JP3449035B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device having a plurality of keys for inputting at least a plurality of character codes, as represented by a keyboard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard is a typical conventional input device for a computer. 9a and 9b are a top view (key placement surface) and a side view, respectively, of the conventional keyboard. All keys are located on the top of the keyboard.

Although the key layout of the typewriter is the basis, this key layout is not always rational. This is probably due to the mechanical limitations of early typewriters. Various improvements have been made so far for the purpose of reducing fatigue in input work and increasing input speed.

As a method for speeding up input, a method called blind touch for inputting without looking at a key is widely used. In this method, the fingers of both hands are lightly placed in advance on a predetermined reference key position called the home position, and the keys are tapped with a predetermined finger for each key. There are few unnecessary movements on the finger, and with a little training, you can input without looking at the keys, so you can input efficiently and quickly.

Specifically, in the key arrangement of FIG. 9a, the left little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger (the fingers other than the thumb are referred to as non-thumbs) are each provided with three keys "Q" and "A".
"Z", 3 keys "W""S""X", 3 keys "E"
"D""C", 6 keys "R""F""V""T""G"
"B" is assigned, and the three keys "Y", "H", "N", "U", "J", "M", and the three keys "I", "K", "," are assigned to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand. Keys "O", "L", ".", And 3 keys "P", ";", "/" are assigned. 8 keys “A”, “S”, “D”, “F”, “J”, which are usually home position
Place the eight non-thumbs of both hands on "K", "L", and ";") until they are lightly touched. For example, when the key "Q" is input, the left little finger is moved from the home position "A" to "Q", which is one level higher, and the key is pressed. There is little waste of finger movement, and by placing the hand at the home position, the target of tapping should be a small amount of finger movement (a movement amount of one or two keys in one direction even if the movement distance from the home position is large). Since the key can be typed, the target character can be typed without looking at the key with a little training, and high-speed input is possible.

As input devices, input means for coordinate information / position information such as a mouse, trackball, joystick, tablet, etc., and input means for image information such as a scanner, TV camera, etc. are also used. These input means and conventional keyboard It is expected that a new input device that will be easier to use will be created by merging with and.

[0007]

However, the conventional input device, especially the key input section, has the following problems.

(1) Since the input is made by holding the hand over the key, the wrist or arm that supports the hand is easily tired.

(2) Due to the key arrangement and the size of the finger, there is a limit to the miniaturization of a keyboard capable of efficient input, and further miniaturization (for example, a notebook-sized keyboard capable of blind touch input) has been difficult.

(3) Although frequently used, there are keys near the periphery of the keyboard that cannot be typed without releasing the hand for the home position. When these keys are typed, blind touch is difficult and input efficiency is high. Was falling.

(4) The keyboard is supposed to be used on a desk, and it is not impossible to use it in other environments, for example, in a train or in a standing posture without a desk.
The input was extremely inefficient.

(5) Both thumbs were used only when tapping the same space key ("SP"), and their athletic ability was not used effectively.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an input device that causes less fatigue due to input work, an input device with high input efficiency, an input device that enables efficient input even in a place other than a desk, and efficient input and downsizing are possible. The purpose is to provide an easy-to-use input device.

[0014]

An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and has a plurality of keys, and code information such as characters by keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. And a key input unit for generating a non-parent of the left hand of a conventional keyboard.
Of the keys to be pressed with a finger, the home position of the left index finger
Key and the keys before and after it, and these three
Three keys to the right of one key and the home position of the left middle finger
Key and the three keys before and after it and the left ring finger
Home position key and three keys before and after it
And the home position key of the left little finger and the keys before and after it
A first key containing at least 15 of the 3 keys of
-The relative position of the group and the key assignment to each non-thumb
Keep it on the back and place it on the back of your conventional keyboard
Of the keys to be pressed with a non-thumb, the home position of the right index finger
And the three keys that are the key before and after it, and these
Three keys to the left of the three keys and the home position of the right middle finger
The right and left ring finger
Home key and the keys before and after it
-, The right little finger home position key and the keys before and after it
A second key containing at least 15 of the 3 keys of
-The relative position of the group and the key assignment to each non-thumb
Keep it on the back and keep it on the back of the first key group and the second key.
-Third including some or all of the keys that do not belong to the group
The key group of is assigned to the thumb and arranged on the front surface .

