JP2005148855A - Key input device and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to input information by using his or her both hands in such a configuration that the user is wearing this information processor in either his or her seating or standing attitude. <P>SOLUTION: A keyboard 2R for the right hand is provided with keys 4R corresponding to digits or alphabets mainly assigned to input by the right hand, and fixed to the thigh of the user's right leg with a fixing belt 5R. A keyboard 2L for the left hand is provided with keys 4L corresponding to digits or alphabets mainly assigned to input by the left hand in a case body 3L independent of a case body 3R of the keyboard 2R for the right hand, and fixed to the thigh of the user's left leg with a fixing belt 5L. Thus, the keyboard 2R for the right hand and the keyboard 2L for the left hand are mounted on the tights of the user so that the keys 4R and 4L can exist at positions where the user naturally places his or her hands when standing or seating. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a key input device that allows a user to input information in a personal computer or the like, and an information processing device including the key input device. Specifically, the key input device is divided into two parts so that it can be worn on the user's one thigh and the other thigh, ensuring freedom of movement, either in a seated or standing position. Information can be input using both hands.

  FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a conventional keyboard. A keyboard 100 used for inputting information of a computer device is arranged with numbers and alphabet keys based on a predetermined rule. Such a keyboard 100 is the most reliable and high-speed computer device for those who have mastered the method of inputting keys using both hands without looking at the keyboard by using the same finger arrangement as the English type, so-called blind touch. It is a device that can input information.

  In recent years, wearable computers have also been proposed in which a computer device is carried and used, for example, a computer device is worn. As a keyboard used in a wearable computer, for example, a keyboard for one-handed input has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-102979

  However, when a computer device is carried and used, the conventional keyboard has the following problems. In other words, if there is no table on which a conventional keyboard can be placed, or if a table large enough to hold the keyboard cannot be secured, it is virtually impossible to input information by blind touch. there were. Moreover, even if a conventional keyboard is worn on the user's body, it cannot be put to practical use as a keyboard for wearable computers because it is difficult to move and input is difficult.

  For this reason, when using a conventional keyboard in situations where it is necessary to input information while moving, it is necessary to secure a table where the keyboard is placed at the destination. It was difficult.

  Also, with a one-handed keyboard, it takes time to learn the input procedure even for a user who has mastered input using a conventional keyboard, and it takes time to input information even if the user learns the input procedure.

  Furthermore, although a foldable keyboard has been proposed as a portable keyboard, it is necessary to expand and fold the keyboard each time information is input, and it takes time to input after the situation that you want to input occurs. In addition, the table on which the keyboard was placed was still necessary.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is provided with a key input device that is attached to a user's body so that information can be input regardless of whether the user is seated or standing. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a key input device according to the present invention includes a first input unit having a key input unit, a second input unit having a key input unit and independent of the first input unit. And a first fixing means for fixing the first input section to one of the user's thighs and a second fixing means for fixing the second input section to the other thigh of the user. It is a thing.

  According to the key input device of the present invention, the first input unit is mounted on the thigh of the user's right foot, for example, and the second input unit is mounted on the thigh of the user's left foot. Thus, the user inputs information by operating the first input unit with the right hand and the second input unit with the left hand in a seated or standing posture.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the key input device described above. That is, a first input unit having key input means, a second input unit having key input means and independent of the first input unit, and the first input unit serving as one thigh of the user Key input device comprising: first fixing means for fixing to the user; and second fixing means for fixing the second input unit to the other thigh of the user; an information output device; and a key input device And a control device that outputs information to the output device in response to the above operation.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the first input unit of the key input device is mounted on the thigh of the user's right foot, for example, and the second input unit is mounted on the thigh of the user's left foot. Is done. Thus, the user inputs information by operating the first input unit with the right hand and the second input unit with the left hand in a seated or standing posture.

  Information input by the key input device is processed by the control device, and the processing result is output by the output device.

  In the key input device according to the present invention, the first input unit is attached to the thigh of the user, for example, the thigh of the right foot, and the second input unit independent of the first input unit is the large left foot. Mounted on the thigh. The user can operate the first input unit with the right hand, and can operate the second input unit with the left hand.

