JP7045534B1 - Type key input device along the palm - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hit a key accurately with a natural movement without imposing a heavy burden on the muscles moving fingers and joints and without moving a finger more than necessary, and as a result, an input operation. To provide a type key input device along the palm that can reduce the time required for the operation. SOLUTION: The hand RH is placed on a plate surface BS in a state where the vicinity of the wrist Hw of the palm Hp and at least a part of the fingertip FT are in contact with each other with the instep of the hand RH facing up and the other parts are separated from each other. A plurality of input switch pressing units 0110 are arranged on a curved surface CS that substantially matches the curve CL formed by the palm Hp and the index finger Fi obtained in , Ll are arranged so as to be arranged. [Selection diagram] FIG. 1D

Description

The present invention relates to a keyboard (input terminal) for an information processing device.

Conventionally, as the keyboard for the above-mentioned information processing device, for example, there is a keyboard for a computer. This computer keyboard has about 100 keys with letters, numbers, symbols, functions, etc. printed on the key tops, and press the key tops of these keys as appropriate (hereinafter, press the key tops of the keys). The act of pressing is called "keystroke"), and the computer is operated by transmitting a scan code (a code (code) sent to the CPU of the computer) to the computer.
As the keyboard for this computer, for example, a keyboard in which keys are arranged side by side in a rectangular plate-shaped housing mainly used for desktop computers, a notebook type keyboard integrated with a computer, and a laptop type keyboard are used. What is called is widely known.

When inputting characters by operating a computer keyboard with such a configuration, usually, the keyboard (in the case of a notebook type, a personal computer) is placed on the desk or on the knee, and the characters to be input as described above, An electric signal is sent to the computer by hitting a key with numbers, symbols, functions, etc. displayed.

In this way, in the case of a conventional computer keyboard, place the keyboard on the desk or on the knee, and in principle (although the number of fingers used and the number of fingers used varies depending on the person), the tips of each of the 10 fingers combined with both hands in principle. Since you hit about 100 keys with the belly of the (finger end segment), you need to always put both hands in the proper position according to the movement of your fingers, and you can hit the keys by moving both hands for proper positioning. It will take a long time. At this time, if the proficiency level of keyboard input is inexperienced, there is a drawback that both hands must be moved carefully in order to avoid mistouching the keys, which requires a longer typing time.

In addition, in order to avoid key mistouches and perform accurate keystrokes, regardless of the level of proficiency in keyboard input, the relative positional relationship between the body and the keyboard, and the keystroke posture of the body including the fingers to the shoulders. Since it is necessary to concentrate on keystrokes after determining, if you perform input work for a long time, the body including fingers to shoulders will be forced to the same posture for a long time, or the upper body will concentrate on keystrokes too much. However, it has the disadvantage of being physically stressed by leaning forward and compressing the chest.

In recent years, for example, there is an information input device described in Patent Document 1 as a device developed to compensate for the above-mentioned drawbacks of a keyboard provided with about 100 keys.
This information input device includes a pair of glove-shaped covering members worn on both hands and a plurality of controls provided on the back side of the hand of the set of covering members, and is a covering member for one hand. In, a plurality of controls are arranged in the fingertips of each finger, between the joints of each finger, and in the areas corresponding to the backs of the hands. Specifically, in the covering member for one hand, a total of 19 controls are arranged, three on the thumb and four on the other finger.

In this information input device, the operator has an upper layer sheet and a lower layer sheet in which a continuity member is stretched, and a key having conductivity arranged in a space formed between these sheets and fixed to the lower layer sheet. I have.
In this information input device, the operator on the back of the right hand is pressed with the finger of the left hand, and the operator on the back of the left hand is pressed with the finger of the right hand to process signals corresponding to each operation state of the operator. It is sent to the main body of the device.
However, even in this information input device, when the operator is pressed to transmit a signal, the finger of one hand is used to press the operator on the back of the other hand, so that both hands are used at the same time for operation. It has the same drawbacks as the above-mentioned conventional keyboard that the child cannot be pressed and therefore the operation of pressing the operator takes a long time.
On the other hand, due to the structure of this information input device, the operator can be operated by bending or bending the finger of the hand wearing the glove-shaped covering member.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-134967

