JP3758735B2 - Input processing device by button operation - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to an input processing device that can more easily perform an input operation in an information processing device such as a computer. In particular, even if the handicapped person has a disability in a motor function such as a hand or a finger, The present invention relates to an input processing device by button operation that can be easily operated without training.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The operation of a computer or the like generally uses a GUI (graphical user interface) and an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and a tablet. On the other hand, when a handicapped person operates a computer or the like, in addition to using the above-described general input device, a handicapped person-specific input / output device is used in consideration of the motor ability of the handicapped person.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are the following problems when inputting a combination of a general GUI and a keyboard, mouse, trackball, tablet, or the like.
1) Training is required to acquire the operation, and advanced motor skills are required. Persons with disabilities who do not have sufficient physical functions (shoulders, arms, hands, fingers) may be inoperable.
2) For example, since the size of the device is limited from the operability, the tablet becomes a bottleneck in reducing the size and weight.
3) The mouse also requires a certain amount of space for operation.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the case of input using a special input / output device for the disabled, there were the following problems.
1) Since the development cost is high for a small number of users, the equipment is very expensive.
2) Operation takes time or is difficult to operate.
[0005]
Here, an operation using a general input device will be described.
First, when a mouse is used as an input device, in order to move the cursor on the display screen by a mouse operation, the mouse is moved left and right and up and down. At this time, since the amount of movement of the mouse is different from the amount of movement of the cursor on the screen, beginners need training, and physically disabled people need physically advanced operation skills. Also, if the physical area for moving the mouse is limited, the mouse must be lifted once and returned to its original position several times to move the cursor on the screen. It has to be a cause of poor computer operability for people with disabilities who have limited motor functions.
[0006]
For mouse input, move the cursor on the display screen to the desired position, then click (select) an object such as an icon, drag (move) the object, double-click (open) the object, However, in both cases, training is necessary for the position of the mouse and pressing of the buttons, and for the disabled, advanced physical functions are required, and training that is quite difficult is required.
[0007]
Trackball input has fewer users than mouse input. Also, due to the strong inertia of the ball, it lacks stability in determining the position of the cursor. For this reason, it is difficult for people with disabilities to operate with subtle power, and it is not suitable for long-term use over a long period of time.
[0008]
Tablet input has fewer users than trackball input, and it takes time to confirm the display screen and tablet position, and the direction does not match. For example, when drawing is placed on a tablet and the points are traced and input. This is difficult for people with disabilities who have limited body posture.
[0009]
The present invention is intended to solve the following conventional problems especially when a disabled person operates a computer.
1) Since the device is premised on the use of healthy people, operation training is required.
2) The input device takes up space and is difficult to use for disabled people with limited posture.
3) The cost of the conventional input device for the disabled is high.
4) According to the degree of disability, maintenance of the input device by the developer is necessary.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention realizes an input operation that performs a function equivalent to that of a conventional input operation, for example, a mouse input by an operation of pressing a button as simpler input means.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a processing device comprising a CPU and a memory, 2 is a button input device having one operation button, 3 is a display device, 11 is an input mode management means, 12 is a button input detection means, and 13 is an input. Mode switching means, 14 is input processing means, and 15 is cursor display means.
[0012]
The input mode management means 11 is a means for managing input modes corresponding to a plurality of types of display forms of the cursor displayed on the display device 13.
The button input detection means 12 is a means for detecting whether or not the button is pressed in the button input device 2 and whether or not the time of the pressed state is within a predetermined time / hour or more.
[0013]
The input mode switching means 13 is a means for switching the input modes managed by the input mode management means 11 in a predetermined order.
The cursor display means 15 is a means for displaying a cursor indicating the position on the screen of the display device 3 in a cursor display form corresponding to the current input mode.
[0014]
The input processing means 11 is a predetermined process corresponding to the input mode managed by the input mode management means 11, for example, a process for moving the cursor up, down, left or right according to the current input mode, a click process , A double click process, a press process or a press release process.
