JP2008097057A - Input device of information device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user interface for specifying information to be inputted to an information device by changing an attitude of the main body of the device and improve operability by setting not a knob, a button, etc., but the whole of the device as an object to be operated. <P>SOLUTION: An information device 1 comprises a support unit 4 equipped with a display 3 displaying information; a strap attaching unit 5 provided swingably around the support unit 4 through a swing mechanism unit 6; and a strap 2 for being attached to the attaching unit 5 and for suspending the support unit 4 by being suspended on a user's neck. The mechanism unit 6 is provided with attitude change detection means 10-15 for detecting attitude changes in the support unit 4 relative to the attaching unit 5, and specifies the information inputted to the device 1 on the basis of the information of the attitude changes of the support unit 4 in a tension direction acting to the strap 2 detected by the detection means 10-15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multimodal user interface technology for designating information to be input to an information device by changing the posture of the information device holding unit, and in particular, assisting user operations by comprehensively using visual, tactile, and auditory senses. The present invention relates to an information device input device that can be realized with a small and relatively simple mechanism.

As a technique for mounting an information device on a body in a small information device, for example, those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known. That is, the device described in Patent Document 1 is built in an information device by attaching a strap attached to the information device so that the user hooks it to the neck and operating the switches of the information device suspended from the neck with fingers. Music information and other content can be listened to with an earphone pulled out from the middle of the strap. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is for mounting an information device on a wrist in a use state like a wristwatch, and includes a base portion and a holding portion including a display portion provided on the base portion via a hinge. The display unit is swung around the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis with respect to the base unit, thereby adjusting the angle of the display unit to improve visibility, and to the display unit as a touch panel This makes it easier to perform pen input.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-117591 JP 2002-229675 A

  However, the information device described in Patent Document 1 performs operations such as adjusting the volume of music information by operating switches such as key tops. It is difficult to move it relative to the main body, and its operability is troublesome. Patent Document 1 is used only for adjusting the volume of music information or the like. For example, in the case of an information device in which a display is provided on the information device and various menus are displayed on the display. In such a case, the number of input means such as switches or buttons tends to be increased, and there is a problem that the operability becomes more and more troublesome. Moreover, in the said patent document 2, the angle adjustment mechanism of the touch panel comprised by the 1st rotating shaft and the 2nd rotating shaft makes it easy to see a display screen only by adjusting the angle of a touch panel, thereby It has only a configuration that makes it easy to perform input operations for pen input, and information that changes the posture change associated with the angle change of the touch panel is designated as information input to the information device. is not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a main body of an information device such as a music information terminal, a touch pad, a touch display, or a foldable portable terminal suspended by a strap hooked on a user's neck. An information device input device that can accurately input various instructions to the information device without operating fine switches based on the change in the posture of the main body with respect to the tension direction of the strap. The purpose is to provide. In addition, when displaying an image with a large area or an Internet page on a small display without reducing it, only a part of the image or page can be displayed. Then you need to look at it over time. In everyday life, when you look into a large image with a small viewing window, you move the viewing window or twist it to change the field of view, changing the range that can be seen from the viewing window, and then looking at the entire large image from time to time. In the present invention, in a manner close to the operation of the viewing window, by moving or twisting the main body provided with the display, the screen is displayed as if looking at a part of a vast image that is stationary in the outside world. An object is to provide a scrolling method and enable an intuitive scrolling operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following measures were taken. That is, the input device for an information device according to the present invention is provided with a display for displaying information as necessary, and a holding portion that changes its posture with a finger and swings with respect to the holding portion via a swing mechanism portion. An information device having a strap attachment portion provided so as to be movable and a strap attached to the strap attachment portion to suspend the holding portion by being hooked on a user's neck, wherein the swing mechanism portion or the holding portion or the strap attachment The device is provided with posture change detection means for detecting the posture change of the holding portion relative to the strap attachment portion, and based on the information on the posture change of the holding portion with respect to the tension direction acting on the strap detected by the posture change detection means, the information device It is characterized in that it is configured such that information input to is designated.

