JP2011257992A - Conversion device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conversion device and a program capable of causing an information processing device to function as a multi-touch device using an input device noncompliant with a multi-touch function.SOLUTION: A multi-touch conversion device 3 comprises a mode switching/mode fixed interface 38 into which a plurality of pieces of data are input from the input device noncompliant with the multi-touch function; a main microcontroller 33 that converts the plurality of pieces of data to data for the multi-touch device; and a mode switching/mode fixed interface 31 that outputs the converted data for the multi-touch device to a host computer 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a conversion device and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system including a multi-touch function that allows a user to execute a predetermined operation by pressing a plurality of points on a touch panel by using two fingers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  In the multi-touch function, an input method called gesture is adopted. A gesture is a user input that can specify the movement of two fingers (ie, movement including position, direction, and speed). For example, a conventional mouse gesture is executed by a user pressing a mouse button and moving the mouse according to an arbitrary path. The multi-touch function allows you to use more complex gestures. For example, the user can execute a gesture by simultaneously moving two or more fingers on the touch panel.

JP 2004-356939 A

  However, in order to use the multi-touch function, a touch panel corresponding to the multi-touch function or software for simulating gesture input is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a conversion device and a program that can cause an information processing device to function as a multi-touch device using an input device that does not support the multi-touch function.

  In order to achieve the above object, a conversion device according to claim 1 is an input unit that inputs a plurality of data from an input device that does not support a multi-touch function, and a conversion that converts the plurality of data into data for a multi-touch device. And an output means for outputting the converted data for the multi-touch device to an information processing device. According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus can function as a multi-touch apparatus using an input device that does not support the multi-touch function.

  The conversion device according to claim 2 is the conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is any one of a plurality of pointing devices, a plurality of keyboards, or a combination of a pointing device and a keyboard. The plurality of data is output from any one of the plurality of pointing devices, the plurality of keyboards, or a combination of the pointing device and the keyboard, respectively. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus can function as a multi-touch apparatus using a plurality of input devices that do not support the multi-touch function.

  The conversion device according to claim 3 is the conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input device that does not support the multi-touch function operates as a normal input device, and the multi-touch. A second mode in which an input device that does not support the function is operated as an input device for a multi-touch device; and a switching unit that switches a mode set in the conversion device to the first mode or the second mode. It is characterized by having. According to this configuration, an input device that does not support the multi-touch function can be switched to a normal input device or an input device for a multi-touch device.

  The conversion device according to claim 4 is the conversion device according to claim 3, wherein the switching means is a mode selection result on a selection screen displayed by an OSD (on-screen display) function, setting of a changeover switch, the information Based on either a switching command from a processing device or a specific input from the input device, the mode set in the conversion device is switched to the first mode or the second mode. To do. According to this configuration, the mode set in the conversion device can be switched based on one of a plurality of mode switching methods.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the conversion device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising notification means for notifying a user of a mode set in the conversion device. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the mode set in the conversion device.

  The conversion device according to claim 6 is the conversion device according to claim 5, wherein the notification means is set to the conversion device by the light emission and display means corresponding to the mode set in the conversion device by the light emission means. Set to the conversion device included in the selection screen displayed by the OSD (on-screen display) function, the display of the mode set in the conversion device by the application included in the information processing device The mode set in the conversion device is notified to the user by at least one of mode indications. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified of the mode set in the conversion device by at least one method.

  The conversion device according to claim 7 is the conversion device according to claim 3, wherein the input unit and the output unit are set in the conversion device and a first interface that allows mode switching by the switching unit. And a second interface for fixing the mode to either the first mode or the second mode. According to such a configuration, switching or fixing of the mode can be determined by the input unit and the output unit.

  The conversion device according to claim 8 is the conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means is included in the data of each pointing device when the input device not compatible with the multi-touch function is a plurality of pointing devices. The button pressing data of the pointing device is assigned to the pressing data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device, the relative coordinate data included in the data of each pointing device is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is converted to the multi-touch device. Allocating to the coordinate data of each pressed point on the touch panel. According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately convert a plurality of data input from a plurality of pointing devices not compatible with the multi-touch function into data for a multi-touch device.