An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, in which the key input portion is held by a palm.
It is characterized in that the keystroke operation is performed in the state of being pressed .

An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and has a plurality of keys, and a key input unit for generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. Wherein the key input unit is
The surface on which the non-thumb key is arranged is different from the surface on which the thumb key is arranged, and at least the surface on which the thumb key is arranged is oriented so that the bending motion of the first joint or the second joint of the thumb can perform a keystroke operation. Keys are arranged, conventional keyboard
Of the left non-thumb keys in
There are three keys, the home position key of the finger and the keys before and after it.
The key, the three keys to the right of these three keys, the left
Home position key of the middle finger and three keys before and after it
Key and the home position key of the left ring finger and before and after it
3 keys and the left little finger home position key
And at least 15 of the three keys before and after
The first key group including the keys is used for the relative positional relationship and each non-thumb.
Keep the key assignment to and place it on a conventional keyboard
Of the keys to be tapped with the non-thumb of the right hand, the right index finger
Home key and the keys before and after it
-, The three keys to the left of these three keys, and the right middle finger
Home key and the keys before and after it
And the home position key of the right ring finger and the keys before and after it.
Key, right little finger home position key and its
At least 15 of the 3 keys before and after the
The second key group including the
-Assigned assignments are made so that the first key group and the first key group are
Including some or all of the keys that do not belong to the second key group
The third key group is assigned to the thumb and arranged on the front surface .

An input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, wherein the non-thumb key of the key input section is
Place your hand on the connection between the placement surface and the thumb key placement surface.
It is characterized by having a support portion that is supported by the palm .

An input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention solves the above problem.
The information is generated according to the movement of the arm.
It is characterized in that an information generating means is provided .

[0019]

In the input device of the first aspect of the present invention, since the keys are arranged on both sides of the input device, the size can be reduced, and the thumb keys and the non-thumb keys are arranged on different surfaces. You can effectively use your thumb's movement function and movable range, and you can assign more keys than before (keys that are frequently used and located at a long distance from the home position) and various input means to the thumb for efficient input. As well as being able to perform input while holding or touching the input device with the palm of the hand, fatigue is reduced, home position can be maintained, and input can be performed with the input device held. It enables input and efficient input. In particular, by assigning the same key to the non-thumb as the conventional key, a person who can blind-touch with the conventional key arrangement can perform blind-touch input without practicing, and can input faster than before.

The input device according to the second aspect of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration.
Keep the positional relationship between the input device and the hand constant.
You can enter data efficiently even in places without a desk.
It

According to the input device of the third aspect of the present invention, the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces due to the above-mentioned configuration.
Since it is placed, the thumb and non-thumb, especially the index finger, move
Since the possible ranges do not overlap, more
Input operation using input means such as keys and trackballs
It can be done, efficient input is possible, thumb
Since you can effectively use the motor function of the,
Input devices such as keyboards and trackballs
Position and keep your hands away from the home position.
In fact, accurate input can be done efficiently.

The input device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, which has the above-described structure, requires almost no force for supporting the hand with the wrist or arm.
Therefore, fatigue can be reduced.

The input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is capable of inputting more information with the above-mentioned configuration .

[0024]

EXAMPLES (First Embodiment) FIG. 1a, 1b, the Fig. 1c, Fig. 1d, Fig. 1e, an input device (display means respectively definitive to an embodiment of the present invention, an information processing means, communication means embedded ) Rear view, full view, side view,
Top view and bottom view.

