JP2006120184A - Information processor and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to easily recognize a function allocated to a physical button. <P>SOLUTION: An information input device 1 is constructed of a button 11 and a proximity sensor 12. In this way, when the user puts his/her finger on a pressing part 11a, the proximity sensor 12 detects the finger and inputs approach information representing approach of the finger of the user to the button 11 to the information processor. Based on the inputted approach information, the information processor makes information about the function allocated to the button 11 to be displayed on a screen. When the user presses the pressing part 11a by the finger, the button 11 inputs information representing that its contact 11d is in an ON condition to the information processor. Based on the inputted information, the information processor can executes the function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method that allow a user to easily recognize a function assigned to a physical button.

  When inputting information into the information processing apparatus, the user often operates buttons, keypads, and the like (hereinafter, buttons including hardware including the keypad are collectively referred to as buttons).

  For example, when a user inputs information into a personal computer (PC), a user operates a keyboard composed of a plurality of buttons, or when a user inputs not only a telephone number but also various information, a plurality of functions are assigned. The number buttons and operation buttons are operated.

  During such an operation, the user visually recognizes a symbol or a symbol such as a character printed on the surface of the button and estimates a function assigned to the button.

  However, in the following cases (1) to (5), it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the symbol printed on the surface of the button, and as a result, the function assigned to the button. There has been a problem that it is difficult to estimate.

(1) When the surroundings are dark (when the user operates a button on a cellular phone at night, or operates a button on a remote controller of a television (TV) receiver in a dark room)
(2) When a plurality of functions are assigned to one button, and a plurality of symbols corresponding to these functions are printed on the surface of the one button respectively (the function corresponding to the button depends on the mode). When changing)
(3) When the button is arranged at a position where it cannot be seen (for example, when the button is provided on the back side of the device)
(4) When a user's finger is placed on the button (5) When a symbol that appropriately represents the function assigned to the button is not printed on the surface of the button When a difficult symbol is printed on the surface of the button)

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables a user to easily recognize a function assigned to a button.

  An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays information, a plurality of buttons that are arranged in a grid and that are input by pressing, and a proximity sensor that detects contact or approach of a living body with respect to the buttons. When the proximity sensor recognizes that the contact of the living body with respect to the button is detected as a contact state, and when the situation recognition unit recognizes the contact state, Control means for controlling the display means to display information relating to processing executed by pressing each button so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of buttons, and the proximity sensor includes a plurality of linear transmissions. A first capacitor equivalent circuit in which the capacitance at each intersection of the electrode and the plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged so as not to contact the plurality of transmitting electrodes is fixed A second capacitor in which a virtual capacitor formed between the living body and the transmitting electrode and between the living body and the receiving electrode is connected in series, and is parallel to the first capacitor equivalent circuit. An equivalent circuit is formed, and contact or approach of the living body is detected by a change in the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit.

  The situation recognizing means further recognizes a state where the approach of the living body to the button accompanying the movement of the living body moving in the vicinity of the plurality of buttons arranged in the grid is detected as an approaching state, and the control means includes When the situation recognition unit recognizes that the vehicle is in the approaching state, it can be controlled to execute a predetermined process corresponding to the movement.

  The apparatus further comprises function assigning means for assigning the function corresponding to the movement in the approaching state, and the control means corresponds to the movement assigned by the function assigning means when the approaching state is recognized by the state recognition means. The function can be executed.

  An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays information, a plurality of buttons that are arranged in a grid and that are input by pressing, and a proximity sensor that detects contact or approach of a living body with respect to the buttons. In the information processing method of the information processing apparatus comprising: when the proximity sensor recognizes that the contact of the living body with respect to the button is detected as the contact state, Including a step of executing control to display information related to processing executed by pressing each of the buttons by the display means so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of buttons, and the proximity sensor includes a plurality of linear transmissions A first capacitor equivalent circuit in which the capacitance at each intersection of the electrode and the plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged so as not to contact the plurality of transmitting electrodes is fixed A virtual capacitor formed between the living body and the transmitting electrode and between the living body and the receiving electrode is connected in series, and the first capacitor equivalent circuit is connected in parallel. A capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and contact or approach of the living body is detected by a change in capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit.

  In the information processing apparatus and method according to one aspect of the present invention, a display unit that displays information, a plurality of buttons that are arranged in a grid and that are input by pressing, and a contact or approach of a living body with respect to the buttons is detected. An information processing apparatus including a proximity sensor is a target. In such an information processing apparatus, when the proximity sensor recognizes that the contact of the living body with respect to the button is detected as a contact state, information related to processing executed by pressing each of the plurality of buttons includes: Displayed by the display means so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of buttons. At that time, the proximity sensor has a fixed capacitance at each intersection of the plurality of linear transmission electrodes and the plurality of linear reception electrodes arranged so as not to contact the plurality of transmission electrodes. A first capacitor equivalent circuit, and a virtual capacitor formed between the living body and the transmitting electrode and between the living body and the receiving electrode is connected in series, and the first capacitor equivalent circuit and A second capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel, and contact or approach of the living body is detected by a change in capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can easily recognize the function assigned to the physical button.

  (Information input device)

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an information input device 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  The information input device 1 includes a button 11 and a proximity sensor 12.

  The button 11 is provided with a pressing portion 11a that is pressed (operated) by a living body (such as a user's finger) in the case 11b so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure.

