JP2003330596A - Operating device and button switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating device capable of easily distinguishing each numerical character input key with the number of projections or recesses formed on a surface of the key. <P>SOLUTION: An operating device is provided with '0' to '9' numerical character input keys. The '0' to '4' keys are provided respectively with zero to four projections 12a to 12d formed in a circumference of each surface thereof. The '5' to '9' keys are provided respectively with zero to four projections 12a to 12d formed in each circumference thereof as well as a projection 14 corresponding to '5' formed in a central part of each surface thereof. Each numerical character input key is thereby distinguished based on the number of projections 12a to 12d and 14 formed on its surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operating device having a number input key used for inputting numbers and a button switch used for inputting numbers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A telephone, a facsimile machine, a computer and the like are provided with an operating device having a numeral input key (numeric keypad) used for inputting a numeral. Assigned numbers or characters are written on the surface of each key including the numeric keypad of these operating devices. For example, on the numeric keypad surface,
The numbers "0" to "9" are written. In many cases, the ten keys have the same shape, and the tactile sensation of the surface is often the same.

[0003]

When the shape of each numeric keypad and the feel of the surface are the same, since each numeric keypad can be distinguished only by the numbers etc. written on the surface, the operator who has a low character recognition power such as low visual acuity. Numeric keypad operation becomes a difficult task.

As a method for solving such a problem, there has been proposed an operating device in which a numeral-shaped or character-shaped protrusion assigned to each key is formed on the surface of each key including a numeric keypad. In such an operating device, the protrusion shape (number shape or character shape) when each key surface is touched
Can be used to identify each key. However, it is difficult to distinguish letters or numbers from the shape of protrusions.

Further, since the above-mentioned protrusion is formed on the character notation portion of the key surface, there is a problem that the touch feeling deteriorates. For example, when the operating device is shared by a large number of people, an operator whose character recognition ability is not low may find it difficult to input because of the protrusions.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device capable of easily identifying each numeral input key from the number of projections or recesses formed on the key surface. To aim.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an operating device which can be operated without touching a convex portion or a concave portion in the case of a general operation of pushing the central portion of the surface of the numeral input key. .

It is another object of the present invention to provide an operating device capable of identifying each numeric input key from the tactile sensation of the key surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a button switch capable of easily identifying the number written on the button surface from the number of projections or depressions formed on the button surface.

[0010]

An operating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an operating device having a numeric input key, in which the number of convex portions corresponding to the number assigned to the numeric input key is provided on the surface of the numeric input key. Alternatively, it is characterized in that a recess is formed.

In such an operating device, the number of protrusions or recesses corresponding to the number assigned to the number input key is formed on the surface of the number input key, so that the number of protrusions or recesses is determined. Each numeric input key can be identified. For example, four protrusions or recesses are formed on the surface of the "4" key. In addition, zero to four convex portions or concave portions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the "0" key to "4" key, and the "5" key to
It is also possible to form a convex portion or a concave portion corresponding to "5" in the central portion of the surface of the "9" key and form zero to four convex portions or concave portions on the outer peripheral portion of the surface.

An operating device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the convex portion or the concave portion is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the numeral input key.

Such an operating device forms a convex portion or a concave portion corresponding to the assigned number on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the number input key, thereby performing a general operation of pushing the central portion of the surface of the number input key. If done, it is not necessary to touch the convex portion or the concave portion. For example, an operator with low character recognition ability such as low visual acuity
Touch the projections or depressions on the outer peripheral surface of the number input key to identify each number input key, and the operator who is not weak in character recognition should press the center of the surface of the number input keys and touch the projections or depressions. You can operate without crossing.

In the operating device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the operating device having a numeric input key, the surface of the numeric input key is processed so that the tactile sensation changes in accordance with the number assigned to the numeric input key. It is characterized by

In such an operating device, the surface of the numeral input key is processed so that the tactile sensation changes in accordance with the numeral assigned to the numeral input key, so that each numeral input key is changed based on the difference in the tactile sensation. Can be identified. For example, the roughness of the key surface can be increased or decreased as the number assigned is increased.

