JP2012243153A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor that facilitates key input operation without the visual observation of a virtual keyboard.SOLUTION: An information processor includes a display input unit including a display unit for displaying a virtual keyboard composed of plural keys and a touch sensor unit provided on the display unit and uses the virtual keyboard as input means. On the display screen of the display unit, projections are provided on display areas of predetermined four keys among the plural keys.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a virtual keyboard as input means.

  Generally, when performing key input on a keyboard of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a skilled user can perform key input called so-called blind touch in which key input is performed without looking at the keyboard. This keyboard is usually provided with protrusions on predetermined keys. By recognizing this protrusion, the user recognizes the key provided with the protrusion as a reference finger placement (so-called home position) when performing key input by blind touch, and the keyboard and finger are displaced. Is suppressed.

  In recent years, an information processing apparatus such as a tablet personal computer or a smartphone that can perform an input operation by directly touching a surface screen of a liquid crystal display has been widely used. In such an information processing apparatus, a virtual keyboard can be used as input means, as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

JP 2005-301322 A JP 2003-067092 A JP 2004-220536 A JP 09-218738 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-332602

  However, with the virtual keyboard, it is difficult for the user to recognize the key that is the home position without visually observing the virtual keyboard, and therefore, the positions of the fingers of both hands serving as a reference are easily displaced from the virtual keyboard. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to perform key input by blind touch.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a virtual keyboard displayed on the display screen of a mobile phone is used as an input device, but the key that is the home position cannot be recognized without looking at the virtual keyboard. It is difficult to input keys by blind touch. In Patent Document 2, the display color of the “F” key and the “J” key of the virtual keyboard is changed so that the key as the home position can be recognized. It is necessary to visually check.

  In the virtual keyboard, the interval between the display areas of the keys varies depending on the size of the display screen. For this reason, if there are only two keys at the home position as in a conventional keyboard, the interval between the display areas of each key cannot be recognized. I don't know if I should move it. Therefore, it is more difficult to perform key input by blind touch.

  On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, there is a method for facilitating key input using an auxiliary tool. For example, in Patent Document 3, a keyboard provided with a sensor for detecting contact or proximity of a finger and a sensor for detecting the pressing of each key is used as an input device, and the key is operated on the keyboard display on the display screen. The position of the finger to be operated and the operation status are combined and displayed. In Patent Document 4, a flexible keyboard with high portability is connected to enable key input without using a virtual keyboard. Further, in Patent Document 5, a blind touch can be performed by placing a protruding keyboard input auxiliary unit in a display area of a virtual keyboard. However, Patent Documents 3 to 5 are inconvenient because it is necessary to always prepare an auxiliary tool for key input when performing key input to the information processing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of easily performing key input without visually observing a virtual keyboard.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display input unit having a display unit that displays a virtual keyboard including a plurality of keys, and a touch sensor unit provided on the display unit. In the information processing apparatus using the virtual keyboard as an input unit, a projection is provided in a display area of four predetermined keys of the plurality of keys on the display screen of the display unit.

  According to the above configuration, the protrusions are provided in the predetermined four key display areas on the display screen on which the virtual keyboard is displayed. Therefore, by touching the protrusion, the user recognizes the display position of these four keys as the reference position (home position) of the fingers of both hands when performing key input by blind touch, and each key of the virtual keyboard is recognized. It is possible to suppress or correct the deviation of the reference position of the fingers of both hands with respect to the display position. Furthermore, the interval between the display positions of a plurality of keys constituting the virtual keyboard can also be recognized from the display positions of the four keys as the home position. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform key input without looking at the virtual keyboard.

  In the above configuration, the light-transmitting film further provided on the display screen, the light-transmitting film covers at least the display area of the four keys on the display screen, A first opening may be provided in a part of a region overlapping each display region of the four keys, and the protrusion may be provided in a region other than the partial region.

