JP2016133934A - Information processing unit, control method for information processing unit, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operation feeling of input corresponding to touch operation, such as pointing input.SOLUTION: An information processing unit includes: a gesture determination section (35) which acquires position change of a detection object when the detection object is present apart from an arrangement surface of an operation section (2) within a predetermined distance from the arrangement surface; an application processing section (36) which executes processing corresponding to the position change of the detection object; a display control section (37); and a sound control section (38).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus provided with a physical key.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an information processing apparatus, an apparatus that accepts an operation using a keyboard or a numeric keypad and a pointer operation using a touch pad or the like is known. In addition, with the recent miniaturization of information processing apparatuses, there are also information processing apparatuses having an interface that serves both as a keyboard and a touch pad. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information terminal including a key input mechanism that receives keyboard input and pointing input.

JP 2012-38050 A (published February 23, 2012)

  In the above prior art, a button of a key input mechanism, which is a physical key, is pressed at the time of keyboard input, and the surface of a plurality of buttons is traced like a touch pad for pointing input. In this configuration, there is a problem that the hand cannot be smoothly moved due to the depression between the buttons when pointing input, and the feeling of operation is poor. In particular, when the distance between the buttons or the depression between the buttons is large, the feeling of operation becomes very bad.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize an information processing apparatus and the like having a good input operation feeling corresponding to a touch operation such as a pointing input.

  In order to solve the above problem, an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a physical key that is an input interface, and a plane on which the physical key is arranged is an arrangement surface. A detection target trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target exists away from the placement surface and within a predetermined distance from the placement surface, and the detection target trajectory acquisition unit acquires the above A process execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the change in the position of the detection target.

  An information processing apparatus control method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus control method including a physical key that is an input interface, wherein a plane on which the physical key is arranged is an arrangement surface, A detection target trajectory acquisition step for acquiring a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target is present within a predetermined distance from the placement surface and within the predetermined distance, and the detection acquired in the detection target trajectory acquisition step A process execution step of executing a process corresponding to the change in the position of the target.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform an input operation for executing a process without touching the surface of a physical key, and it is possible to perform a smooth input operation. Further, when an operation is performed by touching a physical key, the feeling of operation is deteriorated due to the depression between the buttons of the physical key. However, according to one aspect of the present invention, such a feeling of operation is caused. There is nothing. In addition, since operations can be performed without touching physical keys, operations that are performed by touching physical keys can be clearly separated from operations that are not performed, and erroneous operations such as accidental operation of physical keys can be prevented. The effect that it can also be produced.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A)-(h) is a figure which shows the structural example of the said information terminal. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the detection space in the said Embodiment 1, (b)-(d) is a figure for demonstrating detection resolution. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the example of the processing content information in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the said information terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the said information terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. (A) is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the information terminal which concerns on the said Embodiment 2, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the application information in the said Embodiment 2. FIG.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail. An information terminal (information processing apparatus) 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 2 (physical key that is an input interface) that receives key input, and is touched on the operation unit 2 (physical key) (contact and non-contact). Operation and space operation (hover operation) can be performed. This makes it possible to perform operations performed on a conventional touchpad without touching the physical keys, enabling smooth input even when the physical key buttons are wide or the depressions between the buttons are large. The operation can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of the information terminal 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any information terminal provided with a physical key may be used. In addition, the functions related to the cellular phone can be performed using the conventional technology, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Configuration of information terminal 1]
First, the appearance and configuration of the information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2A and 2B are views showing the appearance of the information terminal 1. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the information terminal 1 includes a display unit 5 and an operation area A. The operation area A includes an operation unit 2 that is a physical key. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, an area corresponding to the operation area A in FIG. 2A is divided into an operation area a and an operation area b.

  The operation unit 2 includes a key input unit 25 including a plurality of buttons 26. The user can perform a key input operation (for example, a character input operation) by pressing the button 26. Further, a plane including the surface of the button 26 or the like that comes into contact when the user performs an input operation is the arrangement surface.

  In the present embodiment, an input by a touch operation or a hover operation is accepted in the operation area. Details of input by touch operation and hover operation will be described later.

  The display unit 5 displays various information, images such as operation screens, sentences, and the like in accordance with instructions from the display control unit 37 described later. Examples of the display unit 5 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a plasma display, and the like.

