JP2010262560A - Input device for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device for a computer, which can easily perform the movement of a pointer displayed on a screen of a display of the computer and input operation of data such as characters to a computer body, by operation using toes. <P>SOLUTION: The input device for the computer includes a character inputting keyboard 4 wirelessly connected to the computer body 1 arranged on a desk 3 to input characters or the like to the computer body 1 and a pointer operating keyboard 5 for moving the position of a pointer displayed on the screen of the display 2. The character inputting keyboard 4 and the pointer operating keyboard 5 are respectively installed under the desk 3 so that the centers of two concentric arcs 4b, 4c and 5b, 5c forming parts of contours in plan view may be turned to the operator side, twelve circular character keys 6a, 6b are arrayed along the arcs 4b, 4c on the upper surface 4a of the character inputting keyboard 4, and key display parts 7 expressing the sorts of the character keys 6a, 6b are respectively arranged in the vicinity of corresponding character keys 6a, 6b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer input device used to input data such as characters and symbols to a computer or to operate a pointer displayed on a computer screen, and in particular, to be easily operated with a fingertip. The present invention relates to an input device for a computer capable of performing the above.

  When inputting data into the main body of a computer or operating a pointer (a mark indicating a position where data can be input, etc.) displayed on the screen of a computer display device, keys and settings for inputting characters and symbols are usually used. An input device called a keyboard having a key for performing a function and a key for selecting a function is used. However, since most keyboards currently used are designed on the premise that the operation is performed with the fingertips of the hand, the size of each key is smaller than that of the toes, and the number of keys is also large. Therefore, the key operation is extremely difficult for an operator who has a handicapped hand and is forced to operate with the toes. In addition, when it is necessary to operate a plurality of keys to input one character, there is a problem that it takes a long time to input.

In order to deal with such a problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to an input device that performs various key operations on a keyboard by using a stepping operation type switch, which is named “stepping operation type personal computer input device”. Is disclosed.
The invention described in Patent Document 1 includes a foot board, a movable shaft that supports the foot board, and a plurality of switches that are arranged so as to be in contact with the lower part of the movable shaft.
According to such a structure, a desired switch can be operated via the movable shaft by adjusting the stepping amount of the foot board.

Patent Document 2 discloses an invention relating to a keyboard having a name "foot keyboard" that is configured to give a command to a computer or the like by stepping on the foot.
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a structure in which foot keys are connected in parallel to frequently used function keys.
According to such a structure, since it is not necessary to operate a frequently used function key with a finger, a typing rhythm can be easily obtained. Therefore, the key input operation can be easily performed.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an invention relating to a keyboard having a name of “Japanese keyboard” and configured to be able to operate a specific type of key with a foot on a Japanese input keyboard. .
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 3 is provided with a foot conversion key and a foot confirmation key for converting an input character string into a character string mixed with kana and kanji and confirming the converted character string with a foot. is there.
According to such a structure, it is possible to efficiently perform the Japanese input work by dividing it into the character input work by hand and the conversion work and confirmation work by foot.

Patent Document 4 discloses an invention related to a keyboard that is capable of performing key input with a blind touch without releasing both hands from the home position even when inputting a plurality of languages under the name “keyboard device”.
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 4 performs input of a plurality of languages such as English and Japanese using a single keyboard, and has a structure in which the input language is switched by operating a foot pedal.
According to such a structure, for example, when switching between Roman character input and Kana character input, there is no need to operate keys on the keyboard. Therefore, it is possible to perform key input by blind touch without moving both hands from the home position.

JP 2000-322176 A JP-A 61-4322 JP 2007-140840 A JP 2000-259322 A

  However, when the pointer is moved on the screen of the display device of the computer, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to individually operate the foot switch corresponding to the moving direction of the pointer. Therefore, unlike the case where the mouse is operated by hand, there is a problem that the pointer cannot be smoothly moved on the screen of the display device. In addition, when inputting characters, the 16 contacts provided on the two foot switches are used, so that the operation is complicated and the key input operation takes time. Furthermore, there is a problem that character input and pointer operation cannot be performed simultaneously.

  In addition, in the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4, there is a problem that none of the characters can be input by a step operation.

