JP2007066031A - Information input system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform input operation of character information or the like from an operation input apparatus such as a remote controller whose operation space is restricted to a display apparatus such as a television. <P>SOLUTION: The operation input apparatus 10 is provided with: a touch pad 11 divided into a plurality of areas and allocating information to be selection candidates to respective areas; a start point recognition means 12a for recognizing a position touched with a finger 1 on the touch pad 11 as a start point; a moving direction/moving distance detection means 12b for detecting the moving direction and moving distance of the finger 1 from the recognized start point; and an end point detection means 12c for detecting a position where the finger 1 is separated from the touch pad 11 as an end point. The display apparatus 20 is provided with a display control means 22 for changing selection candidates allocated to the areas including the start point and displaying the selection candidates on a screen in accordance with the moving direction and moving distance of the finger 1 which are detected by the moving direction/moving distance detection means 12b and an input determination means 26 for determining the input of the selection candidate selected on the screen when the end point is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information input system, and more particularly to an information input system for inputting various information such as character information from a manipulation input device having a touch pad to a display device such as a television.

  Conventionally, in a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) for remotely operating an AV device such as a television broadcast receiver, a limited operation input button is used to perform character input in a limited operation space. A plurality of characters are assigned to each of them, and an arbitrary character is called by multi-tap, or an arbitrary character is specified by a combination of a plurality of operation input buttons.

  For this reason, the operator needs to repeatedly press and release the operation input button many times or understand a complicated combination of buttons. Also, multi-tap operations tend to cause problems such as excessive button operations and failure to select the intended character. In this case, operations such as repeated button operations until the intended character appears again. Is required, and it has become a factor that makes input efficiency worse.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a character input device that can easily input many types of characters using a limited area. This is to perform character input using a touchpad and a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen. For example, when a virtual keyboard with keys arranged in a honeycomb shape is displayed on the screen and a finger is slid on the touchpad, the selected key on the virtual keyboard moves and the finger is released from the touchpad. The key that was selected becomes the key that was pressed.
JP 2003-196007 A

  The character input device described in Patent Document 1 displays a virtual keyboard on a screen, slides a finger on a touch pad, and releases a finger on a desired key, thereby inputting a character corresponding to the key. It is configured to be able to.

  However, in the above configuration, it is necessary to assign a plurality of characters as selection candidates in the virtual keyboard, and in order to assign and display many characters on the virtual keyboard, some screen area is required. Also, if you assign many characters to the virtual keyboard and display them in a limited area, not only will the display size of the characters be reduced, but it will also be intuitive which character is assigned to which position on the virtual keyboard There is a problem that it is difficult to understand.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can efficiently input character information and the like to a display device such as a television from an operation input device having a limited operation space such as a remote control. To do,
More specifically, an operation input device including a touch pad that is divided into a plurality of regions and to which information such as character information that is a selection candidate is assigned to each region, and a display device that receives information from the operation input device In an information input system comprising: a position touched by an input means (such as an operator's finger) on the touch pad, and a region including the start point according to the moving direction and the moving amount of the input means from the start point An object is to display the assigned selection candidates on a display device so that desired information can be input.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention includes an operation input device including a touchpad that is divided into a plurality of regions and to which information as selection candidates is assigned to each region, and the operation input device In the information input system including the display device to which information is input, the operation input device includes a start point recognizing unit that recognizes a position touched by the input unit on the touch pad as a start point, and from the recognized start point. A moving direction / movement amount detecting means for detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of the input means; and an end point detecting means for detecting a position when the input means is separated from the touch pad as an end point. The selection candidate assigned to the area including the start point is changed according to the movement direction and movement amount of the input means detected by the movement direction / movement amount detection means. Display control means for displaying on the screen Te, the end point is obtained by characterized by comprising an input determination means for determining an input of the selection candidate in the selected state in the screen when it is detected.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the display control means displays a list of a plurality of selection candidates assigned to the area including the start point, and the movement direction / movement amount detection means. The selection candidates in the selected state are displayed on the list so as to be identifiable on the basis of the movement direction and movement amount of the input means detected by.

  A third technical means is the second technical means, wherein the display control means is an item for canceling input processing when displaying a plurality of selection candidates assigned to the area including the start point. Is included in the plurality of selection candidates and displayed.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, the display control means selects an item for canceling the input process when the input means touches an area including the starting point, and selects the list. Is displayed.

  According to a fifth technical means, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, the display control means is assigned to each area according to an arrangement of the respective areas provided on the touch pad. The display order of selection candidates is changed.

  According to a sixth technical means, in the fifth technical means, the touch pad changes a moving direction of the input means in accordance with an arrangement of each area provided on the touch pad. is there.

  A seventh technical means is the technical means according to any one of the first to fourth technical means, wherein when the number of selection candidates assigned to the area including the starting point is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the display control means It is characterized by being arranged and displayed in a matrix.

