JP2002244791A - Data input device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in inputting data such as letters by operating a device, while confirming a response of the device to the own operation at real time. SOLUTION: This data input device is provided with an operation terminal 1 having multiple keys disposed on a surface and a display means 3. A contact sensitive sensor for detecting the contact of a finger is disposed on the surface where the respective keys of the operation terminal 1 are disposed, the respective keys are locked at prescribed positions and provide a user with a click feeling by pressing down the finger, and the sensor detects the pressing-down of the finger. The display means 3 displays the contact and pressing-down states of the fingers to the respective keys.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to feedback of a touch when a key or a touch pad is touched, a tactile sensation due to a click feeling when a key or a touch pad is pressed, and a visual feedback by an input navigation indicating a finger movement. The present invention relates to a data input device and a data input method capable of inputting data while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of inputting data while confirming a response of a device to an operation of a key or a touch pad, there is one disclosed in, for example, JP-A-9-6525.

In this example, a position input device and an image display device connected to the position input device have a protective sheet on the uppermost layer, a contact sense board on the second layer, an intermediate board on the third layer, and a pressure sense board on the fourth layer. And a CRT display connected via a display control unit.

In this position input device, by placing both fingers and palms of the operator lightly on the touch sensation board belonging to the input board, a signal is output from the touch sensation sensor at each location included in the contact area, The contact area between the finger and the palm can be determined from the output signal.

In this image display device, a base figure for position input, for example, a menu or an icon for selection by the position input device is displayed on a screen in advance.
Via the display control unit, a first image indicating the contact area of the finger / palm is displayed on the screen in accordance with the presence / absence of an output signal related to each position of the touch-sensitive board of the connected position input device. .

[0006] Further, a second image indicating a portion pressed by the finger and the degree of pressing is displayed on the screen in accordance with the magnitude of the output signal relating to each position of the pressure sense board via the display control unit. Since the first and second images are displayed so as to be superimposed on the screen, an outline of the relationship between the first image and the position to be input is searched, and the end of the fingertip to be pressed based on the first image is searched. The position is corrected, and the position to be input can be pressed with a finger, and at the same time, the position can be confirmed in the second image.

[0007] In addition to the above, as a method of inputting data, a method of inputting characters using a keyboard, a push button, or a touch panel is generally known.

[0008]

The above conventional example (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
In the position input device and the image display device connected thereto, the method of selecting a menu or an icon is described, but the character input method is not described. In addition, the input board needs at least the size of the palm, so it lacks portability,
There is a problem that operation cannot be performed in a free posture. Further, when the input board is pressed, there is no click feeling like a keyboard or a push button, so that there is a problem that a response to a finger pressing operation of the finger is not clear.

In order to input characters, the number and positions of keys are more clearly fixed than a keyboard, rather than a device such as a touch panel or an input board in the above-described example, in which the boundaries of input areas are ambiguous. Once a device has been learned, it can be used for a long time.

[0010] However, there are not so many users who can perform touch type (blind touch) with the QWERTY keyboard not only in Japan but also in the United States. In order to input characters using a QWERTY keyboard having a large number of keys, the user has a burden of searching for a desired key, a burden of remembering a key position, and a burden of moving a plurality of fingers in cooperation. That is, there is a problem in that it is difficult to concentrate on a target operation because a threshold until the user gets used to the operation is high. Also,
The keyboard has a problem in that it lacks portability and cannot be operated anytime and anywhere in a free posture.

[0011] Therefore, the number of keys is reduced to about 15 to 30 like a remote control of a television set or a push button of a mobile phone, and even if the input speed is somewhat sacrificed, the user can carry the mobile phone, move one thumb, and attach the user. There is an easy way to input characters.

[0012] However, when the number of keys is reduced, characters must be assigned to one key in a multiplexed manner, so that the function of each key is difficult to understand. Also,
Since the user does not know where the position of his / her finger is on the operation terminal, the user cannot perform an operation like a touch type.

Therefore, it is necessary to frequently check the key at hand and the display alternately to confirm the position of the finger, and there is a problem that the operation cannot be performed with consciousness only on the display on which data is displayed.

An object of the present invention is to operate a device while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time, thereby improving operability when inputting data such as characters. An input device, and
It is to provide a data input method.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided an operation terminal having a plurality of keys arranged on one surface, and display means, and a contact of a finger is detected on the surface of the operation terminal on which the keys are arranged. A touch sensor is provided, and each of the keys is fixed at a predetermined position, and generates a click feeling by pressing a finger and detects pressing of the finger. The data input device is configured by displaying the status of the press.

According to the present invention, there is provided an operation terminal having a position input device arranged on one surface, and a display means. The position input device of the operation terminal is provided with a contact sensor for detecting contact of a finger, The input device has a protrusion disposed at a predetermined position of the input device, generates a click feeling by pressing a finger to a predetermined position of the protrusion, detects the press, and the display unit detects the position. The data input device is configured by displaying the state of contact and depression of the finger with the input device.

According to the present invention, a plurality of keys and display means are provided on a terminal, and a touch sensor for detecting contact with a finger is disposed on a surface of the terminal on which the keys are disposed, and each of the keys is ,
It is fixed at a predetermined position, generates a click feeling by pressing a finger and detects the pressing of the finger, and the display means displays the state of contact and pressing of the finger with each key, thereby enabling the data input terminal to operate. Constitute.

According to the present invention, a position input device and a display means are provided on a terminal, and a contact sensor for detecting contact of a finger and a projection at a predetermined position are arranged on one surface of the position input device. The position input device generates a click feeling by pressing the finger to a predetermined position where the protrusion is provided, and detects the pressing, and the display unit displays a state of contact and pressing of the finger with the position input device. Is displayed to configure the data input terminal.

Here, the display means may display an input guide map having the same shape and the same character arrangement as the operation terminal.

On the operation terminal, a group of control keys such as a power key, a menu key, a cursor key, a mode key, a line feed key, a clear key, an "a" key, a "ka" key,
"Sa" key, "ta" key, "na" key, "ha" key,
A character input key group such as a “ma” key, a “ya” key, a “ra” key, a “wa” key, a voice mark key, and a punctuation key may be arranged.

When a key on the operation terminal is touched, a character or symbol in the input guide map at a position corresponding to the touched key may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters or symbols. .

When the character input keys are continuously depressed (continuously struck), the characters in the character group assigned to each key are cyclically switched and displayed in the input guide map, and are displayed as input character candidates. Is also good.

When the desired character is displayed as an input character candidate in the input guide map, if another key is touched,
The displayed input character candidate may be determined as an input character.

[0024] The display means may be a head mounted display.

