JPH08305471A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To miniaturize a keyboard, to enable efficient inputting and to reduce fatigue by arranging keys not for thumbs on the back surface of the device and arranging keys for thumbs on the front surface. CONSTITUTION: Concerning this input device which is provided with plural keys and generates the code information of characters or the like by performing a keying operation for patting the keys with fingers, keys 103 and 104 not for thumbs are arranged on the rear surface and keys 105 and 106 for thumbs are arranged on the front surface. These keys 103 and 104 not for thumbs are keys enabling blind touch on the conventional input device (keyboard) and the mutual position relation between the key 103 not for left thumb and the key 104 not for right thumb (20 keys) is equal with that of the conventional input device. Then, the relation of fingers corresponding to respective keys and home positions are equal with the case of conventional blind touch as well. Therefore, efficient inputting is performed, fatigue is reduced and a person, who enables blind touch on the conventional key arrangement, can perform blind touch without any exercise and can perform high-speed inputting.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device having a plurality of keys for inputting at least a plurality of character codes, as represented by a keyboard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard is a typical conventional input device for a computer. 9a and 9b are a top view (key placement surface) and a side view, respectively, of the conventional keyboard. All keys are located on the top of the keyboard.

Although the key layout of the typewriter is the basis, this key layout is not always rational. This is probably due to the mechanical limitations of early typewriters. Various improvements have been made so far for the purpose of reducing fatigue in input work and increasing input speed.

As a method for speeding up input, a method called blind touch for inputting without looking at a key is widely used. In this method, the fingers of both hands are lightly placed in advance on a predetermined reference key position called the home position, and the keys are tapped with a predetermined finger for each key. There are few unnecessary movements on the finger, and with a little training, you can input without looking at the keys, so you can input efficiently and quickly.

Specifically, in the key arrangement of FIG. 9a, there are three keys "Q" and "A" on each of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the left hand (the fingers other than the thumb are referred to as non-thumbs).
"Z", 3 keys "W""S""X", 3 keys "E"
"D""C", 6 keys "R""F""V""T""G"
"B" is assigned, and the three keys "Y", "H", "N", "U", "J", "M", and the three keys "I", "K", "," are assigned to the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand. Keys "O", "L", ".", And 3 keys "P", ";", "/" are assigned. 8 keys “A”, “S”, “D”, “F”, “J”, which are usually home position
Place the eight non-thumbs of both hands on "K", "L", and ";") until they are lightly touched. For example, when the key "Q" is input, the left little finger is moved from the home position "A" to "Q", which is one level higher, and the key is pressed. There is little waste of finger movement, and by placing the hand at the home position, the target of tapping should be a small amount of finger movement (a movement amount of one or two keys in one direction even if the movement distance from the home position is large). Since the key can be typed, the target character can be typed without looking at the key with a little training, and high-speed input is possible.

As input devices, input means for coordinate information / position information such as a mouse, trackball, joystick, tablet, etc., and input means for image information such as a scanner, TV camera, etc. are also used. These input means and conventional keyboard It is expected that a new input device that will be easier to use will be created by merging with and.

[0007]

However, the conventional input device, especially the key input section, has the following problems.

(1) Since the input is made by holding the hand over the key, the wrist or arm that supports the hand is easily tired.

(2) Due to the key arrangement and the size of the finger, there is a limit to the miniaturization of a keyboard capable of efficient input, and further miniaturization (for example, a notebook-sized keyboard capable of blind touch input) has been difficult.

(3) Although frequently used, there are keys near the periphery of the keyboard that cannot be typed without releasing the hand for the home position. When these keys are typed, blind touch is difficult and input efficiency is high. Was falling.

(4) The keyboard is supposed to be used on a desk, and it is not impossible to use it in other environments, for example, in a train or in a standing posture without a desk.
The input was extremely inefficient.

(5) Both thumbs are used only when the same space key ("SP") is tapped, and their athletic ability is not effectively used.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an input device that causes less fatigue due to input work, an input device with high input efficiency, an input device that enables efficient input even in a place other than a desk, and efficient input and downsizing are possible. The purpose is to provide an easy-to-use input device.

[0014]

An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and has a plurality of keys, and code information such as characters by keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. And a non-thumb key is arranged on the back surface, and the thumb key is arranged on the front surface.