In the input device of FIG. 1, 101 is a case of the input device, 102 is a stand for supporting the input device from the back surface, 103 is a left non-thumb key (20 keys), 1
Reference numeral 04 is a right non-thumb key (20 keys), 105 is a left thumb key (12 keys), 106 is a right thumb key (9 keys), 107 is a trackball for inputting position information, 10
8 is a liquid crystal type display means, 109 is a microphone for voice input,
Reference numeral 110 is a video camera for image input, 111 is a mirror (for example, a convex mirror) for confirming the user (user) who is input to the video camera at the same angle of view.
Reference numerals 2 and 113 denote keys that can be pressed with either the index finger or the thumb, 114 a communication terminal for communication with an external device, and 115 a mouse ball for inputting position information attached to the bottom surface of the input device.

The non-thumb keys 103 and 104 are keys that can be blind-touched by a conventional input device (keyboard). The left-hand non-thumb key 103 and the right-hand non-thumb key 1
In each of the 04 keys (20 keys), the mutual positional relationship between the keys is the same as that of the conventional input device, and the relationship between the finger corresponding to each key and the home position is the same as in the conventional blind touch.

The input device configured as described above will be described. FIG. 1f is a perspective view showing its usage. The features and effects are listed in the following items.

Since the keys are arranged on both sides, the input device can be downsized. Since the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces (the front surface and the back surface in this embodiment), the movable ranges of the thumb and the non-thumb (particularly the index finger) do not overlap. In particular, it is possible to allow the thumb to perform an input operation using more keys and input means such as a trackball than ever before.

According to the key arrangement and the arrangement of the input means of the present invention, the input function can be performed by effectively using the motor function of the thumb, that is, the first joint of the thumb (the joint closest to the tip),
Since the keystroke operation can be performed using the motion function of the second joint and the selection operation of the key and the input means can be performed using the third joint and the like, unlike the conventional art, a plurality of keys and input means (trackball, etc.) can be attached to the thumb. They can be assigned and these exact inputs are possible. These keys and input means may be arranged at positions where the thumb can easily press them according to the frequency of use, and can be easily visually confirmed, so that they can be arranged freely without being particular about the key arrangement of a conventional keyboard or the like. In addition, by placing a key on the thumb that could not be typed until the hand was released from the position for the home position on the conventional keyboard, the key was placed near the periphery so that the hand does not move from the position for the home position. Keystrokes can be made and input efficiency can be greatly improved. In the conventional keyboard, the thumb is moved by the movement of the third joint in a direction (lateral direction with respect to the finger) different from the movement direction of the first joint and the second joint, so that a plurality of keys are pressed. If they are arranged closely, accurate input and high-speed input are difficult.

Since input can be performed while holding the input device with the palm of the hand, it is possible to perform input in a standing posture, for example, in an environment without a desk, and the input device or a terminal device using this input device, a computer (particularly a notebook) Type, notebook type)
It can greatly expand the usable range such as. Especially PDA
(Personal Data Assistant) Effective as an input device for equipment.

Since the input is carried out while the input device is held or in contact with the palm, the home position can be maintained easily and erroneous input can be reduced. In addition, it is easy to return even if you leave the pom position. Although it is used more frequently, a key that is difficult to blind-touch with the conventional keyboard is assigned to the thumb, which enables faster input.

Although the non-thumb keys arranged on the back are invisible to the operator, it is easy to put the non-thumbs in the home position because the palm is in contact with the input device, and the keys assigned to the fingers are assigned. By using the same as the conventional keyboard, it is possible to input at high speed with the same blind touch as the conventional keyboard. Since the key layout on the finger is the same as that of the conventional keyboard, anyone who can perform blind touch input with the conventional keyboard can perform blind touch input with this input device with little or no practice).

Since it is not necessary to keep the palm of the hand horizontal and counter the gravity so that the hand is supported by the wrist as in the conventional case, fatigue can be reduced. In other words, since the weight of the hand is supported by the boundary part between the palm and the back of the hand (the side of the little finger) with the thumb facing upward, fatigue of the hand does not occur. When using it on a desk,
Since you use the input device in a posture similar to reading a book, with the input device tilted slightly backward or almost upright,
Fatigue for supporting the weight of the input device itself is small, and by providing the stand 102 for supporting the input device, the fatigue for supporting the input device can be completely eliminated.

