JP5718182B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device.

  In general, notebook computers use various pointing devices as input devices in addition to a keyboard and the like. These pointing devices are mainly used to move a pointer (mouse cursor) on the screen and perform processing related to the position of the pointer.

  Since the track point is arranged between the key tops of the keyboard, the mounting area is small, and the user can easily access from the home position of the keyboard (the user can operate without releasing his / her hand from the home position of the keyboard) There is an advantage that However, the track point can hardly provide functions other than the movement of the pointer.

  Some touchpads provide various functions such as rotation, enlargement / reduction, scroll up / down, left / right, etc., in addition to moving the pointer, but because they are placed on the palm rest, the mounting area increases, and The user has difficulty accessing from the home position of the keyboard.

  In addition, since the jog ball, the jog dial, and the like are arranged beside the keyboard in the input device or outside the input device, it is difficult for the user to access from the home position of the keyboard.

JP 2007-328475 A JP 2003-308166 A

  By the way, when the pointing device is arranged on the keyboard, it is necessary to arrange the pointing device at a position that does not interfere with the key operation and to prevent the erroneous operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of realizing an auxiliary operation function without a user's erroneous operation from the home position of a keyboard.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an input device including a keyboard, in which one or a plurality of touch sensors are arranged at symmetrical positions between key tops. A predetermined operation function is executed when a plurality of touch sensors detect a touch operation of two fingers simultaneously.

  In addition, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a stick-shaped pointing device disposed between the key tops is provided, and the predetermined operation function is an operation function different from the pointing device.

  Moreover, according to a preferable aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the one or more touch sensors are two touch sensors arranged symmetrically in the horizontal direction across the pointing device.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when simultaneous operation of the two touch sensors is detected and the simultaneous operation direction is the same direction operation, the screen is scrolled in the operation direction, but in different directions. In this case, it is desirable that the object selected on the screen is enlarged / reduced.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the one or more touch sensors are two touch sensors arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction across the pointing device.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when simultaneous operation of the two touch sensors is detected and the simultaneous operation direction is the same direction operation, the screen is scrolled in the operation direction, but in different directions. In this case, it is desirable that the object selected on the screen is rotated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the one or the plurality of touch sensors has detected simultaneously touched two fingers, it is desirable comprising a display unit that displays to that effect.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the one or more touch sensors are provided on a cover member that accommodates the key top in a typeable manner.

  The one or more touch sensors are preferably linear touch sensors.

  There is an effect that it is possible to provide an input device capable of realizing an auxiliary operation function without erroneous operation from the home position of the keyboard by the user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a notebook personal computer (notebook PC) provided with an input device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the keyboard device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an operation example of the touch sensor. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration in the direction of arrow A in the keyboard device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration diagram for realizing an operation function of the touch sensor. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing related to the operation function of the touch sensor in the control module of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard device according to the first modification. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard device according to the second modification. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard device according to the third modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard device according to the fourth modification. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the keyboard device according to the fifth modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a user operation on the keyboard device of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a user operation example on the keyboard device of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a user operation example on the keyboard device of FIG. 11.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an input device according to the present invention will be described. Although the components of the present invention are generally illustrated in the drawings herein, it can be readily understood that they may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of configurations with various configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of the apparatus, method, and program embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, but merely to the selected implementation of the invention. It is intended as an example only, and is merely illustrative of selected embodiments of an apparatus, system and method consistent with the present invention as set forth in the claims herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, and materials.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “notebook PC”) provided with an input device according to the present embodiment. A notebook PC 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a personal computer main body (hereinafter referred to as “PC main body”) 2 and a display device 3 that functions as an output device of the PC main body 2. The PC main body 2 includes a box-shaped casing 21 on which an electronic circuit board or the like is mounted, and a keyboard device 4 that is disposed on the casing 21 and functions as an input device of the PC main body 2.

