JP3893469B2 - Information terminal device input mechanism and information terminal device including the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input mechanism of an information terminal device that enables input to the information terminal device by a stick-like operation means such as a stylus, and an information terminal device including the input mechanism.

  In recent years, small portable information terminal devices typified by PDAs are equipped with a touch panel instead of an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse to improve portability and use stick-like operation means such as a stylus or pen. Input operations to the screen are mainly used. In general, a user operates icons and objects displayed on the screen by performing tap, hold, and drag operations on the screen using a stick-like operation means.

  In such an information terminal device, as an input mechanism using a stick-like operation means such as a stylus, an input mechanism that enables a new operation has been proposed in addition to the conventional tap, hold, and drag operations. Yes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a portable information terminal device that enables input to a portable information terminal by moving the operation means in a holder that houses a stick-shaped operation means. More specifically, the rotation amount of the rotating roller accompanying the movement of the stick-like operation means is detected as the relative position of the stick-like operation means in the holder, and input is performed based on the detected relative position. Here, the relative position is a position that is indirectly calculated using a value obtained by accumulating the amount of movement displacement of the stick-shaped operation means with respect to the information terminal device.

JP-A-11-175243

  However, as in Patent Document 1, when the relative position of the operation means is input, the position movement when the sensor for detecting the relative position is in a stopped state is not detected, so that the operation is not reflected. . For example, in recent years, from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, information terminal devices have a function (sleep function) that puts a process in a suspended state (sleep state) when there is no input for a certain period of time. When the input mechanism based on the moving distance of Patent Document 1 is applied to an information terminal device having such a sleep function, there is a case where the position change of the operation means in the sleep state may not be detected, and the operation is not reflected as an input. It was happening. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to operate the sensor at all times to detect the position movement of the operation means, which increases power consumption.

  In addition, according to the input by the relative position, the state at the time of starting the output operated by the operation means may be determined by, for example, initial setting, or may be output in that state while maintaining the previous output state. Therefore, the output state at the time of activation cannot be operated in advance. For this reason, at startup, for example, when outputting music, the volume is high, or in the case of a schedule management application in which information is displayed sequentially for each month, unnecessary month information is displayed on the initial screen. As a result, there has been a disadvantage that the operation means must be operated and adjusted after activation.

  In addition, as a result of investigating and analyzing the operation of the stick-shaped operation means, the inventors, for example, in the case of performing input by operating the operation means such as a stylus in the holder as in Patent Document 1, for example, schedule management When using the application, when the stylus is taken out from the holder, it has been found that there is a predetermined action pattern, such as often using the operating means as a pen to input characters and the like on the screen. From this, it is considered that the convenience for the operator is enhanced when the process is switched according to the behavior pattern depending on the presence or absence of the operation means in the holder. Furthermore, if various inputs according to the situation, such as object selection and switch ON / OFF, can be made depending on the presence or absence of stick-like operation means in the holder, it will be more convenient for the operator. Is expected to increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and relates to an input mechanism capable of inputting by moving a position of a stick-shaped operating means in a holder, and a detecting means for detecting the position movement of the operating means is stopped. Even if the operating means is operated, it is possible to reflect the stopped operation as an input without hindering the reduction in power consumption, and it is also possible to adjust the output state operated by the operating means in advance. An object of the present invention is to provide an input mechanism for an information terminal device, and an information terminal device including the input mechanism, which can be input by taking out the operation means from the holder or storing it in the holder.

  The input mechanism of the information terminal device of the present invention is an input mechanism that enables input to the information terminal device by means of stick-like operation means, and the absolute position of the operation means in the holder that can store the operation means, and / or Alternatively, a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the operation unit is provided. Here, the absolute position is a position that is directly calculated by detecting the position of the stick-shaped operation means with respect to the information terminal device using the detection means.

  According to the present invention, since the detecting means detects the absolute position of the operating means in the holder, even if the operating means moves while the detecting means is stopped, the absolute position is used as an input to move the position. Can be reflected in the input. It is also possible to adjust the output state in advance by matching the absolute position of the operating means. Further, in order to detect the presence or absence of the operation means in the holder, various inputs such as mode switching and power ON / OFF can be performed by taking out the operation means from the holder and storing it in the holder.