  Further, in the above configuration, the translucent film covers a display area of a key row including the four keys on the display screen or a display area of the virtual keyboard, and the translucent film includes the plurality of the translucent films. A second opening may be further provided in an area that overlaps each display area of keys other than the four keys.

  Further, in the above configuration, the translucent film covers the entire display screen, and the translucent film has a region overlapping each display region of keys other than the four keys of the plurality of keys. Two openings may be further provided, and a third opening may be further provided in an area overlapping with a display area other than the display area of the virtual keyboard.

  Moreover, the said structure WHEREIN: The said translucent film may be removable with respect to the said display screen, and the said translucent film may be formed with an insulating material. Further, the plurality of keys may be arranged in a QWERTY array, and the four predetermined keys may be an “A” key, an “F” key, a “J” key, and a return key.

  According to the present invention, the protrusions are provided in the predetermined four key display areas on the display screen on which the virtual keyboard is displayed. Therefore, by touching the protrusion, the user recognizes the display position of these four keys as the reference position (home position) of the fingers of both hands when performing key input by blind touch, and each key of the virtual keyboard is recognized. It is possible to suppress or correct the deviation of the reference position of the fingers of both hands with respect to the display position. Furthermore, the interval between the display positions of a plurality of keys constituting the virtual keyboard can also be recognized from the display positions of the four keys as the home position. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform key input without looking at the virtual keyboard.

It is a front view of the information processor concerning a 1st embodiment. It is XX sectional drawing of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the apparatus main body in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display screen on which the virtual keyboard was displayed. It is a block diagram of the translucent film in 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of the information processor concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram of the translucent film in 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view of the information processor concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram of the translucent film in 3rd Embodiment. It is a front view of the information processor concerning a 4th embodiment. It is YY sectional drawing of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an XX cross-sectional view of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The tablet terminal device 1 (information processing device) according to the first embodiment is an information processing device such as a tablet personal computer or a smartphone. The tablet terminal device 1 includes a device main body 10 and a translucent film 20a. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the apparatus main body in the first embodiment. The apparatus main body 10 includes a display input unit 11, a housing 12, a control unit 13, a memory 14, and a communication unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display input unit 11 includes a touch panel 11a (touch sensor unit) and a display panel 11b (display unit). The touch panel 11a is an input unit for a user to perform touch input, has translucency, and is provided on the surface of the display panel 11b. In this embodiment, the capacitive touch panel 11a is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another type of touch panel 11a such as a resistive film type may be used. The display panel 11b is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and performs video display of content stored in the memory 14.

  Further, the display panel 11 b can display the virtual keyboard 112 in a partial area of the display screen 111. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen on which a virtual keyboard is displayed. When the user performs a touch input for using the virtual keyboard 112, the display panel 11b displays the virtual keyboard 112 in the lower area of the display screen 111 as shown in FIG. The virtual keyboard 112 is composed of, for example, a plurality of keys arranged in QWERTY.

  The QWERTY layout is a key layout that is adopted in a keyboard of a general personal computer. In the QWERTY layout, alphabet keys are arranged in the order of “Q” key, “W” key, “E” key, “R” key, “T” key, and “Y” key from the left end of the uppermost key row. Are lined up. The second-row key row from the top includes an “F” key 112b and a “J” key 112c that are generally set as a reference position (hereinafter referred to as a home position) of a finger when inputting by blind touch. It is out. Further, an “A” key 112a is arranged at the left end, and a return key 112d is arranged at the right end.

  The control unit 13 controls each unit of the apparatus body 10 using control information and programs stored in the memory 14. The memory 14 is a non-volatile storage medium. Control information and programs used by the control unit 13, various contents reproduced and output by the display input unit 11 and the audio output unit 16, and transmission / reception by the communication unit 15. The information to be stored is stored. The communication unit 15 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the outside through a built-in antenna 151. The audio output unit 16 is a speaker for outputting audio such as content stored in the memory 14.

