JP6543054B2 - Information accepting apparatus, program and information input method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for identifying information desired by a user using a vibration generated in response to a user's operation from among a plurality of stored information.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been proposed a technique for identifying information desired by a user by vibration generated in response to a user's operation. For example, according to Patent Document 1, when a designated operation sound (vibration of air) generated by a user is detected, it is considered that the operation is performed by the user, and the user desires based on image information obtained by imaging the operation. The technology for identifying the information to be

JP, 2006-252037, A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the designated operation sound generated by the user is used only to determine the presence or absence of the user's operation. That is, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to specify which information the user desires among a plurality of pieces of information, based on the image information obtained by imaging the operation, and the voice observation In addition, there is a problem that acquisition (imaging) of image information is essential.

  In addition, since the user's operation target (the "photographing surface" in Patent Document 1) is an unknown object, what kind of operation sound is generated at the time of the user's operation is unknown, and detection omission is prevented. For this purpose, it is necessary to set a wide range of recognition as a designated operation sound, but when such a wide setting is made, there is a problem that noise is erroneously detected as a designated operation sound.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a technique for specifying information desired by a user easily and with high accuracy using vibration generated according to the operation of the user. To aim.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an information receiving apparatus for receiving input information according to a user's operation, and an operation surface adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration by a touch of an object Observation that acquires observation results as observation information while observing formed actual operation means, storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates of the input information in association with the index vibration, and actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment Means, and determining presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists in selecting means and a said storage means, candidate information stored in association with the index vibrations associated with different auxiliary information with each other, et al. When the index vibration is determined to be present, the selection unit acquires auxiliary information based on the observation information acquired by the observation unit, and the auxiliary information is acquired according to the acquired auxiliary information. The candidate information associated with the index vibration is selected as the input information .

  The invention according to claim 2 is the information reception apparatus according to the invention according to claim 1, wherein the index vibration is a vibration generated when an object is moved while being in contact with the operation surface.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information receiving apparatus according to the invention according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation time of the user on the operation surface.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the information receiving apparatus according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the number of times the user has operated the operation surface.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the information receiving apparatus according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation strength of the user with respect to the operation surface.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the information receiving apparatus according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation position of the user on the operation surface.

The invention according to claim 7 is the information receiving apparatus according to the invention according to claim 6 , comprising a plurality of observation means having mutually different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface, the selection means comprising the plurality of observation means Information on the operation position of the user on the operation surface is acquired as the auxiliary information by comparing the observation information acquired each time with each other.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information receiving apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation distance of the user on the operation surface.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation speed of the user on the operation surface.

The invention according to claim 10 is the information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein the auxiliary information includes information on the operation direction of the user on the operation surface.

The invention according to claim 11 is the information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , comprising a plurality of observation means having mutually different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface, the selection means comprising: The presence or absence of the index vibration is determined based on a plurality of pieces of observation information acquired by each of the plurality of observation means.

The invention according to claim 12 is the information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the index vibration generates a first index vibration generated when the object is moved in a first direction, and the object. A vibration generated when moved in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the storage means includes a second index vibration different from the first index vibration, and the storage means corresponds to the first index vibration 1 candidate information and candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration, which are different from the first information, are stored, and the selecting means stores the first index vibration when the first index vibration exists. The first candidate information is selected, and the second candidate information is selected when the second index vibration is present.
The invention according to claim 13 is an information receiving apparatus for receiving input information according to a user's operation, and an operation means having an operation surface adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration due to a touch of an object A storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration, an observation means for acquiring an observation result as observation information while observing an actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment, and the observation means And determining means for determining the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the method, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration is present. The index vibration is generated when the object is moved in a first direction, and when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction. The second index vibration which is different from the first index vibration, and the storage means is a candidate corresponding to the first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and the second index vibration Information, which stores second candidate information different from the first information, the selection means selects the first candidate information when the first index vibration exists, and the second index vibration If it exists, the second candidate information is selected.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the operation means generates a unique third index vibration by the contact of an object as the operation surface. And a second operation surface that is adjusted so as to generate a unique fourth index vibration different from the third index vibration due to the contact of the object, and the storage unit is configured to Storing third candidate information corresponding to three index vibrations and fourth candidate information different from the third candidate information, which is candidate information corresponding to the fourth index vibration; The third candidate information is selected when the index vibration exists, and the fourth candidate information is selected when the fourth index vibration exists.

The invention according to claim 15 is the information receiving apparatus according to any of the inventions according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the operation surface generates different characteristic index vibrations depending on the position on the operation surface. It has been adjusted.

  A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the information receiving apparatus according to any of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the observation means observes a voice generated in a surrounding environment as the actual vibration.

The invention according to claim 17 is a computer readable program comprising an operating means having an operating surface adjusted to generate a characteristic index vibration by the contact of an object, the computer readable program comprising: In the execution, an observation result is obtained as observation information while observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment and storage means for storing the computer in association with the index vibration and candidate information to be candidates for the input information. Means, and determining presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists and a selection means, in the storage means, is stored in association with the index oscillating weather to The information includes a plurality of pieces of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information, and the selection means acquires the auxiliary information based on the observation information acquired by the observation means when it is determined that the index vibration is present. And function as an information receiving apparatus that selects candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information according to the acquired auxiliary information .
The invention according to claim 18 is a computer readable program comprising an operating means having an operating surface adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration by the contact of an object, the computer readable program comprising: In the execution, an observation result is obtained as observation information while observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment and storage means for storing the computer in association with the index vibration and candidate information to be candidates for the input information. Means, and determining presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists Selecting means, and the index vibration is a first index generated when the object is moved in a first direction. Motion and vibration generated when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction, the second index vibration different from the first index vibration, and the storage means includes the first index The first candidate information corresponding to the vibration and the second candidate information different from the first information, which is the candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration, are stored, and the selection means is configured to The first candidate information is selected when it exists, and it functions as an information reception apparatus that selects the second candidate information when the second index vibration exists.