  A spring 11c is provided between the pressing portion 11a and the case 11b, and a contact 11d is provided in the case 11b below the pressing portion 11a.

  When the user's finger or the like is not in contact with the pressing portion 11a (in the initial state), as shown in FIG. 1, the pressing portion 11a is urged upward in the figure by the spring 11c, and its lower end portion Is located away from the contact point 11d. That is, at this time, the contact 11d is in an OFF state.

  Now, assuming that the user depresses the pressing portion 11a with the finger against the urging force of the spring 11c, the contact point 11d is turned on, and then the user releases the finger from the pressing portion 11a. The pressing portion 11a is pushed upward by the restoring force of the spring 11c, returns to the original position (returns to the initial state), and the contact 11d is turned off.

  As described above, the button 11 supplies a manual input by the user to the information processing apparatus as information indicating the ON state of the contact 11d. In other words, the button 11 detects an input based on a physical contact of the living body (an operation in which the user presses the pressing portion 11a with the finger 71 or the like) as an ON state of the contact 11d.

  In this example, when the pressing portion 11a of the button 11 is pressed, the contact 11d is turned on, and when the pressing portion 11a is returned to the original position (initial state), the contact 11d is turned off. The button 11 is configured as described above, but the relationship between the position of the pressing portion 11a and the ON or OFF state of the contact 11d is not particularly limited. For example, when the pressing portion 11a is pressed, the contact 11d is in the OFF state. Thus, the button 11 may be configured so that the contact point 11d is in the ON state when the pressing portion 11a is returned to the original position (initial state).

  In this case, the button 11 detects an input based on a physical contact of the living body (an operation in which the user presses the pressing portion 11a with the finger 71 or the like) as an OFF state of the contact 11d.

  The proximity sensor 12 is disposed between the flat plate portion 11e of the pressing portion 11a and the spring 11c. When a living body (such as a user's finger) comes into contact with the pressing portion 11a or sufficiently approaches the proximity sensor 12, the proximity sensor 12 Is detected as an input based on the proximity of the living body (the approaching biological body is detected), and a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as approach information) is generated and supplied to the information processing apparatus.

  The configuration of the proximity sensor 12 is not limited as long as it can detect a living body approaching the proximity sensor 12 and can be disposed in the vicinity of the button 11 (pressing portion 11a). In this example, for example, FIG. 2 (the configuration disclosed by the applicant of the present application in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-151499).

  That is, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the proximity sensor 12.

  The proximity sensor 12 includes linear transmission electrodes 22-1 to 22-3, an oscillator 21 that supplies an alternating current of a predetermined frequency (for example, 100 KHz) for transmission to each of them, and transmission electrodes 22-1 to 22-1 by electrostatic action 22-3, the linear receiving electrodes 23-1 to 23-4 that receive the alternating current from 22-3, the receiver 24 that receives the alternating current flowing through the receiving electrodes 23-1 to 23-4, and the output and reception of the oscillator 21 It is comprised from the processor 25 which inputs the output of the electrodes 23-1 thru | or 23-4, and the output of the receiver 24. FIG.

  The proximity sensor 12 is also provided with switches 26-1 to 26-3, respectively, between the oscillator 21 and the transmission electrodes 22-1 to 22-4 as necessary, and each reception electrode 23- Switches 27-1 to 27-4 are provided between 1 to 23-4 and the receiver 24, respectively. These switches 26-1 to 26-3 and switches 27-1 to 27-4 are turned on at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing at which the oscillator 21 outputs an alternating current).

  The receiver 24 includes an AM modulator including a band-pass filter (BPF) 24a, an amplifier 24b, and a detector 24c that allows only an alternating current of a predetermined frequency band to pass, and a detection output from the AM modulator. It comprises an A / D converter 24d that performs analog-digital conversion (A / D conversion).

  The reception electrodes 23-1 to 23-4 are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the transmission electrodes 22-1 to 22-3, and each have intersections. At these intersections, these electrodes are in contact with each other. Not done.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, a circuit equivalent to the capacitor Ca for accumulating charges is substantially formed at the intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23.

  Therefore, when the alternating current oscillated and outputted by the oscillator 21 is supplied to the transmission electrode 22, the alternating current is applied to the receiving electrode 23 opposite thereto via the intersection (capacitor Ca) by electrostatic induction. Flowing.

  That is, when the oscillator 21 applies an AC voltage to the transmission electrode 22, an AC current is generated in the reception electrode 23 based on the capacitive coupling due to the capacitance of the capacitor Ca between the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23. 24.

  The receiver 24 supplies the processor 25 with the intensity of the supplied alternating current (alternating current input through the capacitor Ca) as digital data (received signal), and the input to the receiver 24 through the capacitor Ca. The intensity of the alternating current applied depends only on the capacitance of the capacitor Ca. The capacitance of the capacitor Ca is static and maintains a fixed value as long as the transmission electrode 22 or the reception electrode 23 is not deformed. Therefore, as long as the same AC voltage is applied to the transmission electrode 22, the intensity of the AC current input to the receiver 24 via the capacitor Ca becomes a constant value.

  However, when a living body (such as a user's fingertip) approaches the intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23, an equivalent circuit at the intersection is as shown in FIG.