  According to this, in a state in which the user hangs the information device through the strap hooked on his / her neck, and tension is applied to the strap through the suspended information device, the tension direction at that time, the strap Information on the posture change of the holding unit based on the relationship with the posture change of the holding unit swung with respect to the mounting unit can be specified and input to the information device. In other words, the input information to the information device can be specified by changing the posture of the holding portion via the swing mechanism portion with respect to the strap attachment portion coupled to the strap. Therefore, according to the present invention, the input information can be input to the information device with the entire information device as an operation target in a state where the user hangs the information device with a strap without using switches such as small knobs, switches, buttons, etc. An information device with excellent operability can be obtained.

  In this case, the strap can exert the force most effectively in the direction of its tension, easily twisted with respect to the rotational movement about the direction in which the strap extends, and thus against such rotational movement. In consideration of the fact that an effective force cannot be exerted, the swing mechanism and the posture change detecting means must be configured so that the operation applied to the holding portion can be optimally detected. Therefore, in the present invention, when the strap is attached to only one place of the strap attachment portion, the swing mechanism portion includes a first shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tension direction of the strap, Formed by a first axis direction and a second axis substantially orthogonal to each of the strap tension directions, and swinging the strap attachment part to the holding part via the first axis and the second axis The structure is supported as possible. Alternatively, when both ends of the strap are attached to be separated at two locations of the strap attachment portion, the swing mechanism portion is a first shaft extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of a straight line connecting the two locations. And a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis, and the strap attachment part is swingably supported by the holding part via the first axis and the second axis.

  Further, in the case of another configuration example in which both ends of the strap are attached separately at two locations of the strap attachment portion, the swing mechanism portion is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the straight line connecting the two locations. A configuration in which a first shaft extending and a second shaft substantially orthogonal to the first shaft are formed, and the strap attachment portion is swingably supported by the holding portion via the first shaft and the second shaft. It was. According to these, for example, a swing mechanism that does not take up space is formed by the first axis formed as the X axis and the second axis formed as the Y axis, and the rotation angle around these two axes is detected. Two-dimensional posture information can be input. Further, it is possible to avoid the problem that the operation applied to the holding portion escapes due to the twist of the strap, and to detect the change in the posture of the holding portion with respect to the attachment portion accurately and reliably.

  The posture change detecting means may be formed by a rotary encoder. This makes it possible to detect the posture change of the holding portion using an inexpensive rotary encoder, unlike the case where the posture change detection means is formed by expensive sensors such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gravity sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. is there. Alternatively, although the cost is somewhat increased, a relative posture change between the strap attaching portion and the holding portion can be detected using an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor.

  The strap may be formed of a stretchable string. According to this, since the tension can be stably maintained even if the main body is shaken during operation, compared with the case where a strap that does not expand and contract is used, the swinging operation of the holding unit with respect to the strap mounting portion of the information device, that is, the input operation The operability in can be improved. It is easy to construct the strap itself with a stretchable material, but otherwise it is possible to make only a part of the strap a different stretchable material, or a spring or the like at the end of the strap. It may be connected to the strap attaching part via a spring.

  The information input to the information device may be associated with the magnitude of tension acting on the strap. With such a configuration, for example, the execution switch 8 is turned on by extending the strap to increase the tension, or the magnitude of the tension is measured by a piezoelectric element or a sensor that measures the amount of expansion and contraction. You can specify axial information. In this case, in addition to designating the direction and amount of movement of the cursor in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, or the direction and amount of scrolling according to the rotation direction and angle around the two axes, the Z-axis The amount of enlargement / reduction of the display image can be designated by the information, and various information can be designated.

  In addition, the strap is preferably attached to two places apart from the strap attachment part instead of being attached to only one place. At this time, the strap attaching portion may also be provided separately in two places. In this way, the strap tension acts on two points away from the strap attachment part, so that the posture of the strap attachment part can be stably maintained even during operation, and the swinging mechanism part is not twisted or bent. Thus, a large swinging moment can be stably acted on, and the operability in the swinging operation is improved. If it is necessary to attach the strap to only one place of the strap attachment part, it is preferable to stand a pillar from the strap attachment part and connect the strap to the tip of the pillar. Then, the column tries to go in the tension direction of the strap, and the force applied from the strap to the tip of the column (moment force works at the position where the strap bends, but in this case, it is the tip of the column that bends. The moment force acts on the tip), and the longer the column length, the stronger the moment and acts on the swing mechanism.

