JPS6389918A - Terminal key input system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To lighten physical and metal fatigue by adopting foot key input in addition to keyboard input and arranging the keys of relatively less using frequency to it. CONSTITUTION:Foot keys 1 are arranged on the floor surface of an extent about 10cm-1m in width and several tens cm in depth in which feet can move freely when an operator sits on a chair. Proper number of keys is 10-20. Since foot keys 1 are composed of independent pedal keys, the number of keys can be increased, decreased or arrangement is easily changed. Foot keys 1 are so constituted that height becomes larger toward inside on a point several centimeters above knee at a curvature as the radius center to facilitate a stepping. For foot keys 1, input keys for intermediate frequency of using such as home position keys 3, 3, a cursor shifting key 4, a single contact key 5, etc., are arranged. As for a hand key inputting device, a conventional keyboard may be adopted, but a keyboard restricted to character keys can also be adopted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to improvements in terminal key input systems for information equipment such as computers and word processors, particularly from an ergonomic standpoint.

[Conventional technology]

For example, in the past, all the keys and inputs for computers were done by hand using the so-called hand input method.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, from an ergonomic or physiological point of view, it is desirable for humans to move their entire bodies in a well-balanced manner. Various terminal input devices for information processing systems, such as computers, ignore the importance of natural human movement and centralize or consolidate various functions onto small keyboards and mice, resulting in a machine-oriented approach. It was still insufficient as a well-balanced, human-oriented device.

Therefore, if you type keys for a long time, the amount of movement in your whole body, especially your lower body, will decrease, which will slow down blood circulation and cause sluggishness, pain, and swelling in your legs and lower back, as well as stiffness and pain in your shoulders and back, and even stiffness in your neck. Eye fatigue, which is extremely susceptible, can lead to the onset of symptoms known as OA syndrome. Furthermore, the function of the gastrointestinal system, which is the digestive system, decreases, and poor posture causes the displacement of the thorax, leading to abnormalities in the circulatory system, respiratory system, etc.In addition, the displacement of the pelvis causes problems in women's Abnormalities of the pelvis and internal organs, such as the medical and urological systems, occur.

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to reduce physical and mental fatigue as much as possible from an ergonomic and physiological standpoint (and to speed up input. It is intended to provide a terminal key input system.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employs, in addition to the conventional so-called hand input method using only the hands, a foot key input method that replaces or complements the conventional hand input method. In other words, it is possible to reduce muscle and nerve fatigue by minimizing the movements of muscles that are constantly used. On the other hand, there are input keys that are used frequently, such as conversion/non-conversion keys that require one key operation within a few seconds to several tens of seconds, and input keys that are used frequently, such as conversion/non-conversion keys that require one key operation within several seconds to several minutes. Input keys that are used infrequently and require a single key operation for several minutes or more are used relatively infrequently, so a configuration was adopted in which the burden is placed on the foot keys. In other words, in a terminal input system for information equipment such as computers or word processors, at least a hand key device in which character keys etc. are arranged, and various function keys or special keys such as conversion keys that are relatively infrequently used are arranged. The foot key device has a structure that allows the foot key device to substitute for or complement the input operations of the hand key device.

[Effect] Therefore, you will have to move your wrists, elbows, neck, and other slightly larger joints once every few seconds to 10-odd seconds, and once every few 10 seconds to several minutes, you will have to move your limbs considerably and move your elbows, elbows, etc. Since the shoulders, knees, hip joints, etc. are moved, and the lower back, back, neck, etc. are also moved, a balanced movement of the body that does not cause fatigue is ensured during the input work.

On the other hand, in this way, the burden that was traditionally placed on the child's eyes is shared with the stars using the foot keys, which reduces the burden of hand movements, and the foot keys can also be used like function keys, for example. , several frequently used numbers] - It is possible to perform continuous key input for more than a loaf in one input, and it is rough in that it can adopt a configuration that physically reduces the number of keystrokes. It is possible to reduce physical and mental fatigue. Furthermore, with current hand-operated keyboards, it is extremely difficult to add keys for new functions within a range that is easy to type, but by using foot keys, it is also possible to add new keys for different functions.

Furthermore, when using a special conversion dictionary or the like that allows input of fixed phrases using simple readings, this special conversion key or the like can be assigned to a foot key.

