JPH10232735A - Input device for information equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve input efficiency while reducing load to fingers and hands by arranging keys corresponding to the movable ranges of respective fingers of user. SOLUTION: A display device 2 and a touch panel 3 execute display operation under the control of arithmetic processing circuit 4. In the beginning of use of input device, the user presses the touch panel 3 with the respective fingers of his own hands in the state of most extending the fingers while putting them in order, the state of spreading and extending any specified fingers and the state of most bending the fingers on the touch panel 3. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 detects the coordinate position data of respective fingers in the respective states, calculates the movable ranges of fingers of user from these coordinate data, displays and arranges the keys on the display 2 corresponding to these movable ranges. As a result, the arrangement of keys displayed on the display device 2 exists within the movable ranges of fingers of user and the keys are arranged corresponding to the action of bending the fingers so that the input efficiency can be improved while reducing the load to the fingers and hands.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device for information equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As input means for a user in a conventional information device, a keyboard (personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC), word processor (hereinafter, referred to as WP) or the like based on a keyboard arrangement originating from a key arrangement of a European typewriter, etc. ASC specification keyboards) are widely used. In these currently used keyboards, the elements such as the layout, the interval between adjacent keys, the area of the key top, and the like are uniquely determined by the maker due to the installation area, cost, etc. No special consideration is given to the efficiency of input or the effect on health.

[0003] For this reason, conventionally, input means taking into account the above factors have been devised for the purpose of increasing the input efficiency of the user and reducing the burden. For example, JP-A-63-759
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 20 (JP-A-20), an input device that allows a user to select from a plurality of sizes of keyboards using a touch panel has been devised. With this input device, the user can select a desired key top size (the key interval is uniquely determined by the key top size). However, since all decisions are left to the user's subjectivity, the selected key size (and key interval) is not always appropriate for the user, and trial and error is required to select an appropriate key size. Is required, and a pattern having an appropriate key size is not always prepared.

On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-46308, a key top size and a keyboard size are calculated from an average panel contact area and a finger interval when a user presses a touch panel with an index finger, a middle finger, and a ring finger. An input device has been devised. Since the input device actually measures the user's finger, an appropriate key top size can be automatically obtained. However, any input device only changes its size based on the existing key arrangement, and is not adapted to the movement of the user's finger, thus reducing the burden on the user's finger and wrist. However, it is insufficient as a measure for improving the input efficiency.

Further, since the conventional key arrangement is based on the input of a healthy person, the input of a user who has a trouble with some fingers is not considered. On the other hand, JP-A-63-1
In Japanese Patent No. 18823, an input device has been devised in which various key arrangements and arrangements stored in advance on a display-equipped touch panel are switched and displayed, and a user can select a favorite arrangement. The point that the key arrangement and arrangement can be changed is not always superior to the above two input devices.

As means for solving this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
There is an input device devised in JP-175570A. In this method, if keyboard data tailored to each user is created separately, this data can be selected and input by a keyboard appropriate for the user. If the degree of freedom of this data is high, an array that does not assume the hands of a healthy person can be created, so that it is possible to use the keyboard as a keyboard corresponding to a user having some fingers with disabilities.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional keyboard input device, the arrangement of keys, the interval between adjacent keys, the area of key tops, etc., relate to the input efficiency of the user and the load applied to a finger or a hand. For the element, the individual user's hand,
It cannot reflect the characteristics of the finger. In particular, in the conventional input device, the key arrangement is based on the assumption that a normal size of a normal person's hand is used for keying. If the finger is smaller than other fingers, efficient input cannot be expected,
The load on the finger and its surroundings increases.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an input device for an information device according to the present invention has a display for displaying a key arrangement. Means, a touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit aligns each finger. The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the extended first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is stored in the storage circuit. Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the first to third states stored in the storage circuit, based on the calculation result of the calculation means. User The key arrangement according to the movable range of each finger is characterized in that the more a key assignment means for displaying on said display means.

[0009] According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel in the most extended state with the fingers aligned, the specific finger spread and extended, and the most bent finger. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects the coordinate position data of each finger in each state, calculates the movable range of the user's finger from the detected coordinate data, and sets the movable range to the movable range. The corresponding key arrangement is displayed and arranged on the display device. As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is within the movable range of the user's finger and the keys are arranged in accordance with the movement of bending the finger, so that the load on the finger and hand is reduced. Input efficiency can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: a display unit for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. Coordinate detection means to be stored, area detection means for detecting the area of each finger touching the touch panel and storing the area data of each finger in the storage circuit, and the first to third states stored in the storage circuit Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger, the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means, and the area data of each finger stored in the storage circuit. Was The chromatography sequence is characterized in that the more a key assignment means for displaying on said display means.