  In addition, a vibration source may be provided in the holding portion, and the vibration source may be vibrated when a change in posture of the holding portion with respect to the strap attachment portion changes to a predetermined value or more. Thereby, the change in the angle of the holding portion with respect to the direction of the tension of the strap can be transmitted to the fingers holding the information device and sensed by touch.

  In addition, a voicing unit may be provided in the holding unit, and the uttering unit may be uttered when a change in posture of the holding unit with respect to the strap attachment unit changes to a predetermined value or more. Thereby, the angle change of the direction of the holding part relative to the tension direction of the strap can be sensed by transmitting the sound uttered from the utterance part of the information device to the auditory sense.

  Furthermore, a function of scrolling a screen displayed on the display or moving a cursor may be provided in association with a change in posture of the holding unit with respect to a direction of tension acting on the strap. Thereby, menu operations and content browsing operations can be performed, and when the information device is a music device, it is convenient that the user's favorite music can be selected with a simple operation.

  Each time the position of the cursor on the screen, the focused area, or the highlighted part reaches a predetermined item by scrolling or moving the cursor, a vibration or sound is heard. It is desirable to generate and notify the operator's sense of touch and hearing.

  Further, in the present invention, the holding unit that is operated while being held with a finger is the main body, and the main body is often provided with a display. In that case, according to the above, the display is moved together with the main body to scroll the screen. In this way, when crawling while moving the display itself, the display is regarded as if it is a viewing window that you move with your hand, and the image displayed there seems to be virtually stationary in the outside world. Assuming that the result of looking through a viewing window through a part of a vast image that has been set is reflected on the display, it is preferable to change the range in which the image appears along with the movement of the main body. If the scrolling direction is opposite to the direction of movement of the main body and the amount of scrolling is determined in relation to the amount of movement of the main body, the displayed image will feel as if it is still in the outside world. Can do. In everyday life, when you look into a large image with a small viewing window, you can move and twist the viewing window to change the field of view, and change the range that can be seen from the viewing window, and look at the entire large portion of the image from time to time. In the present invention, in a manner close to the operation of the viewing window, in the present invention, by moving or twisting the main body portion equipped with the display like a viewing window, it is as if it is still in the outside world A method of scrolling the screen as if a part of the image is being looked into through the viewing window is provided, making it easy to grasp the entire large image and enabling an intuitive scroll operation.

  According to the present invention, rather than operating by moving a small knob, button, or switch relative to the main body, the posture of the holding part of the information device is changed with respect to the strap attaching part coupled with the strap. Since the information to be input to the information device can be designated by the operation to be changed, a simple user interface for moving and operating the entire large operation unit in the free space can be realized. In addition, the operation of scrolling the display contents by holding the main body with the display and twisting or moving it is performed intuitively, corresponding to the daily work of capturing the entire wide image while moving the small viewing window. , So that the whole picture can be easily grasped. At this time, by scrolling the display image in the direction opposite to the movement of the main body (display), it is possible to make the display image easy to see so that the display image is stationary in the outside world. Furthermore, since it has a mechanism for notifying a tactile sensation by vibration during this operation, it can be operated while tactilely confirming the operation status even though it is an operation in free space.

  FIG. 1A is a usage explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the user uses the information device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention by hooking it on the neck via the strap 2, and FIG. 1B is an external view of the information device 1. It is a top view which shows appearance. The information device 1 is, for example, a configuration example of a portable music player that selects and listens to music information stored in the information device 1, but of course, other than a music information terminal, a touch pad, a touch display, The present invention can be applied to various information devices such as a foldable mobile terminal and a mobile phone.

  The information device 1 is preferably formed in the size of a palm, and has a holding part 4 provided with a display 3, a strap attaching part 5, and a swing mechanism that links and connects the holding part 4 and the strap attaching part 5. It is composed of main components with the unit 6. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the swinging mechanism unit 6 that links the holding unit 4 and the strap mounting unit 5 to each other is formed by a swinging mechanism unit 6 having one form of a cross joint. The holding part 4 is slidably coupled to the part 5. In this case, a gap G1 is provided between the holding portion 4 and the strap attachment portion 5 to allow the rocking displacement so that they do not interfere with each other (see FIG. 2B). The configuration of the swing mechanism unit 6 will be described later.