However, in any case, the most important point is that, as mentioned above, the use of foot keys forces the lower body to move relatively frequently, so it has a remarkable effect on exercise physiology, improving blood circulation throughout the body. This prevents sluggishness, pain, swelling, etc. in the legs and lower back, and also lengthens the back muscles, further reducing the amount of movement in the upper limbs, reducing stiff shoulders, neck stiffness, tension in the shoulders and back, and pain in various parts. . Eye strain, which is particularly susceptible to neck stiffness, is significantly reduced. Therefore, it exhibits an effect that is significantly useful for improving symptoms in various parts of the body, which is the so-called OA syndrome.

Furthermore, if you use a hand keyboard placed on a general office desk, the keyboard will be relatively higher than when working at an office, and it is ergonomically lower for typing than for writing work. Since it is necessary to type in a certain position, in this case, using the foot keys raises the sole surface of the feet by several to ten centimeters, so the existing desk can be used as is by simply adjusting the chair a little higher. In addition, although Footkey is generally intended to be used with bare feet, in this case it is not only useful for relieving the bunion deformity seen in the first movement of the foot, which has recently become common among women, from the pressure caused by taking off shoes. It is also effective in preventing foot diseases such as bunions and flat feet by exercising the muscles of the foot by freely moving the heel of the foot and strengthening the muscles based on that exercise. Furthermore, a sense of mental freedom and relaxation also has an effect on work efficiency.

〔Example〕

91. Configuration of foot key device In FIGS. 1 and 2, 1 is a foot key, and 2 is a chair. In this embodiment, the foot keys 1 are arranged on the floor within a range of about 10 cm to 1 m in width and 1 Q cm in depth, in which the feet can be comfortably moved when sitting on a chair.

The appropriate number of keys is about 10 to 20, but it is of course not limited. Also, in this example,
The foot keys 1 consist of individual and independent beta keys. Therefore, since it is a separate beta key, it has the advantage that the number of keys can be easily increased or decreased and the arrangement can be easily changed, but it is of course possible to use an integrated foot keyboard. Also, the number of keys is not limited and may be any number, or one
It is a good idea to say that it is okay to be an individual person.

By the way, in this embodiment, foot key 1 is Ho □
position key 3.3 and cursor movement key 4,
"It is composed of single contact keys 5. In other words, it is a key that is used frequently and is operated once every few seconds to more than ten seconds.
As shown in the figure, a pair of left and right home position keys 3.3 are placed at the fixed position of the foot where it is easiest to operate the foot, and a plurality of microswitches are installed on these to control this home position key. 3.3 allows multiple inputs.

Also, cursor movement key 4, which is also input frequently
Specify the position on the display etc. as appropriate,
The direction keys are also placed close to the home position of the foot where it is easy to move the foot, and in this embodiment they are placed between the left and right home position keys 3.3 as shown in FIG. There is. As with the home position key 3.3, this cursor movement key 4 also has a configuration in which a single bevel has several microswitches in each direction, so that it can be moved in each direction without having to switch keys. This allows input to be performed. Furthermore, this embodiment employs a configuration in which several key strokes of a so-called hand keyboard can be inputted in one operation using one contact point. The position of the foot key 1 can be changed freely depending on the physique of the person inputting, the habit of the foot, the direction in which it is easy to move, etc., but in the end, the normal position is preferable for achieving a well-balanced and healthy body. .

Also, in this embodiment, the home position "key 3.3"
Since it is a foot petal key, it uses a method of inputting by stepping force, so to speak, but it is also configured to add input of horizontal movements such as abduction and adduction (movement of bending outward and inward) of the ankle joint. It is even more preferable if, for example, "conversion j + "・",
It is ideal if used for variations of conversion keys for Japanese input such as "conversion" + "・".

Further, the 7 key 1 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG.
The curvature with the radius centered several centimeters above the knee gradually increases as it goes deeper. This is so that when stepping on foot key 1, the knee also lifts a little (flexion of the hip joint) and then moves to extension, allowing suitable joint movement.

As for the hand key input device, a conventionally used keyboard may be used, or a keyboard limited to character keys etc. may be used separately in relation to the foot key input device.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a microswitch is used for each key, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a contact or non-contact switch may also be used.

92. Structure of the home position key 3.3 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the home position key 3.3 includes a main petal 3a, side petals 3b divided and arranged on both sides of the main petal 3a, It consists of 3c, 3d, and 3e.

Note that a, b, c, d, and e are microswitches in each petal.