  As a result, freedom of movement is ensured, and information can be input in either a seated or standing posture. For example, the first input unit has a key arrangement assigned to input by the right hand, and the second input unit has a key arrangement assigned to input by the left hand, so-called blind touch that performs input without looking at the keys. Therefore, it becomes possible to input information by the key input device with excellent operability.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be used without choosing a place by incorporating the above-described key input device. For example, by using a display device mounted on the user's head as the output device, it can be used while moving.

  Embodiments of a key input device and an information processing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a key input device according to the present embodiment.

  The key input device 1 includes a right hand keyboard 2R and a left hand keyboard 2L. The right-hand keyboard 2R is an example of a first input unit, and includes a plurality of keys 4R as key input means on the housing 3R. Further, a fixing belt 5R as a first fixing means is provided on the lower surface of the housing 3R.

  The left-hand keyboard 2L is an example of a second input unit, and includes a plurality of keys 4L as key input means on a housing 3L independent of the housing 3R of the right-hand keyboard 2R. In addition, a fixing belt 5L as a second fixing means is provided on the lower surface of the housing 3L.

  The fixing belts 5R and 5L are preferably configured to be openable and closable so that they can be attached to the user's thigh, and the length can be adjusted according to the thickness of the thigh. For example, it is conceivable to use a well-known Velcro (registered trademark) 5M. Moreover, you may comprise with the material which has a stretching property.

  A board (not shown) to which the keys 4R and 4L are attached and which constitutes the key switch is constituted by a flexible flexible board or the like. The casings 3R and 3L are also made of a flexible material such as vinyl. As a result, the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L are configured to be freely bent in accordance with the thighs of the wearing user.

  Thus, the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L can be shaped to match the thigh, so that the portion protruding from the body when attached to the thigh is reduced, and the right hand keyboard 2R or the left hand is moved when moving. It is possible to prevent troubles such as hitting the keyboard 2L, and to use it in a narrow place.

  Note that the casings 3R and 3L are made of a resin such as plastic, and the upper surface side where the keys 4R and 4L are provided is convex, and the lower surface side where the fixing belts 5R and 5L are provided is concave. The effect is obtained. In this way, the material constituting the housings 3R, 3L, etc. is not particularly specified.

  The keyboard connection cable 6 is a communication cable for connecting the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L. In this example, the connection is made by wire, but the communication method is not limited to wire, and wireless may be used.

  The external device connection cable 7 is a communication cable for connecting the key input device 1 to a well-known personal computer (PC) or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants). The external device connection connector 8 is a connection connector for connecting to a connector of a PC or PDA, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of key arrangement. The keys 4R of the right hand keyboard 2R are keys corresponding to numbers and alphabets that are mainly assigned to input by the right hand in a known JIS type keyboard, and are adapted to the key layout of the JIS type keyboard. Similarly, the keys 4L of the left-hand keyboard 2L are keys corresponding to numbers and alphabets mainly assigned to input by the left hand in the JIS type keyboard, and are adapted to the key layout of the JIS type keyboard.

  Considering that information is input by blind touch, it is desirable that the numeric and alphabetic key layout be as shown in FIG. It is not specified whether the symbols and other function keys are arranged on the right-hand keyboard 2R or the left-hand keyboard 2L.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the information processing apparatus including the key input device 1 described above will be described. The information processing apparatus 11 includes a key input device 1, a control device 12, and a head mounted display 13.

  As will be described later, the control device 12 is a known computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control device 12 operates arbitrary software using the key input device 1 by an OS (operating system) such as Windows (registered trademark) or Linux, and takes in characters or the like input from the key input device 1, for example. An image is displayed on the mount display 13. Since the control device 12 is used by being attached to a user, it is desirable that the control device 12 has a small and light structure with excellent vibration resistance. For this reason, it can be considered that the hard disk drive device (HDD) is not provided.

  The head mounted display 13 is an example of an output device, and includes a display device such as a small liquid crystal display. In addition, what is necessary is just to utilize a well-known head mounted display, and there is no designation | designated of a form in particular.

  FIG. 3 described above also shows a mounting example of the key input device 1 and the like. Next, a mounting example of the key input device 1 will be described. The right hand keyboard 2R of the key input device 1 is attached to the thigh of the user's right foot by a fixing belt 5R. Since the right hand keyboard 2R has flexibility, it is mounted so as to be in close contact with the thigh. Similarly, the left-hand keyboard 2L is attached so as to be in close contact with the thigh of the user's left foot by the fixing belt 5L.