  That is, since the living body is regarded as a virtual ground point (earth), the equivalent circuit is arranged between the living body and the transmission electrode 22 with respect to the above-described capacitor Ca formed between the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23. A series circuit in which the formed capacitor Cb1 and a virtual capacitor Cb2 formed between the living body and the receiving electrode 23 are connected in series is connected in parallel.

  Therefore, when an AC voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode 22 side, the intensity of the AC current received by the receiving electrode 23 via the capacitor Ca and supplied to the receiver 24 is grounded (living body) via the capacitor Cb1. It weakens by the amount of current that flows.

  As described above, the capacitance of the capacitor Ca is static and maintains a fixed value as long as there is no deformation of the transmission electrode 22 or the reception electrode 23. However, the capacitance of the capacitors Cb1 and Cb2 is determined when the living body transmits And as it gets closer to the receiving electrode 23, it becomes smaller.

  Using this phenomenon, the processor 25 is AM-modulated by the AM modulator (BPF 24a, amplifier 24b, and detector 24c) of the receiver 24, and further converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 24d. Using the received signal, it is determined whether or not the living body is approaching the intersection between the electrodes, or how close the living body is (the distance between the living body and the intersection).

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, when each of the plurality of buttons 11-1 to 11-12 arranged in a matrix is arranged on one of the intersections, the button 11- When the user's finger touches i (i is an arbitrary value from 1 to 12), the processor 25 indicates that the living body is approaching the button 11-i (intersection located therebelow). It judges (detects that the living body is approaching) and supplies approach information (detection signal) indicating that to the information processing apparatus.

  In the example of FIG. 2, since the buttons 11-1 to 11-12 are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns, four reception electrodes 23-1 to 23-4 and three transmissions are provided. Although the electrodes 22-1 to 22-3 are arranged, the number of the transmission electrodes 22 and the reception electrodes 23 is not limited. However, the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 are preferably arranged such that one intersection is always arranged under each button, as will be described later.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the angle between the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 at the intersection is approximately 90 degrees, but this angle is not limited. In other words, the arrangement method of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 is not limited as long as the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 are arranged so as not to contact each other and to form an intersection.

  Next, an outline of an operation example of the information processing apparatus to which the information input device 1 is applied will be described. Details of the operation example will be described as an operation example of the information processing apparatus 31 of FIG. 5 described later.

  As described above, the information input device 1 detects the input based on the physical contact of the living body as the ON state (or OFF state) of the contact 11d, and the living body (user's finger or the like) with respect to the button 11 A proximity sensor 12 is provided for detecting an input based on the proximity of the human body (approach of the living body).

  As a result, the user can use the information processing apparatus to which the information input apparatus 1 is applied and apply a technique called “tool chip” used as a mouse interface to a physical (as hardware) button. Can be used with respect to.

  That is, the “tool tip” is a technique capable of the following operations (a) to (c), and the user is assigned to a soft button or icon on the screen by using the “tool tip”. It is possible to acquire information regarding these functions before causing the information processing apparatus to execute the functions being performed.

(A) When the user operates the mouse to place the mouse cursor on a soft button or icon on the screen, the information processing apparatus displays information on the function assigned to the soft button or icon ( For example, a tooltip on which a function name or the like is displayed is popped up on the screen.
(B) When the user presses a mouse button (left click), the information processing apparatus executes a function assigned to the soft button or icon.
(C) When the user moves the mouse cursor to another position by operating the mouse without pressing the mouse button (without left clicking), the information processing apparatus is assigned to the soft button or icon. Do not perform the function.

  The information processing apparatus to which the information input device 1 is applied can perform operations corresponding to (a) to (c), for example, the following operations (A) to (C).

(A) When the user places his / her finger on the pressing part 11a of the button 11 (when it is in contact), the proximity sensor 12 detects the contact and inputs the approach information to the information processing apparatus. Based on the input approach information, the information processing apparatus pops up a tool tip on which information related to the function assigned to the button 11 (for example, the name of the function) is displayed.
(B) When the user presses the pressing portion 11a with his / her finger (when the button 11 is operated), the information processing apparatus executes a function assigned to the button 11.
(C) When the user does not press the pressing portion 11a (without operating the button 11) and releases his finger from the pressing portion 11a (when moved to another position), the information processing apparatus The function assigned to 11 is not executed.

  (Information processing device)

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 31 to which the present invention is applied.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 or a program loaded from a storage unit 48 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43.

  The RAM 43 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 41 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 are connected to each other via a bus 44. An input / output interface 45 is also connected to the bus 44.

  1 is connected to the input / output interface 45 as an input unit. That is, the input / output interface 45 is connected to the button 11 and the proximity sensor 12 arranged in the vicinity of the button 11.

  Also connected to the input / output interface 45 are an output unit 47 composed of a display, a storage unit 48 composed of a hard disk, etc., and a communication unit 49 composed of a modem, a terminal adapter and the like. The communication unit 49 performs communication processing such as communication via a network or wireless communication. In addition, the memory | storage part 48 may be abbreviate | omitted as needed.

  Furthermore, a drive 50 is connected to the input / output interface 45 as necessary, and a magnetic disk 61, an optical disk 62, a magneto-optical disk 63, a semiconductor memory 64, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is loaded. These are installed in the storage unit 48 as necessary.

  Although not shown, the information processing apparatus 31 includes blocks for executing various functions (for example, a telephone communication function of the mobile phone 81 in FIG. 10 described later) in addition to the blocks described above. Provided.