  On the other hand, an execution switch 8 and a jog dial 7 are provided on the side surface of the holding unit 5, and the image content is browsed on the display 3 by the swinging operation of the holding unit 5 and the holding unit 5 described later, and images such as music menus and moving images are viewed. However, the earphone 9 is inserted into the ear so that music can be heard.

  The information device 1 incorporates a short-range wireless standard communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and uses a communication network with an electronic device such as an external personal computer or a music information terminal. For example, electronic data can be transmitted and received. Of course, the information device 1 can be configured so that a semiconductor memory card such as an SD card or a memory stick can be appropriately inserted. Needless to say, computer components such as a storage unit, a CPU, and various memory units known per se are mounted on the information device 1.

  Next, the swing mechanism 6 will be described. The swing mechanism 6 is provided with a cylindrical first shaft 10 at the center of the strap attachment 5 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first shaft 10 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the strap attachment portion 5, and a bearing portion 11 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape is rotatably fitted in an intermediate portion thereof. In addition, a pair of second shafts 12 formed in a cylindrical shape similar to the first shaft 10 is attached to both sides of the bearing portion 11 so as to be orthogonal to the axis X of the first shaft 10 in an integrated and target position. Yes. As a result, the first axis 10 becomes the X axis, the second axis 12 becomes the Y axis, and the X axis and the Y axis are orthogonally arranged.

  In addition, a rectangular concave portion 13 for accommodating the bearing portion 11 is formed on the holding portion 4 side facing the strap attaching portion 5, and the first shaft 10 is formed on the side surface 13 a of the concave portion 13 and the side surfaces 13 b and 13 c are provided The two shafts 12 are inserted so as to be freely rotatable, and the strap attaching portion 5 is swingably supported with respect to the holding portion 4. In this case, when there is no play between the side surface 13b and the side surface 13c and the bearing portion 11, and the holding portion 4 swings around the first axis (X axis) 10, the bearing portion 11 can swing together with the holding portion 4. Further, the bearing portion 11 is supported by the holding portion 4 with a gap G2 between the side surface 13a of the concave portion 13 and a gap G2 as shown in FIG. Thus, when the holding unit 4 swings around the second axis (Y axis) 12, the bearing unit 11 can swing without interfering with the holding unit 4. In this way, the bearing portion 11 is accommodated in the concave portion 13, so that the bearing portion 11 is attached to the concave portion 13 so that the holding portion 4 can be swung. Thereby, the strap attaching part 5 holds the state integrated with the holding part 4 via the swinging mechanism part 6, and the unit body as the information device 1 is configured.

  Therefore, the swinging mechanism portion 6 has a function as a universal joint. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the holding portion 4 and the strap attachment portion 5 are not moved and displaced. Is swung around the first shaft 10, the holding portion 5 and the bearing portion 11 are integrated with each other as shown in FIG. 3A, when the holding portion 4 is swung around the Y axis with the second shaft 12 as the rotation axis, only the holding portion 4 is supported by the bearing portion 11 as shown in FIG. 3C. Further, the posture changes by swinging with respect to the strap attachment portion 5. That is, the holding part 4 can freely swing around a swinging mechanism part 6 formed as a universal joint, and can change its posture freely with respect to the strap attaching part 5.

  By the way, the end portions of the strap 2 are coupled to both sides of the strap attachment portion 5 in such a manner that the first shaft 10 is sandwiched between them. The strap 2 is preferably made of a synthetic resin material, rubber, natural or rigid fiber material having elasticity. A tension is induced on the strap 2 by applying a force to the information device 1 to pull the information device 1 downward. Thus, when the user operates the information device 1 with the strap 2 hooked on the neck, if the strap 2 is pulled between the neck and the strap attachment portion 5, the tension of the strap 2 acting on the strap attachment portion 5 is achieved. Can be maintained in a stable state, and the operability can be increased.

