JP2002116860A - Keyboard and input control system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a keyboard capable of performing input switching or computer software operations or the like according to the strength of typing, and to provide an input control system using the keyboard. SOLUTION: This input control system is provided with a keyboard 1 whose keys 2 are respectively equipped inside with a typing strength sensor for detecting the strength of the typing of those keys 2 and a strength recognizing means 22 for recognizing the typing strength detected by the typing strength sensors as typing strength levels in at least two levels. Thus, it is possible to detect the typing strength of a typing inputter by using the keyboard 1, and to replace the complicate key operations of the latest computer software with simple key operations by simultaneously inputting two information according to not only the original information of the typed key 2 but also the detected typing information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard connected to a computer or the like and capable of detecting typing strength, and an input control system using the keyboard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a keyboard has been mainly used as information input means for inputting information to a computer device. In recent years, computer software such as video processing software, sound source processing software, and game software has been developed, and is also used as a controller for operating the computer software.

[0003]

However, in order to use advanced computer software in recent years, it may be necessary to type and operate a plurality of keys at a time, which complicates the operation. . For this reason, when using new computer software, you must learn the complicated key operations unique to each computer software,
There was a problem that it took a considerable amount of time to learn. Also, input switching such as character input can be performed by “Shift” or “C”.
In some cases, it is necessary to type and operate a plurality of keys at a time, such as when using the "trl" key together, and the operation is extremely complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a keyboard capable of performing input switching, operation of computer software, and the like based on typing strength, and an input control system using the keyboard.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a keyboard according to the present invention is a keyboard connected to a computer device and used as information input means, wherein typing of keys provided on the keyboard body is performed. The gist is that an intensity sensor for detecting the intensity is provided.

Further, the input control system of the present invention recognizes a keyboard provided with an intensity sensor for detecting the typing intensity of a key, and recognizes the typing intensity detected by the intensity sensor as at least two or more levels of typing intensity. The gist of the present invention is to provide a means for recognizing the strength.

That is, the keyboard of the present invention is provided with an intensity sensor for detecting the typing intensity of keys provided on the keyboard body. For this reason, the typing strength of the typing input person can be detected, and the detected typing strength can be input as additional information in addition to the information such as the input characters originally possessed by the typed key. As described above, since two pieces of information can be input at the same time, it becomes possible to replace a complicated key operation used in recent computer software with a simple key operation.

In the keyboard of the present invention, when the typing intensity detected by the intensity sensor is output to a computer, information such as input characters and the like of the key originally provided by the key is exchanged. It can be input to a computer device.

In the keyboard of the present invention, when the strength sensor is a piezoelectric element, the typing strength can be easily detected as an electromotive force of the piezoelectric element.

In the keyboard of the present invention, when the intensity sensor detects a pressure applied to a key during typing, the typing intensity can be easily detected as a pressure applied to the key.

In the keyboard of the present invention, when the intensity sensor detects the acceleration of the key at the time of typing, the typing intensity can be easily detected as the acceleration applied to the key.

In the keyboard according to the present invention, the intensity sensor is provided so as to be arranged in the key typing direction and detects a key, and detects a shift in detection timing generated between the plurality of detectors. In the case of including the timing detection means, the typing intensity can be reliably detected by a relatively inexpensive intensity sensor.

In the keyboard of the present invention, when the intensity sensor detects the speed of a key at the time of typing, the typing intensity can be easily detected as the speed of the key.

Further, the input control system of the present invention recognizes a keyboard provided with an intensity sensor for detecting the typing intensity of a key, and recognizes the typing intensity detected by the intensity sensor as at least two or more levels of typing intensity. And an intensity recognizing means. For this reason,
Using the keyboard, the typing intensity of the typing input person can be detected, and in addition to information such as input characters originally possessed by the typed key, the detected typing intensity level can be input as additional information. It becomes possible. As described above, since two pieces of information can be input at the same time, it becomes possible to replace a complicated key operation used in recent computer software with a simple key operation.