The invention according to claim 19 is an information input method for inputting input information by the user operating the operation surface adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration by the touch of an object, which is a candidate of the input information Of associating candidate information to be the index vibration with the index vibration, acquiring an observation result as observation information while observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment, and of the index vibration in the acquired observation information and determining the presence or absence, when the indicator vibration is determined to exist, a candidate information associated with the index vibration, possess and selecting as the input information, stored in association with the index oscillating Candidate information includes a plurality of pieces of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information, and the selecting step determines that the index vibration is present The auxiliary information acquired based on the acquired observation information, according to the acquired the supplementary information, a step of selecting a candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information.
The invention according to claim 20 is an information input method for inputting input information by the user operating the operation surface adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration by the touch of an object, which is a candidate of the input information Of associating candidate information to be the index vibration with the index vibration, acquiring an observation result as observation information while observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment, and of the index vibration in the acquired observation information And determining the presence or absence of the indicator vibration, and selecting candidate information associated with the indicator vibration as the input information. A first index vibration generated when moving in one direction, and a vibration generated when moving an object in a second direction different from the first direction, which are different from the first index vibration Storing first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and second candidate information different from the first information, the second candidate information including the second index vibration and corresponding to the second index vibration The method further includes the step of selecting the first candidate information as the input information when the first index vibration is present, and selecting the second candidate information when the second index vibration is present. Is selected as the input information.

In the invention according to claims 1 to 20 , the accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observed observation information is obtained by inputting using the operation surface adjusted so as to generate the specific index vibration due to the contact of the object. improves. Moreover, when inputting using the real vibration which generate | occur | produces according to a user's operation, it can input, without imaging an image.

It is a figure showing the information reception device in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of the information reception device in a 1st embodiment. It is the figure which analyzed the frequency distribution of the frictional noise which generate | occur | produces when a person rubs the surface with a finger | toe about a sample raw material. It is the figure which analyzed the frequency distribution of the frictional noise which generate | occur | produces when a person rubs the surface with a finger | toe about a sample raw material. It is the figure which analyzed the frequency distribution of the frictional noise which generate | occur | produces when a person rubs the surface with a finger | toe about a sample raw material. It is a figure which illustrates the database in a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block with which the information reception apparatus in 1st Embodiment is equipped with the flow of data. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information reception apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the information reception apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the information reception device in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the database in a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the information reception apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the information reception device in a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the database in a 3rd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, unless otherwise specified in the following description, the description regarding the direction or the direction corresponds to the drawing for the convenience of the description, and does not limit, for example, the implemented product, the product or the scope of rights.

<1. First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information reception apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. The information receiving apparatus 1 includes four microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 whose installation positions in the information receiving apparatus 1 are different from each other, and the surface of the housing forms an operation surface 190.

  Although the areas 191 and 192 indicate the areas defined in the operation surface 190, the operation surface 190 will be described later. Further, the information receiving apparatus 1 is configured as an apparatus for receiving information (information desired by the user) such as a command or parameter for realizing the operation desired to realize the operation desired by the user.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information reception device 1 in the first embodiment. The information receiving apparatus 1 includes a CPU 10, a storage device 11, a display unit 12, a speaker 13, and an operation unit 19.

  The CPU 10 reads and executes the program 110 stored in the storage device 11, and performs operations of various data, generation of control signals, and the like. Thus, the CPU 10 has a function of controlling each component of the information receiving apparatus 1 and calculating and creating various data. That is, the information reception device 1 is configured as a general computer.

  The storage device 11 provides a function of storing various data in the information receiving device 1. In other words, the storage device 11 stores the information electronically fixed in the information reception device 1.

  The storage device 11 may be a RAM or buffer used as a temporary working area of the CPU 10, a read only ROM, a non-volatile memory (for example, a NAND memory), a hard disk for storing relatively large capacity data, a dedicated memory A portable storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a PC card, an SD card, a USB memory, etc.) attached to the reading device corresponds to this. In FIG. 2, the storage device 11 is illustrated as if it were a single structure. However, in general, the storage device 11 is configured of a plurality of types of devices adopted as needed among the various devices (or media) illustrated above. That is, the storage device 11 is a generic name of a device group having a function of storing data.

  The actual CPU 10 is an electronic circuit internally provided with a RAM that can be accessed at high speed. However, for convenience of explanation, the storage device included in such a CPU 10 is also included in the storage device 11 and described. That is, the data temporarily stored by the CPU 10 itself is also described as being stored by the storage device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 11 is used to store a program 110, a database 111, observation information 112 and the like.

  The display unit 12 is hardware having a function of outputting various data to an operator or the like. The display unit 12 corresponds to, for example, a lamp, an LED, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal panel, or the like.

  The speaker 13 has a function of vibrating air by converting an electrical signal into vibration in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 10 to reproduce sound. Thus, the information receiving apparatus 1 has a function as an audio device that reproduces music and the like.

  The plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 are the same hardware except that the installation positions in the information receiving apparatus 1 are different from each other. Therefore, unless stated otherwise, in the following description, the microphone 15 will be described as an example.

The microphone 15 has a function of converting ambient sound into an electrical signal. The electrical signal acquired by the microphone 15 is stored in the storage device 11 as observation information 112. Here, the sound is an actual vibration (vibration of air propagating in the air) generated in the environment around the microphone 15 (the information reception device 1). Therefore, the microphone 15 has a function of observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment and acquiring the observation result as the observation information 112.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the observation information 112 includes observation information 115, 116, 117, 118. The observation information 115 is audio information acquired by the microphone 15, and the observation information 116 is audio information acquired by the microphone 16. The observation information 117 is audio information acquired by the microphone 17, and the observation information 118 is audio information acquired by the microphone 18. As described above, the observation information 112 is a generic name of the information acquired by the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. And, since the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 are disposed at different positions, the observation information 115, 116, 117, 118 are voice information observed at different positions.

  As described above, the information receiving apparatus 1 compares the plurality of pieces of observation information 115, 116, 117, and 118 acquired by the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, and 18 at different arrangement positions. The position can be identified. The information receiving apparatus 1 (CPU 10) specifies the contact position on the operation surface 190 of the object based on the observation information 112 obtained by observing the sound when the object contacts the operation surface 190 using such a principle. .

The microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 are not limited to one each. Information receiving apparatus 1 has only to comprise at least any one of the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. In addition, as long as the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 have a function of converting surrounding sound into an electrical signal (observation information 112), the other functions or structures may be different from each other.

  The operation unit 19 is hardware operated by the user to input an instruction to the information receiving apparatus 1. The operation unit 19 corresponds to, for example, various keys and buttons, a switch, a touch panel, a pointing device, or a jog dial.

  Furthermore, the operation unit 19 is formed with an operation surface 190 which is intentionally adjusted so as to generate a characteristic index vibration by the contact of an object.

As described above, the operation surface 190 is formed on the surface of the housing of the information reception device 1. More specifically, in FIG. 1, the surface observed when the information receiving device 1 is viewed in the ( −Z ) direction in the XY plane is the operation surface 190. That is, the housing itself of the information receiving apparatus 1 constitutes the operation unit 19.