[0015]
In the case of the invention of claim 1, the input mode is switched by the input mode switching means 13 when the pressed state of the button is within a predetermined time. When the button is pressed for a predetermined time or more, the input processing means 14 executes a predetermined process corresponding to the current input mode.
[0016]
On the other hand, in the case of the invention of claim 2, when the pressed state of the button is longer than or equal to a predetermined time, the input mode is sequentially switched by the input mode switching means 14 every predetermined time in the predetermined order. When the button is pressed within a predetermined time, the input processing means 14 executes a predetermined process corresponding to the current input mode or ends the execution.
[0017]
The operation of the present invention is as follows.
In the present invention, the button input detection means 12 detects whether the time of pressing one button of the button input device 2 is within a predetermined time (or more than a predetermined time). If the pressed time is within a predetermined time (or more than a predetermined time), the input mode switching means 13 switches the current input mode managed by the input mode management means 11. The cursor display means 15 displays a cursor on the display device 3 in a cursor display form corresponding to the input mode.
[0018]
If the pressed state is longer than or equal to a predetermined time (or within a predetermined time), the input processing unit 14 corresponds to the processing corresponding to the input mode managed by the input mode management means 11, that is, the display mode of the cursor. Executes processing to move the cursor to any of up, right, down, left, click processing, double click processing, press processing or press release processing.
[0019]
The present invention can be easily realized by additionally installing a simple button input device or the like without modifying or processing a conventional computer operating system or the like. In addition, it is possible to customize the operation method according to the degree of motor function of the operating person, and it is possible to perform complicated input only by button operation without performing any keyboard operation.
[0020]
The purpose of the present invention is that no special input operation training is required, the button input device is small, does not take up space, is inexpensive to manufacture, and can be customized by the operator, so that no special maintenance is required. , It can be realized in a simple way, and the handicapped can easily operate the computer.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input mode in the first embodiment.
The input mode management means 11 manages input modes (1) to (8) as shown in FIG. In each input mode (1) to (8), the cursor is displayed as follows: (1) Up arrow, (2) Right arrow, (3) Down arrow, (4) Left arrow, (5) Check Mark, (6) double check mark, (7) press processing mark, and (8) press release mark.
[0022]
In the first embodiment, the button input detection means 12 issues an instruction to the input mode switching means 13 when the button of the button input device 2 is turned on / off within a predetermined time T ₀ . In response to an instruction from the button input detection unit 12, the input mode switching unit 13 changes the input mode managed by the input mode management unit 11 every time the button is pressed, such as “▲ 1 ▼ → ▲ 2 ▼ → ▲ 3 ▼ → Switch in the order of [4] → [5] → [6] → [7] → [1] → ... → [5] → [6] → [8] → [1] → ...]. The cursor display unit 15 displays a cursor having a display form corresponding to the currently selected input mode on the display screen.
[0023]
Here, (7) press processing mark and (8) press release mark are toggled. In the odd-numbered loop shown in FIG. 2 (A), the input mode (7) is followed by the input mode (7), Next, the input mode is switched in the order of (1). In the even-numbered loop, the input mode is switched in the order of the input mode (8) and then the input mode (1) in the order of the input mode (6). .
[0024]
The button input detection means 12 issues an instruction to the input processing means 14 when the button of the button input device 2 is pressed for a predetermined time T ₀ . As shown in FIG. 2B, the input processing means 14 has input modes of (1) (upward arrow), (2) (right arrow), (3) (downward arrow), and (4) (leftward arrow). ), A process of moving the cursor on the display screen upward, rightward, downward, and leftward via the cursor display means 15 is performed.
[0025]
When the input mode is {circle over (5)} (check mark), the input processing means 14 performs the same processing as the processing for clicking in mouse input. For example, if the check mark cursor is positioned on "Folder", executing input processing will result in the same operation as clicking on "Folder" with mouse input. It will be.
