JP7300113B2 - Input device and input method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device and input method for inputting characters, symbols, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, character input in information terminals such as personal computers and smartphones is generally performed by using a keyboard and a mouse in personal computers and using a touch panel (software keyboard) in smartphones.

However, for example, in a personal computer, inputting by blind touch (no-look) operation involves a large number of keys and movement of the hand. In addition, keyboard input to a personal computer is basically based on key layouts and specifications assuming input using both hands, and both hands are not free. In addition, a general keyboard requires a certain amount of space on the desk and can be used satisfactorily only in a place where the desk is flat and stable. Furthermore, there is also a problem that the wrists and forearms hit the desk and become painful when inputting using the keyboard for a long time. The reason why it hurts is that the same part of the wrist or forearm is always hit when inputting, and the load is concentrated on that part.

In addition, as for input on smartphones, it is not designed for blind touch, so people with disabilities who cannot make their eyes and hands work as expected cannot input. As a technique other than key input as described above, there is character input by voice input, but it is not yet at a level that can be used for character input, and the surrounding sounds become noise and input may not be possible.

Therefore, in order to reduce or solve the above-described problems, an input device has been proposed that allows input operations with only one hand (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the mouse-type input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of button-type switches are arranged in an input device having a mouse-type shape and function, and functions corresponding to keyboard keys are assigned to the respective button-type switches so that the fingers of one hand can be operated. It is disclosed that a button-type switch is operated to input characters such as alphabets, numerals, and symbols.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-194498

However, the mouse-type input device according to Patent Document 1 must be operated by combining a limited number of button-type switches, and the number of characters that can be input is also limited (31 patterns). I had a problem that I couldn't.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to input characters easily with one hand.

An input device according to the present invention comprises a housing that can be gripped with one hand, a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the positions of fingers of the hand that grips the housing, and a detection unit that detects a plurality of operation states of each finger; and a determination unit that determines an input character based on the plurality of operation states detected by the detection unit, wherein the plurality of operation states are: Each of the manipulators is set based on the range of motion of each finger in a state of gripping the housing, and the plurality of manipulators are arranged with respect to the first finger of the hand gripping the housing. 1 manipulator, a second manipulator arranged for the second finger, a third manipulator arranged for the third finger, and a fourth manipulator arranged for the fourth finger and a fifth manipulator arranged for the fifth finger. In the case of Japanese input, the first manipulator is assigned a vowel, the second manipulator, and the third manipulator. , a consonant is assigned to the fourth operator and the fifth operator, and the determination unit assigns a vowel of the first operator, the second operator, the third operator, and the fourth operator and a consonant of the fifth manipulator to determine an input character .

An input method according to the present invention includes a detection step of detecting a plurality of operation states of each finger for each of a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the position of each finger of a hand gripping a housing; and a determination step of determining an input character based on the plurality of detected operation states, wherein each of the plurality of operation states is set based on the range of motion of each finger while gripping the housing. The plurality of manipulators are a first manipulator arranged for the first finger of the hand that grips the housing, and a second manipulator arranged for the second finger. , a third operator arranged for the third finger, a fourth operator arranged for the fourth finger, and a fifth operator arranged for the fifth finger. , in the case of Japanese input, a vowel is assigned to the first operator, a consonant is assigned to the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator; The determination step determines the input character by combining the vowels of the first manipulator and the consonants of the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator. Characterized by

According to this invention, characters can be easily input with one hand.

1A and 1B are a front view and a perspective view showing an external configuration of a character input device 1 of the present embodiment; FIG. It is the side view and front view which show the holding state of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of operating key switches 2, 3 and 4 of the character input device 1 of the present embodiment and contact points of the key switches 2, 3 and 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation state of the key switch 2 of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of operating key switches 5 to 8 of the character input device 1 of the present embodiment, and contact points of the key switches 5 to 8; 4 is a schematic diagram showing operation states of key switches 5 to 8 of the character input device 1 of the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a character input device 1 according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between operation positions of key switches 2 to 8 and input characters (hiragana) according to the present embodiment; 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the character input operation (hiragana) of the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between operation positions of key switches 2 to 7 and input characters (numbers) according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of input characters (numbers) corresponding to operation positions of key switches 2 to 8 according to the present embodiment; 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining character input operations (numbers and symbols) of the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence between operation positions of key switches and input characters (alphabet letters and symbols) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining character input operations (alphabets and symbols) of the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment; 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation example (number input) of an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation example (kana input) of an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected; FIG.

A. Embodiment Below, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are attached to the embodiments described below in order to carry out the present invention, the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. In the following, the thumb is called the first finger, the index finger is called the second finger, the middle finger is called the third finger, the ring finger is called the fourth finger, and the little finger is called the fifth finger. In addition, although an example of using with the right hand is given below, the shape is not limited to this and may be used with the left hand.

1(a) and 1(b) are a front view and a perspective view showing the external configuration of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. The character input device 1 has a spherical (egg-shaped) housing 10 that is sized so that a general adult can naturally grasp an object with one hand. The housing 10 has a recessed shape so that the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers of the right hand are in contact with (adherently adherent to) the surface of the housing 10 when it is gripped with the right hand. Further, in a state where the housing 10 is gripped, a key switch 2 is arranged in association with the position of the first finger, and a key switch 3 and a key switch 4 are arranged in the movable range of the first finger and above the key switch 2, A key switch 5 is associated with the position of the second finger, a key switch 6 is associated with the position of the third finger, a key switch 7 is associated with the position of the fourth finger, and a key switch is associated with the position of the fifth finger. 8 are provided.

Further, the housing 10 is made of ABS resin or the like in terms of ease of molding, weight, strength, and the like. The surface of the housing 10 may be processed (such as embossing) to make it less slippery when gripped, or a non-slip member may be added to the surface of the housing 10 . The character input device 1 has a center of gravity on the lower side and can be installed on a flat surface such as a desk by making the lower portion of the housing 10 a flat surface 11 . However, the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment may be used not only by setting it on a flat surface such as a desk, but also by holding it and using it on one's hand or knee.

2(a) and 2(b) are a side view and a front view showing the gripping state of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the user holds the character input device 1 so as to cover the upper portion of the housing 10 with his/her hand. Each of the key switches 2 to 8 has one operator and a plurality of electrical contacts (described later) that can be turned on/off by operating the one operator. As shown in FIG. 2(b), in the gripping state, the first finger is on the operating member of the key switch 2, the second finger is on the operating member of the key switch 5, and the third finger is on the operating member of the key switch 6. The positions of the key switches 2, 5 to 8 are designed so that the fourth finger naturally rests on the operator of the key switch 7 and the fifth finger on the operator of the key switch 8 naturally.