  The detection means detects a change in the absolute position of the operation means in the holder and / or an electrical change that occurs according to the presence or absence of the operation means. As an example of detection means for detecting an electrical change, for example, a resistance value may be varied according to a change in the absolute position of the operation means using a variable resistor or a variable capacitor, and the resistance value may be measured. According to this invention, it is possible to detect the absolute position of the operating means and the presence or absence of the operating means in the holder by detecting an electrical change.

  The detection unit may include an ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting the position of the operation unit and / or the presence / absence of the operation unit using ultrasonic waves. According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the absolute position of the operation means and / or the presence or absence of the operation means using ultrasonic waves.

  The operation means may have a surface colored with a plurality of colors, and the detection means may include a color sensor that detects a color at a predetermined location in the holder. According to the present invention, by detecting the color at a predetermined position in the holder, it is possible to know where the operating means is located at the predetermined position in the holder, so that the absolute position of the operating means in the holder is determined by the detected color. Can be detected. When a color other than the colored color is detected on the operating means, it can be seen that the operating means has been removed from the holder, and the presence or absence of the operating means can also be detected.

  In addition, an indirect member whose state changes in accordance with a change in the absolute position of the operating means is provided, and the detection means is configured to detect the absolute position of the operating means and / or the operating means according to the change in the state of the indirect member. It is characterized by detecting the presence or absence of. For example, the indirect member is configured to move in accordance with the movement of the operating means, and the detecting means detects a position movement that is a change in the state of the indirect member, so that the absolute position of the operating means is indirectly determined. To be detected. According to this invention, since the absolute position and presence / absence in the holder of the operating means can be indirectly detected by the indirect member, it is not necessary to add a function for detecting the absolute position to the operating means. Increased manufacturing freedom. Since a general purpose operation means is sufficient, replacement and the like are easy.

  Moreover, the information terminal device of this invention is provided with either of the said input mechanisms. According to the present invention, the input by the absolute position of the operation means in the holder is possible, so even if the operation means is operated while the detection means for detecting the position movement of the operation means is stopped, the operation is reflected in the input. Is done. The detecting means only needs to be driven at least when obtaining information on the absolute position, and does not need to be constantly driven. Therefore, the power consumption can be further reduced without impeding the reduction in power consumption. Further, since the absolute position of the operation means is an input, it is possible to adjust the output such as the volume and screen display operated in advance. In addition, in order to detect the presence or absence of the operation means in the holder, it is possible to generate a specific event according to the operation of taking out or storing the operation means, or to perform various inputs such as power ON / OFF. .

  According to the present invention, since the absolute position of the operating means in the holder can be used as an input, even when the operating means is moved while the detecting means is in a stopped state, the operation is reflected in the input. The For example, even if the operating means is operated during the stop, there is no deviation between the operation and the input. Also, since the absolute position is input, it is possible to adjust the state of the output operated by the operating means, and it is also possible to predict the output state by looking at the position of the operating means in the holder. is there. For example, it is possible to adjust the volume in advance when outputting sound from the information terminal device, or to specify information displayed on the screen first. In addition, in order to detect the presence or absence of operation means in the holder, input such as switching of the input mode, selection of an object, ON / OFF of a switch, and the like can be performed by taking out and storing the operation means. Can be interactive. The detection means only needs to be driven when detecting information on the absolute position and does not need to be driven at all times. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce power consumption without hindering power consumption reduction. is there.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information terminal device P including an input mechanism 3 according to the present invention.

  The information terminal device P of the present invention is provided with an input mechanism that enables input to the information terminal device P by the stick-like operation means 3a, and detects the absolute position and presence or absence of the stick-like operation means 3a in the holder 3b. Thus, the absolute position and presence / absence information is input.

  The information terminal device P is a personal computer or the like provided with stick-like operation means, and a PDA that is a portable information terminal device is taken as an example in the present embodiment. The information terminal device P is of a size that can be grasped with one hand, an output screen 1 such as a touch panel provided near the center, an input button 2 provided near the output screen 1, and the information terminal device P. And an input mechanism 3 provided on one end side of the.

  The input mechanism 3 includes a stick-like operation unit 3a, a holder 3b that can store the operation unit 3a, an absolute position of the operation unit 3a, and a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the operation unit.