A button switch according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a number is written on the surface of the button and the number of protrusions or recesses corresponding to the number is formed.

In such a button switch, the number of protrusions or recesses corresponding to the numbers written on the button surface is formed on the button surface, so that the number of protrusions or recesses described above is used. You can identify the number that is.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments thereof. In this description, the operation device of the facsimile device will be described as an example. The facsimile machine has the function of a copying machine,
You can send and receive faxes and copy originals.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an example of an operation device (operation unit, display unit) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of a facsimile device equipped with the operation device. As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile device includes a control unit (CPU: Central).
Processing Unit) 1, a reading unit 2 for reading a document, a recording unit 3 for recording a received image of a facsimile or a document image read by the reading unit 2 on a sheet, an operation unit 5 including various keys used for operating the facsimile apparatus, a facsimile A display unit 4 for displaying the operating state of the apparatus or characters input from the operation unit 5, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs and data necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus are stored.
y) 6, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 7 for storing temporary data generated when the program is executed, an image memory 8 for storing an original image read by the reading unit 2 or a received image of a facsimile, and facsimile communication. Possible modem (fax modem) 9, NCU (Network that controls connection and disconnection of public telephone line network and analog line L)
A control unit) 10, an attached telephone 11, and a sheet storage section 13 for storing sheets to be supplied to the recording section 3.

Each of the above hardware parts (1 to 11, 1)
3) is connected to the bus 17 and is controlled by the control unit 1. The control unit 1 reads a computer program stored in the ROM 6 and executes various functions.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 5 includes a ten key 20, a start key 24, a stop key 26, a function key 28, and the like. Numeric keypad 20,
These keys are used to input numbers such as "0" to "9".
The start key 24 is a key used for sending a fax or starting a copy. The stop key 26 is a key used to cancel the process being executed. The function key 28 is a key assigned to execute a predetermined process. Here, if the display unit 4 is of a touch panel type, some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 can be substituted.

Examples of the "0" to "9" keys (numerical input keys) of the numeric keypad 20 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (a). Each key surface 16 is formed with a number of protrusions (projections) corresponding to the numbers assigned to each key. For example, "0"
No protrusions are formed on the key, and "1", "2",
The "3" and "4" keys have 1, 2, 3, and 4 protrusions (12a, 12a to 12b, 12a to 12c, 1), respectively.
2a to 12d) are formed in the corner portion on the outer circumference of the key.

Further, for example, in the "5" key to the "9" key, the protrusion 14 corresponding to "5" is formed in the central portion of the key, and "6", "7", "8", "9". The ”key
One, two, three, and four protrusions (12a, 12a-
12b, 12a to 12c, 12a to 12d) are formed in the corner portion of the outer circumference of the key.

In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4A, the protrusion 14
Is higher than the protrusions 12a to 12d (length in the z direction)
Are about the same, but the area occupied by the surface 16 is large. Further, in the example of FIG. 3, the protrusion 12a is formed in the lower right corner (x direction is right, y direction is upper) in the drawing, the protrusion 12b is the upper right in the drawing, the protrusion 12c is the upper left in the drawing, and the protrusion 12d is They are formed at the lower left of the figure.

The operator who touches the ten-key pad 20 with his / her finger may use the "0" to "4" keys if there is no protrusion 14 in the center and the "5" to "9" keys if there is the protrusion 14. Can be identified. And, the number of protrusions at the corners is 0, 1, 2,
In the case of 3 or 4, "0" or "5" key, "1" or "6" key, "2" or "7" key, "3" or "8"
It can be identified as a key, a "4" or a "9" key, respectively.

In the above description, the projections (projections) are taken as an example, but the projections (projections) shown in FIG. 4A are shown.
4 (a) as shown in FIG. 4 (b), or the projection (projection) 12a shown in FIG. 4 (a) as a recess (recess) (not shown), as shown in FIG. It is also possible to make both of the protrusions (projections) 12a and 14 shown in FIG. 4) recesses (recesses) 12a and 14 as shown in FIG.