When the housing 10 is gripped, the first finger has a wider range of motion in the vertical direction than the other fingers. Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the key switch 2, key switches 3 and 4 are provided above the key switch 2, which is the movable range of the first finger, so that the first finger can be operated without difficulty simply by moving the first finger in the vertical direction. are placed. The user moves the first finger upward to operate the desired key switches 3 and 4 while placing the first finger on the manipulators 31 and 41 .

In this embodiment, the key switches 2 to 8 are arranged at positions where the first to fifth fingers are naturally positioned on the surface of the housing 10 when the housing 10 is gripped. By appropriately setting the size, operation direction, and operation amount of the operators 21 to 81 accordingly, all key switches 2 to 8 having a plurality of contacts can be operated with only a slight movement of the finger without moving the hand. making it possible to Therefore, the user can easily operate the key switch without visually confirming the position of the key switch (no-look operation). In addition, since the hand movement is not involved, the input can be performed quickly.

3(a) and 3(b) are conceptual diagrams showing how to operate the key switches 2, 3 and 4 of the character input device 1 of this embodiment, and the contacts of the key switches 2, 3 and 4. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the key switch 2 corresponding to the first finger has a disk-shaped operator 21. With the approximately central portion of the operator 21 as a fulcrum, it can be moved back and forth like a so-called cross key. D1) and up and down (D2) like a seesaw, and has a mechanism that allows the substantially central portion of the operator 21 to be pushed down in the fulcrum direction (D3). Note that the key switch 2 is a tact (tactile) switch that is turned on only when it is operated (pressed down).

The key switch 2, as shown in FIG. 3(b), has five electrical contacts 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e. It has 6 states, one of which is on. When the first finger presses down substantially the center of the manipulator 21, the electrical contact 2a is turned on. When the lower end of the manipulator 21 is pressed with the first finger, the electrical contact 2b is turned on. Also, when the front end of the manipulator 21 is pressed with the first finger, the electrical contact 2c is turned on. Also, when the upper end of the manipulator 21 is pressed with the first finger, the electrical contact 2d is turned on. Also, when the front end of the manipulator 21 is pressed with the first finger, the electrical contact 2e is turned on. When none of the operators 21 of the key switch 2 is pressed by the first finger, all of the contacts 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e are turned off.

4A to 4F are schematic diagrams showing operation states of the key switch 2 of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the first finger of the hand holding the housing 10 is placed on the operator 21 of the key switch 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the front end of the manipulator 21 is pushed down by the pushing motion accompanying the motion of extending the first finger forward, or as shown in FIG. 4(c), the first finger is An action of pushing down the front end of the manipulator 21 by a pushing action accompanying a forward bending (contracting) action, or moving the first finger placed on the manipulator 21 upward as shown in FIG. 4(d). The upper end of the manipulator 21 is pushed down by the pushing action associated with , or the lower end of the manipulator 21 is pushed by the pushing action accompanying the action of moving the first finger downward as shown in FIG. , and furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(f), it is possible to push down substantially the center of the manipulator 21 with the first finger.

In this embodiment, the key switch 2 is arranged at a position where the first finger is naturally positioned on the surface of the housing 10 when the housing 10 is gripped, and the key switch 2 is set according to the movable range and movable direction of the first finger. By appropriately determining the size, operation direction, and operation amount of the operation element 21, it is possible to operate the operation element 21 with the first finger placed on the operation element 21 by only a slight movement of the finger without removing the finger from the operation element 21. - 特許庁It's like In addition, by operating one operator 21, it is possible to switch the ON state of a plurality of contacts 2a to 2e, so that one key switch 2 can be operated to input five states.

Returning to FIG. 3A, the key switches 3 and 4 corresponding to the first finger are arranged within the movable range of the first finger. The key switches 3 and 4 are pressed by extending or bending the first finger moved upward, so that both ends of the operator 31 are moved in the directions indicated by arrows D4a and D4b. can be pressed in directions indicated by arrows D5a and D5b. The key switches 3 and 4 are tactile switches that are capable of moving like a seesaw with their substantially central portions as fulcrums, and are turned on only when they are operated (pressed down). The key switch 3, as shown in FIG. 3(b), has two electrical contacts 3a, 3b. Takes three states of the ON state. Similarly, the key switch 4 has contacts 4a and 4b, and takes three states: all the contacts 4a and 4b are off and one of the contacts 4a and 4b is on.

In the key switch 3, when the front end of the manipulator 31 is pushed down by a push motion accompanying the motion of extending the first finger forward, the electrical contact 3a is turned on, and the motion of bending the first finger toward the user causes the electric contact 3a to turn on. When the front end of the manipulator 31 is pressed by a pushing motion, the electrical contact 3b is turned on. Similarly, in the key switch 4, when the front end of the manipulator 41 is pushed down by pushing the first finger forward, the electrical contact 4a is turned on and the first finger is bent forward. When the front end of the manipulator 41 is pressed by a pushing motion associated with the operation, the electrical contact 4d is turned on. When none of the operators 31, 41 of the key switches 3, 4 are pressed by the first finger, the contacts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b are all turned off.

In this embodiment, the key switches 3 and 4 are arranged within the movable range of the first finger, and the sizes, operating directions, and operating amounts of the operators 31 and 41 are appropriately determined according to the movable direction of the first finger. , the operator can operate the operators 31 and 41 by moving the first finger without difficulty. Also, by operating one operator 31, a plurality of contacts 3a, 3b, and by operating a single operator 41, a plurality of contacts 4a, 4b can be switched on. In addition to the states of , 2×2 states can be input.

5(a) and 5(b) are conceptual diagrams showing how to operate the key switches 5 to 8 of the character input device 1 of this embodiment, and the contacts of the key switches 5 to 8. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the key switches 5-8 corresponding to the second to fifth fingers are provided with operators 51-81, respectively. The second to fifth fingers when gripping the housing 10 have movable ranges and movable directions such as extending the fingers forward, bending (contracting) them toward the user, and pushing them downward. The key switches 5 to 8 can move like a seesaw forward as indicated by an arrow D6 and forward as indicated by an arrow D7, with approximately central portions of the operators 51 to 81 as fulcrums. It has a mechanism that allows the central portion to be pushed in the fulcrum direction indicated by an arrow D8. Further, the manipulators 51 to 81 have a mechanism in which the substantially central fulcrum is set as a default position and automatically returns to the default position if no force is applied. Note that the key switches 5 to 8 are tact switches that are turned on only when they are operated (pressed down).