[0011] According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel in the most extended state with the fingers aligned, the specific finger spread and extended, and the most bent finger. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects the coordinate position data of each finger in each state and the contact area of the finger with the touch panel, and the movable range of the finger calculated from the detected coordinate data and the above A key arrangement corresponding to the contact area is displayed and arranged on the display device. As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is such that the keys are arranged in accordance with the contact area, the movable range and the bending movement of the user's finger, so that the load on the finger and the hand is reduced and the input efficiency is improved. Becomes possible.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying a key arrangement of an input device of an information device, a touch panel disposed on the display device, an arithmetic processing circuit, A storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, the arithmetic processing circuit comprising: a first state in which each finger is aligned and extended most; a second state in which a specific finger is extended and extended; The coordinate detecting means for detecting the coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the third state in which the finger is bent most and temporarily storing each coordinate data in the storage circuit, and the first to third storage means stored in the storage circuit A means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state, and a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. Key assignment Means and means for storing key array data relating to a key array by the key assignment means in the storage circuit, and calling means for calling the key array data stored in the storage circuit from the storage circuit and displaying the data on the display means. It is characterized by.

[0013] According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel in the most extended state with the fingers aligned, the specific finger spread and extended, and the most bent finger. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects coordinate position data of each finger in each state, and displays a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of the finger calculated from the detected coordinate data on the display device. Will be displayed and arranged.

Further, since the key arrangement once set is stored in the storage circuit, the same key arrangement is displayed again on the display device by being called by the calling means. As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is such that the keys are arranged in accordance with the movable range of the user's finger and the bending movement, so that the load on the finger and the hand is reduced and the input efficiency can be improved. Become. Further, once a key layout suitable for the user is set, the key layout can be called up as needed, and an extremely convenient input device can be provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: display means for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an operation processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the operation processing circuit, wherein the operation processing circuit The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state where the most aligned state is extended, the second state where the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state where each finger is bent most are detected, and each coordinate data is detected. Coordinate detection means for temporarily storing in a storage circuit, means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the first to third states stored in the storage circuit, and the calculation result of the calculation means And a key assignment unit for displaying a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range on the display unit based on the calculated range of each finger of both hands of the user.

According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user has his / her one hand on the touch panel with the fingers aligned and extended most, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects the coordinate position data of each finger in each state, and each of both hands of the user according to the movable range of the finger calculated from the detected coordinate data. The key arrangement corresponding to the finger is displayed and arranged on the display device.

As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is such that the keys are arranged in accordance with the movable range and bending movement of the user's finger, so that the load on the finger and hand is reduced and the input efficiency is improved. Becomes possible. Moreover, in the present invention,
In displaying the key arrangement, each finger of one hand of the user is pressed on the touch panel, the movable range of each finger of both hands is obtained based on the movable range, and the key arrangement according to the movable range is displayed on the display device. , The workability is good.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: a display unit for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means; an arithmetic processing circuit; and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit. In the first state, the second state in which a specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most, the coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel is detected, and each coordinate data is stored in the storage circuit. The coordinate detecting means to be temporarily stored, the non-free finger detecting means for detecting a finger which is hard to hit a key based on the coordinate data detected by the coordinate detecting means, and the first to third states stored in the storage circuit. Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger, and a key array corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means and the detection result of the inconvenient finger detecting means The above display hands Is characterized in that the more a key assignment means for displaying on.

According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user has his / her one hand on the touch panel with the fingers aligned and extended most, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects the coordinate position data of each finger in each state, calculates the movable range of the finger based on the detected coordinate data, and determines whether the finger is difficult to tap. Is detected, and a key arrangement corresponding to the user's hand is displayed and arranged on the display device based on the data of the movable range and the data of the inconvenient finger.

As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is such that the keys are arranged in accordance with the movable range and bending movement of the user's finger, thereby reducing the load on the finger and the hand and improving the input efficiency. Becomes possible. Moreover, in the present invention,
In displaying the key arrangement, a finger arrangement of the user is detected and the key arrangement is displayed, so that an extremely reasonable key arrangement can be displayed on the display device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: display means for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. The first to third coordinates stored in the storage circuit
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state of and the key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. And key adjusting means for adjusting the key arrangement assigned by the assigning means.

According to this configuration, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user has his / her one hand on the touch panel with the fingers aligned and extended most, the specific finger spread and extended, and the fingers bent most. When the touch panel is pressed with a finger in each state, the arithmetic processing circuit detects the coordinate position data of each finger in each state, calculates the movable range of the finger based on the detected coordinate data, and determines whether the finger is difficult to tap. Is detected, and a key arrangement corresponding to the user's hand is displayed and arranged on the display device based on the data of the movable range and the data of the inconvenient finger. In addition, the key arrangement can be adjusted according to the user.