Further, the shapes of the convex portions 12a to 12d, 14 are not particularly limited, and the tips shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c) may be formed in a hemispherical columnar shape, or as shown in FIG. It may be formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in d) or in a polygonal prism shape.

Further, instead of forming a projection corresponding to "5" at the center, as shown in FIG. 5, "0" key to "4"
The surface of the key is made smooth, and the entire surface or the central portion of the “5” to “9” keys is roughened, and when the entire surface or the central portion of the surface is rough, it is “5” (protrusion 1 in FIG. 3).
It is also possible to correspond to 4).

Further, the formation positions of the protrusions 12a to 12d on the outer periphery of the key are arbitrary, and as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to form 2a in the upper left corner (x direction is right, y direction is upper) in the drawing, and the protrusions 12b, 12c, 12d are formed in the lower left, lower right, and upper right of the drawing, respectively. is there.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the number of projections or recesses corresponding to the numbers is formed on the numeric keypad surface. However, the feel of the numeric keypad surface is changed according to the numbers. Good. FIG. 6 shows an example of a numeric keypad whose surface tactile sensation is changed according to the number. In the example of FIG. 6, similarly to the first embodiment (FIG. 3), the protrusion 14 is formed in the central portion of the surface of the “5” key to the “9” key.

Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the surfaces of the "0" key and the "5" key are formed smoothly,
The surfaces of the "1" to "4" keys and the "6" to "9" keys are
It is formed (processed) so that the roughness is increased as the number increases from the “1” key to the “4” key or the number increases from the “6” key to the “9” key.

When the operator touches the numeric keypad, if there is no protrusion 14 in the center, the keys are "0" to "4" keys.
If there is, it can be identified that the keys are "5" to "9".
Then, depending on the size of the surface roughness, the "0" or "5" key (no roughness), the "1" or "6" key,
"2" or "7" key, "3" or "8" key, "4"
Alternatively, the "9" key can be identified.

It is also possible to combine the change in the number of protrusions or recesses described in the first embodiment with the change in the tactile sensation of the surface described in the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, no protrusion is formed on the “0” key, and “1” to
Similar to FIG. 3, 1 to 4 protrusions (12a to 12d) are formed on the key surface of the "4" key, and a protrusion 12e is formed at the center of the surface of the "5" key. It is also possible to increase the roughness of the surface of the "9" key as the number increases, as in FIG.

In the above-described embodiment, the key having a square surface is described as an example.
For a key with an elliptical surface as shown in (a),
The protrusions 12a to 12d can be formed near the apex of the outer circumference. In addition, as for a key having a circular surface as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the protrusions 12a are evenly spaced on the outer peripheral portion.
~ 12d can be formed. The protrusion (projection) can be formed integrally with the key surface, or the protrusion can be bonded to the key surface.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the numeric keypad has been described as an example, but for the function key, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, like the numeric keypad described above, the numerals (F1 to F5) are used. It is possible to form protrusions corresponding to Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is also possible to form protrusions on the characters (A-O, etc.) of 5 rows and 10 lines of the Japanese syllabary, similar to the above-mentioned numeric keypad. .

(Third Embodiment) In the above-described embodiments, an example in which each key is identified from the tactile sensation on the surface has been described. However, when each key is touched, the number assigned to the key or It is also possible to output characters by voice.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a button switch of an operating device capable of outputting numbers or characters assigned to keys by voice, and FIG. 11 shows an example of a facsimile device provided with the operating device.