  According to an eighth technical means, in the seventh technical means, the display control means selects a page switching key for switching each page of the plurality of pages when there are a plurality of pages in which the selection candidates are arranged in a matrix. It is possible to display the page, and the page is switched when a certain period of time elapses after the page switching key is selected.

  A ninth technical means is any one of the second to fourth technical means, wherein the touchpad includes a scroll area for scroll-displaying a plurality of selection candidates included in the list, and the display control means Is characterized in that a plurality of selection candidates in the list are scrolled and displayed while the input means is touching the scroll area.

  In a tenth technical means according to any one of the second to fourth technical means, the display control means can display a scroll key for scroll-displaying a plurality of selection candidates included in the list. According to an operation from a touch pad, while the scroll key is in a selected state, a plurality of selection candidates in the list are scrolled and displayed.

  According to an eleventh technical means, in any one of the first to tenth technical means, character information consisting of at least one character type is assigned to each area provided on the touchpad. It is what.

  In a twelfth technical means according to any one of the first to tenth technical means, function setting information related to the display device is assigned to each area provided in the touchpad. It is a thing.

  In a thirteenth technical means according to any one of the first to tenth technical means, the display device includes a plurality of different tuners for receiving broadcast signals, and a predetermined area provided on the touch pad. An information input system, wherein channel selection information for each tuner is assigned to each.

  A fourteenth technical means according to any one of the first to tenth technical means, wherein the display device includes a tuner for receiving a television broadcast signal, and for each area provided on the touchpad, A plurality of pieces of channel information are allocated.

  In a fifteenth technical means, in any one of the first to tenth technical means, numerical information of 0 to 9 is assigned to any one of a plurality of regions provided in the touch pad. It is characterized by being.

  According to a sixteenth technical means, in the first technical means, the input means is an operator's finger or a pen.

  According to a seventeenth technical means, in the first technical means, the operation input device includes a click button for executing confirmation of input of the start point and / or the end point by a click operation, and the input confirmation means includes: The input of the start point and / or the end point is confirmed when a click operation is performed by the click button.

  According to an eighteenth technical means, in the first technical means, the touchpad includes a click area for executing confirmation of input of the start point and / or the end point by a click operation, and the input confirmation means includes the input The input of the start point and / or the end point is confirmed when a click operation is performed in the click area.

  According to the present invention, an operation input device including a touchpad that is divided into a plurality of regions and to which information such as character information that is a selection candidate is assigned to each region, and a display device to which information is input from the operation input device In an information input system comprising: a position touched by an input means (such as an operator's finger) on the touch pad, and a region including the start point according to the moving direction and the moving amount of the input means from the start point Since the selected selection candidates can be displayed on the display device and desired information can be input, even an operation input device such as a remote controller with a limited operation space can perform an input operation efficiently.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an input means, 10 is an operation input device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller), and 20 is information from the remote controller 10. Indicates a display device to which is input. The remote controller 10 is divided into a plurality of areas, each of which is assigned a touch pad 11 to which information such as character information as a selection candidate is assigned, a touch pad controller 12 that controls the touch pad 11, and an operation from the touch pad 11. Transmitting means 13 for transmitting an input signal to the display device 20 via infrared or wireless.

  The touch pad controller 12 recognizes a starting point recognition unit 12a that recognizes a position touched by the input unit 1 on the touch pad 11 as a starting point, and a moving direction / movement for detecting the moving direction and moving amount of the input unit 1 from the recognized starting point. A quantity detection unit 12b; and an end point detection unit 12c that detects a position when the input unit 1 is separated from the touch pad 11 as an end point. As described above, the touch pad 11 has a function of recognizing an area touched by the input unit 1, a function of detecting a direction and a moving amount of a subsequent slide operation, and a function of detecting a position where the input unit 1 is separated. With. In addition, as an input method of the touch pad 11, a known method such as a resistance film method or an electrostatic method can be used.

  As the input means 1 for inputting to the touch pad 11, finger input by an operator's finger, pen input by a stylus pen, or the like can be used. In the following description, finger input (hereinafter often referred to as finger 1) will be described as a representative example as input means.

  The display device 20 includes a receiving unit 21 that receives an operation input signal transmitted from the remote controller 10, and a start point recognizing unit according to the moving direction and moving amount of the finger 1 detected by the moving direction / moving amount detecting unit 12b. Display control means 22 for changing the selection candidate assigned to the area including the starting point recognized by 12a and displaying it on the screen, and characters (kanji, hiragana, katakana, etc.) associated with the operation input signal from the remote controller 10 A dictionary DB 23 that stores dictionary information such as letters and alphanumerics, a memory 24 that stores channel information in association with operation input signals from the remote controller 10, and a display means 25 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). When the end point is detected by the end point detecting means 12c, Input confirming means 26 for confirming an input.