  Here, the operation surface 190 will be described. For example, when the striking sound generated when a resin is struck with a finger is compared with the striking sound generated when a metal is struck with a finger, the difference is obvious even if it is heard with the human ear. In addition, even if the striker is different, even if the strike strength changes, or even if the strike object is changed to something like a touch pen instead of a finger, the strike sound or the metal when striking the resin is still strike. It is possible to identify the impact sound of the moment. That is, even a person's ear that is considered to have a low identification accuracy as compared with mechanical analysis can distinguish between the striking sound unique to resin and the striking sound unique to metal. From this, it is speculated that the impact sound generated when the object strikes the operation surface 190 generates a unique sound (vibration) having a relatively low degree of dependence on the object used for striking and the manner of striking. Be done.

  Also, consider, for example, an example in which the surface of a sandpaper is rubbed with a finger. Various friction sounds are generated depending on the number of paper sands (grain size), but even if the person who rubs is different or the object to be rubbed is different, if the same paper is rubbed, the friction noise generated from it will be similar doing. That is, when the object moves while contacting the operation surface 190, it is understood that a frictional noise specific to the surface structure (such as unevenness) of the operation surface 190 is generated. From this, it can be inferred that the sound (vibration) specific to the material of the operation surface 190 and the surface structure such as the coefficient of friction is also generated for the sound generated when the object rubs the operation surface 190.

  The above is known empirically. Next, we show the results of verifying the above facts by objective experiments.

  FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams for analyzing the frequency distribution of the frictional noise generated when a person rubs the surface with a finger for the sample material. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the sample materials used are different from each other. Further, FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate six rubbing noises generated by the tester repeating six trials.

  As is clear from FIGS. 3 to 5, in any of the sample materials, the friction noise generated when rubbing with a finger in six trials is mutually correlated. That is, for the same sample material, a certain correlation can be seen in the generated frictional noise (in the example shown here, the frequency distributions are similar to each other).

  On the other hand, there is a correlation between the feature of the friction noise generated in one sample material (for example, the frequency distribution shown in FIG. 3) and the feature of the friction noise generated in another sample material (for example the frequency distribution shown in FIG. 4) We also know that it is low. In other words, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise generated in different sample materials is not similar.

  From the above, if the surface structure of the operation surface 190 is determined, it is possible to predict, with relatively high accuracy, the vibration generated when an object contacts the operation surface 190. Conversely, if the operation surface 190 adjusted so as to generate the specific vibration is adopted as the operation unit 19 in the information receiving apparatus 1, the specific vibration determines whether the operation surface 190 is operated or not. It can be determined by observing whether it has occurred. Hereinafter, the unique vibration generated by the contact of the object with the operation surface 190 is referred to as “index vibration”.

  Incidentally, as a method of adjusting the surface structure of the operation surface 190 so as to generate a characteristic vibration intended, it is possible to use a method of adjusting the relief shape of the material surface by sputtering, etching, etc. it can.

  As described above, it has been found that the contact of the object with the operation surface 190 having a specific surface structure causes a characteristic index vibration. However, in the experiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the actual vibrations of six times do not completely coincide. That is, even if an actual vibration that can be determined to include the index vibration occurs, the actual vibration does not completely match each time, and a slight difference occurs depending on the method of contact or the physical properties of the object brought into contact.

  In other words, the observed actual vibration includes the component of the index vibration and the component of the individual vibration caused by other factors. Further, the observation information 112 recorded while observing the actual vibration includes information obtained by analyzing the actual vibration as well as the component of the vibration.

  As described above, among the information included in the observation information 112, information caused by a factor that may change with each operation by the user is hereinafter referred to as "auxiliary information". As the auxiliary information, for example, duration of vibration (corresponding to operation time), vibration intensity (corresponding to operation intensity), contact position (corresponding to operation position), or movement speed of contact position (It corresponds to the operation speed.), The moving direction (corresponding to the operation direction), etc. are assumed.

  The information receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment uses, as the index vibration, a vibration generated when the object is moved while being in contact with the operation surface 190. That is, vibrations that have a relatively short duration of vibration, such as a striking sound, are not used for index vibrations. In addition, the information reception device 1 in the first embodiment uses “contact position”, “movement direction of contact position”, and “movement distance of contact position” as the auxiliary information.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the database 111 in the first embodiment. The database 111 has a table structure in which one record is created for one piece of candidate information (information to be a candidate for input information). In the example shown in FIG. 6, six pieces of candidate information are stored in the database 111, "numbers" are given to each of them, and they can be individually identified by the numbers.

  In the first embodiment, only one index vibration is defined, and the presence or absence of the index vibration is determined by the frequency distribution of the index vibration. Therefore, all six pieces of candidate information shown in FIG. 6 are associated with the same index oscillation (frequency distribution).

  Further, in each record of the database 111, items for associating information on "position", "direction", and "distance" are provided. These are pieces of auxiliary information corresponding to the “contact position”, the “moving direction of the contact position”, and the “moving distance of the contact position”, respectively.

  “Position” means a position at which an object is in contact with the operation surface 190. In the example shown here, four pieces of candidate information (numbers of candidate information identified by 001, 002, 003, 004) are associated with the area 191, and two pieces of candidate information (numbers of 005, 006) The candidate information to be identified) is associated with the area 192.

“Direction” means in which direction the object in contact with the operation surface 190 has moved. The "direction" can be determined according to the "position" changing with the passage of time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the (+ X) direction and (-X) direction and two candidate information respectively associated, (+ Y) the direction and (-Y) direction, respectively associated with one of the candidate information It is done.

  “Distance” means the distance traveled by an object in contact with the operation surface 190. In the example shown here, two pieces of candidate information are associated with each of the distances “5” and “10”. However, for the candidate information identified by the numbers 005 and 006, no "distance" is associated, meaning that "distance" for these candidate information is not required. The unit in “distance” may be defined arbitrarily.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing functional blocks included in the information receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, together with the flow of data. The selection unit 100 shown in FIG. 7 is a functional block realized by the CPU 10 operating according to the program 110.

  The selection unit 100 determines the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information 112 acquired by the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. More specifically, the selection unit 100 analyzes the actual vibration included in the observation information 112 and acquires the frequency distribution of the actual vibration. Then, when the frequency distribution of the actual vibration approximates the frequency distribution of the index vibration by comparing the frequency distribution of the acquired actual vibration with the frequency distribution of the index vibration stored in the database 111, It is determined that the index vibration is included.

  In the first embodiment, four observation information 115, 116, 117, 118 are acquired by the four microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. The selection unit 100 determines whether or not there is an index vibration for each of the actual vibrations recorded in each of the four pieces of observation information 115, 116, 117, and 118. Therefore, when index vibration exists in any of the four pieces of observation information 115, 116, 117, 118, the selection unit 100 determines that the index vibration exists.