Since the input can be performed by holding the input device with both hands, the directions of the microphone 109 and the video camera 110, which are integrated, can be easily changed and adjusted even when the key is input. .

Keys 112, 113 or left thumb key 1
The top two keys of 05 are used as button switches when using a trackball or a mouseball, so that position information can be easily input.

If the input keys are placed in a state in which the keys on the back or front face downward and the keys are placed on a flat surface so that the input keys are in the input prohibited state, erroneous input will not occur even if the input device is placed in a tilted state. You may not be allowed to.

It is conceivable that at least some of the keys are in the non-input state in the state where the bottom surface is floating to prevent the input.

By providing the display means 108 with a display mode for displaying the key arrangement and the keystroke state arranged on the back side as if the user were seeing through from the front side, the back side (back side ) Keys (non-thumb keys) can be used more quickly, and blind touch can be easily performed.

As described above, according to the input device of this embodiment, downsizing can be easily performed, fatigue at the time of input can be reduced, and efficient input can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the display means, which is one of the input means and the output means such as a trackball, is provided in addition to the keys. However, it is conceivable that some or all of these may be omitted. Of course, input / output means other than these may be added. The display means may be separated from the input means and connected to the input device by a hinge structure, in which case a larger display device can be attached.

Further, the input device can be separated at the center and connected by a hinge to further reduce the size. In this case, the display means may be attached to one side of the input means, or may be divided and attached to both sides.

Further, as a modified example, a configuration in which some or all of the non-thumb keys (including the input means) are arranged on the upper surface shown in FIG. 1d is also conceivable. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Particularly, since the keys are pressed by the movements of the first and second joints of the thumb, it is the same in that the input can be made by effectively utilizing the movement function and ability of the thumb. In this case, the display means can be made larger. The perspective view of the use state is the state in which the thumb is placed on the upper surface in FIG. 1f.

(Second Embodiment) A part of the first embodiment is modified, and FIGS. 2a and 2b are a rear view and a side view of an input device of the present invention. Basically first
Since it is the same as the embodiment described above, only the difference will be described. As shown in FIG. 2a, protrusions 201a and 201b for placing hands on the left and right sides of the case (provided as guides and hand rests (corresponding to conventional armrests) for placing fingers at the home position) are provided. It is possible to place the hand in the position for the home position with the hand placed on. Since the stand 202 supports the input device, hand fatigue can be minimized. This makes it possible to input efficiently with almost no fatigue.

As a guide for placing the finger in the home position using the sense of touch of the hand without visually confirming it, a hand or a finger is placed in addition to providing a protrusion on the side surface of the input device. It is conceivable to provide a method of forming a depression of the key or changing the shape of a predetermined key to another key (for example, providing a small protrusion on the keys “F” and “J”).

(Third Embodiment) A part of the second embodiment is modified, and a side view thereof is shown in FIG. Input can be done by holding the input device with both hands, but this is a means for connecting the connecting portion of the stand 301 and the case 201 in a rotatable manner and inputting the rotation amount (or tilt amount) as information. By incorporating it in the device, more information can be input. For example, it can be used as steering wheel operation information in a vehicle simulation game.

(Fourth Embodiment) This is one of the modifications of the first embodiment, and its rear view is shown in FIG. This is one obtained by omitting the display means and the stand in the first embodiment and dividing it into two parts, and shows only for the right hand. The illustration of the input device for the left hand is omitted. By operating the band 402 by hand, complicated key input can be surely performed with one hand. Even if there is no band, input can be done by pressing the right end of the figure against another or supporting from below. The band also functions as a guide for placing the finger at the home position, and may be added to the input device or the like of the first embodiment.

[0047] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5a, a perspective view of an input device definitive to an embodiment of FIG. 5b present invention, respectively, a side view.