  The present invention has been made in response to such a conventional situation, and the movement of the pointer displayed on the screen of the computer display device or the input operation of data such as characters to the main body of the computer is performed by the tip of the foot. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer input device that can be easily operated.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a computer input device for inputting data to a computer having a display device, and a first keyboard provided with data input keys, and a display device screen. And a second keyboard provided with pointer operation keys for moving the pointer at least one of the first keyboard and the second keyboard has an arcuate shape when viewed from above. The top surface is inclined so that the thickness gradually decreases toward the center of the keyboard, and a plurality of data input keys are arranged on the top surface of the first keyboard along the edge. Is.
In a computer input device having such a structure, when operating a data input key or a pointer operation key, a scissors are placed so as to be positioned at the center of the arc of the edge, and an arc is drawn with the scissors as an axis. Just move your fingertips. That is, there is no need to perform an operation that causes the foot to float in the air each time the key is operated. Therefore, feet are hard to get tired. In addition, since the edge near the operator in the first keyboard and the second keyboard has an arc shape, there is a risk of contact with the edge when the fingertip side is moved so as to draw an arc. There is no. In this case, since the movable range of the foot is widened, the operability of the keyboard is improved. Furthermore, since the top surfaces of the first keyboard and the second keyboard are inclined so that the front side is lower when viewed from the operator, a plurality of keys are arranged in a plurality of rows in the front-rear direction. When the keys are operated, the other keys are less likely to get in the way.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the computer input device according to the first aspect, the pointer operation key is provided in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface of the second keyboard.
In the computer input device having such a structure, even when other keys are arranged in the front-rear direction of the pointer operation key when viewed from the operator, the pointer operation key becomes an obstacle when operating the other keys. It has the effect of being difficult.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the computer input device according to the first or second aspect, the computer is provided with a click button for determining the position of the pointer on the screen of the display device. It is provided between the edge of the upper surface and the pointer operation key.
The computer input device having such a structure has an effect that the pointer operation key and the click button are easily operated simultaneously with one foot.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the computer input device according to the first or second aspect, the computer includes a click button for determining a position of the pointer on the screen of the display device. It is provided on the upper surface.
In the computer input device having such a structure, the operation of the click button and the operation of the pointer operation key are performed by one foot, so that the operation of the pointer can be easily concentrated.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the computer input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, an image of at least one of the first keyboard and the second keyboard is displayed on the display device. It is characterized by having an image pickup means for capturing in a displayable manner.
In the computer input device having such a structure, the position of the operator's foot with respect to various keys and buttons provided on the first keyboard or the second keyboard can be easily grasped visually. .

  As described above, in the computer input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous key press and to increase the efficiency of data input work. In addition, since it is difficult for the feet to get tired, data can be input for a long time.

  In the computer input device according to the second aspect of the present invention, an operation error of the pointer operation key can be prevented, and the pointer operation on the screen of the display device can be performed accurately and efficiently.

  In the computer input device according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to operate the pointer operation key with the thumb of the foot or the like and simultaneously press the click button with the sole of the foot or the like. In other words, the operation of “moving the point on the screen of the display device while keeping the left click button pressed”, which is unique to a mouse operated by a conventional hand, can be easily realized with a foot.

  In the computer input device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operation error of the pointer and to prevent the fatigue from being accumulated only on one leg by the operation of the pointer.

  In the computer input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce mistakes in pressing keys and buttons and to improve the efficiency of data input work.

It is an external appearance perspective view of Example 1 of the computer input device concerning an embodiment of the invention. (A) And (b) is an external view of the keyboard for character input of the input device for computers of Example 1, and the keyboard for pointer operation, respectively. (A) thru | or (c) is the figure which showed typically the state at the time of operation about the keyboard for character input and the keyboard for pointer operation of Example 1. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of Example 2 of the input device for computers concerning an embodiment of the invention. (A) And (b) is an external view of the keyboard for character input of the input device for computers of Example 2, and the keyboard for pointer operation, respectively. (A) And (b) is the figure which showed typically the state at the time of operation about the keyboard for pointer operation of Example 2. FIG.

  A computer input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

A computer input device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 (particularly corresponding to claims 1 to 3).
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of Example 1 of a computer input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are external views of a character input keyboard and a pointer operation keyboard of the computer input device according to the first embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams schematically showing a state during operation of the character input keyboard and the pointer operation keyboard of the first embodiment. 3 (a) and 3 (b) correspond to the state when FIG. 2 (a) is viewed from the A direction, and FIG. 3 (c) substantially corresponds to the state when FIG. 2 (b) is viewed from the A direction. ing.
As shown in FIG. 1, the computer input device according to the present embodiment includes a character input keyboard 4 for inputting data such as characters and symbols into the computer main body 1, and the position of the pointer displayed on the screen of the display device 2. A pointer operation keyboard 5 to be moved is provided. The character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 are wirelessly connected to the computer main body 1 placed on the desk 3 and have two concentric arcs that form part of the outline when viewed in plan. It is installed at the base of the desk 3 so that the center faces the operator side.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, on the upper surface 4a of the character input keyboard 4, twelve circular character keys 6a are formed along two arcs 4b and 4c forming a part of the outline when viewed in plan. , 6b are arranged, and a key display section 7 indicating the type of the character keys 6a, 6b is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding character keys 6a, 6b. That is, even when the character keys 6a and 6b are hidden by a toe or the like during operation, the type can be specified by the key display unit 7. In addition, a substantially rectangular space key 8a and an enter key 8b are provided in the vicinity of the right end as viewed from the operator. The character keys 6a and 6b, the space key 8a, and the enter key 8b are provided in a convex shape with respect to the upper surface 4a.