[0026]
When the input mode is {circle around (6)} (double check mark), the input processing means 14 performs the same processing as the processing for double clicking in mouse input. For example, if the check mark cursor is positioned on "Folder" and this input process is executed, the operation is the same as double-clicking "Folder" with mouse input. It will be open.
[0027]
When the input mode is {circle over (7)} (press processing mark), the input processing means 14 performs the same processing as the press with mouse input. For example, if this input process is executed when the cursor of the press processing mark is positioned on “Folder”, the operation will be the same as selecting “Folder” by mouse input, and then (1) Select the input mode (upward arrow), ▲ 2 ▼ (rightward arrow), ▲ 3 ▼ (downward arrow), or ▲ 4 ▼ (leftward arrow) and move the cursor to select “Folder”. Can be moved.
[0028]
When the input mode is {circle over (8)} (press release mark), the input processing means 14 performs a process similar to the process for ending the press in mouse input. In other words, the press has a function of returning from the state where the cursor is located to the original state. For example, when this input process is executed when the cursor of the press release mark is positioned on the “folder”, the process of returning from the state in which the “folder” is selected to the normal state is performed.
[0029]
By combining the input mode (7), the input modes (1) to (4), and the input mode (8), a function similar to a drag operation in mouse input can be realized.
[0030]
FIG. 3 shows an example of input processing in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3A, assume that the current input mode is (2). At this time, the cursor 31 is displayed with a right-pointing arrow as in the screen 30a. When the user presses the button of the button input device 2 for a time t1 within a predetermined time T ₀ , the current input mode is switched to (3) as shown in FIG. The display of the cursor 31 changes to a downward arrow as in the screen 30b.
[0031]
Further, when the user presses the button of the button input device 2 for t2 time within the predetermined time T ₀ , the current input mode is switched to (4) as shown in FIG. The display of the cursor 31 changes to a leftward arrow as in the screen 30c.
[0032]
Here, if the user wants to move the cursor to the left, pressing the button of the button input apparatus 2 t3 hours exceeding the predetermined time T _0. Thus, as the screen 30d shown in FIG. 3 (D), the processing for moving the cursor 31 (t3-T ₀₎ time just to the left direction is performed.
[0033]
As described above, the user can execute a desired input process by combining a short-time button press and a long-time button press.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the button pressing signal and the cursor movement timing, and shows a time chart corresponding to the processing of FIG.
When t1 and t2 are shorter than T ₀ after the button pressing signal from the button input device 2 is turned ON, the input modes are sequentially changed from (2) to (3) and from (3). It can be switched to (4). When the ON time of the button press signal is t3 longer than T ₀ , the cursor starts to move slowly when the ON time exceeds T ₀ , and then continues to move at a constant speed until the button press signal is turned OFF. If it is turned OFF, the movement of the cursor is stopped. Because the moving speed of the first cursor is reduced, the cursor position can be easily adjusted.
[0035]
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart according to the first embodiment.
In step S1, it waits until it detects ON of a button press signal. If the button pressing signal is turned ON, time monitoring is started by a timer in step S2.
[0036]
In step S3, it is determined whether or not the button press signal is detected OFF before the predetermined time T _{0 has} elapsed. When detecting the OFF, the processing proceeds to step S4, otherwise, a determination in step S6, depending on whether elapsed time T _1, performs the processing of each step S7 or step S3.
[0037]
In step S4, the current input mode is switched to the next input mode in accordance with a predetermined input mode switching order. In step S5, the cursor display form is changed to correspond to the new input mode. Then, it returns to step S1 and repeats a process similarly.
In step S7, the current input mode is determined, and processing corresponding to the input mode shown in FIG.
[0038]
Next, as a second embodiment, a case where the input mode is switched when the button is pressed for a long time and the input process is performed when the button is pressed for a short time will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input mode in the second embodiment.