(Structure of operation unit 2)
Next, the structure of the operation unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the structure of the operation unit 2, and FIG. 2D is an enlarged view of the region R1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2C, the operation unit 2 has a configuration in which a substrate 29, a wiring pattern 27, a support unit 28, and a button (physical key) 26 are stacked on the electrode sheet 20. Carbon 26 </ b> A is printed on the bottom surface of the button 26. In addition, a wiring pattern 27 made of a conductive material shown in FIG. 2E is printed on the substrate 29, and is electrically connected to the control unit 3 described later by a printed wiring 29A.

  The support portion 28 supports the button 26 so as to be separated from the substrate 29. When the button 26 is pressed in the direction of the substrate 29 from the state shown in FIG. 2D, the support portion 28 bends, and as shown in FIG. 2F, the carbon 26A on the bottom surface of the button 26 becomes a wiring pattern. 27. As a result, the two wiring patterns 27 sandwiching the button 26 become electrically conductive by the carbon 26A, and the change in the conductive state in the wiring pattern 27 is transmitted to the control unit 3 as a conductive signal.

  In addition, you may implement | achieve the operation part 2 by the metal dome switch (disc spring type switch) shown in FIG.2 (g).

  As shown in FIG. 2 (g), the metal dome switch has a contact circuit base substrate 102 on which contact electrodes 101 are formed. On the contact circuit base substrate 102, a metal dome (disc spring) 103 and a metal The dome presser sheet 104 is provided, and a key mat layer 105 is provided on the metal dome presser sheet 104. An internal wiring circuit 106 connected to the contact electrode 101 is formed on the contact circuit base substrate 102. The contact electrodes 101 and the internal wiring circuit 106 are connected by vias (Via) or through holes (TH) 107. The contact electrode 101 is formed on the surface of the contact circuit base substrate 102.

  The metal dome 103 is formed in a dome shape (dish shape) with a thin metal plate, and is placed on the contact electrode 101. The metal dome 103 has various shapes in which dimples (protrusions toward the contact electrode 101), holes, upper protrusions (protrusions in the direction opposite to the contact electrode 101), and the like are formed. At present, the mainstream is provided with 1 to 5 dimples.

  The metal dome 103 is fixed to the upper surface of the contact circuit base substrate 102 while being covered with the metal dome holding sheet 104. The metal dome holding sheet 104 is bonded to the surface of the contact circuit base substrate 102 and the upper surface of the metal dome 103 by an adhesive layer 108.

  The key mat layer 105 includes a base rubber 109 installed on the metal dome presser sheet 104 and a key top 111 bonded to the base rubber 109 with an adhesive 110. The base rubber 109 is formed in a sheet shape from a synthetic resin material, and has a plunger portion 112 on the lower surface facing the metal dome holding sheet 104. The plunger portion 112 is formed as a protruding portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface portion of the base rubber 109. The key top 111 is a portion serving as a push button, and is formed of a synthetic resin material. An upper surface portion of the key top 111 that is pressed is a key top decoration portion 113 on which characters, symbols, and the like are printed.

  In this switch device, when the upper surface portion of the key top 111 is pressed, the key top 111 moves to the metal dome 103 side, and the base rubber 109 is pressed and deformed. When the base rubber 109 is pressed and deformed by the key top 111, the plunger portion 112 presses the central portion of the upper surface of the metal dome 103 through the metal dome holding sheet 104. Then, the metal dome 103 is elastically displaced toward the contact circuit base substrate 102 and comes into contact with the contact electrode 101. When the metal dome 103 comes into contact with the contact electrode 101, the separated patterns in the contact electrode 101 are electrically connected, and a switch operation is performed.

  Next, the electrode sheet 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2H is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the electrode sheet 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (h), the electrode sheet 20 includes a noise protection sheet 201, an insulator glass 202, and an electrode layer 203 laminated in this order. The electrode sheet 20 detects the position of a detection target (such as a user's finger) on the detection surface, and transmits the detected position (x coordinate, y coordinate, z coordinate) to the control unit 3. Here, the two-dimensional coordinates set on the detection surface of the electrode sheet 20 are x and y coordinates, and the direction orthogonal to the detection surface of the electrode sheet 20 is the z-axis direction.