  The operating means 3a is separate from the main body of the information terminal device P and can be removed. In the present embodiment, a stylus that is a pen-type operation unit capable of performing operations such as a tap on the output screen 1 is given as an example of the operation unit 3a. The holder 3b is provided in the main body of the information terminal device 1, and is a cylindrical long hole into which the stick-like operation means 3b can be inserted and removed. The detection means has a function of detecting the absolute position of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b and detecting the presence or absence of the operation means 3a.

  As input operation with respect to the information terminal device P, there are a case where the operation means 3a is operated while being taken out from the holder 3b, and a case where the operation is performed while being stored in the holder 3b. When the operator touches the output screen 1 to operate the stick-like operation means 3a, the operator takes it out from the holder 3b and uses it. Further, when the operation means 3a is inserted into and removed from the holder 3b to operate the cursor position or the output sound volume, the operation means 3a is used while being stored in the holder 3b. In this case, when the operator inserts and removes the operating means 3a and moves the position in the axial direction, the detecting means detects the absolute position of the operating means 3a in the holder 3b, and information on the absolute position is input. For example, the output state can be adjusted according to the absolute position of the operation means 3a such that the volume is increased when the absolute position value is large and the volume is decreased when the absolute position value is small.

  Further, by taking out the operating means 3a from the holder, it is possible to switch the input mode, turn on / off the power, select an object, and the like. In this case, when the operator performs an operation of taking out or storing the operation means 3a from the holder 3b, the detection means detects the presence or absence of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b, and the presence / absence state becomes input information. For example, in the schedule management application, when the operation means 3a is present in the holder, the mode is set to display the date sequentially according to the position movement of the operation means 3a, and when the operation means 3a is taken out, it is displayed at that time. The selected date is selected and the mode is switched to the character input mode. The detection means may be provided with only a function for detecting the absolute position of the operation means 3a, or may be provided only with a function for detecting the presence or absence of the operation means 3a.

  Note that not only the absolute position and presence / absence of the operation means 3a in the holder, but also rotation in the holder about the longitudinal axis of the operation means 3a may be used as an input.

  Although the input mechanism 3 of the present invention has the basic configuration as described above, the following embodiment can be given as a method for detecting the absolute position and presence / absence of the operating means 3a in the holder 3b.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the input mechanism 3 in the present embodiment. The input mechanism 3 has a function of detecting an electrical change that occurs in response to a change in the absolute position of the operating means 3a in the holder 3b.

  The operating means 3a includes a conductive portion 3d that is partially made of a conductive material (for example, nichrome, manganese, copper nickel alloy, etc.). An operation means side electrode terminal 3e is provided at one end (the tip side in the insertion direction) of the conductive portion 3d, and a holder side electrode terminal 3f is provided near the insertion opening of the holder 3b. The holder side electrode terminal 3f comes into contact with the conductive portion 3d in a state where the operation means 3a is inserted. Both electrode terminals 3e and 3f are connected to an AD converter and an ammeter 3g. A conductive member 3h is provided on the inner periphery of the holder 3b. When the operating means 3a is inserted, the operating means side electrode terminal 3e is in contact with the conductive member 3h, and the conductive portion 3d and the conductive member 3h are in contact with each other. There is a gap between them. Thereby, the operation means side electrode terminal 3e is connected to the AD converter or the ammeter 3g via the conductive member 3h, and is configured so that the removal of the operation means 3a from the holder 3b is not hindered.

  In a state where the operation means 3a is inserted, the conductive portion 3d contacts the holder side electrode terminal 3f, and a voltage is applied between the operation means side electrode terminal 3e and the holder side terminal conductive portion 3f. Depending on the insertion / extraction of the operating means 3a, the length between the electrode terminals 3e, 3f of the conductive portion 3d changes, and the electrical resistance value changes. The detecting means 3 measures the electric resistance when a voltage is applied between the electrode terminals 3e and 3f, and detects the electric resistance value as an absolute position in the holder 3b of the operating means 3a.

  Further, since the current does not flow when the operating means 3a is taken out from the holder 3b, the operating means 3a does not exist in the holder 3b, and the current flows when inserted into the holder 3b. Therefore, the operating means 3a exists in the holder 3b. Therefore, the detection means can detect the presence or absence of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b by measuring the current.