Further, the present invention relates to a data input method, wherein a contact detecting step for detecting a contact of a finger, a pressing detecting step for detecting a pressing of a finger, and a displaying step for displaying a state of contact and pressing of the finger. And a data input method is provided.

According to the present invention, there is provided a medium recording a program for controlling data input by a computer.
Further, a medium in which a data input control program is recorded is provided by detecting a finger press and displaying the state of the finger contact and press.

According to the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling data input, the program being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, a step of detecting a contact of a finger, and a step of pressing a finger. A data input control program is provided by including a detecting step and a step of displaying a state of contact and pressing of a finger.

Here, using an operation terminal having a plurality of keys, in the contact detecting step, a contact of a finger is detected by a touch sensor arranged on each of the keys, and the pressing detection step is performed for each of the keys. A click feeling may be generated by pressing the finger, and the pressing of the finger may be detected, and the display step may display a state of contact and pressing of the finger with each of the keys.

Using an operation terminal having a position input device, in the contact detecting step, a contact of a finger is detected by a contact sensor provided in the position input device, and in the pressing detection step, the contact is detected in the position input device. A click feeling may be generated by pressing the finger to the position of the projected portion, and the pressing of the finger may be detected, and the display step may display a state of contact and pressing of the finger with each of the keys.

[0030]

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

[First Example] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 56, 71 and 72.

(Outline) First, an outline of the present invention will be described. The present invention relates to a data input device and a data input method in a data input terminal, wherein a user holds an operation terminal such as a remote controller with one hand and touches the key or touch pad without looking at the key or touch pad on the terminal. Tactile feedback, a tactile feedback by click feeling when pressing a key or a touch pad, and visual feedback by input navigation showing finger movement,
It is characterized in that control of processing for mainly inputting character data is performed while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time.

That is, as a component of this embodiment, the data input device includes an operation terminal having a plurality of keys arranged on a surface thereof, and a display means, and the surface of each key on the operation terminal is in contact with a finger. Each key is fixed at a predetermined position, and each key generates a click feeling by pressing a finger and detects pressing of the finger, and touches each key with the finger. And the state of the press is displayed on the display means.

As another component of this embodiment, the data input device includes an operation terminal having the position input device disposed on the surface thereof, and display means, and the surface of the position input device on the operation terminal is provided on the surface. A touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged, and a projection is arranged at a predetermined position on the surface of the position input device.The position input device is operated by pressing the finger to a predetermined position with the projection. It is characterized in that a click feeling is generated, a press is detected, and the state of contact and press of the finger with the position input device is displayed on the display means.

(Specific Example) Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

(Data Input Device) FIG. 1 is an external view of a data input device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this apparatus, a key group 2 with a touch sensor is arranged on a remote controller 1. Further, at least the display 4 is included as a component of the computer 3, and the input navigation 5 having the same shape and the same character arrangement as the remote controller 1 is displayed on the display 4.

When the user touches or presses a key of the remote controller 1 with a finger (mainly a thumb), each key detects that the finger has touched the key and that the finger has pressed the key. 1 transmits a contact signal or a press signal to the computer 3.

The computer 3 receives the contact signal and the press signal, and switches the input navigation 5 displayed on the display 4 in real time according to the state of the contact and press of each key. Therefore, the user can operate the apparatus while viewing the display 4 and checking the movement of his / her finger by visual feedback without looking at the keys of the remote controller 1 at hand.

(Remote Control) FIG. 2 shows the size of the remote control 1 in the present apparatus.

The remote controller 1 has a length of 90.0 mm and a width of 42.0.
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation is performed by holding a hand with one hand and touching or pressing a key with a thumb.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the remote controller 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the remote controller 1 has a power key 11, a menu key 12, and a cursor key 1.
3, Mode key 14, Confirm line feed key 15, Clear key 1
6, "A" key 17, "K" key 18, "Sa" key 1
9, "ta" key 20, "na" key 21, "ha" key 2
2, "ma" key 23, "ya" key 24, "ra" key 2
5, voice mark key 26, "wa" key 27, punctuation key 28,
Key group 2 with a touch sensor such as
And a transmission unit 30.

A tactile board 52 (see FIG. 71) is attached to the surface of each key with a tactile sensor, and the tactile sense is detected in two values, on and off. Each key is remote control 1
It is mounted slightly projecting from the main body. In addition, a small projection is attached to the surface of the “na” key 21, and four triangular projections are attached to the surface of the cursor key 14 at the top, bottom, left, and right, so that the user can visually and tactilely sense any of them. You can check if your finger is placed at the key position.

(Structure of Key) FIG. 71 shows the structure of the key.

A touch sensation board 52 and a protection sheet 51 are laminated and attached to the surface of the key body 53. Characters and symbols are printed on the protection sheet 51. The contact sensation board 52 detects a contact sensation and uses, for example, a thin sheet made of carbon fiber sandwiched between electrodes from both sides. When a user's finger touches a key, the contact pressure is captured in two values, on and off. To detect. The contact sensation board 52 detects a change in the electrical resistance between the electrodes due to the contact pressure of the finger, and the contact press determination unit 29 detects the contact with the key. The key body 53 is installed on the key base 50 via a hinge portion 55 having rebound resilience.

The key body 53 has a projection 54 integrally formed on the rear surface thereof.
When pressed (with a force of Newton or more), the protrusion 54 presses the metal dome contact 56 installed on the key base 50,
When the metal dome contact 56 is depressed by the pressing pressure and comes into contact with the fixed contact 57, the pressing of the key is detected, and at the same time, the metal dome contact 56 generates a click feeling due to the rebound resilience of the metal dome contact 56.
Each key detects the presence or absence of contact with weak pressure due to contact,
The presence or absence of the press is detected by a relatively strong pressure due to the press.

The presence or absence of contact with the key may be detected by measuring any physical quantity such as a change in electric capacity other than a change in electric resistance of the touch sensation board 52. The contact signal indicating which key the user is touching and the pressing signal indicating which key the user is pressing are transmitted by the transmitting unit 30.
(See FIG. 4) and transmitted to the computer 3.

(Computer) FIG.
FIG.

The computer 3 includes a receiving unit 31 and a CPU 3
2, a RAM 33, a ROM 34, a display 4, a display control unit 35, an input navigation storage unit 36, a text editing unit 37, a kana-kanji conversion unit 38, and a dictionary 39, and receives a contact signal and a press signal from the remote controller 1. The operation is performed by the reception by the unit 31. A diagram of the input navigation 5 as shown in FIG. 1 is stored in the input navigation storage unit 36. Each time the user touches or presses a key when operating the remote controller,
The input navigation 5 is switched and displayed on the display 4 according to the operation situation (the movement of the user's finger).