As shown in FIG. 11, the facsimile apparatus includes a control unit (CPU) 1, a reading unit 2 for reading a document, a recording unit 3 for recording a received image of a facsimile or a document image read by the reading unit 2 on a sheet, An operation unit 5 including various keys used for operating the facsimile apparatus, a display unit 4 for displaying the operating state of the facsimile apparatus or characters input from the operation unit 5, various programs and data necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus are displayed. Stored ROM6, RAM for storing temporary data generated when the program is executed
7, an image memory 8 for storing an original image read by the reading unit 2 or a received image of a facsimile, a modem 9 capable of facsimile communication, an NCU 10 for controlling connection and disconnection of a public telephone line network and an analog line L, Attached telephone 11,
A sheet storage unit 13 for storing sheets to be supplied to the recording unit 3,
The audio output unit 15 such as a speaker is provided.

Each of the above hardware parts (1 to 11, 1)
3, 15) are connected to the bus 17 and are controlled by the control unit 1. The control unit 1 reads a computer program stored in the ROM 6 and executes various functions. The numeric keypad of the operation unit 5 is provided with a half-press sensor 34 and a full-press sensor 36 as described later. Further, the ROM 6 stores voice data for reading a number or a character assigned to each key of the operation unit 5.

As shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c), the button switch of each key including the numeric keypad has a button portion 30 to be pressed with a finger at the time of operation and a detected portion integrally formed with the button portion 30. 32, an elastic member 38 such as a spring that restores the button part 30 to its original position when the button part 30 is pressed by a finger, and a fully-pressed part that detects the detected part 32 that has moved when the button part 30 is pressed by a finger A sensor 36 and a half-push sensor 34 for detecting the detected part 32 in a state where the button part 30 is not completely pushed (half-pushed state) are provided.

Although not shown, the convex portion or the concave portion described in the first embodiment is formed on the surface of the button portion 30 of the numeric keypad. Alternatively, as described in the second embodiment, the roughness of the surface is increased according to the number.

When the button portion 30 is not pressed, neither the half-press sensor 34 nor the full-press sensor 36 detects the detected portion 32, as shown in FIG. 10 (a). When the operator has not completely pressed the button section 30 and is in a half-pressed state, the half-press sensor 34 detects the detected section 32, as shown in FIG. 10B. The operation unit 5 includes the half-press sensor 34.
Sends a detection signal including the identification information of the key detected by the detected part 32 to the control part 1. Control unit 1 that received the detection signal
Reads the audio data corresponding to the key specified from the detection signal from the ROM 6, reproduces it, and outputs it from the audio output unit 15.

When the operator completely presses the button section 30, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the full-press sensor 3 is pressed.
6 detects the detected part 32. The operation unit 5 transmits a detection signal including identification information of a key detected by the full-press sensor 36 to the detected unit 32 to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 that has received the detection signal executes the process when the key is pressed, as in the conventional case.

When the key is pressed halfway, the numbers or characters assigned to the key are changed to the voice output unit 1.
5 is output, and the key can be identified.
Each key can be identified more easily than the key is identified from the tactile sensation (protrusion, texture) on the surface described in the first or second embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the number or character assigned to the key is output by voice according to the degree of pressing of the key. It is also possible to provide a touch sensor such as a sensor or a piezoelectric element. FIG. 12 shows an example of a button switch of an operating device provided with a touch sensor on the key surface, and FIG. 13 shows an example of a facsimile device provided with the operating device.

The facsimile apparatus is almost the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 11), but each key including the numeric keypad of the operation unit 5 is provided with a touch sensor 44 and an input sensor 46 as described later. ing. The surface of each key including the numeric keypad is smooth and almost no protrusions are formed.

The button switch of the numeric keypad is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), a button portion 40 to be pressed with a finger at the time of operation, a touch sensor 44 provided on a surface portion of the button portion 40, and a detected portion integrally formed with the button portion 40. 42, an elastic member 48 such as a spring that restores the button portion 40 to its original position when the button portion 40 is pressed by a finger, and an input sensor that detects the detected portion 42 that has moved when the button portion 40 is pressed by the finger. And 46.