  For example, the electrode sheet 20 is configured by laminating an x electrode layer 2031 for specifying an operation position in the x direction and a y electrode layer 2032 for specifying an operation position in the y direction.

  In the present embodiment, the detection resolution of the electrode sheet 20 is changed depending on the distance between the detection surface and the detection target. This will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the position of the detection target (finger h) with respect to the detection surface of the electrode sheet 20 and the detection space. 3B to 3D are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the structure of the electrode sheet 20 and the detection resolution.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the detection space I, II, III and the non-detection space (dead zone) are divided according to the distance from the detection surface of the electrode sheet 20. Further, the non-detection space (dead zone) and the detection space I are separated by a reference value 1 (predetermined distance 1), and the detection space I and the detection space II are separated by a reference value 2 (predetermined distance 2).

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the distance from the detection surface to 10 cm is designed as a detection space. When the reference value 1 = 10 cm, the reference value 2 is set to about 5 cm.

  Further, the surface of the button 26 becomes a detection space III.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrode sheet 20 includes a plurality of vertical electrodes (wire electrodes) arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction along one side of the detection surface (referred to as the vertical direction), and upper and lower electrodes. A two-dimensional electrode having a plurality of horizontal electrodes (wire electrodes) arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction orthogonal to the direction (referred to as the left-right direction) and arranged in a matrix so that these intersect each other It has a structure. In the case of the detection space III, all these electrodes are used (pattern <3>). In this case, the minimum detection area is the electrode spacing of the detection electrodes, and the coordinate points (indicated by black circles) to be detected are the most dense as shown in FIG.

  And in the case of the detection space II, as shown in FIG.3 (c), the electrode sheet 20 is comprised by thinning out every other vertical electrode and horizontal electrode from the state of FIG.3 (b) ( Pattern <2>). The minimum detection area in this case is expanded four times compared to the minimum detection area in the detection space III. Further, the detection resolution is lower than that of the detection space III.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3D, in the case of the detection space I, the electrode sheet 20 is configured by thinning out every three vertical electrodes and horizontal electrodes from the state of FIG. <1>). As a result, the minimum detection area is expanded more than the pattern <2>. In this case, the detection resolution is in the lowest state.

(Functional block of information terminal 1)
Next, the main part structure of the information terminal 1 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the information terminal 1 includes an operation unit 2, a control unit 3, a storage unit 4, a display unit 5, and a speaker 6. Since the operation unit 2 has been described above, a description thereof is omitted here.

  The control unit 3 performs various processes in the information terminal 1, performs switching of input states, execution of processes corresponding to gestures, and the like. The position specifying unit 31, the state setting unit 32, and the character code conversion unit 33. , A coordinate data conversion unit 34, a gesture determination unit (detection target locus acquisition unit) 35, an application processing unit (processing execution unit) 36, a display control unit (processing execution unit) 37, and a sound control unit (processing execution unit) 38. .

  The position specifying unit 31 specifies the position of the detection target. Specifically, the position specifying unit 31 switches the detection resolution of the electrode sheet 20 according to the spatial position (z coordinate) of the detection target, acquires the coordinates of the detection target from the electrode sheet 20, and determines the position of the detection target. Identify. The position specifying unit 31 notifies the state setting unit 32 of the specified coordinates (detected coordinates). Details of the position specifying process performed by the position specifying unit 31 will be described later.

  The state setting unit 32 sets the input state from the detected coordinates received from the position specifying unit 31. Further, the input state is set from the detected coordinates received from the position specifying unit 31 and the conduction signal received from the key input unit 25.

  Specifically, the state setting unit 32 determines in which detection space the detection target exists from the received detection coordinates. When it is determined that the detection target exists in the detection space III and a continuity signal is received from the key input unit 25, the input state is set to the key input state. In the key input state, the state setting unit 32 transmits the received continuity signal to the character code conversion unit. The key input state is a state in which character input processing corresponding to the pressed button 26 is performed.

  Further, when it is determined that the detection target exists in the detection space III and no continuity signal is received from the key input unit 25, the input state is set to the touch state. In the touch state, the state setting unit 32 transmits the received detected coordinates to the coordinate data conversion unit 34. The touch state is a state in which processing for moving the position of the pointer according to the touched position is performed. An input operation in the touch state is referred to as a touch operation.