The key switches 5-8, as shown in FIG. 5(b), each have three electrical contacts 5a-5c, 6a-6c, 7a-7c, 8a-8c (collectively called contacts a, b, c), all contacts a, b, and c are off, and one of the three contacts a, b, and c is on. When the second finger placed on the operating element 51 tilts the operating element 51 forward, the electrical contact 5a is turned on. When the second finger placed on the operating element 51 tilts the operating element 51 forward, the electrical contact 5c is turned on. Further, when the operator 51 is pressed downward with the second finger at the default position substantially in the center, the electrical contact 5b is turned on. The same applies to other key switches 6 to 8 as shown in FIG. 5(b). When none of the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 is pressed by the second to fifth fingers, all of the contacts a, b, and c are turned off.

6A to 6D are schematic diagrams showing operation states of the key switches 5 to 8 of the character input device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the second finger of the hand holding the housing 10 is placed on the operator 51 of the key switch 5. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the user tilts the manipulator 51 forward by a pushing motion accompanying the motion of extending the second finger forward, or moves the second finger forward as shown in FIG. 6(c). The manipulator 51 is tilted toward the front by a pushing motion accompanying the forward bending (contracting) motion, or the substantially center of the manipulator 51 is pushed downward with the second finger as shown in FIG. 6(d). The same applies to other key switches 6-8.

In this embodiment, the key switches 5 to 8 are arranged at positions where the second to fifth fingers are naturally positioned on the surface of the housing 10 when the housing 10 is gripped. By appropriately determining the size, operation direction, and amount of operation of the operation elements 51 to 81 according to the range and direction of movement of the fingers, the operator can operate without moving the hand and without releasing the finger from the operation element of each key switch. All key switches 5 to 8 can be operated with only a slight finger movement. In addition, by making it possible to switch the ON state of the three contacts by operating one operator, each of the key switches 5 to 8 can input three states, for a total of 12 states.

In addition, in the key switches 2 to 8, the zenith of each operator may be recessed for easy operation. The key switches 2 to 8 are switches that remain on while being pressed with a finger and turn off when the finger is released (or vice versa). It may be a mechanical switch with a contact that turns on/off, a pressure sensor that detects changes in pressing force, a touch sensor that detects finger movement, or the like.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment. The microcomputer 20 incorporates a memory 21 and controls the overall operation of the character input device 1 according to a predetermined program. The memory 21 stores a control program and a code table holding scan codes corresponding to combinations of contact states (on/off) of key switches. The battery 22 is composed of a primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or the like, and supplies power to the microcomputer 20, the communication module 23, and the like. The communication module 23 establishes a connection by wireless communication with an external information processing device (not shown: smart phone, personal computer, etc.). For wireless communication, short-range wireless, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like is used. The key matrix 24 is a circuit in which the contacts of the key switches 2 to 8 are electrically wired in a matrix.

Microcomputer 20 controls the overall operation of character input device 1 by executing programs in memory 21 . Specifically, the microcomputer 20 scans the key matrix 24, reads the scan code corresponding to the contact state (on/off) from the code table of the memory 21, and temporarily stores it in the memory 21 ( buffering), and output to an external information processing device (not shown: for example, a personal computer, a smart phone, etc.) via the communication module 23 at a predetermined timing. A scan code is a code that physically identifies a switch (in this embodiment, each key switch contact corresponds to one switch) when the switch is pressed or released. When the external information processing device receives the scan code, the input/display processing of characters corresponding to the scan code, processing of input/display of characters corresponding to the scan code, and Control cursor movement, Kanji conversion, etc. Further, when the microcomputer 20 scans the key matrix 24 and outputs a scan code corresponding to the contact state (on/off) to an external information processing device, the contact state (operation state of the operator) is determined. The contact state (operating state of the operator) may be displayed on the display of the information processing device so that the can be easily visually recognized. Although details will be described later, the appearance of the input device, the positions of the key switches 2 to 8 (operators 21 to 81), etc. are simulated, and the operation states of the operators 21 to 81 (which operator is being operated) are simulated. , and/or which character is being input) is displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus.

By operating any one of the key switches 2 to 8 described above or a combination of two or more key switches, the character input device 1 is turned on/off and the communication module 23 is activated. may be used as a switch for

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the operation positions of the key switches 2 to 8 and input characters (hiragana) according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation positions of the operation elements 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 by the second to fifth fingers are associated with the Japanese syllabary A to Wa lines, and further, the key switch 2 by the first finger. are associated with vowels "a", "i", "u", "e", and "o". As a result, from the combination of the operating positions of the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 and the operating position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2, hiragana characters such as "a", "i", ... "ka", "ki" can be obtained. ”, …”wa”, ”wo”, ”n”, …”big ⇔ small” (conversion between uppercase and lowercase), ” ” (dakuten), ”゜” (handakuten), ”?”, “ !”, “ ” (space), “...”, “,”, and “.” can be input. Also, the operation position of the operator 31 of the key switch 3 by the first finger is associated with "BS" and "voiced sound/semi-voiced sound/lower case", and the operation position of the operator 41 of the key switch 4 by the first finger is associated. , [line feed], and "function switching (kana/kana/alphabet/number)" are associated with each other.

More specifically, the row is selected by extending the second finger to tilt the operator 51 of the key switch 5 forward to turn on the contact 5a, and in this state, the key switch is operated by the first finger. When the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is pushed down to turn on the contact 2a, the character "A" is displayed. When the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward to turn on the contact 2c, the character "U" is displayed. When the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted upward to turn on the contact 2d, the character "E" is displayed. When the child 21 is tilted forward and the contact 2e is turned on, the character "o" is selected.

In this way, while the operator 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger, the operator can continue to press the operator 21 of the key switch 2 approximately in the center, back and forth, and up and down without releasing the first finger. , it is possible to continuously select the characters "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O" in the "A" line while switching them according to the pressed position. While operating the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger, that is, while one of the contacts 2a to 2e is in the ON state, the selected character is transmitted to the external information processing device at any time. be done. However, the input itself is not fixed. For example, when word processing software or the like is running on an external information processing device, the above characters "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O" are displayed at the same positions in the word processor document. It will be displayed while being replaced one after another. As another example, first, the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 are operated with the second to fifth fingers, and one of the consonants (Akasatana...), for example, the third finger, is used to operate the key switch. 6 is operated to select "na line (6a)", the corresponding character "n" is transmitted to the external information processing device, the external information processing device displays the character "n", Subsequently, when the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is operated with the first finger as a vowel and, for example, "a (2a)" is selected, the corresponding vowel "a" is transmitted to the external information processing device, and the external information is The processing device may display the character "na" for the first time. In order to confirm the input of the selected character, when the desired character is input (displayed), the force applied to the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger is relaxed to close the contacts 2a to 2e of the key switch 2. Turn off. This confirms the input of the character selected at that time.