As a result, the key arrangement displayed on the display device is such that the keys are arranged in accordance with the movable range and bending movement of the user's finger, so that the load on the finger and the hand is reduced and the input efficiency is improved. Becomes possible. Moreover, in the present invention,
The displayed key arrangement can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an input device of an information device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the input device near the center, and FIG. Shows a block-like electric circuit diagram showing an electric configuration of the input device.

As apparent from these figures, the input device is externally fixed with a touch panel 3 superimposed on a display surface side of a flat dot matrix type display device (hereinafter referred to as a display device) 2 in a main body case 1. The configuration is as follows. The display device 2 and the touch panel 3 are connected to an arithmetic processing circuit 4 accommodated in the main body case 1 and perform a display operation under the control of the arithmetic processing circuit 4.

Reference numeral 5 denotes an external storage circuit for storing data.
It is connected to the arithmetic processing circuit 4. Arithmetic processing circuit 4
Is connected to the information device 6 that uses the input device as an input means from the user, and outputs the content input by the user to the information device 6 as input data. The input device connects the display device 2 and the touch panel 3 directly to the information device 6 as shown in FIG. 4, and the processing performed by the arithmetic processing circuit 4 and the external storage circuit 5 in the input device in the embodiment shown in FIG.・
The function can be executed by the arithmetic processing circuit 4a and the external storage circuit 5a in the information device 6.

In the following description, the processing and functions executed by the arithmetic processing circuit 4 and the external storage circuit 5 in the input device and the arithmetic processing circuit 4a and the external storage circuit 5a in the information device 6 are the same. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 and the external storage circuit 5 in the input device will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm when the arithmetic processing circuit 4 automatically sets a key arrangement according to the movable range of the user's finger on the display device.
When the arithmetic processing circuit 4 confirms that the mode is the key arrangement setting mode (not the key input mode) (step S
1) As shown in FIG. 6, "Place hand at top key position (with finger extended)" is displayed on display device 2, and ranges 7R and 7L for placing right hand 8R and left hand 8L are set. It is displayed (step S2).

After waiting for this display, the user presses the touch panel 3 with only the fingertip while keeping the right hand 8R and the left hand 8L lightly aligned as shown in FIG. 7 (step S3). When detecting that the touch panel 3 has been pressed, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 displays on the display device 2 "spread the thumb as much as possible in the horizontal direction". As shown in the example of the left hand in FIG.
As long as the finger moves further apart and stretches, it is pressed down again while moving in the horizontal direction. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 and the user are the index fingers 10r and 10l, and the little fingers 13r and 13r.
The same processing is performed for 1 and the touch panel 3 is pressed down with the fingertips opened as much as possible as shown in FIG. 8 (step S4).

When each finger is moved, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 determines that the part where the touch panel 3 is pressed is moved is the finger (thumb, forefinger, little finger) (steps S5 and S6). . Also left and right 2 that did not move
It is determined that, for each pressed portion of the touch panel 3, one closer to the index finger from the arrangement of the fingers is the middle finger 11 r, 11 l and one closer to the little finger is the ring finger 12 r, 12 l. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 includes a thumb 9r, 9l, an index finger 10r, 10
With respect to 1 and the little fingers 13r and 13l, the coordinates of the center of the pressed portion of the touch panel 3 are calculated, and the calculated coordinate data is temporarily stored in one area of the external storage circuit 5, for example, the area 5-1 (step S8).

When the temporary storage is completed, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 causes the display device 2 to display "return the thumb, forefinger, and little finger to their original positions" (step S9). When it is confirmed that the user has moved the finger and pressed down the touch panel 3 at the position where the finger has been returned to the state where the finger is aligned (step S10), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 executes In the same manner as in the above process, the correspondence between each pressed part and each finger is determined,
The center coordinates of the pressed position of each finger are stored in the other area 5-2 of the external storage circuit 5 at the time of position (step S11).

Next, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 causes the display device 2 to display "Place your hand at the lowest key position (with the finger bent)" (step S12). The user touches all the fingers on the touch panel 3 without moving the arms and wrists as shown in FIG.
The touch panel 3 is depressed in a state where the touch panel 3 is further separated and bent as much as possible. When confirming that the touch panel 3 has been pressed again (step S13), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 determines which finger corresponds to each pressed portion from the arrangement of the pressed portions (step S14).

Further, similarly to the case of pressing the uppermost stage,
For each finger, the coordinates of the center of the touched portion of the touch panel 3 are calculated and temporarily stored in the area 5-3 of the external storage circuit 5 (step S15). At this point, the operation of pressing the touch panel 3 by the user for setting the key arrangement is completed, and the arithmetic processing circuit 4 causes the display device 3 to display the completion of the operation.