As described above, in the information input device described in Patent Document 1, the operator can be operated by bending or bending the finger of the hand wearing the glove-shaped covering member, and thus the above-mentioned conventional keyboard has. The drawbacks can be eliminated.
However, in the information input device of the method of detecting the bending of the finger described in Patent Document 1, when one finger, for example, only the tip of the index finger is bent by the first joint to operate the operator, this Since the bending motion is an extremely unnatural movement, it is necessary to move the fingertips consciously and carefully in order to ensure accurate keystrokes. In addition, this unnatural bending motion of the fingertip imposes a heavy burden on the muscles that move the fingers and joints, so that there is a problem that a physical burden is involved.
Further, in the information input device described in Patent Document 1, for the convenience of operating the operator with the hand inserted in the glove-shaped covering member, the hand with the covering member attached is not placed on a fixed object such as a desk. In that case, if there is no means to feed back that the input is surely performed due to the unnatural bending motion of the finger, the finger will be moved more than necessary, and as a result, the input operation will take time. It has been a conventional problem to solve these problems.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to perform natural movements without imposing a heavy burden on the muscles that move the fingers and joints and without moving the fingers more than necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand-held type key input device capable of accurately keystrokes and, as a result, a reduction in the time required for an input operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following intra-palm type key input device.
That is, the first aspect of the present invention is a state in which the back of the hand is facing up and the vicinity of the wrist of the palm is in contact with at least a part of the fingertips, and the other parts are separated from each other and the hand is placed on the plate surface. A plurality of input switch pressing portions are arranged on a curved surface that substantially matches the curved surface formed by the obtained palm and finger.

Further, in the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of input switch pressing portions are arranged so that at least a part thereof is arranged substantially along the line of each finger.

Further, in the third aspect of the present invention, the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged substantially along the thumbs of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is the pressing of the input switch pressing portions arranged along the lines other than the thumbs. The configuration is approximately orthogonal to the direction.

Furthermore, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is arranged on the palm near the base of the finger.

According to the in-palm type key input device according to the present invention, it is possible to hit a key in a natural motion without imposing a heavy burden on the muscles that move the fingers and joints or moving the fingers more than necessary. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a very excellent effect that the input operation can be performed accurately in a short time.

The plan view of the type key input device in the palm of the hand specification which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1A arrow view of the right-handed palm-line type key input device in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a right-handed palm-line type key input device and a right-handed palm and fingers. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a usage state of the right-handed type key input device in the palm of the hand. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the right hand when operating the right-handed type key input device in the palm of the hand. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the right-handed palm-line type key input device from diagonally front on the thumb side. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the palm of the right hand when operating the type key input device in the palm of the right hand specification. FIG. 1A is a side view of a hinge / roller / lever type microswitch as an input switch pressing portion adopted in the right-handed palm-type key input device. FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of a right-handed type key input device in the palm of the hand. The perspective view from the diagonally front on the thumb side of the right-handed type key input device in the palm of the hand according to the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing a usage state of a right-handed type key input device in the palm of the hand according to the third embodiment. An explanatory diagram of an arrangement example of keys when the left and right palm-side type key input devices according to the fourth embodiment are adopted as an input device for a word processor. Explanatory drawing of the switch used for various keys. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of input operation by the left and right palm-line type key input devices in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of input operation by the left and right palm-line type key input devices in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of input operation by the left and right palm-line type key input devices in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of input operation by the left and right palm-line type key input devices in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of input operation by the left and right palm-line type key input devices in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The mutual relationship between the embodiment and the claims is as follows. The first embodiment mainly relates to claims 1 and 2, the second embodiment mainly relates to claim 3, and the third embodiment mainly relates to claim 4. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof.
<Embodiment 1>

The present embodiment mainly relates to claims 1 and 2.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Outline>

The in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment is a keyboard (input terminal) for an information processing device, and is placed from the palm to the finger with the hand placed on the board in the same manner as when playing a piano. The main feature is that a plurality of input switch pressing portions are arranged on a curved surface that substantially matches a naturally formed curved surface.
Then, in the in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is arranged so as to be lined up substantially along the lines of each finger formed on the curved surface. It is characterized by that.