  A plurality of operation means side electrode terminals 3e are attached at intervals, and the holder side electrode terminal 3f is provided with a notch facing these operation means side electrode terminals 3e. Thereby, when taking out the operation means 3a from the holder 3b, both electrode terminals 3e and 3f do not collide, and the taking-out of the operation means 3a is not hindered. Further, an insulator is provided on the other end side of the operating means 3a so that the resistance value is not affected by the grip of the operator.

  As another method for detecting an electrical change, a variable resistor or a variable capacitor is built in, and the variable resistor or the variable capacitor is adjusted with the movement of the position of the operation means. Information on the absolute position may be obtained by making the resistance value variable according to the change in the absolute position and measuring the resistance value.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the input mechanism 3 in the present embodiment. The input mechanism 3 includes an ultrasonic sensor 3i that can measure the absolute position of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b by ultrasonic waves as detection means. The ultrasonic sensor 3i is attached to the back side of the holder 3b. When the operating means 3a is inserted and removed, the ultrasonic sensor 3i measures the distance from there to the tip of the operating means 3a, and detects the distance as an absolute position.

  Further, when the operation means 3a is not present in the holder 3b, the ultrasonic sensor 3i measures a distance equal to or longer than the length of the holder 3b. When present, the ultrasonic sensor 3i measures a distance within the length of the holder 3b. It will be. Therefore, the detection means detects the presence or absence of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b based on whether the distance measured by the ultrasonic sensor 3i is greater than or less than the threshold, with the length of the holder 3b as a threshold.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the input mechanism 3 in the present embodiment. In the input mechanism 3 according to the present embodiment, the operation means 3a has a surface colored in a plurality of colors, and the detection means includes a color sensor 3j that detects a color at a predetermined location in the holder 3b, and the detection means depends on the detected color. The absolute position of the operating means 3a is detected.

  The surface of the operating means 3a is shaded so that the color becomes darker, for example, from one end in the insertion direction toward the other end on the handle side. The color sensor 3j is provided in the vicinity of the insertion opening of the holder 3b and can detect a color located there. When the operation means 3a is inserted and removed, the color of the portion located in the color sensor 3j is recognized, and the color information can be detected as a relative position.

  Further, when the operation means 3a is not present in the holder 3b, the color inside the holder 3b is recognized, and when it is present in the holder, the color of the operation means 3a is recognized. Therefore, the detection means detects the presence or absence of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b by distinguishing whether the color recognized by the color sensor 3j is the color of the inner surface of the holder 3b or the color of the operation means 3a. To do.

  The detection means 3c of the second embodiment and the third embodiment has less wear on members, is excellent in durability, and has a simple configuration.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the input mechanism 3 in the present embodiment. The input mechanism 3 of the present embodiment is provided with an indirect member 3k whose state changes in accordance with a change in the absolute position of the operating means 3a, and the detecting means is provided by the change in the state of the indirect member 3k. The absolute position and presence / absence in the holder 3b are indirectly detected.

  The indirect member 3k is a stick-like member that moves following the position movement of the operation means 3a, and has conductivity. A spring 3m is attached to a predetermined position of the holder 3b, and the indirect member 3k is biased in a direction to be pulled out from the holder 3b. When the operating means 3a is inserted / removed, the indirect member 3k moves in accordance with the movement of the operating means 3a by the pressing force applied to the operating means 3a and the urging force of the spring 3m acting in the opposite direction. An indirect member side electrode terminal 3n is formed at the tip of the indirect member 3k, and a holder side electrode terminal 3p is provided inside the holder 3b. Both electrode terminals 3n and 3p are connected to an AD converter, an ammeter 3g, and the like. Thus, a voltage is applied between the electrode terminals 3n. Following the insertion / removal of the operating means 3a, the indirect member 3k moves, the electrical resistance value between the electrode terminals 3n, 3p of the indirect member 3k is measured as a change in state, and the electrical resistance value is the absolute value of the operating means 3a. Detect as position.

  Further, when the operating means 3a is not present in the holder 3b, the measured electric resistance value is equal to or less than the threshold value, and when present, it is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, the presence or absence of the operating means 3a in the holder 3b can be detected by determining whether the measured electric resistance value is greater than or less than the threshold value.