For example, extend the second finger to tilt the operator 51 of the key switch 5 forward to turn on the contact 5a. is turned on, the character "U" will be selected. In this state, when the force applied to the operating element 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger is relaxed to turn off the contact 2c of the key switch 2, the input of the character "U" is confirmed. Actually, the microcomputer 20 will output a scan code corresponding to the contact 2c of the key switch 2. FIG.

Furthermore, a character string can be input by repeating the above-described selection of characters and confirmation of input of the selected characters. When it is desired to convert the input character string into kanji, katakana, or the like, pressing (clicking) the substantially central portion of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger turns on the contact 2a. The input string is "converted". That is, a scan code (instruction of "conversion") indicating that the contact 2a is turned on is output. Each time the contact 2a is turned on by pressing (clicking) the substantially central portion of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger, a scan code corresponding to the "convert" instruction is output. The external information processing device automatically displays the next conversion candidate. At this time, it is also possible to move the operator 21 of the key switch 2 in various directions and determine the predictive conversion by cursor transition. To confirm "Convert", move the first finger upward to press the front end of the operator 41 of the key switch 4 . As a result, the contact 4a is turned on, and a scan code corresponding to the "line feed" instruction is output. When the external information processing device receives a scan code corresponding to "line feed" during conversion, "conversion" is confirmed.

Also, without moving the 2nd to 5th fingers (all in the off state), if the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward with the 1st finger to turn on the contact 2c, the cursor is advanced. is input, and when the operating element 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward with the first finger to turn on the contact 2e, a cursor movement for retreating the cursor is input. By pressing the front end of the key switch 3 with the first finger to turn on the contact 3a, a backspace "BS" is input, and each time the front end is pressed, the contact 3b is turned on. As a result, "dakuten/semi-dakuten/lowercase characters" are alternately input. By pressing the front end of the key switch 4 with the first finger to turn on the contact 4a, a "line feed" is input, and each time the front end is pressed, the contact 4b is turned on. "Kana/Kana/Alphabet/Number" (input character types) are switched and input.

9A to 9D are conceptual diagrams for explaining the character input operation (hiragana) of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 9(a) shows characters input by operating the key switch 2 with the first finger in response to operating the key switch 5 with the second finger. Specifically, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9(a), the operation element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is extended), and the key switch 2 is operated with the first finger. When the operator 21 is pushed in about the center, "A", when the operator 21 is tilted downward, "I", when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "U", When the operator 21 is tilted upward, "E", When the manipulator 21 is tilted forward, "o" is input. Further, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 9(a), when the operating member 51 of the key switch 5 is pushed with the second finger, and the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 is pushed substantially in the center with the first finger, "the , tilting the operator 21 downward gives "chi", tilting the operator 21 forward gives "tsu", tilting the operator 21 upward gives "te", and tilting the operator 21 forward gives "to ” is entered. Further, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9(a), the operating element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is retracted), and the operating element 51 of the key switch 2 is moved with the first finger. When the operator 21 is pushed in about the center, "ma", when the operator 21 is tilted downward, "mi", when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "mu", when the operator 21 is tilted upward, "me", and then, are operated. When the child 21 is tilted forward, "mo" is input.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9B, depending on the combination of the operating position of the operating member 61 of the key switch 6 with the third finger and the operating position of the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger, From the top, "ka" to "ko", "na" to "no", and "ya" to "yo" are input, and as shown in FIG. 9(c), the key switch 7 is operated by the fourth finger. ``sa'' to ``so'', ``ha'' to ``ho'', and ``ra'' to ``lo'' in accordance with the combination of the operation position of the element 71 and the operation position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger. is input, and as shown in FIG. ``wa'', ``wo'', ``n'', ``-'', ``~'', ``large ⇔ small'' (conversion between uppercase and lowercase), `` `` (dakuten), ``large ⇔ small'', `` "°" (handakuten), " " (blank), and ",", ".", "?", "!", "..." are input.

As can be seen from the character input operations (hiragana) shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, the correspondence relationship between the operation positions of the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8 shown in FIG. 8 and the input characters (hiragana). Since the key layout conforms to the key layout of software keyboards used in general smartphones, etc., the user can easily learn the illustrated key layout and operate intuitively.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the operation positions of the key switches 2 to 7 and input characters (numbers) according to this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the operation positions of the operators 51 to 71 of the key switches 5 to 7 operated by the second to fourth fingers are associated with numbers "1" to "9", and A key switch 3 to be operated by the first finger by associating the operation position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 to be operated with the arithmetic operators "=", "x", "-", "+", and "÷". , and the operation position of the operator 31 of the key switch 4 to be operated by the first finger, [AC (or C)], "function switching (kana/kana/alphabet/number)” are associated with each other.

More specifically, in a state in which the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is not operated by the first finger (see FIG. 4A), the operators 51 to 51 of the key switches 5 to 7 are operated by the second to fourth fingers. By operating 71, numbers "1" to "9" can be input. Also, in a state in which the operators 51 to 71 of the key switches 5 to 7 are not operated by the second to fourth fingers (see FIG. 6A), the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is operated by the first finger. , the arithmetic operators '=', 'x', '-', '+' and '÷' can be entered. Similarly, in a state in which the operators 51 to 71 of the key switches 5 to 7 are not operated by the second to fourth fingers (see FIG. 6A), the operator 31 of the key switch 3 is operated by the first finger. By operating the operator 41 of the key switch 4 with the first finger, "AC (or C)" and "function switching (kana/kana/ alphanumeric characters) can be entered. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the non-operating state of the first finger and the operating state of the second to fourth fingers, or the operating state of the first finger and the non-operating state of the second to fourth fingers. , the desired input characters (numbers, arithmetic operators) are determined based on a plurality of operation states of each finger. In addition, since the correspondence between the operation positions of the key switches 2 to 7 and the input characters (numbers) shown in FIG. 10 conforms to the key layout of a general calculator, numeric keypad, etc., the user can easily learn the illustrated key layout. and can be operated intuitively.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the operation positions of the key switches 2 to 8 and the corresponding input characters (numbers) according to this embodiment. In other embodiments, numbers and numbers are added to the combination of the operating position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger and the operating positions of the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 by the second to fifth fingers. Arithmetic operators are associated. As a result, the numbers "0" to "9", "*", . ", ".", ... "=" ... etc. can be input. Also, the operation positions (contacts 3a, 3b) of the operation element 31 of the key switch 3 operated by the first finger are associated with "BS" and "C" (clear), and the key switch 4 operated by the first finger is associated with "BS" and "C" (clear). The operation positions (contacts 4a and 4b) of the operator 41 are associated with [AC] (all clear) and "function switching (kana/kana/alphabet/number)".