  The seven character keys 6a arranged along the arc 4b include characters in each line from the "a" line to the "ma" line of the Japanese syllabary, numbers from "1" to "7", "@" And the alphabet from “A” to “S” are assigned three or four letters in a clockwise direction as viewed from the operator side. Further, the five character keys 6a arranged along the arc 4c have characters and symbols “*”, “#”, “T” and “T” in each line from the “ya” line to the “wa” line. ”To“ Z ”are assigned three or four letters, numbers“ 8 ”,“ 9 ”,“ 0 ”and“ picture / symbol ”are assigned clockwise as viewed from the operator side.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, on the upper surface 5a of the pointer operation keyboard 5, a selection key 9a is arranged on the left side when viewed from the operator, and a pointer operation key 9b is arranged on the right side of the selection key 9a. Has been. Further, a left click button 9c and a right click button 9d are arranged on the front side of the pointer operation key 9b as viewed from the operator. The selection key 9a, the left click button 9c, and the right click button 9d are provided in a convex shape with respect to the upper surface 5a, and the pointer operation key 9b is provided in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 5a. When the upper surface 5a of the pointer operation keyboard 5 is viewed in plan, a part of the contour is constituted by the two arcs 5b and 5c, and the selection key 9a and the pointer operation are arranged along these arcs 5b and 5c. A key 9b, a left click button 9c, and a right click button 9d are formed.

  The selection key 9a is used to change the setting when using the character input keyboard 4. Specifically, each time the selection key 9a is pressed, the “character input mode” is changed to the “number input mode”, the “alphabet or symbol input mode”, and the “character input” again. The input mode is sequentially switched to “mode”. The pointer operation key 9 b is used when the pointer is moved on the screen of the display device 2. Note that the left click button 9c and the right click button 9d have the same functions as the left and right click buttons in the conventional mouse. That is, when the right click button 9d is pressed while the pointer is displayed on the screen of the display device 2, a plurality of selectable command candidates are displayed on the screen. When the left click button 9c is pressed after the pointer is moved to the position of the command to be selected on the screen of the display device 2 by tracing the surface of the pointer operation key 9b with the belly of the toe or the like, the command is displayed. Is selected and executed.

Since the character input keyboard 4 has many types of keys to be operated, for example, when the operator is right-handed, it is desirable to operate with the right foot 10. Specifically, the position of the right foot 10 is adjusted so that the heel 10a substantially coincides with the center of the arcs 4b, 4c, and the fingertip side draws an arc with the heel 10a grounded on the floor as an axis. The ankle is rotated and a predetermined key is pressed with a belly such as a thumb.
At this time, it is desirable to operate the pointer operation keyboard 5 with the left foot 11. That is, the position of the left foot 11 is adjusted so that the heel 11a substantially coincides with the center of the arcs 5b and 5c, the ankle is rotated so that the fingertip side draws an arc around the heel 11a grounded on the floor surface, The key is pressed with the belly of the thumb or the like.

  When inputting a character using the character input keyboard 4, for example, in the character input mode, among the seven character keys 6a and the three character keys 6b, for example, five characters in the “A” line are assigned. Press the key. Thereby, first, the character “a” is displayed on the screen of the display device 2 as an inputable character. Each time the key is pressed, the displayed characters are sequentially switched as “A → I → U → E → O → A → I → ...”. Therefore, the character keys 6a and 6b are continuously pressed until a desired character is displayed, and finally, the enter key 8b is pressed to select a character that can be input. By repeating this operation, a predetermined number of hiragana characters are displayed on the screen of the display device 2. When the space key 8a is pressed in this state, a plurality of kanji candidates that can be converted are displayed. Therefore, after operating the pointer operation key 9b to select an appropriate candidate, the enter key 8b is pressed. As a result, conversion candidates are determined and the converted kanji is input to the computer main body 1. When the hiragana is displayed on the screen of the display device 2 and the enter key 8b is pressed again without pressing the space key 8a, the hiragana is directly input to the computer main body 1 without being converted into kanji. .