  Next, the translucent film 20a will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the translucent film in the first embodiment. The translucent film 20 a is provided in the apparatus main body 10 so as to cover the entire display screen 111 of the display input unit 11. Further, the translucent film 20 a has four predetermined keys (“A” key 112 a, “F” key 112 b, “J”) among a plurality of keys displayed on the display screen 111 of the display input unit 11. A protrusion 30 is provided in each area overlapping the display area of the key 112c and the return key 112d).

  In this way, the user touches the protrusion 30 to recognize the display positions of the four keys 112a to 112d as the reference positions (home positions) of the fingers of both hands when performing key input by blind touch. The deviation of the reference position of the fingers of both hands with respect to the display position of each key on the keyboard 112 can be suppressed or corrected. Furthermore, the interval between the display positions of a plurality of keys constituting the virtual keyboard 112 can also be recognized from the display positions of the four keys as the home position. Therefore, key input can be easily performed without visually checking the virtual keyboard 112.

  Further, the translucent film 20a has one of the areas overlapping with the display areas of four predetermined keys ("A" key 112a, "F" key 112b, "J" key 112c, return key 112d). The first opening 21 is provided in the partial area (in FIG. 1, each area overlapping with the upper display area of each key), and the area other than the partial area (in FIG. 1, the area overlapping with the lower display area of each key) is provided. A protrusion 30 is provided.

  By doing so, the user recognizes the display positions of the four keys 112a to 112d as the reference positions (home positions) of the fingers of both hands when performing key input by blind touch by touching the protrusion 30; It is possible to suppress or correct the deviation of the reference position of the fingers of both hands with respect to the display position of each key of the virtual keyboard 112. Furthermore, since the display positions of the four keys 112a to 112d can be recognized as home positions, the intervals between the display positions of a plurality of keys constituting the virtual keyboard 112 can also be recognized. Therefore, key input can be easily performed without visually checking the virtual keyboard 112.

  In addition, the translucent film 20a is formed of a material (for example, an insulating material) that can reduce detection sensitivity to a user's touch input. Or you may set the thickness of the translucent film 20a so that the detection sensitivity with respect to a user's touch input may fall. Therefore, in the display area on the display screen 111, the detection sensitivity for the touch input of the user is reduced in the area covered with the translucent film 20a, so that the touch input is not detected even if the user touches it. . Therefore, even if the user puts his / her finger on the input key (“A” key 112 a, “F” key 112 b, “J” key 112 c, return key 112 d) that becomes the home position, only the lower region where the protrusion 30 is formed is provided. If touched, the touch input of those keys will not be detected. Therefore, there is no possibility that the key is input by mistake. If it is desired to perform touch input of these keys, the upper display area of each key may be touched with a finger through the first opening 21.

  Moreover, the 2nd opening 22 is provided in each area | region which overlaps with the display area | region of keys other than the four keys 112a-112d determined beforehand in the translucent film 20a. In other words, the display areas of keys other than the predetermined four keys 112a to 112d are not covered with the translucent film 20a. Therefore, when a finger is placed on the display area of these keys, the touch panel 11a detects a touch input of the key. Therefore, the key input by the user is not hindered by the translucent film 20a.

  The translucent film 20 a is provided with a third opening 22 in an area overlapping the display area 113 other than the display area of the virtual keyboard 112 on the display screen 111. In other words, the display area 113 other than the display area of the virtual keyboard 112 is not covered with the translucent film 20a. Therefore, in the display area 113 other than the display area of the virtual keyboard 112, the touch input by the user is not hindered by the translucent film 20a.

  The translucent film 20a is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 10. Therefore, when not using the virtual keyboard 112, the translucent film 20a can be removed from the display screen 111 and used. If it carries out like this, the touch input in the lower part of the display screen 111 will not be prevented by the translucent film 20a. Therefore, when the user uses the virtual keyboard 112, the translucent film 20a is placed on the display screen 111 so that the display area of the key to be the home position (that is, the predetermined four keys 112a to 112d) can be recognized. Just paste. Further, when the virtual keyboard 112 is not used, if the translucent film 20a is removed from the display screen 111, touch input can be performed in the entire display area of the display screen 111 without being interrupted by the translucent film 20a. .