  When the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L are attached to the thigh, the up and down directions of the keys 4R and 4L are such that the characters of the keys can be read correctly when the user looks at his thigh. Attach to. That is, when the user is viewed from a third party, the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L are mounted so that the keys 4R and 4L are upside down as shown in FIG.

  The mounting range 14 of the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L is from the knee to the periphery of the hip bone. Under the situation where standing and sitting are repeated, the right-hand keyboard 2R and the left-hand keyboard 2L are attached at positions close to the knees. If the standing state is basic, the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L are mounted at positions close to the hipbone.

  Since the right hand keyboard 2R and the left hand keyboard 2L are attached to the thigh by the fixing belts 5R and 5L, the attachment positions can be freely selected. Note that the right-hand keyboard 2R and the left-hand keyboard 2L may slip off from the attached thigh due to their own weights, and therefore, it is assumed that an auxiliary mounting tool that is suspended from the belt of the pants is used.

  Thus, by attaching the right-hand keyboard 2R and the left-hand keyboard 2L to arbitrary positions on the left and right thighs, the keys 4R and 4L appear to be in positions where the hand is naturally placed when standing or sitting. become. Therefore, if the user particularly learns the blind touch, the input can be performed naturally and smoothly.

  In addition, the control apparatus 12 is mounted | worn with a user's belt, for example. The head mounted display 13 is attached to the user's head with, for example, a belt.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the key input device. The right hand keyboard 2R of the key input device 1 includes a right hand keyboard switch 21R and a right hand keyboard circuit 22R. The left hand keyboard 2L includes a left hand keyboard switch 21L and a left hand keyboard circuit 22L.

  The inter-keyboard connection cable 6 also shown in FIG. 1 is a communication cable for connecting the right-hand keyboard circuit 22R and the left-hand keyboard circuit 22L. In this example, it is wired, but there is no particular designation as to whether it is wired or wireless. There is no particular designation as to whether power is supplied between the right-hand keyboard 2R and the left-hand keyboard 2L via the inter-keyboard connection cable 6 or a battery is provided for each.

  The external device connection cable 7 described with reference to FIG. 1 is a communication cable for connecting to a general PC or PDA. The external device connection connector 8 is a connection connector for connecting the external device connection cable 7 to a general PC or PDA connector.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the information processing apparatus. The control device 12 of the information processing apparatus 11 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, a video I / O 34, and an external device communication I / O 35.

  The CPU 31 is a microprocessor that can execute an OS and an arbitrary application program. There is no designation for the type of OS or application program to be used.

  The RAM 32 is a general-purpose memory. There is no limitation on the type such as static ram (SRAM) or dynamic ram (DRAM). A ROM (Read Only Memory) 33 is a general-purpose memory for storing programs and the like. The ROM 33 generally stores a boot program or the like, but if the control device 12 does not have a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an application program is also stored in the ROM 33.

  The video I / O 34 is a general-purpose interface for displaying images such as characters and graphics on the head mounted display 13 shown in FIG. The video I / O is a known one and the type is not specified.

  The external device communication I / O 35 is a communication interface for communicating between the CPU 31 and an external device, in this example, the key input device 1. Although there is no designation in the communication protocol or the like, for example, a USB interface or the like is assumed. In addition to the wired connection form using the external device connection cable 7 shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a wireless connection form may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control system of the right-hand keyboard. The right hand keyboard circuit 22R constituting the control system of the right hand keyboard includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, an inter-keyboard communication I / O 44, and a key input I / O 45. The CPU 41 is a general-purpose microprocessor and is not specified in the architecture or the like. The RAM 42 is a general-purpose memory and may be of any type such as SRAM / DRAM.

  The ROM 43 is a memory that stores a right-hand keyboard control program. The inter-keyboard communication I / O 44 is a communication interface for transmitting the key code pressed by the right hand keyboard 2R to the left hand keyboard circuit 22L shown in FIG. There is no special designation for wired, wireless, or protocol.

