KR100628865B1 - Key input apparatus and key input method of portable device using optical sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a key input device and a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor. The present invention relates to a hole of a predetermined size provided in place of a button for a plurality of keys constituting a keypad (or keyboard) of the portable device. A plurality of light emitting parts correspondingly provided and emitting light of a predetermined frequency through the holes; It is provided corresponding to the holes of a plurality of keys, and is provided in pairs with each light emitting part, and when the light emitted through the light emitting part corresponding to the corresponding hole is reflected and inputted by the user's key selection, it is driven to drive a predetermined voltage level. A plurality of light-receiving parts which output signals and stop driving when no light is emitted from the light-emitting part through the holes opened by the user and is not input; And monitoring a plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units by scanning, identifying a key corresponding to the light receiving unit when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through a predetermined light receiving unit, and when a signal output from the light receiving unit is stopped, a predetermined predetermined value. It is determined whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a key selection determination time of, and the key identified by the determination result is set as a candidate key to be selected by the user, and according to the set number of selection candidate keys. And a control unit which selects a final key that the user actually wants to select from the selection candidate key and transmits to the processor of the portable device.

Description

Key input apparatus and key input method of portable device using optical sensor}

1a and 1b is an exemplary view of a keypad consisting of a key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an optical sensor provided corresponding to each key of the keypad shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

3 is a layout view of an optical sensor according to the present invention;

4 is a functional block diagram of a key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention;

5A is an exemplary diagram of a key displayed through a key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention;

Figure 5b is an illustration of the virtual partition of the keypad consisting of the key input device of the portable device using the optical sensor according to the present invention,

6 is a flowchart illustrating a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention;

6A is a flowchart illustrating a final key selection process among selection candidate keys in a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

100: key input device 110: power supply

120: light emitting unit 130: light receiving unit

140: control unit 150: memory unit

160: display unit

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input means in a portable device, and more particularly, has a hole having a predetermined size for a plurality of keys constituting a keypad (or keyboard) of the portable device, and an optical sensor corresponding to the hole of each key. The present invention relates to a key input device and a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor that identifies a key selected by a user through a corresponding optical sensor and transfers information of the selected key to a processor provided in the portable device. .

In general, in a portable device such as a PC, PDA, mobile phone, smart phone, etc., a key input means such as a keypad, a keyboard, etc. includes buttons for a plurality of keys, and when a user presses a button of a desired key, information of a button pressed is displayed. The processor of the portable device operates in a manner of recognizing a key selected by the user based on the information of the button received through the key input means.

As described above, the conventional portable device operates in a manner of identifying a button pressed by the key input means and recognizing a key selected by the user, so that the key input means of the portable device can be individually pressed. You must have a button of size enough.

Therefore, the key input means in the existing portable device has to be provided with a plurality of buttons of a key having a certain size, there is a situation that the implementation of the key input means is limited.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provided with a plurality of keys forming a keypad (or keyboard) of the portable device as holes of a predetermined size instead of buttons, corresponding to the holes of each key An optical sensor is provided to monitor the operation result of the optical sensor according to blockage or opening of each key to identify a key selected by the user, and transmit the information of the key to the processor of the portable device. The object is to provide a key input device and a key input method.

Key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention for achieving the above object is provided corresponding to a hole of a predetermined size provided in place of a button for a plurality of keys constituting the keypad of the portable device, A plurality of light emitting parts emitting light of a frequency through the holes; It is provided corresponding to the holes of a plurality of keys, and is provided in pairs with each light emitting part, and when the light emitted through the light emitting part corresponding to the corresponding hole is reflected and inputted by the user's key selection, it is driven to drive a predetermined voltage level. A plurality of light-receiving parts which output signals and stop driving when no light is emitted from the light-emitting part through the holes opened by the user and is not input; And monitoring a plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units by scanning, identifying a key corresponding to the light receiving unit when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through a predetermined light receiving unit, and when a signal output from the light receiving unit is stopped, a predetermined predetermined value. It is determined whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a key selection determination time of, and according to the determination result, the identified key is set as a candidate key to be selected by the user, and the number of selected candidate keys is set. According to the selection candidate key includes a control unit for selecting the final key that the user actually wants to select and deliver to the processor of the portable device.