  As described above, the information receiving apparatus 1 can suppress the detection omission of the index vibration in the observation information 112 by providing the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the index vibration is improved.

  In the frequency distribution of actual vibration, it is not necessary to compare the frequency distribution of the index vibration for all frequency bands. For example, as a result of repeated trials, only frequency distributions in relatively reproducible frequency bands may be compared. Nor is it limited to the audible range.

  The selection unit 100 also has a function of extracting the necessary auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112. As already shown in FIG. 6, in the information receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the “location”, the “direction”, and the “distance” are added to the plurality of candidate information to be candidates for the input information 114 in the database 111. The auxiliary information 113 such as

  Therefore, based on the observation information 112, the selection unit 100 obtains the contact position (position) of the object with respect to the operation surface 190, the moving direction (direction) of the contact position, and the moving distance (distance) of the contact position. The method of specifying the position of the sound source based on the voice (observation information 112) acquired by the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 with different arrangement positions by the selection unit 100 has been described in the prior art. It can be realized by adopting

  Furthermore, the selection unit 100 searches the database 111 based on the presence or absence of the index vibration and the auxiliary information 113 detected from the observation information 112. Then, the selection unit 100 selects candidate information to be the input information 114 from among the plurality of candidate information, and creates the input information 114.

  The above is the description of the configuration and the function of the information reception device 1 in the first embodiment. Next, the operation of the information receiving apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the information receiving apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. It is assumed that the database 111 is already stored in the storage unit 11 of the information receiving apparatus 1 before each process shown in FIG. 8 is performed. That is, it is assumed that the process of storing the database 111 in the storage device 11 has already been completed.

  When connected to the power supply source, the information receiving apparatus 1 executes a predetermined initial setting (not shown) and then starts the process shown in FIG.

  When the process shown in FIG. 8 is started, the information reception device 1 starts creation of observation information 112 (observation information 115, 116, 117, 118) by the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 (step S1). After that, the information receiving apparatus 1 continues to create the observation information 112 unless otherwise specified.

  After starting the creation of the observation information 112, the information receiving apparatus 1 monitors the occurrence of a trigger (step S2). In the first embodiment, as a result of analyzing the observation information 112, it is determined that a trigger is generated when a voice of a threshold [dB] or more is detected in a predetermined frequency band. However, the trigger is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a timing of arrival at a predetermined cycle.

  When the trigger occurs (Yes in step S2), the selection unit 100 acquires the frequency distribution of the generated voice (actual vibration) based on the observation information 112, and detects the index vibration based on the frequency distribution of the actual vibration. The search of the database 111 is performed (step S3).

  In step S3, if at least one frequency distribution similar to the frequency distribution of the actual vibration used as a search key is present in the item of "index vibration" of the database 111, the selecting unit 100 performs the index vibration on the actual vibration. It is judged as Yes in step S4 considering that it exists. On the other hand, when there is no frequency distribution similar to the frequency distribution of the actual vibration used as the search key in the item of “index vibration” of the database 111, the selecting unit 100 has the index vibration in the actual vibration. It is judged that it has not been done and it is judged No in step S4.

  When it is determined No in step S4, the information reception apparatus 1 does not generate the voice detected as a trigger when the object touches the operation surface 190 (that is, the user operates the operation surface 190) Not being processed), and the process returns to step S2 to repeat the process. As described above, when it is determined that the operation on the operation surface 190 is not performed, the information receiving apparatus 1 does not create the input information 114.

  Since the frequency distribution of the index vibration is relatively strictly defined, there is a low possibility that the sound other than the sound generated on the operation surface 190 is considered to be the index vibration. Therefore, the possibility that the information receiving apparatus 1 creates erroneous input information 114 by voice (vibration) other than when an object contacts the operation surface 190 is lower than that in the related art.

  When it is determined Yes in step S4, the selection unit 100 searches the database 111 for selecting candidate information using the frequency distribution of the index vibration as a search key (step S5). That is, the selection unit 100 searches for candidate information associated with the search key using the frequency distribution of the index vibration as a search key. The search key in step S5 may be the frequency distribution of the actual vibration used in step S3.

  If there is only one corresponding candidate information in the database 111 as a result of the search in step S5, the selecting unit 100 determines that the candidate information has been selected and determines Yes in step S6. Then, based on the selected candidate information, the input information 114 is created (step S8).

  Execution of step S8 means that the candidate information indicated in the input information 114 is accepted by the information accepting apparatus 1 as the information inputted by the user. Therefore, after step S8 is performed, a process (not shown) corresponding to the input information 114 is performed. In addition, if step S8 is performed and the process according to the input information 114 is performed, the information reception apparatus 1 will return to the state which monitors trigger generation again.

  On the other hand, when there is a plurality of corresponding candidate information in the database 111 as a result of the search in step S5, the selecting unit 100 can not narrow down the candidate information to one and considers that specific candidate information can not be selected. In step S6, it is determined No.

  If it is determined No in step S6, the selection unit 100 analyzes the observation information 112 and creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the information acquired from the observation information 112 (step S7). In the first embodiment, as described above, “position”, “direction”, and “distance” are acquired as the auxiliary information 113.

  When step S7 is executed, the selection unit 100 executes step S5 again. At this time, the selection unit 100 uses not only the frequency distribution of the index vibration but also the information stored in the auxiliary information 113 as a search key for searching the database 111.

  Thereby, when step S5 is executed for the second time, narrowing down of candidate information is possible, and it is determined as Yes in step S6. Then, if it is determined Yes in step S6, the selection unit 100 executes step S8, and the input information 114 is created.

  In the first embodiment, when step S7 is executed, all the auxiliary information 113 defined in the database 111 is acquired. However, without acquiring all the auxiliary information 113 at one time, the “position” is first acquired and searched, and if it can not be selected even then, step S7 is repeated and “direction” or “distance” is sequentially It may be configured to acquire the auxiliary information 113 regarding.

  Next, an information input method will be described in which the user inputs desired information as the input information 114 using the information receiving apparatus 1. In the following description, an example is described in which the user desires to view music, and further, wants to increase the volume by “10” units.

  It is assumed that the database 111 is stored in the storage device 11 of the information reception device 1 prior to the operation by the user. Further, it is assumed that the information receiving apparatus 1 has already started creating the observation information 112 (step S1) and is in a state of monitoring the occurrence of a trigger.

  First, the user who wants to view music has to turn on the power of the information receiving apparatus 1 and therefore rubs the area 192 of the operation surface 190 with a finger in the (+ Y) direction. As described above, when the user's finger touches and rubs on the operation surface 190, a specific frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the operation surface 190. This friction sound is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, and 18, and observation information 112 is created.