An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and has a plurality of keys, and a key input unit for generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. And a surface on which the non-thumb key is arranged and a surface on which the thumb key is arranged are different, and at least the surface on which the thumb key is arranged is pressed by bending motion of the first joint or the second joint of the thumb. It is characterized in that the thumb keys are arranged in the direction in which the operation can be performed.

An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and has a plurality of keys, and a key input unit for generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. It is characterized by including a support portion for supporting the hand with the palm above the key input portion.

An input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and has a plurality of keys, and a key input section for generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. It is characterized in that it is provided with a convex portion that prevents an unnecessary key from entering the input state when the key is directed downward.

The input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention has a plurality of keys and is provided with a key input section for generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with a finger. It is characterized in that a key is arranged at a position where the above-mentioned keystroke operation can be performed with the part held by the palm.

[0019]

In the input device of the first aspect of the present invention, since the keys are arranged on both sides of the input device, the size can be reduced, and the thumb keys and the non-thumb keys are arranged on different surfaces. You can effectively use your thumb's movement function and movable range, and you can assign more keys than before (keys that are frequently used and located at a long distance from the home position) and various input means to the thumb for efficient input. As well as being able to perform input while holding or touching the input device with the palm of the hand, fatigue is reduced, home position can be maintained, and input can be performed with the input device held. It enables input and efficient input. In particular, by assigning the same key to the non-thumb as the conventional key, a person who can blind-touch with the conventional key arrangement can perform blind-touch input without practicing, and can input faster than before.

According to the input device of the second aspect of the present invention, since the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces due to the above-described structure, the thumb and the non-thumb, especially the index finger, can be moved. Since the ranges do not overlap, it is possible to allow the thumb to perform input operations using input means such as more keys and trackballs, etc. than ever before, enabling efficient input, and effectively using the motor function of the thumb. Therefore, input means such as a plurality of thumb keys and a trackball can be arranged closely together, and accurate input can be efficiently performed without moving the hands away from the home position.

The input device according to the third aspect of the present invention, which has the above-described structure, requires almost no force for supporting the hand with the wrist or arm and can reduce fatigue.

According to the input device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, by the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to prevent the downward key in the placed state from being erroneously entered, and when the key (key input section) is not used. Since the key can be turned down, dust and the like can be prevented from entering without the dust cover, which is easy to use.

The input device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, which has the above-described structure, can keep the positional relationship between the input device and the hand constant, and can perform input efficiently even in a place without a desk.

[0024]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e show an embodiment of the present invention (first invention, fifth embodiment, respectively).
Invention)) input device (display means, information processing means,
Communication device built-in type) rear view, front view, side view, top view,
It is the bottom.

In the input device of FIG. 1, 101 is a case of the input device, 102 is a stand for supporting the input device from the back surface, 103 is a left non-thumb key (20 keys), 1
Reference numeral 04 is a right non-thumb key (20 keys), 105 is a left thumb key (12 keys), 106 is a right thumb key (9 keys), 107 is a trackball for inputting position information, 10
8 is a liquid crystal type display means, 109 is a microphone for voice input,
Reference numeral 110 is a video camera for image input, 111 is a mirror (for example, a convex mirror) for confirming the user (user) who is input to the video camera at the same angle of view.
Reference numerals 2 and 113 denote keys that can be pressed with either the index finger or the thumb, 114 a communication terminal for communication with an external device, and 115 a mouse ball for inputting position information attached to the bottom surface of the input device.

The non-thumb keys 103 and 104 are keys that can be blind-touched by a conventional input device (keyboard). The left-hand non-thumb key 103 and the right-hand non-thumb key 1
In each of the 04 keys (20 keys), the mutual positional relationship between the keys is the same as that of the conventional input device, and the relationship between the finger corresponding to each key and the home position is the same as in the conventional blind touch.

The input device configured as described above will be described. FIG. 1f is a perspective view showing its usage. The features and effects are listed in the following items.

Since the keys are arranged on both sides, the input device can be downsized. Since the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces (the front surface and the back surface in this embodiment), the movable ranges of the thumb and the non-thumb (particularly the index finger) do not overlap. In particular, it is possible to allow the thumb to perform an input operation using more keys and input means such as a trackball than ever before.