  The display device 3 includes a flat display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and is rotatably provided on the rear end portion of the housing 21. When the display device 3 is rotated toward the keyboard device 4 until the display device 3 is substantially parallel to the keyboard device 4, the notebook PC 1 is in a closed state in which the keyboard device 4 is covered with the display device 3. Further, when the display device 3 is rotated to the rear side of the PC main body 2, the keyboard device 4 is exposed and opened. The keyboard device 4 includes a key top group 41 including a plurality of key tops arranged in a predetermined pattern, a track point that is a stick-shaped pointing device, and a touch sensor.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the keyboard device 4 shown in FIG. The keyboard device 4 includes a frame 40 which is a cover member that can be typed in a state where each key top of the keyboard group 41 is exposed, a key top group 41 having a key arrangement similar to the conventional one, a track point 42, Touch sensors 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, a right button 45a, a left button 45b, and a center button 45c are provided. The touch sensors 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, the right button 45a, the left button 45b, and the center button 45c are provided on the frame 40.

  Between the key tops of the key top group 41, track points 42 to which a pointer moving function is assigned are arranged. The track point 42 is disposed between the key tops of “B”, “G”, and “H”. In front of the space key 41a, a right button 45a, a left button 45b, and a center button 45c are provided. For example, a right mouse button can be assigned to the right button 45a, a left mouse button can be assigned to the left button 45b, and a mouse wheel function can be assigned to the central button 45c.

  Between the key tops of the key top group 41, a pair of linear touch sensors 43a and 43b are arranged between the key tops with the track point 42 in between and in a horizontally symmetrical position. Specifically, the touch sensor 43a is disposed between the key tops of “H”, “J”, and “N”, and the touch sensor 43b is disposed between the key tops of “F”, “G”, and “V”. Is arranged.

  Between the key tops of the key top group 41, a pair of linear touch sensors 44a and 44b are arranged between the key tops with the track point 42 in between and in a symmetrical position and in the vertical direction. Specifically, the touch sensor 44a is disposed between the “H” and “J” key tops, and the touch sensor 44b is disposed between the “F” and “G” key tops.

  The touch sensors 43a and 43b and the touch sensors 44a and 44b complement the operation function of the track point 42, and are assigned an operation function different from the track point 42. The detection mechanism of the touch sensors 43a and 43b and the touch sensors 44a and 44b can use a known method, for example, a pressure sensing type, a capacitor type, a type in which small jog balls are continuously arranged, or the like. Can do.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 100 for explaining an example of an operation example of the touch sensors 43a and 43b and the touch sensors 44a and 44b. As shown in the figure, the user can operate the touch sensors 43a and 44a with the index finger of the right hand and the touch sensors 43b and 44b with the index finger of the left hand at the home position.

The touch sensors 43a and 43a are enabled to operate when both are operated (contacted) at the same time. Note that the simultaneous operation is not only when the finger touches the touch sensors 43a and 43a at the same timing, but the finger touches the touch sensors 43a and 43a before and after the time,
Needless to say, this includes the case where a finger touches both of them. Since the touch sensors 43a and 43a are disposed between the key tops, the user may touch one of the touch sensors to prevent erroneous operation. Similarly, the operation functions of the touch sensors 44a and 44a are valid when both are operated simultaneously.

  For example, the touch sensors 43a and 43b arranged in the horizontal direction may be assigned a scroll function for instructing scrolling when the fingers are simultaneously moved in the same direction on the touch sensors 43a and 43b. Here, when the finger is moved to the right, the scrolling can be performed to the right, and when the finger is moved to the left, the scrolling can be performed to the left. The touch sensors 43a and 43b may be assigned an enlargement / reduction function for instructing enlargement / reduction of the selected object when the finger is simultaneously moved in different directions on the touch sensors 43a, 43b. Here, when the finger is moved in the direction of increasing the interval (pinch out), the enlargement can be performed, and when the finger is moved in the direction of decreasing the interval (pinch in), the reduction can be performed.