  Further, the information receiving apparatus 1 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise, and searches the database 111 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). The frictional noise used for the search here is generated by rubbing the operation surface 190. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise is similar to the frequency distribution of the index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 111. Thereby, the information receiving apparatus 1 determines that the index vibration is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, the information receiving apparatus 1 searches the database 111 using the frequency distribution of the index vibration detected in the database 111 as a search key, and searches for candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the index vibration (step S5). ).

  In the database 111 shown in FIG. 6, there are six pieces of candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the index vibration. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 1 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “position” operated by the user is within the area 192, it is narrowed down to the candidate information of the number 005 or 006. Furthermore, since the “direction” is the (+ Y) direction, the candidate information of the number 005 is selected Be done. As a result, since the determination in step S6 is YES, the input information 114 becomes a "power on command".

  In this manner, when the user rubs the area 192 of the operation surface 190 with the finger in the (+ Y) direction, the “power on command” is input, and this is executed to make the information reception device 1 as desired by the user. Power is turned on. It is preferable that the user can confirm whether or not the power is turned on by performing predetermined display on the display unit 12.

  When the information receiving apparatus 1 is powered on and the voice is reproduced from the speaker 13, the user desires to adjust the volume to a desired one. As described above, here, an example in which the volume is increased by “10” units will be described.

  A user desiring to increase the volume by “10” units rubs the area 191 of the operation surface 190 with a finger in the (+ X) direction by a distance corresponding to “10” units. By this operation, a characteristic frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the operation surface 190. This friction sound is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, and 18, and observation information 112 is created.

  Further, the information receiving apparatus 1 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise, and searches the database 111 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). The frictional noise used for the search here is generated by rubbing the operation surface 190. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise is similar to the frequency distribution of the index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 111. Thereby, the information receiving apparatus 1 determines that the index vibration is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, the information receiving apparatus 1 searches the database 111 using the frequency distribution of the index vibration detected in the database 111 as a search key, and searches for candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the index vibration (step S5). ).

  In the database 111 shown in FIG. 6, there are six pieces of candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the index vibration. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 1 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “position” operated by the user is in the area 191, it is narrowed down to candidate information of numbers 001 to 004, and since the “direction” is the (+ X) direction, candidate information of the numbers 001 or 002 Squeezed Furthermore, since the “distance” is “10”, candidate information of number 002 is selected. Thus, the input information 114 is "volume increase command 10" because it is determined as Yes in step S6.

  In this manner, when the user rubs the area 191 of the operation surface 190 with a finger by a distance corresponding to “10” unit in the (+ X) direction, “volume increase command 10” is input and executed. The volume at the speaker 13 is increased by "10" as desired by the user.

  As described above, the information receiving apparatus 1 can select a command as candidate information, and can also input such information by defining parameters for executing the command as candidate information. In the example shown here, the “distance” at which the user moves the finger is input as the “increase amount” of the volume. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an information input method that the user can easily understand intuitively.

  As described above, the information receiving apparatus 1 performs index vibration on candidate information to be candidates for the input information 114 and the operation unit 19 on which the operation surface 190 adjusted to generate unique index vibration due to contact of an object. And the microphones 15, 16, 17 and 18 for acquiring observation results as observation information 112 while observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment, and the index vibration in the acquired observation information 112. And a selection unit 100 for selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information 114 when it is determined that the index vibration is present. As described above, by using the operation surface 190 intentionally adjusted as the input of the input information 114, the accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observed observation information 112 is improved. Further, when inputting using actual vibration generated according to the user's operation, it is possible to input the input information 114 without capturing an image as in the prior art.

  In addition, the index vibration is a vibration that occurs when an object is moved while being in contact with the operation surface 190. For example, vibration due to friction occurs over a long time as compared to the impact sound. Therefore, by defining such vibration as the index vibration, for example, many feature points can be analyzed. Thereby, the accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information 112 is further improved. However, the impact sound or the like may be used as the index vibration, or both may be defined as the index vibration, and when either one is detected, it may be treated as the user's operation detected.

Further, in the database 111 stored in the storage device 11, the candidate information stored in association with the index vibration includes a plurality of pieces of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information 113 , and the selection unit 100 When it is determined that it exists, the auxiliary information 113 is acquired based on the acquired observation information 112, and the candidate information associated with the index vibration is selected as the input information 114 according to the acquired auxiliary information 113. Thereby, candidate information can be selected as the input information 114 based on information other than the presence or absence of the index vibration included in the observation information 112. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

  Further, the auxiliary information 113 includes information on the operation position of the user on the operation surface 190. Thereby, different candidate information can be selected as the input information 114 according to the operation position. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

  The selection unit 100 is provided with a plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 having different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface 190, and the selection unit 100 is observation information 115, 116, acquired for each of the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18. Information on the operation position of the user on the operation surface 190 (such as the distinction between the area 191 and the area 192) is acquired as the auxiliary information 113 by comparing 117 and 118 with each other. As a result, as compared with the conventional example in which a digital camera or the like is provided to check the position, information on the operation position can be obtained easily and inexpensively.

  The auxiliary information 113 also includes information on the user's operation distance on the operation surface 190. Thereby, different candidate information can be selected as the input information 114 according to the operation distance. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

  Further, the auxiliary information 113 includes information on the operation direction of the user on the operation surface 190. Thereby, different candidate information can be selected as the input information 114 according to the operation direction. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

The selection unit 100 further includes a plurality of observation information 115 acquired by each of the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18, and the plurality of microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 having different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface 190. , 116, 117, 118 to determine the presence or absence of the index vibration. Thus, for example, it is possible to suppress detection leakage more than observation by one microphone 15, and improve the accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration .

  Also, by observing the voice generated in the surrounding environment as real vibration using the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18, real vibration can be observed easily and with high accuracy.

<2. Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the index vibration is used only to determine whether the user's operation has been performed. In the first embodiment, the selection of one piece of candidate information from among a plurality of pieces of candidate information is performed by the auxiliary information 113. However, it is possible to narrow down from a plurality of pieces of candidate information not only by the auxiliary information 113 but also by index vibration.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the information receiving apparatus 2 in the second embodiment. In the following description, in the information receiving apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the information receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment have the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The information receiving apparatus 2 is different from the information receiving apparatus 1 in that an operation surface 290 is formed as shown in FIG. 9 instead of the operation surface 190.