According to the key arrangement and the arrangement of the input means of the present invention, the input function can be performed by effectively using the motor function of the thumb, that is, the first joint of the thumb (the joint closest to the tip),
Since the keystroke operation can be performed using the motion function of the second joint and the selection operation of the key and the input means can be performed using the third joint and the like, unlike the conventional art, a plurality of keys and input means (trackball, etc.) can be attached to the thumb. They can be assigned and these exact inputs are possible. These keys and input means may be arranged at positions where the thumb can easily press them according to the frequency of use, and can be easily visually confirmed, so that they can be arranged freely without being particular about the key arrangement of a conventional keyboard or the like. In addition, by placing a key on the thumb that could not be typed until the hand was released from the position for the home position on the conventional keyboard, the key was placed near the periphery so that the hand does not move from the position for the home position. Keystrokes can be made and input efficiency can be greatly improved. In the conventional keyboard, the thumb is moved by the movement of the third joint in a direction (lateral direction with respect to the finger) different from the movement direction of the first joint and the second joint, so that a plurality of keys are pressed. If they are arranged closely, accurate input and high-speed input are difficult.

Since input can be performed while holding the input device with the palm of the hand, it is possible to perform input in a standing posture, for example, in an environment without a desk, and the input device or a terminal device using this input device, a computer (particularly a notebook) Type, notebook type)
It can greatly expand the usable range such as. Especially PDA
(Personal Data Assistant) Effective as an input device for equipment.

Since the input is carried out while the input device is held or in contact with the palm, the home position can be maintained easily and erroneous input can be reduced. In addition, it is easy to return even if you leave the pom position. Although it is used more frequently, a key that is difficult to blind-touch with the conventional keyboard is assigned to the thumb, which enables faster input.

Although the non-thumb keys arranged on the back are invisible to the operator, it is easy to put the non-thumbs in the home position because the palm is in contact with the input device, and the keys assigned to the fingers are assigned. By using the same as the conventional keyboard, it is possible to input at high speed with the same blind touch as the conventional keyboard. Since the key layout on the finger is the same as that of the conventional keyboard, anyone who can perform blind touch input with the conventional keyboard can perform blind touch input with this input device with little or no practice).

Since it is not necessary to keep the palm of the hand horizontal and counter the gravity so that the hand is supported by the wrist as in the conventional case, fatigue can be reduced. In other words, since the weight of the hand is supported by the boundary part between the palm and the back of the hand (the side of the little finger) with the thumb facing upward, fatigue of the hand does not occur. When using it on a desk,
Since you use the input device in a posture similar to reading a book, with the input device tilted slightly backward or almost upright,
Fatigue for supporting the weight of the input device itself is small, and by providing the stand 102 for supporting the input device, the fatigue for supporting the input device can be completely eliminated.

Since the input can be performed by holding the input device with both hands, the directions of the microphone 109 and the video camera 110, which are integrated, can be easily changed and adjusted even when the key is input. .

Keys 112, 113 or left thumb key 1
The top two keys of 05 are used as button switches when using a trackball or a mouseball, so that position information can be easily input.

If the input keys are placed in a state in which the keys on the back or front face downward and the keys are placed on a flat surface so that the input keys are in the input prohibited state, erroneous input will not occur even if the input device is placed in a tilted state. You may not be allowed to.

It is conceivable that at least some of the keys are in the non-input state in the state where the bottom surface is floating to prevent the input.

By providing the display means 108 with a display mode for displaying the key arrangement and the keystroke state arranged on the back side as if the user were seeing through from the front side, the back side (back side ) Keys (non-thumb keys) can be used more quickly, and blind touch can be easily performed.

As described above, according to the input device of this embodiment, downsizing can be easily performed, fatigue at the time of input can be reduced, and efficient input can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the display means, which is one of the input means and the output means such as a trackball, is provided in addition to the keys, but it is conceivable that some or all of these may be omitted. Of course, input / output means other than these may be added. The display means may be separated from the input means and connected to the input device by a hinge structure, in which case a larger display device can be attached.

Further, the input device can be separated at the center and connected by a hinge to further reduce the size. In this case, the display means may be attached to one side of the input means, or may be divided and attached to both sides.