In addition, the key input method of the portable device using the optical sensor according to the present invention for achieving the above object is provided with a hole for a plurality of keys forming the keypad of the portable device and corresponding to the hole of each key light emitting unit and the light receiving unit In the key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor having a pair of optical sensors, the key selected by the user through the optical sensor to determine the key selected by the user to pass to the processor of the portable device, (a) A plurality of light emitting parts provided corresponding to the holes to emit light of a predetermined frequency through the corresponding holes, and provided in correspondence with the holes of each key in pairs with the plurality of light emitting parts, the hole by the user's key selection is blocked When the light emitted through the light emitting unit corresponding to the hole is reflected and input, the plurality of light receiving units which drive and output a signal having a predetermined voltage level are scanned The step of monitoring by the formula; (b) When a plurality of light emitting units and a light receiving unit are monitored, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through a predetermined light receiving unit, a key corresponding to the light receiving unit is identified and stored, and the signal output from the light receiving unit is stopped. Determining whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a predetermined predetermined key selection determination time; (c) If the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is not detected through the other light receiver within the predetermined key selection determination time as a result of the determination in step (b), the key identified in step (b) is set as the selection candidate key, Determining the number of corresponding selection candidate keys; (d) if it is determined in step (c) that the number of selection candidate keys is a single number, setting the selection candidate keys as a final key that the user actually wants to select and transferring the selected candidate keys to the processor of the portable device; And (e) if it is determined in step (c) that the number of selection candidate keys is plural, selecting a final key among the selection candidate keys and delivering the final key to the processor of the portable device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a key input device and a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B are exemplary views of a keypad having a key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 1A, the keypad 1 (or keyboard) of the present invention is provided with a hole 11 of an appropriate size separately corresponding to each key, or as shown in Fig. 1B, the keypad of the present invention ( 2) does not have a separate hole corresponding to each key, but the letter itself for each key is provided as the hole 21. In this case, the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention may be covered with a transparent glass film (not shown) for each hole individually or over the keypads 1 and 2 in order to prevent foreign substances such as dust from entering each hole. It can also be.

In addition, the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention may further include display units 12 and 22 for displaying keys selected by the user. Here, the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention shown in Figures 1a and 1b is a keypad implemented in a standalone form so that it can be connected to a portable device such as a PC, PDA, etc. using a serial cable, IR, Bluetooth, USB, etc. . Meanwhile, the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention may be integrated with a portable device, and in this case, the keypads 12 and 22 may not be provided separately.

In addition, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit is provided under the holes 11 and 21 of each key provided in the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention, and a photo interrupter is used as the optical sensor. ) May be used. That is, as shown in Figure 2, under the hole corresponding to each key, an optical sensor 3 consisting of a light emitting portion 31 and a light receiving portion 32 is disposed, the optical sensor 3 is arranged in a matrix form . Such a matrix arrangement scheme is a general key arrangement scheme in portable devices, and is well known to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, the positional relationship of the pair of light emitting portion 31 and the light receiving portion 32 provided below the holes 11 and 21 of each key provided in the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the light sensor 3 is provided below the holes 11 and 21 of the key, and the light emitting part 31 of the light sensor 3 emits light through the holes 11 and 21 of the key. Is arranged to emit light, and the holes 11 and 21 are blocked by the user so that the light emitted through the holes 11 and 21 is reflected and input to the light receiving part 32 paired with the corresponding light emitting part 31. The light receiving unit 32 of the optical sensor 3 is arranged to receive the light reflected by the corresponding holes 11 and 21.

4 is a functional block diagram of a key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the key input device 100 of the present invention includes a power supply unit 110 and a light emitting unit. 120, a light receiving unit 130, a control unit 140, a memory unit 150, and a display unit 160.

The power supply unit 110 supplies power required for the operation of the key input device 100 of the present invention. On the other hand, the power supply unit 110 receives the control signal of the control unit 140 to supply power to the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130, or may cut off the power supply to the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130. have.

The light emitter 120 receives power through the power supply 110 and emits light of a predetermined frequency.

The light receiving unit 130 receives power through the power supply unit 110 and is provided in pairs with the light emitting unit 120. The light receiving unit 130 blocks a hole for a key that a user wants to select, and thus the light emitting unit 120 corresponding to the corresponding hole. When light emitted from the hole is reflected and inputted, the signal is driven to output a signal having a predetermined voltage level to the controller 140. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation relationship between the pair of light emitting units 31 and 120 and the light receiving units 32 and 130 is well known to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted. On the other hand, in the present invention, when the user wants to select the desired key, while moving the finger on the keypad (1, 2) of the present invention while the finger is located on the desired key, located in the hole of the desired key By releasing your finger, you select the desired key. Of course, in the present invention, the user may select a desired key directly without finger movement on the keypads 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, the light receiving unit 130 outputs a signal having a predetermined voltage level while light is input, and a hole blocked by the user is opened, and light is emitted from the light emitting unit 120 to the corresponding hole to be not input to the light receiving unit 130. Otherwise, the drive stops and no signal is output.