(Remote Control Operation) FIG. 6 shows the operation of the remote control 1.

In step S101, it is determined whether the user's finger has touched the key. If the finger touches the key, it is determined in step S102 whether the user has pressed the key with the finger. If the finger touches the key and the key is pressed, in step S103, a press signal corresponding to the pressed key is transmitted. If the finger is only touching the key, a contact signal corresponding to the touched key is transmitted in step S104. As can be seen from FIG. 6, since the operation of touching the key is always included before the key is pressed, the contact signal is always transmitted before the pressing signal.

(Computer Operation) FIG. 7 shows the operation of the computer 3.

In step S201, it is determined whether a signal has been received. In step S202, it is determined whether the received signal is a contact signal or a press signal. If the received signal is a contact signal, in step S203, the input navigation 5 corresponding to the key touched by the user is displayed.
If the received signal is a press signal, the input navigation 5 corresponding to the key pressed by the user is displayed in step S204, and the process corresponding to the key pressed by the user is performed in step S205.

(Kana Input Mode) FIG. 8 shows the function of each key in the kana input mode. When the power key 11 is pressed, the power is turned on and off. When the menu key 12 is pressed, a list of menus is displayed in the input navigation 5 (see FIG. 72). For example, in the state of FIG.
Touching and pressing the "A" key 17 (corresponding to the "mail" menu here) switches to the "mail" menu, and the "sa" key 19 (corresponding to the "next" menu here). Touch and press to display the “Next” menu.

When the cursor key 13 is pressed, the cursor is moved up, down, left, and right, and kana-kanji conversion is performed. When the mode key 14 is pressed, the input mode is cyclically switched from “Kana → Romaji → Number → Kana →...”. When the confirmed line feed key 15 is pressed, confirmation and line feed are performed. Clear key 1
When the button 6 is pressed, the character is deleted (retreat processing in this embodiment). When the "A" key 17 is pressed, the characters in the line are input, and each time the character is repeatedly struck, "A → I → U → E → O → ぁ → ぃ →
The input candidate characters are switched cyclically as "ぅ →」 → ぉ → a → i → ... ".

When the "ka" key 18 is depressed, characters in the ka line are input. When the "sa" key 19 is depressed, characters in the sa line are input. When the "ta" key 20 is pressed, the characters "ta" and "ta" are input. When the "na" key 21 is depressed, a character of a line is input. By pressing the "ha" key 22, characters in the ha line are input. When the "ma" key 23 is pressed, the character of the ma line is input. Pressing the “Ya” key 24 gives the “Yayyo Pyo”
Is input. By pressing the "ra" key 25, the character of the la line is input. Pressing the cloud point key 26 will cause the cloud point “゛”
And input the semi-voiced point “゜”. When the "Wa" key 27 is pressed, the character "Wa-on" is input. Punctuation key 2
By pressing 8, a reading point “,”, a period “.” And other symbols are input.

(Roman Character Input Mode) FIG. 9 shows the function of each key in the Roman character input mode. Power key 11
Then, the power is turned on and off. When the menu key 12 is pressed, the operation proceeds to menu selection. Pressing the cursor key 13 moves the cursor up, down, left, and right. When the mode key 14 is pressed, the input mode is cyclically switched from “Roman character → number → Kana → Roman character →. When the confirmed line feed key 15 is pressed, confirmation and line feed are performed.

When the clear key 16 is pressed, characters are deleted (retreat processing in this embodiment). When the "A" key 17 is pressed, a symbol such as "@: /!"# @% &'()"Is input. Pressing the “ka” key 18 will return “abcAB
Input "C", and every time you hit repeatedly, "a → b → c →
The input candidate characters are switched cyclically as "A → B → C → a →...". When the “sa” key 19 is pressed, “defD
EF ”is input. By pressing the "ta" key 20,
Character input of "ghiGHI" is performed. When the "na" key 21 is pressed, the characters "jklJKL" are input. "Ha"
When the key 22 is pressed, the character "mnoMNO" is input. When the “ma” key 23 is pressed, “pqrsPQRS”
Is input. When the “ya” key 24 is pressed, “tu”
vTUV ”is input. By pressing the "ra" key 25, the characters "wxyzWXYZ" are input. Pressing the dark spot key 26 inputs a tab. When the “W” key 27 is pressed, a blank is input. When the punctuation key 28 is pressed, a comma “,”, a period “.” And other symbols are input.

(Numerical Input Mode) FIG. 10 shows the function of each key in the numeric input mode.

When the power key 11 is pressed, the power is turned on and off. When the menu key 12 is pressed, the operation proceeds to menu selection. Pressing the cursor key 13 moves the cursor up, down, left, and right. When the mode key 14 is depressed, the input mode is cyclically switched from “number → Kana → Romaji → number →...”. When the confirmed line feed key 15 is pressed, confirmation and line feed are performed. When the clear key 16 is pressed, the character is deleted (retreat processing in this embodiment).

When the "A" key 17 is pressed, "1" is input. Pressing the “KA” key 18 inputs “2”. When the “sa” key 19 is pressed, “3” is input.
When the "ta" key 20 is pressed, "4" is input.
When the "na" key 21 is pressed, "5" is input.
When the “ha” key 22 is pressed, “6” is input.
When the "ma" key 23 is pressed, "7" is input.
When the “ya” key 24 is pressed, “8” is input.
Pressing the “ra” key 25 inputs “9”. When the dark spot key 26 is pressed, "*" is input. When the "Wa" key 27 is pressed, "0" is input. Punctuation key 28
By pressing, "#" is input.

(Remote Control Operation / Display Display) Next, the relationship between the user's operation of the remote controller 1 when the user inputs data and the display on the display 4 that changes according to the operation will be described.

(“KA” key) When the user touches the “KA” key 18 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, as shown in FIG.
It is detected that the key 18 has been touched, and a contact signal corresponding to the “?” Key 18 is transmitted in step S104.

In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
In step S201, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received. In step S202, it is determined that the signal is a contact signal. In step S203, the input navigation 5 indicating that the user is touching the "?" Key 18 is displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the input navigation 5 for kana input is displayed, the color around the character "ka" in the input navigation 5 changes, and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 on the remote
Is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6, it is detected in steps S101 and S102 that the user has pressed the "?" Key 18, and in step S103, "?"
A press signal corresponding to the key 18 is transmitted.

In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
In step S201, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received. In step S202, it is determined that the signal is a press signal.
Is displayed, and the character "?" Is set as an input candidate character in step S205. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the input candidate character "?" Is displayed beside the character "?" In the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character "?" Has changed. The input candidate character "KA" is displayed.