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, with the second finger extended to tilt the operating element 51 of the key switch 5 forward to turn on the contact 5a, the key switch 2 is operated by the first finger. When the operating element 21 is pushed in to turn on the contact 2a, "1" is displayed. When the operating element 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted downward to turn on the contact 2b, the character "." is displayed. When the key switch 2 is tilted to turn on the contact 2c, the character "@" is selected, and when the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted upward to turn on the contact 2d, the character "-" is selected.

In this way, while the operator 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger, the operator can continue to press the operator 21 of the key switch 2 approximately in the center, back and forth, and up and down without releasing the first finger. , ``1'', ``.'', ``@'', and ``-'' can be switched and selected continuously according to the pressed position. While operating the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger, that is, while one of the contacts 2a to 2e is in the ON state, the selected character is transmitted to the external information processing device at any time. be done. However, since the input itself is not fixed, the characters selected at any time are replaced one after another in the information processing device. In order to confirm the input of the selected character, while the desired character is selected, the force applied to the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger is relaxed, and the contacts 2a to 2 of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 are released. 2e is turned off. This confirms the input of the character selected at that time.

For example, extend the second finger to tilt the operator 51 of the key switch 5 forward to turn on the contact 5a. is turned on, "@" will be selected. In this state, when the force applied to the operating element 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger is relaxed to turn off the contact 2c of the key switch 2, the input of "@" is confirmed. Actually, the microcomputer 20 will output a scan code corresponding to the contact 2c of the key switch 2. FIG.

In addition, without moving the second to fifth fingers (all in the OFF state), if the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward with the first finger to turn on the contact 2c, the cursor is advanced. When the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward with the first finger to turn on the contact 2e, the cursor movement "return" is input to move the cursor back.

Also, by pressing the front of the operating element 31 of the key switch 3 with the first finger to turn on the contact 3a, a backspace "BS" is input, and the front of the operating element 31 is pressed to turn on the contact 3b. to input "C" (clear) by pressing the front of the operator 41 of the key switch 4 with the first finger to turn on the contact 4a to input "AC" (all clear). Each time the contact 4b is turned on by pressing the front side of the , "kana/kana/alphabet/number" (input character types) are switched and input.

FIGS. 12A to 12D are conceptual diagrams for explaining character input operations (numbers and symbols) of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 12(a) shows numbers and symbols that are input by operating the key switch 2 with the first finger in response to operating the key switch 5 with the second finger. Specifically, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 12( a ), the operating element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is extended), and the key switch 2 is operated with the first finger. When the operator 21 is pushed in about the center, "1", when the operator 21 is tilted downward, ".", when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "@", and when the operator 21 is tilted upward, "- ” is entered. Further, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 12(a), while the operator 51 of the key switch 5 is depressed substantially in the center with the second finger, the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is depressed substantially in the center with the first finger. and "4" when the operator 21 is tilted downward, "[" when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "`" when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "]" when the operator 21 is tilted upward, and then the operator 21 is tilted forward Then "'" is entered. Further, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 12(a), the operating element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is retracted), and the operating element 51 of the key switch 2 is moved with the first finger. ``7'' is input by pressing the operator 21 substantially in the center, ``\'' is input by tilting the operator 21 downward, and ``|'' is input by tilting the operator 21 upward.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12B, depending on the combination of the operating position of the operating member 61 of the key switch 6 by the third finger and the operating position of the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger, ``2'' to ``_'', ``5'' to ``¥'', and ``8'' to ``)'' are entered in order from the top, and as shown in FIG. ``3'' to ``^'', ``6'' to ``'''', ``9'' to ``;'' in accordance with the combination of the operating position of the sub 71 and the operating position of the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger. is input, and as shown in FIG. '*', '!', '?', '0', '+', '#', ',' and ',' are input.

As can be seen from the character input operations (numbers and symbols) shown in FIGS. 12(a) to (d), the operating positions and input characters (numbers and symbols) of the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8 shown in FIG. Since the correspondence between and corresponds to the key layout of a software keyboard used in general smartphones, etc., the user can easily learn the illustrated key layout and operate it intuitively.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of correspondence between the operation positions of the key switches 2 to 8 and input characters (alphabet) according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, alphabetic letters are assigned to combinations of the operating positions of the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 by the second to fifth fingers and the operating position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger. , A to Z, each symbol, etc. are associated with each other. As a result, from the combinations of the operating positions of the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 and the operating position of the operator 21 of the key switch 2, alphabetical letters "A", "B", ... "D" and "E" are obtained. ", ... "X", "Y", "Z", ... "A⇔a" (converts one letter between uppercase and lowercase), "AAA" (converts to uppercase), "`", "Aaa" (converts the first character to uppercase), " " (space), "-", "+", "0", "*", ".", ",", "?", "!" It is possible to Also, the operation position of the operator 31 of the key switch 3 by the first finger is associated with "BS" and "shift" (switching between upper case and lower case), and the operation of the operator 41 of the key switch 4 by the first finger is associated. Positions are associated with [line feed] and [function switching (kana/kana/alphabet/number)].

More specifically, by extending the second finger and tilting the operator 51 of the key switch 5 forward to turn on the contact 5a, ".", "@", "/", "_", When "1" is selected and in this state, the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted downward, and the character "." When the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward to turn on the contact 2b, the character "/" is turned on, and the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted upward. When the contact 2d is turned on, the character "_" is selected, and when the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is tilted forward and the contact 2e is turned on, the character "1" is selected.

In this way, while the operator 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger, the operator can continue to press the operator 21 of the key switch 2 approximately in the center, back and forth, and up and down without releasing the first finger. , ".", "@", "/", "_", and "1" can be selected continuously according to the pressed position. As described above, while the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is being operated with the first finger, that is, while one of the contacts 2a to 2e is in the ON state, the selected character is displayed by the external device at any time. It is sent to the information processing device. However, since the input itself is not fixed, when the desired character is input (displayed), the force applied to the operator 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger is relaxed to open the contacts 2a to 2e of the key switch 2. Turn off. This confirms the input of the character selected at that time. The details are the same as the hiragana input described above, so the description is omitted.