Further, as a modified example, a configuration in which some or all of the non-thumb keys (including the input means) are arranged on the upper surface shown in FIG. 1d is also conceivable. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Particularly, since the keys are pressed by the movements of the first and second joints of the thumb, it is the same in that the input can be made by effectively utilizing the movement function and ability of the thumb. In this case, the display means can be made larger. The perspective view of the use state is the state in which the thumb is placed on the upper surface in FIG. 1f.

(Second Embodiment) A part of the first embodiment is modified, and FIGS. 2a and 2b are a rear view and a side view of an input device of the present invention. Basically first
Since it is the same as the embodiment described above, only the difference will be described. As shown in FIG. 2a, protrusions 201a and 201b for placing hands on the left and right sides of the case (provided as guides and hand rests (corresponding to conventional armrests) for placing fingers at the home position) are provided. It is possible to place the hand in the position for the home position with the hand placed on. Since the stand 202 supports the input device, hand fatigue can be minimized. This makes it possible to input efficiently with almost no fatigue.

As a guide for placing the finger in the home position using the sense of touch of the hand without visually confirming it, a hand or a finger is placed in addition to providing a protrusion on the side surface of the input device. It is conceivable to provide a method of forming a depression of the key or changing the shape of a predetermined key to another key (for example, providing a small protrusion on the keys “F” and “J”).

(Third Embodiment) A part of the second embodiment is modified, and a side view thereof is shown in FIG. Input can be done by holding the input device with both hands, but this is a means for connecting the connecting portion of the stand 301 and the case 201 in a rotatable manner and inputting the rotation amount (or tilt amount) as information. By incorporating it in the device, more information can be input. For example, it can be used as steering wheel operation information in a vehicle simulation game.

(Fourth Embodiment) This is one of the modifications of the first embodiment, and its rear view is shown in FIG. This is one obtained by omitting the display means and the stand in the first embodiment and dividing it into two parts, and shows only for the right hand. The illustration of the input device for the left hand is omitted. By operating the band 402 by hand, complicated key input can be surely performed with one hand. Even if there is no band, input can be done by pressing the right end of the figure against another or supporting from below. The band also functions as a guide for placing the finger at the home position, and may be added to the input device or the like of the first embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 5a and 5b are a perspective view and a side view of an input device according to an embodiment (second invention) of the present invention.

In FIG. 5a, 201 is a case of the input device, 202 is a left non-thumb key (20 keys), 203 is a right non-thumb key (20 keys), 204 is a left thumb key (10 keys), 205 Is a right hand key (9 key).

The features, effects, and reasons of the input device configured as described above will be described below in itemized form.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5a, since the thumb key and the non-thumb key are arranged on different surfaces, the movable ranges of the thumb and the non-thumb, especially the index finger, do not overlap. In particular, it is possible to allow the thumb to perform an input operation using more keys and input means such as a trackball than ever before.

Since the thumb movement function can be effectively used as compared with the conventional keyboard, a plurality of keys for the thumb and input means such as a trackball can be densely arranged. In the conventional keyboard, the thumb is moved by the movement of the third joint in a direction (lateral direction with respect to the finger) different from the movement direction of the first joint and the second joint, so that a plurality of keys are pressed. If they are arranged closely, accurate input and high-speed input are difficult. However, with the arrangement of the keys of the present invention and the arrangement of the input means, it is possible to perform a tapping operation using the motion functions of the first joint and the second joint of the thumb, and to accurately select the key and the input means using the third joint. . That is, the motor function and ability of the thumb can be effectively used.

The palm of the hand is placed on the connecting portion (higher portion) between the surface on which the non-thumb key is arranged and the surface on which the thumb key is arranged, so that the weight of the hand can be supported here. Fatigue can be significantly reduced.

As described above, according to this embodiment, efficient input can be performed. Note that the following modified examples are also possible.
First, the surface on which the non-thumb keys are arranged and the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged have a hinged connection structure (folding type structure), which enables miniaturization of the device. The second is
As in the first embodiment, the key arrangement of the embodiment is arranged on the back surface and the front surface of the input device (corresponding to the folded state in the first modification), and the device can be downsized in the same manner. . Further, in these modified examples, a structure in which display means is added to the surface on which the thumb keys are arranged, as in the first embodiment, is also conceivable.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIGS. 6a and 6b are a top view and a side view, respectively, of an input device according to an embodiment (third invention) of the present invention.