  Next, a function execution processing example of the information processing apparatus 31 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Now, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 31 is powered on (CPU 41 and the like are started up), and a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the display (output unit 47).

  At this time, in step S <b> 11, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the living body (finger 71) as shown in FIG. 8 is in the first state in contact with (approaching) the button 11.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 7, if the user does not touch the button 11 with the finger 71 (not sufficiently approaching the proximity sensor 12), the proximity sensor 12 does not detect the living body. (Because the approach information is not output) In step S11, the CPU 41 determines (recognizes) that it is not in the first state, returns to step S11, and determines again whether it is in the first state. That is, the CPU 41 constantly monitors whether or not the living body has touched the button 11 and repeats the process until the living body contacts the button 11 (until the proximity sensor 12 detects the living body).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, when the user puts his finger 71 on the button 11 (when sufficiently close to the proximity sensor 12), the proximity sensor 12 detects the living body (finger 71), and approaches information ( Detection signal) is input to the input / output interface 45.

  Therefore, the CPU 41 obtains this approach information via the bus 44 in step S11, thereby determining (recognizing) that it is in the first state, and in step S12, information relating to the function assigned to the button 11 Are displayed on the display (output unit 47) via the bus 44 and the input / output interface 45.

  In step S13, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the living body (finger 71) is in the second state in which the button 11 is operated (pressed) as shown in FIG. 9, and is not in the second state. If so, the process returns to step S11 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  For example, if the user releases the finger 71 from the button 11 (returns to the state shown in FIG. 7), the CPU 41 deletes the display of the information related to the function assigned to the button 11, and the finger 71 is put on the button 11 again. (Until the user enters the first state of FIG. 8), the process is continued.

  If the first state shown in FIG. 8 is maintained, the CPU 41 repeats the processes of steps S11 to S13. That is, the CPU 41 keeps information on the function assigned to the button 11 displayed on the display.

  As shown in FIG. 9, if the user presses the button 11 with the finger 71, the button 11 receives a signal corresponding to the pressing operation (information indicating that the contact point 11d is in the ON state). Is input to the input / output interface 45.

  Therefore, in step S13, the CPU 41 obtains this signal (information indicating that the contact point 11d is in the ON state) via the bus 44, thereby determining (recognizing) that it is in the second state. In S14, the function assigned to the button 11 is executed.

  In step S15, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the information processing apparatus is turned off. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus is turned off, the CPU 41 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information processing apparatus is not turned off, the CPU 41 returns to step S11. Repeat the subsequent processing.

  As described above, the user can use the technique corresponding to the “tool tip” described above without using the mouse by using the information processing apparatus 31.

  Next, a specific embodiment of the information processing apparatus 31 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  (First embodiment)

  FIG. 10 illustrates an external configuration example of the mobile phone 81 as the first embodiment of the information processing apparatus 31.

  A display unit 91 made of a liquid crystal display or the like is provided on the upper surface of the mobile phone 81, and a jog dial 93 that can be pressed and rotated is provided in a state of slightly protruding from the surface at the center. In addition, a button group 94 is provided at the lower part thereof.

  The button group 94 includes, for example, numeric buttons “0” to “9” for inputting a telephone number and the like, and a plurality of operation buttons to which various functions are assigned. Various instructions can be input. A plurality of functions are also assigned to the numeric buttons as necessary.

  Although not shown, a proximity sensor 12 that detects that a living body has approached each button of the button group 94 is disposed below (in the vicinity of) the button group 94.

  That is, the button group 94 corresponds to the buttons 11-1 to 11-12 (the button 11 in FIG. 5) in FIG. 2, and as shown in FIG. One intersection of 22 and the receiving electrode 23 is arranged.

  However, as described above, in the example of FIG. 2, twelve buttons (buttons 11-1 to 11-12) are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns, but the mobile phone 81 of FIG. In the example, 17 buttons (each button of the button group 94) are arranged in a matrix of 6 rows and 3 columns. Therefore, the number of transmission electrodes 22 of the mobile phone 81 is preferably three as in FIG. 2, but the number of reception electrodes 23 is preferably six.

  The display unit 91 corresponds to the output unit 47 of FIG. 4, and the user's finger 71 is included in the button group 94 in a predetermined area in the display unit 91 (in the example of FIG. 10, below the display unit 91). When the mobile phone 81 is placed on any of the buttons (when the mobile phone 81 recognizes that it is in the first state), a tool tip 92 on which information related to the function assigned to the button is displayed is popped up. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if it is assumed that the finger 71 is put on the button 94-1, a tool tip 92 on which “call start”, which is the name of the function of the button 94-1, is displayed. A pop-up is displayed on the section 91.

  In this way, the user moves the finger 71 to an arbitrary position on the button group 94 by using the mobile phone 81 without knowing which button (key) the desired function is assigned to. The desired function can be searched for by repeating simple operations such as viewing the display of the tool tip 92 at that time.

  That is, when the tool tip 92 on which the name of the desired function is displayed pops up (when the mobile phone 81 recognizes that it is in the first state), the user stops the movement of the finger 71, By pressing a button (any button in the button group 94) on which the finger 71 is placed (by recognizing that the mobile phone 81 is in the second state), the desired function is carried. The telephone 81 can be executed.