  In addition, the display device 20 includes a television tuner function for receiving television broadcasts, a radio tuner function for receiving radio broadcasts such as FM broadcasts and AM broadcasts, and a music player function for reproducing music data. It may be configured to have a plurality of functions, or may be a personal computer (PC) having the above functions.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information input system according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which 30 denotes an external device such as a recording / reproducing apparatus (recorder or the like) or a PC main body. In the present embodiment, the external device 30 and the display device 20 are connected, and an operation input signal from the remote controller 10 is received by the external device 30 and sent from the external device 30 to the display device 20. As described above, the external device 30 may include the receiving unit 21, the display control unit 22, the dictionary DB 23, the memory 24, and the input confirmation unit 26 included in the display device 20. The external device 30 may have functions such as the above-described television tuner function, radio tuner function, music player function, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the touch pad 11 and the display device 20 included in the remote controller 10. The touch pad 11 includes an area 111 to which numbers “1” and “A row” are assigned, an area 112 to which numbers “2” and “ka row” are assigned, numbers “3” and “sa line”. ”And the like, an area 114 to which the numbers“ 4 ”and“ Ta Line ”and the like are assigned, an area 115 to which the numbers“ 5 ”and“ Na Line ”and the like are assigned, and the number“ 6 ”. And an area 116 to which “ha” is assigned, an area 117 to which the numbers “7” and “ma” are assigned, an area 118 to which the numbers “8” and “ya” are assigned, and the number “ 9 ”and“ Ra Line ”and the like, and an area 120 to which numbers“ 0 ”and“ Wa Line ”are assigned. Note that a plurality of character types such as hiragana, katakana, alphabets (including upper and lower case letters), numbers, symbols, full-width characters, and half-width characters can be selectively assigned to the areas 111 to 120.

  In FIG. 3, the operator touches the finger 1 on the area of the touch pad 11 to which a desired character is assigned. Subsequently, by sliding the finger 1 (sliding downward in the figure) with this as the “starting point”, the character selection candidates assigned in accordance with the moving direction and moving amount change in order, and the display device 20 Displayed on the screen. When the desired character is displayed as a selection candidate, the operator sets it as the “end point” and releases the touch of the finger 1. This confirms the selection of characters.

  In addition, in the stage where the operation of sliding the finger 1 is started after the start point is determined, the operation is performed according to the direction in which the finger 1 is slid and the amount of movement, and the finger 1 moves to another area of the touch pad 11. However, the characters assigned there do not affect the operation.

  Further, in the above operation, even when the character selection candidates are displayed in order, even if the finger 1 is slid over the desired character candidate, the finger 1 is slid in the opposite direction as it is and the desired character is slid. You may make it possible to select back to the candidate.

  A specific embodiment when inputting various information such as character information and channel information from the remote controller 10 to the display device 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction of movement and amount of movement, 201 is a character ("sa" in the figure) that is initially displayed as a selection candidate, 202 is a character candidate assigned to a region (here, region 113), and 203 is selected by hitting the cursor Characters that are in a state (“se” outlined in the figure) are shown. In addition, the arrow in the display apparatus 20 shows the movement direction of a cursor. The character 203 in the selected state is a character in a state where the cursor is operated and the cursor is hit according to the moving direction and the moving amount 102 of the finger 1.

  For example, when the operator wants to select the character “SE”, he / she touches the finger 1 on the area 113 to which the character is assigned (start point 101) and slides it from the start point 101 to the near side (downward in the figure) (finger 1). Moving direction and moving amount 102). On the display device 20, the character candidates 202 assigned to the area 113 are displayed as selection candidates in the order of “sa” → “shi” → “su” → “se” → “so” →. The operator stops sliding the finger 1 when the desired “se” is displayed as a selection candidate (when the cursor hits and is selected), and the selection is confirmed by releasing the touch.

  At this time, for example, when the finger 1 is slid over the desired “set” and the cursor is placed on the “set” below it, the finger 1 is directly moved in the opposite direction on the touch pad 11. It is also possible to perform the operation by sliding the screen back to “S” and place the cursor again on “SE” so that selection can be made.

