so that the threshold value or the like as in the embodiment is not provided (specifically, the operation strength determination By switching the input code only by detecting the operation pattern based on the operation signal 50 (without providing the unit 342 and the input code sensor correspondence data storage unit 343), it is possible to appropriately reflect the user's intention. .

  Furthermore, as a third modification, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the finger sensor 16 is directly attached to the corresponding finger 14 is described. A corresponding finger sensor 16 may be mounted on, for example, the outer side (back side of the hand) of the part corresponding to the finger 14 in the glove.

  In this case, it is not necessary to wear the finger sensor 16 corresponding to each finger 14 every time the virtual keyboard device according to the embodiment is to be operated. It is very convenient for the person who is.

  Furthermore, as a fourth modification, in the embodiment described above, the input code to be output is determined by detecting the strength of the key input operation, but in addition to this, such as intentional finger vibration in the key input operation, etc. It is also possible to configure so as to determine an input code to be output by detecting the state of the key input operation other than the strength (including the preliminary operation according to the second modification).

  Note that a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 9B is recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or obtained via a network such as the Internet, and is stored in a general-purpose micro computer. It is also possible to utilize the microcomputer as the operation pattern determination unit 34 according to the embodiment or the modification by reading and executing by a computer.

  As described above, the present invention can be used in the field of input devices, and particularly when applied to the field of input devices using a virtual keyboard device, a particularly remarkable effect can be obtained.

10L Left hand 10R Right hand 14, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, 14-5, 14-6, 14-7, 14-8, 14-9, 14-10 Fingers 16, 16- 1, 16-2, 16-3, 16-4, 16-5, 16-6, 16-7, 16-8, 16-9, 16-10 Finger sensor 18, 20 Data collection unit 22-1, 22 -2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5, 22-6, 22-7, 22-8, 22-9, 22-10 harness 24, 26 radio unit 28 input code output unit 30, 40 radio unit 32 operation pattern dictionary unit 34 operation pattern determination unit 42 display unit 44 character code 50 operation signal 52 character 54 A / D conversion unit 58 display device 59 column 60 display screen 340 sensor information buffer 341 operation determination unit 342 operation intensity determination unit 343 input Code center Sa corresponding data storage unit 344 the input code determining unit

Claims (6)

In an input device that detects a spatial key input operation of a finger and outputs an input code corresponding to the detected key input operation,
A plurality of assignment targets that are either letters, symbols, or numbers are assigned to the key that is the target of the key input operation,
A detecting means that is mounted on a mounting portion provided on at least one of the user's finger or hand and outputs a detection signal that changes in accordance with the key input operation;
Key identification means for identifying the key that is the target of the key input operation based on the output detection signal;
State detecting means for detecting a state of the key input operation based on the output detection signal and outputting a state signal;
Identification means for identifying the assignment target assigned to the identified key based on the output state signal;
Output means for outputting the input code corresponding to the identified assignment target;
An input device comprising: The input device according to claim 1,
The input device is characterized in that the detection means detects an acceleration in the key input operation of the mounting portion and outputs the detection signal corresponding to the detected acceleration. The input device according to claim 1 or 2,
The input device characterized in that the state detection means detects the state by comparing the amplitude of the output detection signal with a preset threshold value and outputs the state signal. The input device according to claim 3,
Further comprising setting means used for inputting an instruction for setting the threshold;
The intensity detection means detects the mode by comparing the threshold set based on the input instruction and the amplitude of the output detection signal, and outputs the mode signal. Characteristic input device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
When the preliminary operation immediately before the start of the key input operation is detected based on the output detection signal, the state detection means detects the key input operation as the state when the preliminary operation is detected. An input device that detects that the intensity is stronger than the intensity when the preliminary movement is not detected. An input device that detects a spatial key input operation of a finger and outputs an input code corresponding to the detected key input operation, and is provided on at least one of the user's finger or hand And a detection unit that outputs a detection signal that changes in accordance with the key input operation, and the key that is the target of the key input operation has a plurality of assignment targets that are either letters, symbols, or numbers The computer included in the assigned input device
Key identification means for identifying the key that is the target of the key input operation based on the output detection signal;
A state detecting means for detecting a state of the key input operation based on the output detection signal and outputting a state signal;
Identification means for identifying the assignment target assigned to the identified key based on the output state signal; and
Output means for outputting the input code corresponding to the identified assignment target;
A program for an input device, characterized in that the program is made to function as:

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