  Note that other configurations and operations of the mobile phone 81 are easy to understand for those skilled in the art and are not directly related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  (Second Embodiment)

  The shape of the button 11 of the information processing apparatus 31 in FIG. 5 is not limited as long as predetermined information can be input and the proximity sensor 12 can be disposed in the vicinity thereof.

  For example, not only the buttons (keys) such as the button group 94 of the mobile phone 81 described above, but also the jog dial 93 of the mobile phone 81 and the jog dial 114 of the PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) 101 as shown in FIG. Absent.

  That is, FIG. 11 shows an example of the external configuration of a PDA as the second embodiment of the information processing apparatus 31.

  A display unit 111 made up of a liquid crystal display or the like is provided from the top to the center of the surface of the PDA 101, and a jog dial 114 that can be pressed and rotated slightly protrudes from the surface below the display unit 111. Yes.

  Although not shown, a proximity sensor 12 that detects that a living body has approached the jog dial 114 is disposed below (in the vicinity of) the jog dial 114.

  That is, the jog dial 114 corresponds to any one of the buttons 11-1 to 11-12 in FIG. 2 (button 11 in FIG. 5), and as shown in FIG. One intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 is arranged. That is, the number of the transmission electrodes 22 and the reception electrodes 23 of the PDA 101 is preferably one each.

  The display unit 111 corresponds to the output unit 47 of FIG. 5, and a user's finger 71 is placed on the jog dial 114 in a predetermined area in the display unit 111 (in the example of FIG. 11, below the display unit 111). When it is placed (when the PDA 101 recognizes that it is in the first state), a tool tip 112 on which information related to the function assigned to the jog dial 114 is displayed pops up.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, assuming that the finger 71 is now placed on the jog dial 114, names of a plurality of functions that can be selected by the jog dial 114 ("function A" to "function E"). ), And a tooltip in which an anchor 113 arranged on a position where a name of a predetermined function (“function D” in the example of FIG. 11) is displayed is displayed. 112 is pop-up displayed on the display unit 111.

  When the user rotates the jog dial 114 with his / her finger 71, the anchor 113 is located at the position where the name of one of the functions “Function A” to “Function E” is displayed. Moved to (displayed)

  Therefore, when the anchor 113 is placed on the position where the name of the desired function is displayed, when the user presses the jog dial 114 (when the PDA 101 recognizes that it is in the second state), the desired function Can be executed by the PDA 101.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the anchor 113 is arranged on the position where “function D” is displayed and the user presses the jog dial 114 with the finger 71 in this state, the PDA 101 Can perform "Function D".

  Since other configurations and operations of the PDA 101 are easy to understand for those skilled in the art and are not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  (Third embodiment)

  FIG. 12 illustrates an external configuration example of a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 121 as the third embodiment of the information processing apparatus 31.

  The function of the remote controller 121 is not particularly limited. For example, in this example, it is assumed that a TV program channel displayed on the display unit 133 of the TV (television) receiver 122 is selected.

  Nearly the entire surface of the remote controller 121 is provided with a button group 131 including a plurality of buttons each assigned a function of selecting a predetermined channel. For example, it is assumed that a function for selecting one channel (CH1) is assigned to the button 131-1.

  Although not shown, a proximity sensor 12 that detects that a living body has approached each button of the button group 131 is disposed below the button group 131.

  In other words, the button group 131 corresponds to the buttons 11-1 to 11-12 (button 11 in FIG. 5) in FIG. 2, and as shown in FIG. One intersection of 22 and the receiving electrode 23 is arranged.

  However, in the example of FIG. 2, as described above, the 12 buttons (buttons 11-1 to 11-12) are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns, but the example of the remote controller 121 of FIG. Then, 16 buttons (each button of the button group 131) are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 4 columns. Therefore, the number of the transmission electrodes 22 and the reception electrodes 23 of the remote controller 121 is preferably 4 each.

  In addition, a communication unit 132 is provided on a surface that is in perpendicular contact with the upper surface of the remote controller 121. The communication unit 132 corresponds to the communication unit 49 in FIG. 5 and transmits various signals such as a channel selection signal to the TV receiver 122 wirelessly (by radio waves or infrared rays).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if the user puts his finger 71 on the button 131-1, the remote controller 121 recognizes that the button 131-1 is in the first state, and A signal indicating this (hereinafter referred to as a first state signal) is generated and transmitted to the TV receiver 122.

  The TV receiver 122 receives the first state signal, and displays an image corresponding to the button group 131 of the remote controller 121 in a predetermined area in the display unit 133 (left side of the display unit 133 in the example of FIG. 12). Is displayed in a pop-up display, and the finger 71 is placed in a predetermined area different from the area where the tool chip 134-1 is displayed (in the upper right part of the display unit 133 in the example of FIG. 12). Pops up a CH1 program assigned to the button 131-1 on which “” is placed and a tool tip 134-2 on which the characters “CH1” are displayed.

  At this time, although not shown, the program of the channel selected previously is displayed on the entire display unit 133 (where the tooltip 134-1 and the tooltip 134-2 are not displayed). .

  Further, in this state, when the user presses the button 131-1 with the finger 71, the remote controller 121 recognizes that the button 131-1 is in the second state, and a signal (button 131-1) indicating that. (Select signal of CH1 assigned to) is transmitted.