In this in-palm type key input device, when transmitting a signal, if the instep-up hand is placed over the device, the pad of the finger, the knuckle, or the finger is applied to all of the multiple input switch pressing parts. One of the bases of the knuckle is touched or almost touched. That is, the keystrokes can be performed without moving the hand, and the time required for keystrokes can be shortened accordingly.
In addition, since the position and orientation can be changed by moving the type key input device itself along the palm during input work, you can freely change your body posture and raise and lower your arms while keeping your hands on the device. Therefore, the input operation can be performed with almost no physical stress.
Furthermore, by preparing a type key input device along the palm for the left hand and the right hand, it is possible to simultaneously press the input switch pressing part using both hands, and it is possible to further shorten the keying time. Become.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Configuration>

That is, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1A and the front view (arrow view of FIG. 1A) of FIG. The input switch pressing unit 0110 and the base unit 0120 for fixing these input switch pressing units 0110 are provided.
As shown in FIG. 1C, the palmar type key input device 0100 of the present embodiment is for the right hand, and the palmar type key input device 0100 is almost entirely covered with the right hand RH shown by a virtual line in FIG. 1C. It is the size to get. As can be seen from the name of the type key input device 0100 along the palm, when the input device 0100 is covered with the hand RH, a plurality of input switch pressing portions 0110 are used from the palm Hp to the index finger Fi other than the thumb Ft. It is configured to fit in the area extending to each fingertip of the middle finger Fm, ring finger Fr, and little finger Fl.

As shown in the side view from the thumb Ft side of FIG. 1D, the plurality of input switch pressing portions 0110 have the right hand RH placed on the plate surface BS in a shape similar to that when playing a piano (state shown in FIG. 1E). On the curved surface CS that substantially coincides with the curved surface naturally formed from the palm Hp to the fingertips of each of the four fingers (in FIG. 1D, the curve CL shown by the alternate long and short dash line naturally formed from the fingertip FT of the index finger Fi). Has been done. That is, in a state where the vicinity of the wrist Hw of the palm Hp of the right hand RH and at least a part of the fingertip FT are in contact with each other and the other parts are separated from each other and the right hand RH is placed on the plate surface BS, a plurality of them are shown in FIG. 1D. The input switch pressing portion 0110 is arranged on a curved surface that substantially coincides with the curved surface CS that is naturally formed from the palm Hp to each fingertip FT of the four fingers.

Specifically, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1F, in the present embodiment, the input switch pressing portion 0110 is substantially along the line of each finger corresponding to each of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the small finger formed on the curved surface. Four of them are arranged side by side on Li, Lm, Lr, and Ll, and when the input device 0100 is covered with the right hand RH, one of the finger pad, finger joint, and finger base presses the input switch. The roller 0111 described later is touched or almost touched by the part 0110 (in FIG. 1D, each roller 0111 of the four input switch pressing parts 0110 touches the finger pad Fa and the finger joint Fb of the index finger Fi. ， Shows the state of touching the base Fc of the finger respectively).
As shown in FIG. 1G, "Li, Lm, Lr, Ll along the finger" means the index finger Fi, middle finger Fm, and ring finger from the palm Hp in the right hand RH shaped like playing a piano. It is a line naturally formed along the finger over each fingertip FT of Fr and little finger Fl.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Input Switch Pressing Unit Configuration>

It is preferable to use a microswitch for the input switch pressing unit 0110, which has a repulsive force due to an elastic body such as a spring and can obtain a moderation feeling (click feeling) so that the input can be recognized. At this time, a micro switch that does not react by just touching the key for confirmation, for example, a micro switch having play, or a micro switch that requires a certain large operating force (pressing pressure) is preferable.

As described above, it is preferable to adopt a micro switch having the above-mentioned characteristics for the input switch pressing portion 0110, and for example, a hinge / roller / lever type micro switch, a spring push button type, or the like can be adopted.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1H, the base end of the lever 0112 having the roller 0111 at the tip is attached to the switch body 0113 via the hinge 0114, and the play d is a hinge roller lever type having a play d of 3 to 5 mm. The micro switch is used as an input switch pressing unit 0110, and the four input switch pressing units 0110 on Li, Lm, Lr, and Ll substantially along the lines of each finger are arranged in a state where the directions of the respective levers 0112 are aligned. .. In this embodiment, a hinge / roller / lever type micro switch is adopted as the input switch pressing unit 0110, but the present invention is not limited to this.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Unitization of Input Switch Pressing Unit>