  By using the indirect member 3k, as compared with the first embodiment described above, there is no need to provide a notch in the electrode terminal for taking out the operating means 3a, and the notch is taken out when taking out and storing. There is no need to be conscious of it, and handling becomes easy. Since the operation means 3a does not have to have a detection function such as providing a conductive member or an insulating member in part, the degree of freedom in design and manufacture is increased. Various devices can be used as the operation means 3a, and the operation means 3a can be easily manufactured and replaced.

  For detecting the state change of the indirect member 3k, the ultrasonic sensor of the second embodiment or the color sensor of the third embodiment is applied as a means for detecting the state change of the indirect member 3k. It is also possible.

  Thus, according to the present invention, by inputting the absolute position of the operating means 3a in the holder 3b as an input, even when the operating means 3a is moved when the detecting means is stopped, the operation is input. Reflected.

  For example, even if the operation means 3a is operated while the detection means such as a sleep state is stopped, since the absolute position after the operation becomes an input when the operation is restarted, there is no deviation between the operation and the input.

  Further, since the absolute position is input, it is possible to adjust the output state operated by the operation means 3a in advance, and the output state is predicted by looking at the absolute position of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b. It is also possible to do. For example, when outputting music from the information terminal device P, it is possible to adjust the volume in advance by operating the operating means 3a to an appropriate position before output, so that an appropriate volume can be obtained from the start of output. Also, if the schedule management application is set so that the initial setting or the last displayed month is displayed on the screen immediately after startup as in the past, the information displayed at the time of application startup cannot be controlled before startup. Therefore, information may be inadvertently leaked to others, and an operation for displaying a necessary month after that is also necessary. According to the present invention, before the application is started, the operation means 3a is operated to an appropriate position to adjust the month displayed in advance, and information on the target month (or the vicinity of the month) is displayed from the starting time. Is possible. Further, when the operation means 3a is at a predetermined position, it is set so that information whose contents are limited (for example, only the date) is displayed, and if the operation means 3a is operated to a predetermined position before starting the application, It is possible to prevent other people from inadvertently touching information.

  Further, in order to detect the presence or absence of the operation means 3a in the holder 3b, input such as switching of an input mode, selection of an object, and ON / OFF of a switch can be performed by taking out and storing the operation means 3a. Input in a new form is possible. For example, in the schedule management application, when the operation means 3a is stored in the holder 3b, the date can be specified by inserting / removing the operation means 3a, and when the operation means 3a is taken out from the holder 3b, the date is selected and selected. By setting so as to switch to a character input mode for a given date, an operation in accordance with the behavior pattern of the operator is realized. The detection means only needs to be driven when detecting information on the absolute position and does not need to be driven at all times. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce power consumption without hindering power consumption reduction. is there.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure explaining the information terminal device shown as embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the input mechanism of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the input mechanism of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the input mechanism of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the input mechanism of the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

P information terminal device 1 output screen 2 operation button 3 input mechanism 3a operation means 3b holder 3d conductive portion 3e operation means side electrode terminal 3f holder side electrode terminal 3g AD converter or ammeter 3h conductive member 3i ultrasonic sensor 3j color sensor 3k Indirect member 3m Spring 3n Indirect member side electrode terminal 3p Holder side electrode terminal

Claims (4)

Input to the information terminal device can be performed by a stick-like operation means, and when the operation means is moved in the axial direction in a state where the operation means is housed in a holder capable of housing the operation means, Is an input mechanism capable of adjusting the output state of the information terminal device by the input,
An input mechanism for an information terminal device, comprising detection means for detecting a distance from the back of the holder of the operation means in the holder , and capable of sequentially changing the output state of the information terminal device according to the distance . An indirect member that moves in accordance with the movement of the operation means is provided, and the detection means detects a distance from the back of the holder of the operation means by measuring a change due to the position movement of the indirect member. The input mechanism of the information terminal device according to claim 1.   An information terminal device comprising the input mechanism according to claim 1. The input mechanism includes detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the operation means in the holder,
When the detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the operating means in the holder detects the presence of the operating means in the holder, it becomes an input mode in which the distance information detected by the detecting means for detecting the distance is input,
The detection unit for detecting presence / absence of an operation unit in the holder detects that there is no operation unit in the holder, and switches to an input mode in which the operation unit is operated by touching the output screen. The information terminal device described.

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