  In addition, a scroll function may be assigned to the touch sensors 44a and 44b arranged in the vertical direction to instruct scrolling when the fingers are simultaneously moved in the same direction on the touch sensors 44a and 44b. Here, when the finger is moved up, scrolling up can be performed, and when the finger is moved down, scrolling can be performed downward. The touch sensors 44a and 44b may be assigned a rotation function for instructing rotation of the selected object when the finger is simultaneously moved in different directions on the touch sensors 44a and 44b. Here, when the touch sensor 44a is moved upward and the touch sensor 44b is moved downward, the left rotation is performed. When the touch sensor 44a is moved downward and the touch sensor 44b is moved upward, the rotation is rotated right. it can.

  Furthermore, since the selected object can be moved at the track point 42, the user can use the touch sensors 43a and 43b, the touch sensors 44a and 44b, and the track point 42 to scroll up and down, right and left, and select. It is possible to move, rotate and reduce the object. The operation functions assigned to the touch sensors 43a and 43b and the touch sensors 44a and 44b are not limited to this example.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration in the arrow A direction in the keyboard device 4 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard device 4 includes a frame 40 that is a cover member that covers the upper surface side of the base plate 47 with each key top exposed, a key top group 41, a membrane sheet 46, and a key top group. 41 and a base plate 47 on which the membrane sheet 46 is mounted, and a spill sheet 48.

  The base plate 47 is a member having rigidity capable of withstanding an operator's key touch, and is made of, for example, metal and has a substantially plate shape. On the bottom of the base plate 47, a membrane sheet 46 that is an electrical configuration of each key and button is placed. On the membrane sheet 46, the mechanical configuration of each key such as the pantograph 49 is arranged.

  The frame 40 on the base plate 47 is a frame body of the keyboard device 4. The base plate 47 and the frame 40 constitute a housing that accommodates key configurations arranged according to a predetermined key arrangement so that they can be typed. The frame 40 is made of, for example, molded plastic. As described above, the touch sensor 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, the right button 45a, the left button 45b, and the center button 45c are provided on the frame 40. The back surface, that is, the lower side of the base plate 47 is covered with a spill sheet 48 for preventing water from leaking into the housing 21.

  The housing 21 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a chip set, a memory (all not shown), and an electronic circuit board 22 on which electric components such as a CPU cooler are mounted or mounted, an HDD 23, an optical drive 24, A battery 25 and the like are arranged.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration for realizing the operation functions of the touch sensors 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b. In the figure, the detection module 11 detects the operation of the track point 42, the touch sensors 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, the right button 45a, the left button 45b, and the center button 45c, and outputs a detection signal to the control module 12. . The detection module 12 can be constituted by, for example, hardware and an input driver, and the mounting form may be any form. The control module 12 controls display of the display device 4 based on the detection signal input from the detection module 12. The control module 12 can be composed of one or a plurality of hardware, OS, application program, utility program, display driver, and the like, and the mounting form may be any form.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing related to the operation functions of the touch sensors 43a, 43b, 44a, and 44b in the control module 12 of FIG. In FIG. 6, the control module 12 determines whether or not the simultaneous operation (contact) of the touch sensors 43a and 43b is detected (step S1), and when the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b is detected (step S1). "Yes" in S1), the operation function is validated, and the direction of simultaneous operation is determined (step S2). If the operations are in the same direction, the control module 12 scrolls the screen in the operation direction (leftward or upward) (step S3). On the other hand, if the direction is different, the object selected on the screen is enlarged / reduced (step S4). Specifically, the operation is reduced when the operation is in the direction of narrowing the interval, and is enlarged when the operation is in the direction of increasing the interval.

  On the other hand, when the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b is not detected (“No” in step S1), the process proceeds to step S5, and the control module 12 performs the simultaneous operation (contact) of the touch sensors 44a and 44b. Is detected (step S5), and when the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 44a and 44b is detected ("Yes" in step S5), the operation function is enabled and the direction of the simultaneous operation is determined. (Step S6). If the operations are in the same direction, the control module 12 scrolls the screen in the operation direction (upward or downward) (step S7). On the other hand, if the direction is different, the object selected on the screen is rotated (step S8). Specifically, the left rotation is performed for the upward operation of the touch sensor 44a and the downward operation of the touch sensor 44b, and the right rotation is performed for the downward operation of the touch sensor 44a and the upward operation of the touch sensor 44b.