  When inputting the alphabet, in the mode of inputting the alphabet, for example, a key assigned with three characters from “A” to “C” among the six character keys 6a and two character keys 6b is assigned. Press. As a result, the character “A” is first displayed on the screen of the display device 2 as an inputable character, and the character displayed each time the key is pressed is “A → B → C → A → B →”. … ”In turn. Therefore, the character keys 6a and 6b are continuously pressed until a desired character is displayed, and finally, the enter key 8b is pressed to select a character that can be input. Thereafter, when the enter key 8b is pressed again, the selected alphabet is input to the computer main body 1.

Further, when inputting numbers or symbols, in the mode for inputting numbers or symbols, the key assigned to the number or symbol to be input is pressed among the seven character keys 6a and the five character keys 6b. . As a result, the corresponding numbers and symbols are displayed on the screen of the display device 2. In this state, when the enter key 8b is pressed again, numbers and symbols displayed on the screen are input to the computer main body 1.
When a character key 6b to which “picture / symbol” is assigned is pressed in a mode for inputting numbers or symbols, a plurality of symbols and pictograms not assigned to the other character keys 6a and 6b are displayed as selection candidates. It is displayed on the screen of the device 2. Therefore, after operating the pointer operation key 9b to select an appropriate candidate, the enter key 8b is pressed. As a result, the symbols and pictographs are input to the computer main body 1.

  In the computer input device having the above structure, since the various keys provided on the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 are arranged in an arc shape, when selecting a key to be pressed, the keys 10a and 11a are selected. It is only necessary to move only the fingertip side so as to draw an arc with the grounded. In this case, since it is not necessary to perform an operation of lifting the foot in the air every time the key is operated, the foot is hard to get tired. Therefore, the data input operation can be performed for a long time. In addition, since the number of keys to be operated is small, the time required for key selection is shortened. Further, in the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5, the edge close to the operator forms arcs 4 c and 5 c, and even when the fingertip side moves so as to draw an arc, the edge contacts the edge. There is no fear. In this case, since the movable range of the foot is widened, the operability of the keyboard is improved.

  Further, in the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5, the distance between the character key 6a and the arc 4c or the pointer operation key 9b and the arc 5c is shorter than the length of the sole of the foot, and the arcs 4b and 4c or the arc 5b. , 5c is formed so that the shape of the cut surface formed by a plane orthogonal to the arcs 4c, 5c forms a triangle having apexes on the arc 4c, 5c side. The height of the character keys 6a and 6b (height protruding from the upper surface 4a) is substantially equal. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an arc 4c is formed when the character keys 6a and 6b are pressed with the thumb 10b of the right foot 10 while the heel 10a is in contact with the floor surface 12. The edge of the upper surface 4a does not come into contact with the sole 10c of the foot, and even when the character key 6a is pressed, there is no possibility of pressing the character key 6b by mistake. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of data input work by preventing key press mistakes.

  In the pointer operation keyboard 5, the left click button 9c and the right click button 9d are provided in a convex shape with respect to the upper surface 5a, and the pointer operation key 9b provided in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 5a is provided with the left click button 9c and It is arranged in front of the right click button 9d. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the pointer operation key 9b is operated with the thumb 11b or the like, the left click button 9c can be pressed simultaneously with the sole 11c. That is, the operation of “moving the point on the screen of the display device while keeping the left click button pressed” peculiar to a mouse operated by a conventional hand can be easily realized with a foot. .

  As described above, since the upper surfaces 4a and 5a are inclined so that the front side of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 is lowered when viewed from the operator, various keys arranged in a plurality of rows in the front-rear direction. Of these, when one key is operated, the other keys are less likely to get in the way. Similarly, since the pointer operation key 9b is formed in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 5a, the pointer operation key 9b has an effect that it does not easily interfere with the operation of other keys arranged in the front-rear direction as viewed from the operator. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation error of the pointer operation key 9b and to perform the operation of the pointer on the screen of the display device 2 accurately and efficiently.