("Na" key) When the user touches the "na" key 21 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the displayed input candidate character "ka" is determined as an input character, and input navigation is performed as shown in FIG. The color around the character "na" in 5 changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "ya" key 24 of the remote controller 1 with a finger.
When touching, input navigation 5 as shown in FIG.
The color around the character "ya" in "" changes, and it is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

As described above, when the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the user switches to the input navigation 5 in the display 4 in real time so that the key at the position touched by the finger can be identified. Is displayed, the user can understand how to move a finger to press a desired key without looking at the remote controller 1 at hand.

("Wa" key) When the user touches the "Wa" key 27 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the color around the character "Wa" in the input navigation 5 changes as shown in FIG.
It is displayed so that it can be distinguished from other characters.

The user presses the "Wa" key 27 of the
When "" is pressed, "wa" becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 16, the input candidate character “wa” is displayed next to the character “wa” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “wa” has changed. "Wa" is displayed.

The user presses the "Wa" key 27 of the
When is pressed, "" becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 17, the input candidate character “o” is displayed beside the character “wa” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “wa” has changed, and the input candidate character “ "" Is displayed.

The user presses the "Wa" key 27 of the remote
By pressing, “n” becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 18, the input candidate character “n” is displayed next to the character “wa” in the input navigation 5 in a state in which the color around the character “wa” has changed. “N” is displayed.

As described above, each time the user repeatedly hits the key, the input candidate character on the desired line is displayed while being switched cyclically. When another key is touched while a desired input candidate character is displayed, the displayed input candidate character is determined as an input character.

("SA" key) When the user touches the "SA" key 19 by tracing the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, the input navigation 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the character "sa" changes, and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "sa" key 19 of the
By pressing, “sa” becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 20, the input candidate character “sa” is displayed beside the character “sa” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “sa” has changed. “Sa” is displayed.

The user presses the “sa” key 19 of the remote controller 1 with a finger.
By pressing, “shi” becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 21, the input candidate character “shi” is displayed next to the character “sa” in the input navigation 5 in a state in which the color around the character “sa” has changed. "S" is displayed.

(Dark Spot Key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the dark spot key 26 while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, as shown in FIG.
The color around the symbol "@" in the input navigation 5 changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

When the user presses the cloud key 26 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, as shown in FIG. 23, the color of the symbol "@" in the input navigation 5 changes and the input candidate character " Is displayed, and the input candidate character "ji" is displayed immediately before the cursor 40 on the display 4.

(“▽” key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the “▽” key of the cursor keys 13 while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5,
As shown in FIG. 24, the display of the symbol “▽” in the input navigation 5 changes to “convert”, and the surrounding color is changed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

When the user presses the “▽” key of the remote controller 1 with a finger, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
01 and that the user has pressed the “▽” key in step S102, and in step S103,
A press signal corresponding to the “▽” key is transmitted.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the computer 3 receives a signal from the remote controller 1 in step S201, determines that the signal is a press signal in step S202, and presses the “▽” key in step S204. Is displayed, and the character string “kanji” is displayed in step S205.
Kana-Kanji conversion. Here, as shown in FIG. 25, a list of kana-kanji conversion candidates is displayed in the input navigation 5, and the display of “▽” is changed to “next candidate” and the surrounding color is changed so as to be distinguishable from other characters. The first conversion candidate “kanji” is displayed underlined immediately before the cursor 40 on the display 4.

Here, when a key of the remote controller 1 at a position corresponding to a desired candidate is pressed in the kana-kanji conversion candidate list displayed in the input navigation 5, the desired candidate is determined as a kana-kanji conversion candidate. Is done. Pressing the “▽” key displays a next candidate list for kana-kanji conversion in the input navigation 5.

(Confirmed line feed key) Here, it is assumed that "kanji" is a conversion candidate desired by the user. When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the confirmed line feed key 15 while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, as shown in FIG.
The color around is changed and displayed so that it can be distinguished from other characters.

When the user presses the confirmed line feed key 15 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, as shown in FIG.
1 and in step S102, the user
5 is detected, and a press signal corresponding to the confirmed line feed key 15 is transmitted in step S103. In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
In step S2, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received.
02, it is determined that the signal is a press signal, and step S20
In 4, an input navigation 5 for kana input is displayed, and in step S205, "kanji" is determined as a conversion candidate. Here, as shown in FIG.
The Kana-Kanji conversion result “Kanji” is displayed immediately before the cursor 40.

(Mode Key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the mode key 14 while watching the display change of the input navigation 5, the characters in the input navigation 5 are displayed as shown in FIG. 28. The color around the “mode” changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the mode key 1
4 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
In step S102, it is detected that the user has pressed the mode key 14, and in step S103, a press signal corresponding to the mode key 14 is transmitted.

In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
In step S201, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received. In step S202, it is determined that the signal is a press signal. In step S204, the input navigation 5 for Roman characters is switched and displayed (see FIG. 29).

("KA" key) When the user touches the "KA" key 18 by tracing the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, the input navigation 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the character "ABC" changes, and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 on the remote
When "" is pressed, "a" becomes an input candidate character. Here, as shown in FIG. 31, the input candidate character "a" is displayed beside the character "ABC" in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character "ABC" has changed.
The input candidate character “a” is displayed immediately before “0”.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 of the remote controller 1 with his / her finger.
By pressing, “b” becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 32, the input candidate character “b” is displayed beside the character “ABC” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “ABC” has changed.
The input candidate character “b” is displayed immediately before “0”.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 of the remote controller 1 with his / her finger.
When "" is pressed, "c" becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 33, the input candidate character “c” is displayed beside the character “ABC” in the input navigation 5 in a state in which the color around the character “ABC” has changed.
The input candidate character “c” is displayed immediately before “0”.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 on the remote
When "" is pressed, "A" becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 34, the input candidate character “A” is displayed beside the character “ABC” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “ABC” has changed.
The input candidate character “A” is displayed immediately before “0”.

("Na" key) When the user touches the "na" key 21 by tracing the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, the input navigation 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the character "JKL" changes and it is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.
The input character is determined to be "A".

(“KA” key) When the user touches the “KA” key 18 by tracing the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger while watching the change of the display of the input navigation 5, the input navigation 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the character "ABC" is changed and displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 of the remote controller 1 with his / her finger.
When "" is pressed, "a" becomes an input candidate character. Here, as shown in FIG. 37, the input candidate character “a” is displayed beside the character “ABC” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “ABC” has changed, and the cursor 4 on the display 4 is displayed.
The input candidate character “a” is displayed immediately before “0”.

(Clear key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the clear key 16 while observing the change of the display of the input navigation 5, the character "" in the input navigation 5 as shown in FIG. The color around "clear" changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters, and at the same time, the input character is determined to be "a".