  Further, when displaying the candidate characters assigned to each area on the display device 20, only the candidates in the selected state are displayed one by one in order according to the moving direction and moving amount 102 of the finger 1. Alternatively, a plurality of selection candidates including candidates before and after the candidate in the selected state may be listed and displayed. FIG. 4 shows an example of the latter list display. In this case, depending on the moving direction and moving amount 102 of the finger 1, the character is displayed so that it can be identified by placing the cursor on any character of the character candidate 202. To do. Here, the state where the cursor is placed on “se” is shown.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction and amount of movement, 201 is the first character displayed as a selection candidate (“RO” in the figure), 202 is a character candidate assigned to an area (here, area 119), 203 is selected by hitting the cursor Characters that are in a state ("ri" outlined in the figure) are shown. The information input system according to the present embodiment is configured to change the display order of the selection candidates according to the arrangement of the regions provided on the touch pad 11 when the selection candidate list is displayed on the display device 20. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, when operating the area 113 to which “sa line” is allocated, which is arranged on the upper side of the touch pad 11, “sa” is displayed as a selection candidate first. “SHI”, “SU”, “SE”, and “SO” are displayed in this order on the lower side, and the target character is selected by sliding the finger 1 toward the lower side of the figure.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when operating the area 119 allocated with “R” on the lower side of the touch pad 11, “RO” is displayed as a selection candidate first, “Re”, “ru”, “ri”, “ra” are displayed in order on the upper side, and the target character is selected by sliding the finger 1 toward the upper side of the figure.

  Further, for example, when operating the area 116 assigned with “ha row” arranged substantially in the middle of the touch pad 11, “fu” is displayed as a selection candidate first, and “hi”, “Ha” is displayed in this order, and “F” and “H” are displayed in that order in the lower side, and the character 1 is selected by sliding the finger 1 toward the direction of the target character. Accordingly, a space for sliding the finger 1 can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the area set on the touch pad 11.

  It should be noted that a space for sliding the finger 1 in the same direction is secured for each area of the touchpad 11, and the input operation may be performed so that the area can be slid in the same direction in all areas. .

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction of movement and amount of movement, 121 is an area for performing “Kana-Kanji conversion”, 204 is a conversion candidate assigned to the area (here, area 121), 205 is a conversion character (in the figure) in a selected state when the cursor hits it The white “Teacher”). The information input system of the present embodiment is configured so that a desired conversion character can be selected from the conversion candidates 204 when performing not only character selection but also “Kana-Kanji conversion” operation.

  Here, an area 121 for performing “kana-kanji conversion” is provided on the touch pad 11, and when the operator's finger 1 touches the area 121, input character conversion candidates are displayed on the display device 20. In this example, four characters “se”, “n”, “se”, and “i” have already been input, and conversion candidates corresponding to these input characters are listed one by one or in a list. Is displayed. The operator stops sliding the finger 1 when the cursor is placed on the desired conversion candidate and enters the selection state, and the selection is confirmed by releasing the touch.

(Fourth embodiment)
The information input system according to the present embodiment is configured so that a desired item can be selected from a list of registered song names, artist names, album names, etc., when the display device 20 has a music player function. Further, when the display device 20 has an electronic mail function or the like, a desired item may be selected from a list such as the name and address of the address book. In this case, a method is conceivable in which the characters (“A line” ˜) assigned to each area of the touch pad 11 are associated with the list items to be displayed on the screen and registered.

  For example, it is assumed that a character frame for selecting a prefecture name is displayed on the display device 20 and a list for selecting an input character to the character frame is displayed. At this time, when the operator touches the area 114 to which “ta row” of the touch pad 11 is assigned, the display device 20 displays “Chiba Prefecture”, “Tokyo”, “Tokushima Prefecture” related to “ta row”. , “Tochigi Prefecture”, “Tottori Prefecture”, “Toyama Prefecture”, etc. are displayed in a list. The operator stops sliding the finger 1 when the cursor hits a desired candidate and enters a selection state, and the selection is confirmed by releasing the touch.

  The information input system of the present invention can also be applied to cases where the display device 20 has a large number of function setting items. In this case, an area of the touch pad 11 is allocated for each function group. When the operator touches a desired area of the touch pad 11, the display device 20 displays a list of function setting items corresponding to the touched area for each function group. Further, the operator stops sliding the finger 1 when the cursor hits a desired candidate and enters a selection state, and the selection is confirmed by releasing the touch.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction and amount of movement, 122 is an area for selecting an AM broadcast, 123 is an area for selecting an FM broadcast, 124 is an area for selecting a TV broadcast, and 206 is an area (here, the area 123) 207 assigned to the broadcasting station, 207 indicates a broadcasting station ("FM Chiba" outlined in the figure) in a selected state when the cursor hits it.

  In the information input system of the present embodiment, the display device 20 has a radio tuner function and a television tuner function. In this case, the area of the touch pad 11 is set for each type of broadcast such as FM broadcast, AM broadcast, short wave broadcast, digital radio broadcast, terrestrial broadcast, BS broadcast, terrestrial digital broadcast, BS digital broadcast, CS broadcast, and CATV. Assign it.