After the display of the completion of the work, the arithmetic processing circuit 3
Retrieves the coordinate data of the areas 5-2 and 5-3 in the external storage circuit 5, connects the top and bottom of each finger with a line segment, and connects the line segment (the number of key stages assigned to the finger- 1)
The coordinates of the equally dividing point are calculated (step S16). Key tops of a predetermined size and shape are arranged so as to be centered on the end points and equal points of the line segments, and displayed on the display device 2.

In this way, keys corresponding to the number of steps to be assigned to the finger are arranged (step S1).
7). This state is shown in FIG. Arithmetic processing circuit 4
Calls the data of the areas 5-1 and 5-2 in the external storage circuit 5 and calculates the perpendicular bisector of the end point of the uppermost movable range of each finger (reference numeral 14 in FIG. 11). An intersection 15 of the perpendicular bisector 14 and a straight line obtained by extending the above-mentioned line segment is obtained, and the key on the line segment is rotated around the intersection in the uppermost movable range to arrange the key top (step). S18).

FIG. 11 shows an example in which keys are arranged at the movable limit position and the intermediate position of the right index finger 10r. This set of keys becomes the entire key arrangement including the lateral movement of the finger. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 displays the arranged keys on the display device 2.

Next, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 checks whether the arranged keys do not overlap each other (step S1).
9) If they overlap, change the entire key size to a smaller one so that they do not overlap (Step S)
20). If it is determined in step S19 that the keys do not overlap, input characters are assigned to the keys and displayed on the display device 2 (step S21).

When the display is completed, a message that "the key layout setting is completed and the mode shifts to the key input mode" is displayed on the display device 2 (step S22), and the mode shifts to the key input mode (step S23). In the key input mode, when it is confirmed that the user has pressed the area where the keys are displayed on the display device 3 on the touch panel 3, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 converts the key code corresponding to the displayed character into information. By outputting to the device 6, this input device functions as a keyboard input device that reflects the movement of the finger and the movable range.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another operation algorithm of the arithmetic processing circuit 4. In this embodiment, the user's finger is moved according to the locus of movement of the user's finger. The key arrangement corresponding to the finger is automatically set on the display device. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the user presses down on the touch panel 3 in the order of the open state of the uppermost finger, the aligned state, and the position of the lowermost finger. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, when the finger is moved in a state where the finger is separated from the touch panel 3 in each of steps S5, S10, and S19, in this embodiment, each step S35, which corresponds to these steps, is performed. The difference is that the finger is moved while pressing the surface of the touch panel 2 in S40 and S49.

Then, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 first calculates the center coordinates of the finger at the point where the touch panel 3 is pressed by the finger, and then moves the finger from the pressed point, and the movement is completed. When the finger stops, the center coordinates of the finger at the pressed position are calculated again. At this time, since the arrangement of the trajectories drawn by the fingers is determined, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 tracks the trajectories of the respective fingers and determines the correspondence between each pressed part and each finger based on the arrangement of the trajectories. By doing so, every time the arithmetic processing circuit 4 presses the touch panel 3, it is not necessary to perform the operation of determining the correspondence between the pressed location and each finger, and a reliable determination can be obtained without a determination error.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm in which the arithmetic processing circuit 4 displays a keytop according to the area of a finger pressing the touch panel 3 according to the area. In this embodiment, the user moves the position of the finger in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. Is calculated (step S
68, S71, S75), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 simultaneously calculates the area of the pressed area of each finger, and temporarily stores the value together with the center coordinates in the predetermined area 5-2, 5-3 in the external storage circuit 5. I do.

In this embodiment, especially before the "key top arrangement" in step S79 (corresponding to step S17 in the first embodiment), as shown in step S77, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 stores in the external storage Area 5 in circuit 5
The area data of each finger is called from 2, 5-3, and key top data of a key size (not the finger area itself) corresponding to the finger of that area is created. Further, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 calls coordinate data of each finger from the areas 5-2 and 5-3 of the external storage circuit 5, and arranges a keytop corresponding to the coordinates. At this point, the keys corresponding to the pressed areas at the uppermost and lowermost positions of the finger are arranged.

Next, when determining key coordinates other than the top row and the bottom row (step S78), the number of keys to be assigned to the finger is set to N, and the key size of the top row and the bottom row is set to K.
Assuming that 1, K2, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 determines the key size Kn of the n-th stage counted from the uppermost stage by the following formula, and creates key top data.