  The conversion device according to claim 9 is the conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means includes a plurality of keyboards in advance when the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is included in the data of each keyboard. Allocate predetermined key press data to each touch data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device, calculate the amount of cursor movement from the predetermined key press time included in each keyboard data, and move the cursor The quantity is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is assigned to the coordinate data of each pressed point on the touch panel of the multi-touch device. According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately convert a plurality of data input from a plurality of keyboards that do not support the multi-touch function into data for a multi-touch device.

  The conversion device according to claim 10 is the conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means is included in the data of the pointing device when the input device not compatible with the multi-touch function is a pointing device and a keyboard. The button pressing data of the pointing device is assigned to one pressing data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device, the relative coordinate data included in the pointing device data is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is converted into the multi-touch device. Is assigned to the coordinate data of one pressing point on the touch panel of the touch panel, and predetermined key press data included in the keyboard data is assigned to other press data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device, and is included in the keyboard data. Other predetermined keys Calculating the amount of movement of the cursor from the pressing time, converting the amount of movement of the cursor into absolute coordinate data, and assigning the absolute coordinate data to the coordinate data of another pressing point on the touch panel of the multi-touch device. . According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately convert a plurality of data input from a pointing device and a keyboard that do not support the multi-touch function into data for a multi-touch device.

  The conversion device according to claim 11 is the conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is one of a pointing device and a keyboard, and the plurality of data are stored in the pointing device. It is data when the button is pressed and when the button is not pressed, or data output from each of a plurality of preset key groups of the keyboard. According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus can function as a multi-touch apparatus using a pointing device or a keyboard that does not support the multi-touch function.

  The program according to claim 12 is an input unit that inputs a plurality of data from an input device that does not support a multi-touch function, a conversion unit that converts the plurality of data into data for a multi-touch device, and the converted program. The multi-touch device is made to function as output means for outputting data for the information processing device. According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus can function as a multi-touch apparatus using an input device that does not support the multi-touch function.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to cause an information processing device to function as a multi-touch device using an input device that does not support the multi-touch function.

It is a block diagram of a system including a conversion device according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional multi-touch apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of selection screen data. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data output from the touchscreen of a multi-touch apparatus. It is a figure which shows the state by which the data output from a some mouse | mouth are converted by the main microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the state by which the data output from a some keyboard are converted by the main microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the state by which the data output from a keyboard and a mouse | mouth are converted by the main microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the state in which several data output from one mouse | mouth are converted by the main microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the state in which the some data output from one keyboard are converted by the main microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen of a monitor. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a multi-touch conversion apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including a conversion apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The system in FIG. 1 includes a host computer 1, a monitor 2, a multi-touch conversion device 3 (conversion device), and a plurality of consoles 4 (input devices). The multi-touch conversion device 3 is connected to the host computer 1, the monitor 2, and a plurality of consoles 4. Each console 4 includes a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, or a keyboard. Each console 4 includes an interface 41.

  The host computer 1 includes a CPU 11 that controls the overall operation of the host computer 1, a memory 12 that stores a control program for the CPU 11, a hard disk (HDD) 13 that stores various data and information, a multi-touch conversion device 3, and data input An input / output interface 16 that performs output and a video interface 17 that outputs video data to the multi-touch conversion device 3 are provided. The HDD 13 includes a registry 14 and an application 15. The registry 14 includes setting information for switching the operation of each console to an operation as a normal keyboard and pointing device or an operation as a multi-touch device. When the host computer 1 switches the operation of each console, the CPU 11 transmits a switching command based on the setting information stored in the registry 14 to the multi-touch conversion device 3. The application 15 is software that supports multi-touch, and is executed by the CPU 11. Further, the application 15 displays the mode set in the multi-touch conversion device 3 on the monitor 2. The input / output interface 16 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a serial interface, or a PS2 interface.