In addition, when the control module 12 detects the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b or the touch sensors 44a and 44b (S1, S5), the operation function is valid.
When the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b or the touch sensors 44a and 44b continues for a predetermined time, the operation function may be validated. Thereby, an erroneous operation can be prevented more.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the keyboard device 4 according to the first modification. In order to detect the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b or the touch sensors 44a and 44b and notify the user that the operation function is effective, a display to that effect may be performed. In FIG. 7, the keyboard device 4 has LEDs 71 arranged between the key tops of “Y”, “C”, and “H”. When the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b or the touch sensors 44a and 44b is detected and the operation function is enabled, the LED 71 is turned on. Thereby, the user can know that the operation function of touch sensor 43a, 43b or touch sensor 44a, 44b became effective. In addition, the arrangement place of LED71 is not restricted to the example shown in FIG. Moreover, the display mode for notifying the user is not limited to light emission of a light source such as an LED, and may be displayed on the screen.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the keyboard device 4 according to the second modification. The arrangement locations of the touch sensors 43a and 43b and the touch sensors 44a and 44b are not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 2 and may be any positions that can be operated from the home position. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the touch sensor 43a is arranged between the key tops of “Y”, “U”, “H”, and “J”, and the touch sensor 43b is set to “R”, “T”, “F”. ”And“ G ”key tops.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the keyboard device 4 according to the third modification. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, two sets of the touch sensors 43 a and 43 b and the touch sensors 44 a and 44 b are provided, but only one of the sets may be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 9, only the touch sensors 43a and 43b are provided.

(Modification 4)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the keyboard device 4 according to the fourth modification. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the operation function is realized by using the two touch sensors 43a and 43b or the two touch sensors 44a and 44b, but the operation function is realized by using one touch sensor. You may decide to do it. In the example shown in FIG. 10, one touch sensor 43 is located between the key tops “R”, “T”, “Y”, “U” and “F”, “G”, “H”, “J”. Has been placed. In this case, contact between two fingers is simultaneously detected on the touch sensor 43, and when the two fingers are moved in the same direction on the touch sensor 43, left / right scrolling is selected and the two fingers are moved in different directions. The object can be enlarged / reduced.

(Modification 5)
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the keyboard device 4 according to the fifth modification. 12-14 is a figure for demonstrating the example of a user's operation in the keyboard apparatus 4 of FIG. In the keyboard device 4 shown in FIG. 11, the shape of the keyboard device 4 shown in FIG. 2 is slightly changed. In FIG. 11, parts having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, four touch sensors 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d are arranged vertically between the key tops, and the touch sensors 81a, 81b and the touch sensors 81c, 81d are arranged symmetrically across the track point 42. Has been. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the two touch sensors 44a and 44b are operated simultaneously to realize the operation function. However, any two of the four touch sensors 81a, 81b, 81c and 81d are simultaneously operated. An operation function may be realized by operating. Simultaneous operation can be performed in six combinations of 81a and 81b, 81a and 81c, 81a and 81d, 81b and 81c, 81b and 81d, 81c and 81d. Thereby, it is possible to operate from the home position using one finger of each of the right and left hands, and it is possible to operate using two fingers of one hand as shown in FIG. The operation method of vertical scrolling and rotation is the same as the method described in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the touch sensors 43a and 43b arranged in the horizontal direction with the track point 42 shown in FIG. 2 are changed to a length that allows two fingers to be slid further to the left and right. You may decide. The touch sensors 43a and 43b shown in FIG. 11 may simultaneously operate the touch sensors 43a and 43b with the fingers of the left and right hands, as described in FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, simultaneous operation with two fingers of one hand may be performed on the touch sensor 43a or 43b. The left / right scroll and enlarge / reduce operation methods are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 11, long touch sensors 82, 83, and 84 are arranged at the bottom, right end, and left end of the key top group 41. As shown in FIG. 14, the touch sensors 82, 83, and 84 provide operation functions such as page feed of the document and change of the top window only when the slide operation is simultaneously performed with two fingers or three or more fingers. You may decide to do it.