The user presses the clear key 1
When 6 is pressed, the character "a" immediately before the cursor 40 is deleted (see FIG. 39).

(Mode Key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the mode key 14 while watching the display change of the input navigation 5, the characters in the input navigation 5 are displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the “mode” changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the mode key 1
4 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
In step S102, it is detected that the user has pressed the mode key 14, and in step S103, a press signal corresponding to the mode key 14 is transmitted.

In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
In step S201, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received. In step S202, it is determined that the signal is a press signal.

(“KA” key) When the user touches the “KA” key 18 by tracing the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger while watching the change in the display of the input navigation 5, the input navigation 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the character “2” changes, and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 on the remote
By pressing, “2” becomes an input candidate character. here,
As shown in FIG. 43, the input candidate character “2” is displayed beside the character “2” in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character “2” has changed. “2” is displayed.

(Cursor key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with a finger and touches the left key (left-pointing triangle) of the cursor key 13 while observing the display change of the input navigation 5, as shown in FIG. The symbol “←” is displayed in the input navigation 5 so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

When the user presses the left key (left-pointing triangle) of the cursor key 13 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the cursor 40 moves one character to the left (see FIG. 45).

When the user presses the left key (left-pointing triangle) of the cursor key 13 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the cursor 40 moves one character to the left (see FIG. 46).

When the user presses the left key (left-pointing triangle) of the cursor key 13 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the cursor 40 moves one character to the left (see FIG. 47).

When the user presses the left key (left-pointing triangle) of the cursor key 13 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the cursor 40 moves one character to the left (see FIG. 48).

(Mode key) When the user traces the surface of the remote controller 1 with his / her finger and touches the mode key 14 while watching the display change of the input navigation 5, the characters in the input navigation 5 are displayed as shown in FIG. The color around the “mode” changes and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

The user presses the mode key 1
When 4 is pressed, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is detected that the user has pressed the mode key 14 in steps S101 and S102, and a pressing signal corresponding to the mode key 14 is transmitted in step S103.
In the computer 3, as shown in FIG.
01, a signal from the remote controller 1 is received, and in step S202, it is determined that the
At 204, the display is switched to the input navigation 5 for kana input and displayed (see FIG. 50).

("KA" key) When the user touches the "KA" key 18 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the color around the character "KA" in the input navigation 5 changes as shown in FIG.
It is displayed so that it can be distinguished from other characters.

The user presses the "ka" key 18 of the remote
When is pressed, the input candidate character "?" Is displayed beside the character "?" In the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character "?" Has changed as shown in FIG. The input candidate character "KA" is displayed.

("Na" key) When the user touches the "na" key 21 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, the color around the character "na" in the input navigation 5 changes as shown in FIG.
It is displayed so that it can be distinguished from other characters.

The user presses the "na" key 21 of the remote controller 1 with a finger.
When is pressed, the input candidate character "na" is displayed beside the character "na" in the input navigation 5 in a state where the color around the character "na" has changed as shown in FIG. The input candidate character "na" is displayed.

(Fixed line feed key) Remote control 1
55, the color around the character "confirmed" in the input navigation 5 changes as shown in FIG. 55, and is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

When the user presses the confirmed line feed key 15 of the remote controller 1 with a finger, "kana" is confirmed as an input character string and displayed without underlining as shown in FIG. As described above, the input navigation with the same character arrangement as the remote controller is displayed on the display in the same shape as the remote controller. Therefore, without looking at the keys on the remote control at hand, the user can feel the touch when touching the keys, the tactile feedback by the click feeling when pressing the keys, and the visual feedback by the input navigation indicating the movement of the finger, While checking the response of the device to your own operations in real time, you can easily input character data by remotely operating a device such as a TV or a personal computer.

[Second Example] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the first example is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

(Overview) First, an overview will be described.

The present embodiment relates to a data input terminal, which has a plurality of keys and display means, and a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger on the surface of each key on the terminal. Each key is fixed at a predetermined position, each key generates a click feeling by pressing a finger, detects the pressing of the finger, and displays the status of contact and pressing of the finger with each key on the display means. It is characterized by displaying.

(Specific Example) Next, a specific example will be described. The description of FIGS. 71 and 72 described above is omitted.

FIG. 57 is an external view of a data input terminal according to another embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In this terminal, a key group 2 with a touch sensor is arranged on a main body 41. An input navigation 5 is displayed on the display 4 so that the user can recognize which key the user is touching.

When the user touches or presses a key with a finger (mainly a thumb), each key detects that the finger has touched the key and that the finger has pressed the key, and the touch of each key is detected. In addition, the input navigation 5 displayed on the display 4 is switched and displayed in real time according to the pressing state.

Accordingly, the user can operate the terminal while looking at the display 4 and checking the movement of his / her finger by visual feedback without looking at the keys at hand.

FIG. 58 shows the operation of this terminal.

In step S301, it is determined whether the user's finger has touched the key. If the finger touches the key, it is determined in step S302 whether the user has pressed the key with the finger.

If the user's finger only touches the key, the input navigation 5 corresponding to the key touched by the user is displayed in step S303.

If the user touches the key with the finger and presses it, in step S304, the input navigation 5 corresponding to the key pressed by the user is displayed, and step S3 is executed.
At step 05, processing corresponding to the key pressed by the user is performed.

Next, the relationship between the operation of the terminal by the user when the user inputs data and the display on the display 4 that changes according to the operation will be described.

(“A” key) When the user touches the “A” key of this terminal with a finger, as shown in FIG. 58, it is detected that the user has touched the “A” key in steps S301 and S302. In step S303, input navigation 5 indicating that the user is touching the "A" key is displayed (see FIG. 59).

When the user presses the "A" key of this terminal with a finger, as shown in FIG. 58, it is detected that the user has pressed the "A" key in steps S301 and S302, and the user presses the "A" key in step S304. The input navigation 5 indicating that the "A" key has been pressed is displayed. In step S305, the character "A" is set as an input candidate character, and the input candidate character "A" is displayed immediately before the cursor 40 on the display 4 ( See FIG. 60).

(“KA” key) When the user touches the “KA” key of this terminal with a finger, an input navigation 5 indicating that the user is touching the “KA” key is displayed (see FIG. 61).

When the user presses the “ka” key of this terminal with a finger, an input navigation 5 indicating that the “ka” key has been pressed is displayed, and the input candidate character “ka” appears immediately before the cursor 40 on the display 4. It is displayed (see FIG. 62).

When the user presses the “ka” key of this terminal with a finger, an input navigation 5 indicating that the “ka” key has been pressed is displayed. Is displayed (see FIG. 63).