  The conventional multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. 2 executes a predetermined operation by moving two or more fingers while the user presses a plurality of points on the touch panel 101 with two or more fingers, for example. Has a multi-touch function. The multi-touch device 100 is a device that senses touch events at a plurality of points at the same time.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the multi-touch conversion device 3 converts a plurality of inputs from a plurality of consoles 4 that do not support the multi-touch function into user inputs in the multi-touch device 100. The multi-touch conversion device 3 includes a mode switching / mode fixing interface 31 (output unit), a video interface 32, a main microcomputer 33 (conversion unit, switching unit), a light emitting unit 34 (notification unit, light emitting unit), and a display unit 35 (notification). Means, display means), a changeover switch 36 (switching means), a storage medium 37, and a mode switching / mode fixing interface 38 (input means). The main microcomputer 33 is connected to a mode switching / mode fixing interface 31, a video interface 32, a light emitting unit 34, a display unit 35, a changeover switch 36, a storage medium 37, and a mode switching / mode fixing interface 38.

  Each of the mode switching / mode fixing interfaces 31 and 38 includes a mode switching interface (first interface) and a mode fixing interface (second interface), and an interface to be used according to an instruction from the main microcomputer 33 is a mode switching interface. And switch to one of the fixed mode interfaces. The mode switching / mode fixing interface 31 outputs the data converted by the main microcomputer 3 to the host computer 1 as will be described later. The mode switching / mode fixing interface 38 inputs data output from the console 4.

  The mode set in the multi-touch conversion device 3 is the normal mode (first mode) or the multi-touch mode (second mode). The normal mode is a mode in which the multi-touch conversion device 3 recognizes the operation of the console 4 as a normal pointing device or keyboard operation. In other words, the normal mode is a mode in which the multi-touch conversion device 3 processes a plurality of input data from the pointing device and / or the keyboard as a plurality of normal input data. The multi-touch mode is a mode in which the multi-touch conversion device 3 recognizes the operation of the console 4 as the operation of the multi-touch device. In other words, the multi-touch mode is a mode in which the multi-touch conversion device 3 converts a plurality of input data from the pointing device and / or the keyboard into input data of the multi-touch device.

  The mode switching interface is an interface capable of switching between the normal mode and the multi-touch mode, and the mode fixing interface is an interface fixed to either the normal mode or the multi-touch mode.

  When the user does not use mode switching (that is, when the set mode is fixed to the normal mode or the multi-touch mode), the user sets the input / output interface 15 of the host computer 1 and the interface 41 of the console 4 to the normal mode or Connect to the mode fixed interface in multi-touch mode.

  The video interface 32 outputs image data from the host computer 1 to the monitor 2 or superimposes selection screen data for selecting either the normal mode or the multi-touch mode on the image data from the host computer 1. The image data on which the selection screen data is superimposed is output to the monitor 2. In this way, a function for displaying information (here, selection screen data) on the monitor by superimposing it on the image data and setting the information is called an OSD (On-screen display) function. As shown in FIG. 3, the selection screen data includes current mode setting information and mode selection information, and is stored in the storage medium 17. The selection screen data is read from the storage medium 17 by the main microcomputer 33 and transmitted to the video interface 32 in response to a specific key input from the console 4.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the main microcomputer 33 controls the overall operation of the multi-touch conversion device 3. Further, in the multi-touch mode, the main microcomputer 33 converts a plurality of input data from the pointing device and / or the keyboard into input data of the multi-touch device, and outputs the converted input data to the host computer 1. In the normal mode, the main microcomputer 33 outputs a plurality of input data from the pointing device and / or the keyboard to the host computer 1 as a plurality of normal input data.

  Further, the main microcomputer 33 selects one of the selection screen data mode selection, the setting of the changeover switch 36, the command from the host computer 1, or the specific input from the console 4 (for example, the normal mode or the multi-touch mode). Based on the selected key input), the currently set mode is switched to either the normal mode or the multi-touch mode, that is, the operation of the console 4 is performed as a normal input device or a multi-touch device. Switch to one.

  The light emitting unit 34 is configured by a lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like, and the mode set in the current multi-touch conversion device 3 (either one of the normal mode or the multi-touch mode) is turned on for the user. Notice. For example, when the normal mode is set, the lamp or LED corresponding to the normal mode emits light, and when the multi-touch mode is set, the lamp or LED corresponding to the multi-touch mode emits light. A light emission instruction is transmitted from the main microcomputer 33 to the light emitting unit 34. Or, when either the normal mode or multi-touch mode is set, the lamp or LED is lit, and when the other of the normal mode or multi-touch mode is set, the lamp or the LED flashes. May be.