  The key input I / O 45 is an interface that receives an input from the right hand keyboard switch 21R. The right hand keyboard switch 21R is operated by the key 4R of the right hand keyboard 2R shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and one key top is one key switch 46. If the state of the key switch 46 can be read, the input method of the key input I / O 45 is not particularly specified.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control system of the left-hand keyboard. The left hand keyboard circuit 22L constituting the control system of the left hand keyboard includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, an inter-keyboard communication I / O 54, an external device communication I / O 55, and a key input I / O 56. The CPU 51 is a general-purpose microprocessor, and there is no designation for the architecture or the like. The RAM 52 is a general-purpose memory and may be of any type such as SRAM / DRAM.

  The ROM 53 is a memory that stores a left-hand keyboard control program. The inter-keyboard communication I / O 54 is a communication interface for receiving, from the right hand keyboard circuit 22R, a key code pressed by the right hand keyboard 2R shown in FIG. There is no special designation for wired, wireless, or protocol.

  The external device communication I / O 55 is a communication interface for communicating with the CPU 31 of the control device 12 shown in FIG. Although there is no designation in the communication protocol or the like, for example, a USB interface or the like is assumed.

  The key input I / O 56 is an interface that receives an input from the left hand keyboard switch 21L. The left hand keyboard switch 21L is operated by the key 4L of the left hand keyboard 2L shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and one key top is one key switch 57. If the state of the key switch 57 can be read, the input method of the key input I / O 56 is not particularly specified.

  Next, operations of the key input device 1 and the information processing device 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the right-hand keyboard. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is an example of processing executed by the right hand keyboard control program stored in the ROM 43 of the right hand keyboard circuit 22R.

  Step SA1: The inter-keyboard communication I / O 44 is initialized so that communication with the left-hand keyboard circuit 22L can be performed. For example, when general serial communication is used, settings such as a baud rate and a bit width are performed.

  Step SA2: The CPU 41 reads the input from the key input I / O 45 and acquires the state of the key switch 46.

  Step SA3: The CPU 41 determines whether any key is pressed based on the input from the key input I / O 45. If the key is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step SA4, and if the key is not pressed, the process returns to step SA2.

  Step SA4: The CPU 41 identifies which key switch 46 is pressed from the state of the key input I / O 45, and converts it into a key code corresponding to the pressed key switch 46. Note that a known technique may be used as a method for specifying which key is pressed on the keyboard.

  Step SA5: The CPU 41 transmits a key code corresponding to the pressed key specified from the state of the key input I / O 45 to the left-hand keyboard circuit 22L through the inter-keyboard communication I / O 44, and returns to step SA2.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the left-hand keyboard. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is an example of processing executed by the left-hand keyboard control program stored in the ROM 53 of the left-hand keyboard circuit 22L.

  Step SB1: The external device communication I / O 55 is initialized so that it can communicate with the external device, in this example, the control device 12 shown in FIG. For example, when general serial communication is used, settings such as a baud rate and a bit width are performed.

  Step SB2: The inter-keyboard communication I / O 54 is initialized so that communication with the right-hand keyboard circuit 22R can be performed. For example, when general serial communication is used, settings such as a baud rate and a bit width are performed.

  Step SB3: The CPU 51 reads the input from the key input I / O 56 and acquires the state of the key switch 57.

  Step SB4: The CPU 51 determines whether any key has been pressed based on the input from the key input I / O 56. If the key is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step SB5, and if the key is not pressed, the process returns to step SB3.

  Step SB5: The CPU 51 identifies which key switch 57 has been pressed from the state of the key input I / O 56, and converts it into a key code corresponding to the pressed key switch 57.

  Step SB6: The CPU 51 transmits a key code corresponding to the pressed key specified from the state of the key input I / O 56 to the control device 12 by the external device communication I / O 55.

  Step SB7: A key code is received from the right-hand keyboard circuit 22R by the inter-keyboard communication I / O 54.

  Step SB8: The CPU 51 determines whether or not a key code has been received from the right hand keyboard circuit 22R. If there is received data, the process proceeds to the next step SB9, and if there is no received data, the process returns to step SB3.

  Step SB9: The CPU 51 transmits the key code received from the right hand keyboard circuit 22R to the control device 12 through the external device communication I / O 55.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the information processing apparatus. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is an example of processing executed by a program that displays characters input from the key input device 1 on the head mounted display 13 as described above.