In FIG. 5a, 201 is a case of the input device, 202 is a left non-thumb key (20 keys), 203 is a right non-thumb key (20 keys), 204 is a left thumb key (10 keys), 205 Is a right hand key (9 key).

The features, effects, and reasons of the input device configured as described above will be described below in itemized form.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5a, since the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces, the movable ranges of the thumb and the non-thumb, especially the index finger, do not overlap. In particular, it is possible to allow the thumb to perform an input operation using more keys and input means such as a trackball than ever before.

Since the thumb movement function can be effectively used as compared with the conventional keyboard, a plurality of keys for the thumb and input means such as a trackball can be densely arranged. In the conventional keyboard, the thumb is moved by the movement of the third joint in a direction (lateral direction with respect to the finger) different from the movement direction of the first joint and the second joint, so that a plurality of keys are pressed. If they are arranged closely, accurate input and high-speed input are difficult. However, with the arrangement of the keys of the present invention and the arrangement of the input means, it is possible to perform a tapping operation using the motion functions of the first joint and the second joint of the thumb, and to accurately select the key and the input means using the third joint. . That is, the motor function and ability of the thumb can be effectively used.

The palm of the hand is placed on the connecting portion (higher portion) between the surface on which the non-thumb key is arranged and the surface on which the thumb key is arranged, so that the weight of the hand can be supported here. Fatigue can be significantly reduced.

As described above, according to this embodiment, efficient input can be performed. Note that the following modified examples are also possible.
First, the surface on which the non-thumb keys are arranged and the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged have a hinged connection structure (folding type structure), which enables miniaturization of the device. The second is
As in the first embodiment, the key arrangement of the embodiment is arranged on the back surface and the front surface of the input device (corresponding to the folded state in the first modification), and the device can be downsized in the same manner. . Further, in these modified examples, a structure in which display means is added to the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged, as in the first embodiment, is also conceivable.

[0054] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 6a, a top view of an input device definitive to an embodiment of FIG. 6b present invention, respectively, a side view.

In FIG. 6a, reference numeral 601 is the same key as in the prior art, and 602 is a support portion for supporting the hand by placing the palm (a stick-like support attached to the left and right ends of the input device like iron bars). By placing the palm on the support portion, it is not necessary to support the hand with the wrist or the arm as in the conventional case, so that fatigue at the time of input can be reduced.

[0056] (Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 7a, a top view of an input device definitive to an embodiment of FIG. 7b present invention, respectively, a side view. In the figure, 701 is the same key as the conventional one, and 702, 703 and 704 are convex portions. Since there is a convex portion, it is possible to prevent the key from entering the input state even when the keyboard is turned upside down.
Also, when the input device is not used or when it is suspended due to a break, etc., it is possible to greatly reduce the ingress of dust and the like into the input device from the gap between the keys by keeping it inside out like this. In addition, the conventional dust cover is not required, and it is easy to use.

(Eighth Embodiment) As a modification of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG.
By setting the height so that it does not pop out more, it is possible to prevent the keys from entering the state even when the keyboard is turned upside down. Also, when the input device is not used or when it is suspended due to a break, etc., it is possible to greatly reduce the ingress of dust and the like into the input device from the gap between the keys by keeping it inside out like this. In addition, the conventional dust cover is not required, and it is easy to use.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the key is assumed to be a switch type in which the key is pressed by a finger, but various keys such as a touch-type key in which a key is pressed by touching the finger are used. Of course, it is not limited to the key structure of the above embodiment.

Of course, the key arrangement, the characters, symbols, codes, etc. assigned to the keys are not limited to those in this embodiment. In the embodiment, the surface on which the keys are arranged is a flat surface for easy illustration or for downsizing, but it may be a curved surface, and a curved surface that is particularly easy to type (for example, a key near the home position is slightly more than other keys). It may be a concave surface that is close to the inside of the device. Needless to say, it is possible to omit the stand.

Although the embodiment has been described by taking the input device to the computer as an example, the present invention can be applied to various input devices such as an input device of a game machine, a calculator, and a data dedicated input terminal.