And, if the key input device 100 of the present invention further includes a separate sensing unit (not shown) (for example, a pressure sensor, etc.) for detecting whether or not the user of the keypad (1, 2) operation starts, the control unit 140 ) Is a light sensor 3 (that is, light emission) corresponding to each key (strictly speaking, a hole of each key) of the keypads 1 and 2 that is received by the user through the sensing unit and is operated by the user. The power supply unit 110 is controlled to supply power to the units 31 and 120 and the light receivers 32 and 130. In addition, the controller 140 does not generate an operation by the user for a predetermined operation time (for example, 10 minutes) with respect to the keypads 1 and 2 in operation (that is, when the user does not select any key). The power supply unit 110 is controlled such that power supply to the optical sensor 3 (that is, the light emitting units 31 and 120 and the light receiving units 32 and 130) corresponding to each key of the keypads 1 and 2 is cut off. . In such an operation, the key input device 100 of the present invention may minimize power consumption by the optical sensor.

In addition, the controller 140 monitors the optical sensors for the keys constituting the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention in a scanning manner, and receives a predetermined voltage level through the light receiver 130 (eg, the light receiver # 1). When the signal output is detected, the key corresponding to the light receiving unit 130 (light receiving unit # 1) that outputs the corresponding signal is identified and stored in the memory unit 150, and then displayed on the display unit 160. Control as possible. In this case, the display 160 receives the control signal of the controller 140 and displays the identified key. Meanwhile, the scanning method is a method generally used for recognizing a key selected by a user in a portable device. Since the scanning method is well known to those skilled in the art, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, when the key input device 100 of the present invention does not include the display unit 160, the control unit 140 transmits the identified key to a processor provided in the portable device, which is provided in the portable device. It may be controlled to be displayed through a display (not shown).

When the signal output of the predetermined voltage level from the light receiving unit 130 (light receiving unit # 1) corresponding to the identified key is not detected, the control unit 140 receives a predetermined key selection determination time (for example, 0.01 seconds). It is determined whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected from another light receiving unit (for example, light receiving unit # 2).

At this time, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected from another light receiving unit (light receiving unit # 2) within the key selection determination time, the controller 140 moves a finger on the keypads 1 and 2 to select a desired key. It is determined that the state, and identifies the key corresponding to the light receiving unit (light receiving unit # 2) detected the current signal output, and stores the identified key in the memory unit 150, and then controlled to be displayed through the display unit 160 do. That is, the controller 140 detects a user's finger movement on the keypads 1 and 2 and sequentially displays the keys therefor. And, the information of the keys identified according to the user's finger movement and sequentially stored in the memory unit 150 is used as key history information.

On the other hand, if a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is not detected from the other light receiving unit (light receiving unit # 2) within the key selection determination time, the control unit 140 determines a previously identified key (ie, a key identified corresponding to the light receiving unit # 1). Is set as a candidate key to be selected by the user, and it is determined whether the set selection candidate key is plural.

Subsequently, if there is a single selection candidate key, the controller 140 sets the selection candidate key as the final key that the user actually wants to select, and transfers the final key to the processor of the portable device.

On the other hand, if there are a plurality of selection candidate keys, the controller 140 selects the final key that the user actually wants to select among the selection candidate keys, and transfers the final key to the processor of the portable device.

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The controller 140 virtually divides the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention to generate a virtual direction key according to the number of selection candidate keys. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the selection candidate keys are displayed through the display unit 160, as shown in FIG. 5B, the controller 140 virtually divides the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention in four directions. Generate four virtual direction keys (e.g., ga, b, da, d). When the user selects the 'la' direction key, that is, closes and removes the hole located in the 'la' direction, the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is sensed through the light receiving unit of the optical sensor corresponding to the hole, and then stops. The controller 140 identifies the direction in which the corresponding optical sensor is located and selects the selection candidate key (ie, n) located in the direction as the final key.