In addition, in 1st Embodiment, although the translucent film 20a has covered the display screen 111 whole, you may make it cover only the area | region where the virtual keyboard 112 is displayed.
Second Embodiment

  FIG. 6 is a front view of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the translucent film in 2nd Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the tablet-type terminal device 1 b (information processing device) according to the second embodiment, the translucent film 20 b has only the display area of the virtual keyboard 112 in the entire display area on the display screen 111. It is provided so as to cover. Therefore, in the translucent film 20b, the 3rd opening 22 is not provided in the area | region which overlaps with display areas other than the display area of the virtual keyboard 112 on the display screen 111. FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, each of the translucent films 20b overlaps the display area of four predetermined keys (“A” key 112a, “F” key 112b, “J” key 112c, return key 112d). A first opening 21 is provided in a part of the area (in FIG. 6, each area overlapping with the upper display area of each key), and an area other than that part area (in FIG. 6, the lower display area of each key). The projection 30 is provided in a region that overlaps with the projection 30. Moreover, the 2nd opening 22 is provided in each area | region which overlaps with the display area | region of keys other than the four keys 112a-112d determined beforehand in the translucent film 20b. If it carries out like this, the display area which the translucent film 20 on the display screen 111 covers can be decreased.

Further, the translucent film 20 has four predetermined keys (that is, an “A” key 112a, an “F” key 112b, a “J” key 112c, and a return key 112d as home positions) on the display screen 111. You may make it cover only the display area of the key row which contains it.
<Third Embodiment>

  FIG. 8 is a front view of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the translucent film in 3rd Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the tablet terminal device 1 c (information processing device) according to the third embodiment, the translucent film 20 c is “A” that is the home position in the entire display area on the display screen 111. The key 112a, the “F” key 112b, the “J” key 112c, and the return key 112d are provided so as to cover only the display area of the key string. Therefore, in the translucent film 20c, the second opening 22 is not provided in the key display area other than the key row including the four keys 112a to 112d serving as the home position, and the virtual keyboard 112 on the display screen 111 is provided. The third opening 22 is not provided in a region overlapping the display region other than the display region. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the translucent film 20c, each area that overlaps the display area of four predetermined keys ("A" key 112a, "F" key 112b, "J" key 112c, return key 112d) A first opening 21 is provided in a partial area (the areas overlapping the upper display area of each key in FIG. 6), and areas other than the partial area (the lower display area of each key in FIG. 6). A protrusion 30 is provided in the overlapping region. In the translucent film 20c, four keys 112a to 112a serving as home positions in the key row including the "A" key 112a, the "F" key 112b, the "J" key 112c, and the return key 112d serving as home positions are provided. The second opening 22 is provided only in each area that overlaps the key display area other than 112d. If it carries out like this, the display area which the translucent film 20c on the display screen 111 covers can further be reduced.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the translucent film 20 is attached to the display screen 111 of the display input unit 11, but instead, the translucent formed in a box shape or a U-shape. The conductive film 20 may be provided so as to be fitted on the display screen 111 side of the apparatus main body 10.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the protrusion 30 is provided on the translucent film 20 provided on the display screen 111 of the display input unit 11. However, the pressure sensitive touch panel (for example, a resistance touch panel) is provided on the touch panel 11a. When using a membrane-type touch panel), the protrusion 30 may be provided directly on the surface of the display screen 111.
<Fourth embodiment>

  FIG. 10 is a front view of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a YY sectional view of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the tablet-type terminal device 1 d (information processing device) according to the fourth embodiment, the translucent film 20 is not provided on the display screen 111 of the display input unit 11, which is the home position. A protrusion 30 a for recognizing the four keys 112 a to 112 d is provided directly on the surface of the display screen 111. Other configurations are the same as those in the first to third embodiments. In addition, in 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st-3rd embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the tablet terminal device 1d (information processing apparatus) according to the fourth embodiment, the display input unit 11 includes a resistive film type touch panel 11a and a display panel 11b. Further, on the surface of the touch panel 11a, four predetermined keys ("A" key 112a, "F" key 112b, "J" key) among a plurality of keys displayed on the display screen 111 of the display input unit 11 are displayed. 112c and a return key 112d) is provided with a protrusion 30a below each area overlapping the display area.