Kn = ｛(N−n) K1 + (n−1) K
N｝ / (N−1) Then, for each finger, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 creates and arranges a keytop at a corresponding coordinate position (see FIG. 14). By performing the above-described processing, a key size that reflects the pressed area of the touch panel 3 at each key tapping position of each finger can be obtained.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 15 shows an operation algorithm for automatically setting the arrangement of keytops according to the user by using the data of the initial setting and the data of the user set in the past. FIG. In the area 5-4 of the external storage circuit 5, data on the coordinates, size, shape, and input characters of each key of several types of keyboard layouts are registered in advance, and the arithmetic processing circuit 4 selects the key arrangement setting mode. Confirm that the operation has been performed (step S
90), searching the area 5-4 in the storage circuit 5 and confirming the type of the registered key array (step S9)
1) Display a key layout selection menu on the display device 2 (step S92).

In this state, when the arithmetic processing circuit 4 confirms that the user has pressed the displayed portion of the key arrangement option on the touch panel 3, the operation processing circuit 4 calls up the key arrangement data corresponding to the option from the storage circuit 5 and proceeds to FIG. The information is displayed on the display device 2 as shown in FIG. 16 (step S95). Then, “Transition to key input mode” is displayed to switch to the key input mode, and function as a keyboard having the selected key arrangement. When the arithmetic processing circuit 4 confirms that the user has pressed the position on the touch panel 3 where the option of “key arrangement new setting” is displayed, the user performs the same procedure as in the first to third embodiments. The key arrangement corresponding to the hand and the finger is set (step S96).

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an operation algorithm showing a process of setting the right hand 8R and controlling with the left hand 8L of the user. When the mode is switched to the key arrangement setting mode (step S101), the right hand 8R
The key arrangement is set only by using the procedure described in the first to third embodiments. Meanwhile, the arithmetic processing circuit 4
A control button (not shown) for smoothly performing settings such as “cancel” and “confirm” is displayed in an area 7L of the display device 2 corresponding to the left hand 8L. When it is confirmed that the area has been pressed (step S104), the processing as displayed is performed and reflected in the setting operation.

When the setting work is completed and the key arrangement data for the right hand is created (step S106), the arithmetic processing circuit 4
Creates the left-right inverted data while holding the created data (step S107), and translates it to the left-hand area 7L. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 uses this data as key placement data for the left hand, assigns input characters to each key, and switches to the key input mode (step S10).
8). By performing the above processing, the workability of key setting can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm for detecting a finger having difficulty in tapping a key and alternately assigning a key to be assigned to the finger to another finger to another finger. is there. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the minimum movable distance of each finger in the vertical and horizontal directions and the minimum pressed area at each position are stored in the area 5-5 of the external storage circuit 5 in advance. When the mode is set to the key setting mode, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 sets the key arrangement according to the procedure shown in the first to fourth embodiments according to the operation of the user.

First, when the user presses the touch panel 3 with the fingers aligned and extended (step S113), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 determines whether or not a missing finger exists from the number of pressed locations. I do. If it is confirmed that there is a missing finger, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 narrows down which finger is missing based on the number of pressed parts in the process of spreading and pressing the next finger (S114).

For example, when the little finger is moved (step S
115) If the pressed part where the movement is seen is one of the right and left, it is determined that the little finger is missing. If all the pressed parts where the movement is seen are both left and right, the middle finger or the ring finger is missing. It is. The determination of whether the middle finger or the ring finger is missing is performed after the process of pressing the touch panel 3 ends. The missing finger is used as a finger that is incapable of tapping.
(S116).

When the user depresses the touch panel 3 at the bottom and the finger is opened, the fingers are aligned at the top, and the center coordinates of the finger are calculated (steps S118 and S121).
And S124), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 also determines the pressed area at the same time, and compares it with the minimum area data (reference area data) of the finger stored in the area 5-5 of the external storage circuit 5. As a result, when the pressed area of the finger is less than the minimum area data, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 stores the area 5-6 in the storage circuit 5 in the area 5-6.
Record that the finger is not comfortable with keying (S
118).

After the center coordinates of each finger are calculated, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 calculates the position coordinates between the position coordinates where the finger is opened and the position coordinates where the finger is aligned at the top of the finger and the position coordinates where the finger is aligned at the top. The distance between the lower position coordinates is calculated, and compared with the minimum movable distance data (reference distance data) in the vertical and horizontal directions of the finger stored in the area 5-5 of the storage circuit 5. When the actual distance is less than the minimum movable distance data, the arithmetic processing circuit 4
It is recorded in the area 5-6 of the storage circuit 5 that the finger is incapable of keying (S126). When arranging the key top, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 calls the data in the area 5-6 of the storage circuit 5 and does not arrange the key for the finger determined to be inconvenient (lacking finger).