In FIG. 6a, reference numeral 601 is the same key as in the prior art, and 602 is a support portion for supporting the hand by placing the palm (a stick-like support attached to the left and right ends of the input device like iron bars). By placing the palm on the support portion, it is not necessary to support the hand with the wrist or the arm as in the conventional case, so that fatigue at the time of input can be reduced.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIGS. 7a and 7b are a top view and a side view, respectively, of an input device according to an embodiment (fourth invention) of the present invention. In the figure, 701 is the same key as the conventional one, and 702, 703 and 704 are convex portions. Since there is a convex portion, it is possible to prevent the key from entering the input state even when the keyboard is turned upside down. Also, when the input device is not used or when it is suspended due to a break, etc., it is possible to greatly reduce the ingress of dust and the like into the input device from the gap between the keys by keeping it inside out like this. Yes, you don't need a dust cover like before,
It can be easy to use.

(Eighth Embodiment) As a modification of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG.
By setting the height so that it does not pop out more, it is possible to prevent the keys from entering the state even when the keyboard is turned upside down. In addition, when the input device is not used or when it is suspended due to a break, etc., it is possible to greatly reduce the ingress of dust and the like into the input device from the gap between the keys by keeping it inside out like this. In addition, the conventional dust cover is not required, and it is easy to use.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the key is assumed to be a switch type in which the key is pressed by a finger, but various keys such as a touch-type key in which a key is pressed by touching the finger are used. Of course, it is not limited to the key structure of the above embodiment.

Of course, the key arrangement, the characters, symbols, codes, etc. assigned to the keys are not limited to those in this embodiment. In the embodiment, the surface on which the keys are arranged is a flat surface for easy illustration or for downsizing, but it may be a curved surface, and a curved surface that is particularly easy to type (for example, a key near the home position is slightly more than other keys). It may be a concave surface that is close to the inside of the device. Needless to say, it is possible to omit the stand.

Although the embodiment has been described by taking the input device to the computer as an example, the present invention can be applied to various input devices such as an input device of a game machine, a calculator, and a data dedicated input terminal.

[0061]

According to the present invention, the keys are divided into those for thumbs and those for non-thumbs, and the keys are arranged on two surfaces, and the supporting portion and the convex portion are provided. It can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a rear (back) view of an input device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a front view of the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a front view of the input device according to the first embodiment. Side view (d) is a top view of the input device according to the first embodiment (e) is a bottom view of the input device according to the first embodiment (f) is a perspective view of the input device according to the first embodiment when in use

2A is a rear view of the input device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the input device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an input device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an input device according to a fourth embodiment.

5A is a top view of the input device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a side view of the input device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an input device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 6B is a side view of the input device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a top view of an input device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 7B is a side view of the input device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the input device according to the eighth embodiment.

9A is a top view of an input device according to a conventional example, and FIG. 9B is a side view of an input device according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Input Device Case (Exterior) 102 Stand 103 Right Hand Non-Thumb Key 104 Left Hand Non-Thumb Key 105 Left Hand Thumb Key 106 Right Hand Thumb Key 107 Trackball 108 Display Means 109 Microphone 110 Video Camera 111 Mirror 112 Key 113 Key 114 Communication terminal 115 Mouseball

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of keys, wherein code information such as characters is generated by tapping the keys with a finger, wherein non-thumb keys are arranged on the back and thumb keys are arranged on the front. An input device characterized by being arranged. 2. A key input section having a plurality of keys, the key input section generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of tapping the keys with fingers, and a surface on which a non-thumb key is arranged and a thumb key. The input is characterized in that the surfaces for arranging the thumb keys are different, and at least the surface for arranging the keys for the thumbs is arranged in such a direction that the keystroke operation can be performed by the bending motion of the first joint or the second joint of the thumb. apparatus. 3. A key input unit having a plurality of keys, the key input unit generating code information such as characters by a keystroke operation of hitting the keys with a finger, and supporting the hand with a palm above the key input unit. An input device comprising a section. 4. A key input unit having a plurality of keys and generating code information such as characters by tapping the keys with a finger. The key input unit is provided with the keys facing downward. An input device comprising a convex portion that prevents a necessary key from entering an input state. 5. A key input unit having a plurality of keys, the key input unit generating code information such as characters by tapping the keys with a finger, wherein the key input unit is held by a palm. An input device, wherein a key is arranged at a position where the keystroke operation is possible.