  The operating surface 290 is adjusted so as to produce a characteristic index vibration, similarly to the operating surface 190. However, the operation surface 290 is adjusted so as to generate the first index vibration when the touching object is moved in the (+ X) direction, and the touching object is moved in the (-X) direction. Occasionally, it is adjusted to produce a second indicator oscillation different from the first indicator oscillation. More specifically, the user adjusts the operation surface 290 so that different index vibrations occur when the user rubs the operation surface 290 in the (+ X) direction with a finger and when it rubs in the (−X) direction. It is done.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the information receiving apparatus 2 in the second embodiment. The information receiving apparatus 2 includes an operation unit 29 in which an operation surface 290 is formed instead of the operation unit 19. Further, a program 210 and a database 211 are stored in the storage device 11 of the information reception device 2 instead of the program 110 and the database 111.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the database 211 in the second embodiment. In the database 211, candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the first index vibration is “volume increase command 5”, “volume increase command 10”, and “power on command”. Further, in the database 211, candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the second index vibration is “volume reduction command 5”, “volume reduction command 10”, and “power off command”.

  Next, an information input method will be described in which the user inputs desired information as the input information 114 using the information receiving apparatus 2. In the following description, an example will be described in which the user desires to view music and further wants to reduce the volume by “5” units.

  A database 211 is stored in the storage device 11 of the information reception device 2 prior to the user's operation. Further, it is assumed that the information receiving apparatus 2 has already started creating the observation information 112 (step S1) and is in a state of monitoring the occurrence of a trigger.

  First, since the user who wants to view music must turn on the power of the information receiving apparatus 2, he rubs long with the finger in the (+ X) direction so that the distance is "20" or more. . In the information receiving apparatus 2 as well, when the user's finger touches and rubs on the operation surface 290, a unique frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the operation surface 290. This frictional noise is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 as in the first embodiment, and observation information 112 is created.

  Further, the information receiving apparatus 2 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise recorded in the observation information 112, and searches the database 211 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). Here, the frictional noise used for the search is generated by rubbing the operation surface 290 in the (+ X) direction. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional sound is similar to the frequency distribution of the first index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 211. Thereby, the information reception device 2 determines that the index vibration (first index vibration) is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, the information receiving apparatus 2 searches the database 211 again using the frequency distribution of the first index vibration detected in the database 211 as a search key, and the candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the first index vibration is Search (step S5).

  In the database 211 shown in FIG. 11, the candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the first index vibration is three of “volume increase command 5”, “volume increase command 10”, and “power on command”. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 2 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “distance” operated by the user is “20” or more, the candidate information is narrowed down to the “power on command”, and the candidate information of the number 005 is selected. As a result, since the determination in step S6 is YES, the input information 114 becomes a "power on command".

  In this manner, when the user rubs the operation surface 290 with a finger in the (+ X) direction so as to have a distance of “20” or more, the “power on command” is input and executed by the user. As described above, the power of the information receiving apparatus 2 is turned on. It is preferable that the user can confirm whether or not the power is turned on by performing predetermined display on the display unit 12.

  When the information receiving apparatus 2 is powered on and the audio is reproduced from the speaker 13, the user desires to adjust to a desired volume. As described above, an example in which the volume is reduced by “5” units will be described here.

  A user desiring to reduce the volume by “5” units rubs the operation surface 290 with a finger in the (−X) direction by a distance corresponding to “5” units. By this operation, a specific frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the operation surface 290. This friction sound is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, and 18, and observation information 112 is created.

  Further, the information receiving apparatus 2 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise, and searches the database 211 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). Here, the frictional noise used for the search is generated by rubbing the operation surface 290. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise is similar to the frequency distribution of the second index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 211. Thereby, the information reception device 2 determines that the index vibration (second index vibration) is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, using the frequency distribution of the second index vibration detected in the database 211 as a search key, the information receiving apparatus 2 searches the database 211 again, and the candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the second index vibration is Search (step S5).

  In the database 211 shown in FIG. 11, there are three pieces of candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the second index vibration, “volume reduction command 5”, “volume reduction command 10”, and “power off command”. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 2 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “distance” operated by the user is “5” unit, it is narrowed down to “volume reduction command 5”, and candidate information of the number 003 is selected. As a result, since the determination in step S6 is YES, the input information 114 is "volume reduction command 5".

  In this manner, when the user rubs the operation surface 290 with a finger by a distance corresponding to “5” unit in the (−X) direction, “volume reduction command 5” is input, and the user executes this by being executed. As desired, the volume at the speaker 13 is reduced by "5".

  As described above, also in the information receiving apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the information receiving apparatus 1, it is observed by using the operation surface 290 intentionally adjusted for the input of the input information 114. The accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information 112 is improved.

  The index vibration is a first index vibration generated when the object is moved in the first direction, and a vibration generated when the object is moved in the second direction different from the first direction, and the first index The storage device 11 includes first candidate information (“volume increase command 5”, “volume increase command 10”, and “power on command”) corresponding to the first index vibration, including vibration and a second index vibration different from the storage device 11; It is candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration, and stores second candidate information (“volume reduction command 5”, “volume reduction command 10”, and “power off command”) different from the first information, The selection unit 100 selects the first candidate information when the first index vibration is present, and selects the second candidate information when the second index vibration is present. This configuration also allows different information to be input according to the direction in which the object is moved. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

  In the second embodiment, if the operation time is adopted as the auxiliary information 113 instead of the operation distance, it is not necessary to detect the operation position. In that case, it is not necessary to compare a plurality of pieces of observation information 115, 116, 117, 118 with each other, so that only one microphone 15 can be input.

<3. Third embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the example using the operation surface 290 that generates different index vibrations according to the operation direction has been described. However, the configuration that causes different index vibrations is not limited to such a configuration.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the information receiving apparatus 3 in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the information reception device 3 in the third embodiment. In the following description, in the information receiving apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those of the information receiving apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment have the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The information reception device 3 in the third embodiment includes an operation unit 39 instead of the operation unit 29. Then, in the operation unit 39, a first operation surface 390 adjusted so as to generate a specific third index vibration due to the contact of the object, and a unique fourth index vibration different from the third index vibration due to the contact of the object And a second operation surface 391 adjusted as described above. Further, instead of the program 210 and the database 211, the program 310 and the database 311 are stored in the storage device 11 of the information reception device 3.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the database 311 in the third embodiment. In the database 311, candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the third index vibration is “volume increase command 5”, “volume increase command 10”, and “power on command”. Further, in the database 311, candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the fourth index vibration is “volume reduction command 5”, “volume reduction command 10”, and “power off command”.

  Next, an information input method will be described in which the user inputs desired information as the input information 114 using the information receiving apparatus 3. In the following description, an example will be described in which the user desires to view music and further wants to reduce the volume by “5” units.