  The display unit 35 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and notifies the user of the mode (either normal mode or multi-touch mode) currently set in the multi-touch conversion device 3. For example, characters “normal mode” or “multi-touch mode” are displayed on the display unit 35. Data of each character is transmitted from the main microcomputer 33 to the display unit 35.

  The changeover switch 36 is a physical switch. The user can select either the normal mode or the multi-touch mode with the changeover switch 36. The main microcomputer 33 confirms the state of the changeover switch 36 and saves the selected mode setting in the storage medium 37. The storage medium 37 stores the selection screen data, the current mode setting, a mode change program, and the like.

  The user can confirm the current mode setting by at least one of light emission of the light emitting unit 34, display of the display unit 35, monitor display by the application 15 of the host computer 1, and display of selection screen data by the OSD function. it can.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data output from the touch panel of the multi-touch device 100.

  In FIG. 4, the “identification number” is a number for identifying the point that the user is touching on the touch panel of the multi-touch device 100. “SW” indicates a pressed state of the touch panel of the multi-touch device 100. When the user is pressing the touch panel, “SW” is ON, and when the user is not pressing the touch panel, “SW” is OFF. “X coordinate” and “Y coordinate” indicate absolute coordinates (X, Y) of a point touched on the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 by the user.

  The multi-touch conversion device 3 converts data from the console 4 (pointing device or keyboard) into data output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100.

  Hereinafter, a pattern for converting data from the pointing device or the keyboard into data output from the touch panel of the multi-touch device will be described. The setting of each conversion pattern can be changed by the main microcomputer 33 of the multi-touch conversion device 3. Here, a mouse is used as a pointing device.

(Pattern 1)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which data output from a plurality of mice is converted by the main microcomputer. In pattern 1, a plurality of mice 42 and 43 are connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, the identification number of data output from the mouse 42 is “1”, and the identification number of data output from the mouse 43 is “2”. And

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the mouse 42 outputs “SW1”, “X relative coordinate 1”, and “Y relative coordinate 1”, and the mouse 43 outputs “SW2”, “X relative coordinate 2”, “Y relative coordinate 2” is output. “SW1” and “SW2” are turned “ON” when operated while the left buttons of the mice 42 and 43 are pressed, respectively. When the left buttons of the mice 42 and 43 are not pressed, “SW1” and “SW2” are “OFF”.

  “X relative coordinate 1” and “Y relative coordinate 1” are converted by the main microcomputer 33 into “X coordinate 1” and “Y coordinate 1” which are absolute coordinates. For example, the main microcomputer 33 calculates the value of the absolute coordinate after moving the mouse by sequentially adding the relative coordinate to the absolute coordinate of the reference point. Similarly, “X relative coordinate 2” and “Y relative coordinate 2” are converted by the main microcomputer 33 into “X coordinate 2” and “Y coordinate 2” which are absolute coordinates. The relative coordinates indicate the amount of movement of each mouse, and the absolute coordinates indicate the position on the monitor 2. For example, in absolute coordinates, the lower left corner on the screen of the monitor 2 is the reference point (0, 0).

  Since the converted data in FIG. 5 becomes two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” data, it is output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. The data format is the same.

  The converted data is transmitted from the main microcomputer 33 to the application 15 of the host computer 1. The application 15 of the true computer 1 compares the data after the previous conversion (the data after the conversion before the unit time (for example, 0.1 second) has elapsed) and the data after the current conversion. For example, when the distance between the two mice 42 and 43 is increased, the application 15 is a region surrounded by the two mice 42 and 43 (for example, a circular region or a rectangular region that passes through the mouse cursors of the two mice 42 and 43). ) Is enlarged. When the distance between the two mice 42 and 43 is reduced, the application 15 is configured to display a region surrounded by the two mice 42 and 43 (for example, a circular region or a rectangular region that passes through the mouse cursors of the two mice 42 and 43). Reduce the display. Further, when the Y coordinate of the mouse 42 is larger than the Y coordinate of the mouse 43, the X coordinate of the mouse 42 is decreased, and the X coordinate of the mouse 43 is increased, the application 15 has an area surrounded by both the mice 42 and 43 (for example, The display of the circular area or the rectangular area passing through the mouse cursors of both the mice 42 and 43 is rotated counterclockwise. When the Y coordinate of the mouse 42 is larger than the Y coordinate of the mouse 43, the X coordinate of the mouse 42 is increased, and the X coordinate of the mouse 43 is decreased, the application 15 has an area surrounded by both the mice 42 and 43 (for example, both The display of a circular area or a rectangular area passing through the mouse cursor of the mice 42 and 43 is rotated clockwise.