  When it is determined that the detection target exists in the detection space I or the detection space II, the input state is set to the hover state. In the hover state, the state setting unit 32 transmits the received detection coordinates to the gesture determination unit 35. The hover state is a state in which processing corresponding to the detected coordinates is executed. An input operation in the hover state is called a hover operation.

  The character code conversion unit 33 receives the conduction signal from the state setting unit 32 and generates character information (character code) corresponding to the button 26 in which the wiring pattern 27 is in the conduction state. More specifically, when receiving the conduction signal, the character code conversion unit 33 reads the character code conversion information 41 stored in the storage unit 4, generates character information corresponding to the button 26 in the conduction state, and displays the display control unit. 37. For example, the display control unit 37 displays the character indicated by the received character information at the cursor position displayed on the display unit 5. The character code conversion information 41 is a table in which the button 26 and character information are associated with each other.

  The coordinate data conversion unit 34 generates display position information indicating the display position of the pointer displayed on the display unit 5 from the detected coordinates received from the state setting unit 32 and transmits the display position information to the display control unit 37. The display control unit 37 displays the pointer displayed on the display unit 5 at the position indicated by the display position information.

  The gesture determination unit 35 determines whether or not the received locus of detected coordinates corresponds to a predetermined gesture (movement of a detection target), and when it is determined to correspond to a predetermined gesture, the gesture determination unit 35 indicates processing content corresponding to the gesture. Processing information is transmitted to the application processing unit 36. More specifically, the gesture determination unit 35 refers to the processing content information 42 in which the gesture and the processing content are associated with each other, and the locus of the detected coordinates received from the state setting unit 32 is defined by the processing content information 42. It is determined whether or not the corresponding gesture is supported. When it is determined that the gesture corresponds to the gesture defined by the processing content information 42, processing information indicating the processing content corresponding to the gesture is transmitted to the application processing unit 36. When it is determined that the gesture does not correspond to the gesture defined by the processing content information 42, the received detected coordinates are transmitted to the coordinate data conversion unit 34. Details of the processing content information will be described later.

  The application processing unit 36 receives the processing information from the gesture determination unit 35 and executes the processing content indicated by the processing information. For example, the application processing unit 36 issues an instruction to the display control unit 37, the sound control unit 38, and the like according to the processing content.

  The display control unit 37 instructs the display unit 5 to display various information, an image such as an operation screen. The sound control unit 38 instructs the speaker 6 to output various sounds. The storage unit 4 stores information, and includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory and a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). Examples of contents stored in the nonvolatile storage device include various programs, various operation setting values, and various data. On the other hand, examples of the contents stored in the volatile storage device include a working file and a temporary file. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 4 includes character code conversion information 41 and processing content information 42. Since the display part 5 was mentioned above, description here is abbreviate | omitted. The speaker 6 outputs various sounds in accordance with instructions from the sound control unit 38.

(Details of processing content information)
Details of the processing content information will be described with reference to FIG. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing details of the processing content information. As shown in FIG. 4A, the processing content information 43 is a table in which processing content and a gesture are associated with each other. In the example shown in the processing content information 43, a gesture (first change) for drawing a circle as a detection target in the detection space I is associated with a process for lowering the volume. Further, the process is not executed even if a gesture (second change) for drawing a circle in the detection space II is performed. In addition, a gesture (first change) for moving the detection target in the detection space II in parallel is associated with a process for increasing the volume. Further, even if a gesture (second change) for moving the detection target in parallel in the detection space I is performed, the process is not executed.

  Further, the processing content information 43a shown in FIG. 4B shows the association when the operation area is divided into a plurality of areas (see FIG. 2B). In the processing content information 43a, a gesture for drawing a circle with a detection target in the detection space I in the operation area a is associated with a process for reducing the reproduction speed. In addition, a gesture for moving the detection target in the detection space II in parallel is associated with a process for increasing the reproduction speed. In addition, a gesture for drawing a circle with a detection target in the detection space I in the operation area b is associated with a process for reducing the volume. In addition, a gesture for moving the detection target in the detection space II in parallel is associated with a process for increasing the volume.