As described above, when two or more holes are simultaneously blocked by a user and two or more selection candidate keys are set, the key input device 100 of the present invention selectively uses the two final key selection methods described above. The user finally selects the key he wants to select. On the other hand, the key input device 100 of the present invention may include only one of the two final key selection methods described above or both, and may include both methods. It operates according to the final key selection method set by.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a key input method of the portable device using the optical sensor according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, the power supply unit 110 supplies power required for the operation of the key input device 100 of the present invention (S10). Here, the power supply to the plurality of light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 of the present invention may be optional. That is, when the key input device 100 of the present invention further includes a detection unit (not shown) for detecting whether the user starts the manipulation of the keypads 1 and 2, the controller 140 controls the user's keypad ( 1, 2) The power supply unit 110 may be controlled to detect the start of the operation and to supply power to the plurality of light emitters 120 and the light receiver 130 according to the detection time.

Subsequently, the control unit 140 monitors a plurality of optical sensors including the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 in a scanning manner corresponding to each key constituting the keypads 1 and 2 of the present invention (s20). When a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through the light receiving unit 130 corresponding to the corresponding key by selecting the key (s30), the key corresponding to the light receiving unit 130 which outputs the corresponding signal is identified and the identified key is stored in memory. After storing in the unit 150 (s40), it is displayed via the display unit (160) (s50). Here, in the state in which the optical sensor corresponding to each key is monitored by a scanning method, no key selection is made by the user for a predetermined operation time, and thus, the predetermined voltage level is determined through the light receiving unit 130 of the plurality of optical sensors. If the signal output is not detected, the controller 140 may determine that the manipulation of the keypads 1 and 2 by the user is interrupted for a while and cut off the power supplied to the plurality of light emitters 120 and the light receiver 130. .

When the signal output from the light receiver 130 corresponding to the key identified in step S40 is stopped (s60), the controller 140 outputs a signal of a predetermined voltage level from another light receiver within a predetermined key selection determination time. It is determined whether it is detected (S70).

As a result of the determination in step S70, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected from another light receiving unit within the key selection determination time, the controller 140 moves a finger on the keypads 1 and 2 to select a desired key. It is determined that it is, and return to step s40, steps s40, s50, s60 and s70 are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S70 that the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is not detected from the other light receiving unit within the key selection determination time, the controller 140 sets the key identified in step S40 as a candidate key to be selected by the user ( S80, it is determined whether the set number of selection candidate keys is a single personal or a plurality of individual (s90).

As a result of the determination in step S90, if the number of selection candidate keys is a single number, the controller 140 sets the selection candidate key as the final key that the user actually wants to select, and transmits the final key to the processor of the portable device ( s100, s110).

In operation S90, when the number of selection candidate keys is plural, the controller 140 selects a final key that the user actually selects among the selection candidate keys (s120), and selects the final key of the portable device. Transfer to the processor (s110).

6A is a flowchart illustrating a final key selection process (s120) among selection candidate keys in a key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor according to the present invention.

In order to generate a virtual direction key according to the number of the selection candidate keys, the keypads 1 and 2 are virtually divided (s124).

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If the user blocks a hole in a direction in which the key to be actually selected among the selection candidate keys is located and removes the signal output of the predetermined voltage level through the optical sensor corresponding to the hole, the controller 140 stops. The direction in which the corresponding optical sensor is located is identified (s125), and the selection candidate key located in the identified direction is selected as the final key (s126).

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

 According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that more keys can be arranged on a keypad having the same area as the conventional one by providing a hole instead of a button for a plurality of keys constituting a keypad (or keyboard) of the portable device. In other words, there is an advantage in that the same number of keys can be arranged in a smaller area, and there is an advantage in that various types of keypads can be implemented.

In addition, the present invention has the additional advantage that it is possible to add additional devices (eg, speakers, etc.) to the available free space created by reducing the area occupied by the keys on the keypad of the portable device.