When the input control system of the present invention includes a boundary value storage unit for storing a boundary value of a typing intensity level uniquely set for the typing inputter, different typing intensities are used depending on the typing inputter used. Can be set.

In the input control system of the present invention, there is provided an input user information storage unit for storing a tendency of typing strength for each key when the typing input user uses the keyboard, and the input user information storage unit stores the tendency. In the case where there is provided inputter identification means for identifying the typing inputter based on the tendency of the typing strength unique to the typing inputter, the typing inputter can be identified from the typing habit of the typing inputter. Since it is extremely difficult for a third party to imitate a habit, unauthorized operation of the computer device by a third party can be reliably prevented.

In the input control system of the present invention, when input switching means for switching input characters is provided according to the recognized typing strength level, input switching can be performed by simple key operation using typing strength. It is convenient.

In the input control system of the present invention, when the input switching means switches at least one of the type, font, shading, and color of the input character, or when the input switching means changes the input character hiragana, katakana, , Uppercase, lowercase, etc., or when the input switching means switches input of a space and a tab, the typing strength level is changed to the input of various input characters. It can be used for switching, and it is convenient because input can be switched by simple key operation using typing strength.

In the input control system according to the present invention, when the input switching means switches the input of a pitch and / or a volume when a scale is input by a keyboard, the scale of the scale and / or the volume of the key can be changed by tapping a key. The volume can be adjusted, and it can be operated as if it were a real instrument.

In the input control system according to the present invention, the control means for controlling at least one of the speed of the operation of the display object displayed on the screen, the strength of the operation, the size of the operation, and the display position according to the typing intensity level. If it is provided, delicate control of display objects can be realized by analog operation such as typing strength, and operability is dramatically improved.

[0021]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the keyboard of the present invention and an input control system using the keyboard. This system includes a keyboard 1 provided with a piezoelectric element 3 (see FIG. 2) as an intensity sensor for detecting the intensity of typing of a key 2, a computer device 21 connected to the keyboard 1, and a computer device 21 connected to the computer device 21. And a display unit 30 for displaying information such as input characters typed by the keyboard 1 to a typing input person or the like.

More specifically, the keyboard 1
Is, as shown in FIG. 2, a first board 10 to which power distribution for transmitting typing information to the computer device 21 is performed.
And a second board 11 on which the key 2 is vertically movably fitted above the first board 10. Further, on the upper surface of the first substrate 10, a piezoelectric element 3 is provided at a position corresponding to each key 2.

The key 2 includes a key top 13 directly typed by a typing operator, a spring member 6 for restoring the typed key 2 to its original position, and a support for vertically supporting the key top 13. Member 7
And

When the key top 13 is pressed down by typing, the lower end of the support member 7 presses the piezoelectric element 3, and the pressing force compresses the piezoelectric element 3 to generate an electromotive force. Occurs. Since this electromotive force increases in accordance with the strength of the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element 3, the typing intensity can be detected by detecting the electromotive force by the intensity recognizing means 22 provided in the computer device 21. ing. Note that the intensity recognition means 22 may be provided in the keyboard body 1.

The material of the piezoelectric element 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a piezoelectric effect, and various materials can be used. For example, quartz or LiNb
Examples include piezoelectric single crystals such as O ₃ , piezoelectric ceramics represented by PZT porcelain, and PVDF, a piezoelectric polymer.

Next, the system configuration of the computer device 21 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 3, the computer device 21 includes a program storage unit 28 and a program execution unit 29.
It has. The program storage unit 28 stores computer software such as word processing software, spreadsheet software, and game software to be started on the computer device 21. The program execution unit 29 reads out and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 28.

The computer device 21 sets the typing intensity detected by the piezoelectric element 3 to at least two.
There is provided an intensity recognizing means 22 that can be recognized as a typing intensity level of more than one level. The intensity recognition means 22 includes:
Typing intensity generated as an electromotive force in the piezoelectric element 3 is detected, and it is recognized that the detected typing intensity belongs to a preset intensity level, and the recognized intensity level is defined as a typing intensity level. Transmission to the means.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned typing intensity levels include two levels of “strong level H” and “weak level L”.
Can be set in stages. In other words, the typing input person is made to type in advance, conscious of the strength of the typing intensity, and the electromotive force generated in the piezoelectric element 3 at that time is detected by the intensity recognizing unit 22 as the typing intensity. At this time, a boundary value B is set between the typing intensity detected at the time of strong typing and the typing intensity detected at the time of weak typing. Two levels of typing intensity, “high level H” and “low level L”, are set based on the boundary value B.