  As described above, the application 15 of the true computer 1 executes application functions such as enlargement, reduction, and rotation in accordance with the converted data output from the main microcomputer 33. The true computer 1 can change the relationship between the converted data output from the main microcomputer 33 and the assigned application function. Also, application functions such as enlargement, reduction, and rotation are examples. Also in the pattern described later, the application 15 of the true computer 1 executes application functions such as enlargement, reduction, and rotation according to the converted data output from the main microcomputer 33.

(Pattern 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where data output from a plurality of keyboards is converted by the main microcomputer. In the pattern 2, a plurality of keyboards 44 and 45 are connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, the identification number of data output from the keyboard 44 is “1”, and the identification number of data output from the keyboard 45 is “2”. And

  The main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” to a plurality of keys of the keyboards 44 and 45. For example, the main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW” to the “5” key of the 10 keys, and “SW” is turned ON when the “5” key is pressed. When the “5” key is not pressed, “SW” is turned OFF. Further, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the left movement (“X coordinate”) of the mouse cursor to the “4” key of 10 keys, and the right movement (“X coordinate” of the mouse cursor to the “6” key of 10 keys. )). Similarly, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the upward movement (“Y coordinate”) of the mouse cursor to the “8” key of the 10 keys, and the downward movement of the mouse cursor (“Y” to the “2” key of the 10 keys. Assign coordinates ").

  The main microcomputer 33 calculates the amount of movement of the mouse cursor from the duration of the pressed state of each key ("5" key, "4" key, "6" key, "8" key, or "2" key). The calculated movement amount is converted into absolute coordinates “X coordinate 1”, “Y coordinate 1”, “X coordinate 2”, or “Y coordinate 2”. Note that information on the amount of movement of the mouse cursor per unit time (for example, 0.1 seconds) set in advance is set in the storage medium 37 in advance, and the main microcomputer 33 continues the key pressing state duration. The amount of movement of the mouse cursor is calculated using information on the amount of movement of the mouse cursor per unit time set in advance. The main microcomputer 33 calculates the value of the absolute coordinate after the movement of the mouse cursor by sequentially adding the movement amount of the mouse cursor to the absolute coordinate of the reference point. The reference point (0, 0) of absolute coordinates is, for example, the lower left corner on the screen of the monitor 2.

  Key inputs other than those described above are output to the multi-touch conversion device 3 as normal data. Since the converted data in FIG. 6 is also two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” data, it is output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. The data format is the same.

(Pattern 3)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which data output from the keyboard and mouse is converted by the main microcomputer. Pattern 3 is a combination of pattern 1 and pattern 2. A mouse 42 and a keyboard 45 are connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, and an identification number of data output from the mouse 42 is “1”, and an identification number of data output from the keyboard 45 is “2”.

  “X relative coordinate 1” and “Y relative coordinate 1” output from the mouse 42 are converted into “X coordinate 1” and “Y coordinate 1” which are absolute coordinates by the main microcomputer 33. Further, as described above, the main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” to a plurality of keys of the keyboard 45, and determines the amount of movement of the mouse cursor from the duration of the pressed state of each key. The calculated movement amount is converted into “X coordinate 2” or “Y coordinate 2” which is an absolute coordinate. Since the converted data in FIG. 7 is also two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” data, it is output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. The data format is the same.