  Further, in the processing content information 43b shown in FIG. 4C, a gesture that moves from the operation area a to the operation area b in the detection space I and descends is associated with a process for reducing the reproduction speed. Further, a gesture that moves from the operation area a to the operation area b and moves up is associated with a process for increasing the reproduction speed. In addition, a gesture that moves from the operation area a to the operation area b in the detection space II and moves down is associated with a process for lowering the volume. In addition, a gesture that moves from the operation area a to the operation area b and rises is associated with a process for increasing the volume.

  Further, the processing content information 43c illustrated in FIG. 4D is a table in which gestures and processing are associated with each other according to the selected application. In the processing content information 43c, after a volume adjustment application is selected, a gesture for lowering the detection target in the detection space I is associated with a process for lowering the volume, and a gesture for increasing the detection target in the detection space II The process for increasing the volume is associated with the process. In addition, after a reproduction speed adjustment application is selected, a gesture in which the detection target is lowered in the detection space I is associated with a process for lowering the reproduction speed, and a gesture in which the detection target is increased in the detection space II and the reproduction speed. Is associated with the process of raising the value.

(Processing flow in the information terminal 1)
Next, the flow of processing of the information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the position specifying unit 31 performs a position specifying process of acquiring coordinates (detected coordinates) representing the position of a detection target (such as a user's hand) from the electrode sheet 20 and specifying the position (S1). ). Details of the position specifying process will be described later.

  Next, the state setting unit 32 determines whether or not the detection target exists in the detection space III from the detection coordinates (S2). When the detection coordinates are present in the detection space III (YES in S2), the state setting unit 32 determines whether or not there is a wiring pattern 27 in a conductive state (S3). When there is the wiring pattern 27 in the conductive state (YES in S3), the state setting unit 32 sets the data input state to the key input state (S4). The character code conversion unit 33 receives the conduction signal from the state setting unit 32 and converts the conduction signal into character information (S5). The display control unit 37 causes the display unit 5 to display according to the received character information (S6, process execution step). Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

  On the other hand, when there is no conductive wiring pattern 27 (NO in S3), the state setting unit 32 sets the data input state to the touch state, and transmits the detected coordinates to the coordinate data conversion unit 34 (S7). The coordinate data converter 34 receives the detected coordinates and converts the detected coordinates into display position information (S8). The display control unit 37 receives the display position information and executes a pointing device output process for displaying the pointer displayed on the display unit 5 at the position indicated by the display position information (S9, process execution step). Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

  If the detected coordinate does not exist in the detection space III (NO in S2), the state setting unit 32 sets the data input state to the hover state and transmits the detected coordinate to the gesture determining unit 35. (S10). The gesture determination unit 35 determines whether or not the received locus of detected coordinates corresponds to a predetermined gesture (S11, detection target locus acquisition step). When the gesture determination unit 35 determines that the detection target does not correspond to the predetermined gesture (NO in S11), the gesture determination unit 35 transmits the detected coordinates to the coordinate data conversion unit 34. Then, it progresses to step S12 and step S13 (process execution step), and returns to step S1. Since step S12 is the same as step S8, and step S13 is the same as step S9, description thereof is omitted here.

  On the other hand, when the gesture determination unit 35 determines that the trajectory of the detected coordinates in the predetermined period corresponds to the predetermined gesture (YES in S11), the gesture determination unit 35 displays the processing information indicating the processing content corresponding to the gesture as the application processing unit. 36. The application processing unit 36 executes the process indicated by the received process information (S14, process execution step). Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

(Location identification process)
Next, the flow of the position specifying process in step S1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the position specifying process in the position specifying unit 31.