14A to 14D are conceptual diagrams for explaining the character input operation (alphabet & symbol) of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 14(a) shows characters input by the state of the key switch 2 with the first finger in accordance with the operation state of the key switch 5 with the second finger. Specifically, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 14(a), the operation element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is extended), and the key switch 2 is operated with the first finger. When the operator 21 is pushed at approximately the center, "." is displayed. When the operator 21 is tilted downward, "@" is displayed. When the manipulator 21 is tilted forward, "1" is input. Further, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 14(a), when the operating member 51 of the key switch 5 is pushed in with the second finger, and the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 is pushed in substantially the center with the first finger, "G , "H" when the operator 21 is tilted downward, "I" when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "(" when the operator 21 is tilted upward, and "4" when the operator 21 is tilted forward. Also, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 14(a), the operating element 51 of the key switch 5 is tilted forward with the second finger (in the direction in which the finger is retracted), and the first finger When the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 is pushed at approximately the center, "P" is displayed. When the operating member 21 is tilted downward, "Q" is obtained. When the operating member 21 is tilted forward, "R" is obtained. S", and when the operator 21 is tilted forward, "7" is input.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14B, depending on the combination of the operating position of the operating member 61 of the key switch 6 by the third finger and the operating position of the operating member 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger, 'A' to '2', 'J' to '5' and 'T' to '8' are input in order from the top, and as shown in FIG. 14C, the key switch 7 is operated by the fourth finger. "D" to "3", "M" to "6", and "W" to "9" according to the combination of the operation position of the element 71 and the operation position of the operation element 21 of the key switch 2 by the first finger. is input, and as shown in FIG. "A⇔a" (converts one letter between uppercase and lowercase), "AAA" (converts to uppercase), "`", "Aaa" (converts the first character entered to uppercase), " " (space) , "-", "+", "0", "*", and ".", ",", "?", and "!" are input.

As can be seen from the character input operations (alphabet & symbols) shown in FIGS. 14(a) to (d), the operating positions of the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8 shown in FIG. 13 and the input characters (alphabet) Since the correspondence conforms to the key arrangement of software keyboards used in general smartphones, etc., the user can easily learn the illustrated key arrangement and operate intuitively.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the character input device 1 according to this embodiment. When the power of the character input device 1 is turned on by operating any one of the key switches 2 to 8 or a combination of two or more, the microcomputer 20 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. . First, the microcomputer 20 scans the key matrix 24 to acquire the on/off state of each contact of the key switches 2-8 (step S10). Next, the microcomputer 20 determines whether or not any contact of the key switches 2 to 8 is turned on (step S12). If none of the contacts of the key switches 2 to 8 are on (NO in step S12), the process returns to step S10 to continue scanning the key matrix 24. FIG.

On the other hand, if one of the contacts of the key switches 2 to 8 is turned on (YES in step S12), the microcomputer 20 refers to the code table in the memory 21 and , or a scan code corresponding to a combination of key switch contacts (step S14). Next, the microcomputer 20 determines whether or not there is a corresponding scan code (step S16), and if there is no corresponding scan code (NO in step S16), returns to step S10 and scans the key matrix 24. to continue.

On the other hand, if there is a corresponding scan code (YES in step S16), the microcomputer 20 temporarily holds the scan code in the memory 21 (step S18), and via the communication module 23 at a predetermined timing, It is transmitted to an external information processing device (step S20). Next, the microcomputer 20 determines whether or not the operated key switch has been released (whether the ON state has changed to the OFF state) (step S22).

For example, in the hiragana input mode shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, this corresponds to the case where the first finger is released from the operator 21 of the key switch 2 while hiragana is selected. Also, in the number input mode shown in FIG. 10, this corresponds to the case where the operator 21-71 of the operated key switch 2-7 is released. 11 and 12 corresponds to the case where the first finger is released from the operator 21 of the key switch 2 while numbers, arithmetic operators, symbols, etc. are selected. The alphabet input mode shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 corresponds to the case where the first finger is released from the operator 21 of the key switch 2 while alphabets, symbols, etc. are selected.

If the operated key switch is not released (NO in step S22), character selection continues, so the process returns to step S10 to continue scanning the key matrix 24. FIG. In this case, the scan code sent to the external information processing device is not finalized. Therefore, by changing the key switch to be operated, characters to be input can be changed in real time. In the external information processing device, the previous scan code is cleared, updated to a newly input scan code, and predetermined processing based on the new scan code, for example, if the scan code corresponds to a character, the character is displayed on the display, or predetermined control is executed when the scan code corresponds to the control code.

On the other hand, if the operated key switch is released (YES in step S22), the microcomputer 20 confirms the scan code and sends external information processing through the communication module 23 so as to move the cursor. A control code is sent to the device (step S24), and the process returns to step S10 to continue scanning the key matrix 24. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation example (number input) of an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected. FIG. 16 shows an operation example (number input) of a personal computer 90 as an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 is connected. In the illustrated example, in the personal computer 90, driver software (not shown) and an application (spreadsheet software) 91 corresponding to the character input device 1 are activated.

When the personal computer 90 receives the scan code from the character input device 1, it transfers it to the driver software. The driver software displays an image 94 simulating the key layout of the character input device 1 in a pop-up window 93 on the display 92 . The pop-up window 93 has an image 94 that simulates the key arrangement (number arrangement) of the character input device 1 and a box 95 that displays numerical values input from the character input device 1 in real time. The driver software generates a character code corresponding to the scan code and outputs the generated character code to the application 91 . The application 91 executes predetermined processing according to the input character code. In the illustrated example, the spreadsheet software of the application 91 shows how numerical values input from the character input device 1 are input to predetermined cells.

More specifically, the user tilts the operator 71 of the key switch 7 forward with the third finger while not operating the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger, thereby forming the number "9 (7a)." ” is selected. In the drawing, black and white are shown reversed. The number “9” is input to the personal computer 90 . On the display 91, the number "9" entered in the box 95 of the image 94 is displayed, and "9" is entered in the currently selected cell of the spreadsheet software of the application 91. FIG. The user can input numerical values without looking at the key positions of the character input device 1 held by the user while looking at the image 94 displayed in the pop-up window 93 on the display 92, so that the user can quickly and stress-free. can be entered.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation example (kana input) of an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 according to this embodiment is connected. FIG. 17 shows an operation example (kana input) of a personal computer 90 as an external information processing device to which the character input device 1 is connected. In the illustrated example, in the personal computer 90, driver software (not shown) and an application (word processing software) 91 corresponding to the character input device 1 are running.