Claims (12)

A plurality of light emitting parts provided corresponding to holes of a predetermined size provided in place of buttons for a plurality of keys constituting a keypad of the portable device, and emitting light through the holes; It is provided corresponding to the holes of a plurality of keys, and is provided in pairs with each light emitting part, and when the light emitted through the light emitting part corresponding to the corresponding hole is reflected and inputted by the user's key selection, it is driven to drive a predetermined voltage level. A plurality of light-receiving parts which output signals and stop driving when no light is emitted from the light-emitting part through the holes opened by the user and is not input; And By monitoring a plurality of light emitting units and light receiving units by scanning, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through a predetermined light receiving unit, a key corresponding to the light receiving unit is identified, and when a signal output from the light receiving unit is stopped, the predetermined predetermined It is determined whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a key selection determination time, and based on the determination result, the identified key is set as a candidate key to be selected by the user, and according to the set number of selection candidate keys. A control unit for selecting a final key to be actually selected by the user from the selection candidate key and delivering the final key to the processor of the portable device, The controller, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiver within a predetermined key selection determination time, determines that the user is moving a finger on the keypad to select a desired key. A key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor, characterized in that for identifying a key corresponding to and storing the identified key in a memory unit and displaying the key in a memory unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion Key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor, characterized in that the pair of photo interrupter (Photo Interrupter).  The method of claim 1, A power supply unit for supplying power for the operation of the key input device; A memory unit for storing information of the key identified through the control unit; And a display unit for receiving and displaying information of the key identified through the control unit. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit If the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is not detected through the other light receiving unit within the predetermined key selection determination time, the key identified through the previous light receiving unit is set as the selection candidate key, and if the number of the corresponding selection candidate keys is a single number, The key input device of the portable device using the optical sensor, characterized in that the selection candidate key is set as the final key and transmitted to the processor of the portable device. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit If the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is not detected through the other light receiving unit within the predetermined key selection determination time, the key identified through the previous light receiving unit is set as the selection candidate key, and if the number of the corresponding selection candidate keys is plural, A key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor, characterized in that the user selects the final key that the user actually wants to select among the two candidate candidate keys and transfers the final key to the processor of the portable device. delete The method of claim 6, wherein the control unit When the keypad is virtually divided to generate a virtual direction key according to the number of the selection candidate keys, and a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is sensed through the light receiver located in the corresponding virtual direction key in response to the user's selection of the virtual direction key, the corresponding light receiver A key input device of a portable device using an optical sensor, characterized in that it identifies a direction in which is located and selects a selection candidate key located in the identified direction as a final key. A light sensor having a hole for a plurality of keys forming a keypad of a portable device and having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit paired corresponding to the hole of each key, and determining a key selected by the user through the corresponding light sensor In the key input method of a portable device using an optical sensor to transfer to the processor of the portable device, (a) a plurality of light emitting parts provided corresponding to the holes of the plurality of keys to emit light through the corresponding holes, and provided in correspondence with the holes of each key in pairs with the plurality of light emitting parts, and the hole by the user's key selection Monitoring a plurality of light receiving units which are driven by outputting a signal having a predetermined voltage level when the light emitted through the light emitting unit corresponding to the hole is reflected and inputted; (b) When a plurality of light emitting units and a light receiving unit are monitored, when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through a predetermined light receiving unit, a key corresponding to the light receiving unit is identified and stored, and the signal output from the light receiving unit is stopped. Determining whether a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a predetermined predetermined key selection determination time; (c) If the signal output of the predetermined voltage level is not detected through the other light receiver within the predetermined key selection determination time as a result of the determination in step (b), the key identified in step (b) is set as the selection candidate key, Determining the number of corresponding selection candidate keys; (d) if it is determined in step (c) that the number of selection candidate keys is a single number, setting the selection candidate keys as a final key that the user actually wants to select and transferring the selected candidate keys to the processor of the portable device; And (e) If it is determined in step (c) that the number of the selection candidate keys is plural, the portable key using the optical sensor, comprising selecting the final key among the selection candidate keys and delivering the final key to the processor of the portable device. How to enter your device's keys. The method of claim 9, (f) As a result of the determination in step (b), when a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through another light receiving unit within a predetermined predetermined key selection determination time, the user is moving a finger on the keypad to select a desired key. Determining that, and further comprising the step (b) to step (e) it characterized in that it further comprises the step of repeatedly inputting a portable device using an optical sensor. delete The method of claim 10, wherein step (e) If it is determined in step (c) that the number of selection candidate keys is plural, the keypad is virtually partitioned to generate a virtual direction key according to the number of the selection candidate keys, and located in the virtual direction key corresponding to the user's selection of the virtual direction key. When a signal output of a predetermined voltage level is detected through the light receiving unit, the key input method of the portable device using the optical sensor, characterized in that it identifies the direction in which the light receiving unit is located and selects the selection candidate key located in the identified direction as the final key.

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