  Next, the posture change detection means incorporated in the swing mechanism unit 6 will be described. This posture change detection means is formed by a first rotary encoder 14 provided on the first shaft 10 and a second rotary encoder 15 provided on the second shaft 12. Each of the rotary encoders 14 and 15 has a disc-shaped slit member in which a large number of slits for light transmission are formed at equal intervals, and a light emitting / receiving unit that receives and emits light transmitted through the slit member, Instead of a disk-shaped slit member, a resistance member is pasted and formed with a disk-shaped member, a variable resistance type that measures its resistance value, an electrode system that counts the conductive state with a contact by providing a plurality of electrodes, Alternatively, various modes such as a reflection method in which a reflection member is attached and pulses are counted by reflection of light can be appropriately employed. Thus, the first rotary encoder 14 and the second rotary encoder 15 detect the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the first shaft 10 and the second shaft 12, so that the holding is performed with reference to the direction of tension acting on the strap 2. The posture change of the unit 4 can be detected, and the detected information can be designated and input to the information device 1. In this way, the swing mechanism 6 and the posture change detection means provided thereon function as if they are a trackball mouse, so that the display screen of the display 3 is scrolled based on the detected posture change information. An input device for an information device that can move the cursor or move the cursor is formed.

  In addition, the code | symbol 12a of Fig.2 (a) shows the support hole for inserting and supporting the 2nd axis | shaft 12. FIG.

  A method of using the information device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the user turns the strap 2 around the neck to hang the information device 1, holds the main body of the information device 1 by hand, and browses images and web content displayed on the display, You can listen to music information with the earphone 9 and enjoy it. When performing control such as volume adjustment, cursor movement direction, scrolling direction, etc., force is applied in the direction of pulling the strap 2 downward while holding the information device 1 with one hand. That is, while maintaining a state in which a tensile force is applied to the strap 2, a swing moment is applied to the holding portion 4 to swing in a desired direction, and the posture of the strap attachment portion 5 is changed. Thereby, the first and second rotary encoders 14 and 15 in the posture change detecting means measure the posture change of the holding unit 4 with respect to the direction of tension acting on the strap 2, and the measured information is designated to specify the information device 1. Is input.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect a change in the posture of the holding unit 4 with respect to the strap attaching unit 5 in a state in which a tension is applied to the strap hooked on the user's neck. The obtained posture change information can be specified and input to the information device. Thereby, for example, the pointer 20 is moved as shown in FIG. 4A, the cursor 21 in which the menu item is highlighted as shown in FIG. 4B, or the like as shown in FIG. 5A. The cursor can be scrolled, and the items in the pop-up menu can be highlighted as shown in FIG. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an input device for an information device that allows the information device 1 to specify and input information, select favorite music, and listen to a selected image while watching it.

  In addition, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to specify input information and input it to the information device 1 without using switches such as small knobs, switches, buttons, etc., and to obtain an information device input device with excellent operability. Can do. In addition, unlike the conventional form of detection using a gyro, an acceleration sensor, a gravity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc., the posture change detection means including the first and second rotary encoders 14 and 15 is inexpensive. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an input device for information equipment at a low cost. Moreover, since the strap 2 is formed of a stretchable string and can maintain the tension stably, the operability in the input operation can be improved.

  Further, since the first shaft 10 exists at an intermediate portion of the coupling portion of the strap 2 with respect to the strap attachment portion 5, the swinging applied to the operation site of the swinging mechanism portion 6 such as the first and second rotary encoders 14 and 15. The moment can be increased and the swinging operation can be performed stably. In addition, a vibration source may be provided in the holding unit 4, and the vibration source may be vibrated when a change in posture of the holding unit with respect to the strap attachment unit changes to a predetermined value or more. Thereby, the change in the angle of the holding portion with respect to the direction of the tension of the strap can be transmitted to the fingers holding the information device and sensed by touch.

