JP2000231435A - Cylindrical keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input terminal for directly inputting information from a device gripped by a hand regardless of a place or the attitude of a user which can be connected with a personal computer or the like in the same way as a conventional keyboard. SOLUTION: This is a cylindrical input terminal which is small in size enough to grip in the palm of a hand, and equivalent to a compact and cylindrical keyboard. Thus, information can be inputted by the grip type keyboard even when a user is walking or lying or putting his or her hand into his or her pocket. For example, the user does not have to stretch his or her elbow in a train so that the user can escape any nuisance on those around him or her or any conspicuous attitude compared with a conventional manner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an input terminal for inputting information directly from a device held in a hand, irrespective of a place or a posture of a user. Its main purpose is to connect and use it with a personal computer or the like, like a conventional keyboard.

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional keyboard has input keys arranged on a flat surface, and requires a flat place on which the input keys can be stably placed, and a constant posture of a user who inputs data.

The present invention relates to a central keyboard (which has a function of either left or right) which converts a cylindrical keyboard held by each of the right and left hands and a character code (or scale or tone) by integrating input signals from both the right and left. And an output port for connecting to an external device—as a basic configuration (FIG. 2). In the case of character input, both the capacity and weight of the central processing unit (Fig. 2) are very light and the number of inputtable symbols is a minimum of 5 + 5 = as long as the purpose is limited to the input of only a very simple character string by the configuration of the three basic elements. 1024 types consisting of 10 key combinations can cover enough (Example 1 in FIG. 3), and a small LCD monitor and 1
By adding a mega storage device, a lightweight portable word processor can be obtained (Example 1 in FIG. 5). If the number of input keys is up to about 17 in both hands, it is considered that a key arrangement that does not impair operability is possible (Example 3 in FIG. 3). FIG. 4 shows an example of character code assignment, but this is an example for visually illustrating the possibility of the present invention, and is considered to be not very suitable for practical use. In fact, Roman alphabet input will be easier to unify internationally, and if you aim for faster Japanese input, incorporating shorthand will be the most effective. If the input is for each word by a shorthand or the like, it may be easier to attach an inflection close to a real voice when outputting a voice from a speaker or the like. One of the basic specifications of the present invention is that the key assignment can be customized for each user. By always carrying a custom keyboard and inputting at home, on the road, or while traveling, anyone can achieve high-speed character entry that is environment-independent (Example 3 in FIG. 5). . That is the greatest utility of the present invention.

[Functions and Effects] As described above, the effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) Character input can be performed regardless of the posture or the situation of the place;
By carrying the product of the present invention, comfortable character input can always be realized. For example, a bedridden person inputs while looking at the monitor of a personal computer. When you want to put together text on a moving train (Example 3 in FIG. 5)
-An example of connecting a cylindrical keyboard to a liquid crystal monitor or notebook computer on your lap) would be the case. However, the product of the present invention can be expected to be used in more various aspects in cooperation with an external device. Some examples are given below. See FIG. 1. The character code converted in is further converted to voice,
The output from the speaker helps the person with a throat to communicate. 2. In addition, by using earphones and connecting to a mobile phone, silent conversation becomes possible (in that case, the form of a conventional mobile phone is not necessary). A microphone is used for voice input. 3. If you want to put together a long sentence on the go, it would be nice to have a large monitor, but I think it would be quite effective to check the input from the earphones while typing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a tubular keyboard.

[FIG. 2] Components of the present invention Cylindrical keyboard (input device) Central processing unit External device connection port (output port)

FIG. 3 shows examples of key arrangements (Examples 1 to 3).

[Example 1] An example in which one key is simply assigned to one finger. A maximum of 2 ¹⁰ = 1024 types of signals can be sent. In this case, it is practical to assign a return key and a conversion key to the left and right thumbs, respectively, and make the remaining 2 ⁸ = 256 signals.

[Example 2] An example of assigning a large amount of work to a relatively dexterous thumb and forefinger. A signal with a pattern 16 times that of Example 1 is transmitted.

[Example 3] It seems that each of the thumb to the middle finger can operate about two keys. One way would be to use a switch with a high fixed rate. Is it effective to assign cursor keys of the type that applies force in four directions (front, back, left and right) to the thumb?

FIG. 4 shows an example of character code assignment

FIG. 5: Example of basic usage pattern

[Examples 1-3] are the same as in Fig. 2. LCD monitor or notebook computer

[Fig. 6] Imagining the possibility of expanding by cooperation with external equipment ~ is the same as Fig. 5 Earphone Speaker Microphone Cellular phone or modem etc.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical input device (FIG. 1) which is large enough to be gripped by a palm. It seems appropriate to say that the keyboard is small and cylindrical.