16, a pop-up window 93 on the display 91 displays an image 94 that simulates the key arrangement (kana arrangement) of the character input device 1. FIG. In the illustrated example, a character input from the character input device 1 is input at the cursor position in the word processing software of the application 92 . More specifically, the user presses the operator 61 of the key switch 6 approximately in the center with the third finger to select the "na line (6b)", and presses the operator 21 of the key switch 2 with the first finger. The vowel "a(2a)" is selected by pressing in approximately the center. In the drawing, black and white are shown reversed. The character “na” is input to the personal computer 90 . On the display 91, the character "na" entered in the box 95 of the image 94 is displayed, and "na" is entered at the current cursor position of the word processing software of the application 91. FIG. The user can input characters without looking at the key positions of the character input device 1 held by the user while looking at the image 94 displayed in the pop-up window 93 on the display 92, so that the user can input characters quickly and without stress. can be entered.

According to the present embodiment described above, the key switches 2 to 8 are arranged at positions where the first to fifth fingers of the hand are positioned when the housing 10 of the character input device 1 is held naturally with one hand. , The size, operation direction, and operation amount of the operation elements 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 9 are appropriately determined according to the movable range and movable direction of the 1st to 5th fingers, without moving the hand. In addition, the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8 having a plurality of contacts can be operated by a slight movement of the fingers without releasing the fingers from the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8. . Therefore, it is possible to input characters, numbers, etc. easily and reasonably while gripping the housing 10 with one hand. In addition, by making it possible to switch the ON state of a plurality of contacts by operating one operator, the key switches 2 to 8 can be operated in a total of 5 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 4 (= 240) ways by simple calculation. Since it is possible to input the state of , even when a wide variety of characters exist, they can be input with one hand.

According to the present embodiment described above, the key switches 2 to 8 having the operators 21 to 81 are arranged in association with the positions of the fingers of the hand that grips the casing 10 that can be held with one hand, and a plurality of operators are arranged. 21 to 81 are detected by detecting the ON state/OFF state of the contact of each switch, and the input character is determined based on the detected ON state/OFF state. Without moving the hand and without releasing the fingers from the operators 21-81 of the key switches 2-8, characters and numbers can be easily and reasonably input only by a slight movement of the fingers. can.

According to the present embodiment described above, a plurality of operation directions set based on the movable directions of each finger in the state of gripping the housing 10 are detected. Characters, numbers, etc. can be easily and effortlessly input only by a slight movement of the fingers without removing the respective fingers from the operators 21 to 81 of .about.8.

According to the present embodiment described above, the manipulator 21 is arranged for the first finger of the hand that grips the housing 10, the manipulator 51 is arranged for the second finger, and the manipulator 51 is arranged for the third finger. A manipulator 61 is provided for each finger, a manipulator 71 is provided for the fourth finger, and a manipulator 81 is provided for the fifth finger. Since the assignment is made, it is possible to operate the operation elements 21 to 81 without removing the fingers from the operation elements 21 to 81, and by only a slight movement of the fingers.

According to the present embodiment described above, in the case of Japanese input, vowels are assigned to the manipulator 21 corresponding to the first finger, and consonants are assigned to the manipulators 21 to 51 corresponding to the second to fifth fingers. Since the input character is determined by the combination of the vowel of the child 21 and the consonants of the manipulators 21 to 51, characters can be easily input with one hand.

According to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the operator 21 of the key switch 2, the operators 31 and 41 of the key switches 3 and 4 are arranged in the range of motion of the first finger. The operator can operate the operators 31 and 41 of the key switches 3 and 4 by moving them without difficulty, and can input more operation states.

According to the present embodiment described above, it is detected that the operator 21 of the key switch 2 is stretched or contracted by the first finger, moved upward or downward by the first finger, or is pressed by the first finger. Thus, even with one operator 21, a plurality of operation states can be input.

According to the present embodiment described above, with respect to the operation element 21 of the key switch 2, the pressing motion accompanying the expansion and contraction motion of the first finger, the pressing motion accompanying the vertical movement motion of the first finger, the first Since it is detected that there is a motion of directly pressing the manipulator with a finger, even with one manipulator 21, it is possible to input a plurality of operation states.

According to the present embodiment described above, it is detected that there is a corresponding finger stretching motion and a corresponding finger pressing motion for the manipulators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8. , a plurality of operating states can be input even with one operating element 21 .

According to the above-described embodiment, the operators 51 to 81 of the key switches 5 to 8 are pushed in by extending and contracting the corresponding fingers, and the operators are directly pushed by the corresponding fingers. Therefore, it is possible to input a plurality of operation states even with one operator 21 .

According to the present embodiment described above, since the determined input characters are transferred to the external information processing device via the communication unit, the input characters can be smoothly transferred, improving convenience. can be improved.

According to the present embodiment described above, the manipulator 21 corresponding to the first finger, the manipulator 51 corresponding to the second finger, the manipulator 61 corresponding to the third finger, the manipulator 71 corresponding to the fourth finger, and the manipulator 71 corresponding to the fourth finger. When the operation state of the manipulator 81 corresponding to the five fingers is detected, the information is transferred to the external information processing device via the communication module 23, and the operation state is displayed on the display of the external information processing device. This allows you to enter characters while looking at the display, allowing you to enter quickly without stress.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the housing 10 of the character input device 1 is an example, and the shape is not limited to the illustrated example as long as it can be held with one hand. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mechanism is used in which the operators 21 to 81 of the key switches 2 to 8 are tilted at a fulcrum.

Moreover, the key arrangement (FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10) in the above-described embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the illustrated example. Also, in the present embodiment, not all characters, symbols, function keys, etc. are assigned, but they may be assigned to vacant operation states as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the correspondence between the scan code assigned to each contact and the character code is an example, and may be arbitrarily set by software. Further, when the character input device 1 according to the above-described embodiment is placed on a desk or the like and used, a mechanical or optical mechanism is provided at the bottom of the housing 10 so that the housing 10 gripped by the user can be moved on the desk. It may also be used as a pointing device (mouse) for instructing cursor movement or the like in an information processing apparatus by detecting the movement amount and movement speed when the mouse is moved.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and includes the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.
The invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be additionally described below.

(Appendix 1)
The invention described in Supplementary Note 1 includes a housing that can be gripped with one hand, a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the positions of the fingers of the hand that grips the housing, and each of the plurality of manipulators. a detection unit that detects a plurality of operation states of each finger; and a determination unit that determines an input character based on the plurality of operation states detected by the detection unit, wherein each of the plurality of operation states is , which is set based on the range of motion of each finger in a state of gripping the housing.