  For example, when the operator's finger 1 touches the area 123, FM broadcast station candidates that can be received are displayed on the display device 20. Is done. In this example, five candidates “FM Chiba”, “FM McHari”, “Kanto FM”, “FM888”, and “FM Valley” are displayed one by one in order or as a list of all candidates. The operator stops sliding the finger 1 when the cursor is placed on the desired broadcast station candidate and enters the selection state, and the selection is confirmed by releasing the touch.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. A moving direction and moving amount, 208 is a channel candidate assigned to an area (here, area 112), and 209 is a channel ("20ch" outlined in the figure) that is in a selected state upon hitting the cursor. In the information input system of this embodiment, the display device 20 has a television tuner function. Here, assuming that many channels are prepared even for the same type of broadcasting, channels are distributed and registered in each area of the touchpad 11.

  For example, channels 01 to 09ch are areas 120 (displayed by assigning the number “0”), channels 10 to 19ch are areas 111 (displayed by assigning the number “1”), and channels 20 to 29 are areas 112 (number “01”). Channels having corresponding channel numbers are assigned to areas where numbers corresponding to the tens place of the two-digit channel number are assigned. Thereby, a channel can be selected intuitively by one operation.

  In a conventional television, when a two-digit channel number is selected with ten (0 to 9) numeric keys, two buttons must be operated. In addition, in the past, in order to determine whether the first key pressed by the operator was intended for the tens place or for the first place, the channel was not switched immediately. By applying the present invention, channel switching can be performed quickly.

  Further, the present invention can be similarly applied even when the channel number is three digits or more. In this case, for example, a channel having a corresponding channel number is assigned to an area where a number corresponding to the hundreds of the three-digit channel number is assigned. When an arbitrary area of the touch pad 11 is touched, the channel numbers assigned to the area may be displayed in a list of one or more columns so that the target channel can be selected from the remote controller 10.

  Further, an operator who tries to select channels 01 to 09 may touch the region 111 (number “1”) to the region 119 (number “9”). At this time, channel assignment may be performed so that a desired channel can be selected without reselecting the area. For example, 2ch can be assigned to the area 112 in addition to 20 to 29ch, and even if the operator touches the area 112 to select 2ch, 2ch can be selected without reselecting the area.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction and amount of movement, 202 is a character candidate assigned to a region (here, region 113), 203 is a character that is in a selected state when the cursor hits it (210), and 210 is an input cancel Indicates. In the information input system of this embodiment, when the display device 20 displays a list of character candidates 202, in addition to selectable characters ("sa" to "so"), an input cancellation 210 is added and displayed.

  Thus, for example, when an operation is started from an unintended region 113 of the touch pad 11 due to an operator's operation error, the remote controller 10 can select the input cancel 210 by placing the cursor on the input cancel 210 and selecting the input cancel 210. The input process can be easily canceled without operating another button such as a cancel button provided in.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the case where the input cancellation 210 is provided in the character candidate 202, as shown in FIG. 10, the input cancellation 210 is first selected as a selection candidate displayed when the start area 113 on the touch pad 11 is touched. You may set so that it may be selected.

  As a result, even if the operator touches the unintended region 113 by mistake, the selection is not confirmed if the touch is released as it is, so that an extra operation such as an input cancel operation does not occur. In addition, since no character is selected and confirmed only by “touch” → “touch release”, “touch” → “slide” → “touch release” even when selecting any character assigned to the area in the operation. A series of operations can be performed uniformly.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction and amount of movement, 202 is a character candidate assigned to a region (here, region 111), 203 is a character that is in a selected state when the cursor hits it (210), 210 is an input cancel , 211 indicate the locus of the cursor. In the information input system of this embodiment, when a large number of candidates are assigned to an arbitrary area of the touchpad 11, the candidate group is displayed in a matrix (character candidates 202), and the sliding directions are combined vertically and horizontally. (Moving direction and moving amount 102 of the finger 1), the cursor is moved according to the moving direction and moving amount 102 of the finger 1 (cursor trajectory 211), and the target character, symbol, pictogram, etc. can be selected. Configured.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 125 is an area for selecting a symbol, 212 is a symbol candidate assigned to the area 125, 213 is a page return button, and 214 is a page feed button. When displaying a plurality of candidates in a matrix, it is conceivable that there are a large number of candidates and they are spread over a plurality of pages. In order to deal with such a case, the display device 20 displays the page return button 213 and the page feed button 214 together with the symbol candidate 212. The page return button 213 and the page feed button 214 correspond to the page switching key of the present invention.

  For example, when the cursor stays on the page return button 213 or the page feed button 214 for a certain period of time, the page is switched and a new selection candidate page is displayed. As a result, the operator can select characters, symbols, and the like from a large number of candidates without changing keys.

  Here, in addition to hiragana and katakana, a plurality of character types such as uppercase and lowercase letters, full-width characters, half-width characters, other languages, symbols, and mathematical symbols can be assigned to each area of the touch pad 11. According to the information input system of the present invention, it is possible to easily select a desired character from the character types by linking the touch pad 11 and the display device 20.