The number of keys corresponding to the finger determined to be inconvenient (for example, the right middle finger 11r) is the number of steps to be assigned in advance to the other fingers to which the finger belongs (the right hand 8R). Then, the number of stages is increased and assigned, the storage circuit 5 is called, and the line segment between the uppermost stage and the lowermost stage is equally divided (the number of assigned key stages minus one), and the coordinates of this equally dividing point are calculated (step S127).

Thereafter, by executing steps S128 to S134 corresponding to steps S17 to S23 in the embodiment of FIG. 5, key arrangement is performed in consideration of the presence of a finger having difficulty in keying. Based on this, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 assigns input characters to each key and shifts to the key input mode.

[Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 19 shows how to calculate the degree of freedom for each finger tapping from the size of the contact area of the finger and the size of the movable range, and determines the number of keys to be assigned to each finger. 9 shows a flowchart of an operation algorithm that changes according to the degree.

In the seventh embodiment, step S14
In steps S1 to S147, the same operations as those in steps S1 to S7 of the first embodiment are executed. In step S148, the center coordinates of the pressed position of each finger are obtained and stored in the storage circuit 5, and the pressed area And the minimum area (reference area) of each finger stored in the storage circuit 5
To obtain the degree of freedom of the position and store it in the storage circuit 5. If the division result is less than “1”, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 sets the degree of freedom of the finger at the position corresponding to the key tapping at “0” in the area 5-6 in the external storage circuit 5, and the division result is “1”. ”Or more, the position degree of freedom is stored as“ 1 ”.

Thereafter, step S149 having the same operation contents as steps S9 to S14 of the first embodiment.
Through step S154 and step S1.
Data is obtained in the same manner as when the finger is spread at 55 and the storage circuit 5
To memorize. Next, in step S156, after calculating the movable range of each finger including the left and right rotation directions, the movable range is changed based on the value of the degree of position freedom.

In FIG. 20, the degree of freedom of position of the finger at the uppermost row, the spread state, the aligned state, and the lowermost row are “1,” respectively.
The case of “0” and “0” will be considered as an example. The arithmetic processing circuit 4 converts the movable range obtained by rotating the line segment A connecting the position where the fingers are aligned at the uppermost stage and the position of the lowermost stage to the line segment A
Is divided by the rotated arc B. Since the degree of freedom of the lowermost stage is “0”, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 excludes the region a1 on the lowermost side from the movable range and newly sets the middle point Ao of the line segment to the lowermost position coordinate.

Further, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 divides the movable range into two equal angles of the rotation angle, and excludes the region a2 on the side where the fingers are aligned at the uppermost stage of the degree of position freedom "0" from the movable range. . The arithmetic processing circuit 4 obtains the end point of the area that is newly set as the movable range and resets the position coordinates because the finger is aligned at the top and the position coordinates of the bottom are included in the excluded area.
After the position coordinates of each finger are reset, the arithmetic processing circuit 4
The distance between the position where the finger is opened at the top and the position coordinate where the finger is aligned, and the distance between the position where the finger is aligned and the position where the finger is aligned at the bottom is calculated.

Next, the minimum moving distance (reference distance) data of the finger in the vertical and horizontal directions stored in the area 5-5 in the external storage circuit 5 is called, and each distance is divided by the reference distance data. From the result, the degree of freedom of the finger and the direction is determined. At this time, the directional freedom of a certain finger and a certain direction is represented by α. Assuming β (α is an integer part and β is a decimal part), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 sets the number of keys arranged in that direction (the number of columns in the vertical direction and the number of columns in the horizontal direction) to α + 1.
The arithmetic processing circuit 4 compares the total number of keys obtained for each finger with the required number of keys, and if the number of keys is excessive, reduces the number of keys in the direction in which the value of β of each finger is smaller (key Change in the number of assignments).

Then, in steps S157 and S1
At 58, the size of the key is determined from the pressed area of each finger. Then, in steps S159 to S165 corresponding to steps S17 to S23 of the first embodiment, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 arranges the keys based on the determination of the number of keys and the key size of each finger,
Assign input characters to each key and switch key input mode. With the above operation, it is possible to use the input device having a key arrangement that matches the degree of freedom for each user's finger pressing.

[Eighth Embodiment] In this embodiment, in each of the above embodiments, after the key arrangement is set, the keys for the right hand and the left hand are moved in parallel, or the key arrangement area is set. Causes a key arrangement adjusting function to arrange another key in a different area to be executed (FIG. 21). When the mode is switched to the key arrangement adjustment mode (step S171), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 displays “parallel movement of arranged keys” on the display device 2;
A selection menu for the adjustment content with “Add key” as an option is displayed (step S172).