  At this time, although not shown, the TV receiver 122 receives the CH1 selection signal, erases the tool tip 134-1 and the tool tip 134-2, and displays the CH1 program on the entire display unit 133. Let

  However, in order to execute the above-described series of processing, it is necessary to mount functions corresponding to not only the remote controller 121 but also the TV receiver 122 in advance.

  As described above, the user uses the remote control 121 to correspond to the button on which the finger 71 is placed on the display while the program of the channel selected previously is displayed on the TV receiver 122. The channel program (tooltip 134-2) can be displayed in a small size.

  Therefore, the user does not need to visually recognize where the finger 71 is arranged on the remote control 121 (there is no need to look at the button group 131). For example, the user operates the remote control 121 in a dark room. However, it is possible to easily select a desired channel.

  In recent years, the remote controller is often provided with a display (the output unit 47 in FIG. 5). In this case, the remote controller pops up a tool tip on the display as well as the mobile phone 81 described above. Can be displayed.

  However, as described above, the remote controller 121 can directly display the tool chip 134-1 and the tool chip 134-2 on the TV receiver 122 in a pop-up manner, and thus a display is not essential.

  In this case, since the manufacturer or the like does not need to provide a display on the remote controller 121, the remote controller 121 having a compact and simple structure can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Note that other configurations and operations of the remote controller 121 and the TV receiver 122 are easy to understand for those skilled in the art and are not directly related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  (Fourth embodiment)

  As described above, the proximity sensor 12 in FIG. 2 can measure how close the living body is (the distance between the living body and the intersection).

  Therefore, the remote controller 121 of FIG. 12 to which the proximity sensor 12 (information input device 1) is applied, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the finger 71 is an area between the button 131-1 and the button 131-2. 142 and the fourth state in which the hand 141 has moved on the button group 131 (a plurality of buttons) in a predetermined direction (in the example shown in FIG. 13, diagonally right upward). can do.

  In the remote controller 121, the finger 71 is arranged not only in the area 142 but also in any of the two-dimensional detection areas of the proximity sensor 12 (area where each transmission electrode 22 and each reception electrode 23 intersect). Even in this case, the third state where the finger 71 is arranged in the area can be recognized, and the coordinates of the area where the finger 71 is arranged can also be recognized.

  The remote controller 121 can also detect that a plurality of intersections among the intersections of the transmission electrodes 22 and the reception electrodes 23 are simultaneously covered with the hand 141.

  As a result, the remote controller 121 can recognize the locus (coordinates) of the hand 141 in the fourth state. In other words, as long as the hand 141 (living body) moves on the detection area, the remote controller 121 recognizes the fourth state in which the hand 141 moves in any direction, regardless of which direction the hand 141 moves. can do.

  Accordingly, the remote controller 121 stores (registers) each of these various third and fourth states, and assigns a predetermined function to each of these registered various states, thereby placing the finger on the above-described button. In addition to the first state and the second state where the button is pressed, various functions corresponding to various third and fourth states can be executed.

  Details of the process of recognizing and registering the above-described new state (third or fourth state) and assigning a function corresponding thereto (hereinafter referred to as function assignment process) are shown in FIG.

  The function allocation process in this example will be described with reference to FIG.

  This function assignment process can be executed not only by the remote controller 121 but also by the information processing apparatus to which the information input apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is applied, that is, the information processing apparatus 31 of FIG. Therefore, FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the function assignment processing not only for the remote controller 121 but also for the information processing apparatus 31 widely.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 31 can execute the function assignment process for the first state and the second state as necessary. For example, as will be described later, when the PC functions as a mouse, the PC can assign a function corresponding to the left click or right click of the mouse to a predetermined one of the buttons constituting the keyboard ( As a function corresponding to the second state of the predetermined button, a function corresponding to the left click or right click of the mouse can be assigned).

  In step S31, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the function assignment mode is selected. If it is determined that the function assignment mode is not selected, the CPU 41 waits for the process.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 41 determines in step S31 that the function assignment mode has been selected, the CPU 41 displays the state (for example, the third or fourth state in FIG. 13) applied by the user or the like in step S32 as the input / output interface. It recognizes based on the approach information of the proximity sensor 12 inputted via 45 and the bus 44.

  In this example, the recognized state is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 43, for example.

  In step S33, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the state recognized in the process of step S32 is designated by the user or the like. If it is determined that the recognized state is not designated, the process returns to step S31, and the subsequent processing repeat. That is, the CPU 41 determines that no function is registered for the state recognized in the process of step S32, and waits for the process until the next state is applied by the user.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 41 determines in step S33 that the recognized state has been designated, in step S34, the CPU 41 uses a region other than the predetermined region stored in step S32 (hereinafter referred to as a fixed region). The state recognized in step S32 is stored.

  Note that the fixed area may be provided in the RAM 43 or in the storage unit 48.

  In step S35, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the function corresponding to the state stored in the process of step S34 has been selected by the user or the like, and determines that the function corresponding to the state is not selected, step S35. Then, it is determined again whether or not the function corresponding to the state has been selected. That is, the CPU 41 waits for the processing until a function corresponding to the state is selected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the function corresponding to the state has been selected, the CPU 41 assigns a function corresponding to the state in step S36.

  The function allocation method is not limited. For example, in this example, the CPU 41 selects the function corresponding to the state (selected in the process of step S35) in the determined area in which the state is stored in the process of step S34. The name of the function) is further memorized.