The input mode management means 11 manages input modes {circle around (1)} to {circle around (8)} corresponding to the cursor display form as shown in FIG. The contents of each input mode (1) to (8) and the switching order are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0039]
In the second embodiment, when the button input detecting unit 12 detects that the button of the button input device 2 has been pressed for a predetermined time T ₁ , an instruction is given to the input mode switching unit 13. Input mode switching unit 13, an instruction from the button input detection unit 12, each time the button press state elapses ₁ hour T, input mode management unit 11 manages the input mode "▲ 1 ▼ → ▲ 2 ▼ → Switch in the order of (3) → (4) → (5) → (6) → (7) → (1) →… → (5) → (6) → (8) → (1) →… ”. The cursor display unit 15 displays a cursor having a display form corresponding to the currently selected input mode on the display screen.
[0040]
Further, the button input detection means 12 issues an instruction to the input processing means 14 when the button of the button input device 2 is turned on / off within a predetermined time T ₁ . As shown in FIG. 6B, the input processing means 14 moves the cursor on the display screen upward when the input mode is (1) (upward arrow). Thereafter, the movement is terminated by turning the button on and off for the second time. When the input mode is (2) (right arrow), (3) (down arrow), or (4) (left arrow), move the cursor on the display screen to the right, down, left, Thereafter, the movement is terminated by turning the button on and off for the second time.
[0041]
When the input mode is (5) (check mark), when the input mode is (6) (double check mark), when the input mode is (7) (press processing mark), the input mode is (8) (press release) In the case of mark), the process shown in FIG. 6B is executed in the same manner as the process described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that the processing by the input processing means 14 is executed when the button pressing time is shorter than the predetermined time T ₁ .
[0042]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a button pressing signal and cursor movement timing in the second embodiment.
[0043]
If the current input mode is, for example, ▲ 1 ▼ (up arrow), since the first button press (time t1) is longer than the predetermined time T _1, the input mode each time the time each T ₁ is passed Switching takes place. Therefore, after the elapse first time T _1, the input mode ▲ 1 ▼ switched to the (upward arrow) ▲ 2 ▼ (right arrow), when the elapsed second time T ₁ times, ▲ 3 ▼ to (down arrow) Further, when the third time T ₁ elapses, it changes to (4) (left arrow). Here, since OFF is detected before the next T ₁ time elapses, the input mode selected at that time is fixed. During this time, the moving speed of the cursor remains zero.
[0044]
Subsequently, a second round of button pressing time (time t2) is shorter than the predetermined time T _1, when the button is turned OFF, i.e. after a time t2, the cursor starts to move to the left , The movement continues until the next button press detection (signal ON detection). The cursor starts to move slowly and gradually moves fast, and when it reaches a predetermined speed, it moves at a constant speed.
[0045]
FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart when the input mode is switched by pressing the button for a long time according to the second embodiment.
In step S21, it waits until it detects ON of a button press signal. If it is detected that the button press signal is turned on, time monitoring is started by a timer in step S22.
[0046]
In step S23, it determines whether it has detected the OFF before a predetermined time T ₁ elapses. If OFF is detected, the process of step S24 is performed. If OFF is not detected, the process proceeds to step S25.
In step S24, the current input mode is determined, and processing corresponding to the input mode shown in FIG. 6B is performed.
[0047]
At step S25, each time the predetermined time T ₁ is passed, in accordance with switching predetermined order and switches the current input mode to the next input mode. In step S26, the cursor display mode is changed to correspond to the new input mode. Thereafter, in step S27, again, to determine whether it detects the OFF button press signal to the time T ₁ has elapsed, if it does not detect the OFF the process returns to step S25, when detecting an OFF Returns to step S21 and repeats the same process.
[0048]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a system configuration example for realizing the present invention. The system configuration includes, for example, a processing unit 1, a button input unit 2, a display unit 3, and other input / output units 27, which are computer bodies. The button input unit 2 is connected to the processing unit 1 by a connector 25, and the other components. The input / output device 27 is connected by a connector 26.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the button input device 2 and other input / output devices 27 are connected via connectors 25 and 26, conventional input devices (keyboard, mouse, track, etc.) used by healthy persons and the like are used. Ball etc.) can also be used together. The other processing device 27 may not be provided.