The main petal 3a has a semicircular positioning part 6a on which the rear surface of the heel hits, as shown in the figure, in order to keep the heel in the normal position of the foot.
is formed. Note that this positioning portion 6a has a concave shape at the part of the upper surface of the main sole 3a where the heel touches. In order to ensure position recognition, this positioning part 6
The surface roughness, material, height, etc. of a may be changed as appropriate.

Note that 6b is a -vI positioning part, which is formed in a concave shape similarly to the heel positioning part 6a. Therefore, both positioning parts 6a and 6b make it extremely easy to confirm the position. Also side petal 3b.

3G has a structure in which the fulcrum is located at the bottom, and therefore inputs by using the abduction and adduction of the ankle joint to swing the rhinoceros to the left and right around the heel to push the side petals 3b and 3c outward. do. On the contrary, side petal 3d.

3e is input by abduction and adduction of the ankle joint around the interphalangeal part of the mid-teal vault, that is, by swinging the heel from side to side and pushing it outward.

In addition, the main pedal 3a is in a state of complete weakness during standby to prevent the key from being depressed.
The fulcrum of point a is located around the metatarsal heel joint. This prevents erroneous input even if the spring force is almost Og, and when inputting, you only need to press the key with a little force, and the stroke is also reduced. Even if the home position key 3.3 is returned to 3.3, it is quite wide behind the fulcrum, so even if the home position key 3.3 is pressed hard, there will be almost no erroneous input. The structure is not limited to the above-mentioned structure.

53. Structure of cursor movement key FIGS. 6 and 7 are a schematic plan view and a front view showing an example of the cursor movement key 4.

This cursor movement key 4 has been described briefly above, but it is divided into four divided petals 4a, 4b, 4G, 4 so that the cursor can be moved in all directions by inputting the foot keys.
Consists of d. That is, as shown in the figure, the cursor movement key 4 consisting of four diamond-shaped divided petals 4a, 4b, 4G, and 4d is supported by a rectangular support 7 at the lower center part, Microswitches 8a, Bb, 8c, and Bd are arranged below. Therefore, if you place your foot slightly in the center, you will not be able to enter keys, and even if you relax your foot, you will not make any erroneous inputs.
You can rest your feet on this key.

If possible, this cursor movement key 4 should be placed in the center between the home position keys 3 and 3, so that the main jump of the okiya or its base can be stepped on around the root (first metatarsal part). It's the most efficient, and you can keep both feet on this key when repeatedly moving the cursor left and right.

In addition, it is preferable to make the surface roughness, material, height, etc. different for some of the four outer corners of the divided petals 4a, 4b, 4G, and 4d (7) to ensure position recognition. In short, it is appropriate for the cursor movement key 4 to have a configuration that allows the user to place his or her foot on the key in a relaxed state and that makes it easy to identify the input point.

Incidentally, although not adopted in this embodiment, a foot key that allows separate mouse input may also be adopted. In this case, unlike the above-mentioned cursor movement key 4, it is necessary to allow direct movement in the diagonal direction, so for example, a configuration may be adopted in which two contacts can be pressed at the same time. In the case of mouse input, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the speed of mouse movement changes depending on the strength with which the pedal is depressed, since this allows for fine adjustment.

94. Structure of single contact key 5 Next, the single contact key 5 will be explained. 8 and 9 are a plan view and a side view of the single contact key 5, and the 10th
The figure is a front view. The single contact key 5 also adopts a petal type, and the fulcrum position is provided at a position on the front side, about ⅓ from the front, and the microswitch 5a is located on the front edge side. Therefore, when stepping on the front edge, input can be easily made centered on the fulcrum. Furthermore, if you move your foot a little backwards, Pano J will be disabled and you can use the power of your foot to rest on that key.

Furthermore, the single contact key 5 is not limited to this example, and in short, in the foot keys 1 in general, when no input is made,
It is desirable to have a structure that prevents erroneous input even if you place your foot on the key without applying excessive force, and that also allows input with a weak pressing force.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is desirable to have a structure in which the place where the key should be pressed can be easily recognized by the sensation of contact with the foot. In other words, the less eye markings there are in the process of recognizing key parts, the more difficult it becomes to confirm the position in space, and the more effort is required to unconsciously repeat trial and error and control the position of the joints. It is preferable to increase the number of eye marks so as to minimize the work of unnecessary muscles and nerves, and a key with such a structure is preferable because it makes it easy to confirm the position in space.