(Pattern 4)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of data output from one mouse is converted by the main microcomputer. In pattern 4, the mouse 42 is connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, and the identification number of data output from the mouse 42 when the middle button (ie, the center button) of the mouse 42 is not pressed is “1”. The identification number of the data output from the mouse 42 when the middle button 42 is pressed is “2”. The mouse 42 has a right button, a left button, and a middle button.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the mouse 42 in which the middle button is not pressed outputs “SW1”, “X relative coordinate 1”, and “Y relative coordinate 1”, and the mouse in which the middle button is pressed. 42 outputs “SW2”, “X relative coordinate 2”, and “Y relative coordinate 2”. “SW1” and “SW2” are turned “ON” when operated while the left button of the mouse 42 is pressed. When the left button of the mouse 42 is not pressed, “SW1” and “SW2” are “OFF”.

  “X relative coordinate 1” and “Y relative coordinate 1” of the mouse 42 whose middle button is not pressed are converted into “X coordinate 1” and “Y coordinate 1” which are absolute coordinates by the main microcomputer 33. For example, the main microcomputer 33 calculates the value of the absolute coordinate after moving the mouse by sequentially adding the relative coordinate to the absolute coordinate of the reference point. Similarly, “X relative coordinate 2” and “Y relative coordinate 2” of the mouse 42 whose middle button is pressed are converted into “X coordinate 2” and “Y coordinate 2” which are absolute coordinates by the main microcomputer 33. Is done.

  Since the converted data in FIG. 8 is also two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” data, it is output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. The data format is the same.

(Pattern 5)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of data output from one keyboard is converted by the main microcomputer. In the pattern 5, the keyboard 44 is connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, the data identification number output from the first key group of the keyboard 44 is “1”, and the data is output from the second key group of the keyboard 44. The data identification number is “2”. For example, the first key group includes 10 “5” key, “4” key, “6” key, “8” key, and “2” key, and the second key group includes “Ctrl” key, The “←” key, “→” key, “↑” key, and “↓” key are used.

  The first and second key groups are examples. For example, the number of keys assigned to each of “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” is not limited to one. A combination of keys may be used. For example, the main microcomputer 33 may assign “SW” to the combination of the “Ctrl” key and the “5” key.

  The main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” to a plurality of keys included in the first key group of the keyboard 44. For example, the main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW” to the “5” key of the 10 keys, and “SW” is turned ON when the “5” key is pressed. When the “5” key is not pressed, “SW” is turned OFF. Further, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the left movement (“X coordinate”) of the mouse cursor to the “4” key of 10 keys, and the right movement (“X coordinate” of the mouse cursor to the “6” key of 10 keys. )). Furthermore, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the upward movement of the mouse cursor (“Y coordinate”) to the “8” key of the 10 keys, and the downward movement of the mouse cursor (“Y coordinate” to the “2” key of the 10 keys. )).

  Similarly, the main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” to a plurality of keys included in the second key group of the keyboard 44. For example, the main microcomputer 33 assigns “SW” to the “Ctrl” key, and “SW” is turned ON when the “Ctrl” key is pressed. When the “Ctrl” key is not pressed, “SW” is turned OFF. Further, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the leftward movement (“X coordinate”) of the mouse cursor to the “←” key, and assigns the rightward movement (“X coordinate”) of the mouse cursor to the “→” key. Furthermore, the main microcomputer 33 assigns the upward movement of the mouse cursor (“Y coordinate”) to the “↑” key and the downward movement of the mouse cursor (“Y coordinate”) to the “↓” key of 10 keys. assign.

  The main microcomputer 33 calculates the movement amount of the mouse cursor from the duration of the pressed state of each key, and the calculated movement amounts are “X coordinate 1”, “Y coordinate 1”, “X coordinate 2” which are absolute coordinates. Alternatively, it is converted to “Y coordinate 2”. Note that information on the amount of movement of the mouse cursor per unit time (for example, 0.1 seconds) set in advance is set in the storage medium 37 in advance, and the main microcomputer 33 continues the key pressing state duration. The amount of movement of the mouse cursor is calculated using information on the amount of movement of the mouse cursor per unit time set in advance. The main microcomputer 33 calculates the value of the absolute coordinate after moving the mouse cursor by sequentially adding the moving amount of the mouse cursor to the absolute coordinate of the reference point. The reference point (0, 0) of absolute coordinates is, for example, the lower left corner on the screen of the monitor 2.