The boundary value B set in this way is stored in the boundary value storage section 26 for each typing input person.
Then, after setting the boundary value B, when the typing input person hits the keyboard and typing, the typing strength detected by the strength recognizing means 22 is changed to “strong level H” or “weak level L” of the typing input person. And transmits the information to each unit described later.

Then, the computer device 21 uses the typing intensity level recognized by the intensity recognizing unit 22 to input to the program executed by the program execution unit 29 an instruction to switch input characters and the like. 23.

For example, the input switching means 23 can switch between uppercase and lowercase. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the typing input person hits the keyboard to type, whether the typing strength detected by the strength recognizing means 22 is “strong level H” or “weak level L” of the typing input person. And the typing strength level is transmitted to the input switching means 23. For example, the input switching unit 23 assigns an uppercase letter as an input character when the received typing intensity level is “high level H”, and assigns a lowercase letter when the received typing intensity level is “low level L” to switch the input character. 29.

Input switching by the input switching means 23 can be performed not only by switching between uppercase and lowercase letters, but also by switching the type of input characters such as hiragana and katakana, switching fonts, adjusting shading, and so on. Switching, color switching, space and tab input switching, and so on. As described above, in the input control system, the input can be switched by a simple key operation using the typing strength.

Further, the computer device 21 includes an input user information storage section 27 for storing, as input user identification information, the tendency of the typing strength which differs for each key 2 at the time of typing by the typing input user, and the input user information storage section 27. And an input person identification means 24 for identifying a typing input person who is currently inputting from the tendency of the typing strength peculiar to the typing input person stored in the step (a).

Here, an operation of identifying a typing input person using the keyboard 1 will be described.

First, for example, when the typing input user uses the character string "Hatsumei" as the input user identification ID, the character string "Hatsumei" is typed a plurality of times, and the key 2 of each character is typed. Detect the typing intensity of

Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, based on the detected typing intensity, “H”, “a”, “t”, “s”
The tendency of the typing strength for each of the characters “u”, “m”, “e”, and “i” is stored in the input user information storage unit 27 as a constant typing strength range S.

Next, when, for example, the typing user attempts to execute the program stored in the program storage section 28, the user is prompted to input an input user identification ID, and the typing user inputs a character string "Hatsumei". The typing intensity at that time is detected by the intensity recognizing means 22.

The typing strength detected by the strength recognizing means 22 is transmitted to the input person identifying means 24,
The typing intensity for each of the characters “H”, “a”, “t”, “s”, “u”, “m”, “e”, and “i” is the typing intensity range “S” stored in the inputter information storage unit 27, respectively. Identify whether it is within. As a result, if the typing strength of all the typed characters "H", "a", "t", "s", "u", "m", "e", and "i" is within the typing strength range "S", the typing input is made. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), if any one of the characters does not fall within the typing strength range "S", it is identified as an unauthorized third party. In the example, "m"
Is out of the typing intensity range "S").

If it is determined that the typing input person is an unauthorized third party, the program execution unit 29
To stop the execution of the program you are trying to execute. As described above, since the typing input person is identified from the typing habit, it is difficult to imitate the habit by a third party, and therefore, unauthorized operation of the computer device by the third party can be reliably prevented.

It should be noted that the typing input person is given an inputting person identification ID.
It is also possible to set a time limit when prompting the input and identifying the input person. By doing so, it becomes even more difficult for a third party to imitate the habit of typing, and it is possible to reliably prevent unauthorized operation of the computer device by the third party.