  Then, the user touches the protrusion 30a to recognize the display positions of the four keys 112a to 112d as the reference positions (home positions) of the fingers of both hands when performing the key input by blind touch. The deviation of the reference position of the fingers of both hands with respect to the display position of each key on the keyboard 112 can be suppressed or corrected. Furthermore, the interval between the display positions of a plurality of keys constituting the virtual keyboard 112 can also be recognized from the display positions of the four keys 112a to 112d as the home position. Therefore, key input can be easily performed without visually checking the virtual keyboard 112.

  In addition, since the touch panel 11a is a resistive film type, the touch input of the key is not detected only by placing the finger on the key serving as the home position, and only when the key is pressed down at a predetermined pressure or higher. Input is detected. Therefore, even if a finger is placed on the key that is the home position, there is no possibility that the key is erroneously input.

  In the fourth embodiment described above, the protrusion 30a is provided on the surface of the touch panel 11a. However, the protrusion 30 may be provided on the surface of the display panel 11b. If the touch panel 11a has a certain degree of flexibility, a convex portion is formed at a location overlapping with the protrusion 30, so that the user can recognize a key serving as a home position by the convex portion. Or in this case, you may make it provide the opening which this protrusion 30 penetrates in the part which overlaps with the protrusion 30 provided in the display panel 11b in the touch panel 11a. Even in this case, similarly, the user can recognize the key to be the home position by the protrusion 30 protruding from the opening.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the keys constituting the virtual keyboard 112 are arranged in a QWERTY array, but there is no particular limitation. Each key may be arranged in DVORAK, or may be arranged arbitrarily by the user.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to each of the constituent elements and combinations of processes, and are within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used for information processing apparatuses such as tablet personal computers and smartphones.

1 Tablet-type terminal device (information processing device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Apparatus main body 11 Display input part 11a Touch panel (touch sensor part)
11b Display panel (display unit)
111 Display screen 112 Virtual keyboard 112a “A” key 112b “F” key 112c “J” key 112d Return key 113 Display area other than virtual keyboard 12 Case 13 Control unit 14 Memory 15 Communication unit 151 Antenna 16 Audio output unit 20 Transparent Optical film 21 1st opening 22 2nd opening 23 3rd opening 30, 30a Protrusion

Claims (7)

A display input unit having a display unit for displaying a virtual keyboard composed of a plurality of keys, and a touch sensor unit provided on the display unit;
In an information processing apparatus that uses the virtual keyboard as input means,
An information processing apparatus, wherein a projection is provided in a display area of four predetermined keys of the plurality of keys on the display screen of the display unit. Further comprising a translucent film provided on the display screen,
The translucent film covers at least the display area of the four keys on the display screen,
The translucent film is provided with a first opening in a part of a region overlapping each display region of the four keys, and the protrusion in a region other than the part region. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The translucent film covers a display area of a key row including the four keys on the display screen or a display area of the virtual keyboard,
3. The information according to claim 2, wherein the translucent film further includes a second opening in a region overlapping each display region of keys other than the four keys of the plurality of keys. Processing equipment. The translucent film covers the entire display screen,
The translucent film is further provided with a second opening in a region overlapping each display region of keys other than the four keys of the plurality of keys, and a display region other than the display region of the virtual keyboard The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a third opening is further provided in a region overlapping with the information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the translucent film is detachable from the display screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the translucent film is formed of an insulating material. The plurality of keys are arranged in QWERTY,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the four predetermined keys are an “A” key, an “F” key, a “J” key, and a return key.

Images