(Appendix 2)
In the invention according to appendix 2, the plurality of operation states each include a plurality of operation directions set based on the directions in which each finger can move when the housing is gripped, and the detection unit The input device according to Supplementary note 1, wherein, among the operation directions of , the operation direction of each of the fingers with respect to the plurality of manipulators is detected.

(Appendix 3)
In the invention according to appendix 3, the plurality of manipulators are arranged for a first finger and a second finger of a hand that grips the housing. A second manipulator, a third manipulator arranged for the third finger, a fourth manipulator arranged for the fourth finger, and a fifth manipulator arranged for the fifth finger. 3. The input device according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized by comprising an operator.

(Appendix 4)
In the invention described in appendix 4, in the case of Japanese input, the first operator is assigned a vowel, and the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator and the fifth operator are assigned is assigned a consonant, and the determination unit inputs a combination of a vowel of the first operator and a consonant of the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator 3. The input device according to appendix 3, characterized in that it determines characters.

(Appendix 5)
The invention according to appendix 5 is the input device according to appendix 3 or 4, characterized in that, in addition to the first manipulator, an additional manipulator disposed in the movable range of the first finger is included. .

(Appendix 6)
In the invention according to appendix 6, the plurality of operation states for the first manipulator are an expansion/contraction motion of the first finger, a motion of moving the first finger in a vertical direction, and a pressing motion of the first finger. 6. The input device according to any one of appendices 3 to 5, characterized by comprising:

(Appendix 7)
In the invention according to Supplementary Note 7, the plurality of operation states for the first manipulator are a pressing motion associated with an extension/contraction motion of the first finger and a pressing motion associated with a vertical movement motion of the first finger. 6. The input device according to appendix 5, characterized in that it includes an operation and an operation of directly pressing the operator with the first finger.

(Appendix 8)
In the invention according to Supplementary Note 8, the plurality of operating states for the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator each include an expansion/contraction motion of the corresponding finger, 5. The input device according to appendix 3 or 4, further comprising a pressing action by the corresponding finger.

(Appendix 9)
In the invention according to Supplementary Note 9, the plurality of operating states of the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator are each associated with an extension/contraction motion of the corresponding finger. 8. The input device according to appendix 8, characterized by including a pressing action and an action of directly pressing the manipulator with the corresponding finger.

(Appendix 10)
The invention according to appendix 10 includes a communication unit that communicates with an external information processing device, and transfer control that transfers the input character determined by the determination unit to the external information processing device via the communication unit. 10. The input device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, further comprising:

(Appendix 11)
In the invention according to Supplementary Note 11, when the operating states of the first operator, the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator are detected, the communication unit 11. The input device according to appendix 10, further comprising a display control unit that transfers the information to the external information processing device via the input device and displays the operation state on a display unit of the external information processing device. is.

(Appendix 12)
The invention according to Supplementary Note 12 includes a step of detecting a plurality of operation states of each finger for each of a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the positions of the fingers of the hand that grips the housing; and determining an input character based on a plurality of operation states obtained, wherein each of the plurality of operation states is set based on a range of motion of each finger in a state of gripping the housing. , is an input method characterized by:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Character input device 10... Housing 2-8... Key switch 21-81... Operator 2a-2e... Contact 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b... Contact, 5a-5c, 6a-6c, 7a ~7c, 8a to 8c... contact, 20... microcomputer, 21... memory, 23... communication module, 24... key matrix, 22... battery, 90... personal computer, 91... display, 92... application, 93... pop-up window, 94...Image, 95...Box

Claims (10)

a housing that can be held with one hand;
a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the positions of the fingers of the hand that grips the housing;
a detection unit that detects a plurality of operating states of each of the plurality of manipulators by the respective fingers;
a determination unit that determines an input character based on the plurality of operation states detected by the detection unit;
with
Each of the plurality of operation states is set based on a range of motion of each finger in a state of gripping the housing,
The plurality of manipulators are a first manipulator arranged for the first finger of the hand that grips the housing, a second manipulator arranged for the second finger, and a third manipulator. A third manipulator arranged for the finger, a fourth manipulator arranged for the fourth finger, and a fifth manipulator arranged for the fifth finger,
In the case of Japanese input, a vowel is assigned to the first operator, and a consonant is assigned to the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator,
The determining unit determines an input character by combining a vowel of the first operator and a consonant of the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator.
An input device characterized by: each of the plurality of operation states includes a plurality of operation directions set based on the movable directions of each finger in a state of gripping the housing;
The detection unit detects, from among the plurality of operation directions, an operation direction performed by each of the fingers on the plurality of manipulators.
The input device according to claim 1, characterized by: In addition to the first manipulator, an additional manipulator disposed in the range of motion of the first finger,
3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: The plurality of operating states for the first manipulator include an extension/contraction motion of the first finger, an upward/downward moving motion of the first finger, and a pressing motion of the first finger,
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The plurality of operation states for the first manipulator include a pressing motion associated with an extension/contraction motion of the first finger, a pressing motion associated with a vertical movement motion of the first finger, and a Including the action of directly pushing the operator,
5. The input device according to claim 4 , characterized in that: The plurality of operating states of the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator are each a stretching motion of the corresponding finger and a pressing motion of the corresponding finger. including,
3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: The plurality of operating states for the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator are, respectively, a pressing motion associated with the extension and contraction motion of the corresponding finger, and including the operation of directly pressing the operator by
7. The input device according to claim 6, characterized by: a communication unit that communicates with an external information processing device;
a transfer control unit that transfers the input character determined by the determination unit to the external information processing device via the communication unit;
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When the operating states of the first operator, the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator are detected, the external information processing is performed via the communication unit. further comprising a display control unit that transfers the information to the device and displays the operation state on the display unit of the external information processing device;
9. The input device according to claim 8, characterized by: a detection step of detecting a plurality of operation states of each finger for each of a plurality of manipulators arranged in association with the position of each finger of the hand that grips the housing;
a determination step of determining an input character based on the plurality of detected operation states;
including
Each of the plurality of operation states is set based on a range of motion of each finger in a state of gripping the housing,
The plurality of manipulators are a first manipulator arranged for the first finger of the hand that grips the housing, a second manipulator arranged for the second finger, and a third manipulator. A third manipulator arranged for the finger, a fourth manipulator arranged for the fourth finger, and a fifth manipulator arranged for the fifth finger,
In the case of Japanese input, a vowel is assigned to the first operator, and a consonant is assigned to the second operator, the third operator, the fourth operator, and the fifth operator,
The determining step determines an input character by combining a vowel of the first manipulator and a consonant of the second manipulator, the third manipulator, the fourth manipulator, and the fifth manipulator.
An input method characterized by.

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