When the button portion 40 is not pressed, neither the input sensor 46 nor the touch sensor 44 detects the detected portion 42, as shown in FIG. 12 (a). When the operator touches the button portion 40, the touch sensor 44 detects the contact with the button portion 40. The operation unit 5 includes the touch sensor 4
4 transmits to the control unit 1 a detection signal including the identification information of the key whose contact is detected. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control unit 1 stores the voice data corresponding to the key specified from the detection signal in the ROM.
The audio output unit 15 outputs the audio data from the audio output unit 15.

When the operator pushes the button portion 40, the input sensor 46 detects the detected portion 42, as shown in FIG. 12 (b). The operation unit 5 transmits a detection signal including identification information of a key detected by the input sensor 46 to the detected portion 42 to the control unit 1. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control unit 1
As in the conventional case, the processing when the key is pressed is executed.

A touch sensor 44 is provided on the key surface, voice data corresponding to each key is stored in the storage means such as the ROM 6, and the control unit 1 receives the detection signal output from the touch sensor 44 of each key. The voice data corresponding to the touch sensor 44 (key) that has output the received detection signal is read from the ROM 6 and reproduced, and is output from the voice output unit 15, so that the operator outputs the voice only by touching the surface of the key. Based on that, the key touched can be identified.

In the third embodiment, the numbers or characters assigned to the respective keys are output by voice in accordance with the degree of key press (half-press). However, voice output and key input depending on the press state. It is likely that it will be difficult for the operator to distinguish. For example, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation may occur, such as an attempt to input a key but only output sound, or an attempt to output sound but input. However, in the fourth embodiment, since the touch sensor detects that the operator touches the key, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation described above.

The button switch is shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).
However, the touch sensor can be provided on the surface of any button switch. The touch sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the contact of the finger or the like on the button surface, and any touch sensor can be used. By using the temperature sensor, it is possible not only to detect the contact of the finger on the button surface, but also to detect that the finger approaches the button surface.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the convex portion or the concave portion described in the first embodiment is formed on the surface of the numeric keypad, or the roughness of the numeric keypad surface is described as described in the second embodiment. It is also possible to change

In each of the above-described embodiments, the facsimile apparatus has been described as an example, but the operating device and button switch of the present invention can be applied to any device having a numeric keypad (numeric input key) such as a telephone. Is possible.

[0054]

According to the first aspect of the invention, each numeral input key can be identified from the number of protrusions or depressions formed on the key surface. Further, since the number of convex portions or concave portions corresponds to the number assigned to the key, it is possible to easily grasp the correspondence between the number of convex portions or concave portions and the number assigned to the key even when operating for the first time. it can.

According to the second invention, by forming a convex portion or a concave portion on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the number input key, in the case of a general operation of pushing the central portion of the surface of the numerical input key, the convex portion or the concave portion is formed. It can be operated without touching it. It is possible to form a convex portion or a concave portion on the surface of the number input key without deteriorating the touch feeling.

According to the third aspect of the invention, each numeric input key can be identified from the tactile sensation on the surface of the key. For example, by increasing the roughness of the key surface in accordance with an increase in the number assigned to each numeric keypad, each numeric keypad can be identified based on the magnitude of the roughness.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the number written on the button surface can be identified from the number of protrusions or depressions formed on the button surface.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a facsimile apparatus provided with an operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another example of the numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing still another example of the numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another example of the numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the numeric keypad of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a button switch of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a facsimile apparatus including the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the button switch of the operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another example of a facsimile apparatus including the operating device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 Operation part (operation device) 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Protrusion (convex part) {concave (concave part)} 14 Protrusion (convex part) {concave (concave part)} 20 Numeric keypad (numerical input key)

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Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An operation device having a number input key, wherein an operation is characterized in that a number of protrusions or recesses corresponding to the number assigned to the number input key are formed on the surface of the number input key. apparatus. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of a surface of the number input key. 3. An operating device having a numeric input key, wherein the surface of the numeric input key is processed so that the tactile sensation changes according to the number assigned to the numeric input key. . 4. A button switch, wherein a number is written on the surface of the button, and the number of protrusions or recesses corresponding to the number is formed.