  Key inputs other than those described above are output to the multi-touch conversion device 3 as normal data. Since the converted data in FIG. 9 is also two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, “X coordinate”, and “Y coordinate” data, it is output from the touch panel 101 of the multi-touch device 100 shown in FIG. The data format is the same.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a monitor screen. FIG. 10 shows a state in which two mouse cursors 61 and 62 are displayed on the screen of the monitor 2 by the application 15. FIG. 10 shows that the current mode is the multi-touch mode.

  When the mice 42 and 43 are connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, both the operations of the mice 42 and 43 are reflected in the operation of the mouse cursor 61 in the normal mode. When the normal mode is changed to the multi-touch mode, the multi-touch conversion device 3 transmits data of the mice 42 and 43 (that is, two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, "X coordinate" and "Y coordinate" data). The operation of the mouse 42 is reflected in the operation of the mouse cursor 61, and the operation of the mouse 43 is reflected in the operation of the mouse cursor 62. Even when at least one mouse is changed to the keyboard, in the multi-touch mode, ON / OFF of the mouse button and the operation of the key group assigned to the operation of the mouse cursor are reflected in the operation of each mouse cursor. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multi-touch conversion device.

  When the multi-touch conversion device 3 is powered on (step S1), the main microcomputer 33 determines whether the current mode is the normal mode from the state of the storage medium 37 or the changeover switch 36 (step S2). .

  If the current mode is the normal mode (YES in step S2), the main microcomputer 33 saves the normal mode setting in the storage medium 37, and the light emitting unit 34, the display unit 35, the application 15 of the host computer 1, Alternatively, the current mode is displayed on at least one of the selection screen data by the OSD function (step S3). When the current mode is the multi-touch mode (NO in step S2), the main microcomputer 33 stores the normal mode setting in the storage medium 37, and the light emitting unit 34, the display unit 35, and the application 15 of the host computer 1 Or the current mode is displayed on at least one of the selection screen data by the OSD function (step S4).

  Thereafter, the main microcomputer 33 determines whether or not the mode has been switched as a result of the mode selection of the selection screen data, the setting of the changeover switch 36, the switching command from the host computer 1, or a specific input from the console 4. (Step S5).

  If the mode is switched (YES in step S5), the process returns to step S2. When the mode is not switched (NO in step S5), the main microcomputer 33 determines whether or not there is data input from the console 4 (step S6).

  If there is no data input from the console 4 (NO in step S6), the process returns to step S5. If there is data input from the console 4 (YES in step S6), the main microcomputer 33 determines whether the current mode is the normal mode from the state of the storage medium 37 or the changeover switch 36 (step S7). ).

  If the current mode is the normal mode (YES in step S7), the main microcomputer 33 transmits data from the console 4 to the host computer 1 (step S8), and returns to step S5. When the current mode is the multi-touch mode (NO in step S7), the main microcomputer 33 converts the data from the console 4 to the data of the multi-touch device (the two sets of “identification number”, “SW”, "X coordinate" and "Y coordinate" data), the converted data is transmitted to the host computer 1 (step S8), and the process returns to step S5. Until the power source of the multi-touch conversion device 3 is turned off, the loop processing of steps S5 to S8 and S9 is executed.

  If the mode switching / mode fixing interface 31 or 38 is a mode fixing interface, the determination in step S5 is not executed, and in steps S2 and S7, the main microcomputer 33 determines whether the mode fixing interface is in the normal mode. Is determined. Other processing is the same as the above processing.

  According to the present embodiment, the multi-touch conversion device 3 can execute an operation as a multi-touch compatible input device even when an input device that is not compatible with multi-touch (that is, the console 4) is connected. That is, the multi-touch conversion device 3 can cause the host computer 1 to function as a multi-touch device using an input device that does not support the multi-touch function. In particular, even when a conventionally used input device such as a keyboard or a mouse is connected to the multi-touch conversion device 3, the multi-touch function can be realized.

  A recording medium in which a software program for realizing the functions of the multi-touch conversion device 3 is recorded is supplied to the multi-touch conversion device 3, and the main microcomputer 33 reads and executes the program stored in the storage medium. Also, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program include a CD-ROM, a DVD, or an SD card.