In addition to the method of forming the concave portion described above in this regard,
In order to sufficiently cancel out changes in position due to foot size and whether or not shoes are worn, we have adopted a configuration that allows for adjustment to the correct size using spacers and adjustment screws, and we have adopted a structure that allows for adjustment to the correct size using spacers and adjustment screws, and also offers various types of shoes for bare feet, shoes, and a certain number of sizes. It is also appropriate to make Further, it is desirable to adjust the position and direction of the petal, the inclination angle of the petal surface, etc. as appropriate to suit the suitability of the user.

95. Connection with computer main body As shown in Fig. 11, as a method of connecting the foot key device described above to, for example, computer main body B, there are three connection methods: ■, ■, ■. The subjunctive method can be used. The details will be explained below.

(Connection Method ■) A wire is taken out from the contact point of the hand key device C directly or using a relay, etc., and connected to the foot key device via the control unit D of the 7 key device. Enter key device C,
If the contact point of the hand key is ONL, the same effect will be produced. If the foot key input is a batch input of several strokes, a logic circuit or the like may be constructed within the control unit D of the foot key device.

In the case of this connection method ■, the input signal from the foot key device is processed by the control unit D, and the input signal from the hand key device M is processed by the control unit D.
Since the ON signal is sent to the contact point of the key (I want to specify it with O), the ON signal is sent to the contact point of the key, so there is no effect on the computer itself, so all you need to do is change the keyboard.The foot key unit can also be used on computers, word processors, etc. , control unit, etc. can also be used, but only those specified by the input key.

(Connection Method ■) Next, a connection configuration in which a control unit D of a foot key device is provided between the hand key device C and the computer main body B can be adopted. In this case, the unit itself becomes a computer system, and the 7 key number and the corresponding key code of hand key device C are stored in its memory, and when this stored foot key is pressed,
This is a connection method in which a series of keys are sent to the computer with clocks synchronized.

In this case, the foot and key device A can be connected without requiring any changes to the computer body B, keyboard, software, etc. However, it is necessary to change the voltage, clock, etc. on the control unit D side depending on the model of each computer.

In addition, for key registration, the signal from the hand key device C can be electrically stored as is in the memory of the control unit D, so you can register individual or batch inputs of several strokes for each foot key for all hand keys. It also becomes possible to operate with all software.

(Connection method ■) However, it is possible to install the hand key directly to the IO board of the computer main unit or by using a keyboard controller] ~ with a roll card, etc.
The method of connecting separately from C is the best for use. In this case, it is necessary to modify the computer system itself or the software, but the functionality of the foot keys can be further enhanced, and registered keys can be easily confirmed on other peripheral terminal devices such as displays and printers.

96. Software of Foot Key Input System Next, the function registration of this foot key 1 will be described.

In this embodiment, special keys such as the cursor movement key 4 and the mouse key are used normally. Furthermore, the single contact key 5 can be used as a function key. However, there are four microswitches 8a as cursor movement keys.

Functions may be registered in keys 8b, 8c, and 8d like other independent keys.

In other words, for each microswitch on the home position key 3.3 and other single contact beta keys 5,
It is possible to register a single key on the hand key device, or a group of several strokes or more of these keys, or even a new function that is not available on the keyboard, and when foot key 1 is pressed, it is recognized that they were entered from the hand key device. A similar configuration can be adopted. Furthermore, it can be easily changed at any time depending on the program used, conditions, etc.

More sophisticated models, as shown in Figure 12, store several types of group registration for each program in the control unit's memory, and use the numeric keypad on the unit to determine which group's function registration is to be used. It is preferable to make it easy to change using a switch or a computer's numeric keypad, because even if the usage conditions of the computer, such as a word processor or BASIC, change, it can be saved until the next use and there is no need to re-register it.

Next, to confirm the function registration of foot key 1, as shown in Fig. 12, a control unit D for the foot keys or a control unit D that has a function that allows you to easily confirm the keys = 20- registered on the computer itself is placed between the keyboard and the main body. A simple display device 9 can be installed in the unit D as shown in the figure. Note that when connected to the computer body as in connection method (2) above, confirmation may be made on the display or the like. In this case, it is appropriate to label function keys with appropriate pronunciations to make them easier to confirm. Characters are displayed as is.

In a simple case, a display such as "key scanning]-" may be used.

Furthermore, if possible, there would be a function to print a list of registered keys in a separate program, so that the user can check the previous printout the next time they use it.