  As described above, the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments and modifications thereof. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and there are design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. However, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, instead of the swing mechanism portion 6 of the above embodiment, the swing mechanism portion 6a of the first modification shown in FIG. 6 may be configured. In this first modification, the strap 2 is tied to a strap attachment portion 5a having a shape elongated in the longitudinal direction, and the second shaft 12a is integrally attached to the strap attachment portion 5a, and both ends of the second shaft 12a are connected to each other. The U-shaped bearing portion 11a is penetrated to protrude into the holding portion 4a, and the protruding end is supported by the holding portion 4a so as to be swingable around the second shaft 12a, that is, the Y axis. On the other hand, the first shaft 10a is interposed between the bearing portion 11a and the holding portion 4a, and the strap attaching portion 5a, the second shaft 12a, and the bearing portion 11a are integrally swung around the first shaft 10a, that is, the X axis. The structure is supported so that it can move. A first rotary encoder (not shown) as an attitude change detecting means is installed in the vicinity of the shaft 10a, and a second rotary encoder (not shown) is installed at the free end of the second shaft 12a. The first modification having such a configuration also has substantially the same operational effects as the above embodiment.

  According to the swing mechanism portion 6a of the first modified example, the X axis is parallel to the tension direction F when it is simply suspended from the neck (when not operated). Even when twisted, the string is kinked, and there is a case where relative rotation does not occur between the bearing portion 11a and the holding portion 4a and the rotation cannot be detected correctly.

  Therefore, at the time of operation, as shown in the second modification of the second shaft 12a shown in FIG. 7, the holding portion is rotated 90 degrees around the second shaft 12a, and then the strap mounting portion 5a is supported by the bearing. The operation may be performed after providing an angle with respect to the XY plane formed by the portion 11a (preferably so as to be substantially perpendicular). In this way, the first axis and the second axis are substantially orthogonal to the tension direction of the strap, and the posture change of the holding portion can be reliably detected without being twisted during operation.

  That is, if the main body is bent and held as shown in FIG. 7 and the X and Y axes are substantially perpendicular to the tension direction F during operation, the string is twisted when the main body is twisted around the X and Y axes. These rotations can be detected.

  Further, as in the third modification shown in FIG. 8A, a rotary encoder 22 is provided on the left side of the main body of the information device 1a having a shape elongated in the lateral direction. Form to detect rotation. On the other hand, a sensor 23 for detecting the tension of the strap 2 is provided on the right side of the information device main body. For this reason, the third modified example having such a configuration has substantially the same operational effects as the above embodiment.

  Further, as in the fourth modified example of FIG. 8B, on the basis of the configuration of the third modified example, the holding portion is further moved left and right, and the inclination when the direction of the tension from the strap is inclined left and right The direction may be detected. For this purpose, lever members 24 and 25 that swing according to the tension of the strap 2 are provided on both the left and right sides of the information device 1a, and the rotary encoder is operated by the swing of the left lever member 24. The inclination of the lever member 25 is detected by the swinging of the 25. In this fourth modification, the rotation axis of the information device holding portion is substantially orthogonal to the tension direction of the strap, and the rotation axis of the lever member 24 is also approximately orthogonal, so that the strap can be reliably changed without being twisted. It is possible to detect the rotation of the holding portion and the swinging to the left and right), and has substantially the same effect as the above embodiment.

  Further, the tension acting on the strap is detected using a sensor that measures the degree of expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element, the strap itself, or a spring interposed between the strap and the main body, and information input to the information device 1 in relation to the magnitude. Can also be determined. With such a configuration, for example, by extending the strap to increase the tension, the power switch can be turned on or information in the Z-axis direction can be designated. In addition, in this case, in combination with the above method, the direction in which the cursor moves or the direction in which the cursor moves can be specified by an operation for changing the posture of the main body with respect to the same strap. There is an advantage that information can be specified at the same time.

  Further, as indicated by reference numeral 16 in FIG. 2B, the holding unit 4 may be provided with a vibration source. In this case, it is preferable that the vibration source 16 vibrate when the posture change of the holding part 4 with respect to the strap attaching part 5 changes to a predetermined value or more. Thereby, the change in the angle of the holding portion with respect to the direction of the tension of the strap can be transmitted to the fingers holding the information device and sensed by touch. For example, counting the number of vibrations transmitted to the fingers is effective in that it is possible to tactilely perceive which menu item has been selected.