  First, the position specifying unit 31 checks whether or not the electrode interval of the electrode sheet 20 is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1> (S101), and the electrode interval is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1>. If YES (YES in S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, when the electrode interval is not set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1> (NO in S101), the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the position specifying unit 31 sets (switches) the electrode interval to the electrode interval of the pattern <1>, and proceeds to step S102. Next, the position specifying unit 31 determines whether or not the detection level (z coordinate of the detection coordinates) exceeds the reference value 1 (S102). If the detection level exceeds the reference value 1 (YES in S102), Proceed to step S103. On the other hand, when the detection level does not exceed the reference value 1 (NO in S102), the operation in step S102 is repeated from the beginning. Then, the position specifying unit 31 determines whether or not the detection level exceeds the reference value 2 (S103). If the detection level exceeds the reference value 2 (YES in S103), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the detection level does not exceed the reference value 2 (NO in S103), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the position specifying unit 31 checks whether or not the electrode interval is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1>, and the electrode interval of the electrode sheet 20 is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1>. If so (YES in S109), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the electrode interval is not set to the electrode interval of the pattern <1> (NO in S109), the process returns to step S101. In step S110, the position of the object is specified from the detection coordinates of the detection target, and the process returns to step S101.

  Next, the position specifying unit 31 checks whether or not the electrode interval of the pattern <2> is set (S104), and when the electrode interval is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <2> (YES in S104) ), The process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the electrode interval is not set to the electrode interval of the pattern <2> (NO in S104), the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the position specifying unit 31 sets (switches) the electrode interval to the electrode interval of the pattern <2>, and proceeds to step S105.

  Thereafter, the position specifying unit 31 determines whether or not the detection level exceeds the reference value 3 (S105). If the detection level exceeds the reference value 3 (YES in S105), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the detection level does not exceed the reference value 3 (NO in S105), the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the position specifying unit 31 confirms whether or not the electrode interval of the electrode sheet 20 is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <2>, and the electrode interval is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <2>. If so (YES in S112), the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, when the electrode interval is not set to the electrode interval of the pattern <2> (NO in S112), the process returns to step S103. In step S113, the position of the object is specified from the detection coordinates of the detection target, and the process returns to step S103.

  Then, the position specifying unit 31 checks whether or not the electrode interval of the electrode sheet 20 is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <3> (S106), and the electrode interval is set to the electrode interval of the pattern <3>. If yes (YES in S106), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, when the electrode interval is not set to the electrode interval of the pattern <3> (NO in S106), the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the position specifying unit 31 sets (switches) the electrode interval of the electrode sheet 20 to the electrode interval of the pattern <3>, and proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the position of the object is specified from the detection coordinates of the detection target, and the process returns to step S105.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The information terminal 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the information terminal 1a. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the information terminal 1 a includes a control unit 3 a instead of the control unit 3 of the first embodiment. The control unit 3 a includes a state setting unit 32 a and an application determination unit 39 instead of the state setting unit 32 provided in the control unit 3.

  The application determination unit 39 determines whether or not the input set in the application activated by the user's operation corresponds only to the key input state, and transmits the determination result to the state setting unit 32a. For example, the application determination unit 39 performs the above determination with reference to application information 44 indicating an input state that can be supported by each application stored in the storage unit 4. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the application information 44. As shown in FIG. 8B, the application “Notepad” corresponds only to the key input state, and the application “Full Browser” corresponds to the hover state, the touch state, and the key input state.

  When the state setting unit 32a receives the determination that the application supports only the key input state, the state setting unit 32a sets the data input state to the key input state. Further, when the state setting unit 32a receives a determination that the application is not only compatible with the key input state, the state setting unit 32a processes data in the same manner as the state setting unit 32 described in the first embodiment.

  Next, a processing flow of the information terminal 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a process flow of the information terminal 1a. As shown in FIG. 8A, when an application is activated by a user operation or the like (S21), the application determination unit 39 determines whether or not the input set in the activated application corresponds only to the key input state. Is determined (S22). If the activated application supports only the key input state (YES in S22), the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if the activated application is not compatible only with the key input state (NO in S22), the process proceeds to S1. In addition, since the process of step S1-14 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, description here is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, when the processes of step S6, step S9, step S13, and step S14 are completed, the process returns to step S21.

[Embodiment 3]
The control blocks (control units 3 and 3a) of the information terminals 1 and 1a may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It may be realized by software.

In the latter case, the information terminals 1 and 1a include a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, and the program and various data are stored in a computer (or CPU).
ROM (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
An information processing apparatus according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that includes a physical key that is an input interface, and has a plane on which the physical key is arranged as a placement plane, is separated from the placement plane, and the placement A detection target trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target exists within a predetermined distance from the surface, and a change in the position of the detection target acquired by the detection target trajectory acquisition unit And a process execution unit that executes the process.