Here, when the user presses the area on the touch panel 3 on which “parallel movement of the arranged keys” is displayed (step S173), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 displays “cursor keys” on the display device 2, An instruction of “end key” and an instruction of “select which area to move, right hand or left hand” are displayed (step S174).

Next, the user has depressed the area on the touch panel 3 on which either the left or right key is arranged and displayed (step S175) and depressed the area on the touch panel 3 on which the "cursor key" is displayed. Is confirmed (step S176), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 moves the key area as intended by the user. When confirming that the user has pressed the area on the touch panel 3 on which the "end key" is displayed (step S177), the arithmetic processing circuit 4 shifts to the key input mode with the key arrangement changed by the parallel movement. I do.

On the other hand, if the “add key” area is pressed instead of “parallel movement of arranged keys” in step S173, the arithmetic processing circuit 4 causes the display device 2 to display “cursor keys”, “10 "Key", "Function key", and other options for the key to be added, and "Select the key you want to add from the options and specify where to place it."
Is displayed (step S179).

Next, when it is confirmed that the user has pressed the area on the touch panel 3 on which the key to be added among the options is displayed (step S180), the arithmetic processing unit 4 sets the touch panel which the user has pressed next. 3. Add and arrange the key selected by the user at the position corresponding to the area on 3,
Shift to the key input mode with the changed key arrangement state.

[0069]

According to the present invention, the input device for an information device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a display means for displaying a key arrangement, and a display means for displaying the key arrangement. A touch panel, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has a first state in which the fingers are aligned and extended most; Coordinate detecting means for detecting a coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in a second state in which a specific finger is spread and extended and a third state in which each finger is bent most, and temporarily storing each coordinate data in the storage circuit. Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the first to third states stored in the storage circuit, and the calculation of the finger's finger based on the calculation result of the calculation means. Key according to the movable range The sequence is more made configuration and key assignment means for displaying on said display means.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of the use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in a state where the keys are in place, the key arrangement that matches the finger of the user's hand can be displayed on the display device. The input efficiency can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: a display means for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. Coordinate detection means to be stored, area detection means for detecting the area of each finger touching the touch panel and storing the area data of each finger in the storage circuit, and the first to third states stored in the storage circuit Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger, the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means, and the area data of each finger stored in the storage circuit. Was The chromatography sequence is more made configuration and key assignment means for displaying on said display means.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in the state of being held, it is possible to display on the display device the finger arrangement of the finger of the user's hand, and the area of each finger,
In setting the key arrangement on the display device, the load on the fingers and hands is reduced, and the input efficiency can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying a key arrangement of an input device of an information device, a touch panel disposed on the display device, an arithmetic processing circuit, A storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, the arithmetic processing circuit comprising: a first state in which each finger is aligned and extended most; a second state in which a specific finger is extended and extended; The coordinate detecting means for detecting the coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the third state in which the finger is bent most and temporarily storing each coordinate data in the storage circuit, and the first to third storage means stored in the storage circuit A means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state, and a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. Key assignment Means for storing key array data relating to a key array in the storage circuit by the means and the key assignment means, and a calling means for calling the key array data stored in the storage circuit from the storage circuit and displaying the data on the display means. It is.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of the use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in a state where the keys are in place, the key arrangement that matches the finger of the user's hand can be displayed on the display device. The input efficiency can be reduced. In addition, a key arrangement suitable for the user's finger once stored can be called up as needed, and an extremely convenient input device can be provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: display means for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an operation processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the operation processing circuit, wherein the operation processing circuit The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state where the most aligned state is extended, the second state where the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state where each finger is bent most are detected, and each coordinate data is detected. Coordinate detection means for temporarily storing in a storage circuit, means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the first to third states stored in the storage circuit, and the calculation result of the calculation means And a key assigning means for calculating a movable range of each finger of both hands of the user based on the above, and displaying a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range on the display means.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in the state of being held, it is possible to display the key arrangement suitable for the fingers of both hands on the display device, and when setting the key arrangement on the display device, the load on the finger and the hand is reduced. The input efficiency can be reduced. In addition, since the operation for obtaining the key arrangement can be performed with one hand, the workability is good and an extremely easy-to-use input device can be provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an information device, comprising: a display means for displaying a key arrangement;
A touch panel superimposed on the display means; an arithmetic processing circuit; and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit. In the first state, the second state in which a specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most, the coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel is detected, and each coordinate data is stored in the storage circuit. The coordinate detecting means to be temporarily stored, the non-free finger detecting means for detecting a finger which is hard to hit a key based on the coordinate data detected by the coordinate detecting means, and the first to third states stored in the storage circuit. Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger, and a key array corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means and the detection result of the inconvenient finger detecting means The above display hands And more it becomes configured as key assignment means for displaying on.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of the use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in the state of being held, it is possible to display the key arrangement suitable for the fingers of both hands on the display device, and when setting the key arrangement on the display device, the load on the finger and the hand is reduced. The input efficiency can be reduced. In addition, even if the user's finger has a finger that is difficult to tap, the key portion to be assigned to that finger is assigned to the next finger, and a key layout corresponding to the user's hand can be displayed.