(Modification 6)
The touch sensor may be used for fingerprint authentication as a high-density / high-resolution sensor.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in an input device including a keyboard, one or more touch sensors are arranged at symmetrical positions between key tops, and one or more touch sensors are provided. Since the predetermined operation function is executed when the touch operation of two fingers is detected at the same time, the input device can realize the auxiliary operation function without erroneous operation from the home position of the keyboard by the user Can be provided.

  In addition, since the track point 42 (stick-like pointing device) arranged between the key tops is provided and the predetermined operation function is different from the track point 42, the function that can be operated on the keyboard is provided. It becomes possible to expand.

  Further, since the two touch sensors 43a and 43b are arranged symmetrically in the horizontal direction across the track point 42, the operation of the track point 42 and the two touch sensors 43a and 43b becomes easy.

  Further, when the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 43a and 43b is detected and the direction of the simultaneous operation is the same direction, the screen is scrolled in the direction of the operation. On the other hand, when the direction is different, the screen is selected. Since the object being enlarged is reduced / reduced, the touch sensors 43a and 43b can be operated to perform screen scrolling and enlargement / reduction of the object.

  Further, since the two touch sensors 44a and 44b are arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction across the track point 42, the operation of the track point 42 and the two touch sensors 44a and 44b becomes easy.

  In addition, when the simultaneous operation of the touch sensors 44a and 44b is detected and the simultaneous operation direction is the same direction operation, the screen is scrolled in the operation direction. Therefore, the touch sensors 44a and 44b can be operated to scroll the screen and rotate the object.

  Further, when the touch sensor detects the touch operation of two fingers at the same time, the fact is displayed, so that the user can know that the operation function of the touch sensor has become effective. .

  In addition, since the touch sensor is provided in the frame 40 that accommodates the key top in a typeable manner, the touch sensor can be easily mounted.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a notebook PC has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other information processing apparatuses such as a desktop PC, a PDA, and a mobile phone. It is. Further, although the example in which the keyboard device according to the present invention is mounted on a notebook PC has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the keyboard device is manufactured and distributed alone, for example, a keyboard for a desktop PC It is also applicable to the device.

  The input device according to the present invention is useful for various input devices including a keyboard.

1 Notebook PC
2 PC body 3 Display device 4 Keyboard device 21 Case 22 Electronic circuit board 23 HDD
24 optical drive 25 battery 40 frame 41 key top group 42 track point 43, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d, 82, 83, 84 touch sensor 45a right button 45b left button 45c center button 46 membrane Sheet 47 Base plate 48 Spill sheet

Claims (9)

In an input device with a keyboard,
One or more touch sensors are arranged between the key tops,
An input device, wherein a predetermined operation function is executed according to a direction of simultaneous operation when the one or more touch sensors simultaneously detect touch operations of two fingers. It has a stick-shaped pointing device placed between the key tops,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation function is an operation function different from that of the pointing device. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the one or more touch sensors are two touch sensors arranged symmetrically in the horizontal direction across the pointing device. The simultaneous operation of the two touch sensors is detected, when the direction of the co-operation is the same direction of the operation, while the screen on the operation direction is scrolled, if a different direction, is selected on the screen The input device according to claim 3, wherein an existing object is enlarged / reduced. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the one or more touch sensors are two touch sensors arranged symmetrically in a vertical direction across the pointing device. The simultaneous operation of the two touch sensors is detected, when the direction of the co-operation is the same direction of the operation, while the screen on the operation direction is scrolled, if a different direction, is selected on the screen 6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein the object is rotated.   7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying when one or a plurality of touch sensors simultaneously detect a touch operation of two fingers. 8. The input device described.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more touch sensors are provided in a frame that accommodates the key top in a typeable manner.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more touch sensors are linear touch sensors.

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