  Further, when the computer executes a software program for realizing the functions of the multi-touch conversion device 3, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host computer 2 Monitor 3 Multi-touch converter 4 Console 31, 38 Mode change / mode fixed interface 32 Video interface 33 Main microcomputer 34 Light emission part 35 Display part 36 Changeover switch 37 Storage medium

Claims (12)

Input means for inputting a plurality of data from an input device not compatible with the multi-touch function;
Conversion means for converting the plurality of data into data for a multi-touch device;
Outputting means for outputting the converted data for the multi-touch device to an information processing device.   The input device that does not support the multi-touch function is any one of a plurality of pointing devices, a plurality of keyboards, or a combination of a pointing device and a keyboard, and the plurality of data includes the plurality of pointing devices and the plurality of keyboards. The conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion apparatus outputs the signal from any one of a combination of the pointing device and the keyboard. A first mode in which an input device that does not support the multi-touch function is operated as a normal input device;
A second mode in which an input device that does not support the multi-touch function is operated as an input device for the multi-touch device;
4. The conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit that switches a mode set in the conversion device to the first mode or the second mode. 5.   The switching means is any one of a mode selection result on a selection screen displayed by an OSD (on-screen display) function, a setting of a changeover switch, a switching command from the information processing apparatus, or a specific input from the input apparatus. 4. The conversion device according to claim 3, wherein a mode set in the conversion device is switched to the first mode or the second mode based on the above.   5. The conversion apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising notification means for notifying a user of a mode set in the conversion apparatus.   The notifying means emits light corresponding to the mode set in the conversion apparatus by the light emitting means, displays the mode set in the conversion apparatus by the display means, and the conversion apparatus by the application included in the information processing apparatus. The mode set in the conversion device by at least one of the mode display set and the mode display set in the conversion device included in the selection screen displayed by the OSD (On Screen Display) function. The conversion device according to claim 5, wherein the conversion device is notified to the user.   The input means and the output means are fixed to either the first mode or the second mode, the first interface allowing the mode switching by the switching means, and the mode set in the conversion device The conversion apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a second interface configured to perform the conversion.   When the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is a plurality of pointing devices, the converting means converts the button pressing data of the pointing device included in the data of each pointing device to each pressing of the touch panel of the multi-touch device. The data is assigned to data, the relative coordinate data included in the data of each pointing device is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is assigned to the coordinate data of each pressed point on the touch panel of the multi-touch device. 2. The conversion device according to 1.   When the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is a plurality of keyboards, the conversion means converts predetermined key press data included in the data of each keyboard into each press data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device. The amount of movement of the cursor is calculated from the predetermined time of pressing other keys included in the data assigned to each keyboard, the amount of movement of the cursor is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is converted into the multi-touch device. The conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion device is assigned to coordinate data of each pressed point on the touch panel. When the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is a pointing device and a keyboard, the conversion means converts the button pressing data of the pointing device included in the pointing device data to one of the touch panels of the multi-touch device. Assigning to the pressing data, converting the relative coordinate data included in the data of the pointing device into absolute coordinate data, assigning the absolute coordinate data to the coordinate data of one pressing point on the touch panel of the multi-touch device,
Predetermined key press data included in the keyboard data is assigned to other press data of the touch panel of the multi-touch device, and the cursor is moved from a predetermined key press time included in the keyboard data. The amount of cursor is calculated, the amount of movement of the cursor is converted into absolute coordinate data, and the absolute coordinate data is assigned to the coordinate data of a pressed point on the touch panel of the multi-touch device. Conversion device.   Whether the input device that does not support the multi-touch function is any one of a pointing device and a keyboard, and whether the plurality of data are data when a button of the pointing device is pressed and when the button is not pressed The conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the data is output from each of a plurality of preset key groups of the keyboard. Computer
Input means for inputting a plurality of data from an input device not compatible with the multi-touch function;
A program that functions as a conversion unit that converts the plurality of data into data for a multi-touch device, and an output unit that outputs the converted data for the multi-touch device to an information processing device.

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