  In addition, the determination processing method of the process in step S35 is not limited. In this example, for example, when any function is manually selected by a user or the like from among a plurality of preset functions, or the user When a new function is defined, the CPU 41 determines that the function corresponding to the state has been selected.

  In step S37, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the function assignment mode has been released. If it is determined that the function assignment mode has been released, the CPU 41 ends the process, and determines that the function assignment mode has not been released. If so, the process returns to step S31 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Thereby, after that (after the function allocation process is executed), when a living body such as a user performs a predetermined state (for example, the third or fourth state in FIG. 13) stored in the fixed region, the CPU 41 Can recognize the predetermined state, read the name of the function (function corresponding to the predetermined state) stored together with the predetermined state, and execute the function. That is, the CPU 41 can execute processing corresponding to steps S13 and S14 of FIG. 6 corresponding to the predetermined state.

  At this time, the CPU 41 may cause the display (output unit 47) to display information (name of function, etc.) regarding the predetermined state on the display (output unit 47) via the bus 44 and the input / output interface 45. In the case of the remote controller 121, it may be displayed on the TV receiver 122).

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 31 can recognize the third state and the fourth state described above, and thus functions assigned to the buttons in advance (in the remote control 121, each button of the button group 131 is assigned to each button. Functions (commands) other than the assigned channel selection function) can be assigned as functions corresponding to these various states.

  Accordingly, the user can cause the information processing apparatus 31 to execute various types of functions by performing more sensible operations corresponding to the functions.

  For example, the remote controller 121 can be assigned a function of canceling channel selection (displaying the program of the original channel) as a function corresponding to the fourth state of FIG. In this case, when it is determined that the user wants to cancel the selection of the program of the currently selected channel, an operation indicating the cancellation with the hand 141, that is, the hand 141 is moved diagonally upward on the button group 131. An operation may be performed (the fourth state may be performed).

  (Fifth embodiment)

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 31 in FIG. 4 recognizes the fourth state in which the living body (such as the user's finger) has moved on the plurality of buttons in a predetermined direction, and responds to the fourth state. Function to be assigned. Further, the information processing apparatus 31 can assign a new function different from the function previously assigned to the button to the button.

  Therefore, when the information processing apparatus 31 is a PC (personal computer) and the information input apparatus 1 forms the keyboard 161 as shown in FIG. 15, the information processing apparatus 31 uses the mouse (2 It can function as a dimensional coordinate input device.

  That is, FIG. 12 shows an example of the external configuration of the keyboard 161 of the PC as the fifth embodiment of the information processing apparatus 31.

  A plurality of buttons are arranged on the surface of the keyboard 161 according to a predetermined standard, and a predetermined function according to the predetermined standard is assigned to each of the plurality of buttons. That is, the PC can input various instructions using a plurality of buttons of the keyboard 161.

  Although not shown, a living body approaches each button below (near) the cursor movement button group 162-1, left click button 162-2, and right click button 162-3 among these buttons. A proximity sensor 12 that detects this is disposed.

  That is, the cursor movement button group 162-1, the left click button 162-2, and the right click button 162-3 correspond to the buttons 11-1 to 11-12 (button 11 in FIG. 5) in FIG. 1, one intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 is arranged below each of the cursor movement button group 162-1, the left click button 162-2, and the right click button 162-3. Has been.

  However, in the example of FIG. 2, as described above, the 12 buttons (buttons 11-1 to 11-12) are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns, but the keyboard 161 of FIG. In the example, nine buttons (seven buttons constituting the cursor movement button group 162-1, left click button 162-2, and right click button 162-3) are arranged according to a predetermined standard. Therefore, the number of the transmission electrodes 22 and the reception electrodes 23 of the keyboard 161 is such that one intersection is always under each button of the cursor movement button group 162-1, the left click button 162-2, and the right click button 162-3. Only as many as can be deployed are needed.

  Now, when the user's hands are placed on the keyboard 161, the normal character input mode is selected, and when only the user's right hand is placed, the mouse mode (two-dimensional coordinate input mode) is selected. And

  The method for determining whether the user's both hands are on or only the right hand is on is not limited. In this example, for example, although not shown, the left hand detection sensor for detecting a living body is a user When the left hand detection sensor detects a living body (such as the user's left hand), the CPU 41 determines that both of the user's hands are on the left hand detection. When the sensor does not detect a living body, it is determined that only the user's right hand is placed.

  The configuration of the left-hand detection sensor is not particularly limited. In this example, for example, the intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 (the cursor movement button group 162-1, the left click button 162-2, and the right click described above) It is assumed that the left hand detection sensor is configured by disposing an intersection other than the intersection under each button of the button 162-3 in the vicinity of the position where the user's left hand is placed.

  This eliminates the need for the user to switch between these two modes (normal character input mode and mouse mode) with an explicit command.

  In this example, as a function when the mouse mode is selected, a function corresponding to the left click of the mouse with respect to the left click button 162-2, and a right of the mouse with respect to the right click button 162-3 are selected. It is assumed that the function corresponding to the mouse cursor movement is assigned as the function corresponding to the click on the cursor movement group 162-1 as the function corresponding to the fourth state.

  Thus, when the CPU 41 determines that only the user's right hand is placed, the CPU 161 can function as a mouse.