(Clear Key) When the user touches the clear key of the terminal with a finger, an input navigation 5 indicating that the clear key is touched is displayed (see FIG. 64).

When the user presses the clear key of the terminal with a finger, input navigation 5 indicating that the clear key is pressed is displayed, and one character immediately before cursor 40 is deleted (see FIG. 65).

(“Sa” key) When the user touches the “sa” key of the terminal with a finger, input navigation 5 indicating that the user is touching the “sa” key is displayed (see FIG. 66).

When the user presses the “sa” key of this terminal with a finger, an input navigation 5 indicating that the “sa” key has been pressed is displayed, and the input candidate character “sa” appears immediately before the cursor 40 on the display 4. Is displayed (see FIG. 67).
As described above, which key on the terminal is touched by the finger and which key is pressed by the finger is displayed on the input navigation on the display.

Therefore, the user does not need to look at the key at hand, and can feel the touch when touching the key, the tactile feedback by clicking when the key is pressed, and the visual feedback by input navigation indicating the movement of the finger. Thus, character data can be input with good operability in a mobile phone, a PHS, a mail terminal, or the like while confirming the response of the device to his / her operation in real time.

[Third Example] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 68 is an external view of a data input device according to another embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that FIG.
Description of FIG. 72 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 68, in this apparatus, a key group 2 with a touch sensor is arranged on a remote controller 1.
An operation signal from the remote controller 1 is transmitted to the computer 3, and the operation result of the user is displayed on the head mounted display 42.

As shown in FIG. 68, the input navigation 5 is displayed on the head-mounted display 42 so as to recognize which key the user is touching.

When the user touches or presses a key with a finger (mainly a thumb), each key detects that the finger has touched the key and that the finger has pressed the key. The input navigation 5 is switched and displayed on the head-mounted display 42 in real time in accordance with the state of contact and pressing.

Therefore, the user can operate the apparatus in a free posture while looking at the head mounted display 42 and checking the movement of his / her finger without looking at the keys at hand.

[Fourth Example] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 69 is an external view of the data input device. The description of FIGS. 71 and 72 described above is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 69, the key arrangement on the remote controller 1 includes a key group of "A", "KA", "SA", "TA" and "NA".
The “ha”, “ma”, “ya”, “ra”, and “wa” keys and the “fixed line feed”, “clear”, “dakuten”, “punctuation”, and “mode” keys are arranged vertically. The input navigation 5 is displayed on the display 4.

[Fifth Example] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 70 is an external view of the data input terminal. The description of FIGS. 71 and 72 described above is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 70, the key arrangement on the main body 41 includes a key group of "A", "KA", "SA", "TA" and "NA".
The “ha”, “ma”, “ya”, “ra”, and “wa” keys and the “fixed line feed”, “clear”, “dakuten”, “punctuation”, and “mode” keys are arranged vertically. The input navigation 5 is displayed on the display 4. As described above, the input navigation 5 is displayed according to the key arrangement, so that the key arrangement may be any.

[Sixth Example] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

FIG. 73 is an external view of the data input device.

In this device, a touch pad 60 is arranged on the surface of the remote controller 1. The touch pad 60 detects contact with the user's finger and pressing with the user's finger.

FIG. 74 shows a configuration diagram of the touch pad 60.

The touch pad 60 includes a soft protective sheet 61 on the uppermost layer, a soft touch board 62 on the second layer, a soft intermediate board 63 on the third layer, and a group of push buttons 64 arranged in a substantially matrix on the fourth layer. , And a button base 65 for fixing the push button group 64 to the fifth layer.

The protection sheet 61 has a projection integrally formed at each character position. The contact sensation board 62 detects a contact position of a finger with contact sensors arranged in a matrix. The intermediate board 63 transmits a pressing pressure due to an external force to the push button group 64.

Each push button of the push button group 64 is arranged at a position below each character printed on the surface of the protective sheet 61, and when a pressure of a certain force (for example, 0.5 Newton) or more is applied, any one of the push buttons is pressed. Button is turned on, and the presence or absence of pressing is detected.

The contact position and the presence / absence of pressing are calculated by the contact / press determining section 29, transmitted to the computer 30 via the transmitting section 30, and the operation status of the user on the touch pad 60 is displayed on the input navigation 5 of the display 4 in real time. (See FIG. 73).

With this configuration, the user can
Even if you do not look at the touch pad at hand, you can feel the touch when you touch the touch pad whose surface is covered by the protective sheet with protrusions, and the tactile feedback by the click feeling by the push buttons when the touch pad is pressed, and With visual feedback by input navigation indicating finger movement, character data can be input with good operability on a television or a personal computer while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time.

[Seventh Example] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

(Outline) First, an outline will be described. This example relates to a data input terminal, in which the terminal includes a position input device and a display means, and a contact sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on a surface of the position input device on the terminal, A protrusion is arranged at a predetermined position on the surface of the position input device, and the position input device generates a click feeling by pressing a finger to a predetermined position where the protrusion is present, detects the press, and performs position input. It is characterized in that the state of contact and depression of the finger with the device is displayed on the display means.

(Specific Example) Next, a specific example will be described.

FIG. 75 is an external view of the data input terminal.

In this terminal, a touch pad 60 for inputting characters and a key group 2 with a touch sensor for control input are arranged on a main body 41.

Therefore, the user does not need to look at the position input device at hand, and can feel the touch when touching the position input device, the tactile feedback by the click feeling when pressing the position input device, and the movement of the finger. By visual feedback based on the input guide map shown, it is possible to input character data with good operability while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time.

[Eighth Example] An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same parts as those in the above-described examples is omitted, and the same reference numerals are given.

In each of the above-described examples, the input navigation 5 is performed according to the key touched or pressed by the user.
The case has been described in which the color around the characters and symbols in the image is changed so as to be distinguishable from other characters and symbols.

In addition, characters or symbols may be changed in color or font and displayed so as to be identifiable, or characters or symbols may be blinked and displayed so as to be identifiable.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer).
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including one device (for example, a small image processing device such as a PDA (personal information management) device, a copying machine, and a facsimile device).