  In addition, when a plurality of character types are assigned as described above and any one of the character types is listed as a selection candidate, information for switching from a certain character type to another character type (for example, for example, the selection candidate character) Symbols, characters, designs, icons, etc.) may be displayed. Thus, the operator can perform the switching operation without operating another button for switching the character type.

  In addition, when displaying characters assigned to each area of the touchpad 11, in addition to hiragana and katakana, the uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet, each full-width character, half-width character, and the type of notation in numbers are switched. However, some or all of these may be displayed as selection candidates at a time without changing the state so that they can be selected.

  In addition, when a plurality of character types are displayed as selection candidates as described above, the display columns are changed for each character type so that they can be selected by a combination of a vertical slide operation and a horizontal slide operation. Good.

  In addition, when the display column is changed for each character type as described above, the character type to be displayed in the column that can be selected by simply sliding in one direction from the selection area is arranged so that the character type selected as the immediately preceding character is arranged. May be selected.

  For example, when characters constituting the word “Katakana” are selected in order, the corresponding area of the touch pad 11 is touched when selecting the first “K”. At this time, it is assumed that the display device 20 displays hiragana “ka row” and katakana “ka row” in two columns. Among them, Hiragana's “ka line” is arranged at a position that can be selected by simply sliding in the vertical direction, and by further sliding in the horizontal direction, the cursor moves to “ka line” in Katakana, Select the first “K”. Next, when performing the selection operation for the second character “T”, the operation for the first character is reflected so that the “TA row” of Katakana is arranged at a position that can be selected by simply sliding in the vertical direction. May be.

(Ninth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, in which 101 is the “starting point” of the finger 1, and 102 is the finger 1. Direction and amount of movement, 126 is an area for selecting numbers, 215 is a password input frame, and 216 is a number candidate assigned to the area 126. The information input system according to the present embodiment is configured to assign a number from 0 to 9 to one area 126 and select a target number from the number candidates 216 when inputting numbers.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the operator can repeatedly touch the area 126 of the touch pad 11 to repeatedly perform a slide operation from the same starting point and input different numbers. Thus, the operator can easily input different numbers without having to check the touchpad 11 at hand. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the operator inputs numbers such as passwords in order while looking at the input frame 215 displayed on the screen of the display device 20 using the remote controller 10, You can easily enter numbers with multiple digits. At this time, in order to easily understand the position of the start point, a mark such as a protrusion may be provided on the region 126 serving as the corresponding start point.

(Tenth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of main parts of the touch pad 11 and the display device 20 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The touch pad 11 of the present embodiment includes click recognition means 14 for performing a designation of “start point” or “end point” by a click operation. When specifying the “start point” and “end point” in the operation on the touch pad 11, in order to clearly reflect the designation intention of the operator in the operation, the click function is integrated into the touch pad 11 itself, and the “start point” and “end point” are combined. The click operation may be applied to both or one of the designations.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the main part of the touch pad 11 and the display device 20 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The remote controller 10 of the present embodiment includes a click button 15 for performing a “start point” or “end point” designation by a click operation. When designating the “start point” and “end point” in the operation on the touch pad 11, a separate click button 15 is provided to clearly reflect the designation intention of the operator in the operation, and both the “start point” and “end point” are provided. Alternatively, a click operation may be applied to one of the designations.

  In addition, as described above, when a click operation is used to designate “start point” and “end point”, the selection candidate is not fixed simply by removing the finger 1 from the touch pad 11. Accordingly, even if the slide operation has completely reached the end of the touch pad 11 before reaching the target candidate, the finger 1 is once released from the touch pad 11 and the slide operation is repeated again in the same manner. You may make it follow to a candidate.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a click function may be combined with the touch pad 11 itself, and a function for sequentially calling selection candidates by multi-tap may coexist. As a result, an operator accustomed to the operation of a conventional remote controller can select characters by a favorite method, so that the remote controller 10 can be used without a sense of incongruity.

(Eleventh embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The touch pad 11 according to the present embodiment includes a continuous operation area 16 set at the lower end thereof so that the cursor can continue to move even when the sliding operation of the finger 1 is stopped. This continuous operation area 16 corresponds to the scroll area of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, while the finger 1 touches the continuous operation area 16, the broadcast station candidate 206 is scrolled and displayed on the screen of the display device 20. The number of broadcast station candidates 206 can be grasped to some extent by the scroll bar 217. Thus, the operation can be continued even after the finger 1 reaches the continuous operation region 16 by the slide operation. The continuous operation area 16 may be provided at all four ends (upper end, lower end, right end, left end) of the touch pad 11 or may be provided only at a part of the ends.

  Further, instead of providing the continuous operation area 16 in the touch pad 11, a continuous operation button (not shown) may be provided on the remote controller 10. Accordingly, the cursor can be continuously moved on the screen of the display device 20 by pressing the continue operation button while the touch of the finger 1 is continued.