In the present embodiment, the four input switch pressing portions 0110 arranged side by side on Li, Lm, Lr, and Ll substantially along the lines of each finger as shown in FIG. 1F are as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It is unitized by being fixed between the opposing plates 0115 and 0115, respectively. The distance between the four input switch pressing parts 0110 in the index finger switch unit 0116i, the middle finger switch unit 0116m, the ring finger switch unit 0116r, and the little finger switch unit 0116l unitized in this way is each in a standard adult. It is set based on the distance between the pad of the finger, the joint of the finger, and the base of the finger.
At this time, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1A, when the directions of the substantially along the lines Li, Lm, Lr, Ll of each finger are set to the Y direction, four pieces are provided on each of the substantially along lines Li, Lm, Lr, Ll. It is desirable to arrange the input switch pressing portions 0110 to be arranged so as to be arranged substantially linearly in the X direction (arrangement direction of each finger), each of which is substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. This is to make it easy to grasp each position of the plurality of input switch pressing portions 0110 without visually observing them.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Base Configuration>

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base portion 0120 has four grooves 0121i, 0121m, 0121r, 0121l formed by arranging them substantially parallel to each other according to the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger. Then, the index finger switch unit 0116i, the middle finger switch unit 0116m, the ring finger switch unit 0116r, and the little finger switch unit 0116l are fitted and fixed in these grooves 0121i, 0121m, 0121r, 0121l, respectively. I am doing it.

At this time, the four grooves 0121i, 0121m, 0121r, 0121l are located on a curved surface in which the input switch pressing portion 0110 of the switch units 0116i, 0116m, 0116r, 0116l fixed to each of the four grooves 0121i, 0121m, 0121r, 0121l substantially coincides with the above-mentioned curved surface CS. In addition, it is formed with a slight height difference and inclination.

Further, the base portion 0120 is provided with a thumb support 0122 which is located next to the groove 0121i for the index finger Fi and fits the portion from the palm Hp to the thumb Ft when the input device 0100 is covered with the hand RH. ..

As shown by a virtual line in FIG. 1B, a cushion material 0124 such as a sponge is fitted between each switch unit of the index finger switch unit 0116i, the middle finger switch unit 0116m, the ring finger switch unit 0116r, and the little finger switch unit 0116l. In this case, it is possible to prevent the input switch pressing unit 0110 from being pushed down by touching something other than the finger, or the adjacent input switch pressing unit 0110 being pushed down by one finger. can.
At this time, the cushion material 0124 is interchangeably fitted between the switch units, and the cushion material 0124 whose size and hardness are changed according to the operator's preference can be selected and used. You may.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly claimed 1 and 2 for mounting on a hand>

If the right-hand type key input device 0100 for the right hand according to the present embodiment is used in a state where the right-hand RH is placed on the board surface BS (state shown in FIG. 1D) as if playing a piano. , There is no particular need for a means to attach the type key input device 0100 along the palm to the right hand.
On the other hand, if it is desired to operate the palm-in-pallet type key input device 0100 while freely moving it during the input operation of the palm-in-the-palm type key input device 0100, for example, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1C, in the palm. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a glove G or the like that can hold at least a part of the type key input device 0100 is connected to the base portion 0120.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Electrical Configuration>

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1I, the right-handed intra-palm type key input device 0100 according to the present embodiment has a total of 16 devices, for example, when wirelessly communicating with the main body 0150 of the information processing device. The key information acquisition unit 0131 that identifies the input switch pressing unit 0110 that has been pressed down among the input switch pressing units 0110 and acquires the type of the input switch pressing unit 0110 as key information, and the key information acquisition unit 0131. The packet output unit 0132 that converts the generated key information into a packet and outputs it, the transmission unit 0133 that transmits the key information signal output from the packet output unit 0132 to the main body 0150 of the information processing device, and these functional units are operated. It can be configured to include a power supply 0134.
At this time, from the outside to the control unit 0135 that controls the operation order of the input switch pressing unit 0110, the ROM 0136 that stores the control program and various data, the cache memory 0137 that temporarily stores the key information signal, and the control unit 0135. The signal input unit 0138 and the like can be provided as needed.