  According to said structure, input operation for performing a process is possible, without contacting the surface of a physical key. Therefore, a smooth input operation is possible. In addition, when an operation is performed by touching a physical key, the feeling of operation deteriorates due to the depression between the buttons of the physical key. However, according to the above configuration, such a feeling of operation may be caused. Absent. In addition, since operations can be performed without touching physical keys, operations that are performed by touching physical keys can be clearly separated from operations that are not performed, and erroneous operations such as accidental operation of physical keys can be prevented. You can also

  In the information processing apparatus according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, the processing execution unit is associated with the movement when the change acquired by the detection target locus acquisition unit is a predetermined movement. It may execute a specific function.

  According to said structure, a specific function can be performed by a predetermined motion. Therefore, if a motion that can easily assume a specific function is determined in advance, an intuitive operational feeling can be provided to the user.

  The information processing apparatus according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the processing execution unit performs two different changes for the change acquired by the detection target trajectory acquisition unit. If these two changes have the same trajectory when projected onto a plane parallel to the physical key layout plane and the distance from the physical key layout plane is different, the processing is different. May be.

  According to said structure, the content of a process can be changed with the distance from the arrangement | positioning surface of a physical key. Thereby, the variation of the process to perform can be increased. Also, if the distance is different even if the trajectory on the plane parallel to the physical key arrangement plane is the same, the process can be made different, so that the process is executed only when the distance is a predetermined distance, thereby preventing an erroneous operation. be able to.

  The information processing apparatus according to aspect 4 of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the aspects 1 to 3, wherein the process execution unit is different from the predetermined movement acquired by the detection target locus acquisition unit. The processing may be executed by moving the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit in association with the movement.

  According to said structure, since the position of the pointer currently displayed on the display part can be moved corresponding to the locus | trajectory of a detection target, a pointer can be moved with a sufficient operational feeling.

  An information processing apparatus control method according to an aspect 5 of the present invention is an information processing apparatus control method including a physical key that is an input interface, wherein a plane on which the physical key is arranged is an arrangement plane, and the arrangement plane The detection target locus acquisition step for acquiring a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target is present within a predetermined distance from the arrangement surface and the detection target locus acquisition step (S11). And a process execution step (S6, S9, S13, S14) for executing a process corresponding to the change in the position of the detection target.

  According to said method, there can exist the effect mentioned above.

  The information processing apparatus according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the information processing apparatus is operated on each computer by causing the computer to operate as each unit (software element) included in the information processing apparatus. The control program for the information processing apparatus to be realized in this way and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for an information processing apparatus that executes processing by an operation of tracing a surface, for example, an operation performed by touching a conventional touch pad.

  1, 1a Information terminal (information processing device), 25 key input unit (physical key), 26 button (physical key), 35 gesture determination unit (detection target trajectory acquisition unit), 36 application processing unit (processing execution unit), 37 Display control unit (process execution unit), 38 sound control unit (process execution unit)

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus including a physical key that is an input interface,
A detection target trajectory that acquires a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target exists within a predetermined distance from the arrangement plane and within a predetermined distance from the plane on which the physical key is arranged. An acquisition unit;
A process execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the change in the position of the detection target acquired by the detection target locus acquisition unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The said process execution part performs the specific function matched with the said movement, when the said change acquired by the said detection object locus | trajectory acquisition part is a predetermined movement. Information processing device.   The process execution unit sets two different changes for the change acquired by the detection target locus acquisition unit as a first change and a second change, and the two changes are parallel to the physical key arrangement surface. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing is different when the trajectories when projected onto the same are different and the distance from the physical key arrangement surface is different.   When the change acquired by the detection target locus acquisition unit is different from a predetermined movement, the process execution unit moves the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit in accordance with the movement and executes the process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus control method including a physical key that is an input interface,
A detection target trajectory that acquires a change in the position of the detection target when the detection target exists within a predetermined distance from the arrangement plane and within a predetermined distance from the plane on which the physical key is arranged. An acquisition step;
A process execution step for executing a process corresponding to the change in the position of the detection target acquired in the detection target locus acquisition step;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising:   An information processing apparatus control program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus control program causes the computer to function as the detection target locus acquisition unit and the processing execution unit.

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