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
(PU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium, so that the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask ROM, flash EEP)
ROM etc.) can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0177]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An operation terminal having a plurality of keys arranged on one surface, and a display means, a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on a surface of the operation terminal on which each key is arranged, and each key is located at a predetermined position. It is fixed, generates a click feeling by pressing the finger, detects the pressing of the finger, and the display means displays the status of the touch and pressing of the finger on each key, so that it can be located at any position on the operation terminal. Input navigation will be displayed on the display so that the finger is touching and which position has been pressed with the finger, whereby the user does not need to look at the keys or the touch pad on the operation terminal. However, the tactile feedback when touching a key or touchpad, the tactile feedback when clicking a key or touchpad, and the visual feedback through input navigation that indicates finger movement Click through, it is possible to operate the equipment while checking the response of the equipment for their operation in real time, it is possible to improve the operability in inputting the data.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an operation terminal in which the position input device is arranged on one side, and a display means, and a contact sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on the position input device of the operation terminal. The position input device has a protrusion disposed at a predetermined position of the input device, generates a click feeling by pressing a finger to a predetermined position where the protrusion is present, detects the press, and displays the position input device with the position input device. The status of finger contact and press is displayed, so for the same reason as above, it is possible to operate the device while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time, and when inputting data Operability can be improved.

The following is a detailed description corresponding to each example.

According to the present invention, the data input device includes an operation terminal having a plurality of keys arranged on a surface thereof, and a display means, and detects the contact of a finger on the surface of each key on the operation terminal. A touch sensor is arranged, each key is fixed at a predetermined position, each key generates a click feeling by pressing a finger, detects the pressing of the finger, and touches and presses the finger to each key. Is displayed on the display means, so that the haptic feedback by touching the key and clicking by pressing the key without touching the key of the operation terminal at hand, and the movement of the finger While checking the response of the device to your own operation in real time,
Character data can be easily input by remote control.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, a finger touches any position on the operation terminal by displaying the input guide map having the same shape and the same character arrangement as the operation terminal on the display means. Since the input guide map is displayed on the display means so that the user can know which position has been pressed with the finger, the user can touch the key or the position input device without looking at the operation terminal at hand. , Tactile feedback by clicking when a key or a position input device is pressed, and visual feedback by an input guide map showing finger movements to check the response of the device to its own operation in real time. Operability and operability when inputting character data are improved.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, a control key group such as a power key, a menu key, a cursor key, a mode key, a line feed key, a clear key, an "A" key, "Ka" key, "sa" key,
"Ta" key, "na" key, "ha" key, "ma" key,
A character input key group such as a “ya” key, a “ra” key, a “wa” key, a voice mark key, and a punctuation key
Since it is arranged almost the same as the HS, the user can easily operate it.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, when a key on the operation terminal is touched, the key corresponding to the key touched in the characters or symbols in the input guide map is replaced by another key. Displayed distinguishably from letters or symbols, the user can check the response of the device to his / her operation in real time by visual feedback,
Character data can be input with good operability.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, when the character input keys are continuously depressed (continuously hit), the characters in the character group assigned to each key are cyclically switched and input. It is displayed in the guide map and becomes an input character candidate, so the user inputs character data with good operability while checking the response of the device to his / her operation in real time by visual feedback using a monotonous continuous hitting operation it can.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, when a desired character is displayed as an input character candidate in the input guide map, if another key is touched, the displayed input character candidate is input. Since the character is determined, the operability in continuously inputting the character assigned to the same key is improved.

According to the present invention, a data input device includes an operation terminal having a position input device disposed on a surface thereof, and display means, and detects contact of a finger on the surface of the position input device on the operation terminal. A touch sensor is provided, and a protrusion is provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the position input device. The position input device generates a click feeling by pressing a finger to a predetermined position with the protrusion. And at the same time detect the press,
Since the status of the contact and pressing of the finger with the position input device is displayed on the display means, when the user touches the position input device whose surface is covered by the protective sheet with projections without looking at the position input device at hand. Sensation, tactile feedback by click feeling when the position input device is pressed, and visual feedback by input guide map showing finger movement, while confirming the response of the device to its own operation in real time, You can enter character data.

According to the present invention, in the data input device, since the display means is a head-mounted display, it is possible to input characters freely in any position, anytime, anywhere.

According to the present invention, in a data input terminal, a plurality of keys and display means are provided on the terminal, and a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on a surface of each key on the terminal. Each key is fixed at a predetermined position, each key generates a click feeling by pressing the finger, detects the pressing of the finger, and displays the state of contact and pressing of the finger with each key on the display means. Since the display does not require the user to look at the key at hand, the user can feel the touch when touching the key, the tactile feedback based on the click feeling when pressing the key, and the visual feedback based on the input guide map showing the operation of the finger. Thus, character data can be input with good operability while checking the response of the device to the user's operation in real time.

According to the present invention, in the data input terminal, a control key group such as a power key, a menu key, a cursor key, a mode key, a confirm line feed key, a clear key,
"A" key, "KA" key, "SA" key, "TA" key,
"Na" key, "ha" key, "ma" key, "ya" key,
By arranging a character input key group such as a "ra" key, a "wa" key, a voice mark key, and a punctuation key in substantially the same manner as a general mobile phone or PHS, the user can easily attach.

According to the present invention, in the data input terminal, when the character input keys are continuously depressed (repeatedly hit), the characters in the character group assigned to each key are cyclically switched and displayed. And become input character candidates. Therefore, the user can input character data with good operability while confirming in real time the response of the device to his / her own operation by visual feedback with a monotonous continuous operation.

According to the present invention, in the data input terminal, when another key is touched while a desired character is displayed as an input character candidate, the displayed input character candidate is determined as an input character. Operability when characters assigned to the same key are continuously input is improved.

According to the present invention, in a data input terminal, a position input device and a display means are provided on the terminal, and a contact sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on a surface of the position input device on the terminal. A protrusion is provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the position input device, and the position input device generates a click feeling by pressing a finger to a predetermined position where the protrusion is present, and detects the press. Since the state of contact and depression of the finger with the position input device is displayed on the display means, the user can feel the touch when touching the position input device without looking at the position input device at hand, and By tactile feedback by click feeling when pressed, and visual feedback by input guide map showing finger movement,
Character data can be input with good operability while checking the response of the device to the user's operation in real time.

According to the present invention, in the data input method, a contact detecting step of detecting a contact of a finger, a pressing detecting step of detecting a pressing of a finger, and a displaying step of displaying a state of contact and pressing of the finger are provided. With this configuration, data can be input with good operability while checking the response of the device to its own operation in real time by tactile feedback and visual feedback without looking at the hand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the size of a remote controller 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in which a user holds a remote controller 1 with one hand.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a remote controller 1;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a computer 3.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote controller 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the computer 3.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing functions of each key in a kana input mode.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the function of each key in a Roman character input mode.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the function of each key in a numeric input mode.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a display.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data input terminal.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a display.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a configuration diagram showing a key structure.

FIG. 72 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display.

FIG. 73 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 74 is a configuration diagram of a touch pad.