On the other hand, as the main body 0150 of the information processing device that wirelessly communicates with the type key input device 0100 along the palm, a device having the same function as that of a normal information processing device can be used. That is, one provided with a receiving unit 0151, a CPU0152, a ROM0153, a RAM0154, an oscillation circuit 0155, a display unit 0156, a display control circuit 0157, a power supply 0158, and the like can be used.
The electrical configurations of the type key input device 0100 along the palm and the main body 0150 of the information processing device are not limited to those described above.
Further, the signal exchange between the right-hand type key input device 0100 for the right hand and the main body 0150 of the information processing device according to the present embodiment is not limited to wireless communication, and it is naturally possible to perform the signal exchange via an electric wire. be.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Operation>

In the right-hand type key input device 0100 for the right hand according to the present embodiment, when any one of the 16 input switch pressing units 0110 is pressed down, the pressed down operation is performed. When the pressing unit 0110 becomes conductive, the key information acquisition unit 0131 identifies the input switch pressing unit 0110 that has been pressed down, and acquires the type of the input switch pressing unit 0110 as key information.

Next, the key information acquired by the key information acquisition unit 0131 is packetized by the packet output unit 0132, and the key information signal is wirelessly transmitted to the main body 0150 of the information processing apparatus via the transmission unit 0133.
Then, the key information signal transmitted to the main body 0150 of the information processing apparatus is received by the CPU 0152 via the receiving unit 0151, and the CPU 0152 recognizes the input switch pressing unit 0110 corresponding to the key information signal, and this input switch. Characters and the like corresponding to the pressing unit 0110 are displayed on the display unit 0156 via the display control circuit 0157.

In the present embodiment, the case where the palm-side type key input device according to the present invention is for the right hand has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the palm-side type key input device for the left hand is not limited to this. May be. That is, when the left hand is placed on the board surface like playing a piano, a plurality of input switch pressing portions are formed on a curved surface that substantially matches the curved surface that is naturally formed from the palm to the fingertips of each of the four fingers. By arranging, it can be used as a type key input device in the palm of the hand for the left hand.

Here, in the information input device described in Patent Document 1, the operator can be operated by bending or bending the finger of the hand wearing the glove-shaped covering member, and thus the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional keyboard. That is, the disadvantage of requiring a long typing time and the disadvantage of receiving physical stress can be eliminated.
However, in an input device of a type that detects the bending of a finger itself, such as the information input device described in Patent Document 1, the operation of bending only one finger, for example, the tip of the index finger with the first joint, is performed. Is an unnatural way of moving, so you need to move your fingertips consciously and carefully in order to ensure accurate keystrokes, and this unnatural bending motion of your fingertips puts a heavy burden on the muscles that move your fingers and joints. Force.
Further, when adopting an input method in which the input switch pressing portion is directly operated with a finger or a joint, it is expected that a touch-only switch such as a touch sensor is used as the input switch pressing portion. Since there is no feedback from the input switch pressing unit to the finger to be operated, the input switch pressing unit is continuously pressed more than necessary, and as a result, the operation takes time.
Furthermore, when adopting an input method in which the input switch pressing part is directly operated with a finger or joint, if the input switch pressing part is provided in excess of the number of moving parts such as fingers or joints, input can be performed even in a part away from the finger. Since the switch pressing part is arranged, the operation must be performed by widening the palm widely, which also takes time to operate.

However, in the in-palm type key input device 0100 according to the present embodiment, the hand is naturally formed from the palm to the fingertips of the four fingers in a state where the hand is placed on the board surface in the form of playing a piano. By arranging the same number of input switch pressing parts 0110 as moving parts such as fingers and joints on a curved surface that substantially matches the curved surface, it is possible to perform accurate and short-time keystrokes while minimizing the physical burden. ..
Further, in the in-palm type key input device 0100 according to the present embodiment, the input switch pressing unit 0110 has a repulsive force due to an elastic body such as a spring so that the input can be recognized, and a sense of moderation (click). Since the micro switch that gives a feeling) is adopted, it is possible to hit the key in a short time.
<Embodiment 1 Mainly Claims 1 and 2 Effect>

According to the in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment, when performing an input operation, one of the finger pad, the knuckle, or the base of the finger touches all of the plurality of input switch pressing portions, or Since the key is almost touched, the key can be pressed without moving the hand, and the key can be pressed accurately in a short time by that amount, which is a very excellent effect.