  As shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to detect the movement of twisting the holding portion (main body) 4a with respect to the tension direction of the strap, move the cursor based on the direction and amount of the twist, and scroll the display contents. At that time, when the cursor moves to the position of a predetermined item, or as you scroll, the focus (the highlighted item) moves on the screen, and whenever a predetermined item is selected, vibration and sound are generated. Then, the operator may be notified. In this case, the cursor position and scroll amount may be determined by the absolute position of the posture, but only the relative change amount of the cursor position and the relative change amount of the scroll may be determined by the change amount of the posture. In the case of input, only the posture change amount when changing the posture of the main body while pressing the execution switch 8 is associated with the movement of the cursor or scroll, and when returning the posture of the main body without pressing the execution switch 8, the cursor is also changed. It is good to prevent the scroll from moving.

  It is also possible to provide an utterance part in the holding part, and to utter the utterance part when a change in posture of the holding part with respect to the strap attaching part changes to a predetermined value or more. Thereby, there exists an effect which can perceive the angle change of the direction of the holding | maintenance part with respect to the tension | tensile_strength direction of a strap by hearing.

  In addition, a gap G1 is provided between the strap attaching part 5 and the holding part 4 and the bearing part 11, and a gap G2 is provided between the holding part 4 and the bearing part 11. It can also be configured to allow the oscillating displacement by forming a rounded surface shape on the facing side.

Next, an application example of display display will be described as another embodiment.
In general, web content and image content are often too wide to fit on the screen of a small portable terminal. When browsing this wide content on a small screen, simply reducing it to fit on the screen makes it unreadable. A method of scrolling the screen to see the whole while displaying in a discriminable size is useful. However, when scrolling with an input device such as a conventional mouse scroll wheel, the display range of the screen cannot be controlled to match the intuition, and it is difficult to grasp the entire content while scrolling. Also, it was very difficult to see because the image flowed while scrolling.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the display functions as a viewing window for displaying a part of the entire content, and this viewing window is twisted right and left and front and back to change the angle of the window so that the viewing can be performed in the whole image. Move the visible range from the window to the left and right.

  Specifically, with the same feeling as the operation of the viewing window, when the portable terminal body is twisted back and forth, the display range is scrolled so that the range that can be seen through the viewing window moves back and forth (FIG. 10A). Also, the display range is scrolled so that the range that can be seen through the viewing window moves to the left and right when the body is twisted to the left and right (FIG. 10B). In addition, when the body is pushed forward to increase the tension of the string, the range of content that can be seen through the viewing window is narrowed (FIG. 10 (c)), or conversely, the body is pulled forward to loosen the tension of the string. It is preferable to provide a function of widening the range of content that can be seen through the window (FIG. 10D). However, it may be difficult for the operator to keep the tension constant. In this case, the range of content to be displayed may be adjusted using the jog dial 7.

  In the above operation, when the mobile terminal is twisted or moved, the moving direction of the display and the scrolling direction of the displayed image are reversed. If you move the display, the displayed image is still in the outside world, so you can keep looking at the point in the outside world without moving your line of sight. Since you can keep looking at the position, you can reduce eye fatigue and make it easier to grasp the whole picture.