  Further, when the continuous motion region 16 is provided in the touch pad 11, the boundary portion is subjected to a surface treatment such as a ridge line or a protrusion so that the continuous motion region 16 and other regions can be distinguished and recognized by a fingertip. May be.

  In addition, the moving amount of the sliding operation of the finger 1 on the touch pad 11 and the moving amount of the cursor displayed on the display device 20 may be set in advance by the operator.

(Twelfth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of information input processing from the touch pad 11 to the display device 20 according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17A, the display device 20 of the present embodiment includes a scroll button 218 for scrolling and displaying the selection candidates of the channel candidates 208. The operator operates the touch pad 11 to move the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device 20 downward, and stops the cursor on the scroll button 218 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the display content of the selection candidate list is scrolled. When the cursor is stopped at the scroll button 219, the display contents of the selection candidate list are scrolled in the reverse direction.

  The touch pad 11 incorporated in the remote controller 10 can recognize the touched area and the direction and amount of movement of the subsequent slide operation. The input means for performing this operation is an operation It may be performed by a person's finger, or a device such as a stylus pen may be used instead of the finger.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an information input method to which the present invention is applied. In addition, this example shall be demonstrated based on the structure of the touchpad 11 and the display apparatus 20 which were shown in FIG. First, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the operator's finger 1 is touched on the area 111 from the standby state of the cursor movement instruction (step S1) (step S2). In the case of YES), it is determined whether or not the movement amount from the touched start point is stopped at the movement amount “1” (step S3). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the area 111 is not touched (in the case of NO), touch confirmation of another area is performed.

  Next, when it is determined in step S3 that the touch pad 11 has stopped at the movement amount “1” (in the case of YES), the display device 20 displays the selection candidate character “A” (step S4), and the finger 1 It is determined whether or not the touch is released (step S5). If the touch is released (in the case of YES), the input of “A” is confirmed (step S6), and the process returns to step S1. If the touch is not released in step S5 (NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

  Next, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the movement amount from the touched start point is stopped at the movement amount “2” (step S7). When it is determined that the movement is stopped at the movement amount “2” (in the case of YES), the display device 20 displays the selection candidate character “I” (step S8), and determines whether the touch of the finger 1 is released (step S8). S9) If the touch is released (in the case of YES), “I” is confirmed (step S10), and the process returns to step S1. If the touch is not released at step S9 (NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  Next, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the movement amount from the touched start point has stopped at the movement amount “3” (step S11). When it is determined that the movement is stopped at the movement amount “3” (in the case of YES), the display device 20 displays the selection candidate character “U” (step S12), and determines whether the touch of the finger 1 is released (step S12). S13) When the touch is released (in the case of YES), the input of “U” is confirmed (step S14), and the process returns to step S1. If the touch is not released (NO) in step S13, the process proceeds to step S15.

  Next, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the movement amount from the touched start point is stopped at the movement amount “4” (step S15). When it is determined that the movement is stopped at the movement amount “4” (in the case of YES), the display device 20 displays the selection candidate character “e” (step S16), and determines whether the touch of the finger 1 is released (step S16). S17) When the touch is released (in the case of YES), the input of “e” is confirmed (step S18), and the process returns to step S1. In step S17, when the touch is not released (NO), the process proceeds to step S19.

  Next, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the movement amount from the touched start point is stopped at the movement amount “5” (step S19). When it is determined that the movement is stopped at the movement amount “5” (in the case of YES), the display device 20 displays the selection candidate character “O” (step S20) and determines whether the touch of the finger 1 is released (step S20). S21) When the touch is released (in the case of YES), the input of “O” is confirmed (step S22), and the process returns to step S1. If the touch is not released (NO) in step S21, the process proceeds to step S23.