[0061]

According to the present invention, the keys are divided into those for thumbs and those for non-thumbs, and the keys are arranged on two surfaces, and the supporting portion and the convex portion are provided. It can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a rear (back) view of an input device according to a first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a front view of the input device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1C is a view of an input device according to the first embodiment. Side view (d) is a top view of the input device according to the first embodiment (e) is a bottom view of the input device according to the first embodiment (f) is a perspective view of the input device according to the first embodiment when in use

2A is a rear view of the input device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the input device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an input device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an input device according to a fourth embodiment.

5A is a top view of the input device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a side view of the input device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the input device according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the input device according to the sixth embodiment.

7A is a top view of the input device according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the input device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the input device according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a top view of an input device in a conventional example. FIG. 3B is a side view of the input device in the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Input device case (exterior) 102 stand 103 Right non-thumb key 104 Left non-thumb key 105 Left thumb key 106 Right thumb key 107 trackball 108 display means 109 microphone 110 video camera 111 mirror 112 key 113 keys 114 communication terminal 115 mouse balls

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An input device having a plurality of keys, the input device comprising a key input unit for generating code information such as characters by tapping the keys with a finger, wherein the key input unit is a conventional keyboard. Left hand non
The home position of the left index finger of the keys pressed with the thumb
Key and the keys before and after it, and these
Three keys to the right of the three keys and the home position of the left middle finger
3 keys, the Tion key and the keys before and after it, and the left ring finger
Home key and the keys before and after it
And the home position key of the left little finger and the keys before and after it.
A first key containing at least 15 of the 3 keys
Relative position of keys and key assignment to each non-thumb
Keep it on the back and place it in the right hand on a conventional keyboard.
Of the keys to be typed with your non-thumb,
3 keys, the transition key and the keys before and after it, and this
3 keys to the left of the 3 keys and the home button of the right middle finger
3 keys, the transition key and the keys before and after it, and the right medicine
There are three keys, the home position key of the finger and the keys before and after it.
Key, the right little finger home position key and the keys before and after it.
A second key containing at least 15 of the 3 keys
Relative position of keys and key assignment to each non-thumb
The first key group and the second key group
Keys that include some or all of the keys that do not belong to the key group
An input device characterized in that the key group of 3 is assigned to the thumb and arranged on the front surface . 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the keystroke operation is performed while the key input unit is held by a palm. 3. An input device comprising a plurality of keys, the input device comprising a key input unit for generating code information such as characters by tapping the keys with a finger, wherein the key input unit is for non-thumbs. The surface on which the keys are arranged differs from the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged. At least on the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged, there is a thumb key in a direction in which the key movement can be performed by the bending motion of the first joint or the second joint of the thumb. Placed and tapped with the left non-thumb on a conventional keyboard
Of the keys, the home position key of the left index finger and its
Three keys before and after, and right of these three keys
Next to 3 keys, left middle finger home position key and
The three keys of the keys before and after that, and the home position of the left ring finger
Key and the three keys before and after it and the left little finger
Three keys of the home position key and before and after the key that
A first group of keys containing at least 15 keys of
Arranged keeping the relative position and key assignment to each non-thumb
Then tap with the non-thumb of the right hand on a conventional keyboard
Of the keys, the home position key of the right index finger and its
The three keys before and after and the left side of these three keys
3 keys and the home position key of the right middle finger and its
Three keys before and after, and the home position of the right ring finger
Key and the keys before and after it, and the right pinkie ho
There are three keys, the mu-position key and the keys before and after it.
Relative position of the second key group containing at least 15 keys
Position and keep the key assignments for each non-thumb,
One of the keys not belonging to the first key group and the second key group
Assign a third key group, including all or all keys, to your thumb
And an input device characterized by being placed on the front surface . 4. A support portion for supporting a hand with a palm is provided at a connecting portion between a surface on which the non-thumb key is arranged and a surface on which the thumb key is arranged, of the key input portion. Input device. 5. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising information generating means for generating information according to the movement of the arm.