Further, the computer device 21 uses the typing intensity level recognized by the intensity recognition means 22 to
Control means 25 is provided for controlling at least one of the following: the speed of the operation of the display object displayed on the screen, the strength of the operation, the size of the operation, and the display position. Thus, for example, when the keyboard 1 is used as a controller for a computer game, it is possible to operate delicate game controls such as slow / fast, strong / small, large / small, high / low, etc., with the typing strength in the game.

That is, first, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), for example, as shown in FIG.
Four boundary values B1 to B4 are stored in the boundary value storage unit 26 so as to set five types of typing intensity levels of “H5”.

Next, the typing input user executes computer software such as game software stored in the program storage unit 28 by the program execution unit 29, and displays a game screen on the display unit 30.

Next, the typing input person detects the typing strength when typing a key (for example, a space key) 2 for instructing “jump”, and the detected typing strength is any one of “H1” to “H5”. It recognizes whether it is the typing intensity level of the stage, and transmits the typing intensity level to the control means 25.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), control levels 1 to 5 are set corresponding to each of the typing intensity levels "H1" to "H5". A control level corresponding to the intensity level is transmitted to the program execution unit 29. As a result, the typed “jump” instruction and the control level at that time are received, and the characters and the like in the game are caused to jump to the specified level. In this way, delicate game control can be realized by analog operation such as typing strength, and operability is dramatically improved.

The control means 25 can control not only the level of the jump, but also the speed of the jump, the strength of the force, the magnitude of the movement, and the like.

In the keyboard 1, it is also possible to switch the input when inputting a musical scale.

In this case, the typing input person is, for example,
As shown in FIG. 8A, the typing strength levels for typing the predetermined key 2 are "H", "M", and "L".
The two boundary values B1 and B2 are stored in the boundary value storage unit 26 so that the three types of typing intensity levels are set.

Next, the typing input person causes the program execution unit 29 to execute computer software such as sound source software stored in the program storage unit 28, and FIG.
A keyboard screen as shown in (b) is displayed on the display unit 30. In this example, "C""D""E""F""G"
“A” and “B” are input by key 2 input, respectively “do”
The scales of "Le", "Mi", "Fa", "So", "La", and "Shi" are output.

Next, when the typing input person enters a predetermined key 2
The typing strength at the time of typing is detected, and the level of the detected typing strength is "H", "M" or "L".

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8C, according to the typing intensity levels "H", "M", and "L", "H" is a sharp key for raising a semitone, "M" is a white key, and "L" is a white key. A flat control level that lowers the pitch by a semitone is set, and the control means 25 transmits a control level corresponding to the received typing intensity level to the program execution unit 29. As a result, a sound having a predetermined pitch is output according to the typed instruction of the “scale” and its control level. In this way, a large number of scales can be output with a small number of keys 2.

In the example described above, the pitch is adjusted by the typing intensity level. However, the volume can be adjusted by the typing intensity level. In this way, the scale and volume can be adjusted by the strength with which the key 2 is hit, and operation can be performed with a feeling close to that of an actual musical instrument.

As described above, according to the keyboard 1 and the input control system using the same, it is possible to detect the typing strength of the typing input person, and in addition to the information such as the input characters which the typed key 2 originally has, The detected typing intensity can be input as additional information. Thus, since two pieces of information can be input at the same time, it is possible to replace complicated key operations of recent computer software with simple key operations.

FIG. 9 shows a keyboard according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The keyboard 1 has a piezoelectric element 3 attached to a lower end of a support member 7 and a weight 4 attached to a lower end of the piezoelectric element 3. In the keyboard 1, when the support member 7 is pressed down by typing, the piezoelectric element 3 is compressed by the weight 4 to generate an electromotive force. As described above, the acceleration applied to the key 2 generates an electromotive force in the piezoelectric element 3 so that the typing strength can be detected. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment, and has the same function and effect.

FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the keyboard of the present invention. The keyboard 1 includes first and second detectors 16 and 17 that are provided in series in the typing direction of the keys 2 to detect keys, and a detection timing shift generated between the first and second detectors 16 and 17. And timing detecting means 18 for detecting the

In the keyboard 1, when the key 2 is typed and pressed, the first detector 16 detects the detecting portion 19 at the lower end of the key 2, and then the second detector 17 detects the detecting portion 19 at the lower end of the key 2. The time difference until the detection of the number 19 is detected by the timing detection means 18, and the typing intensity is detected as the speed of the key 2 at the time of typing. In this keyboard 1, the typing intensity can be reliably detected by a relatively inexpensive intensity sensor.