  Specifically, when the user's finger 71 moves on the cursor movement button group 162-1, the CPU 41 recognizes the locus based on the approach information of the proximity sensor 12 (recognizes that it is in the fourth state). The mouse cursor displayed on the display (output unit 47) is moved (displayed) along the trajectory, and when the left click button 162-2 is pressed by the finger 71, it is recognized ( The function corresponding to the left click of the mouse is executed by recognizing the second state, and when the right click button 162-3 is pressed by the finger 71, the function is recognized (the second state). The function corresponding to the right click of the mouse can be executed.

  The cursor movement button group 162-1, the left click button 162-2, and the right click button 162-3 are not limited to the buttons shown in FIG. The number of buttons constituting the cursor movement button group 162-1 is not limited. However, one intersection of the transmission electrode 22 and the reception electrode 23 is arranged under each of the selected cursor movement button group 162-1, left click button 162-2, and right click button 162-3. It is necessary to

  Further, other configurations and operations of the PC and its keyboard 161 are easy to understand for those skilled in the art and are not directly related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the information input device 1 in FIG. 1 can be applied to various information processing devices 31 such as a mobile phone 81, a PDA 101, a remote controller 121, and a PC having a keyboard 161. By using the information processing apparatus 31, the “tool tip” technique can be used without using a mouse.

  In addition, when the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program that configures the software is installed in a dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute the function is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the recording medium is distributed to provide a program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk 61 (including a floppy disk) and an optical disk 62 (including a floppy disk). CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (including digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disk 63 (including MD (mini-disk)), or semiconductor memory 64. In addition, the program is configured by a ROM 42 storing a program, a hard disk included in the storage unit 48, and the like provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order in the order in which it is included, but is not necessarily processed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the information input device to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the proximity sensor of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an equivalent circuit in the intersection of the transmission electrode and reception electrode of the proximity sensor of FIG. It is a figure which shows the equivalent circuit example in the intersection when a biological body wants to approach the intersection of the transmission electrode of a proximity sensor of FIG. 2, and a reception electrode. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the function execution process of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the initial state of the button of the information processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first state of the button of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 5 in step S11 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd state in step S13 of the button of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external appearance of the mobile telephone as 1st Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external appearance of PDA as 2nd Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external appearance of the remote controller as 3rd Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 3rd state and 4th state which the remote controller as 4th Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 5 recognizes. It is a flowchart explaining the function allocation process of the information processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external appearance of the keyboard of the personal computer as 5th Embodiment of the information processing apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Information Input Device, 11 Button, 11d Contact, 12 Proximity Sensor, 21 Oscillator, 22 Transmitting Electrode, 23 Receiving Electrode, 24 Receiver, 25 Processor, Ca, Cb1, Cb2 Capacitor, 31 Information Processing Device, 41 CPU, 71 Finger , 81 mobile phone, 91, 111, 133 display unit, 92, 112, 134-1, 134-2 tooltip, 93, 114 jog dial, 94, 131 button group, 101 PDA, 141 hand, 142 area, 161 keyboard, 162-1 Cursor move button group, 162-2 Left click button, 162-3 Right click button

Claims (4)

Display means for displaying information;
A plurality of buttons that are arranged in a grid and that allow input by pressing,
A proximity sensor for detecting contact or approach of the living body to the button;
A state recognizing means for recognizing that the contact of the living body with respect to the button is detected by the proximity sensor as a contact state;
When the situation recognition means recognizes the contact state, the display means displays information related to processing executed by pressing each of the plurality of buttons so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of buttons. Control means for controlling,
The proximity sensor is
A plurality of linear transmission electrodes;
A first capacitor equivalent circuit in which a capacitance due to each intersection with a plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged so as not to contact the plurality of transmitting electrodes is fixed;
A virtual capacitor formed between the living body and the transmitting electrode and between the living body and the receiving electrode is connected in series, and the second capacitor equivalent circuit is in parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a circuit formed; and detecting contact or approach of the living body based on a change in capacitance of a second capacitor equivalent circuit. The situation recognizing means further recognizes a state where the approach of the living body with respect to the button accompanying the movement of the living body moving in the vicinity of the plurality of buttons arranged in the grid is detected as an approaching state,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to execute a predetermined process according to the movement when the situation recognition unit recognizes the approaching state. . Further comprising function assigning means for assigning the function corresponding to the movement in the approaching state;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit executes a function corresponding to the movement assigned by the function assigning unit when the approaching state is recognized by the state recognizing unit. . Display means for displaying information;
A plurality of buttons that are arranged in a grid and that allow input by pressing,
In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus comprising: a proximity sensor that detects contact or approach of a living body to the button;
Recognizing that the proximity sensor detects the contact of the living body with the button as a contact state,
A step of executing control to display information related to processing executed by pressing each of the plurality of buttons by the display means so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of buttons when the contact state is recognized. Including
The proximity sensor is
A plurality of linear transmission electrodes;
A first capacitor equivalent circuit in which a capacitance due to each intersection with a plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged so as not to contact the plurality of transmitting electrodes is fixed;
A virtual capacitor formed between the living body and the transmitting electrode and between the living body and the receiving electrode is connected in series, and the second capacitor equivalent circuit is in parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit. An information processing method comprising: forming a circuit and detecting contact or approach of the living body based on a change in capacitance of a second capacitor equivalent circuit.

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