  A database 311 is stored in the storage device 11 of the information reception device 3 prior to the user's operation. Further, it is assumed that the information receiving apparatus 3 has already started creating the observation information 112 (step S1) and is in a state of monitoring the occurrence of a trigger.

First, since the user who wants to view music must turn on the information receiving apparatus 3, the user rubs the first operation surface 390 with a finger so that the distance is 20 or more. Also in the information accepting apparatus 3, when the finger of the user contacts and rubs the first operation surface 390, a specific frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the first operation surface 390. This friction sound is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, 18 as in the second embodiment, and observation information 112 is created.

  Further, the information receiving device 3 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise recorded in the observation information 112, and searches the database 311 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). The frictional noise used for the search here is generated by rubbing the first operation surface 390. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise is similar to the frequency distribution of the third index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 311. Thereby, the information reception device 3 determines that the index vibration (third index vibration) is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, the information receiving apparatus 3 searches the database 311 again using the frequency distribution of the third index vibration detected in the database 311 as a search key, and the candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the third index vibration is Search (step S5).

  In the database 311 shown in FIG. 14, three pieces of candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the third index vibration are “volume increase command 5”, “volume increase command 10”, and “power on command”. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 3 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “distance” operated by the user is “20” or more, the candidate information is narrowed down to the “power on command”, and the candidate information of the number 005 is selected. As a result, since the determination in step S6 is YES, the input information 114 becomes a "power on command".

  As described above, when the user rubs the first operation surface 390 in an arbitrary direction so as to have a distance of “20” or more, the “power on command” is input and executed, the user desires As a result, the information receiving apparatus 3 is powered on. It is preferable that the user can confirm whether or not the power is turned on by performing predetermined display on the display unit 12.

  When the power of the information receiving apparatus 3 is turned on and the voice is reproduced from the speaker 13, the user desires to adjust so as to have a desired volume. As described above, an example in which the volume is reduced by “5” units will be described here.

  A user desiring to reduce the volume by “5” units rubs the second operation surface 391 with a finger for a distance corresponding to “5” units. By this operation, a specific frictional noise (actual vibration) is generated from the second operation surface 391. This friction sound is signaled by the microphones 15, 16, 17, and 18, and observation information 112 is created.

Further, the information reception device 3 confirms the occurrence of a trigger by the frictional noise, and searches the database 311 using the frequency distribution of the frictional noise (step S3). The frictional noise used for the search here is generated by rubbing the second operation surface 391. Therefore, the frequency distribution of the frictional noise is similar to the frequency distribution of the fourth index vibration, and the corresponding one is detected in the database 311. Thereby, the information reception device 3 determines that the index vibration ( fourth index vibration) is present (Yes in step S4).

  Next, the information receiving apparatus 3 searches the database 311 again using the frequency distribution of the fourth index vibration detected in the database 311 as a search key, and the candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the fourth index vibration is Search (step S5).

  In the database 311 illustrated in FIG. 14, there are three pieces of candidate information associated with the frequency distribution of the fourth index vibration, the “volume reduction command 5”, the “volume reduction command 10”, and the “power off command”. Therefore, at this stage, the information receiving apparatus 3 determines that the candidate information can not be selected, and executes step S7. That is, the selection unit 100 creates the auxiliary information 113 based on the observation information 112.

  Here, since the “distance” operated by the user is “5”, the candidate information is narrowed down to “volume reduction command 5”, and the candidate information of the number 003 is selected. As a result, since the determination in step S6 is YES, the input information 114 is "volume reduction command 5".

As described above, when the user rubs the second operation surface 391 with a finger by a distance corresponding to “5” unit in an arbitrary direction, “volume reduction command 5” is input and executed by the user. As desired, the volume at the speaker 13 is reduced by "5".

  As described above, also in the information receiving apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the information receiving apparatuses 1 and 2, the first operation surface 390 and the second operation surface 391 intentionally adjusted are input information 114. The accuracy of the determination of the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observed observation information 112 is improved by using it as the input of.

  In addition, the operation unit 39 has, as an operation surface, a first operation surface 390 adjusted so as to generate a unique third index vibration by contact of an object, and a unique fourth index different from the third index vibration by contact of an object A second operation surface 391 adjusted to generate vibration is formed, and the storage device 11 stores third candidate information ("volume increase command 5", "volume increase command 10") corresponding to the third index vibration. And “power on command” and fourth candidate information (“volume decrease command 5”, “volume decrease command 10”, and “power supply”) which are candidate information corresponding to the fourth index vibration and different from the third candidate information. Cutting command “.”, And the selection unit 100 selects the third candidate information when the third index vibration exists, and selects the fourth candidate information when the fourth index vibration exists. By configuring in this way, different index vibrations can be generated, and different information can be input according to each index vibration. Therefore, the versatility is improved.

<4. Modified example>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible.

  For example, each process shown in the above-mentioned embodiment is an illustration to the last, and is not limited to the order and the contents which were shown above. That is, the order and content may be changed as appropriate, as long as the same effect is obtained.

  In addition, it has been described that the functional block (selecting unit 100) described in the above embodiment is realized as software by the CPU 10 operating according to the program 110. However, some or all of these functional blocks may be configured as dedicated logic circuits and implemented as hardware.

  Further, for example, the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment by the object contacting the operation surface 190 is not limited to the vibration of air propagating in the air. For example, a vibration generated on the operation surface 190 and propagating mainly in the information receiving apparatus 1 as an object is also assumed. Therefore, the configuration for observing the actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment is not limited to the microphones 15, 16, 17 and 18 that observe air vibration as a sound wave, and detects the vibration propagating in the information reception device 1 It may be a vibration sensor.

  Further, the information acquired as the auxiliary information 113 is not limited to the one exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, the number of operations within a predetermined time, an operation speed, an operation strength, or the like may be used.

  In the above embodiment, although the case where the rubbing direction is linear is described, the contact locus between the object and the operation surfaces 190, 290, 390, and 391 may be a circle, a rectangle, a character shape, or the like.

In addition, the operation surface may be adjusted to generate different characteristic index vibrations depending on the position on the operation surface. The index vibration may be adjusted to change according to the position as if gradation was formed. According to this configuration, the operation position can be specified by the detected index vibration. Therefore, the operation position can be specified without providing a plurality of observation means (for example, microphones).

  In addition, the index vibration changes in accordance with the state of the operation surface. Therefore, a sensor (for example, a temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.) for detecting the surrounding environment may be provided to determine the state of the operation surface and perform calibration based on this. In addition, the state of the operation surface also changes depending on the wear state of the operation surface. Accordingly, calibration may be performed by estimating the wear state based on the number of times of use, the number of years, and the like.