  Step SC1: The video I / O 34 is initialized. For example, a register in the video I / O 34 is set, and information such as resolution is set. Note that the setting information depends on the head mounted display 13 connected to the control device 12.

  Step SC2: One character is acquired from the key input device 1. That is, the CPU 31 receives the key code from the right hand keyboard circuit 22R of the key input device 1 and the key code from the left hand keyboard 22L through the external device communication I / O 35. The CPU 31 specifies characters such as numbers and alphabets input by the key input device 1 from the key codes received from the left and right keyboards.

  Step SC3: The CPU 31 determines whether data for one character has been acquired from the key code received by the external device communication I / O 35. If data for one character has been acquired, the process proceeds to the next step SC4, and if data for one character has not been acquired, the process returns to step SC2.

  Step SC4: The CPU 31 outputs data for displaying characters corresponding to the input by the key input device 1 to the video I / O 34 and transmits it to the head mounted display 13 by the video I / O 34. The head mounted display 13 displays characters and the like according to the character data received from the control device 12.

  As described above, the key input device 1 according to the present embodiment is a keyboard that is worn and used by a user, and can implement information input by blind touch. And if it is a user who acquired the input of the information with the conventional keyboard, it is not necessary to learn the input method newly and can use it easily.

  In the information processing apparatus 11 that combines the key input device 1, the head mounted display 13, and the small control device 12, a wearable computer having excellent usability can be realized. For example, when a worker who is performing maintenance or manufacturing wants to browse a manual or the like, a keyboard is a necessary item for searching for a keyword. Work efficiency is greatly improved by using computer equipment in the same situation as desk work, regardless of the standing state at the work site.

  Note that an input unit using a pointing device may be added to the key input device 1 described above. In this case, either the right hand keyboard 2R or the left hand keyboard 2L may be provided, or both may be provided.

  The present invention can be applied to a wearable computer used in a form worn by a user while using a conventional information input method using a keyboard.

It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the key input device of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a key switch. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the information processing apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of a key input device. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of a right hand keyboard. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of the left hand keyboard. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the keyboard for right hands. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the keyboard for left hands. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the conventional keyboard.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key input device, 2R ... Keyboard for right hand, 2L ... Keyboard for left hand, 3R, 3L ... Case, 4R, 4L ... Key, 5R, 5L ... Fixed belt, 6 ... Keyboard connection cable, 7 ... External device connection cable, 8 ... External device connection connector, 11 ... Information processing device, 12 ... Control device, 13 ... Head mounted display, 14 ... Mounting range, 21R ... Right hand keyboard switch, 21L ... Left hand keyboard switch, 22R ... Right hand keyboard circuit, 22L ... Left hand keyboard circuit, 31 ... CPU, 32 ... RAM 33 ... ROM, 34 ... Video I / O, 35 ... External device communication I / O, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... RAM, 43 ... ROM, 44 ... Keyboard while Communication I / O, 45 ... Key input I / O, 46 ... Key switch, 51 ... CPU, 52 ... RAM, 53 ... ROM, 54 ... Keyboard communication I / O 55 ... External device communication I / O, 56 ... Key input I / O, 57 ... Key switch

Claims (10)

A first input unit having key input means;
A second input unit having key input means and independent of the first input unit;
First fixing means for fixing the first input unit to one of the user's thighs;
And a second fixing unit for fixing the second input unit to the other thigh of the user. The key input means of the first input unit is a key arrangement mainly assigned to input by the right hand, and the first input unit is mounted on the thigh of the user's right foot,
The key input means of the second input unit is a key arrangement mainly assigned to input by the left hand, and the second input unit is mounted on the thigh of the user's left foot. The key input device according to claim 1. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the first input unit and the second input unit have flexibility. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the first input unit and the second input unit have a curved shape. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein information is transmitted and received between the first input unit and the second input unit by wire. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein information is transmitted and received wirelessly between the first input unit and the second input unit. A first input unit having key input means, a second input unit having key input means and independent of the first input unit, and the first input unit serving as one thigh of a user A key input device comprising: first fixing means for fixing the second input section to the other thigh of the user;
An information output device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control device that outputs information to the output device in response to an operation of the key input device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output device is a display device that is attached to a user's head and outputs visual information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information is transmitted and received between the key input device and the control device in a wired manner. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information is transmitted and received wirelessly between the key input device and the control device.

Images