Also, during the input operation, you can freely change the posture of the body and raise and lower the arm, so it is very excellent that you can hit the key with almost no physical stress. The effect is obtained.
In addition, you can hit the keys accurately with natural movements without imposing a heavy burden on the muscles that move your fingers and joints, and without moving your fingers more than necessary, resulting in a reduction in the time required for input operations. The very excellent effect that is feasible is obtained.

Furthermore, by preparing a type key input device along the palm for the left hand and the right hand, it is possible to simultaneously press the input switch pressing part using both hands, further shortening the keying time and further shortening the input time. The very excellent effect of being able to achieve shortening is obtained.
<Embodiment 2>

This embodiment mainly relates to claim 3.
<Embodiment 2 Mainly Claim 3 Outline>

This embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and a plurality of input switch pressing parts are arranged side by side along the approximate line of the thumb with the hand placed on the board surface like playing a piano. The main feature is that the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged along the line approximately along the line and the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged along the line other than the thumb form a substantially orthogonal relationship.

In the palm-in-the-palm type key input device of the present embodiment, the time required for keystroke can be further shortened by the amount that the input operation by the thumb can be increased. In addition, the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged side by side substantially along the thumb is set to substantially match the characteristic motion direction of the thumb, that is, the motion of moving the thumb closer to and away from the index finger. Therefore, accurate and smooth keystrokes with the thumb are possible.
<Embodiment 2 Mainly Claim 3 Configuration>

As shown in FIG. 2, the palm-side type key input device 0200 according to the present embodiment is also for the right hand, and this palm-side type key input device 0200 is the palm-side type key input device according to the previous embodiment 1. The feature is that a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) input switch pressing portions 0210 are arranged side by side on the Lt substantially along the thumb Ft, and the input switches are arranged on the Lt substantially along the thumb Ft. The pressing direction (X direction) indicated by the white arrow of the pressing unit 0210 and the pressing direction indicated by the thick black arrow of the input switch pressing unit 0210 arranged on Li, Lm, Lr, Ll along the lines other than the approximately Lt along the thumb Ft. (Z direction) is located at a point where it is substantially orthogonal to each other as shown in an enlarged manner in the figure, and other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned intra-palm type key input device of the first embodiment.

That is, in the in-palm type key input device 0200 according to the present embodiment, the thumb Ft is arranged side by side on the substantially along the line Lt of the thumb Ft with respect to the movement peculiar to the thumb Ft such as moving the fingertip FT side of the thumb Ft closer to the index finger side. The pressing direction of the input switch pressing unit 0210 is set to almost match.
<Embodiment 2 Mainly claim 3 effect>

According to the in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment, since the input operation with the thumb is also possible, a very excellent effect that the time required for keystroke can be further shortened can be obtained. In addition, a very excellent effect of enabling accurate and smooth keystrokes with the thumb can be obtained.
<Embodiment 3>

This embodiment mainly relates to claim 4.
<Embodiment 3 Mainly Claim 4 Outline>

This embodiment is based on the first and second embodiments, and at least a part of a plurality of input switch pressing portions is a palm near the base of a finger when the hand is placed on a plate surface like playing a piano. The main feature is that it is arranged in.

In the in-palm type key input device of the present embodiment, the time required for keystroke can be further shortened by the amount that the input operation by the palm near the base of the finger can be increased.
<Embodiment 3 Mainly Claim 4 Configuration>

As shown in FIG. 3, the in-palm type key input device 0300 according to the present embodiment is also for the right hand, and this in-palm type key input device 0300 is the in-palm type key of the previous embodiments 1 and 2. Compared to the input device, the feature is that the palm Hp near the base of the finger (the base of the index finger Fi in Fig. 3) when the right hand RH is placed on the board BS in the form of playing a piano. The point is that the input switch pressing unit 0310 is arranged, and other configurations are the same as those of the above-described first and second embodiments in the palm of the hand type key input device.
<Embodiment 3 Mainly claim 4 effect>

According to the in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment, the input operation by the palm near the base of the finger is also possible, so that the time required for keystroke can be further shortened, which is extremely excellent. The effect is obtained.
<Example of 4th key layout>