In this example, the first and second detectors 16 and 17 are, for example, on / off switches,
There is no particular limitation on the proximity switch, metal sensor, photoelectric tube, etc., as long as it can detect the presence of the detection unit 19 at the lower end of the key 2, and various types of sensors can be used.

[0060]

As described above, according to the keyboard of the present invention, the typing intensity of the typing input person can be detected, and the detected typing intensity can be detected in addition to the information such as the input characters originally possessed by the typed key. Can be input as additional information. As described above, since two pieces of information can be input at the same time, it becomes possible to replace a complicated key operation used in recent computer software with a simple key operation.

Further, according to the input control system of the present invention, the typing strength of the typing input person can be detected by using the above-mentioned keyboard. The input typing intensity level can be input as additional information. As described above, since two pieces of information can be input at the same time, it becomes possible to replace a complicated key operation used in recent computer software with a simple key operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a keyboard and an input control system using the same according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing keys of the keyboard.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the input control system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the steps of the typing intensity level and the boundary values.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of an input switching unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the input person identification means;
(A) is a typing input person himself, and (b) is a third party.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the control means of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A is a table showing the types and levels of typing intensity levels, and FIG. 7B is a table showing control levels corresponding to the typing intensity levels. .

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a second example of the operation of the input switching means of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A shows the steps and boundary values of the typing intensity level, FIG. 8B shows the keyboard screen, and FIG. 6 is a table showing an instruction for input switching corresponding to.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a key according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a key according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Keyboard 2 key 22 Strength recognition means

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Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard connected to a computer device and used as information input means, comprising a strength sensor for detecting a typing strength of a key provided on a keyboard body. 2. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the typing intensity detected by the intensity sensor is output to a computer device. 3. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said intensity sensor is a piezoelectric element. 4. The keyboard according to claim 3, wherein said intensity sensor detects a pressure applied to a key during typing. 5. The keyboard according to claim 3, wherein said intensity sensor detects acceleration of a key at the time of typing. 6. A plurality of detectors for detecting a key, wherein the intensity sensor is provided so as to be arranged in a key typing direction, and timing detecting means for detecting a shift in detection timing generated between the plurality of detectors. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard includes: 7. The keyboard according to claim 6, wherein said intensity sensor detects a speed of a key at the time of typing. 8. A keyboard provided with an intensity sensor for detecting the typing intensity of a key, and intensity recognition means capable of recognizing the typing intensity detected by the intensity sensor as at least two or more levels of typing intensity. An input control system, characterized in that: 9. The input control system according to claim 6, further comprising a boundary value storage unit for storing a boundary value of a typing intensity level uniquely set for a typing inputter. 10. An input user information storage unit for storing a tendency of typing strength for each key when the typing input user uses the keyboard, and typing unique to the typing input user stored in the input user information storage unit. 10. The input control system according to claim 8, further comprising an input person identifying means for identifying a typing input person according to the tendency of the intensity. 11. The input control system according to claim 8, further comprising input switching means for switching input characters according to the recognized typing intensity level. 12. The input switching means according to claim 1, wherein said input switching means comprises:
12. The input control means according to claim 11, wherein at least one of font, shading, and color is switched. 13. The input control system according to claim 11, wherein said input switching means switches the type of input characters such as hiragana, katakana, uppercase and lowercase characters of the input characters. 14. The input control system according to claim 11, wherein said input switching means switches an input between a space and a tab. 15. The input control system according to claim 11, wherein said input switching means switches input of a pitch and / or volume when a scale is input by a keyboard. 16. Control means for controlling at least one of the following: a speed of operation of a display object displayed on a screen, a strength of operation, a size of a size, and a display position according to a typing intensity level. ~ 15
The input control system according to claim 1.