[0050]
The processing device 1 that is a computer main body includes an application 21, an operating system 22, and drivers 23 and 24 corresponding to input / output devices as software. A main part of the present invention shown in FIG. The driver 23 can be installed as a button input device driver in the same manner as the driver 26 for other input / output devices 27. Since the present invention can be used by performing additional installation without making any modifications or changes to the system already in use, the operation method can be expanded while minimizing the burden on the user. .
[0051]
Also, the operation method can be customized, and when the operation method is customized, for example, it can be realized by registering the correspondence information between the input mode, the cursor mark, and the processing content.
[0052]
In the above, an example in which the present invention is implemented as an input device of a computer has been described. However, the present invention can be used as an apparatus for operating a machine that requires advanced operations, for example, a device in place of a remote controller such as a television or a video. Is also possible.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, since the present invention is a button input device having a relatively simple mechanism, the input device itself can be manufactured at a lower cost than the conventional input device, is not easily broken, and is easy to maintain. Has the advantage of.
[0054]
Further, since the button input device is small and light, it can be operated while holding the entire device with one hand. This makes it easy for anyone to operate with simple actions without taking their eyes off the display. It is also possible to operate with feet.
[0055]
In addition, since the operator can operate the computer with a simple operation of pressing the button quickly or pressing it long, it is possible to easily perform advanced operations while saving labor, and one operation of pressing the button. The operation can be simplified and unified by the operation.
As a result, the operation becomes much easier compared to the conventional operation method, and even a person with a difficult disability can easily operate the computer, and the opportunities for social participation can be increased.
[0056]
Also, the operation of the device, which was relatively difficult for infants and the elderly, can be facilitated by the present invention, and can be used by anyone.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input mode in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of input processing according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a button press signal and cursor movement timing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input mode according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a button press signal and cursor movement timing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a process flowchart according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration for realizing the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Processing device (CPU / memory)
2 Button input device 3 Display device 11 Input mode management means 12 Button input detection means 13 Input mode switching means 14 Input processing means 15 Cursor display means

Claims (4)

In an information processing system comprising a button input device, a display device, and a processing device that controls input / output of the button input device and the display device,
Input mode management means for managing input modes corresponding to a plurality of types of display forms of the cursor to be displayed on the display device;
A button input detecting means for detecting a pressed state of the button in the button input device and detecting whether the time of the pressed state is within a predetermined time;
An input mode switching means for switching an input mode managed by the input mode management means when the pressed state of the button is within a predetermined time;
A cursor display means for displaying the cursor in a cursor display form corresponding to the current input mode;
Input by means of a button operation, comprising: an input processing means for executing a predetermined process corresponding to an input mode managed by the input mode management means when the button is pressed for a predetermined time or more. Processing equipment. In an information processing system comprising a button input device, a display device, and a processing device that controls input / output of the button input device and the display device,
Input mode management means for managing input modes corresponding to a plurality of types of display forms of the cursor to be displayed on the display device;
A button input detecting means for detecting a pressed state of the button in the button input device and detecting whether the time of the pressed state is a predetermined time or more;
An input mode switching means for sequentially switching the input mode managed by the input mode management means when a predetermined time elapses when the button is pressed for a predetermined time or more;
A cursor display means for displaying the cursor in a cursor display form corresponding to the current input mode;
And an input processing means for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the input mode managed by the input mode management means or terminating the execution when the button is pressed within a predetermined time. Input processing device by button operation. In the input processing device by button operation according to claim 1 or 2,
As predetermined processing corresponding to the input mode, processing for moving the cursor upward, processing for moving the cursor to the right, processing for moving the cursor downward, processing for moving the cursor left, click processing, An input processing device by button operation characterized by including a plurality of processes of a double click process, a press process or a press release process. In the input processing device by button operation according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3,
The button input device is an input device having a single operation button, and is an input processing device by button operation.

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