In the hand-held type key input device according to the present embodiment, the keys are arranged according to the purpose of use of the user, and the arrangement of the keys is switched by software (control program stored in ROM 0136 shown in FIG. 1H described above). It is desirable to be able to.
Further, in the in-palm type key input device according to the present embodiment, four types of switches can be used depending on the role of the key. That is, an input switch push part (Push switch) used as a special key in combination with character input and other keys, a rotary switch used for mode selection such as letters and numbers, and a Flip Flop switch used for switching between two modes. A rotary encoder used for continuous input such as cursor movement can be used.
Further, when the in-palm type key input device is used on the board surface, it is desirable to provide a sensor for detecting the movement of the input device on the bottom surface of the device so as to have a function as a mouse.
<Example 3 Key layout example for word processor>

FIG. 4 shows an example of key arrangement when the left and right palm-line type key input devices according to the present embodiment are adopted as an input device for a word processor. As shown in FIG. 4, in the left and right palm-side type key input devices 0400L and 0400R, keys for the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger are added for the thumb side and the little finger side. It has a layout of 7 horizontal rows and 4 vertical rows in which 4 keys are arranged side by side along the approximate line of the finger, and it is assumed that the input is in English and Japanese and that it has a mouse function.

Figure 5 shows the switches used for the Kanji key, Mouse key, Mode key, ↑ ↓ key, ← → key, Sym key, Shift key, Ctrl key, Alt key, and character keys other than these keys.
Further, FIGS. 6 to 10 show an example of an input operation by the left and right palm type key input devices 0400L and 0400R.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of an input operation when English is input by alphabetic key input. In this alphabet input, push switch for A to Z (character) key, Sym key, Shift key, Ctrl key, Alt key and enter key, Flip Flop switch for switching Kanji alphabet, and mode selection for alphabets and numbers. Uses the rotary switch and the rotary encoder to input the continuous amount of ← → and ↑ ↓.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show an example of an input operation when inputting Japanese by Romaji input. In this Romaji input, Push switch for A to Z (character) key, Shift key, enter key and conversion key, Flip Flop switch for switching Kanji and English characters, and rotary encoder for continuous amount input of ← → and ↑ ↓. To use.
<Procedure for inputting Roman characters>

Here, an example of the procedure for inputting Roman characters will be briefly described.
First, turn on the Flip Flop switch for switching Chinese characters to switch to Japanese input mode.
Then, use the A to Z (letter) keys to enter the Kana in Hepburn romanization. At this time, if you press the A to Z keys while holding down the Shift key, lowercase letters will be input.
Next, by pressing the conversion key, conversion of the input kana character string into a kanji character string is started. When the conversion key is pressed in this way, the first conversion candidate corresponding to the kana character string is displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus. At this time, the Kanji conversion target range of the Kana character string is displayed on the screen of the information processing device as a colored background, and when adjusting this Kanji conversion target range, rotate the rotary encoder of ↑ ↓. By this operation, the colored background part as the Kanji conversion target range is scaled on the screen of the information processing device.
When displaying other candidates for conversion of the Kanji character string, the rotary encoder of ← → is rotated, and the other candidates are sequentially displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus by this operation.
Then, when the conversion candidate is confirmed by pressing the enter key of confirmation, the background color of the Kanji conversion target range that has been colored up to that point is returned to the normal state on the screen of the information processing device. It is shown that the conversion is confirmed.

0100 In-palm type key input device 0110 Input switch pressing part BS Board surface CL Curve CS Curved surface Fi Finger (index finger)
FT Fingertip Hp Palm Hw Wrist Li, Lm, Lr, Ll Approximately along the line of the finger RH hand (right hand)

Claims (3)

With the back of the hand facing up, the area around the wrist of the palm and at least some of the fingertips are in contact with each other, and the other parts are separated from each other. Place multiple input switch pressing parts on the curved surface
At least a part of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is an intra-palm type key input device arranged in the palm near the base of the finger . The type key input device in the palm of the hand according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is arranged so as to be arranged substantially along the line of each finger. A claim that the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged along the substantially along the line of the thumbs of the plurality of input switch pressing portions is substantially orthogonal to the pressing direction of the input switch pressing portions arranged along the lines other than the thumb. Item 2. The type key input device in the palm of the hand.

Images