To register or change a function, press the key registered to the registration/change function on the unit or foot key 1 to enter the registration/change mode, then press foot key 1 and then the keyboard key in order to register. Preferably something simple. You may input something like a scanning code (key code) assigned to the logic key itself using a numeric keypad or the like.

In this case, depending on the usage conditions, the group number or the like can be used to determine which group the item should be registered in.

By the way, we will explain the case where 7tutokey 1 is used in a Japanese word processor. In other words, usually the kana entered on the keyboard must be converted into kanji, but the number of characters in the plain name is larger than on an English typewriter, and many function keys such as kanji conversion and non-conversion are required, so the keyboard is requires a large number of keys. Furthermore, it is easier to press keys on the hand keyboard for new functions such as using a special dictionary to input shorthand names such as standard names and word endings to search for them preferentially to increase input speed. It is difficult to secure a location. The foot key 1 is also effective when using such conversion keys. In addition, the conversion keys assigned to the foot key home position 3.3 keys are also converted by software, so that dictionaries other than general dictionaries such as special conversion dictionaries and field-specific dictionaries can be used preferentially. , the probability of homophones appearing is reduced and conversion efficiency is improved.

Furthermore, including the adduction and abduction of the T joint of home position key 3.3, only ω conversion is converted with (to) "." added, Q9r? With a single input, you can instantly perform various operations that require more than a few strokes on a keyboard, such as converting by adding J.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable to enter simple abbreviations for the hiragana (sometimes including mochiron kanji) characters, which make up more than ten percent of the Japanese language.

■ Inflections of endings such as auxiliary verbs, verbs, and adjectives, and their combinations with nouns and suffixes. ■ Conjunctions. ■ Conjunctions of adnominals and nouns. ■ A series of sentences often used as fixed phrases. and its Haku abbreviations.If you register several thousand words with pronunciations that change according to the same rules, you can use foot key 1 to input half to 1/3 of long words, and short words. The number of key strokes can be reduced to about 2/3 to half. In this case, although the number of inputs of the conversion key increases, the conversion key is easier to press than a general character key, and the words can be pressed rhythmically with foot key 1, etc., making inputting easier.

When inputting fixed phrases and the like using a conversion key with a simple reading, if you try to make them easier to remember using the same rules, there will be some words that have the same reading as regular words.

At this time, in order to avoid selecting homophones, it is very efficient to use a special conversion key that is different from the - general conversion key.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device other than the computer or word processor is turned ON/OFF using the foot key.

Furthermore, the movement of the line marker on the lectern on which a manuscript or the like is placed can be easily performed using the foot key 1 by controlling the built-in step motor or the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, this invention employs so-called foot key input using the feet in addition to the conventional keyboard input using the hands.
Furthermore, because the 7 keys are arranged with keys that are used relatively infrequently, the key work requires a well-balanced movement of the entire limb, and the traditional hand work is divided into the return. Exercise physiology was in extremely good condition, and even if keyboard work was prolonged, so-called OA syndrome was prevented from occurring, and physical and mental fatigue could be alleviated through keyboard operation. It is something. In addition, input is extremely speedy, and keys for new functions can be added within a range that is easy to input, making it possible to provide a foot key input system that greatly contributes to the technical field.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing one embodiment of the foot key device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the same, and FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are plan views of the home position key. , a side view and a front view, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the cursor movement key, FIG. 7 is a front view of the same, and FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are single contact keys. Plan view,
A side view and a front view. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing one embodiment of the connection relationship of the foot key device according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing an example of the foot key control unit. A...Foot key device C...Hand key device 3.3...Home position key 4...Cursor movement key 5...Single contact key

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In a terminal input system for information devices such as computers or word processors, there is a hand key device in which at least character keys are arranged, and a foot key in which various function keys or special keys such as conversion keys, which are relatively infrequently used, are arranged. What is claimed is: 1. A terminal key input system comprising a foot key device and a foot key device capable of substituting or complementing input operations of a hand key device. (2) The foot key device has a home position key provided at fixed positions on both left and right feet, and a cursor movement key or mouse movement key provided between the home position keys,
The terminal key input system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of single contact keys around a home position key and a cursor movement key or a mouse movement key. (3) A terminal key input system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foot key device comprises a keyboard. (4) The terminal key input system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the foot key device is constituted by a combination of a plurality of independent keys.