Further, the input device of the information device according to the present invention comprises a display means for displaying a key arrangement,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. The first to third coordinates stored in the storage circuit
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state of and the key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. And an adjusting means for adjusting the key arrangement assigned by the assigning means.

According to the present invention, at the beginning of the use of the input device, the user places his / her hand on the touch panel with the fingers fully extended, the specific finger spread and extended, and the finger bent most. By simply pressing the touch panel with each finger in the state of being held, it is possible to display the key arrangement suitable for the fingers of both hands on the display device, and when setting the key arrangement on the display device, the load on the finger and the hand is reduced. The input efficiency can be reduced. In addition, if there is a problem in the arrangement of the arranged keys, the input can be adjusted, and an extremely convenient input device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block electric circuit diagram showing an electric configuration of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block electric circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the electric configuration of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation algorithm of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state in which a hand is spread on a touch panel according to the algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a finger is pressed on the touch panel according to the algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state where a finger is spread on a touch panel according to the algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a finger is bent and pressed on the touch panel according to the algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of a key array arranged on a display device according to the operation algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which keys are arranged in a lateral movable range of a thumb, forefinger, and little finger on a touch panel according to the algorithm of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation algorithm of a second embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm of a third embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating determination of a key area in a middle area according to an operation algorithm of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm of a fourth embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display state of a key arrangement selection menu on a display device according to an operation algorithm of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm of a fifth embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation algorithm of a sixth embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation algorithm of a seventh embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of limiting the movable range of a finger according to the operation algorithm of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of limiting the movable range of a finger according to the operation algorithm of the eighth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Display device 3 Touch panel 4 Operation processing circuit 5 External storage circuit 6 Information equipment

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. The first to third coordinates stored in the storage circuit
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state of and the key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. An input device for an information device, comprising: a key assigning means for performing a key assignment. 2. A display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. Area detecting means for detecting the area of each finger touching the touch panel and storing the area data of each finger in the storage circuit; and the first to third areas stored in the storage circuit.
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state described above, the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means, and the area data of each finger stored in the storage circuit An input device for an information device, comprising: a key assigning means for displaying a key arrangement according to the above on the display means. 3. A display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. The first to third coordinates stored in the storage circuit
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state of and the key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. Key assigning means, means for storing key array data relating to a key array by the key assigning means in the storage circuit, and calling means for calling up the key array data stored in the storage circuit from the storage circuit and displaying on the display means An input device for an information device, comprising: 4. Display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an operation processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the operation processing circuit, wherein the operation processing circuit The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state where the most aligned state is extended, the second state where the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state where each finger is bent most are detected, and each coordinate data is detected. Coordinate detection means for temporarily storing in a storage circuit, means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the first to third states stored in the storage circuit, and the calculation result of the calculation means An input device for an information device, comprising: a key assigning means for determining a movable range of each finger of both hands of a user based on the above, and displaying a key arrangement corresponding to the movable range on the display means. 5. A display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means; an arithmetic processing circuit; and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit. In the first state, the second state in which a specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most, the coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel is detected, and each coordinate data is stored in the storage circuit. The coordinate detecting means to be temporarily stored, the non-free finger detecting means for detecting a finger which is hard to hit a key based on the coordinate data detected by the coordinate detecting means, and the first to third states stored in the storage circuit. Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger, and a key array corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user based on the calculation result of the calculating means and the detection result of the inconvenient finger detecting means The above display hands Input device information device, wherein more becomes possible key allocation means for displaying on. 6. A display means for displaying a key layout,
A touch panel superimposed on the display means, an arithmetic processing circuit, and a storage circuit for storing data obtained from the arithmetic processing circuit, wherein the arithmetic processing circuit has The coordinate position of each finger on the touch panel in the first state, the second state in which the specific finger is spread and extended, and the third state in which each finger is bent most is detected, and each coordinate data is temporarily stored in the storage circuit. The first to third coordinates stored in the storage circuit
Means for calculating the movable range of the user's finger from the coordinate data of each finger in the state of and the key arrangement corresponding to the movable range of each finger of the user is displayed on the display means based on the calculation result of the calculating means. An input device for an information device, comprising: a key allocating means for performing key allocation and an adjusting means for adjusting a key arrangement allocated by the allocating means.