As described above, by using the input device having the function according to the present embodiment, the operation intuitively matches the case of grasping the whole image of a large object that is stationary in the outside world by moving the observation window in the real world, The display range can be scrolled, and even if the display moves, the image displayed on it moves in the opposite direction of the display and feels like it is virtually stationary in the outside world. However, it becomes easy to grasp the whole picture of the content.
FIG. 11 shows an example in which the posture change detecting means of the present invention is constituted by an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. In FIG. 11A, a marker display plate 31 is a plate integrated with the strap attaching portion 5a, and a marker 32 photographed by the camera 33 is drawn on the lower surface thereof. This marker may be constituted by a light source so that it can be seen even in a dark place, or may be constituted by a reflecting plate that reflects light from an illumination light source provided separately. In this example, the marker 32 is formed of a slit and allows light from above to pass therethrough, so that it looks bright when viewed from the camera. When the holding portion (in this case, the main body) 4 changes its posture with respect to the tension direction of the strap, the marker shown in the camera moves, so that the posture change of the main body can be detected based on the movement. Here, as shown in FIG. 11B, when a magnetic sensor 35 such as a Hall element is used instead of a camera and a magnet 34 is used instead of a marker, a change in magnetic force is detected and the posture of the holding unit 4 is detected. You can see changes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an input device of an information device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an essential part of a swinging mechanism unit, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the configuration of the swinging mechanism unit. It is a top view of the shown information equipment main body. FIG. 2A shows the state of the posture change of the information device, FIG. 3A is an external view showing a state in which the holding portion is swung around the first axis, and FIG. is there. (A) is a movement of a pointer, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a display showing a movement of a cursor in which a menu item is highlighted. As in FIG. 4, (a) is an explanatory view of a display showing a state in which the cursor is scrolled, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the pop-up menu is highlighted. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a schematic configuration according to a first modification of the embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged configuration diagram showing a swing mechanism portion. In relation to the second modification of the embodiment, (a) is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration, and (b) is an explanatory view of a swinging mechanism portion. (A) is a schematic block diagram of a 3rd modification, (b) is a schematic block diagram of a 4th modification concerning the modification of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the function of the display by other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a detailed explanatory diagram of FIG. 9. It is explanatory drawing of the structural example of an attitude | position change detection means, (a) is a structural example using an optical sensor, (b) is a structural example using a magnetic sensor.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b Information device 2 Strap 3 Display 4, 4a Holding part 5, 5a Strap attaching part 6, 6a Swing mechanism part 7 Jog dial 8 Execution switch 9 Earphone 10, 10a First shaft 11, 11a Bearing part 12, 12a Second shaft 13 Concave portion 14 First rotary encoder 15 Second rotary encoder 16 Vibration source G1, G2 Gap 31 Marker display plate 32 Marker 33 Camera 34 Magnet

Claims (11)

A holding part held by hand, a strap attaching part provided so as to be able to swing with respect to the holding part via a swinging mechanism part, and attaching the strap to the user's neck by hooking the holding part An information device having a strap to be suspended, comprising an attitude change detecting means for detecting an attitude change of the holding part with respect to the strap attaching part, and for a direction of tension acting on the strap detected by the attitude change detecting means An information device input device configured to specify information to be input to the information device based on information on an attitude change of the holding unit. The strap is attached to only one portion of the strap attachment portion, and the swing mechanism portion includes a first axis extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tension direction of the strap, and the direction of the first axis and the strap. The strap attachment portion is swingably supported on the holding portion via the first shaft and the second shaft, and is formed by a second shaft that is substantially orthogonal to each of the tension directions. The information apparatus input device according to claim 1. Both ends of the strap are attached separately at two locations of the strap attachment portion, and the swing mechanism portion includes a first shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of a straight line connecting the two locations, and the first axis. 2. The second shaft according to claim 1, wherein the strap mounting portion is swingably supported by the holding portion via the first shaft and the second shaft. Information device input device. Both ends of the strap are attached separately at two locations of the strap attachment portion, and the swing mechanism portion includes a first shaft extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of a straight line connecting the two locations, and the first axis. 2. The second shaft according to claim 1, wherein the strap mounting portion is swingably supported by the holding portion via the first shaft and the second shaft. Information device input device. The information apparatus input device according to claim 1, wherein the posture change detection unit is formed of a rotary encoder. The information apparatus input device according to claim 1, wherein the posture change detection unit includes an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. 2. The strap according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the strap is made of a stretchable material so that the tension of the strap is maintained while the holding portion is swinging. 6. The input device for information equipment according to any one of 6 above. 8. The information apparatus input device according to claim 1, wherein the information input to the information apparatus is associated with a magnitude of a tension acting on the strap. The vibration source is provided in the holding portion, and when the posture change of the holding portion with respect to the strap attachment portion reaches a predetermined value, the vibration source vibrates and acts on hearing or touch. The input device of the information equipment as described in any one of thru | or 8. 10. A function of scrolling a screen displayed on the display or moving a cursor in association with a change in posture of the holding portion with respect to a direction of tension acting on the strap. The input apparatus of the information equipment as described in any one. When the screen displayed on the display scrolls or the cursor moves and the focus moves to predetermined information on the screen, the vibration source vibrates and acts on hearing or touch. The information device input device according to claim 10, wherein the input device is an information device.

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