1, 2, 3 Information reception device 10 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Selection part 11 Storage 110, 210, 310 Program 111, 211, 311 Database 112, 115, 116, 117, 118 Observation information 113 Auxiliary information 114 Input information 12 Display part 13 Speaker 15, 16, 17, 18 Microphone 19, 29, 39 operation unit 190,29 0 Misao Sakumen
390 1st operation surface
391 Second operation surface 191, 192 area

Claims (20)

An information receiving apparatus for receiving input information according to a user operation, the information receiving apparatus comprising :
Operating means having an operating surface that is adjusted so as to cause a characteristic index vibration upon contact of an object;
Storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
An observation means for acquiring observation results as observation information while observing actual vibrations generated in the surrounding environment;
Selection means for determining the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists When,
Equipped with
In the storage means, the candidate information stored in association with the index vibration includes a plurality of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information,
The selection means acquires auxiliary information based on the observation information acquired by the observation means when it is determined that the index oscillation exists, and is associated with the index oscillation according to the acquired auxiliary information An information receiving apparatus for selecting candidate information as the input information . The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The information reception apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the index vibration is a vibration generated when an object is moved while being in contact with the operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation time with respect to the said operation surface . The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the frequency of operation of the user with respect to the said operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation strength with respect to the said operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation position in the said operation surface. An information receiving apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein
A plurality of the observation means having different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface;
The information accepting apparatus , wherein the selection means acquires information on the operation position of the user on the operation surface as auxiliary information by comparing observation information acquired for each of the plurality of observation means with each other . The information receiving apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation distance in the said operation surface . An information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation speed in the said operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein
The said auxiliary information is an information reception apparatus containing the information regarding the user's operation direction in the said operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein
A plurality of the observation means having different positional relationships with respect to the operation surface;
The selection unit is an information reception apparatus that determines the presence or absence of the index vibration based on a plurality of pieces of observation information acquired by each of the plurality of observation units . The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein
The indicator vibration is
A first index vibration generated when the object is moved in the first direction;
A vibration that occurs when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second indicator vibration different from the first indicator vibration;
Including
The storage means stores first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and second candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration and different from the first information.
The information accepting device , wherein the selection means selects the first candidate information when the first index vibration is present, and selects the second candidate information when the second index vibration is present . An information receiving apparatus for receiving input information according to a user operation, the information receiving apparatus comprising :
Operating means having an operating surface that is adjusted so as to cause a characteristic index vibration upon contact of an object;
Storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
An observation means for acquiring observation results as observation information while observing actual vibrations generated in the surrounding environment;
Selection means for determining the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists When,
Equipped with
The indicator vibration is
A first index vibration generated when the object is moved in the first direction;
A vibration that occurs when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second indicator vibration different from the first indicator vibration;
Including
The storage means stores first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and second candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration and different from the first information.
The information accepting device , wherein the selection means selects the first candidate information when the first index vibration is present, and selects the second candidate information when the second index vibration is present. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein
The operation means is, as the operation surface,
A first operation surface which is adjusted to cause a characteristic third index vibration by the contact of an object;
A second operation surface that is adjusted to cause a characteristic fourth index vibration different from the third index vibration by the contact of an object;
Equipped with
The storage means stores third candidate information corresponding to the third index vibration and fourth candidate information which is candidate information corresponding to the fourth index vibration and is different from the third candidate information.
The information receiving device for selecting the third candidate information when the third index vibration exists and selecting the fourth candidate information when the fourth index vibration exists. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
The information reception device , wherein the operation surface is adjusted to generate different characteristic index vibrations according to the position on the operation surface. The information receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein
The observation unit is an information reception device that observes a voice generated in a surrounding environment as the actual vibration. A computer readable program comprising an operating means having an operating surface adjusted to produce a characteristic index vibration upon contact of an object, the computer execution of the program comprising the computer
Storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
An observation means for acquiring observation results as observation information while observing actual vibrations generated in the surrounding environment;
Selection means for determining the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists When,
Equipped with
In the storage means, the candidate information stored in association with the index vibration includes a plurality of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information,
The selection means acquires auxiliary information based on the observation information acquired by the observation means when it is determined that the index oscillation exists, and is associated with the index oscillation according to the acquired auxiliary information A program that functions as an information receiving apparatus that selects candidate information as the input information . A computer readable program comprising an operating means having an operating surface adjusted to produce a characteristic index vibration upon contact of an object, the computer execution of the program comprising the computer
Storage means for storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
An observation means for acquiring observation results as observation information while observing actual vibrations generated in the surrounding environment;
Selection means for determining the presence or absence of the index vibration in the observation information acquired by the observation means, and selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration exists When,
Equipped with
The indicator vibration is
A first index vibration generated when the object is moved in the first direction;
A vibration that occurs when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second indicator vibration different from the first indicator vibration;
Including
The storage means stores first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and second candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration and different from the first information.
The program for causing the selection unit to function as an information reception apparatus that selects the first candidate information when the first index vibration exists, and selects the second candidate information when the second index vibration exists . An information input method for inputting input information by a user operating an operation surface adjusted so as to cause a characteristic index vibration by a touch of an object,
Storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
Obtaining an observation result as observation information while observing an actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment;
Determining the presence or absence of the index oscillation in the acquired observation information;
Selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration is present;
Have
The candidate information stored in association with the index oscillation includes a plurality of candidate information associated with different auxiliary information, and
In the step of selecting, when it is determined that the index vibration is present, auxiliary information is acquired based on the acquired observation information, and according to the acquired auxiliary information, candidate information associated with the index vibration A method of selecting information as the input information. An information input method for inputting input information by a user operating an operation surface adjusted so as to cause a characteristic index vibration by a touch of an object,
Storing candidate information to be candidates for the input information in association with the index vibration;
Obtaining an observation result as observation information while observing an actual vibration generated in the surrounding environment;
Determining the presence or absence of the index oscillation in the acquired observation information;
Selecting candidate information associated with the index vibration as the input information when it is determined that the index vibration is present;
Have
The indicator vibration is
A first index vibration generated when the object is moved in the first direction;
A vibration that occurs when the object is moved in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second indicator vibration different from the first indicator vibration;
Including
The method further includes the step of storing first candidate information corresponding to the first index vibration and second candidate information corresponding to the second index vibration, the second candidate information being different from the first information.
The selecting step selects the first candidate information as the input information when the first index vibration is present, and selects the second candidate information as the input information when the second index vibration is present. Information input method.

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