FIG. 75 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a data input terminal according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control 2 Key group with a touch sensor 3 Computer 4 Display 5 Input navigation 11 Power key 12 Menu key 13 Cursor key 14 Mode key 15 Confirm line feed key 16 Clear key 17 "A" key 18 "K" key 19 "Sa" key Reference Signs List 20 "ta" key 21 "na" key 22 "ha" key 23 "ma" key 24 "ya" key 25 "ra" key 26 voice mark key 27 "wa" key 28 punctuation key 29 contact press determination section 30 transmission section 31 Receiving unit 32 CPU 33 RAM 34 ROM 35 Display control unit 36 Input navigation storage unit 37 Text editing unit 38 Kana-Kanji conversion unit 40 Cursor 41 Data input terminal main body 42 Head mounted display 50 Key base 51 Protective sheet 52 Touch sensation board 53 Key main body 54 Projection 55 Hinge part 56 Metal dome contact 57 Fixed contact 58 Connection line 60 Touch pad 61 Protective sheet 62 Contact sense board 63 Intermediate board 64 Push button 65 Button base 66 Connection line

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H03M 11/04 11/22

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An operation terminal in which a plurality of keys are arranged on one surface, and a display means. A touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger is arranged on a surface of the operation terminal on which each key is arranged, Each of the keys is fixed at a predetermined position, generates a click feeling by pressing a finger and detects pressing of the finger, and the display unit displays a state of contact and pressing of the finger with each key. Characteristic data input device. 2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays an input guide map having the same shape and the same character layout as the operation terminal. 3. A control key group such as a power key, a menu key, a cursor key, a mode key, a line feed key, and a clear key, an “A” key, a “KA” key, and a “SA” key on the operation terminal. Key input keys such as the key, "ta" key, "na" key, "ha" key, "ma" key, "ya" key, "ra" key, "wa" key, "wa" key, voice mark key, and punctuation key ,
3. The data input device according to claim 2, wherein the data input device is arranged. 4. When a key on the operation terminal is touched, a character or symbol in the input guide map corresponding to the key touched is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other characters or symbols. 4. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein: 5. When a character input key is continuously depressed, characters in a character group assigned to each key are cyclically switched and displayed in the input guide map, and become input character candidates. 5. The data input device according to claim 4, wherein: 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein, when a desired character is displayed in the input guide map as an input character candidate, if another key is touched, the input character candidate being displayed is determined as an input character. The data input device according to claim 5. 7. An operation terminal in which a position input device is disposed on one surface, and display means. A touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger is disposed in the position input device of the operation terminal. A projection is arranged at a predetermined position of the input device, a click feeling is generated by pressing a finger to a predetermined position where the projection is present, and the depression is detected, and the display means includes: A data input device for displaying the status of contact and depression of a finger with the data input device. 8. The data input device according to claim 7, wherein the display means displays an input guide map having the same shape and the same character arrangement as the operation terminal. 9. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein said display means is a head mounted display. 10. A terminal comprising a plurality of keys and a display means, a touch sensor for detecting a touch of a finger is arranged on a surface of the terminal on which each key is arranged, and each of said keys is a predetermined key. A data input terminal which generates a click feeling by pressing a finger and detects the pressing of the finger, and wherein the display means displays a state of contact and pressing of the finger with each key. . 11. A control key group such as a power key, a menu key, a cursor key, a mode key, a line feed key, and a clear key, an "A" key, a "K" key,
"Sa" key, "ta" key, "na" key, "ha" key,
11. The data input according to claim 10, wherein character input keys such as a "ma" key, a "ya" key, a "ra" key, a "wa" key, a voice mark key, and a punctuation key are arranged. Terminal. 12. When the character input keys are continuously pressed,
12. The data input terminal according to claim 11, wherein characters in a character group assigned to each key in a multiplex manner are cyclically switched and displayed, and become input character candidates. 13. The data according to claim 12, wherein, when a desired character is displayed as an input character candidate, if another key is touched, the input character candidate being displayed is determined as an input character. Input terminal. 14. A position input device and display means are provided on a terminal, a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger on one surface of the position input device, and a projection at a predetermined position, The position input device generates a click feeling by pressing the finger to a predetermined position where the protrusion is provided and detects the pressing, and the display unit displays a state of contact and pressing of the finger with the position input device. A data input terminal characterized by: 15. A data input method, comprising: a contact detection step of detecting a contact of a finger; a depression detection step of detecting a depression of a finger; and a display step of displaying a state of contact and depression of the finger. A data input method characterized in that: 16. An operation terminal having a plurality of keys, wherein the contact detecting step detects a contact of a finger with a touch sensor arranged on each of the keys, and the press detecting step includes a step of detecting a finger on each of the keys. 16. The data input method according to claim 15, wherein a click sensation is generated by pressing the key and a finger pressing is detected, and the display step displays a state of contact and pressing of the finger with each of the keys. 17. An operation terminal having a position input device, wherein the contact detection step detects a contact of a finger with a touch sensor arranged on the position input device, and the press detection step includes the position input device. Generating a click feeling by pressing the finger on the position of the protrusion disposed on the touch panel, and detecting the pressing of the finger, wherein the displaying step displays a status of contact and pressing of the finger on each of the keys. The data input method according to claim 15, wherein 18. A medium recording a program for controlling data input by a computer, wherein the control program causes the computer to detect a finger touch and a finger press, and A medium in which a data input control program for displaying the status of the data is displayed. 19. An operation terminal having a plurality of keys, wherein a touch of a finger is detected by a touch sensor arranged on each key, and a click feeling is generated by pressing a finger on each key, and a finger is pressed. 20. The medium according to claim 18, wherein a state of contact and depression of a finger with each key is displayed. 20. An operation terminal having a position input device, wherein a touch of a finger is detected by a touch sensor arranged on the position input device, and a finger is pressed against a position of a protrusion arranged on the position input device. 19. The medium according to claim 18, further comprising: generating a click feeling, detecting a press of a finger, and displaying a state of contact and press of the finger with each key. 21. A program for controlling data input, the program being recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer, a step of detecting finger contact, and a step of detecting finger press. A data input control program comprising: a step; and a step of displaying a state of contact and depression of a finger. 22. An operation terminal having a plurality of keys, wherein a touch of a finger is detected by a touch sensor arranged on each key, and a click feeling is generated by pressing a finger on each key, and a finger is pressed. 22. The data input control program according to claim 21, wherein a state of contact and depression of a finger with each key is displayed. 23. An operation terminal having a position input device, wherein a touch of a finger is detected by a touch sensor disposed on the position input device, and a finger is pressed against a position of a protrusion disposed on the position input device. 22. The data input control program according to claim 21, wherein a click feeling is generated, and a finger press is detected, and a state of contact and press of the finger with each key is displayed.