  Next, the touch pad 11 determines whether or not the input operation has ended (step S23). If the input operation has not ended (NO), the process returns to step S2 and repeats the process. In step S23, if the input operation has not ended (in the case of YES), the process ends as it is.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an operation input device that includes a touchpad that is divided into a plurality of regions and that is assigned information such as character information that is a selection candidate to each region, and information from the operation input device. In an information input system including a display device to which the input is input, a position touched by input means (such as an operator's finger) on the touch pad is set as a start point, and the input means from the start point according to the moving direction and the moving amount Because the selection candidates assigned to the area including the start point can be displayed on the display device and desired information can be input, even an operation input device such as a remote control with limited operation space can perform input operations efficiently. It can be carried out.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information input system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information input system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part structural example of the touchpad with which a remote control is provided, and a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the principal part structural example of the touchpad and display apparatus which concern on the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other principal part structural example of the touchpad and display apparatus which concern on the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 11th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the information input process from the touchpad which concerns on the 12th Embodiment of this invention to a display apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the information input method to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input means, 10 ... Operation input apparatus (remote control), 11 ... Touch pad, 12 ... Touch pad controller, 12a ... Start point recognition means, 12b ... Movement direction / movement amount detection means, 12c ... End point detection means, 13 ... Transmission Means, 14 ... Click recognition means, 15 ... Click button, 16 ... Continuous operation area, 20 ... Display device, 21 ... Reception means, 22 ... Display control means, 23 ... Dictionary DB, 24 ... Memory, 25 ... Display means, 26 ... input confirmation means, 30 ... external device, 101 ... "start point" of finger, 102 ... direction and amount of movement of finger, 111-126 ... area, 201 ... characters initially displayed as selection candidates, 202 ... character candidates , 203 ... selected character, 204 ... conversion candidate, 205 ... converted character in selected state, 206 ... broadcast station candidate, 207 ... broadcast station in selected state, 208 ... Channel candidates, 209 ... Channel in selected state, 210 ... Cancel input, 211 ... Cursor locus, 212 ... Symbol candidate, 213 ... Page return button, 214 ... Page feed button, 215 ... Input frame, 216 ... Number candidate, 217 ... scroll bars, 218, 219 ... scroll buttons.

Claims (18)

  In an information input system including an operation input device that includes a touchpad that is divided into a plurality of regions and to which information that is a selection candidate is assigned to each region, and a display device that receives information from the operation input device. The operation input device includes a start point recognition unit that recognizes a position touched by the input unit on the touch pad as a start point, and a movement direction / movement amount detection that detects a movement direction and a movement amount of the input unit from the recognized start point. And an end point detecting unit that detects a position when the input unit is separated from the touch pad as an end point, and the display device moves the input unit detected by the moving direction / movement amount detecting unit. Display control means for changing the selection candidate assigned to the area including the start point and displaying it on the screen according to the direction and the movement amount, and the end point is detected. The information input system characterized by comprising an input determination means for determining an input of the selection candidate in the selected state on the screen when.   The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a list of a plurality of selection candidates assigned to the area including the start point and is detected by the movement direction / movement amount detection unit. According to the moving direction and moving amount of the input means, a selection candidate in a selected state is displayed on the list so as to be identifiable.   3. The information input system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit includes a plurality of items for canceling input processing when a plurality of selection candidates assigned to an area including the start point are displayed in a list. An information input system characterized by being included and displayed as a selection candidate.   4. The information input system according to claim 3, wherein when the input means touches a region including the start point, the display control means displays the list by selecting an item for canceling the input processing. An information input system characterized by that.   5. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays selection candidates assigned to the respective areas in accordance with the arrangement of the respective areas provided on the touch pad. An information input system characterized by changing the order.   6. The information input system according to claim 5, wherein the touch pad changes a moving direction of the input unit in accordance with an arrangement of each region provided on the touch pad.   5. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit arranges the selection candidates in a matrix when there are a predetermined number or more of selection candidates assigned to the area including the start point. An information input system characterized by being displayed.   8. The information input system according to claim 7, wherein when there are a plurality of pages in which the selection candidates are arranged in a matrix, the display control means displays a page switching key for switching each page of the plurality of pages. An information input system that switches pages when a certain period of time elapses after the page switching key is selected.   5. The information input system according to claim 2, wherein the touchpad includes a scroll area for scroll-displaying a plurality of selection candidates included in the list, and the display control unit includes the scroll control unit. A plurality of selection candidates in the list are scrolled and displayed while the input means touches the area.   5. The information input system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit can display a scroll key for scroll-displaying a plurality of selection candidates included in the list. According to an operation, while the scroll key is in a selected state, a plurality of selection candidates in the list are scrolled and displayed.   11. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein character information consisting of at least one character type is assigned to each area provided in the touch pad. system.   11. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein function setting information related to the display device is assigned to each area provided on the touch pad. .   11. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the display device includes a plurality of different tuners for receiving broadcast signals, and each of predetermined areas provided on the touchpad. The information input system is characterized in that tuning information for each tuner is assigned.   11. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the display device includes a tuner that receives a television broadcast signal, and a plurality of channel information is provided for each region provided in the touchpad. An information input system characterized by being assigned.   The information input system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein numerical information of 0 to 9 is assigned to any one of a plurality of areas provided on the touchpad. An information input system characterized by   2. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the input means is an operator's finger or a pen.   2. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the operation input device includes a click button for executing confirmation of input of the start point and / or the end point by a click operation, and the input confirmation unit includes the click button. An information input system for confirming the input of the start point and / or the end point when a click operation is performed by.   2. The information input system according to claim 1, wherein the touch pad includes a click area for executing a confirmation of the input of the start point and / or the end point by a click operation, and the input confirmation unit includes the click area according to the click area. An information input system for confirming input of the start point and / or the end point when a click operation is performed.

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