A computer input device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 (particularly corresponding to claims 4 and 5).
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of Example 2 of the computer input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are external views of a character input keyboard and a pointer operation keyboard of the computer input device according to the second embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 6A and 6B are views schematically showing a state during operation of the pointer operation keyboard of the second embodiment. 3A and 3B substantially correspond to the state of FIG. 5B viewed from the A direction. The components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the computer input device according to the present embodiment is the same as the computer input device according to the first embodiment. The camera 13 captures an image of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5, and the camera. 13 is provided with an imaging means including a data processing unit (not shown) that converts the video captured by the computer 13 into an electrical signal and sends it to the computer main body 1, and a left click button 9 c and a right click button 9 d are provided on the character input keyboard 4. In addition, the pointer operation keyboard 5 is provided with a space key 8a and an enter key 8b, and a pointer operation key 9b is arranged on the side closer to the operator of the space key 8a and the enter key 8b. The video of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 is sent from the imaging means to the computer main body 1 and displayed on the screen of the display device 2. Note that the data processing unit performs image processing that extracts only the contours of the left foot 10 and the right foot 11 from the video captured by the camera 13. Accordingly, on the screen of the display device 2, only the outlines of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5, and the left foot 10 and the right foot 11 are displayed.

In the computer input device having such a structure, the position of the operator's foot with respect to various keys and buttons provided on the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 can be easily grasped visually. Have As a result, mistakes in pressing keys and buttons can be reduced, and the efficiency of data input work can be improved.
In the computer input device according to the present embodiment, the pointer operation key 9b provided in a concave shape with respect to the upper surface 5a of the pointer operation keyboard 5 has a space key 8a and an enter key 8b provided in a convex shape with respect to the upper surface 5a. It is arranged on the near side. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), even if the space key 8a or the enter key 8b and the pointer operation key 9b are operated with the thumb 11b or the like while the heel 11a is grounded to the floor surface 12, There is no risk of pressing other keys. Thereby, the efficiency of data input work improves. In addition, since it is difficult for the feet to get tired, the same work can be continued for a long time. Further, since the operation of the left click button 9c and the right click button 9d and the operation of the pointer operation key 9b are performed by the right foot 10 and the left foot 11, respectively, the operator can easily concentrate on the operation of the pointer. Have Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce pointer operation mistakes. In addition, when the pointer is operated, there is no possibility that fatigue concentrates on one foot, so that the foot is difficult to get tired. Therefore, the pointer can be operated continuously for a long time. Note that the operation of moving a point on the screen while the left click button is pressed can also be performed while the heel 11a is in contact with the floor 12.

  The computer input device according to the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the above embodiment. For example, the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 may be arranged in the opposite direction so that the character input keyboard 4 is operated with the left foot 11 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 is operated with the right foot 10. Further, the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 can be connected to the computer main body 1 via a cable. Furthermore, the edge of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 on the side far from the operator does not necessarily have an arc shape. In addition, the left click button 9c and the right click button 9d may be provided on both the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5. Further, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which an image of only one of the character input keyboard 4 and the pointer operation keyboard 5 is captured and displayed on the screen of the display device 2 by the imaging means.

  The inventions described in claims 1 to 6 are applicable not only to computers but also to all devices that input characters by pressing keys, such as a typewriter.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer main body 2 ... Display apparatus 3 ... Desk 4 ... Character input keyboard 4a ... Upper surface 4b, 4c ... Arc 5 ... Pointer operation keyboard 5a ... Upper surface 5b, 5c ... Arc 6a, 6b ... Character key 7 ... Key display part 8a ... Space key 8b ... Enter key 9a ... Selection key 9b ... Pointer operation key 9c ... Left click button 9d ... Right click button 10 ... Right foot 10a ... １０ 10b ... Thumb 10c ... Back of foot 11 ... Left foot 11a ... １１ 11b ... Thumb 11c ... the sole of the foot 12 ... the floor 13 ... the camera

Claims (5)

In a computer input device for inputting data to a computer equipped with a display device,
A first keyboard provided with data entry keys;
A second keyboard provided with pointer operation keys for moving the pointer on the screen of the display device,
Each of the first keyboard and the second keyboard has an arcuate shape when viewed from above at least one edge, and an upper surface is inclined so that the thickness gradually decreases toward the center of the edge. Formed,
The computer input device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the data input keys are arranged on the upper surface of the first keyboard along the edge.   The computer input device according to claim 1, wherein the pointer operation key is provided in a concave shape with respect to an upper surface of the second keyboard. A click button for confirming the position of the pointer on the screen of the display device;
3. The computer input device according to claim 1, wherein the click button is provided between the edge of the upper surface of the second keyboard and the pointer operation key. A click button for confirming the position of the pointer on the screen of the display device;
The computer input device according to claim 1, wherein the click button is provided on an upper surface of the first keyboard. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit that captures at least one of the first keyboard and the second keyboard in a displayable manner on the display device. An input device for a computer as described in 1.